In this book you’ll discover five generations of the Benjamin Yotter family line, the third son of Melchior Yoder, the founding immigrant to America. This comprehensive genealogical resource traces hundreds of descendants through meticulously researched family lineages. Beyond names and dates, you'll find the rich historical context that brings these early American families to life—drawn from census records, tax rolls, land deeds, and court documents.

What you'll find inside: 
• Complete five-generation lineage of Benjamin Yotter, the third child of Melchior Yoder.


• A bonus chapter on John Yeager, the second husband of the wife of Benjamin Yotter, Maria Elizabeth Leist.


• Historical background on Melchior Yoder's arrival in America


• Excerpts from the Yoder Newsletter family correspondence


• Primary source documentation with citations

Frequent surnames, other than Yoder include: Catlin, Chriswisser, Colvin, Davis, Dill, Gilliland, Godshalk, Hayward, Hoover, Morrow, Murdoch, Reed, Rice, Smith, and Yeager.
If you are researching your Yoder heritage, and building your family tree, this volume provides the documented foundation every genealogist needs. Essential for Yoder family researchers. (348pp. color illus. index. Masthof Press, 2025.)

About the Author
Emily Coffman Richardson is a professional genealogist and speaks to a variety of genealogy societies each year. Her position as coordinator for the non-Amish lines for the Yoder Newsletter, places her in a unique position to write these 4 volumes about the children of Melchior Yoder. 

Emily is a professional genealogist and lecturer based in Denton, Texas. She began her genealogical journey working alongside her mother in courthouses and cemeteries, researching ancestral records throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 2019, after retiring from higher education where she served as both faculty member and administrator, Emily moved to Texas and established Kinsearchers—honoring the original name of her mother's genealogy business.

Emily specializes in lineage society applications and breaking through challenging brick walls, including complex research involving name conflicts within family trees. Her expertise has earned her the Martha Washington Award from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for her extensive research supporting multiple prospective SAR members. She has successfully helped numerous clients join prestigious lineage societies including the SAR, DAR, War of 1812, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Colonial Dames, various First Family Applications, and Colonial Clergy.

Currently serving as president of the Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) for a two-year term that began January 1, 2025, Emily previously contributed four years as secretary and served as Director-at-Large on the executive committee. She oversees production of the TxSGS podcast, Lone Star Family Trails.

In addition to her society leadership, Emily serves as programming chair for the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club and teaches genealogy courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Texas. She is a sought-after speaker, presenting to genealogy societies throughout the United States on diverse topics.
Emily continues to advance her expertise through ongoing education, having completed multiple week-long intensive programs including SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy), IGHR (Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research), TIGR (Texas Institute of Genealogical Research), and ProGen34.