The history of Sugarcreek is entwined with that of Shanesville. Shanesville was founded in 1814 by Abraham Shane at the intersection of two Indian trails (present-day State Rt. 39 and 93). Sugarcreek emerged from the town of Shanesville around the mid to late nineteenth century. A great deal of Sugarcreek’s background and history is rooted in Shanesville’s history. The following account is the remarkable story of a former Shanesville resident, who lead a fascinating and inspiring life.
The history of small towns is often filled with unexpected and interesting characters. American legends, with their big names and epic stories, span decades in the American mind. Perhaps some of the most interesting stories are those that inspire; the stories where an unlikely candidate rises above expectation to live an extraordinary life.
Dr. Noah Webster Yoder’s story is particularly captivating. This man taught school, studied medicine and practiced the latter with great expertise. Noah’s story begins in Berlin, Ohio on October 10, 1837, when he was born to parents Yost and Nancy Yoder. Noah’s modest beginning is seemingly the set for a relatively normal life; however, Noah went on to excel in his education. During the summer months, Noah attended school in Shanesville, Ohio, while during the winter he educated young students in the East Holmes area. Noah’s voracious appetite for learning reared its head during his time as both a student and a teacher.
In the years following, Noah Webster Yoder began medical training under the supervision of Dr. Joel Pomerene, one of the pioneering Doctors in the area. After studying medicine alongside Dr. Joel Pomerene, Noah began practicing the trade in Berlin by his early twenties.
However, an intrinsic force like no other propelled itself into the lives of many in the area, including the life of Dr. Noah Webster Yoder. The American Civil war was a chasmic force that altered the lives of many as well as the future of the United States. Around 1861, Dr. Noah Webster Yoder joined the army as Lieut, of Co. G 51 Ohio Vol. Inf. Yoder served in the army until he was wounded in the Stones River battle, fought in middle Tennesse from December 31. 1862 to January 2, 1863. Stones River is on record for the highest percentage of casualties on both the Union and Confederate sides. During the battle, Noah was shot an astonishing eight times, but due to his medical training, Noah was able to stop the bleeding, which ultimately saved his life. The effects of this Stone River followed Noah for the remainder of his life. Notably, the injuries Yoder received at Stone River included severe nerve damage. Following the battle one of the wounds located on Noah’s legs became infected, likely with gangrene, and as a result, the infected leg was amputated leaving Yoder with a wooden prosthetic in its place.
In the following years, Dr. Noah Webster Yoder returned to his medical practice in Berlin. Thereafter, a medical practice became available in Shanesville, Ohio and upon learning this, Yoder purchased the practice and relocated. Noah’s medical practice served many in Shanesville as well as the surrounding areas. A common practice in the nineteenth century, house calls were a regular part of Yoder’s medical career. It is unlikely that Dr. Yoder knew that a particular house call on March 9, 1877, would end tragically for him. On that day, Noah made his way to a nearby town, Barsmills, to help an ailing patient. While traveling there, Dr. Yoder’s carriage upset over a flooded bridge. Yoder was thrown from the carriage into the water and due to the injuries sustained during Stones River, he was easily swept up in the flood currents. No one will ever know the ensuing thoughts that flushed Noah’s mind as he was carried away by floodwaters to his ultimate demise. One can only imagine that his last thoughts were full of terror and fright. Dr. Noah Webster Yoder died at age 39 on March 9, 1877, and although his life was short, it was nonetheless remarkable.