The Amstutz Families of Allen County, Ohio

JOHN AMSTUTZ, one of the prominent citizens of Allen County, formerly County Commissioner, resides upon his well-improved farm of 80 acres, located in section 2, Richland township. He was born February 7, 1846, in Riley township, Putnam County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz.

In many ways the father of our subject was one of the most notable men that ever lived in Richland township. He was born ‘ November 22, 1811, in Alsace, France, during the days of Napoleon, and remained cultivating the matrimonial acres until he was 21 years of age. In every sense a self-made man, he was one who deserved the esteem and respect in which he was held until the close of his life and the admiration expressed for his acquirements which, in many ways, were equal to those of the fortunate ones who enjoyed collegiate advantages. Yet the only schooling John Amstutz ever had was a period of three months in a German school, three days in a French one and two lessons in English. For years he both spoke and wrote all three languages correctly and easily.

In 1833 John Amstytz crossed the Atlantic Ocean, filled with the hope that in a new land he would find opportunities for both mental and material advancement. The old sailing vessel landed him at the port of New Orleans during a yellow fever epidemic and he was one of those who survived its ravages. He remained one year in New Orleans before he commanded enough capital to take him up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, where he worked by the day at wagon-making until 1835. He then came to Allen County and bought ro acres of land and on this little tract he built the first wagon shop erected in Northwestern Ohio. It is said that he made the first school globe ever constructed in the State. He continued work at his trade until he retired from active life, at the age of 63 years, and his death occurred at the home of our subject at the age of 80 years and 11 months.

' This really remarkable man so appreciated learning that it was always his great desire to advance the educational opportunities of the community. He accumulated the largest private library then in the county and not only absorbed the contents of his books, was conversant with the best literature of the day and was one of the locality’s best informed men, but he was generous in his assistance to others. He helped in the organization of Richland township and was the first school director, the township having but one district at that time. His character was so unimpeachable that his fellow-citizens would gladly have elected him to every office. He served as township treasurer for 20 years and for 27 years was justice of the peace. Politically he was a stanch Democrat. His faculties were remarkably preserved and it is related by his son that his both birthday he celebrated by writing, without glasses, which he never used, the whole of the Lord’s Prayer on a bit of paper which a silver dime could cover.

In 1836 John Amstutz was united in marriage, in Allen County, with Elizabeth Steiner, who was born March 17, 1815, in Alsace, France, near his own birthplace. She died on the present farm of our subject at the age of 53 years. Her parents were Rev. Christian and Elizabeth (Sutter) Steiner. Her father was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, and went from there to Alsace, France, and in 1835 came to Allen County, by way of the city of New York. He was the first Mennonite preacher in this section and in 1836 organized the present Mennonite Church, which is the largest church of that religious body in this vicinity. According to the manner of filling the ministry, he was allotted to this church and, although he also engaged in farming, he was one of the most active pioneer ministers of his time. John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz had 12 children born to them, our subject being the fifth member of this family, the record being as follows: Barbara; Mary Annie; Katherine, residing with our subject; Elizabeth, a resident of Richland township; John; Emma; Jacob, of Oregon; Alexander; Louis; Christina (2) and Alexander (2). But four members of the family still survive.

John Amstutz, our immediate subject, and his father’s namesake, has always resided in Richland township. When he was 13 years of age, he entered his father’s wagon shop and was thoroughly taught the business, remaining there until he was 23 years old. He then rented a farm and settled down to an agricultural life, continuing as a renter for 10 years, when he bought 80 acres of land in section 2, Richland township. There has been 30 acres of this cleared but the only building on it was a log cabin. Now the farm is noted for its fine appearance, all of it being cleared with the exception of two acres of timberland. Mr. Amstutz has always engaged in general farming. For three years he conducted a large quarry business at Bluffton, in partnership with his son Wilhelm A. Amstutz, under the name of Amstutz & Son, which gave employment to from 20 to 30 men. In July, 1905, our subject sold out to his son and partners and a stock company was formed with five members, the business being continued.

Mr. Amstutz was married February 28, 1871, to Sarah Klinger, who was born in Monroe township, Allen County, Ohio, August 25, 1851, and is a daughter of John Adam and Margaret Eve (Hoffer) Klinger, who were born in Hessen, Germany. They came from their native land to Allen County, Ohio, in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz have had five children: Lona; Paulina; Philip, who died aged two and a half years; Wilhelm Albert; and Malinda, who is a member of the class of 1906 in the Bluffton High School. Wilhelm Albert Amstutz, the only son, is one of the most highly esteemed young men of the township, one who combines business ability with the admirable personal characteristics which go far toward the making of an honorable and useful citizen. He is of an earnest, thoughtful disposition and has always shown a helpful interest in the affairs of the Reformed Church. For two years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, the youngest who has ever held this responsible position in this church. He has made many friends over the State and through the county, as he has frequently been sent as a delegate from the Bluffton church. He is a graduate of the Bluffton High School.

All his life John Amstutz has been closely identified with the Democratic party and has frequently been elected to important offices. He served seven years as township supervisor, seven years as township trustee, 14 years on the School Board, seven years as county commissioner, and in every case performed his duties with signal fidelity. He belongs to the Reformed Church, of Bluffton, of which he is a charter member and for one year was trustee. He holds fraternal relationship with the Masonic lodge at Bluffton, the Odd Fellows at Bluffton and the Elks at Lima.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN AMSTUTZ, Jr., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, February 7, 1846, son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz, who were of German descent. John Amstutz, Sr., is living, at the advanced age of seventy-four years, in Richland Township, this county, of which he has been a resident for over half a century, and in which he has tilled nearly every office of public trust. His wife was a daughter of Rev. Christian Steiner, the first Mennonite preacher in Richland Township, and who organized the first Mennonite Church in this county. Their family consisted of twelve children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and who are now living and prospering. John Jr., the fifth born, was raised on the farm and wisely those the occupation of his father, making agriculture the business of his life, and he is now the owner of eighty acres of land. He was united in marriage, in 1871, with Sarah Klinger, of German descent, and a daughter of Adam and Eva (Hoffart) Klinger. To this union were born the following children, Lona, Paulina, Philip (deceased), and Albert William. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as trustee. He has been one of the school directors of Richland Township; is a member of the I. O. O. F.: politically, he is a Democrat.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

CHRISTIAN U. AMSTUTZ, a well- 2) known farmer of Allen County, and owner of 200 acres of land in section 3, Richland township, is a Frenchman by birth and an American by adoption. He was born August 28, 1829, and was five years of age when his parents, Ulrich and Barbara (Clay) Amstutz, came to this country. The father was a native of France and was twice married in that country. By the first union there were three children, one of whom died and the other two came with him to America; these were Mary and Anna Amstutz. His second wife was Barbara Clay, a native of Switzerland, by whom he had two children, Christian U. and John U., who resides in Richland township. The family landed in New York in 1834 and soon after settled in Ohio, locating in Wayne County in 1837. Later they moved to Allen County where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of 77 and the mother at the more advanced age of 95 years.

In 1854 Christian U. Amstutz moved to his present homestead, which at that time consisted of 80 acres of woodland, and built a rude log cabin as a home for himself and bride. He lost no time in clearing and getting his land under cultivation, and has added to the original purchase until he now owns 200 acres, 80 of which are in section 16. In 1866 he built his present commodious residence and the other improvements he has effected make it in every way a desirable home. Grain is his principal crop.

Mr. Amstutz was married in 1854 to Fannie Neuenschwander, a native of Wayne County and a daughter of Ulrich and Elizabeth (Basinger) Neuenschwander, both of whom were natives of Germany. The following children were born to this union, viz.: Eli, who died in infancy; David, who resides in section 16, Richland township; Samuel, a widower, who with his daughter Paulina, lives with his father—his other child is dead; Christian D., who resides in Bluffton; Barbara, who lives at home; Adam, also living at home; Ulrich, who lives at home and is a teacher of vocal music; and Ephraim, who lives on an adjoining farm. Mrs. Amstutz, who died December 16, 1895, at tue age of 66 years, 8 months and 11 days, was a woman of noble qualities and had scores of friends. Mr. Amstutz is a Democrat and has served as trustee of the township one term and as a member of the School Board for 12 years. He is a member of the Mennonite Church and for 28 years has been janitor of Ebenezer Mennonite Church, which he assisted in building.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHRISTIAN U. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, is a native of France, born August 28, 1829, and is next to the youngest of the four children of Ulrich and Barbara (Clay) Amstutz, the former a Frenchman, the latter a native of Switzerland. Ulrich Amstutz, a farmer by occupation, came to America in 1833, settling in Wayne County, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of Allen County, coming here in 1N37. Our subject acquired his education in the district schools of Richland Township; learned the carpenter’s trade and worked at it for a time, but has farmer for many years, and now owns 331 acres of land. He was married, in 1854, to Fannie, daughter of Ulrich Neusch wander and brother of Michael Neuschwander, who was the first German settler in Richland Township, this county. To this union were born the following children: David and Samuel, married and farming in this county; Christian, a student, school teacher and the author of a Sabbath school singing book, which has a fair sale; Barbara, Adam, Ulrich, Amos and Ephraim. They are members of the Mennonite Church.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

SAMUEL AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, July 29, 1858, of German parents. His father, Christian U. Amstutz, was a farmer, a school teacher, and a pioneer of Allen County, where he now owns 331 acres of land. Our subject was the third in a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living. He grew to manhood on the farm, attended the Richland Township school, and has farmer all his life; now resides on one of his father’s farms in Richland Township. He was married, in 1881, to Elizabeth Gerber, by whom he has one child, Paulina. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is Democrat.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHRISTIAN B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 20, 1837; son of John and Fannie (Lehman) Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America when young. His father lived in Pennsylvania two years, thence went to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was married and commenced farming, and in 1849 settled in Putnam County, Ohio. He reared ten children, of whom Christian B. is the seventh. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in Wayne and Putnam Counties, and early in life taught both German and English schools. He has spent most of his days, however, farming in Allen County, where he now resides, owning a well improved farm of 155 acres. He was united in marriage, in this county, in 1859, with Catharine, daughter of Christian and Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl, natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz were born fourteen children, ten of whom are now living: Christina, Caroline, Elizabeth, Mary, Menno, Susanna, Christian, Edwin, Helena and Levina. Our subject and wife are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

PETER B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1846, and is the youngest of twelve children born to John B. and Fannie (Lehman) Amstutz, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1818, settling first in Pennsylvania, but who subsequently moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1850 came to this county. Our subject was reared on the farm, and taking advantage of good schools improved his time, obtaining a good education both in German and English. He then learned the carpenter’s trade at which he worked several years and also operated a saw-mill for five years. He is now devoting his time to farming, having eighty acres of land. He has been twice married, first in 1870 to Elizabeth Lugibihl. who died in 1873 leaving one child, Dina. Just ten years to the day after the marriage of his first wife, he married Leah Gerber, which union has been blessed with one son, Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the Mennonite Church. This church has an insurance society for protection against lire, and our subject is the secretary of this society. In politics he is a Democrat.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN C. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 12, 1825; son of Christian and Anna (Burkhalter) Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America and settled in Wayne County about 1824, former a farmer. They reared a family of six children (three sons and three daughters), of whom John C. is the eldest. Our subject received a common school education in Putnam County, Ohio, where his parents moved when most of the county was a wilderness. He used to drive the oxen over the wheat to thresh it, and, when it was ready, had to go many miles to a mill to have it ground. He worked from the time he was large enough to do anything, and can remember when Richland Township was almost covered with woods. He has been thrice married. The children by his first wife ( nee Anna Amstutz to whom he was married March 2, 1848) were Abraham (deceased), and Fannie, and those by his second wife ( nee Mary Ann Habegger, to whom he was married February 17, 1853) were Isaac (deceased), Jacob and Anna (twins) both now married, and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. Amstutz was married to his present wife (nee Anna Kaufman, February 15, 1861), and to this union were born eleven children, nine now living: Catherine (married), Lydia, Peter, Lena, Christian, Sarah, Noah, Gideon and Ida; Mary and Josephine (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the Mennonite Church. Our subject has had to make his own way in the world. He owns eighty acres of land which he has cleared and improved, himself. Politically he is a Democrat.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.