Who was "der Weiss"?
Jonas Stutzman, first pioneer of Walnut Creek
An Amishman whose historic accomplishments and notable eccentricities made his an enduring legacy, is the Father of Ohio’s Amish Country.
His name was Jonas Stutzman and at age 21, in 1809, he planted the seed of Amish Country by building a log cabin on the South facing base of Walnut Creek hill.
He was the first pioneer to build a cabin in what today is known as Amish Country. His carpentry skills were developed by helping his aunt and uncle build the first Amish pioneer log cabin in Ohio. That cabin was located about five miles southeast of present day Walnut Creek.
After finding a spot with ample spring water, wooded hillsides and fertile valleys, young Stutzman hiked the five miles cross-country, daily, to build his own cabin.
Jonas went on to build the area’s first sawmill and the area’s first schoolhouse. He married twice, was the father of eight living children and became a leader in his community.
Jonas became the first Amishman in Ohio to publish a book and in his later years – anticipating the second coming of Jesus Christ - reportedly wore a white Amish suit as a demonstration of his personal dedication to purity and worship. His preference for white suits earned him the nickname “Der Weiss,” (The White One).
He was – and remains - the only Amish church member to ever dress in all-white clothing.
Generally three-to-five direct descendents of “The Father of Amish Country” can be found in any gathering of 10 or more local natives.
