Solving the puzzle and finding lost pieces--Siblings and Children, Grandnephews, Grandnieces,
Ancestors, Cousins, Granduncles, Grandaunts,
In-laws and Outlaws, by Plan or by Chance,

of
Blair Amstutz


Page Updated 21 Nov 2010
Page Updated 16 Dec 2011




SOURCES:
1.  Mr. Blair Amstutz provided information that allowed us to find his parents in the 1930 census           .
2.  The various census data accessed through Ancestry.com have been invaluable.
3.  Volunteers in Indiana and Ohio have documented onto Findagrave.com many graves in those states; we thank them very much--especially MRS (volunteer #46561648) and Allen Co., IN, Tombstones (volunteer #47142027)--for their labors.
4.  Mr. Neil Amstutz contacted us with some corrections and confirmations.






An Outline of the Known Family:


23.00--Peter S. Amstutz , b. 1815; d. 1882; bd. unk.; m. Barbara Schulenger (b. 1817; d. 1903; bd. unk.); at least one ch.

24.05--Jacob Amstutz, b. 10 Sep 1846 (49 yrs., 11 mos., and 3 days bef. 13 Aug 1896, from tombstone) in OH; d. 13 Aug 1896 (from tombstone); bd. in Yaggy Cem., Grabill, Allen Co., IN--Finadagrave.com Mem.# 7910236; m. Sophia Culp (b. Feb 1849 in OH/VA/[OH or VA]; d. 1912; bd. in Yaggy Cem., Grabill, Allen Co., IN--Finadagrave.com Mem.# 7910246); 8 of 8 ch. lvg. in 1900



Jacob Amstutz

Died
Aug 13, 1896
Aged
49 Y, 11 M, 3D
Gone, but not
forgotten.
Sophia Amstutz

[Both bd. Yaggy Cem., Grabill, Allen Co., IN.
Photo by Allen Co., IN, Tombstones--
thank you!]

25.01--Elizabeth Amstutz, b. Jun 1878 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.02--Barbra Amstutz, b. Jun 1880 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.03--Lydia Amstutz, b. Jun 1881 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.04--Noah Amstutz, b. Dec 1882 in IN; d. aft. 1930 census; bd. unk.; m. Melvina "Mellie" M. (nee unk., b. ca. 1849; d. unk.; bd. unk.); at least 4 ch.

26.01--Kenneth G. Amstutz, b. ca. 1903 in IN; d. aft. 1930 census; bd. unk.; m. Helen D. (nee unk., b. ca. 1904 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.); at least two ch.

27.01--Howard D. Amstutz, b. ca. 1925 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; at least one ch.

28.00--Blair Amstutz, contributor [PRIVATE]

27.02--Betty L. Amstutz, b. ca. 1925 in IN

26.02--Janet/Gennette S. Amstutz, b. ca. 1907-8 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

26.03--May C. Amstutz, b. ca. 1909-10 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

26.04--Thelma R. Amstutz, b. ca. 1912 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.05--Matilda Amstutz, Apr 1884 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.06--Amanda Amstutz, b. Apr 1886 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.07--Mary Amstutz, b. Dec 1889 in IN; d. aft. 1900 census; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.08--Jacob C. Amstutz, b. Apr 1891 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. Dora E. (nee unk., b. ca. 1891 in IN/OH/IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.); at least 4 ch.

26.01--Maxine Amstutz, fem., b. ca. 1914 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

26.02--Vance/Verne L. Amstutz, m., b. ca. Feb 1917 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

26.03--Jack Amstutz, m., b. ca. 1921 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

26.04--Phillip Amstutz, m., b. ca. 1923 in IN; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.






Some Pertinent Census and Gravestone Data:
Name: Jacob Aumstanch
Age: 4
YOB: abt 1846
POB: Ohio
Home in 1850: Nimishillen, Stark, Ohio (SE of Akron)
Household
Members:
Name Age
Peter Aumstanch 35
Barbary Aumstanch 33
Joseph Aumstanch 6
Jacob Aumstanch 4
Lydia Aumstanch 2
Name: Jacob Amstutz
Age: 9
YOB: abt 1841
POB: Ohio
Gender: Male
Home in
1850:
Riley, Putnam,
Ohio (N of Lima)
Household
Members:
Name Age
Davis Amstutz 45
Elizabeth Amstutz 43
Abram Amstutz 19
Christan Amstutz 18
Catharine Amstutz 6
Barbara Amstutz 13
Mary Ann Amstutz 12
Jacob Amstutz 9
Elizabeth Amstutz 8
Rebecca Amstutz 6
Veronica Amstutz 4
Michael Amstutz 2
John Amstutz 0
Name: Jacob Amstuc
Age: 5
YOB: abt 1845
POB: Ohio
Gender: Male
Home in 1850: Wayne, Tuscarawas, Ohio (WNW of Wheeling, WV)
Household
Members:
Name Age
Jacob Amstuc 38
Barbara Amstuc 30
Susan Amstuc 12
Louisa Amstuc 10
Samuel Amstuc 8
Magdalena Amstuc 6
Jacob Amstuc 5
John Amstuc 3
Lydia A Amstuc 0
Name: Jacob Anshutz
Age: 5
YOB: abt 1845
POB: O
Gender: Male
Home in
1850:
Switzerland,
Monroe, OH (SW of Wheeling, WV)
Household
Members:
Name Age
Peter Anshutz 51
Magdelene Anshutz 45
Margaret Anshutz 20
Elizabeth Anshutz 17
Mary Anshutz 14
Louisa Anshutz 12
Philip Anshutz 10
Rebecca Anshutz 8
Jacob Anshutz 5
Below are results of a
Findagrave.com
search for all Amstutzes in
Yaggy Cemetery,
Grabill, Allen Co., IN
(NOTE: Grabil is located about six miles northeast of Fort Wayne, IN, ATCF)
Amstutz, Barbara 7910208
b. 1851 d. 1909
Amstutz, Barbra 7910231
b. unknown d. Apr. 11, 1903
Amstutz, Catherine Riche 79
b. Aug. 16, 1855 d. Jul. 14, 1890
Amstutz, Daniel 7910233
b. 1876 d. 1937
Amstutz, Emma 7910235
b. Feb. 12, 1884 d. Jan. 23, 1887
Amstutz, Emma J 7910234
b. 1877 d. 1907
Amstutz, Jacob791
b. unknown d. Aug. 13, 1896
Amstutz, Joseph 7910238
b. Sep. 19, 1844 d. Sep. 29, 1898
Amstutz, Lydia Neuenschwander 7910241
b. 1886 d. 1911
Amstutz, P W 7910243
b. 1877 d. unknown
Amstutz, Peter 7910244
b. Apr. 11, 1815 d. Jun. 5, 1882
Amstutz, Solomon 7910245
b. Apr. 7, 1886 d. Oct. 30, 1888
Amstutz, Sophia 7
b. 1849 d. 1912
Name: Sophia Anestutz
Home in
1880:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Age: 30
YOB: abt 1850
POB: Ohio
R2HoH: Wife
Spouse: Jacob Anestutz
FPOB: Virginia
MPOB: Virginia
Household Members:
Name Age
Jacob Anestutz 33
Sophia Anestutz 30
Elsabeth Anestutz 1
Name: Noah Amstutz
Home in
1900:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Age: 17
DOB: Dec 1882
POB: Indiana
Race: White
R2HoH: Son
FPOB: Ohio
Mother: Sophoah Amstutz
MPOB: Ohio
Household Members:
Name Age
Sophoah Amstutz 51
Elizabeth Amstutz 22
Barbra Amstutz 19
Lidia Amstutz 18
Noah Amstutz 17
Matilda Amstutz 16
Normanda Amstutz 14
Mary Amstutz 16
Jacob C Amstutz 9
Christian Shank 25
Name: Noah Amstutz
Age: 27
YOB: ca. 1883
POB: Indiana
R2HOH: Head
FPOB: Ohio
MPOB: Ohio
Spouse: Mellie M Amstutz
Home in
1910
:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Household Members:
Name Age
Noah Amstutz 27
Mellie M Amstutz 25
Kenneth G Amstutz 7
Gurnette Amstutz 3
May Amstutz 1
Name: Jacob C Amstutz
Age: 18
YOB: ca. 1892
POB: Indiana
R2HoH: Son
FPOB: Ohio
Mother: Sophia Amstutz
MPOB: Ohio
Home in
1910:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Marital Status: Single
Household Members:
Name Age
Sophia Amstutz 61
Amanda Amstutz 23
Mary Amstutz 20
Jacob C Amstutz 18
Name: Noah Amstutz
Home in
1920:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Age: 37
YOB: abt 1883
POB: Indiana
R2HoH: Self
Spouse: Mellie M Amstutz
FPOB: Ohio
MPOB: Ohio
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Household Members:
Name Age
Noah Amstutz 37
Mellie M
Amstutz
35
Kenneth G Amstutz 17
Janet S Amstutz 12
May C Amstutz 10
Thelma R
Amstutz
8
Name: Jacob C Ausberg
[Jacob C Amstutz
Home in
1920:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Age: 28
YOB: abt 1892
POB: Indiana
R2HoH: Self (Head)
Spouse: Dora E Ausberg
FPOB: Indiana
MPOB: Ohio
MarrStat: Married
Household Members:
Name Age
Jacob C Ausberg 28
Dora E Ausberg 29
Maxine Ausberg 6
Vance L Ausberg 2
[2 11/12] 
Name: Noah Amstutz
Home in
1930:
Springfield,
Allen, IN
Age: 47
YOB: abt 1883
POB: Indiana
R2HoH: Head
Spouse: Melvina Amstutz
Household Members:
Name Age
Noah Amstutz 47
Melvina Amstutz 43
Mae H Amstutz 21
Thelma R Amstutz 19

Name: Howard D Amstutz
Home in
1930:
Springfield, Allen, Indiana
Age: 5
YOB: abt 1925
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father: Kenneth G Amstutz
Mother: Helen D Amstutz
Race: White
Household Members:
Name Age
Kenneth G Amstutz 27
Helen D Amstutz 26
Howard D Amstutz 5
Betty L Amstutz 2 11/12
Name: Jacob C Amstutz
Home in
1930:
Springfield, Allen, IN
Age: 38
YOB: abt 1892
POB: Indiana
R2HoH: Head
Spouse: Dora Amstutz
Household Members:
Name Age
Jacob C Amstutz 38
Dora Amstutz 38
Maxine Amstutz 17
Verne Amstutz 13
Jack Amstutz 9
Phillip Amstutz 7




Miscellaneous Amstutz Data




Name: John Amstutz
Spouse Name: Mollie Hartzell
Marriage Date: 10 Mar 1901
Marriage County: Allen
Source Title 1: Allen County, Indiana
Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1824 - 1920 Inclusive Vol
Source Title 3: W. P. A. Origtial Record Located: County Clerk's O
Book: 24
OS Page: 383



































At first, we thought this might be Blair's ancestor...
The following biographical sketch was taken from the collection recorded on this excellent page located at:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohallen/bios/4_27_023.htm.

DISCLAIMER: The father (John Amstutz, Sr.) of this sketch's subject (John Amstutz, Jr.) is clearly the same as that of the head of the household in the two US censuses (1860 and 1870) I have listed at the bottom of this green box.  However, while I believe that John Amstutz, Sr., MAY be the father of the 24.05--Jacob Amstutz who married Sophia (known to be Blair's gg-grandparents), I cannot yet prove this to be true, as some discrepancies may exist1.  Therefore, until I am able to eliminate this doubt, please do not consider it certain or proven fact that this John Amstutz, Sr., is actually in Blair's line.  To emphasize this question, I have listed all references to John Amstutz, Sr., and his family, in a brown color in the outline below.  
--John M. Gwin
1Discrepancies may include the listing (in this biographical sketch) of John Sr.'s son Jacob as being "of Oregon", as this may indicate that there are TWO Jacob Amstutzes--one who went to Oregon, the son of this John, Sr., the other who stayed in Indiana (our Jacob who married Sophia).  Another discrepancy may be the differences in age of the "two"--compare the age of this Jacob "of Oregon" whose age appears in the 1860 and 1870 censuses as 4 and 16, respectively, and our Jacob (of the tombstone photo) whose age in 1860 would've been 14, not 4, and in 1870 would've been 24, not 14.

JOHN AMSTUTZ
[i.e., John Jr.]


JOHN AMSTUTZ [Jr.], 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, Putnam County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz [Sr.].

In many ways the father [John, Sr.] of our subject [John, Jr.] 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 patrimonial 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 [Sr.] 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 Amstutz 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 10 aces of land, and on this little tract he built the first wagon ship 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 [John, Sr.] 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 remarkable preserved, and it is related by his son [John, Jr.] that his 80th 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 [Sr.] and Elizbeth (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 [John, Jr.] ; Emma; Jacob, of Oregon [our Jacob or another?]; Alexander; Louis; Christina (2) and Alexander (2).  But four members of the family sill survive. [The author of this sketch states that John and Elizabeth had twelve children, but in the list he only names eleven; further, the name Alexander appears twice (the second of which is followed by a 2), but the name Christina, which appears only once, is also followed by a 2.]

John Amstutz [John, Jr.], 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 ship 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 [John, Jr.] 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 [living] 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 [John, Jr.] 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.

Name:
John Amstutz
[John, Sr.]
Age:
48
YOB:
abt 1812
POB:
France
Home in
1860:

Richland, Allen, Ohio
P.O.:
Crogan
Household Members:
Name Age
John Amstutz 48
E Amstutz 46
R Amstutz 22
C Amstutz 18
E Amstutz 16
J Amstutz
[John, Jr.]
14
E Amstutz 12
A Amstutz 10
J Amstutz
[our Jacob?]
4
L Amstutz
Name: John Amstutz
[John, Sr.]
YOB: abt 1812
Age: 58
POB: France
Home in
1870:
Richland, Allen, Ohio
Post Office: Beaverdam
Household Members:
Name Age
John Amstutz 58
Catharine Amstutz 28
John Jim Amstutz
[John, Jr.]
24
Jacob Amstutz
[our Jacob?]
16

The doubt-provoking question remains, is this Jacob, 16, above, (and 4, left) our Jacob (a photo of whose grave appears below) or another, listed above as "of Oregon"?





...but in December 2011, we heard from Mr. Neil Amstutz who shared the following...


From: Neil Amstutz n.r.amstutz at gmail dot com
Date: December 16, 2011 12:13:31 PM MST
To: jmcdgwin@zianet.com
Subject: Amstutz Blair Ancestors


John,
 
I have been doing an extensive compilation of the Amstutz family tree. My parents started it in 1977. I picked it up after 2001 and put it away with 1173 individuals listed. I started back at it in August this year and have 4104 individuals now. I found the web page below which is the reason I am writing.
 
http://www.gwingenealogy.net/GENEALOGY/SURNAMES/amstutzBlairAncestors.htm

 
The Jacob Amstutz (1846) that leads to Blair Amstutz is not a son of John Amstutz (1811).
 
01.01--John Amstutz, b. 22 Nov 1811; d. 18 Oct 1892; m. Elizabeth Steiner (poss. d/o Christian Steiner and Katharina Luginbuhl)

02.01--John S. Amstutz, b. 7 Feb 1846; d. 18 Apr 1914; m. Sara Klinger ()
 
02.02--Jacob Amstutz, b. 1856;
 
The above information fits with the 1860 and 1870 census records and the ages listed for John and Jacob.
 
Then there is a

01.01--Peter S. Amstutz (1815-1882); m. Barbara Schulenger (1817-1903)

02.00--Jacob Amstutz b. 10 Sep 1846; d. 13 Aug 1896; bd. Yaggy Cem., Adams Co., IN; m. Sophia Culp (1849-1912). 

They are the ancestors of Blair Amstutz.

I hope this helps!
 
Neil Amstutz
Tucson, AZ


Thanks for sending this update and confirmation, Neil!
:-)
John Gwin

...and so we removed all the following data for John Amstutz (b. 1811) from the outline:

23.00--John Amstutz, b. 22 Nov 1811 in Alsace, France; d. Oct 1892 at age 80 yrs. 11 mos.; bd. unk.; m. 1836 in Allen Co., OH, to Elizabeth Steiner (b. 17 Mar 1815 in Alsace, France; d. 1868; bd. unk.); at least 10 ch., possibly 11 or 12

24.01--Barbara Amstutz, fem., b. 1838 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.02--Mary Annie Amstutz, fem., b. ca. 1840 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.03--Katherine Amstutz, fem., b. 1842 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.04--Elizabeth Amstutz, fem., b. 1844 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.06--Emma Amstutz, fem., b. ca. 1848 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.07--Alexander Amstutz, male, b. ca. 1850 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.08--John Amstutz, male, b. ca. 1856 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. 28 Feb 1871 to Sarah Klinger (b. Monroe Twp., Allen Co., OH, d/o John Adam and Margaret Eve (Hoffer) Klinger of Hessen, Germany, who migrated to Allen Co., OH, in 1850; d. ); five ch.

25.01--Lona Amstutz, b. in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.02--Paulina Amstutz, b. in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.03--Philip Amstutz, b. in OH; d. age two and a half; bd. unk.; m. never; no ch.

25.04--Wilhelm Albert Amstutz, b. ca. age 1886 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

25.05--Malinda Amstutz, b. ca. 1888 in OH; grad. 1906 fr. Bluffton High School; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.09--Louis Amstutz, male, b. ca. 1858 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.

24.10--Christina Amstutz, fem., b. ca. 1858 in OH; d. unk.; bd. unk.; m. unk.; unk. ch.