How walnut creek came to be
Jonas Stutzman, 1788 - 1871, from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, came to what is now Walnut Creek in 1809 to clear land for farming and to build a log home for his family. He was the first permanent settler in the eastern portion of what would in 1825 become Holmes County. Jonas and his wife Magdalena Gerber Stutzman were of the Amish faith--descendants from a group of strict Protestant Anabaptists with origins in Switzerland and Holland and dating from the 16th -century Protestant Reformation. Some of their beliefs, including separation of church and state, refusal to take oaths, pacifism, and believer's baptism, were perceived as threats to the state church and government. Persecuted by both Catholics and Protestants, Anabaptists migrated and some came to the New World, many at the invitation of Pennsylvania's William Penn. The Stutzmans and other early Amish pioneer setters-Millers, Hershbergers, Hochstetlers, Weavers, Troyers, Masts, and Schrocks-founded here what has become the largest Amish settlement in North America.
The pioneer Amishman got his nickname, Der Weiss", from a habit of only wearing white clothing, a result of one of his visions. Stutzman had some odd ideas. One of them was his prophecy of Christ's return. Stutzman published a booklet announcing his revelations and warning all to repent, for church leaders to stop observing communion, and to purify themselves for the Lord's arrival, which Stutzman claimed would occur in 1853.The booklet was published in English rather than German. This was done in order to communicate with a wider audience.
Stutzman even prepared a wooden chair for Christ's return. Since we should always 'hold Christ above us', Stutzman made the chair larger than an ordinary one.
Someone also claimed that Stutzman had an aversion to wheels. They felt that it may have had something to do with a Biblical connection of wheeled travel with chariots of war.
Wherever he got the idea, apparently it held even after his passing. Upon death, Stutzman was carried miles rather than being carted to his final resting place.
Besides being an eccentric, Stutzman played a part in easing differences among the Amish. When local progressives wanted a meetinghouse, Stutzman donated land for them to build one. The land is still in this particular church's possession, though the old building has been torn down and a new one built.
THINGS TO DO IN WALNUT CREEK
Carlisle Inn
Carlisle Inn is located on Walnut Creek's main street, we provide you a home away from home with peaceful comfort in a spotless room with luxury amenities.
Carlisle Gifts
Over the years, Carlisle Gifts has filled homes with precious gifts, charming keepsakes, and home accents worthy of the finest home—yours!
Coblentz Chocolates
Coblentz Chocolates not only a candy store but also a manufacturer of fine chocolate products. Take a peek from our viewing gallery and watch chocolates being made.
Der Dutchman Restaurant
Located in the center of Walnut Creek, our Amish kitchen cooking is the No. 1 reason generations of visitors make the trip to Der Dutchman Restaurant.
P. Graham Dunn
P. Graham Dunn, located in the heart of Amish Country, is the fulfillment of a 30-year vision to create wall decor, home furnishings and gifts that please the eye and inspire the heart.
The Farm at Walnut Creek
The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working Farm with a one of a kind collection of animals from all over the world.
Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market
The Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market is not just another flea market! We offer 50,000 square feet of products from Amish Country. From gift ideas to unique decor, you are sure to find "treasures".
Walnut Creek Cheese
Amish Country’s premier store to shop for Amish style foods and practical housewares. You truly can focus on the fun in functional when you shop Walnut Creek Cheese!
Walnut Creek Furniture
Located in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, Walnut Creek Furniture has been bringing quality, handcrafted Amish furniture to homes for over 20 years.