First settler in eastern Holmes County
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| The original settlement site is this farm on County Road 114 just south of Walnut Creek. |
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| Larry Miller portrays his ancestor Jonas "Der Weiss" Stutzman, an eccentric fellow who wore all white clothing. |
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Jonas "Der Weiss" Stutzman was the first white settler in eastern Holmes County. The Amishman arrived here in 1809 and put down roots, building his home in the valley just south of what is now the village of Walnut Creek.
An eccentric fellow in his later years, he took to wearing all white clothing. He wanted to keep himself pure for Christ, who he believed would come again in his lifetime. He was so sure, in fact, that he built a large chair for the Lord to sit in when he returned from heaven. The chair now resides at the Behalt museum in Berlin.
Larry Miller sometimes dresses in period costume and walks the streets of Walnut Creek during the summer tourist months to explain his ancestor's history here. He also directs visitors to the German Culture Museum in Walnut Creek, which displays more history of the area.
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| The Stutzman homestead as seen from Rt. 39 near Walnut Creek Cheese. |
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