HOME ABOUT WALNUT CREEK EVENTS VISIT CONTACT BLOG SIGN UP FOR NEWS ABOUT WALNUT CREEK HomeAbout Walnut Creek Historical Jonas Stutzman Farm in Walnut Creek, Ohio A historic location in Holmes County In the early 1800's settlers from the east (and Amish from Somerset, Pennsylvania) moved west in search of fertile and cheap farmland. Walnut Creek's first permanent settler was Jonas Stutzman (1788 – 1871), who traveled here from Somerset County, in 1809 to clear land for farming and build a log home for his family. He was the first permanent settler in the eastern portion of what would become Holmes County. Jonas and his wife, Magdalena Gerber Stutzman, were of the Amish faith – descendants from a group of strict Anabaptists (meaning "re-baptizer"). A commemorative plaque is located on the Stutzman farm, located at the bottom of "the Walnut Creek hill". Walnut Creek Today... Today, Walnut Creek is now a hub of activity for both locals and visitors. Located in the "heart of Amish Country," you'll find the life is a bit slower here. Enjoy the clip-clop of buggies and bring your camera to photograph Amish farmers at work. And while you'll always see us working here (that's part of the culture), don't be afraid to start up a conversation. We're friendly people and always willing to give directions or explain what we're doing. The residents of Walnut Creek township invite you to experience an Amish Country adventure – taste our delicious foods, browse our shops and stay the night with us. We have all the necessities here should you need them – banks, hardware, repair shops, a gas station and post office. Wifi is available in many places. Is everyone Amish? No, we're not all Amish, but most residents have Amish and Mennonite background. Who are the Amish? The Amish are the most conservative group in the Anabaptist family, which includes the Mennonites and the Hutterites. The Anabaptists emerged from the Reformation in Switzerland. They differed with the popular reformers in that they rejected infant baptism and insisted that the church was to be a voluntary brotherhood of adult believers. They were the first to teach separation of church and state, an idea otherwise unheard of in those days. The word "Amish" comes from Jacob Ammann, the name of an influential leader. The three largest settlements of Amish are in North Central Ohio, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Indiana. Many practices of the Amish seem quaint or old-fashioned to outsiders. They are based on Biblical principles, and their belief in a close-knit brotherhood of believers, nonresistance and nonconformity. They will not take part in any violence, either in war or in self - defense. They feel strongly that it is impossible for a church to maintain its beliefs and values if its members associate freely with people who hold different values or none at all. In view of this, they have not unquestioningly accepted all the cultural changes that have been introduced as progress. For example, they still use horses and buggies, not because they think the automobile is wicked in itself, but because they believe the trend of life the automobile brings with it can break down the basic structure of the community. FIND YOUR WAY TO WALNUT CREEK Walnut Creek is centrally located in Ohio’s Amish Country, about two hours from Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh. We’re easily accessible by I-77 from the east, Route 30 from the North and Route 62 from the south. Get Directions | Map of Walnut Creek HOME ABOUT WALNUT CREEK EVENTS VISIT CONTACT BLOG SIGN UP FOR NEWS COPYRIGHT© 2021 COMETOWALNUTCREEKOHIO.COM × We use Cookies - By using this site or closing this you agree to our Cookies policy.