Christian U. Amstutz
Christian U. Amstutz, a well- known farmer of Allen County, and owner of 200 acres of land in section 3, Richland Township, is a Frenchman by birth and an American by adoption. He was born August 28, 1829, and was five years of age when his parents, Ulrich and Barbara (Clay) Amstutz, came to this country. The father was a native of France and was twice married in that country. By the first union there were three children, one of whom died and the other two came with him to America; these were Mary and Anna Amstutz. The second wife was Barbara Clay, a native of Switzerland, by whom he had two children, Christian U. and John U., who resides in Richland Township. The family landed in New York in 1834 and soon after settled in Ohio, locating in Wayne County in 1837. Later they moved to Allen County where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of 77 and the mother at the more advanced age of 95 years.
In 1854 Christian U. Amstutz moved to his present homestead, which at that time consisted of 80 acres of woodland, and built a rude log cabin as a home for himself and bride. He lost no time in clearing and getting his land under cultivation. and has added to he original purchase until he now owns 200 acres, 80 of which are in section 16. In 1866 he built his present commodious residence and the other improvements he has effected make it in every way a desirable home. Grain is his principal crop.
Mr. Amstutz was married in 1854 to Fannie Neuenschwander, a native of Wayne County and a daughter of Ulrich and Elizabeth (Basinger) Neuenschwander, both of whom were natives of Germany. The following children were born to this union,viz.: Eli, who died in infancy; David, who resides in section 16, Richland township; Samuel, a widower, who with his daughter Paulina, lives with his father his other child is dead; Chritian D., who resides in Bluffton ; Barbara, who lives at home; Adam, also living at home; Ulrich, who lives at home and is a teacher of vocal music; and Ephraim. who lives on an adjoining farm. Mrs. Amstutz, who died December 16, 1895, at the age of 66 years, 8 months and 11 days, was a woman of noble qualities and had scores of friends. Mr. Amstutz is a Democrat and has serve as trustee of the township one term and as a member of the School Board for 12 years. He is a member of the Mennonite Church and for 28 years has been janitor of Ebenezer Mennonite Church, which he assisted in building.