Rev. Abraham Mast
Rev. Abraham Mast, one of the most influential farmers of Walnut Creek Township, was born in that township, December 21, 1820. His father, Jacob Mast, of German descent, born in Somerset County, Penn., was a shoemaker by trade. His first wife was Miss Mary Yoder, and after her death he married Miss Magdaline Miller, both of whom were natives of Somerset County, Penn. In 1812 Mr. Mast removed his family to Ohio, and entered a quarter-section of land in what is now Walnut Creek Township, Holmes County. He became one of the wealthy men of his township by his energy, frugal habits and good management; he was a prominent member of the Amish Church, and in politics a Republican. He died September 1, 1868. Five of his children are still living: Joseph, in Indiana; Abraham, our subject; Noah, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; Rachel, wife of Benedict Miller, in Oregon; and Sarah, wife of David Stitzmon, in Nebraska.
Abraham Mast, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the homestead farm, and received both an English and a German education. He early took an active part in the affairs of the Amish Church, having been elected a minister of the same when twenty-seven years of age, and has since served the church in that capacity, although he has followed farming as a livelihood, and now has one of the best homes in the township. Mr. Mast married Miss Annie, daughter of Moses Beachy, of Walnut Creek Township, and their family consists of eight sons and eight daughters, viz: sons, Dr. Jacob A., Aaron, Benjamin, Abraham, Moses, Joas, David and Adam: daughters, Catherine (wife of Abraham Harshberger), Elizabeth (wife of Noah Mishler), Susan (wife of David E. Stutzman), Sarah (wife of Aaron Yoder), Lydia (wife of Benedict Miller), Annie (wife of L. J. Bachler), Amanda (married to Stephen Stutzman), in Seward Co., Neb.), and Melinda (single, living at home). Magdaline, the eldest, married Jonathan Miller, and is deceased, as is also an infant daughter. All the living are residents of Walnut Creek Township, except as follows: Joas, in Berlin; David, in Kansas: Susan, in Nebraska; Sarah, in German Township, and Amanda, in Nebraska. Mr. Mast in politics is a Republican, and is one of the most active workers for his party in the eastern part of the township.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889