Althaus photo
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Do you know this location in Bluffton? It's at the corner of Elm and Lawn. The photo was taken circa 1886. In the photo are, from left, Bertha Althaus and her parents, Barbara Amstutz Althaus and Rudolf Althaus. Bertha is the grandmother of Fred Steiner, of The Icon. Two of the pine trees in the front yard stand today on that property.
Rudolf was born in Switzerland. He came to Bluffton in the 1840s and was one of the signers of the petition to change the name of Shannon to Bluffton. He was also a charter member of what is today the St. John's United Church of Christ.
Barbara was born in Wayne County. She grew up on a farm north of Beaverdam, and attended Ebenezer Mennonite. She was a charter member of First Mennonite Church.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- September 9 Bluffton High School athletics lineup, streaming
- Bluffton alumni will discuss pathways to chaplaincy
- Beaverdam cleanup day is Sept. 12
- Pirate boys golf 3rd at NWC quad
- Pirate volleyball outlasts Arlington
- Pirate girls soccer blanks Crestview
- Pirate boys soccer tie vs. Kalida
- Letter: The future of American agriculture
- Maple Grove Cemetery records now online
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Bluffton Historical meets Sept. 9 at the 1899 Depot
- Jerry L. Blosser worked for DTR Industries
- Bluffton Schools cancelled on September 8, cleanup for biodigester malfunction underway
- July 2026 Bluffton Police Dept. activity report
- Hillville Rd. closure on Sept. 8-9
- Lions and friends will count pathway users in September
- Bluffton Ohio Historical Society takes part in Ohio Open Doors, Sept. 12