Durs and Elizabeth Neuenschwander Amstutz
This is the sixth installment in this series. Click here for the previous installment.
Ursus, also called Durs or Dorsey, was born March 8, 1805, to Christian and Katherina (Nussbaumer) Amstutz in Sigriswil Canton Bern, Switzerland.
His wife, Elizabeth, was born July 24, 1808, to Michael and Barbara (Fuhriman) Neuenschwander in Soncoboz, Canton Bern, Switzerland.
They were married in Switzerland and had 13 children of which, Abraham, Christian A. and Katharina were born in Switzerland. They came to America around 1833 and a year later came to Putnam County where the rest of the children were born.
Five of the children of Ursus and Elizabeth left with their families sometime in the 1880s to go to Indiana. They had already joined the Defenseless Mennonite Church, later called the Evangelical Mennonite Church, and moved to Rossville Buck Creek, Indiana, along with several other families. This area is near Lafayette, Indiana, or east and northeast about 15 miles.
The only family members remaining in this area were Abraham, who married Elizabeth Augsburger and a sister, Elizabeth, married Solomon Lugibuhl. Verena married Christian Kaufmann and they lived in Nebraska.
The other five members also left for Adams County and northeast Indiana area. Further research is needed to identify these families.
The family sheet lists the 13 children and what information is available.
Ursus or Durs/Dorsey Amstutz
Born: March 8, 1805, Sigriswil Chatelat, Canton Bern, Switzerland
Died: Aug. 9, 1859, Putnam County
Buried: Old Mennonite Cemetery, Bluffton
Occupation: Farmer
Father: Christian A. Amstutz (1772-1840)
Mother: Katherina Nussbaumer (1773-1844)
Married: Nov. 28, 1829, Switzerland
Spouse: Elizabeth Neuenschwander
Born: July 24, 1808, Soncoboz Canton Bern, Switzerland
Died: Feb. 18, 1889
Father: Michael Neuenschwander (1785-1859)
Mother: Barbara Fuhriman (1784-1850)
Children
Abraham Amstutz
Born: Nov. 29, 1830, Untersitz, Jura Bern, Switzerland
Died: Sept. 28, 1904, Allen County
Spouse: Elizabeth Augsburger
Christian A. Amstutz
Born: May 23, 1832, Chaluet Gem nr Court, Canton Bern, Switzerland
Died: May 4, 1891
Spouse: Marian Nussbaum
Katharina Amstutz
Born: Nov. 12, 1833, Sur le Rocher, Switzerland
Died: Jan. 11, 1901, Berne, Indiana
Spouse: Jacob J. Nussbaum
Barbara Amstutz
Born: March 23, 1836, Riley Township, Putnam County
Died: Dec. 9, 1880, French Township, Adams County, Indiana
Spouse:
Mary Amstutz
Born: July 15, 1837, Riley Township, Putnam County
Anna Amstutz
Born: Aug. 5, 1839, Riley Township, Putnam County
Died: Feb. 23, 1908, Berne, Indiana
Spouse: Peter E. Moser
Jacob Amstutz
Born: April 17, 1840, Riley Township, Putnam County
Died: March 22, 1908, Lafayette, Indiana
Elisabeth Amstutz
Born May 14, 1842, Riley Township, Putnam County
Died: May 14, 1919, Continental, Ohio
Spouse: Solomon Lugibuhl
Rebecca Amstutz
Born: March 16, 1844
Died: May 3, 1914
John Amstutz
Born: Feb. 18, 1846
Died: Feb. 14, 1902, Leo, Indiana
Verena Amstutz Fanny
Born: Jan. 3, 1847
Died Nov. 5, 1928, Seward County, Nebraska
Spouse: Christian Kaufmann
Michael Amstutz
Born: April 16, 1848
Died: Feb. 18, 1910, Lafayette, Indiana
Peter Amstutz
Born: 1853
Died: 1920
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, June 5, 2026
- Stay tuned for Pirate action at OHSSA state track and field coverage
- Ada Icon headlines, June 5
- Wheeler graduates from Ohio Bankers League Bank Leadership Institute
- Ellerbrock awarded Lima Memorial Nursing Alumnae Scholarship
- Pirate speedsters Wright and Miller each advance to 2 state finals
- Golfers, sponsors invited to support American Legion fundraiser
- Letter: Alternatives to Village mosquito fogging
Thursday, June 4, 2026
- Eileen Ruth Garmatter was a homemaker
- Elnore Ruth (Rosenberger) Yost taught at Marimor
- WGTE and WBGU create broadcasting partnership
- ICYMI: May 2026 Bluffton Icon Highlights
- Shoppers' journey with Bluffton Small Business Passport has begun
- Middle and high school student activities at BPL
- Local artist Crumrine to teach Watercolor Workshop at Library
- Lacrosse or La Crosse: Game versus virus
- 2027 Senior Center trip planning, June 11
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- Cory-Rawson High School honor roll for fourth quarter, 2025-2026
- Bluffton High School 4th Qtr. Honor Roll for 2025-2026
- June 4 Business Collective speed networking event
- K-2 students invited to weekly dinosaur adventures
- Library program explores indigenous agriculture and heirloom seeds
- May 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
- Register June 18-19-20 garage sales with Bluffton Chamber
- Create a Bike & Flowers painting at BPL
Monday, June 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 1
- Geraldine "Gerry" Fett was a homemaker
- UPDATED Bluffton gas station employee threatened, suspect arrested May 30
- Maurice “Bill” William Croft, Jr. was a coach and high school teacher
- UPDATE Bluffton pool opening June 1
- What brings you to Bluffton, Ohio in June 2026?
- About free and paid Icon classified ads
- Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster to perform June 12