Last Update - May, 2006
In Wayne County, Ohio, cemetery advocates have identified 80 destroyed graveyards, with hundreds more to be discovered - perhaps 500 or even 1,000 more. Click on the link in the section below "Wayne County, OH Destroys Pioneer Cemeteries" for details about the 2,200 Quarter Sections in Wayne County (160-acre farms), many of which had burials during the decades before Ohio made provision for official cemeteries in 1856. Presently, there is a concerted effort by Farm Bureau farmers and their buddies in government to destroy the remaining 25 pioneer burial grounds. There is a real battle going on right now in Wayne County between those who insist on destroying and farming over old family cemeteries and those who are trying to save them.
The following information will be of interest to historians, genealogists, cemetery advocates, and concerned citizens who wish to see the preservation of old family graveyards across the nation. Thousands of pioneer cemeteries have been destroyed, with no physical remnants of tombstones remaining - graves being used and abused. Requests for more information have been coming from other Ohio counties.
A significant amount of information is offered about pioneer burial grounds in general, with specific information about the attack on the half-acre Stauffer Family Cemetery near Wooster, Ohio. Genealogical and historical information about the Stauffers is included. We express our gratitude to all who were supportive, in various capacities, in the defense of the Stauffer Cemetery and the restoration of the remaining one-eighth acre. Also, numerous people corresponded, wrote articles, researched, and compiled information contained in this website - many thanks to all.
This website is dedicated to the preservation of pioneer cemeteries throughout the country, and in particular, the Stauffer Family Cemetery, on behalf of Samuel and Susannah (Kiser) Stauffer and their descendants. Samuel (1778-1847) and Susannah (1782-1860) owned 160 acres near Wooster, Wayne County, OH, and were buried on their farm along with other relatives. Though burials were made previously, Samuel officially established the Stauffer Cemetery to be one-half acre in 1847, the same year of his death. In Samuel's Last Will and Testament, he states that it "shall be enlarged so as to contain half an acre and be kept up as a grave yard forever." For 150 years this was honored in all subsequent deeds, until the deed of 1999.
- To read Samuel Stauffer's Last Will and Testament of 1847, click here.
- For the Burial Record of the Stauffer Cemetery, click here.
- To read the Chain of Title for the cemetery, click here.
If you are among the estimated 10,000 descendants of Samuel and Susannah (Kiser) Stauffer, then the following three things pertain to you: (1) this website, (2) the half-acre Stauffer Family Cemetery, and (3) the book by Marjorie Holbrook "Stauffer-Sauder Genealogy" of 1978. The email address is in Cleveland, OH, the website is operated from Youngstown, OH, and the Stauffer Cemetery is located at Wooster, OH.
At the request of many who had been following the lawsuit against the Stauffer Cemetery, those who have contacted us for information on cemetery preservation, and still others who have sought advice as they try to save a particular graveyard currently under attack, we have made changes to this website and offer more details pertaining to our experience. Counsel has advised that if we want to put a stop to corrupt government and other enemies of pioneer cemeteries, we must expose those who harm them, reveal how they have been getting away with it, and present the information to citizens across America. Integrity in government and in the community will not happen without pressure from concerned and active citizens.
We must also respond to many who want more information on abysmal government and the un-American activities of unsavory characters who have infiltrated both the Democrat Party and Republican Party. We mention only one area of the country that has made contact - Fairfax County, Virginia, at the northeastern corner of the state near Washington DC. Visitors to this website in that general area are from Herndon, Reston, Sterling, Manassas, Centreville, Haymarket, Dulles, McLean, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, etc. Though we digress at times from genealogical and cemetery matters (to let concerned citizens know that the political corruption and decay they are facing in their area is actually widespread across the country - even in little ole Wayne County, Ohio), there is much more information offered by various individuals, groups, websites, etc. pertaining to political decay; imposing government; gluttonous bureaucracy; out-of-control taxation, licenses, fees, inspections, regulations, laws, etc.; and the misuse of "freedom of the press" by a news media with an un-American, indoctrinating agenda; etc. Patriotic Americans fought and died on behalf of this country in the Revolutionary War and in every war since - their sacrifice was not offered to have this nation turned over to greedy, self-centered, perverted elements who have put the U.S. on a moral and ethical downward spiral. It's time to get rid of incumbents (career politicians) whose ways, laws, and philosophies, in some cases, are nothing other than pure treason. The lack of respect for the burial grounds of our founders is just one indicator of how sick and twisted our "leadership," and those who think they are the "elite," has become.
In 2000, we were tipped-off about a scheme to destroy the Stauffer Family Cemetery. Those involved included Township Trustees (Kevin Gray, Vernon Tschiegg), County Prosecutor (Martin Frantz), Attorneys, Ohio Farm Bureau, Wayne County Farm Bureau, and others - all for the benefit of one Farm Bureau farmer (Dan Hodge). We have been amazed at how much this little cemetery (and many others) are so hated.
- A fifteen page report of the ordeal is now being circulated throughout the country; parties in other countries have shown interest, too. For this report, with many details, click here.
- The lawsuit against the cemetery was finalized on January 23, 2003. To read the Judicial Decree, click here.
- To view the Final Survey (December 20, 2002), click here.
News about the assault on this small burial ground is continuing to spread across the USA and to other nations - it is now a global topic. News about the desecration of other graveyards is coming out in the open. The Internet is a wonderful tool for the interaction of Cemetery Advocates because communication and the transfer of information is quite rapid. To read some interesting responses to the attack on the Stauffer Cemetery, click here.
Wayne County, OH is rapidly developing the reputation for being the most depraved county in the United States for destroying pioneer burial grounds. So far, researchers have identified 80 cemeteries in Wayne County that have been destroyed - hundreds more are yet to be located through continued research and from informants. With regard to the concerted effort in Wayne County to dispose of the few remaining small family graveyards, we have been asked about their present status. Who are the elements that wish to see their disposal? Has Wayne County Prosecutor, Martin Frantz, (Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Wayne County) given the "green light" to the Farm Bureau to destroy the few remaining small burial grounds? How many cemeteries have been destroyed? How many were there in the first place? How many remain? Those in other counties and states can use this for reference. For more, click here.
Over the last few years, we have become aware that Stauffer is but one in a host of cemeteries that have been attacked by Farm Bureau farmers, not only in Wayne County, OH, but in other Ohio counties, and in other states. We have been inundated with inquiries from Wayne Countians, Ohioans, and out-of-staters about the lawsuit and the battle against the Farm Bureau to save this burial ground. Some of the questions are from people involved in efforts to save a cemetery in their particular county or state.
"Does the Farm Bureau want all Ohio pioneer cemeteries destroyed for the benefit of farmers? How much do they lobby for more taxpayer money and special provisions in the law? Are they obsessed with power and greed? Are they really addicted to billions of welfare dollars from taxpayers? To what extent is the Farm Bureau (Agribusiness) involved in the trafficking of illegal aliens?" For frank answers to these pointed questions pertaining to the Farm Bureau, click here.
Why have Ohio Legislators permitted Ohio to lag way behind other states that have made significant laws and provisions to preserve their state history? It seems that Ohio is providing more time for special-interest groups to get rid of the remaining small pioneer burial grounds before action is taken to put a stop to it. Pioneer cemeteries are historic sites, Ohio's legacy, but Ohio government has little concern about the preservation of the resting place of Ohio's founders. For more, click here.
Another government attack on the Stauffer Cemetery came when Wayne County Auditor, Jarra Underwood, ignored Ohio law which states that these pioneer cemeteries are not to be taxed. No taxes had been levied on it for over 150 years. She reclassified what was left of the cemetery to be "Residential Vacant Land" and taxed it anyway. The Tax Commissioner for the State of Ohio had to inform Underwood that the small parcel is a graveyard. As such, it is "used as a cemetery and is exempt from taxation." For more, click here.
In Wayne County, Ohio, the Boydston-Bodine Cemetery was being destroyed at the same time Stauffer was under assault. Both cemeteries are in East Union Township. In 2001, the newly formed Wayne County Cemetery Preservation Society (WCCPS) stepped in to stop the Farm Bureau farmer, Art Kandel, from building a house on the graves. With many obstacles, WCCPS proceeded to restore and preserve what was left of the cemetery. Finally, on October 10, 2005, an impressive re-dedication ceremony was attended by over 60 visitors. For a photo and article on the re-dedication event, click here.
In Wayne County, Ohio, in Baughman Township (which is adjacent to East Union Township), the Patton Cemetery has been destroyed by an Ohio Farm Bureau official, Robert Slicker, who continues to plant farm crops on the graves of the Patton family. He was assisted by Baughman Township Trustee, Richard Shisler (a fellow Farm Bureau member, and board member of the Wayne County Public Library). They were not prosecuted for this atrocity by Wayne County Prosecutor, Martin Frantz (who is also Vice-Chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party), but were encouraged and protected by him. More about this matter is coming here and in other websites. For some brief information, click on the links in the above sections "Farm Bureau Attacks Pioneer Cemeteries," and "Wayne County, OH Destroys Pioneer Cemeteries."
Because of the attacks on the defenseless deceased in Wayne County, OH (most pioneer cemeteries have already been completely destroyed and the graves misused), concerned citizens came forth in 2001 to form the Wayne County Cemetery Preservation Society (WCCPS). This was the only organization in Wayne County and in the state of Ohio to step forward to openly support the Boydston-Bodine and Stauffer Cemeteries during the time they were under assault. No Historical Society went on the offense to stop pioneer desecration nor lift their voice in outrage in 2001. Neither was decisive action taken in the many previous decades as pioneer cemeteries disappeared in Wayne County, one after another.
The state of Ohio does not support nor fund the cause of preserving and protecting pioneer cemeteries. WCCPS is a group of volunteers, a registered non-profit organization, funded by private contributions. We encourage you to send donations to: WCCPS, P. O. Box 1542, Wooster, OH 44691. No other county in Ohio has taken on the challenge to defend, record, and preserve small graveyards the way WCCPS has done and is doing. Though we do not speak for WCCPS, click here to learn more about their activities. More information is coming here and in other websites
Since 2001, the Wayne County Cemetery Preservation Society (WCCPS) has maintained a booth at the annual Wayne County Fair in Wooster, OH. This productive week of interacting with the public not only informs citizens of cemetery concerns, but also gives the public special opportunity to inform the Society of cemetery matters throughout the county. For a photo and information on the booth activities at the 2004 Wayne County Fair, click here.
The Archaeology Department at the College of Wooster has been very active with the Wayne County Cemetery Preservation Society (WCCPS). Professor Nick Kardulias and his students have made significant contributions to the cause of pioneer cemetery preservation these last few years. To read an article about an outing at the Boyston-Bodine Cemetery, click here. The students are working on a website pertaining to these matters. When they come on line, a link to their site will be provided.
Medina County, Ohio borders Wayne County to the north. Many burial grounds have been destroyed there, too. Farmers and developers share in the destruction of those pioneer cemeteries. A lot of residential, commercial, and industrial development has taken place. Apparently no Historical Society has been in existence to put a stop to the many decades of concerted effort from government officials, farmers, and developers to exterminate this historical record of Medina County. However, the good news is this - the Medina County Cemetery Preservation Society has been formed to actively research, discover, record, and protect pioneer cemeteries in Medina County. Their website is at http://mccps.tripod.com
Stark County, Ohio is adjacent to and directly east of Wayne County. Numerous pioneer cemeteries have been wiped-out there, too, but progress is being made to reverse this trend. Information will be provided later about the Stark County cemetery preservation activities in this and other websites.
Holmes County, Ohio is on the southern boundary of Wayne County. Many burial grounds have also been destroyed there, but significant efforts have been under way to advance the cause of saving old graveyards. Information will be provided later about Holmes County cemetery preservation in this and other websites.
Ashland County, Ohio borders Wayne County to the west. Pioneer graveyards have suffered greatly there, too, but some interesting stories have been emerging from Ashland County regarding an awakening concern about preserving these historical sites. This includes the gracious return of a half-acre to a pioneer cemetery site. More information about the progress in Ashland County will be later provided here and in other websites.
Indiana is on Ohio's western border. In 1973, Indiana passed special legislation addressing the plight of pioneer cemeteries. From public outrage finally came a political response. Even before the legislation, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) had taken a pro-active approach to the tragic condition of pioneer cemeteries and had already improved and protected a number of them. Restoring and preserving mean more than just mowing. The Society established a Cemetery Conditions Committee who prepared a report on the cemeteries every year and checked to see what needed to be done. They contacted all Township Trustees and gave them a report on the cemeteries in their respective townships.
With the passing in 1973 of Indiana State House Bill #1345, Madison County historians and genealogists found themselves not only at the crest of public concern but also ahead of political response. Madison County, one of the first counties organized from the New Purchase of 1818, was also one of the first counties in the state to move on the new legislation. With the county's celebration of its sesquicentennial in 1973, historians and genealogists were also celebrating the laws to protect their pioneer heritage. Chapter 103 of the house bill in part reads:
"Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
"SECTION 1. Public Policy. Many of our older cemeteries are without funds or sources of funds for reasonable maintenance. This condition has produced neglect and deterioration. Many of these cemeteries hold pioneer leaders of our state as well as veterans of every American war including the Revolutionary War. Civic Pride and basic citizen respect should prompt us to remedy this condition.
"SECTION 2. County commissioners are hereby authorized to appoint a County Cemetery Commission of five county residents who may request a levy of an annual tax to a maximum of five mills per dollar upon the general tax base of the county for the purpose of restoring and maintaining such cemeteries established in the respective counties before 1850.
"SECTION 3. The County Cemetery Commission shall present an annual plan and budget...
"SECTION 4. County Cemetery Commission members shall be appointed for a term of five years..."
Specific laws were then outlined. If a cemetery is still part of private property, owners cannot move, change, or destroy graves or the earth within the cemetery's premises. Even if a cemetery's land is part of a progressive development, contractors are required to have the cemetery surveyed and set aside from construction. The remote cemeteries which are still in use, as well as those that are no longer used, must have access lanes through private property so that township trustees can maintain the grounds and the living can pay their respects. For much more information about what Madison County, IN has done and is doing, their website is at www.cemeteries-madison-co-in.com/archives
A Note About Ohio's Failure - Madison County, Indiana celebrated their Sesquicentennial in 1973 by continuing, in an even greater way, to preserve their pioneer cemeteries. Unfortunately, the state of Ohio celebrated their Bicentennial in 2003 by painting 88 old barns (one in each county), while permitting the continued decimation of pioneer cemeteries and the farming of graves by Farm Bureau farmers. Estimates are that upwards of 100,000 pioneer cemeteries have been destroyed in Ohio. Efforts are under way to determine the number that remain (in various degrees of desecration), and to identify and reclaim those that have been irreverently destroyed. Ohio should be leading the nation in these matters of cemetery preservation, not the "odd-man out." It may take a couple more well publicized lawsuits for public outrage to finally emerge, and to get rid of numerous pernicious politicians in Columbus (both Democrats and Republicans).
One has to wonder where the many Historical Societies throughout Ohio have been while pioneer cemeteries continue to disappear right under their noses? Are they sleeping, or have they been infiltrated by sacrilegious political elements? Perhaps they are timid and afraid to stand up to expose and oppose the corruption in their particular counties?
One of the purposes of historical societies is to preserve the community's history through artifacts, documents, educational programs, and restoration and preservation. Most local historical societies do an excellent job on preserving and restoring buildings, furniture, and artifacts. However, many seem to neglect the small, early cemeteries and their historical significance to communities. Old burial grounds give insight to the early pioneers who played a vital role in the community's establishment and survival. Are the stories told by tombstones any less important than stories told by artifacts, buildings, and furnishings? Gravestones and how they are arranged in graveyards are just as important as documents and artifacts.
Historical Societies in Ohio should be leading the charge against failed Ohio government! At least a continuous outcry against the massacre of the founders should be heard in every county! It's time for real leadership, rather than politics as usual! Collecting and writing articles about old coins, books, furniture, equipment, buildings, etc. is all good, but there is another aspect of county history that has been overlooked, neglected, or deliberately ignored - shame on you!
It's time to insist on stiff penalties for violating a pioneer cemetery in any way and the misusing and farming of graves. News of such legislation should be well publicized. These things cost the taxpayer nothing. For any restoration and preservation, all funding should come out of the state treasury. Don't allow Ohio government to pass it off to each county to raise tax money before anything is done (as was done in Indiana), which just lets cowardly legislators pass the blame on to somebody else if taxes aren't raised at the county level. And especially in Wayne County, Ohio, we certainly don't need a five-member "County Cemetery Commission" (as was done in Indiana) - those positions would be filled with Farm Bureau members, to the detriment of our cemeteries!
No taxes need to be raised whatsoever! There is plenty of money in every state budget to fund any restoration and protection of pioneer cemeteries. Simply get rid of the corruption in government (both Democrats and Republicans) - those who have mis-used, squandered, and stolen - those who fund buddies and special interest groups - and those who participate in an ever-growing, gluttonous bureaucracy. If this could be accomplished, then our founders could finally rest in peace, and the rest of us could get relief from outrageous taxation and government regulation. After all, this is America, and not the Soviet Union nor a third world country... yet.
A Word Of Encouragement To Honorable American Citizens - If you wish to confront those who destroy pioneer cemeteries, including those who "permit" the destruction of pioneer cemeteries - don't fear the base element! Though they think they are somebody, they may huff and puff, try to throw their weight around, and intimidate you - they are really nothing (only parasites on society). Yes, some of them may have money and political influence, but their ill-gotten gain will perish with them. Their very own descendants will one day rise up and curse their name. They are obsessed with greed and the misuse of power - this is their weakness. You are on the side of what's right and honorable - a growing movement against corrupt government. It's time to take America back for the sake of our ancestors and for the sake of our descendants. Stand up against low-class politicians and their comrades in crime - learn everything about them, spread the word about them, and then enthusiastically oppose them! Name them, along with their perversions - don't let them hide behind their smiles, lies, and false fronts!
Be careful who you trust - cemetery enemies have spies who will infiltrate your group to report your activities back to them. Some of their informants are obvious, but others pretend to care about cemetery preservation. Do your homework, but never reveal your "whole hand" - keep the crooks guessing. Don't tire, and don't stop short - press on until they are defeated. "Run over them, or run them out of town." After all, that's what they've been doing against our forefathers and foremothers, almost to the point of extinction! Shouldn't these politicians, Farm Bureau farmers, and developers feel the sting of public outrage on behalf of our ancestors? And further, in Ohio, and especially in Wayne County, you may actually be protecting the integrity of your very own future grave.
In Ohio, property rights, special protection, and provisions are afforded to modern day burials. It would be unthinkable to have Farm Bureau farmers go into the Wooster Cemetery (or any other cemetery with burials made in the last 10 or 20 years) and smash the gravestones, haul them away, and plant corn or build a shed on the graves. They would be thrown in jail or the insane asylum. The deceased have rights and protection from such perverted behavior - the grave is sacred and the wishes of the deceased must be honored!
Private property rights and sanctity of the grave were not a mystery to the pioneers, founders, and early residents of Ohio who buried their dead - their wishes and provisions must also be honored. Shouldn't "old" burials have the same rights as "new" burials? Shouldn't every small graveyard have priority private property rights, which should be above all other private property rights claimed by those who impose on these burial grounds? It matters not whether there is one grave or one dozen graves, sanctity of the grave should have top priority - pioneer graves should not be violated or misused in any way. It matters not whether a burial was that of a Revolutionary War hero or a child, nor whether there are many bones remaining or none; the place of rest, sanctity of the grave, should have priority over all other rights.
Existing monuments and markers are not the only determining factor. If a burial ground has no markers remaining, it is still a burial ground, and should be a protected historic site. No cemetery should ever be considered "abandoned" - weeds and deterioration do not detract from its legitimacy. Gravestones and markers are an appendage of the grave, and should have equal priority. It matters not whether time or vandals have taken their toll, monuments should to be protected and maintained.
Since so many gravestones have been destroyed or removed, no burial ground should be encroached or imposed upon in any way until all research and subsurface testing has been completed to determine the number and positions of all burials. Access is provided to modern day cemeteries. Access to early cemeteries was not a mystery to our founders, and neither should it be today, in spite of various "progress" and changes made in the last 150 years around cemeteries. Access to, and adequate space around, each cemetery for visitation, parking, and maintenance should be the right of every pioneer cemetery, above all other supposed rights.
No historic cemetery should have to defend itself from anybody, for any reason, at any time; therefore, in any controversy, the defense of every pioneer burial ground should be undertaken by the state of Ohio. And further, the state of Ohio should provide a standardized appropriate sign, with an identifying name, to be placed at every such historic burial site, whether one grave or a hundred graves. And shouldn't violators of the graves of our founders serve jail time and receive stiff fines, or at least be confined in a lock-up ward for the mentally depraved?
Over thirty years ago (though a hundred years late), Indiana legislators could understand these basic human rights of their founders, but for some reason, Ohio legislators cannot. Ohio still despises it's forefathers and foremothers. In Columbus, State Representative Jim Carmichael (Chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party) and State Senator Ron Amstutz represent the Wayne County area. They have been informed of these pioneer cemetery matters, but they couldn't care less. It's time to vote them out of office. On behalf of our founders, we need real leadership in Columbus, not typical politicians.
Please read the above section "Historical Societies In Ohio" - it's for genealogists, too. Recording names and dates of all your ancestors is part of genealogy, but there is another often overlooked aspect, and that is the graves of all your ancestors. It might be time for you to look into these matters, or assist those who do.
In the early 1900's, infamous San Francisco politicians, and their cohorts of equal depravity, declared the deceased to be a nuisance. They outlawed all places of burial and proceeded to massacre tens of thousands of early residents who were resting in their graves. This is the worst act of cemetery desecration reported to us so far. To read more, click here.
Descendants of Samuel and Susannah Stauffer who have had difficulty visiting their ancestral burial ground in the past, having to park on the highway, jump the ditch, and traverse the bank, will be pleased to learn that a parking area has been provided and landscaping has been completed. Non-relatives concerned about the plight of pioneer cemeteries are most welcome, too.
Now is the time for you to come for a visit, and take your leisure to ponder your heritage. Bring your children and grandchildren and teach them respect and reverence for the cemetery - it is not a "playground." Neither is the cemetery a "trash dump." Feel free to pick up rocks, beer bottles, and trash thrown at it, and pluck a few weeds. Help keep your ancestral cemetery clean (bring a trash bag). It was a long, expensive battle to preserve and restore what you will see. It was accomplished against great opposition from the Hodge family, the state of Ohio, departments of government in Wayne County, the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Wayne County Farm Bureau, the Critchfield law firm, and others.
Tell your descendants about their early ancestors and the story of what it took to save their resting place. Impress upon your children and grandchildren that it will be up to the next generations to maintain it, protect it, and to resist the next Farm Bureau attack against it. The Stauffer Family Cemetery is at 145 Eby Road, Wooster, Ohio, situated east of Wooster a couple of hundred yards north of Lincoln Way East (formerly Route 30). It is in the Southwest Quarter of Section 5, East Union Township, Wayne County, OH. To view a map to the cemetery, click here.
To see the current status of the cemetery, we offer some photos taken in 2003 that show the stages of restoration of the remaining portion of the cemetery. To view the Photo Gallery of 2003, click here. To view the Photo Gallery of 2001, click here.
Samuel and Susannah started their family in Lancaster County, PA, and moved to Wayne County, OH in 1836. Some of their children then migrated to Williams County, OH around 1860.
Their known children are:
I. Mary (1802-1871)..... married Samuel Weaver.
II. George (1805-1891).. married Elizabeth Stirk.
III. Sarah (1808-1883)..... married John Ames.
IV. Isaac (1811-1896)..... married Anna Forrer.
V. Levi (1823-1899)....... married Mary Myers.
VI. Samuel (1825-1874).. married Susannah Miller.
There is a noticeable gap of twelve years between Isaac and Levi, which indicates there could be several more children born to Samuel and Susannah that have not yet been identified. Whether these grew to adulthood or perhaps died in infancy is not known at this time. If there were several unidentified children, and if they died in infancy, they would probably be buried in Lancaster County, PA. For the known names of just the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Samuel and Susannah (Kiser) Stauffer in outline form, click here.
To read a short story about Ben Stauffer, descendant of Samuel and Susannah Stauffer, click here.
The descendants of Samuel and Susannah (Kiser) Stauffer are recorded in the book "Stauffer-Sauder Genealogy" by Marjorie Ladd Holbrook of Ann Arbor, MI in 1978. Ninety percent of this book contains the descendants of Samuel and Susannah (about 250 pages), who, at the turn of the 21st century, had about 10,000 descendants, with about 5,000 presently living. Hundreds of these descendants still reside in Wayne County, OH and hundreds also reside in Williams County, OH. Copies of this book have been distributed throughout the nation, and some are in libraries. It can be found in the genealogy departments of both the Wayne County Public Library and the Williams County Public Library.
To read about the origin of the Stauffers and the Stauffer name, click here.
To read a report prepared for the descendants of Samuel and Susannah (Kiser) Stauffer in 1929 by Dr. Edvin R. Stauffer (grandson of Samuel and Susannah Stauffer) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, click here.
Stauffer reunions in the early 1900's (for the descendants of Samuel and Susannah Stauffer) were held in Williams County, OH and in Wayne County, OH - numerous family members still reside in these two counties. On the odd years the reunion was held in Williams County and on the even years the reunion was held in Wayne County. This kept family members from the two areas in touch with one another. Many relatives are still living who attended reunions at these two locations. In Williams County it was held at Garver Park in Bryan, OH. In Wayne County the reunion was held at the Experiment Station in Wooster, OH. Picnic tables were under the trees at the main campus of the station. The Experiment Station is now known as the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). To read the notes from the Stauffer Reunion held on Sunday, August 23, 1931 at Garver Park, Bryan, Williams Co., Ohio, click here.
Did you know that just 500 years ago 524,288 men and 524,288 women were pairing up somewhere on the earth to participate in the process of making you? For a full explanation, click here.
Old Family Bibles are a great source of genealogical information. Some people find and purchase these discarded items at auctions, etc. and try to locate family members who are descended from the original owner, then reunite interested members of that family with their ancestral Bible. Earlene Scott is one such person. To read her story about placing an 1830 German Bible, the "Stauffer Family Bible," click here. Included are copies of the entries made in the Bible, and Earlene's translation/transcription of those pages.
For the reflections of an unknown genealogist, a story teller, whose purpose in life is to record the past for the benefit of the future by putting life to the bones of our ancestors, click here.
Your tombstone stands among the rest,
Neglected and alone,
The name, the date, are chiseled out
In weather-beaten stone.It reaches out for all to see,
It is too late to mourn,
You did not know I would exist,
You died... and I was born.Yet each of us are part of you,
In flesh, in blood, in bone,
And in my breast there beats a pulse
Entirely not my own.Dear ancestor, the space you left
Those many years ago
Is filled today by all of us
Who would have loved you so.I wonder if you laughed and loved,
I wonder if you knew
That someday I would find this place
And come to visit you.- (Unknown Author)
Further genealogical and cemetery information can be obtained at the Wayne County Public Library. On file are Wayne County records for marriages, births, deaths, burials, etc. Wayne County Public Library (Genealogy Department), 304 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691; ph: 330-262-0916, Ext 225. Their staff is very helpful.
We have been asked about the visitors to this website - who they are, where they're from, what they're seeking? Though confidentiality is important to the Stauffers, we will disclose the following general information. For a brief summary of our visitors in 2005, click here.
