The Wisconsin Amish population is the fourth-largest in North America
With a population of over 15,000, Wisconsin has fewer Amish than only Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. The Wisconsin Amish population is spread over nearly four dozen settlements across the state, and a total of 120 church districts (Young Center, 2010).
Wisconsin Amish communities include:
- Cashton-The Cashton settlement is Wisconsin’s largest Amish community, with 13 church districts
- Hillsboro-the Hillsboro Amish community in Vernon County numbers 8 districts
- Wilton/Tomah-A sizeable Amish settlement is found in Monroe County near the towns of Wilton and Tomah
- Medford-The Amish community at Medford in Taylor County is the oldest in Wisconsin
- Green Lake County-The Amish community near the towns of Kingston and Dalton consists of 9 church districts
- Clark County-Clark County is home to 5 separate Amish communities
- Small Wisconsin Amish communities-Small Amish communities are found across the Badger State
Cashton
Cashton is the largest Wisconsin Amish community. Founded in 1966, the settlement had grown to 13 churches as of 2009 (see Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy, for dates of founding and some church district numbers).
Amish do business in the town of Cashton, Wisconsin
The Cashton Amish community is a conservative group. Cashton Amish do not use indoor plumbing for bathrooms, and will have only cold water in homes.
Cashton is a very farming-oriented community. Amish farmers supply milk for a local cheese factory. There are also some Amish-run businesses, many operated as sidelines.
These include three hat shops, three buggy makers and a shoe store which keep the Cashton Amish supplied with clothing and transportation. Additionally, cabinet makers, metal shops, bulk food stores, a hardwares store and a clockmaker are found among Amish businesses in the Cashton community.
Cashton Amish have ties with the Hillsboro Amish community. Amish from Cashton have also started at least one daughter community, in southern Illinois.
Hillsboro
The Hillsboro Amish community, founded in 1985, is located in eastern Vernon County. The Hillsboro settlements has roots in a Kentucky Amish community.
At first glance, the Hillsboro Amish community appears to be one of Wisconsin’s largest, with 8 church districts. However, David Luthy notes that the Hillsboro districts are exceptionally small, in 2002 averaging 13 households per congregation–roughly half the size of the average Amish church district elsewhere (Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, Luthy p 8).
Wilton/Tomah
The Amish community near the towns of Wilton and Tomah in Monroe County was founded just a few years after the Cashton settlement, in 1969. Amish at the time were likely attracted to the state for its strong dairy reputation.
A team pulls through the snow at the Monroe County Amish settlement, near Wilton
The Monroe County settlement is one of the largest in Wisconsin, with 8 church districts, (population roughly 1,000) as of 2008.
Medford
The Medford Amish settlement in Taylor County, founded 90 years ago (1920) is by far Wisconsin’s oldest.
Given its age, the Medford Amish community is relatively small, with only 3 church districts as of 2008. Medford is located in north-central Wisconsin. The GAMEO entry for this settlement notes that “Its cold winters have had an effect on the slow growth” in the community.
Green Lake County
Green Lake County is home to one of the largest Amish settlements in Wisconsin, near the communities of Kingston and Dalton. The Kingston/Dalton settlement was founded in 1977 and has grown to 9 congregations today.
Amish travel to church service in the Kingston/Dalton settlement in Green Lake County, Wisconsin
Clark County
Clark County is located in central Wisconsin, and is one of the largest of Wisconsin’s 72 counties in terms of land area. Amish have found Clark County an attractive area and roomy enough for a number of separate settlements to have been founded here.
The oldest Amish community in Clark County is found near the towns of Greenwood and Willard in the center of the county. Founded in 1975, this community numbers 2 districts today.
The largest Clark County communities are at Granton (1981), in the southeast portion of the county, and at Loyal (1989). Both settlements are comprised of 5 congregations today.
Two other small Amish settlements can be found in Clark County, at Owen (1991), and the much younger settlement at Neilsville (2005). Both consist of one church district as of 2008.
Other Wisconsin Amish communities
Another noteworthy Wisconsin Amish community is found at Augusta in Eau Claire County, at 6 church districts in size. The Augusta Amish settlement was founded over 30 years ago (1978).
Wisconsin is dotted with small Amish communities. Roughly 3/4 of Wisconsin’s 40+ Amish settlements consist of just 1 or 2 church districts. Wisconsin has experienced high levels of in-migration from Amish communities in other states. Nearly 30 Amish settlements have been founded in Wisconsin over the past 2 decades.
Onlookers observe a horse trainer at the Sauk County Amish auction at Cazenovia. Sauk County is home to 2 Amish settlements
Wisconsin’s Amish population has increased at a much faster rate than most over this 20-year period, gaining 150% as opposed to an average of roughly 100% (see Young Center, 2010). Older small communities are found at Blair in Trempealeau County, Spencer in Marathon County, and Chetek in Barron County.
Younger small settlements are located at New Auburn in Chippewa County (1997), Taylor in Jackson County (1998), and near Platteville and Darlington in Lafayette County (1999). All of these young settlements have reached the level of at least 2 church districts.
Though the long-term trend suggests high in-migration to Wisconsin, over the past five years (2005-2009) Amish communities in the state have actually experienced a net loss of population. The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies notes that “Wisconsin had 236 new immigrant families in the five-year period, but it lost 325 families, yielding a net deficit of 42 households” (Young Center, 2010).
Wisconsin v. Yoder
Wisconsin is of particular significance in the matter of Amish education. A local conflict over schooling in a small Wisconsin Amish community eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark 1972 decision which effectively granted Amish and other religious groups the right to remove their students from school upon finishing the eighth grade.
Conflict between Amish and school officials had occurred in previous decades in places such as Iowa, Kansas, and Pennsylvania, garnering national attention. Amish in numerous cases had been compelled to migrate to different locales were school officials were seen to be more lenient (resulting in the founding of new settlements, such as the St. Mary’s County, Maryland Amish settlement).
The Wisconsin conflict, originating in a newly-formed settlement at New Glarus in Green County, resonated to the highest judicial levels in the country, and ultimately influenced not only Amish education but numerous other religious freedom cases.
A footpath through the snow leads to an Amish phone shanty in Vernon County
Local school administrators in Green County objected to the Amish practice of removing their children from school at completion of the eighth grade. In the fall of 1968, three fathers of Amish children aged fourteen and fifteen were arrested for refusal to enroll their children in high school. This refusal on the part of the Amish came in direct violation of Wisconsin law requiring school attendance until reaching sixteen years of age.
Though Amish generally refuse to defend themselves in court, the case was taken up by the National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom, a group which had been recently formed by non-Amish for the legal defense of Amish religious liberty. Attorney Willam Ball was hired to argue the Amish case. Ball maintained that state officials were in fact violating the religious liberty of the Amish.
After hearings at local and state levels, the case made its way to the US Supreme Court. On May 15, 1972, a final verdict was delivered in the Wisconsin v. Yoder case. By a vote of 7 to 0, the Supreme Court Justices granted that both the First and Fourteenth amendments supported the Amish practice of removing students from school before age sixteen.
The precedent set by this decision has essentially granted Amish legal protection, though certain issues such as teacher certification continue to pose potential problems in some areas (see Amish Society, Hostetler, pp 268-270; also The Amish and the State, “The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom”, William C. Lindholm, and “First Amendment Issues”, William B. Ball).
Extinct Wisconsin Amish Settlements
The New Glarus community, where the famous conflict over schooling originated, had disbanded by 2007, after over 40 years in existence. Wisconsin was also once home to a number of other now-failed settlements dating back a century.
In The Amish In America: Settlements that Failed 1840-1960, David Luthy tells us that the Exeland Wisconsin settlement in Sawyer County, in the northwestern section of the state, was founded in 1909. Amish from North Dakota, Montana, and Indiana were attracted to this area of “cheap, cutover timberland”, likely by a land agents’s advertisement promoting the inexpensive acreage. Luthy reports that Amish used dynamite to blast away at acres of stumps left over from the former forest land.
Raising a barn, Amish-style, near Westby, WI
Amish in this settlements operated sawmills, hunted, and grew an abundance of crops, including oats, sugar beets, barley, and red clover. Eventually this settlement disbanded in 1927, due to a “lack of leadership”(Settlements that Failed, Luthy, p 504).
A second Amish settlement existed during this period in Rusk County, bordering Sawyer County to the south. Settlers from a Michigan Amish community founded a settlement near the town of Glen Flora in 1920. This settlement existed for about 2 decades, but eventually disbanded with the last Amish family leaving in 1942 (Settlements, Luthy, pp 504-509).
A number of modern-day Wisconsin Amish communities ceased to exist in the first decade of the 21st century, including one at Viroqua (though 2 communities remain in this area), as well as Clayton, Downing, and Hilbert. All of these communities lasted roughly a decade or less (Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, Luthy).
Wisconsin Amish at home in the “Dairy State”
A buggy approaches an Amish farm in Green Lake County, WI
Wisconsin is a state which saw Amish arrive relatively late compared to other states associated with the Plain People.
Though the first Amish only began to settle in Wisconsin in the early 1900s, the Wisconsin Amish presence has grown to become the fourth-largest in North America. In terms of Amish population, Wisconsin trails only Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, states which first experienced Amish settlement 50-100 years, or more, earlier.
In Wisconsin, Amish have found an environment conducive to settlement. Relatively few Amish settled in Wisconsin before the 1960s, when the state began to see an influx of Amish which has only increased in each ensuing decade. One observer notes that “Undoubtedly the farmers were attracted to Wisconsin because of its highly rural character and its reputation as the nation’s “Dairy State.” (The Amish Struggle With Modernity, Luthy p 245).
As long as Wisconsin offers affordable farmland and relatively isolated communities in which to settle, Amish are likely to continue to thrive in the Badger State.
For more information, see:
Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy
The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed, 1840-1960, David Luthy
The New American Almanac 2010, Raber’s Bookstore (Baltic, Ohio), Ben J. Raber
Amish Society, John A. Hostetler
The Amish and the State, “The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom”, William C. Lindholm; “First Amendment Issues”, William B. Ball
The Amish Struggle with Modernity, “Appendix: Amish Migration Patterns 1972-1992″, David Luthy
“Amish Population by State (2010)”, “Amish Population Change 1991‐2010”, and “Amish Migration Trends 2005-2009”; Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College (http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Population_by_State_2010.asp; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/PDF/Statistics/Population_Change_1991_2010.pdf; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Migration_Trends.asp.)
Yoder, Samuel L. “Medford, Wisconsin, Old Order Amish Settlement.” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1987. Web. 25 October 2010. http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/M438.html.
Photo credits: Cashton Amish- Brandon O’Connor; Wilton Amish- Marius Boeriu; Kingston Amish buggies- Brian Sprague, Genesee Depot WI; Sauk County Amish auction- William O’Rourke, Celtic Graphics; Amish barn-raising- Westby Times; Green County buggy- Doc Will
155 responses to Wisconsin Amish
Amish Settlements in Wisconsin: Households, Population, Type
I found this when I typed in st anna amish- on a search engine – It shows Amish communities in Wisconsin.
Hope this can help someone. Jeff.
Amish Settlements in Wisconsin: Households, Population, Type of Occupation
Amish Settlements in Wisconsin Households Population Persons/Household Farming Dairying Woodworking
(settlements, county) No. No. ratio Percent Percent Percent
Algoma, Kewaunee Co ** 2 13 6.5 100 100 ?
Athens, Marathon Co 28 191 6.8 86 86 7
Augusta, Eau Claire Co 115 710 6.2 61 59 32
Beetown, Grant Co *** 11 66 6.0 ? ? ?
Blair, Trempealeau Co 43 212 4.9 23 16 58
Bonduel, Shawano Co 35 177 5.1 40 29 51
Cashton, Vernon-Monroe Co 273 1,690 6.2 55 49 26
Chaseburg, Vernon Co 25 175 7.0 64 60 32
Chetek, Barron Co 15 78 5.2 80 53 20
Clayton, Barron Co 19 108 5.7 68 32 47
Elkhart Lake-St. Anna, Calumet Co 13 64 4.9 77 23 23
Evansville-Brodhead, Rock Co 26 123 4.7 35 23 35
Fennimore, Grant Co 23 176 7.7 96 78 4
Franklin, Jackson Co 3 19 6.3 100 33 0
Granton, Clark Co * 121 726 6.0 74 68 22
Greenwood, Clark Co 30 193 6.4 80 67 19
Hillsboro, Vernon Co 95 672 7.1 83 48 10
Kingston-Dalton, Green Lake-Columbia-Marquette Co 152 963 6.3 43 28 41
LaValle-Ironton , Sauk Co 53 378 7.1 47 42 47
Livingston, Lafayette Co 23 177 7.7 65 35 39
Loganville-Hill Point, Sauk Co ? ? 46 20 46
Lookout-Wolf Valley, Buffalo Co *** 11 66 6.0 ? ? ?
Loyal, Clark Co *** 59 363 6.2 >60 60* ?
Marion, Waupaca Co ** 22 135 6.1 64 50 ?
Medford, Taylor Co 82 341 4.2 45 35 21
Mondovi, Pepin-Buffalo Co 73 454 6.2 37 26 56
New Auburn, Chippewa Co 27 199 7.4 11 0 63
Owen-Unity, Clark Co 18 122 6.8 72 56 0
Platteville, Lafayette Co ** 21 129 6.1 86 90 ?
Readstown, Vernon Co 35 169 4.8 29 20 43
Rising Sun, Crawford-Vernon Co ** 1 6 6.0 100 100 ?
Spencer, Clark Co 16 90 5.6 75 75 6
Stratford, Marathon Co 19 112 5.9 21 16 63
Taylor, Jackson Co ** 17 104 6.1 88 53 ?
Viroqua-Liberty Pole, Vernon Co 10 69 6.9 30 20 20
Wautoma, Waushara Co 52 291 5.6 33 23 51
Wilton-Tomah, Monroe Co 139 907 6.5 78 73 13
Wolf Valley-Lookout, Buffalo Co ? ? >64 64* ?
*** Source: Number of Farmers and Woodworkers per settlement Miller (2002); size of ministry (Raber 2003)
Wisconsin Amish
St Anna Amish
I do have friends within the St Anna community. I can connect persons if they want.
St Anna Amish
I’d like to hear more of your contacts with this group. I know Andy Hostetler, deacon. Do you attend the Haystack Meal fundraisers in the summer? Any dates you know now?
Gratefully,
Richard Dawley
wisconsin puppy mills
just a quick q
uestion. Do the Amish still run puppy mills ?This is a wonderful site. Lots of information. I love the Amiish, but, I also love dogs. Please don’t take this as a threatening question. I just have to know.
Question
Does anyone know of any Amish in the NE or Northern part of Wisconsin area that are buggy builders or have restored antique horse drawn sleighs? Thanks in advance.
Amish in NE Wisconsin
I know there is an Amish community outside of Marion. I have seen their homes and buggies when driving up on hwy. 110 (I think it was). Other than that, there are a few Amish still in the Richford/Dakota area (west of Wautoma). They are the only communities I am aware of in this area.
Buggy repair/St Anna area
I do know of an Amish craftsman in the St Anna area who may work on buggies. He has his own collection, but also has a construction company.
Could anyone tell me the name of amn Mish construction company in WI. We would like to build on land in Wales,WI and wonder if we could bring our plans to someone for an estimate. many thanks to whoever could help. P Miller
Amish builder
Edward’s Carpentry (Schrock) in Bonduel 715-758-8881
Wisconsin Amish update: Cashton, Vernon County
An anonymous Wisconsin reader shares:
Just read your article in Amish America and want to add that the Swartzentruber Amish are in Vernon County, Wisconsin and their community is the Liberty Pole/NN Amish. They have been exempted from using the Slow Moving sign on the back of their buggies as long as they use reflected tape which they have been willing to do.
An update on the Cashton Community is that they now have another church group as in September one bigger one split into two. They do not have a new bishop yet as former bishop for this group now divides his time between the two church groups. I was told it might take up to two years before a new bishop takes over one of the groups. A few years ago the Cashton Community had a readjustment of their church groups and making new boundaries. If you still have my map of Vernon County the group that split into two groups is the southwestern part of the community.
I just read an article written by a state newspaper saying that the Cashton Community has about 3,000 Amish. This sort of matches my thoughts as I figure about 4,000 in the entire County.
Because of lack of land or whatever, many from the Cashton Community have been finding their way to the Hastings, Michigan Amish community with many moving to Nashville area in this community. Some are moving because of the rules. They are less strict and also the Amish are able to work in the neighboring towns which is not allowed here in Vernon County with the exception of the Chaseburg Amish who are allowed to work in town as long as they travel by buggy only.
Wisconsin Amish
New Amish in Western Wisconsin-St. Croix County
As of Oct/Nov 2012, many families have just moved into our area south of Baldwin and Woodville, WI. It’s wonderful and they are so happy to wave when we ride by on our bikes! Thankfully, these dormant farms are not be revitalized. We will soon learn more from them when we bring homemade pies and jam to welcome them, in time for our own traditional Thanksgiving. Any one else have information on their sect, such as Swiss or otherwise? We hear they are from Indiana, but we don’t want to rely on rumors. Wagons are not covered, no electricity, laundry done outside with a crank and tub, plowing with 1-2 team horses. Thanks.
Wisconsin Amish
New Amish in W. WI.....typo
I meant to type in my 11/19 comment “…these dormant farms are noW being revitalized.” Also, wagons are not covered.
New Amish in Western Wisconsin-St. Croix County
Hi Catherine. I’m in this area and have seen some of them. There is even one family who tragically lost nearly all of their dairy herd when moving in (http://mygatewaynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=40&ArticleID=5525). What township do you live in? I’m in Cady.
New Western WI Amish families
Todd,
We’re in EauGalle Township. I call it “South Baldwin,” 1 m. N. of county line and east of hwy 63.
Your news link doesn’t connect me, but I’ll try to google. How did they lose their herd?
Unfortunately, some locals are “warey” of the new residents which saddens me. They need to be educated properly. This is interesting culture and these are peaceful people who beautify our land.
From what I’ve researched, in general, Amish move for same reasons anyone else moves; in order to find more prosperity in work and lifestyle while being mindful, frugal, and strategic. When factories shut down they must find new work, and our fertile land and farming practices suit their need to maintain farming life that is being replaced by other work in this modern age. Also, housing prices are on the rise and we have many dormant farms in our area so it’s good to buy now before prices increase. I’m unsure, exactly, of desire to move for certain customs in this case. If anyone else has more factual information, please share.
Wisconsin Amish
Evidently the family moved into their place in the middle of the night after traveling from Missouri and they let the cattle out to pasture. The cattle were hungry and thirsty after the trip and found a couple of rows of harvested barley that had been left behind. They ate the barley and drank lots of water and then began to bloat and died. They lost all 18 head that went in the pasture. They were only spared two heifers that were placed in the barn that night. Very sad.
I’m glad to have the amish in our neighborhood. Good neighbors are always welcome.
Wisconsin Amish
Bloating cows
What community didi this happen? Richard Dawley www.richarddawley.com
Near Baldwin, WI.
Holdeman Mennonites
Do you know them in Barron County?
No, I don’t know any of them yet. We drove by some that are moving into the area near our home, but they weren’t there. We’ll try another day.
Barron County Search
Do you happen to know the Holdeman Mennonites, also known as Church of God in Christ in your area?
I write non-fiction books about the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites and will make a talk at the FArm Tech Days in Barron County near Dalles July 9, 2013 at 9 and 2 in the Family Living Tent. This is my third appearance at this marvelous mini-State Fair.
reply to Richard, re: Holdeman Mennonites
Richard, Do you know for sure that the many new families who’ve moved in our area of W. Wisconsin/St. Croix County are Holdeman? And how did you find this information? It would be helpful to find out more and we hope to personally meet them soon. Thanks much.
Holdeman Mennonites
I met them a dozen years ago and more in Barron County.
To Richard
Richard,
Just to clarify, is the group in our area in fact Holdeman and did they move from Barron County?
Thanks for your help. Sounds like you’d be a good resource for us, so please let us know more if possible.
Holdeman
I’m creating more confusion than information. I do not know if the group from Barron County moved to your area. I met them in Barron County 15 years ago.
Barron County Mennonites
I’m going to be in Barron County in Dalles this July 9, 10, 11, 2013 to put on a PowerPoint slide program and talk. I’d like to meet more Holdeman if you can help and also find someone to put up with me and “put me up” for a night or two in a modest sleeping room I’d pay for.
Richard Lee Dawley
rld7971858@att.net
Amish in St. Croix County, WI
An Amish family in the Town of Eau Galle is being harrassed by the county for selling baked goods from their home. It doesn’t meet the county zoning code as a “minor home occupation” and they are being told to cease business or scale back to meet the code. Either of these options will impact this family’s livelihood.
Here’s a two-part story from the local newspaper:
http://mygatewaynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=40&articleID=6212
http://mygatewaynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=40&articleID=6247
Wisconsin Amish
Help needed from Amish for Dairy
Does anyone know of any Amish in the NE(closer to Minneapolis or Rochester, MN) part of Wisconsin area that are dairy/farm owner? Thanks in advance.
to MAH RAZ for Amish Dairy
I believe you’re meaning to say NW Wisconsin (not NE), which is closer to Mpls. Many new farming families just moved into our area 35 minutes due east from St. Paul in Baldwin/Woodville area. At least 5 families in a 3 miles radius from me in Eau Galle Township/S.Baldwin. Some just bought the former Lund Egg farm in Woodville and sell baked goods from there, at least. I’m just learning about them and they appear to raise beef and dairy. Very friendly active people!
Wisconsin Amish
In Reply to Amish Dairy-Catherine
Thank you Catherine for this information. Yes I wanted to mean NW Wisconsin. From your description it seems(as I am new to this area) the distance is with in my drivable range and the families/Farms might have the dairy/product I am looking for. What would be the best way if I want to talk to somebody to express my need- is there any place(address that will be found in Google Map/GPS) and time that I can come either after work or on Weekend?
Any help is appreciated
Thanks much
Wisconsin Amish
reply to Mah Raz
To find your product, I’d google Lund Egg Farm in Woodville. This is one farm they’ve bought and sell some goods, as far as I know. Also, local food co-ops have access to many hard to find food products and at least they can special order them. River Falls and Stillwater, in addition to many in Mpls/St. Paul and Rochester have good co-ops.
Does the need for help have anything to do with thi story?
http://mygatewaynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=40&ArticleID=5525
I sent them my Prayers
I sent them my Prayers, as I do not have much money and no cows to send. Thanks, Todd for the heads up on people in need.
FELT AMISH HAT
A SIZE 8 CAN ANYBODY DIRECT ME TO A PLACE TO BUY OR ORDER IT SPECIAL MADE?
http://amishamerica.com/amish-hat-shops/
http://amishamerica.com/amish-hat-shops/
Your answer is right within this site – Highlight the above and open in new tab. You can also type into a search engine – felt Amish hats – and you will get places that make these hats. I do not know of a specific person or company myself. Hope this helps. Jeff.
Flying Eagle-5000 Fountain Nook Rd.Apple Creek, Ohio 44606.They have dealers or you can order direct. They always have an add in the Budget. No phone number. Many different styles and prices from $63 to $92
Marcus Yoder
Buy Amish felted wool hats @ Lakeside Fabrics.
You can buy ready-to-wear Amish felt wool hats at Lakeside Fabrics & Notions. 5423 Military Road, Pardeeville WI 53954. Open MTuWFSa 8-5, except for religious holidays. They carry 2 brands of felted wool hats with different size brims and crown height.
If you want a custom hat, then you should contact the manufacturer (Flying Eagle address listed in other comment)
What Group of Amish around LOYAL, WI?
Just today, (1-1-13) I had the great fortune to meet a husband and wife Amish Couple traveling thru Milwaukee, from OHIO to their home in upper Wisconsin, Near LOYAL and SPENCER, WI. The man is a Tarp Maker and also fixes zippers and they sell Goat Cheese and Eggs. What Church Group or are they of the Mennonites in that area?
I had the pleasure of helping them out with a small favor and before they left to travel on, they called me a “friend” and have asked me to come their way, if I get up in that area. I’m going to travel up there hopefully in the summer of 13.
Does anyone know of this man who is a “tarp-maker” and farms? He and his wife are a gift to this world as Amish Folks.
Wisconsin Amish
Spencer Amish Tarp Maker
Spencer is a New Order Amish community with several Mennonite farms and businesses. Once in the community anybody would be able to tell you where they live. Sounds like you hve made a sound bond with them with respect and sincere interest.
I’d enjoy and email from you with your experience since I have written 8 non-fiction books on the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites and sold 8,500 copies and run out. Many are on Amazon and one Kindle book of mine—A Plain People, or use my name, Richard Lee Dawley for your search tool.
Good luck.
Wisconsin Amish
SPENCER Tarp Maker
Thank YOU Mr. Dawley for the info on the search for the “Wonderful Amish Couple” I met here in Milwaukee, WI.
I will ask there “whereabouts” when I visit in the area and I’m sure I will have no problem locating them.
I will email YOU for any research YOU may desire on my “meeting” and let you know when I do get to see them again and the interest I have.
Good Luck to YOU on the continued books of these very wonderful, yet uniquely different people.
Wisconsin Amish
Gothic barn arches to be removed
I have a barn near Green Bay WI. I had someone come in to remove my barn, they removed part of the barn. The part they left was the newer part that had laminated arched beams and dementional sleepers. I would like to know if someone would be interested either giving me a quote on renovating the part that is left, or removing the rest.
Thanks
Ray
Waupaca Co. WI
One person commented but there are several Amish families that live in Waupaca Co. WI around Marion, Clintonville and Manawa. They attend local actions,have their own auctions and bake sale. Great people!
Waupaca County
Yes, I believe it was me who commented on them. I have seen them when driving up near Marion. Not sure there are any left in the Amherst area, though that used to be a large community. I had heard a while back they all moved.
Waupaca County
Marion to Symco along Hwy 110 you’ll find the community. Their auction is along that road. There are no more Amish in the Amherst area. I helped the last family to move out of there in December about 2005. Henry and Martha Schwartz family were the last to move as far as I know. They moved cattle and horses in carriers, and thier personal effects and household items—including two buggies—in the back of a semi-trailer !
They were permitted to use the elictricity in the house they moved to (owned formerly by and English man) for light, heat, and the electric well pump until Spring when it warmed enough to be settled in.
Wisconsin Amish
buggy repairs
I am looking for someone in the Amish community who can direct me to an upholstery shop to replace a top for a Dr. Buggy.
Thank you for any help
DR. BUGGY TOP
Where are you in Wisconsin? What distinguishes a DR. buggy from an Amish buggy?
Richard
Dr. buggy TOP
Whare are you in Wisconsin? What is a Dr. buggy?
comment on wisconsin amish
does anyone know of a small store in Marion that sells the Rada brand of kitchen utencils?
I know were the store is, just off of Hwy 110, South of Marion. Not sure if they sell that brand, i could stop in a ask.
Wisconsin Amish Auctions
I am aware of the auction in Bonduel but was wondering if anyone could tell me where there are other Amish Auctions in Wisconsin. Sometimes at the Bonduel one we see a couple auctions posted but would like more information on the auctions. Thanks.
Wisconsin Amish Quilt and Furniture Auctions
I have posted some dates I’ve collected over 8 years in Wisconsin. I sold my non-fiction books about my experiences with the Amish, so the list was important. Unfortunately, they may have changed, and I have sold all 8,500 of my 8 titled books.
I hope the list might help. Call the Chamber of Commerce in the towns, or google the Amish community name for help. I’ll try to keep a better list if folks let me know what they find.
Kingston is usually the second Saturday in June held at the auction house south of Kingston on Hwy 43.
Bonduel is usually the Saturday closest to Mother’s Day and Labor Day on Porter Road.
Richard Lee Dawley
New Berlin, WI 53151
rld7971858@att.net
Wisconsin Amish
kingston auction house
i believe the kingston auction house is about 6 miles WEST of kingston, on the north leg of “cty h”, NORTH of hyw 44.
Kingston Auction
Glen,
Right you are. They used to move around from farm to farm but usually at the Clarence Schlabach farm and the school house south of their property in years past.
Wisconsin Amish Quilt and furniture Auctions
I have collected dates for auctions for 9 years in various places in Wisconsin. They are usually held the same time so as not to duplicate or interfere with other communities.
Although this list is not official, it gives you something to work from;
April— Marshfield, Athens
May—LaValle, Bonduel, Medford, Amherst, Franklin, Livingston, CAshton, Sheldon, REadstown
June—Sugar Grove, Kingston, Wautoma, Kingston
July—Augusta/Fairchild, Albany, Blair, Medford, Sheldon, Wautoma, Athens
August—Amherst, Bonduel
September—Livingston, Marshfield
October—LaValle, Marion
Let me know what dates you find and I’ll try to keep a log
Wisconsin Amish
Wisconsin Amish
Thanks for the reply on the dates for the Amish Auctions. Look forward to attending some of them,
Amish Logging with Horses
Looking for some Amish to log our land with horses in West Central Wisconsin. We’ve witnessed and read about other people who log this way in River Falls (without heavy combersome trucks or machines); however many Amish have moved into our area and we’d like to see if they can be a resource for us.
West Central WI Amish
Can you give a description of where the Amish are living in your West Central WI area? Then I might know some Amish who would possibly do your work.
Amish Logging
We live just south of Baldwin, WI. I recall discussing this with you before, Richard, but you did not seem to know the new Amish from our area. I believe they come from Missouri and they came this past October.
Maybe Todd from nearby Cady knows something? Todd?
Thanks.
Amish Logging
There are some families living in the town of Cady and in the Village of Woodville area. I haven’t met them and don’t know if they can do the work. You can call Steve Baker at the Woodville Motel (http://www.woodvillemotel.com/) I know he busses many of the Amish around.
Amish resources....buy local!
Thanks, Todd.
Well, now that we’re all out of winter hibernation, we’re just going to get on our bikes and knock on some doors and ask our new neighbors directly.
Fyi…the Red Barn Country Store at 63 and 29 sells AWESOME bread, fudge and pies from new local Amish. Drop off is Thursdays.
Lund Egg Farm in Woodville also is a good place to buy stuff.
Can you please give me info on Amish towns or areas closest to the Oshkosh area.
Pln to go to EAA show in Oshkosh and would like to see Amish areas but not too far from Oshkosh.
thanks
David
Amish near Oshkosh, WI
As a former EAA member and pilot who flew into Oshkosh a number of times during the show, I also write books on the Anabaptists and lead day tours to a community about 30 miles west of Oshkosh, Kingston.
However, it’s the second largest in the state and I can provide a map with their businesses. Send a self-addressed and stamped legal sized envelope and I’ll ship you one. Give a call and I’ll “guide” you thru.
Richard Lee Dawley
New Berlin, WI
262-797-1858
Wisconsin Amish
Just read this terrible news from Osseo, WI: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/05/04/vehicle-strikes-amish-buggy-injuring-9-in-wis/
Praying the family makes a full recovery.
Has anyone read or heard an update about this young Amish family that was hit last week? All seven children and their parents were injured.
Buggy accident in Trempealeau County
Erin I read that they located the driver. He is a 19 year-old with some previous driving violations. Inattentive driving was mentioned as a factor.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/05/05/driver-idd-in-amish-buggy-crash-9-victims-injured/
Thanks Erik. I was able to find an update on the family today. The wife and all seven children were released from the hospital. The husband is still hospitalized. No condition was listed.
http://93rockon.com/news/articles/2013/may/06/8-of-9-buggy-crash-victims-leave-hospital-sunday/
Wisconsin Buggy Accident
I’d like to send a check to them if you know the settlement they live. I can find them in the Wisconsin Abana Directory.
Richard Lee Dawley
Amish Insight
2249 S. Calhoun Rd
New Berllin, WI 53151
Richard, David & Lydia Wengerd are from Osseo, WI. It’s in Trempealeau County in Western WI.
WISCONSIN Buggy Accident
ERIN,
THANKS for the update. About 10 years ago I visited Andrew Wengard in the Blair community and am sending him a small check for David’s hospital bills, etc. I hope they will accept it. I’ll be making a talk on the Amish in Wisconsin at the Farm Technology Days in Barron County at a farm near Dallas, WI in July, 2013 and have asked Andrew if I could visit with his family then and perhaps David’s family as well.
Is David in the Whitehall Hospital?
Wisconsin Amish
I don’t know this family but always feel badly when I hear of buggy accidents. I have insurance with a very high deductible and can’t imagine what this family’s expenses will be. I believe I read that they were in a Mayo affiliated hospital.
I would love the opportunity to hear one of your talks. I live near St. Cloud in central MN. I’ll have to look that area up and see if it’s doable!
Thanks for your generosity!
Wisconsin Amish
Amish talk
I remember St. Cloud being on the Mississippi River and a Book World Store in town. I sold 8,500 of my non-fiction books thru their corporate stores in MN and WI and they are all sold out. Amazon has used ones and some new. One dealer bought a box of 20 books of one title.
I sent a letter to my contact in Blair (also a Wengard) and a check for some of the hospital bills.
My talk at the Farm Tech Days is in July in the Family Living tent. Have you ever been to one? I’ve presented at 3 and it’s a mini-State Fair. About 30,000 expected.
Wisconsin Amish
Website
Do you still have your website?
Amish Website
I discontinued the web site as part of a process of “shutting down” and gradually retireing from my very active advocacy for the Amish over two decades. I still hire-on as a step-on guide from groups who have a busload and I’ll organize a day trip to an Amish community, and still make talks to groups, and toy with the idea of printing my 9th book/booklet that is ready except for finding a graphic artist I need to put it into form and design a cover.
However, my used books are still for sale on Amazon.com—-Google my full name, Richard Lee Dawley
Wisconsin Amish
Richard, for one I will say thanks for your efforts and for continuing to offer your take on the Amish here. I think you must have a lot of insight to share.
Offering My comments to your blog
Erik,
I’ve a copy of one of your books and like to help where I can and when I can. It’s only my perceptions and perspectives I can offer.
Glad to help out.
Richard Dawley
Amish Quilts
Does anyone know of Amish that sell quilts in Western WI. area near Baldwin or Durand area?
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