Author: Erik Wesner

Erik Wesner is the creator of amishamerica.com, and author of Success Made Simple: An Inside Look At Why Amish Businesses Thrive. Erik began visiting Amish communities in 2004 – eventually meeting thousands of Amish families while selling books.

He began writing about the Amish on this website in 2006, and is often cited in national media, including USA Today, The New York Times, and others on a wide range of Amish topics. A native of North Carolina, Erik has visited dozens of Amish communities across the country, and loves spending time with Amish friends and discovering new Amish places.

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The Amish Are Driving Their E-Scooters Dangerously – Says One Lancaster Local

The Amish Are Driving Their E-Scooters Dangerously – Says One Lancaster Local

That’s according to one letter to the editor appearing at Lancaster Online – from a local person living in the heart of Lancaster County, PA. The letter-writer, Dennis, sounds fed up with what he describes as Amish e-transport riders being “oblivious” to traffic. And he has a few things to say about what he’s seen on local roads. I have heard of backlash to e-scooters…

Amish Youth Sing “We’re Not Home Yet Children”

Amish Youth Sing “We’re Not Home Yet Children”

Here’s another beautiful song from an Amish youth group singing. If the backdrop looks familiar, that might be because we previously heard two other songs from this same singing – “‘Tis Marvelous and Wonderful” and “I’m On The Winning Side” The video is by P. Thomas, who has an extensive collection of live recorded music on his channel, both from Amish and other Christian groups….

Man Attempts To Abduct 9-Year-Old Amish Boy; Boy Escapes, Abductor Still At Large (UPDATE: Vehicle Photo Released)

Man Attempts To Abduct 9-Year-Old Amish Boy; Boy Escapes, Abductor Still At Large (UPDATE: Vehicle Photo Released)

This stomach-turning story is just appearing on news feeds. Yesterday, a young Amish boy apparently escaped an abduction attempt in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. The alleged abductor is still at large. More from ABC 27: JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A boy in Juniata County was able to get away from a man who forced him into a vehicle on Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police say. State…

Amish Youth: Out & About On A Saturday Evening

Amish Youth: Out & About On A Saturday Evening

Jim Halverson sends along a few fun photos from this past Saturday evening in northern Indiana. Basically, some shots of open buggies filled with Amish youth. They all seem to be having a blast, and happily waving to the camera. Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon/evening are the times you’ll see a lot of youth out and about in many Amish communities.  And, if some who…

Third Fret Harmony (With Rose): “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You”

Third Fret Harmony (With Rose): “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You”

Here’s a song from Third Fret Harmony which dates back a couple of years. This is from the time when they were recording songs live on their own, prior to making produced studio music. But it’s a neat one to see as it includes all three siblings in the group – Mike, Marty, and Rose from Ben and Rose. The song is a cover of…

Pickup Truck Attempts To Pass Buggy…And Fails. Amish Driver Ejected & Horse Injured (Maine)

Pickup Truck Attempts To Pass Buggy…And Fails. Amish Driver Ejected & Horse Injured (Maine)

That buggy and debris trail look pretty bad. Fortunately, the Amish victim’s injuries are called “non-life-threatening”. Hopefully the same can be said for the horse, but that’s less clear (more on that below). This happened yesterday (Friday, September 12) in a community in Aroostook County, Maine. This massive county is home to no less than four separate Amish settlements. This happened in the Amish settlement…

Amish Funeral: An Outsider’s Observations

Amish Funeral: An Outsider’s Observations

In an article for Ashland County Pictures, Joe Lyons gives a poignant look at an Amish funeral from an outside observer’s eyes. That’s paired with some beautiful photos of the procession to the cemetery. This procession happened on State Route 96 in Ashland County. The area outside the city of Ashland is home to a sizable Amish settlement. The procession of buggies, vans, and people…

Yes – Amish Buggies DO Have To Stop At Stop Signs…

Yes – Amish Buggies DO Have To Stop At Stop Signs…

Maybe you’ve seen it as well – an Amish buggy blowing through a stop sign. A woman named Katrina recently noticed just that – in fact, she witnessed two Amish buggies running stop signs in her Missouri community. So she submitted a simple question to a local news station: “Are Amish buggies required to follow the laws of the road?” Here’s the reporting from station…

“Ultra-Rare” Genetic Disorder Discovered To Be 4,500 Times More Common Among Amish

“Ultra-Rare” Genetic Disorder Discovered To Be 4,500 Times More Common Among Amish

Due to the unusual nature of the Amish population, they frequently serve as a source for medical discoveries, especially related to genetic research. These can be discoveries on the “positive” side – such as the gene mutation in one Amish community which accounts for an over 10% longer lifespan, or one linked to lower levels of heart disease. They can also be about negative health…

Amish Resident Cares For Lost One-Eyed Pony – As Deputies Seek Owner (Kentucky)

Amish Resident Cares For Lost One-Eyed Pony – As Deputies Seek Owner (Kentucky)

Not your everyday story here, but one that hopefully will have a happy ending soon. This story comes to us from Christian County, Kentucky – a county with a significant presence of both Amish and Mennonites. A lost pony – which happens to have only one eye – is currently waiting in temporary digs for its owner to come forward and claim it. From Christian…