Catherine Crites was born on June 6, 1827, the daughter of John and Mary (Walters) Crites in rural Tuscarawas County, Ohio. John and Mary lived near Dover, Ohio. They had eleven children; Rebecca (1822), Jesse (1824), Jacob (1824), Catherine (1827), Elizabeth (1828), Cyrus (1833), John (1834), Lydia (1836),William (1839), Eli (1841), Sarah (1843). John was a farmer and son of a Revolutionary War Vet, Jacob Crites.

Catherine married Daniel Hostetler in Tuscarawas County, Ohio on October 8, 1848. Catherine and Daniel left Ohio and settled in Markle, Indiana after purchasing a November 7^th 1848 Land patent for 80 acreas located at Congressional Township 28 North, Range 11, section 20W/2 SE/4, Union Township, Wells County, Indiana. He clearing the land and creating a homestead. In the 1850 Federal Census, a twenty-five year old Daniel and a twenty-two year old Catherine Hostetler are living in Union Township, Wells County Indiana.

Daniel and Catherine’s 80 acres was adjacent to Jesse Crites and his family on one side and with Daniel Fisher and his family on the other side. Daniel Fisher was a Crites’ cousin of Jesse and Catherine. Daniel Fisher’s mother was Elizabeth Crites Fisher. In Wells County Historical Book the author recounted that these three families were early settlers in the County. They left Ohio together after purchasing their Land Grants. They helped each establishing their homesteads. It is said that they purchased one farm wagon, a plow and an Ox which they shared. Each of them had a horse and a wagon for the purpose of transportation. Various farming implements were purchased collectively and shared by the families. They assisted each other in clearing their land and creating suitable land for farming.

In the 1870 Federal Census, Daniel and Catherine, are still on their 80 acres in Union township, Wells County, Indiana. They are still living next door to Jesse and Elizabeth. They have seven children living with them who were; John W, Mary C, Sarah E., Margaret J, Emily (1859), Daniel (1864)and Amos (1868). Daniel lists his occupation as Farmer. John, their oldest son, is currently working with his father.

By the time of the 1880 Federal Census, They now had four children who remain with them. They are; Daniel, Amos, Emily, Amanda (1872).

The following picture was shared on Findagrave.com and Ancestry.com of the Daniel Hostetler family. It was believed to have been take about 1881. Thanks to Darrell for sharing this family photo with us.

In the 1910 Census, Catherine is a widow who appears to be living on her own.

One hundred and eleven years ago on January 11, 1911, Catherine Hostetler died in Markle, Indiana. She was buried in Markle Cemetery.

Rest in peace, Catherine!

Love, Jan

Catherine Crites Hostetler is my 4th Great Aunt. I currently have 6 DNA connections on Ancestry.com from Catherine’s ancestors.