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The Whitmer Story Spelling variations include Witmer, Whidmer, Widmer or Witter and most emigrated from Switzerland to avoid religious persecution. Michael Widmer (b. 1700 in Switzerland) sailed aboard the ship Pennsylvania Merchant ship in 1772 and took his Oath of Allegiance that same year in Plymouth, MA. At least four brothers were also early inhabitants; Ulrich, Peter, and Christian. Ulrich, with his wife and several children (names unknown) and brother Peter with his family (names unknown) sailed aboard the ship Hope and arrived at Philadelphia in August 1733. I do not know when or where Christian arrived. They moved westward to what is now known as Bismarck, Lancaster County in Pennsylvania where a family graveyard is located. The Whitmer's were Anabaptists, probably Brethern, and most likely spent some time in Germany before leaving Europe. John Whitmer arrived in Newton Township, Miami County in 1840 from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Whitmer's possessed true entrepreneurial spirits. They embarked on a variety of business ventures from general stores to undertaking. They were also very involved with local government and education in Miami County.
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