While many of Jacob Hochstetler's descendants continue in the Amish and Mennonite faith of their ancestors, many more have merged into the larger American culture.

Of those that remain and maintain the faith and traditions of our forefathers, Hochstetler and Hostetler are common names in the Amish culture. Plentiful information is readily available on the Internet for those who have curiosity as there has been a boom in "Amish Tourism" over the last decade. There seems to be a bond for those of our heritage who visit Amish populated areas of the United States, which are concentrated in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Holmes County in Ohio, Northeastern Indiana around Goshen, and in and around Kalona, Iowa.

The progeny of our devout ancestors represent a wide spectrum of achievements and careers. We are builders, athletes, authors, politicians, students, preachers, business owners, farmers, healers, professionals, teachers, musicians, artists and a list of accomplished life pursuits that would fill volumes.

As measured by our life's work we are diverse indeed, but there are characteristics that seem more prevalent in our bloodline than in many others. We are "do-ers" and "accomplishers" more often than not. We like to see our endeavors through to their conclusion and we typically do not procrastinate in the pursuit of our goals. We like the role of rules in our lives, whether they are self established or not. Our "playing fields" must be defined so that we know where we are going and for what purpose.

Our bloodline has also intermingled with many other bloodlines over the years which are constantly cross referenced through marriages, neighbors, journey companions and congregations. Frequently referenced are Millers, Yoders, Stutzmans and Kneffs although their popularity is only slightly more than many other names of Swiss/German origin.

The list of Hochstetlers and derivative spellings that have hit the headlines over the years is expansive but to name a few: George Gallup, Jr. of Gallup Polls, NFL quarterback Jeff Hostetler, first baseman Dave Hostetler, speaker Bob Hostetler, author JM Hochstetler, attorney Joseph C. Hostetler (who was one of the founders of Baker Hostetler), sculpturist David Hostetler and many, many others too numerous to name here (there is even a Hochstetler Airport in Fulton County, Ohio).

And new chapters of our history are being written even as you read this page . . .