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Peter Hilty (note spelling change from parent’s Hilti) was the son of Michael and Elisabeth Thüler (Americanized to Diller) Hilti.

Peter was born on Oct. 3, 1791, in Doubs, Alsace Loraine, France. He married Verena Luginbuhl on Nov. 12, 1817, in Chavanatte, Belfort, France, and the couple had five children: John, Barbara, Peter Jr., Christian and Catherine.

In 1827 they left France for American with their children ranging in age from 3 to 9.

After arriving in New York they left for Wayne County, Ohio, where Verena’s brother, David Lugibihl, (note spelling change) was already living in Holmes County.

While the family was heading for Wayne County, Verena became ill and died in October, 1827. This left Peter alone with his five young children. He decided to leave the children with relatives and friends. He found employment working in eastern Ohio helping to build the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Peter then married Katharine Geiger on Dec. 3, 1837, in Wayne County. Katharine was a widower and was previously married to Christian Gilliom, who died in 1836. There were no children from the marriage of Peter and Katharine.

Peter Hilty, Senior
Born: Oct. 3, 1791, Doubs, France
Died: July 29, 1869, Richland Township
Buried: Old Mennonite Cemetery

Peter’s father: Michael Hilti (1755-?)
Peter’s mother: Elisabeth Verena Thüler (1758-1817)

Peter’s first wife: Frehna Verena Luginbuhl
Born: 1792, Magny Haut Rhin France
Died October, 1827

Verena’s father: David Niclaus Luginbuhl (1732-1794)
Verena’s mother: Barbara Elizabeth Schumacher (1745-1808)
Verena’s first husband: Peter Thüler

Children of Peter and Verena Hilty

John Hilty
Born: Nov. 9, 1818, Falknerian Canton Basel, Switzerland
Died: June 2, 1894, Richland Township
Spouse: Katharine Neuenschwander
The couple had 9 children

Barbara Hilty
Born: March 12, 1820, Falkenrain Canton Basel, Switzerland
Died: Feb. 5, 1866, Richland Township
Spouse: Rev. Christian Steiner
The couple had 9 children

Spouse: John Kohli
The couple had 6 children

Peter Hilty, Jr.
Born: Sept. 8, 1821, Falkenrain Canton Basel, Switzerland
Died: April 8, 1892
Spouse: Elizabeth Neuenschwander
The couple had 11 children

Christian Hilty
Born: Feb. 2, 1823, Falkenrain Canton Basel, Switzerland
Died: Feb. 23, 1866
Spouse: Magdalena Eicher
The couple had 7 children

Catherine Hilty
Born: Oct. 10, 1824, Falkenrain Canton Basel, Switzerland
Died: Feb. 27, 1907, Newton, Kansas
Spouse: John E. Steiner “Hans”
The couple had 5 children

Peter Hilty, Sr., second marriage
Spouse: Katharine Geiger
Born: Oct. 7, 1794, Schwarzenegg, Switzerland
Died: Sept. 16, 1866, Sonnenberg, Wayne County, Ohio
The couple had no children

Katharine’s father: David Gyger (note spelling change) (1755-1829)
Katharine’s mother: Verena Steiner (1757-1826)
Katharine’s spouse: Christian Gilliom
The couple had no children