A day in the life of a local Amish man

The Medina area is rich in diversity — from its residents and historic landmarks to its growing community. Among them is Dennis A. Gingrich, a 24-year-old Amish man who lives on the southwestern outskirts of Medina County, near Ashland, with his wife and their 4-month-old daughter, Sarah.

Dennis is an easygoing young man with no complaints about his busy life as a new father. One of 12 children, he grew up working on his father’s farm, where he now lives with his young family.

“Between the ages of 16 and 21, Amish young men and women can experience the English life,” Dennis explained, referring to Rumspringa. “The age may vary between churches. In our church, it’s between 18 and 21. By 21, a decision is made.” 

At that point, youth either choose to be baptized into the Amish church or leave the community. Dennis has a brother who chose the English life and now drives a semi-truck for a living.

When asked how that decision affected the family, Dennis said, “My brother and his wife are always welcome and invited to all family gatherings since our church still acknowledges them as family. Other church groups can have different views.”

Dennis’s father serves as the bishop of their church and is also a successful businessman. He makes and sells stall guards to Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply in Streetsboro. Hoping to pass the farm and land responsibilities to Dennis, his father made him an appealing offer before he turned 21. “He told me I could have my pick of any horse in his stable if I decided to stay and work the family farm,” Dennis said. “By doing so, I’d work off my portion through living, farming and caring for the property.” Over time, the farm acreage will be divided so that Dennis’s siblings can purchase portions if they choose.

This soft-spoken, smiling young man was happy to share what a typical day looks like in the life he was born into. Like most Amish, Dennis was educated through the eighth grade. The native Dutch language is spoken among Amish families, while English is used when interacting outside the community.

Dennis wears many hats, but his income comes from training horses, selling them and working as a farrier — a tradesman skilled in trimming, shoeing, and caring for horses’ hooves.

Horses are central to Amish life. Buggy horses provide transportation, while draft horses are used to pull plows and other farm equipment. They’re the muscle engines that make daily work possible and are vital to the Amish livelihood.

Dennis’s days start early. “My daily routine begins at 5 a.m. or earlier,” he said. “I start by feeding my 17 horses, sheep and other livestock, and doing barn chores.” He usually returns home around 9 a.m. for breakfast — unless he’s traveling by horse and buggy to customers’ homes to care for their horses. On those days, he starts even earlier. Amish neighbors often bring their horses to his barn for shoeing. Early mornings allow Dennis to spend his afternoons working on his 80-acre property, occasionally with help from a neighbor.

He raises his own beef and grows hay, straw and oats. He chops wood to heat their home during cold months. His wife tends a large garden that provides food for their table, along with canning for the winter. She also sews their clothing, manages the household and cares for their daughter.

Dennis returns from his day’s work in time for 6 p.m. supper with his family. After evening chores, the family winds down around 9 p.m. When asked what guides his life, Dennis replied simply: “God, my family, church, hard work and community bonds.” His faith is reflected in his mindful, simple lifestyle. On his rare free days, Dennis enjoys “being with family, picnics, playing games and fishing.”

Ohio is home to more than 80,000 Amish, and many tourists visit Amish Country each year. People are often captivated by the simple, uncluttered lifestyle — one that values connection and purpose over convenience.

Amish families work hard, often without motorized or electric equipment. Some church groups allow members to ride in vehicles if it’s for work or family needs. Dennis’s church permits this.

In a community built on faith and mutual support, the Amish manage to accomplish everything they need by helping one another and living each day by the word of their church.