'merely' the 160-acre "Home Farm" portion where the
old Winegardner barn stands today. As executor, however, he remained in authority over the
entire estate, and acted in the place of Herbert, Sr. Although this unusual arrangement
probably left some disgruntled there is a strong suggestion that it was a part of a larger
agreement between Jake and his siblings.
This provided continuity for, and slowed the generational
scattering of the family estate, as well as allowing for its continued growth. The estate
eventually included not only numerous farms, complete with their farm buildings, but also
two water mills, several residential properties (at least one is still standing), and a
saloon. Interestingly, Jake had also funded construction of 'the Winegardner Chapel,' in
Rushville as well! This barn's cavernous interior (dimensions 50' w 90' l 40' h) suggests
abundance and the three-story brick I-house home exhibited obvious wealth. The original
brick home was a classic complete with solid black walnut paneling and six fireplaces.
Jacob married late in life to the widow Mary Rader of Amanda. Although the marriage was a
happy one, it was allegedly her son, his stepson, that broke in and stole the old
gentleman's gold horde stored in a hearth cupboard. The stolen gold coins carried a face
value of an estimated $20,000! The robbery resulted in a posse chase, two hangings, and a
fugitive escapee (young master Rader), creating significant excitement for the regional
papers.
An important local tradition that probably started during
Jake's era was the "Winegardner Reunion." The family name, in-laws, and
influence had scattered far and wide. The 'home place' was the natural location, and
provided the manpower, preparation and facility to celebrate it annually. Multitudes of
cousins, in-laws, friends and neighbors came from the Thornville area to the Amanda region
and beyond. It was the social event for the entire community and where many people and
couples met and fell in love. The initials "S W" on the old barn's cornerstone,
referring to its builder, are plainly visible but the apparent date of 1732 seems a
mystery. Perhaps it is an early 'typo,' or result of weather erosion, hinting of 1832 as
the construction date? Native Indians were still present near Rushville on Winegardner
lands! Most likely the initials belong to a Samuel Winegardner (1799-1868). Sam was a
younger brother of the senior Herbert, and thus, Jake's uncle. He was an influential
businessman of the local community, the first ever postmaster of Gratiot, then mayor of
Newark, Ohio State Senator 1846-48, and eventual president of the old Franklin Bank. Might
he have been responsible for overseeing and contracting the erection of this large
Pennsylvania-Dutch styled barn? The mortice-and-tenon barn frame is constructed largely of
virgin oak. The barn's wooden pinned hand-hewn open framing beams average 10" x
10", and when green weighed about 100 pounds per foot of length. A 50' long oak beam,
such as those used as floor sills in this barn, would have weighed two to three tons!