South Bend Weekly, South Bend, Ind., Sat., June 17, 1905, p. 9:
"Jonathan Witwer passes away at ripe old age
Jonathan Witwer an old and respected resident of St. Joseph county, died at the home of R. W. Roderick, at River Park, at 10 p. m. Wednesday aged 83 years, 4 months, and 4 days. Mr. Witwer had been in ill health for some time and the end was not unexpected.

Mr. Witwer was of the fifth generation of the Witwer ancestry in America. He was the son of Abraham and Elizabeth Witwer and was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Feb. 10, 1822. He was united in marriage to Christine Henry [sic - Hennich], May 21, 1844, who died July 9, 1902. In 1843 Mr. Witwer left Pennsylvania for the west going across the Allegheny mountains on foot locating in Stark county, O. His parents followed him to the same county the next year. In 1861 Mr. Witwer and his family came farther west and located in St. Joseph county. He had long been a member of the Christian Church and was a close Bible student. During his last sickness he was always patient and devoted to his faith.

He is survived by three sons, five daughters, 31 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. The three sons are Simon E., John B. and Charles L. of River Park and the daughters are Mrs. Amy Fisher and Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton, of Elkhart, Mrs. Maggie Topping and Mrs. Lucy Roderick, of River Park and Mrs. Mattie Lenert, of Tyner, Ind. The remains lay in state at the home of R. W. Roderick from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The funeral was held at the Christian Church, Mishawaka, at 2 o'clock, Friday. Burial was in the city cemetery."

From the History of St. Joseph County, Indiana, p. 732, published in Chicago by Chas. C. Chapman & Co. in 1880:
"Jonathan Witwer was born Feb. 10, 1822, in Lancaster county, Penn. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth Witwer, were also natives of Pennsylvania. He spent his early days on a farm, and his educational advantages were limited to the common schools. In 1843 he moved to Summit County, Ohio, and in 1861 to this county; in 1864 he moved to Elkhart country, and in 1868 returned to this county, where he still resides, following farming. He was married May 21, 1844, to Christina Henney, daughter of David and Margaret Henney, and of their 15 children 9 are living; viz.; Anna, now Mrs. Silas Fisher; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Samuel Thornton; Simon S., Margaret, now Mrs. Henry Ross; Joseph; John B.; Lucy F.; Charles L.; and Maty. Mr. Witwer owns a fine farm of 100 acres in sec. 9, worth $5,000. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Christina Church."