Catholic
historical works are consistent in describing
Jacob's entry into Perry County and involvement with
the early Church in Ohio:
* His persistent letter writing brought the first
Priest to the area (save for the much earlier involvment
with the Indians).
* The first Mass in the State of Ohio was celebrated
in his home (stated by some but argued by others).
* Jacob chose the Patron for the first Catholic Church
in Ohio: St. Joseph.
* Jacob donated the land (320 acres) on which St. Joseph
Church was built.
* Jacob indicates, in a letter to the Bishop, that
they are from Conewago.
Unfortunately the only mention
of other family members in these sources are
1. "brothers"
2. Peter (relationship not stated, but possibly brother)
3. wife Catherine
4. Son Henry
5. brother in law John Finck, and
6. "Finck kin".
We might expect Perry County Historical resources
to speak of him, but they do not, save for the many mentions
of his name only in the early records....and
genealogical resources are scant, save for Riley's History
of the Ditto Families 1700-2000 and A. A. Graham's 1883
History of Fairfield Counties, however from these
two we only get a glimpse.
Many of the MD and KY, and a few PA Ditto's are
well documented in Robert S. Riley's excellent work History
of the Ditto Families 1700-2000, however, the information
on the line of the family of Jacob Ditto(e), The St.
Joseph Church of Perry Co., OH Benefactor, leaves some
questions, and ought to be researched further. |
