Defiance Democrat, News from August 1870

August 6, 1870

The population of Defiance will not reach 3000. Capt. GLEASON says that the best he can do for us is about 2850.
 
August 13, 1870

SALES. –
Mrs. Elizabeth LEFFLER, at her residence in Defiance township, five miles north of Defiance, will sell cows, farming utensils, and household furniture – Saturday, August 13th.
At the GROSSMAN farm, in Noble township, will be sold cows, young cattle, hogs, colts, wagons, farming utensils and household furniture, &c. – Monday, August 23.
Died – In Allen County, Ind., June 28, Mr. Jacob SAILOR, aged 28 years. He leaves a wife and family to mourn his loss. He was a member of Co. G – 14th Regiment O.V.M. While in the army, a true and brave soldier; when at home, a good husband and father.
 
August 20, 1870

COE’S RUN
The small stream putting into the Auglaize from the west through a deep cut ravine at the south side of town never had, within the recollection of the present residents, any other name than COE’S Run. Very few of these have any knowledge of whence that designation was derived.
A man by the name of COE, coming here from Southern Ohio, but of New England birth, entered eighty acres of land in 1827 known as the west half of the southwest quarter of Sec. 27, Defiance township. This tract came into the possession of F. F. STEVENS about 1852, who sold that part lying south of the railroad to P. GENTIT. The remainder, extending from the railroad to the Fort Wayne State Road, he yet owns.
 
COE immediately commenced improvement, built a small cabin and cleared a few acres, on the banks of the wet weather run which takes its rise in the low ground through which the railroad passes. But not being a man of much energy and the land a little forbidding, he in a few years traded it off for a trifle to John and Foreman EVANS and left the country for the West.

The clearing abandoned, soon grew up with thrifty trees and was harder to clear again than at the first. The cabin was used by squatters and once, or oftener, as a school house. Brice HILTON, about 1835, taught a school there. The whole improvement made by COE is comprehended in the GENTIT farm, now owned by P. SIMONIS, near the railroad about one mile from the depot. When COE was there, it was reckoned a long way in the country, now it is in the suburbs of the town.

The banks of the run at that place were from three to five feet high, but in a few hundred rods below they were cut almost to the water line of the Auglaize. At the canal crossing, the width to be culverted is almost that of a large stream and cost the State a power of money to overcome. "COE’S Run" remains, but "COE’S cabin" and "COE’S clearing," like many such efforts in western settlements, are long since obliterated and COE himself passed from recollections.

Charles L. BOALT, an attorney of the early times, whose practice extended through all the counties of Northwestern Ohio and then a resident of Norwalk, died on the 10th inst. at Sandusky City, aged 60 years. He was proactive in the projection of the Lake Shore and other railroads through Ohio. He will be particularly remembered in this section as the holder of the entire indebtedness of Paulding, Williams and perhaps other counties – bought at 50c on the dollar. He procured a passage of an act for annual interest and on the whole for a while dictated financially to several boards of commissioners. The result was, to rid themselves of this outside control, the debt was paid sooner than otherwise would have been the case, and upon the whole, proved a "public blessing," we mean the payment.

Elijah OSBORN, for many years a respected resident of Richland township in this county, died on Monday of last week, aged 75 years.

Married
August 15th, by Rev. W. V. THOMAS, Mr. Lorenz GILTZ to Mrs. Mary PINGAL July 31st by W. A. SLOUGH, Esq., Mr. Isaac R. HAMMILL to Miss Christiana McFETTERS.

THE EFFECT OF A SLIGHT BLOW –
A short time ago Mr. Michael FOX, of this city, accidently hit one of his fingers a blow with a hammer. The wound produced made the finger very sore, but not sufficient to need medical attention at first. But shortly, the effects of the blow began to seriously effect the hand and arm, and a doctor was accordingly called. The symptoms nevertheless continued to grow worse and a second doctor was consulted. The entire arm had now swollen to unnatural proportions and had become black in color. The most faithful attention was given the suffering man, but in spite of all, he died yesterday from the direct result of the accidental blow.

BAD FOR DEFIANCE –
The authorities at Defiance must have a hard opinion of their constituency. They estimate that $18,000 School House will hold all their children, thirsting for knowledge, and that a $50,000 Jail will be necessary to accommodate their criminals. –Napoleon Signal

The School house proves already too small, as was predicted when built. The Jail is contracted at $25,000. Be truthful, neighbor.

POISONED –
On yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, a child of John GABLE, Jr., aged about five months, in some way got hold of a Conductor’s check, which is colored with Paris green, and of course it went to its mouth, from the effects of which the child was so badly poisoned that it died this morning at 6 o’clock. We sympathize with the grief stricken parents in their affliction.
LEGAL NOTICE –
Thomas T. COWEN, as Administrator of the Estate of John PLATTER, deceased, Plaintiff, against Thomas S. NUTTER, Mary Magdalene NUTTER, wife of said Thomas S. NUTTER, Henry HARDY, Edward H. GLEASON, and P. S. DOE. Defendants. In the Court of Common Pleas of Defiance county, State of Ohio.
 
August 27, 1870

DIED. –
In Defiance, August 16, 1870, Mrs. Mary Jane, wife of G. C. WRIGHT, of consumption, in her 25th year.
August 20th, Daniel TRUBY, infant son of C. C. DIXON.
Capt. James BLACK died at the residence of Mrs. Benj. HILTON, in Brunersburg, on the 2nd inst. in the 80th year his age. He has for some years resided in Brunersburg in the employ of the Hiltons, and was a quiet, inoffensive and industrious man. He was a member of Capt. Chase’s company of New Regulars in the Mexican war, enlisted in this vicinity. He leaves no ..?

Defiance Democrat, Excerpts from January 1871

January 7, 1871, page 2

Recent deaths of early settlers – Peter BLAIR in Delaware township, December 28th , aged 62 years 10 months and 12 days; Parmenus KIBBLE, December 22nd in Tiffin township, aged 82 years; John CLINE in Noble township, Dec. 26th, aged 45 years.

An old man named John SHELDON, aged 82 years, residing in Tiffin township, w as thrown from his horse, near the R.R. crossing, on the Brunersburg road, and badly injured. He has since died. His horse was frightened by a passing train.

Married:
-December 25th by J.W. SLOUGH, James W. HENDERSON to Miss Sarah E. MOCK
-December 31st by the same, Jacob COLWELL to Miss Elizabeth ICE
-Thursday, Jan. 5th by Rev. G. STRONG, Mr. Charles HARLEY to Miss Emma, daughter of H.K. PEARSON, Esq.
-Dec. 31st, by Rev. D.G. STRONG, Mr. Julius TRUESDELL of Trumbell county and Mrs. Eliza FREDERICK of Defiance
-December 25th by Rev. John ORMEROD, Mr. Andrew J. MINSEL to Miss Esther VAN DUSEN
-December 29th, by R. STONE Esq., Mr. William MARTIN to Mrs. Marian A. LACOST
-December 25th by Rev. J. LOWER, Mr. Thos. F. CALLENDER to Miss Samantha A. SWITZER
-December 29th by Rev. S. S. HYDE, Mr. William E. MILLER to Miss Angeline KEENER

Divorce Notice:
James REED, whose place of residence is unknown, is notified that Catherine REED filed petition for divorce…
 
January 14, 1871, page 2

Levi MOCK has been engaged for another year as Superintendent of the Infirmary Farm

The funeral of Mrs. C. C. CAULKINS of Antwerp was attended in this place on Thursday last. The lady (Miss Christine FRENCH) was married in November 1869 to Mr. CAULKINS and left for her new home with prospects of long life, and now, her friends bring her lifeless corpse in the lapse of a year for interment with other members of the family.

The whole of School Section Sixteen in Mark township was sold last Saturday by Auditor SEWELL at prices, in case of every tract, considerably above the appraisement – producing in all over $3000 – ranging per acre from 2.90 to 8.30. All but one hundred acres of the section lies in the so-called Marsh, available only after heavy outlay for ditching. The prices realized are satisfactory to the people of that township.

William BLAIR, aged ninety-one years, died at Stryker on the 2nd inst. Mr. BLAIR was a veteran of 1812. He was the last survivor of the marines who fought under Commodore PERRY. In 1813, the Governor of Pennsylvania awarded him a silver medal for gallantry displayed at the naval battle which resulted in "PERRY’s Victory." This medal was proudly cherished by the gallant veteran and constitutes a valuable heirloom to his descendants. His remains were conveyed to Mansfield, Ohio for interment and placed beside those of his wife, who died several years ago. That his remains should be placed beside hers was the dying request of the old soldier, and exhibits a beautiful instance of the constancy of affection, reaching through life, as it did, almost to the full and rounded period of a century.
 
 
January 21, 1871

Court –
The trial of young TROXEL on a charge of manslaughter, accessory to the death of the girl BUCKMASTER, last summer, by drowning, occupied the Court two days, ending in his acquittal. Master KIRK, implicated in this same affair and also under indictment, was discharged on a nolle after failure to convict in the Troxel case.
A negro fight from Highland, however, created the interest and brought our new citizens out in full force – thirty seven of them in various shades, being in the court room at one time, as parties, witnesses and interested spectators. WEIS changed his sweetness form HIGHTOWER to WORTHINGTON, after long dallying with the former. On his marriage with the latter, some not very complimentary remarks were made which culminated in an assault upon the public highway, in which WEIS and wife gave HIGHTOWER a sound drubbing, and hence the State of Ohio obtains a verdict against WEIS and wife of guilty, which will for a time insure peace in Highland among our African fellow citizens.
 
DAVIS, a negro, up for assault with intent to kill, got off through misnomer and the absence of material witnesses.
Ten or dozen indictments were found against the Georgetown rioters – the trial of which will consume the remainder of the term.
Held for Murder –
A young girl, fifteen years of age or thereabouts, colored, died at the house of L. CARTER, the negro barber in this place, last week. The circumstances were such that an inquest was held by Coroner KISER, and after long and patient investigation, a verdict was rendered implicating CARTER and wife with her death – beating, freezing and starving. The examinations showed that the girl had been shamefully treated. In a hearing before Esq. SLOUGH, on Frieday, they were bound over under $2000 to Court to answer the charge of murder, and in default of bail, were taken to the Napoleon jail. The feeling among the blacks and whites of the vicinity was intense against CARTER, and the sentiment is decided that he should be punished.
Timber in the rough, for piles, is being shipped from this county, to Illinois and Missouri, for the use of the Wabash and other Western Roads. F. HARMENING, of Delaware township, has furnished several thousand sticks, from 30 to 45 feet in length, to be used at the Illinois River and also at Hannibal, Mo. The timber is now a great source of revenue to this section, and as it cannot be replaced, good prices should be obtained. The rapidity with which hard wood timber is being consumed for various purposes is amazing.
The DEFIANCE MANUFACTURING COMPANY shipped, on Wednesday, an invoice of Goods (spokes, hubs, and bentworks) to Sacramento, California and to New York and thence by water around Cape Horn. The excellence of the timber in this section and the quality of work turned out by this Company are attracting attention the world over where wagons and buggies are used.

January 26, 1871, page 2

The Old and the New –
The Auditor, by order of the County Commissioners, publishes several notices this week, in the matter of the new Court House. One declaring the intention to build, another for the sale or removal of the old, and a third for proposals for the construction of the new Court House.
A Mr. JOHNSON, of Fremont, has been engaged as architect, the size and cost of the building to be determined on – plans and estimates are to be on exhibition at the Auditor’s office in a few days.
The Commissioners have wisely decided, while building, to construct a house sufficiently large and substantial to correspond with the prospects and growth of the county and one that will not require renewal or repairs for years. The estimates are not to exceed $75,000, the house to be fire-proof and built of the best material. The design is to proceed promptly with the work so as to get it enclosed by the setting in of winter and to hasten its early completion.
Married –
In this city, January 25d, at the OLIVER house, by the Rev. H. M. BARON, I. X. THACKER, M.D. and Miss Flora ST. CLAIR, both of Defiance. (Toledo Commercial)
Died-
On Monday morning last, 23d, inst., Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Charles KROTZ of this vicinity, aged 42 years and 7 months.
Death –
John S. CANNON, a well known attorney of Bryan, died at that place on Wednesday morning, 18th inst., after a brief illness.

March 4, 1871

DIED in this township, on 26th ult. of consumption, James SPROULL, aged 21 years.
 
MARRIED on the 21st inst. by Rev. J. F. Reinmund, at the bride’s home, Mr. William F. DANNENBERG of Defiance and Miss Matilda L. CRAMER of this county. (Seneca)
 
March 11, 1871
- A cutting affray occurred in a saloon in this place on Wednesday, in which William DRENNING received several frightful gashes in thighs and abdomen, causing great loss of blood. Martin HEISER, an employee at the Boat Yard, who did the deed, alleges that DRENNING knocked him down and that he used the knife in self-defence. DRENNING is under the doctor’s care and HEISER in jail awaiting an examination.
-The State department publishes a notice,of date February 2, 1871, that information has been received at this Department from Mr. E. D. Bruner, the Consul of the United States, at Talenhuana, Chili, of the death on the 30th of December last, at Lota, Chili, of John BRUNER, native of Brunersburg, Ohio.
The oldest resident of Brunersburg can remember no John Bruner, ever resident or known there.
WAR OF 1812 – The act granting pensions to the surviving officers and soldiers of the war of 1812 has become a law, and received the President’s signature on the 18th of February. It includes also the widows of deceased soldiers. The act designates "officers, enlisted and drafted men, including militia and volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States, who served sixty days in the War with Great Britain of 1812," and who were honorably discharged and also who were "loyal" during the recent civil War. This bounty or rather act of justice has been withheld so long that but few are yet remaining. Many to whom this would have been of service have long since passed away, victims of ingratitude of the Government.
 
March 18, 1871 p. 2
 
MARRIED on Sunday last by Rev. B. W. Slagle, Mr. John W. GENSHEIMER of Erie, Pa to Miss Ida R., Daughter of Edwin PHELPS, Esq. of Defiance
 
March 25, 1871 p. 2

MARRIED –
On Tuesday last, by Rev. W.V. Thomas, assisted by Rev. D. G. Strong at the residence of Larkin HEACOCK, Mr. George A. BOOTH to Miss Emma HAMILTON.
March 16th, by John W. Slough, Esq., Mr. George W. WOODCOX of Indiana to Miss Martha CALLENDER of Hicksville township.
March 9th by Rev. John Bradbury, Mr. John SCHIERY to Miss Mary E. BRUNER of Brunersburg
 
DIED-
Died at his residence in Tiffin township, March 16th, 1871, after a short illness, Patrick McCAULEY, aged 68 years, 6 months and 16 days. The deceased was one of the oldest settlers in this county and an esteemed and valuable citizen.
At his residence n Defiance, March22d, George C. BACKUS, aged 46 years, a well known business man of this place.
In Noble township, Wednesday morning last, Wesley A. HALLER, aged 55 years.
At the residence of D. P. ENSIGN in Farmer township, Constant SOUTHWORTH, aged 76 years, 6 months and 10 days.

October 1, 1870

p. 2 – Married – September 27 at the residence of Mr. John MOON, in Defiance Twp,by Rev. William T. FOREMAN, to Miss Helen R. FOX.
– Finlay STRONG, for twenty years or more a respected citizen of Defiance, died
on Thursday afternoon after a lingering illness. His age was about 55 years.
(See letter of memoriam in Oct. 8th newspaper.)
- Died on Friday evening, 9th, inst. at half past nine, of diarrheoa, Horatio S., son of Conrad and Julia MILLER, in the 3rd year of his age.
- Fire – The barn of Charles SPEAKER, of Delaware twp., was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning last, with 11 hundred bushels of wheat, 30 tons of hay, reaper, mower, and other farming implements. His loss amounts to over $3000, insured, on the building and farming implements, for $900 in the Phoenix. As his stables are separate and no lights could be about the barn, Mr. Speaker can account in no manner for the fire, other than in incendiarism. The wheat was of the best White variety and a prime article. When discovered, about 1 o’clock in the morning, the flames were under such headway that nothing could be saved.
To have a man’s whole crop, after being safely housed, swept away by the ruthless incendiary, in malice, is an aggravation hard to be borne and one that calls loudly on society and the law at least for the consolation of due punishment.

October 8, 1870

p. 2 -The Defiance County Fair is now in successful progress. It was feared that the rains of Monday and the unfavorable opening of Tuesday would deter many from coming or venturing to make their entries…
In cattle, Charles SPEAKER, Wm. TRAVIS, Wm. CARTER, Levi WILDER and ALLEN make good show of Durham stock of all ages. The number of yearling and spring colts is large. John PRICE, of Farmer, exhibits the best of two yearlings, for size and excellence. F. F. STEVENS also has one most commended.

In the Stallion department, John LAWRENCE, with his Norman takes the lead, though there are quite a number of other good horses…

School enumeration – We are indebted to Mr. CRUNKILTON for the report of the enumeration of school children in the Defiance Union School District for 1870:
Females, white 504, colored 3
Males, white 513, colored 5
Total 1025
An increase of 52 on the enumeration of 1869.

p.2 Murder – A ship timber man, named John McGOWAN, went to the house of a Mrs. KELLY, near the depot, on Friday night of last week, and sought admission, which was refused. The woman shot twice through the door at him, the last shot killing him almost immediately. Mrs. Kelly, who has been somewhat of a loose character, and of weak mind, has since left the town – no arrest having been made. McGowan has been a working, diligent timberman, though at times given to drink, and was probably intoxicated at the time of this occurrence.

In Memoriam –
Mr. GREENE, In your paper last week was an announcement of the death of Mr. Finlay STRONG. As Mr. Strong has been, for many years, a prominent citizen of our place, I have thought that his death demanded something more than a passing notice. By giving a place in your columns to the following brief memoir, you will gratify a large circle of the friends and acquaintances of the deceased.

Mr. Strong was born in Onondaga, New York, on the 6th of December 1810 and consequently would have been 60 years o fage in a few months from his death. He was the eldest of a family of six children, and the first of the number to be called away. His father still lives in Syracuse in his 90th year. The subject of this notice was a graduate of Union College, then under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. NOTT. Among his classmates were the two brothers, CLARKE, who has since distinguished themselves in the literary world, and with whom for years he has maintained a friendly correspondence. Mr. Strong was a good classical scholar and a man of fine literary taste. His library, though small, contained some of the choice productions of modern authors.

By profession he was a lawyer, having studied for the bar in Syracuse. He practiced law a short time in Cleveland, but concluding to come farther west, he moved to Defiance in 1847, where he has since resided until the time of his death. Here he speedily gained the confidence of the people, and was chosen County Surveyor, and afterwards was elected Auditor, which office he held for four years. Subsequently, he consented to take charge of the Union Schools of this place, and occupied the position of Superintendent for two terms.

When the 111th Regiment Ohio Volunteers was formed, he was chosen Quarter Master, and went with that regiment to the field, but finding the service too hard for a man of his age, he resigned after a service of 8 months. For the last seven years of his life, Mr. Strong occupied the position of Mail Agent on the Eastern Division of the Toledo and Wabash Road. Shortly after leaving the Road, he was attacked by the disease that ended his life on the 29th day of September 1870.

Mr. Strong was a man of mild temperament, and gentle and unassuming in his manners. He was a Christian in faith, whose life gave evidence of the sincerity of his profession. A member of the Presbyterian church of this place, in which he held the office of a Ruling Elder. He wa an earnest and early friend of the temperance cause. A consistent man in all the walks of life. A loving husband and father, a kind neighbor, and a good citizen. Sustained in his sickness by an unfaltering trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, he passed away in the full assurance of that "crown immortal." which our Savior has promised to those who are "faithful to the end."
Amicus

October 15, 1870, p. 2

Died on Thurs., Oct. 6th, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Susan E. FERRIS, daughter of the late Burr B. and Mrs. H. C. SOUTHWORTH, aged 34 years.

Married –
Oct. 8th by Rev. A DETZER, Mr. Seth J. SPATH to Miss Catherine HANAGAN.

Oct. 5th by J. W. SLOUGH, Esq., Mr. George GREENWOOD to Miss Mary SPEERS of Milford.

Oct. 8th by the same, Mr. Richard DELAIN to Miss Maria WOOD.

October 22, 1870, p. 2

Married – at the residence of Wm. E. ENOS, on Sunday last, by Rev. D.G. STRONG, Mr. Henry GROSSMAN to Miss Jennie GIBSON, all of Defiance.

October 29, 1870, p. 2

Agricultural Society – At a meeting of the Defiance County Agricultural Society, held at the Court House in Defiance, on Saturday, the 22nd day of October, 1870, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
W. D. HILL, President John P. PARTEE, Vice-President
Managers –
Rev. N. CRARY, Milford John BRECKBILL, Highland
David MILLER, Tiffin F. E. TRAVIS, Noble
T. P. GODDARD, Adams Joseph SEWELL, Washington
Saml S. BIGLOW, Farmer Henry GIER, Delaware
A. WEIDENHAMER, Richland Lake E. MYERS, Defiance
Brice HILTON, Jacob K. MYERS, Peter GARES, J. M. AINSWORTH, and Israel PHILLIPS at large.
The Board of Managers then elected Chas. P. TITTLE for Secretary and George W. BECHEL, Treasurer. The meeting then adjourned to the 2nd Saturday of December next.
G. W. Bechel, Secretary
At a meeting held Oct. 25th, 1870, the following members were elected officers of Fire Company Liberty No. 1 for the ensuing term:
Foreman – J. F. DEATRICK
Asst. Foreman – J. L. HEATLEY
Treasurer – Adam MINSEL
Secretary – J. J. FRENCH
Steward – Emanuel HOOVER
Michael ROURKE, a well known business man of Defiance, died on Sunday morning last. His age wass about 40.