(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 175 1858, Mr. Kinney handed in his resignation as Superintendent, and Finlay Strong, of this town (Defiance) was employed as Superintendent for the remainder of the school year, and to receive the same salary as Mr. Kinney, resigned. March 28, 1859, Michael W. Smith was employed to fill the place of Superintendent of said schools for the last term of the current year, to consist of twelve weeks consecutively, etc,, at the same salary of $700 per annum. September 4, 1863, Henry Newbegin was employed to take charge of the schools as Superintendent, and was in charge but a few months and then resigned, and on the 19th day of December, 1863, Mr. E. M. Meerch was appointed to take his place; but the length of time he may have served is not recorded, and we only find that an order was issued by the board April 2, 1864, for twelve weeks' services, and the next record we find an order from the board, bearing date January 2, 1865, to William II. C. Jackson, $260, for sixteen weeks' teaching High School, consequently he must have been employed in September, 1864; and again we find, June 29, 1866, an order in favor of J. C McKercher, for $210. September 4, 1860, Charles K. Smoyer was elected Superintendent. June 27, 1867, James J. McBride was elected Superintendent; salary, $650; and at a meeting of the board May 22, 1868, he was continued in office at a salary of $1,000 per annum. June 25, 1869, W. C. Barnhart was employed as Superintendent, July 29, 1870, A. S. Moore was chosen to superintend the schools. In August following, there was a German department established in connection with the Union Schools, and Miss Phoeba Detzer was employed as teacher in this department, at a salary of $350 per annum. Lem T. Clark, of Delaware, Ohio, was chosen as the next Superintendent of the Union Schools, at a salary of .$1,000 per annum, for the year commencing the first Monday of September, 1871. At a meeting of the board, held May 14, 1872, his salary was increased to $1,200 for the coming year. July 17, 1874, H. H. Wright was duly elected as Superintendent, at a salary of $1,100 per annum, and on the 25th day of June, 1875, his salary was raised to $1,200. In May, 1877, arrangements were made with him at $1,100, and continued thus till the close of his year, in June, 1879, at which time S. S. Ashbaugh, of Hillsdale, Mich., was elected in his place as Superintendent, at a salary of $1,000 per annum. The schools opened the first Monday in September, 1879, in a flourishing condition, and with the rapid increase of population in Defiance, and. with the enlargement of her business, came a great awakening in her school interests. The demands made upon the corps of teachers were now greater than ever before, and they were cheerfully met. The departments were sixteen in number; one for the High School; five for the Grammar grades, and ten for the primary grades. Although the school was now carefully graded, and the departments as even in number as possible, some of the rooms were overcrowded, and the Board of Education began investigating the subject of enlarging the capacity for seating and bettering the general accommodations. There was at this time a building of two rooms, with a seating capacity for about a hundred and twenty pupils, in each of the four wards of the city, accommodating, however, only the primary pupils. At the head of Clinton street was situated the Central building, having eight school rooms and a Superintendent's office, used also as a recitation room for the High School, Mr. Ashbaugh was early re-elected as Superintendent for the ensuing year, at a salary of $1,200. On the 26th day of February, 1880, the contract was let to Jacob Karst, of Defiance, for the sum of $10,800, for repairing and enlarging the Central building, and the work was begun as soon as the term closed in June, The schools in the Second, Third and Fourth Wards of the city opened as usual on the first Monday of September, but the Central building was not ready for occupancy until the 1st of December. It now contained twelve rooms, with a seating capacity for sixty pupils each, recitation room, Superintendent's office, public hall, holding about six hundred persons and occupying the third story, and two basements, which are warmed and seated for the general accommodation. The Board spared no reasonable expense in fitting up the new departments, The hall was seated with chairs, and furnished with large and elegant chandeliers; the stage was carpeted, and provided with a fine Hallett & Davis piano. Most of the rooms were supplied with the new and perfect furniture manufactured at Battle Creek, Mich. The building was warmed by four large furnaces, and ventilated by the Ruttan system; the whole costing about $18,000. Two new departments were now added, making eighteen in all; the janitor using the old Primary building as a residence, The High School department had now increased in numbers, so that at the holiday vacation it was necessary to secure an assistant during half the day; and at the annual commencement in June, the largest class since the organization 176 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. of the school, graduated, consisting of eight members. During the years 1881 and 1882, the school was very prosperous, the assistant being now retained for the whole day, and the Superintendent still teaching one or more classes. There had been but few changes in the corps of teachers, and at the close of the year, in June, 1882, the teachers and their respective departments were as follows: Superintendent, S, S. Ashbaugh, A. M, ; High School, Miss Cora M. McDonald; Cigh School (Assistant Teacher), Miss Nettie Hooker; A Grammar, Miss Emma Richardson; B Grammar, Miss Nora Stevens; B and C Grammar, Miss Cattie A. Deatrick; C Grammar, Miss Lottie E Ward; D Grammar, Miss Mary E. Hardy; D Grammar, Miss Mary E. Plattor; A Primary, Miss Mabel E. Carroll; B Primary, Miss Alvira Bevington; C Primary, Miss Ella C. Mooney; D Primary, Miss Ida M. Bridenbaugh; D Primary, Miss Jessie E. Dunn. Second Ward—A and B Primary, Miss Lida Henry; C and D Primary, Miss Isabelle F. Hough • ton. Third Ward—A and B Primary, Miss Kate Backus; C and D Primary, Mrs. Mary E. Ashton, Fourth Ward—A and B Primary, Miss Rebecca C. Heatley; C and D Primary, Miss Emma T. Massa. Mr. Ashbaugh declined an election for the fourth year, choosing rather to enter the profession of law, to which he had been admitted three years before. Cis resignation was reluctantly accepted by the Board of Education, and caused deep regret among the parents and pupils alike. The schools had made perceptible advancement during his connection with them, and were found in excellent condition by his successor, Mr. C. W. Butler, of Bellefontaine. The Board of Education now consisted of J. J. Greene, President; J. P. Buffington, Clerk; Adam Minsell, Treasurer; Isaac Corwin, M. B. Gorman, E. P. Hooker. The Board of Examiners was composed of S. T. Sutphen, C. E. Bronson and F. W. Knapp. From the Superintendent's report for the year we take the following interesting table of figures: FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 23, 1882 NOT SHOWN In the year 18'78, an Alumni Association was organized by the graduates of the High School, admitting Henry B. Harris and Rolla H. Gleason, who had completed the course of study before graduating exercises were instituted. The association now consists of forty-three members, whose names are as follows, given by classes: 1872—Alvira Bevington, Willis D. Colby. 1873—Mary Colby (Ingram), Rosa Crosson (deceased), Frank Ferguson, Alice Moore (deceased). 1874—Alice M. Bridenbaugh, Florence Buffington (Lamb), May Fisher, W. Curtis Holgate, Charles C. Strong (deceased). 1875-Alice Downs (Morris), Rebecca C, Heatley, Jessie J. Oliver. 1876—Della Gleason. 1877—Ida M. Bridenbaugh, Mary E. Hardy, Nellie Moore, Mary E. Plattor, William Lauster. 1878—Annie J. Ayers, M. Alice Buffington, F. Nettie Hooker, Isabelle F. Houghton, Fannie Wisler, Frank 0, Graper. 1879--Ida J. Branson, Alva C. Flickinger, Alice A. Gleason, Julia E. Krenkle, Lucy C. Shead. 1880—Berta Ayers, Emma L- Brown, Lida B. Gorroll, Gilbert Mallett. 1881—Lila E. M. Brubaker, Mattie C. Squire, Emma Try, William H. Plattor, Annie M Harris, Frances Strong, Karl A. Flickinger, J. Lincoln Tate. 1882--Bertha H. Dittmer, Irena E. Moll, Bessie Kingsbury. HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 177 PIONEER PHYSICIANS. DR. JOHN EVANS. The family of this gentleman was widely known to the old citizens of the Upper Maumee Valley. He studied his profession under the instruction of Dr. Spencer, of Kentucky, and Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, and commenced practice at Washington, Fayette County, Ohio, about the year 1814 and also conducted in separate rooms of the same building the mercantile business and an apothecary store.. On the 27th of May, 1818, he married Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio. The Evans family were among the early settlers of Kentucky. Samuel Evans (father of Dr. John), removed to Ohio from Bourbon County, Ky., when the latter was about seventeen years old. William Taylor (father of Elizabeth, who married Dr. Evans), the first settler between the Ohio River and Chillicothe, moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky when his daughter Elizabeth was about three months old, and from Kentucky to near Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio, when she was six or seven years of age. Dr. Evans and family (now consisting of his wife and two daughters) removed from Washington, Fayette CouDty, to Defiance, in February, 1823. They started in a large double sleigh, but the snow failing, they were compelled to abandon their sleigh and resort to wagons. The family reached Judge Nathan Shirley's, on the Auglaize River, one mile above Defiance, on the last day of February, Their first location was at Camp No. 3, five miles below Defiance on the north side of the Maumee in a double-log cabin, and here Samuel Cary Evans, their first son, was born April 10, 1823. During the summer, the Doctor built a frame house at Defiance, into which he removed his family in the month of November of that year. He made the first brick and the first lime that was manufactured in Defiance, a part of which was used in the construction of his own house and the proceeds of the sale of the surplus lime and brick netted an amount that paid the entire cost of his house. In the same year, Foreman Evans, his brother, also removed to Defiance. The late Judge Pierce Evans (cousin of Dr. John) removed to the head of the rapids of the Maumee and resided there during the year 1822 and in 1823, and then removed to the farm below Defiance now occupied by his son, Rinaldo Evans. When Dr. Evans reached Defiance, there were no physicians on the river nearer than Fort Wayne above, and Maumee City below, and his professional visits often extended to the first named place, to St, Marys, on the St. Marys, and to the head of the Maumee rapids. There being no good roads, no bridges over the streams and facilities for ferriage were at points remote from each other, it is difficult to convey to the mind of the medical practitioner of this day an adequate view of the formidable and often dangerous obstacles that Dr. Evans was compelled to encounter in the discharge of his professional duties. The first relief from this exhausting toil was afforded by the arrival at Defiance of Dr, Jonas Colby, in 1822. In 1824, he purchased the stock of goods of Hunt & Forsyth, of Maumee City, which were brought up on pirogues. This was the first store of considerable importance that contained goods adapted to the wants of the white settlers, although staple Indian goods (except whisky) were included in his general stock. When the family removed to Defiance, there were no regular church services, and, until the court house was erected, no suitable house for worship. The Methodists, however, held services at short intervals, sometimes in private houses, and, when the weather was favorable, in the adjacent groves. The first Presbyterian clergyman was Rev. Mr. Stowe (father of Mrs. William A. Brown, now living at Defiance). During his residence in Defiance, Dr. Evans possessed more fully the confidence of the Indians than the majority of those who had had dealings with them, He acquired this confidence by professional ministrations, by fairness in trade and refusing their applications for intoxicating drinks, When the Indian men and women would visit town and the former obtain liquor from mercenary traders and become drunken and crazed, and their brutal nature aroused, the latter would gather up the tomahawks and knives of their lords and deposit them about the premises of their friend, Dr. Evans. On one occasion the chief, Oc-co-nox-ee, of Oc-co-nox-ee town, on the Auglaize (now Charloe, Paulding County), brought one of his daughters to the Doctor to be treated for some malady which had baffled the skill of the Indian " medicine man." She was received into the Doctor's household and in due time restored to health. As an equivalent for this service the chief made the Doctor a present of an Indian pony. In 1838, with a view of affording his children opportunities for obtaining better educational facilities, he temporarily removed to Troy, Ohio, and continued there until the fall of 1840, when he removed to Fort Wayne and engaged actively in commercial pursuits in partnership with his son-in-law, John E. Hill. During his residence in Troy, he had continued business in Defiance, and now from the two stores they supplied the contractors, who were constructing the Paulding County Reservoir, with goods to prosecute their work. In 1840, he removed the Defiance stock to Fort Wayne and concentrated his business at that point, In the summer of 1842, business called Dr. Evans to Defiance, and while here he was seized with an illness that would have induced an 178 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. ordinary person to remain and receive medical treatment, but his indomitable will had determined him to make an effort to reach his family at Fort Wayne. Leaving Defiance on horseback, he had traveled only about a mile and reached the house of Thomas • Warren, when the intensity of his sufferings arrested his progress, and he remained at the house of Warren two or three days. Meanwhile, believing himself, doubtless, that his case was critical, he dispatched a messenger to Fort Wayne to notify his family of his condition. On the message being communicated to his family,. his son, Samuel Carey Evans, immediately started to meet his father, and, reaching the bedside, discovered the alarming symptoms of the case, and at once dispatched a second messenger to Fort Wayne to summon Dr. S. G. Thompson, and also to notify his mother and other members of his family of his father's condition. The intelligence being communicated, Dr. Thompson and Miss Merica Evans, second daughter of the Doctor, at once set out on horseback, and notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads reached Mrs. Hilton's, mother of Brice Hilton (to whose house, in order to secure more comfortable quarters, Dr. Evans had been removed), within eight hours after leaving Fort Wayne, Dr. Evans, by this time becoming fully conscious that he could only survive a few hours, dictated the following as his last will and testament (Dr. Thompson acting as amanuensis) and which embodied a distribution of his estate adjusted upon such nice principles of justice and affection that no word of complaint or discord was ever uttered by the parties affected by it: I, John Evans, being weak in body, but sound in mind and memory, knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills. First—I commit my soul to God who gave it, and my body to the earth, to be buried at Fort Wayne, in such manner as my family may direct- And I hereby appoint my daughter Merica and my sons Carey and Rush, together with Allen Hamilton, Hugh McCulloch and Pierce Evans, as my executors; and it is my desire that the three last-named executors shall permit my sons Carey and Rush to continue the mercantile business until all my just debts are paid; after which it is my desire that my beloved wife shall have one-third of all my personal and real estate during her life, and desire that my daughter, Eliza Hill, shall receive nothing more until my other children have received one thousand dollars each. After which, I wish the balance of my property equally distributed among my children. And I further desire that my children shall provide for Alcy Cumberland [a faithful colored servant of the family] so long as she may live; and it is my special request that my friends, the three last-named executors, will not make any public sale of property, but permit my sorts to sell at private sale to the best advantage. Signed, sealed and delivered, this 10th day of August, A. D. 1842. S. G. THOMPSON, JOHN EVANS. A. G. EVANS Witnesses. Having performed this last earthly duty, his remaining moments were consecrated to the service of his Maker, and in endearing expressions of affection for the two members of his family who were present, and in messages to those who were unavoidably absent. On the following day, August 11, 1842, his death occurred. And thus at the age of forty-eight years the honorable career of Dr. John Evans was brought to a close in the very prime of his manhood. No death that occurred in the valley during that year produced a more general or profound regret. The physician whose skill had prolonged the lives of multitudes was unable to heal himself. An obituary of the Fort Wayne Times, of September 17th, 1842, appears below: " On the evening of the 11th ult., near Defiance, Ohio, Dr. John Evans, of this city breathed his last, In his forty-ninth year. " The removal of this highly respectable and enterprising citizen from the sphere of his earthly labors has excited the deepest sympathy and the sincerest regrets among a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances; and has cast a deep shade over the hope and happiness of a disconsolate wife and bereaved family. Ce is now no more—all that was mortal rests within the portals of the tomb; but his memory will ever live in the hearts of all who knew him, His weight of character, his great moral worth, and exemplary deportment, to each and every relation of life, will be remembered, his virtues admired, and his memory cherished, as long as the qualities that adorn human nature shall be held in proper estimation. " At a very early period in the settlement of Northwestern Ohio, Dr. Evans located at Defiance. The extended practice and the extraordinary degree of favor which he then obtained, are sufficient evidences of his eminent merit. It may be said with truth in the beautiful language of the poet: " None knew him but to love him; None named him but to praise.' " After having passed the meridian of life in the practice of a laborious profession, he removed his family for a short period to Troy, Ohio, and thence to this city, with a view of establishing his sons in the mercantile business, and reposing during the remainder of his days, in the midst of his beloved family, and in the enjoyment of an honorably acquired competence. He went to Defiance about the commencement of the month (August) for the purpose of transacting some business. While there he felt unwell, and fearing an attack of disease, he started for home, but before proceeding far his progress was arrested by a most severe attack of bilious pneu- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 179 monia, which terminated his earthly existence on the seventh day following. During his short but painful illness he was composed and resigned, he expressed a desire to live only on account of his family. He aroused from the stupor of approaching dissolution to assure them of his entire willingness to meet his Maker. As his life had been honorable and useful, his death was peaceful and happy." Mrs. Elizabeth Evans (widow of Dr. John Evans), survived her husband upward of thirty years, remaining at her home in Fort Wayne, keeping house most of the time up to the time of her death, but died at her son-in-law's, Henry J- Rudisill, March, 1874 or 1875, at Fort Wayne, Ind. JONAS COLBY, M. D. The subject of this sketch was born in Henniker, N. H-, December 20, 1806. Cis parents were of English descent, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. The New England farmer of that day was able to give his children but few educational advantages beyond those of the ordinary district school, consequently when Dr. Colby, at the age of eighteen, entered the medical department of Dartmouth College he was obliged to support himself by teaching. But by perseverance and economy he succeeded by his own efforts in fitting himself for his profession. Not content with merely fulfilling the requirements necessary to obtain a diploma which only necessitated his attendance at two courses of lectures, he took a third course in order the better to prepare himself for the work of his life. After practicing medicine three years in his native State, he removed to Defiance, Ohio, in 1832. For many years after his location in Defiance, his life was one of unusual hardship, even for a pioneer physician. The country was new and sparsely settled, making long rides necessary, where streams had no bridges, and roads were only trails, the nearest places at which there were physicians being Fort Wayne and Maumee, and his practice extending over several counties, running north to Fayette, near the Michigan line and south to Fort Jennings. On one occasion he rode 118 miles in twenty-four hours, and at another time had no sleep for three nights and four days, except what he could catch on horseback In times of high water, he was obliged to swim his horse across the streams in cold weather or warm. But being blessed with a good constitution and an iron will, he was able to endure such hardships as most men nowadays would shrink from. In 1837, he was apointed Postmaster of Defiance, and held the office several years. In 1839, be was appointed by the United States Government to accompany as physician a tribe of Indians that were being sent from Northwestern Ohio to the country beyond the Missouri River. Starting out from Defiance, they went down the Maumee River to Maumee City, then took lake vessels from there to Cleveland, from there by canal boats down the Ohio Canal to the Ohio River, thence down the Ohio River to the Mississippi, thence up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, taking several weeks to make the trip, which can now be made in twenty-four hours. About the same time, he was appointed Associate Judge of Williams County, this being before the organization of Defiance County, and he discharged the duties of this office for five years. During the late civil war, he earnestly espoused the cause of the Union, serving as Chairman of a Military Committee, and as Examining Surgeon for Defiance County, holding a commission as Military Surgeon with the rank of Major; for a number of years after the war he was examining Surgeon for pensions. Five years after settling at Defiance, he was married to Almira Hull (first white child born in the Maumee Valley), of Maumee City Ohio, who is still living at Defiance. To them were born six children, three boys and three girls—Cornelia E., who married Charles Kahlo, of Logansport, Ind., State Senator from Cass County; George F., who died in infancy; Alice A., married J. S. Alexander, attorney at law, Indianapolis, Ind.; Mary C., married John C- Ingram, cashier of Logansport Banking Company, Logansport, Ind. Of the two boys now living in this city, Ferris W., the oldest, is engaged in the real estate business. He was married, September 14, 1870, to Miss Anna L., daughter of J. P. Ottley, of this city. They have two children, Hattie C. and Flora M. ; Willis D., unmarried, of the firm of Colby & Scott, is engaged in the wholesale and retail drug business. The boys, Ferris W, and Willis D., are graduates of the New York College of Pharmacy of New York City One who knew Dr. Colby many years says he could never be induced to turn aside from his profession for the purpose of making money. Ce had no ambition to be called a rich man by his neighbors and never desired more than a comfortable living. But the good judgment, coupled with caution, deliberation and method, which characterized him in the practice of medicine was so manifest in all his business dealings, it may be said of him that he could not help acquiring a handsome property. He made no ventures, he incurred no debts, The profits of a lucrative practice and of an economical life, were simply carefully invested, generally in real estate, and he realized slowly but surely by the enhancement of ils value. But what is better than riches or real estate, he leaves as a legacy to his family the name of having been strictly honest and honorable in all his business affairs. He took only his due. His word was 180 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. as good as his note, and the latter equivalent to the money. Although a man of few words and one with whom strangers found it difficult to become readily acquainted, he possessed a kind heart and had a word of encouragement for all who sought his advice. As a physician, he was prompt and attentive. As a surgeon, he was bold and self-possessed, and in either place he was successful to an unusual degree. He continued the active practice of his profession up to the day of his death, May 28, 1876. THE DEFIANCE COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. This association was organized in 1880, and is at present composed of the following members: L. G. Thacker, M. B. Stevens, A. Berchtold, W. T. Carris, W. S. Powell, J. J. Reynolds, R. W, Finch, J. V. Lesnet, C. C. Zeigler. This association is auxiliary to the State Medical Society; to which it sends delegates, as well as to the American Medical Association, with which it is in harmony, being governed, by the same rules and regulations. A physician, to become a member of this association, must be a graduate of some recognized medical college, which teaches the science and art of medicine in its entirety, and does not confine its instructions to the limits of any exclusive dogma or pathy. This association meets on the first Tuesday of each month, and has for its object the advancement of medical knowledge among its members by discussions, essays and free interchange of thought on subjects relating to the science of medicine. SOCIETIES. MASONIC. The institutions of Masonry are well established in Defiance, working the degrees and orders up to Knights Templar. The " disinterested friendship," " unbounded hospitality," and " good, square work" of the Defiance brethren, are " known of all men." THE BLUE LODGE. At the session of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Ohio, held at Steubenville, October, 1849, dispensation was granted to James M. Elder, Ephraim A. Greenlee, Jacob J. Greene, James Cheney, Peter Zimmerman, NI. H. Curtis, Joram Allen and David Taylor for a lodge of Masons at the town of Defiance and naming therein James M. Elder as the Master; E. A. Greenlee, Senior Warden; and J. J Greene, Junior Warden, of the new lodge. Not having any near neighbors to assist in instruction and work, a Lecturer was engaged and the whole of that winter wag devoted to learning the work-lect ures. The first work was done March 22, 1850, when John NI. Stilwell and William Semans were initiated. Since that time the records show that degrees have been conferred on more than three hundred brethren. At the session of the Grand Lodge held October, 1850, at Cincinnati, the work and proceedings of the new lodge were approved, and a charter issued, with the name Tu en-da-wie (signifying in the language of the Wyandots, the junction of two rivers), and numbered 195. The charter named (at request of the lodge) as first officers thereunder, David Taylor, W. M.; Erastus H. Leland, S. W.; and John W. Stilwill, J. W. Masters who have been elected to preside since are: Chauncy Coston, Erastus H. Leland, Jacob J. Greene, John W. McKim, Henry Handy, Lake E. Myers, Isaac Corwin, Charles NI. Thrall, Henry Newbegin, Joseph Ralston, W. G. Blymyer, Elmer White, Livingston E. Beardsley and E. Squires. The number of members, as reported to the Grand Lodge last October, was 127, and the dues then paid amounted to $57.50—not more than ten lodges out of 520 on the roll paying in a larger sum, The first funeral attended by the fraternity was that of James M. Elder, Past Master, who was buried with Masonic honors June 13, 1855. The anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, Dec. 1859, was observed by public procession, installation of officers, and the delivery of an address by Judge Dunlap, of Toledo, with a re-union of Masons and their families in the evening at the Russell House, but then recently opened. The lodge rooms are spacious, and in the various equipments, conveniences and adornments not often excelled. The present officers of the lodge are: Edward Squire, W. M, ; F. G. Brown, S.W.; George Mallett, ,J. W.; J. P. Ottley, Treas. ; W. T. Hill, Sec. ; O. F. Ensign, S. D, ; NI. S. Holston, J. D.; F. W. Dittmer, Tiler. THE CHAPTER. In the annual communication of Grand High Priest Thomas J. Larsh, to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, held at Columbus, October, 1864, he says: " On the 13th day of January last, I issued a dispensation to Companions Jacob J. Greene, Isaac Corwin, Lake E. Myers, John Paul, Henry Cardy, Henry C. Bouton, James G. Haley, William J. Jackson and Jacob Fegtley, for the establishment of a chapter at Defiance, in Defiance County, to be called En-sa-woc-sa Chapter, No. —, and appointed the first named companions to be the first High Priest, King and Scribe of said Chapter;" and in the proceedings of said grand body, page 18, the Committee HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 181 on Charters and Dispensations report that "they have examined the dispensation, records and by-laws of En-sa-woc-sa Chapter, U. D., located at Defiance, Ohio. Their records are very well kept. We recommend that the by-laws he approved and that a charter be issued to said Chapter;" which recommendation was adopted, and the number given to the new Chapter was 89. The name selected was the Pottawatomie name for the locality, and said to have the same signification as Tu-en-da-wie. The High Priests of the Chapter have been J. J. Greene, Henry Newbegin, Joseph Ralston, W. G. Blymyer and Frank G. Brown. THE COUNCIL. On the 20th day of February, 1869, Puissant Grand Master Charles Brown, issued a dispensation to Companions Jacob J. Greene, Joshua P. Ottley, Louis Degginger, Isaac Corwin, John L. Scott, Henry Newbegin, George W. Deatrick, F. W. Dittmer and Lake E. Myers, for a Council of Royal and Select Masters at Defiance, Ohio, and at the grand council held at Cleveland, in October of that year, a charter was granted to said Companions affixing the number 55. The name selected for the new Council was Oc-conox-eo, the name of the Chief of the Ottawa tribe of Indians resident in this vicinity, removed west of the Mississippi in 1832. The new Council was constituted and officers installed the succeeding December, by Deputy Grand Master Calvin Halliday, of Lima. The Thr. Ill. Grand Masters of Oc-co-nox-ee Council, No. 55, since its organization have been Jacob J. Greene, Henry Newbegin, Isaac Corwin, Joseph Ralston, Elmer White and Henry Hardy. THE COMMANDERY. At the annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, held at Cleveland in August, 18'77, a dispensation was granted to Sirs Jacob J. Greene, Joseph Ralston, Joshua P. Ottley, Henry Hardy, Elmer White, W. G. Blymyer, James J. Jarvis, George W. Bechel, Alexander Bruner, Louis Degginger, Isaac Corwin, George W. Deatrick, William A. Kehnast, F. William Dittmer, E. F. Aldrich, Edward Squire, Peter Kettonring, Lake Erie Myers, John L, Scott and John F. Deatrick, for a new Commandery, at Defiance, to be called "Defiance Commandery"—naming J. J. Greene as the first Eminent Commander, Joseph Ralston first Generalissimo, and John L. Scott, the first Captain General. At the next meeting of the Grand Commandery held at Putin-Bay, August 28, 1878, a charter was granted to Defiance Commandery No. 30. By appointment of the Grand Commander, Past Eminent Com. Walker, of Toledo, constituted the new Commandery and installed its officers, on which occasion were present officers of the General Grand Commandery with many other visiting Knights. Grand Commander Babcock also visited the Commandery in July in 1878, and inspected the work, commending all, particularly that of the Prelate. The Commandery participated in the parade and reception at the triennial meeting of the Grand Encampment held at Chicago in 1880. The number of members reported to the Grand Commandery October, 1880, was seventy-seven. The present officers of Defiance Commandery are: Joseph Ralston, E. C. ; John L. Scott, Gen. ; George W. Bechel U. G,; J. J. Greene, Prelate; L. E. Beardsley, S. W.; F. G. Brown, J, W.; Joshua P. Ottley, Treas. ; Edward Squire, Rec.; W. E. Carpenter, St. B.; G. W. Deatrick, Sw. B.; W. A. Kehnast, Warden; F. W. Dittmer, Guard. I. O. O. F. Fort Defiance Lodge, No. 134, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in J. H. Kiser, Sr.'s, saddler shop, then located in the burnt district opposite the Russell House, and was instituted September 6, 1849. Its charter members were J. B. Laughlin, A. M. Richards, S S. Sprague, J. W. Phillips and H. C. Bouton. The lodge rented this room about four or five years, and among the many members initiated in that room are found the names of L. C. Noble, Thomas Garnett, Edward H. Phelps, Edwin Phelps, R. R. Thrall, Joseph Rogers, B. F. Deemer, E. A. Greenlee, John Finn, William E. Enos, 0. Evans, John Tuttle, William Sheffield, C. W. Evans, J. D. Graper and F. D. Harris; but of all these including the charter members, two only remain as active members, viz. : Edwin Phelps and J. D. Graper. The lodge removed from this room to the room over the store in the frame building near the Maumee bridge, at the foot of Clinton street, where Krotz's brick building now stands. They remained there about six years, when they moved into Peterson's block, remaining there until about 187172, when they moved to their present location in Weisenberger's building. Their night of meeting is Friday. The records show 280 names on their books. Of these, eighty-five have taken final cards, forty-five are dead, and forty-seven were dropped for non-payment of dues, leaving besides those whose membership was severed from other causes, an active membership of ninety-five. The following are the officers for the present term: 0. A, Frick, N. G. ; George Miller, V. G. ; C. H, Lindenberger, R. S.; J. D. Kirk, P. S. ; J. P. 182 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. Buffington, Treas.; J. D. Graper, W.; William J. Warneke, C. The following is a list of the Noble Grands from its institution to the present time: September 6, 1849, J. B- Laughlin; January, 1850, A. M. Richards; July, 1850, H. C. Bouton; January, 1851, J. We Phillips; July, 1851, William F. Eldredge; January, 1852, G. K. Hendle; July, 1852, C. C. Bonton; October 2, 1852, William E. Enos; Jannary, 1853, J. W.Phillips; July, 1853, M. Houtz; January, 1854, Edwin Phelps; July, 1854, Alexander Backus; January, 1855, J. D. Graper; July, 1855, H, A. Townsend; January, 1856, William E. Enos; July, 1856, H. B. Hall; January, 1857, P. Slevin; July, 1857, D. Greenlee; January; 1858, Joseph Ralston; July, 1858, Charles B. Kline; January, 1859, C. W. Evans; July, 1859, F. W. Graper; January, 1860, P. Kettenring; July, 1860. Thomas McBride; January, 1861,, D. M. Marcellus; July, 1861, J. D. Graper; January, 1862, G. P. Rogers; July, 1862, S. R. Hudson; January, 1863, Henry Handy; July, 1863, J. F. Deatrick; January. 1864, John Ruhl; July, 1864, J. P. Buffington; January, 1865, Thomas McBride; July, 1865, J. F. Bowman; January, 1866, B. B. Woodcox; July, 1866, P. W. Dunn; January, 1867, Enos Blair; July, 1877, E. H. Gleason; January, 1868, Joseph Ralston; July, 1868, J. D. Kirk; January, 1869 F. H- Ensign; July, 1869, J. F. Deatrick; January,1870, John Roe- del; July, 1870, William D Hill; January, 1871, J. O. Heatley; July, 1871, F. Wolfrum; January, 1872, John Houtz; July, 1872, John H. Kiser; January, 1873, G. L. Myers; July, 1873, H. B. Hall; January, 1874, F. G. Blackman; July, 1874, E. W. Downs; January, 1875, G. L, Myers; July, 1875, J. I. Miller; January, 1876, B. F. Switzer; July, 1876, A. Viers; January, 1877, A. J. Brown; July, 1877, C. H. Lindenberger; January, 1878, C. Pfister; July, 1878, E. N. Lewis; January, 1879, Phillip Kells; July, 1879, William H. Miller; January, 1880, F. H. B. Columbia; July, 1880, J. I. Levy; January, 1881, O. A. Frick; July, 1881, George Miller; January, 1882, William J. Warnicke; July, 1882, A. Viers; January, 1883, John Theine; July, 1883, James Corbin. . DEFIANCE ENCAMPMENT, NO. 87, I. O. O. F. This Encampment was instituted July 16, 1862. Its charter members were Joseph Ralston, F. W. Graper, C. B. Hall; J. D. Graper, J. W. Phillips and M. Houtz. Its membership is small, being only twenty-two, and almost all its older members have passed the chair and are entitled to P. C- P. honors. Its night of meeting is the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Its present officers are J. A, Ketchell, C. P. ; George Rock, S. W. ; C. Ptister, J. W.; F. A. B. Lane, H. P.; J. D, Graper, G.; P. Switzer, Treas.; C. H. Lindenberger, Scribe. KNIGHTS OF HONOR. On the evening of January 19, 1875, the following gentlemen met in the lodge room of the Sons of Temperance in Peterson's block, for the purpose of organizing a lodge of Knights of Honor of the World, Elmer White, W. G. Blymyer, John F. Deatrick, John B. Hootman, John H, Conkle, George W Bechel, J. P. Buffington, Charles E. Slocum, Frank Kahlo, Lake E. Myers, Charles F. Switzer, A. M. Shead, L. W. Richardson, R. Brown, A. Baum, Charles B. Squire, Henry Crosby, L. E. Crandall. James F. Crandall and Henry Kuhl. A ballot was then taken to ascertain if all the gentlemen present were willing to become members and was found clear. Dr, A. E. Keys, of Mansfield, Ohio, acting as Deputy Grand Dictator, instituted Defiance Lodge, No. 71, K. of H., and installed the following officers: Past Dictator, J. F. Deatrick; Dictator, Elmer White; Vice Dictator, J. P. Buffington; Assistant Dictator, A. M, Shead; Guide, John B. Hootman; Reporter, L. E. Crandall; Finance Reporter, Lake E. Myers; Treasurer, George W. Bechel; Sentinel, L. F. Switzer. The Knights of Honor is a corporation formed to promote benevolence, morality, science and industry. The object is to unite all white men between the age of twenty-one and fifty-five ,years in one common brotherhood, for mutual protection both in life and at death-in life to assist each other to obtain employment in death, to assist the widows and orphans by establishing a fund of $2,000, payable to a brother's family, or as he may direct at his death. The lodge has gradually increased until it has a membership of forty-five members. Its present officers at this date (March 19, 1881) are as follows: Past Dictator, P. Dickman; Dictator, J. P. Partee; Vice Dictator, A. B. Woodruff; Assistant Dictator, T. J. Rose; Reporter, J. F. Crandall; Financial Reporter, A. Viers; Treasurer, R. Brown. They meet second and fourth Monday of each month in their nicely furnished rooms in what is known as the stone front Flickinger and Weisenberger Block, and on third floor over Flickinger & Blair's dry goods store. The society is in a flourishing condition and is prompt in meeting all its demands. ROYAL ARCANUM. Defiance Council, No. 67, Royal Arcanum, was instituted at Defiance, Ohio, on the 28th day of March, A. D. 1878, by P. L. Teeple, D. G. R., with forty-five charter members and the following officers: Elmer White, Regent; M. E. Orcutt, Vice Re- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 183 gent; F. G. Brown, Orator; Joseph Ralston, Past Regent; J. J. Jarvis, Secretary; George W. Deatrick, Collector; J. P. Ottley, Treasurer; Enos Blair, Chaplain; Filmore Switzer, Guide; Peter Dickman, Warden; R. C. Fisher, Sentry. Since that time there have been no deaths in this Council, but some of the members have dropped their connection with the organization. The present number is forty-one. The Council elects officers twice a year, and now has the following offrcers: F. J. Shead, Regent; E. P. Hooker, Vice Regent; F. G, Brown, Orator; J. I. Levy, Past Regent; Enos Blair, Secretary; Thomas T. Hilton, Collector; William Kehnast, Treasurer; P. Dickman, Chaplain; John H. Kiser, Guide; G. Brown, Warden; A. Viers, Sentry. The object of the order is life insurance, with sick benefits and social improvements, the insurance feature is purely mutual, and the fund is. raised by assessments by members, according to age at admission in such a manner that one assessment is always in the hands of the Treasurer as near as can be ascertained. The total number of members is 27,000. The order has the usual amount of unwritten work. AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. Fort Defiance Council American Legion of Honor was instituted March 25, 1881, by P. L. Teeple, D. G, commander, with sixty-eight charter members and served by the following officers: Commander, Elmer White; Vice Commander, H. B. Harris; Past Commander, Con. W. D. Hill; Orator, Walter Hill; Secretary, M. E. Orcutt; Collector, Charles J. Chenevert; Guide, J. P. Cameron; Chaplain, R. H. Gleason; Treasurer, W. Curtis Holgate; Warden, Frank Ferguson; Sentry, George Miller. The society has for its object mutual, social, sick and funeral benefits. To pay the benefits, assessments are levied upon the members according to age and amount of benefit they expect to receive. The plan of assessment is the same as Royal Arcanum. Meetings are held trimonthly. While the society is yet young, it is in a vigorous and healthy condition. The present officers are J. W. Childs, Commander; Walter Hilton, Vice Commander; L. E. Beardsley, Past Commander; S. F, Cheney, Orator; J. W. Stratton, Secretary; W. E. Moll, Collector; Theodore Ensign, Guide; Thomas Cilton, Treasurer; H. W. Myers, Warder; and Henry Brichbill, Sentry. C K OF A, Catholic Knights of America, St. John the Evangelist's branch, No. 142, at Defiance, Ohio. The object of this society is mutual life insurance. A corresponding charter was granted by the society's Supreme Council, on July 5, 1880. Membership thirty. The present offrcers are: Rev. J. B. Young, Spiritual Director and President; Albin Bauer, Vice President; J. M. Preisendorfer, Recording Secretary; J. P. Weismantle, Finance Secretary; Dr. A. , Bechtold, Treasurer. ST. BONIFACIUS GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. This society was organized in May, 1875. Its object is purely benevolent. Assistance and help are to be rendered during the sickness of each member. In case of death the society will attend the funeral service and give a moderate support to the widow of the departed brother. J. M. Preisendorfer is President; John Deihl; Secretary; C. Diehl, Treasurer, THE GRANGERS. Auglaize Grange, No. 371, P. of H., was organized January 14, 1874, with the following members: William Phillips and wife, A. J. Dils and wife, Joshua Dices and wife, Michael Humbert and wife, A. B. V. Sponsler and wife, M. C. Todd and wife, J. F. Garman and wife, S. W. Carpenter and wife, Henry Schoonover, Levis Sitterly, R. F. Romine, H. S. Vanvlerah, Lovina Sandoz, Amos Sandoz, Job English and wife, J. C, Morris and wife, Noah Devault, J. A. Phillips, Maria Vanvlerah, Isabel Schoonover, Sarah Schoonover, S. M. Shirley and wife, 0. P. Graham and wife, Christopher Rose, Rachel Phillips and Sarah Rose. The following is a list of the first officers: William Phillips, Worthy Master; A. J. Dils, Overseer; Henry Schoonover, Lecturer; Michael Humbert, Stewart; Joshua Dices, Chaplain; J. F. Garman, Treasurer; H. S. Vanvlerah, Secretary; S. W. Carpenter, Assistant Steward; Lewis Sitterly; Gate-keeper; Ceres, Nancy Dils; Pomona, Isabel Schoonover; Flora, Rachel Phillips; Lady Assistant Steward, Sarah Schoonover. The first member initiated after its organization was Con. John Taylor, who, although past eighty-one years of age, is still a zealous worker for the good of the order. Since then, there have been sixty-two members enrolled. Four have been lost by death, viz. : Smith Mead, Henry Wells, Daniel R. Boor and Mrs. Alice Morris, Meetings are held every fortnight at Grange Hall, Section 10, where a supply of goods such as groceries are kept for the accommodation of the members. The condition of the Grange is good, both financially and socially, and it is increasing in numbers, eleven being initiated the past year. The following is a list of the offrcers elected for 1881: David McCallister, Worthy Master; J. H. Morris, Overseer; H. K. Morris, Lecturer; John McCallister, Steward; James H. Mor- 184 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. ris, Assistant Steward; Samuel Phillips, Chaplain; J. F. Garman, Treasurer; H. S.Vanvlerah, Secretary; Gate-keeper, S. W. Morris; Mrs. B. F. English, Ceres; Mrs. E. A. Allen, Pomona; Mrs. H. K. Morris, Flora; Miss Rachel Phillips, Stewardess. BISHOP POST, No. 22, G. A. R. The organization, called the Grand Army of the Republic, was instituted in the city of Indianapolis, Ind,, November 20, 1866, to supplement solidify, and perpetuate the results of the great war of the rebellion. For fourteen years this order has been working diligently and increasing in number and power and is now composed of one National Encampment, thirty Department Encampments and over one thousand subordinate Posts throughout the United States, embracing nearly every State and Territory in the Union, and having an enrollment of over one hundred thousand good and true men, some of whom occupy positions of the highest trust and emolument in the councils of the nation and States. In this organic element by their existing laws, no political question can be presented or discussed, no man's political views or ten dencies are ever questioned, and all that is ever required of him is that he should have served the country faithfully when she called for his service and received an honorable discharge, and that he now affirms his loyalty to the flag, the constitution and the laws of the United States, and now has the respect of his fellow-men. In the same manner and with equal vigor are all questions of religious nature eschewed, only reserving the belief in and reverence for the great God who made all the worlds and all things therein and the priceless golden rule. The workings of this order are truly and purely social, humanitarian and military, the objects being set forth in the rules and regulations of the order and are as follows: 1st. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind together the soldiers, sailors and mariners who united to suppress the late rebellion and to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead. 2d. To assist such former comrades in arms as need help and protection and to extend the needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. 3d. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America based upon the paramount respect for and fidelity to the National Constitution and laws and to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty or to incite insurrection, treason or rebellion, or in any manner impair the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions, and to encourage the spread of our universal liberty and equal rights and justice to all men. The soldiers, sailors and marines of Defiance County who survived the long years of war realizing the importance and propriety of such an organization that would bring them together in social re-union and cultivate a more fraternal feeling, and through which the hallowed memory of those who had fallen by their side might be kept forever green, and that it would enable them to assist each other in time of need, and aid the helpless widows and orphans of their late comrades, proceeded to organize a Post at Defiance, and some time in the month of January, 1879, wrote to the department headquarters, then at Toledo, Ohio, and obtained the -necessary blanks for the purpose of forming a Post, and after obtaining the required names of comrades in good standing, and having forwarded the same to the Assistant Adjutant General of the Department of Ohio Grand Army of the Republic, the department commander granted a charter on the 8th day of July, and detailed Comrade Cecil A. Hall, of Forsythe Post No. 15, of Toledo, Ohio, and ordered him to proceed to Defiance and muster the applicants whose names were signed to the petition for admission to the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic, and on the 14th day of July, 1879, Comrade Cecil A. Hall, special mustering officer, accompanied by Henry S. Bunker, Assistant Adjutant General of the Department of the Ohio Grand Army of the Republic, came to Defiance, and the following comrades were mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic, to wit: William E. Carpenter, L. W. Richardson, Albert W. King, George Hooker, Frank C. Culley, George W. Killey, W. S. Hoffard, Solomon Deamer, A. B. Woodruff, William H, Ralston, John E. Richardson, Franklin Duck, George Olinger, B. B. Woodcox, Luther H. Robinson, Cenry Kuhl, B. F. Southworth, Robert Cary, Frederick Conrad, George T. Squires, William Andrews, W. S. McClary, all of whom thereby became the charter members of Bishop Post, No. 22, of Defiance Department of Ohio Grand Army of the Republic. Immediately after being mustered into the order, they proceeded to the elec. tion of officers, and the following were the officers duly elected, appointed and installed in their respective offrces for the remainder of the year of 1879: Commander of Post, William E. Carpenter; Senior Vice Commander, B. F. Southworth; Junior Vice Commander, George T. Squires; Surgeon, William Ralston, M. D. ; Chaplain, Luther H. Roberson; Quartermaster, A. W. King; Adjutant, Frank C. Culley; Officer of the Day, Henry Kuhl; Offrcer of the Guard, B. B. .Woodcox; Sergeant Major, George Hooker; Quarter-master Sergeant, L. W. Richardson. This year, the Post received several additional members, and at its close the Post had an enrolled membership of thirty-seven comrades. HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 185 At the annual election held at the close of this year, the following were elected, appointed and properly installed as the officers of this Post for the year of 1880: Commander of Post, William E. Carpenter; Senior Vice Commander, A, B, Woodruff; Junior Vice Commander, John Widmer; Senior Surgeon of Post, William C. Ralston, M, D. ; Chaplain, Luther H. Roberson; Quartermaster, A. W. King; Adjutant, George Hooker; Officer of the Day, Henry Kuhl; Officer of the Guard, Solomon Deamer; Sergeant Major, S. O. Foot; Quartermaster Sergeant, L. W. Richardson. M. B. Stevens, M. D., and John Richolt were selected this year on the staff of the Department Commander D. W. Thomas, of Akron, Ohio, the former as Aide-de-Camp and the latter as Assistant Inspector. George W. Killey, of this Post, was elected a member of the Council of Administration at the department encampment held at Cleveland, Ohio, in that year. In this year the Post lost one member by death--Comrade Thomas B, Wade, who departed from earth to join the grand army above. During the year, large accessions were made to the order, and at the close of this year (1880) the Post then numbered seventy-two members in good standing in the order, At the next annual election held in December, 1880, the following comrades were elected, appointed and properly installed as officers of this Post for the year 1881, and were installed in their respective offices by George W. Killey„ special mustering officer: Commander of Post, A. B. Woodruff; Senior Vice Commander, Franklin Duck; Junior Vice Commander, Henry Kuhl; Surgeon, M. B. Stevens, M. D.; Chaplain, Luther H. Robinson; Quartermaster, A. W. King; Adjutant, George Hooker; Officer of the Day, Solomon Deamer; Officer of the Guard, Werner Wrede; Sergeant Major, Baxter Davis; Quartermaster Sergeant, L. W. Richardson. Comrades Frank C. Culley and John Richolt were appointed this year upon the staff of John S. Kountz, Department Commander, the former as Aide-de-Camp and the latter as Assistant Inspector. Comrade William E. Carpenter of this Post was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General of the Department of Ohio, for the year of 1881. This Post was named after Capt. William Bishop, Company D, One Hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was mortally wounded in battle at Pumpkin Vine Creek, Ga., May 28, 1864, and died June 15, 1864. He proved himself a brave and efficient officer, and was much esteemed by all that knew him. He was formerly a resident of Defiance, Ohio. MEMBERS OF BISHOP POST, NO. TWENTY-TWO, G. A. R., DEFIANCE, OHIO. George T. Alpress, Company G, 1st Connecticut Artillery, e. December 22, 1863, dis. September 25, 1865. James K. Andrews, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e- February 2, 1864, dis. July 7, 1865. William Andrews, Company C, 22d Michigan Infantry, e. July 31, 1862, dis. June 26, 1865. Henry Balske, Company C, 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October 5, 1864, dis. December 5, 1865. Joseph Beall, Company E, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 22, 1862, dis. June 27, 1865. L. E. Beardsley, Company A, 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 18, 1861, die. November 18, 1863. First Lieut. J. H. Blackmore, Company E, 124th Illinois Infantry, e. April 15, 1862, dis. August 25, 1864. Frank Blesser, Company K, 134th New York Infantry, e. July 15, 1862, dis. June 10, 1865. John Boyd, Company I, 3d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. November 3, 1863, dis. August 4, 1865. John Breakbill, Company B, 169th Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 4, 1864. George Butler, Company A, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. March 31, 1864, dis. March 31, 1867. John Butler, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. December, 1861, dis. July 19, 1865. George Capper, Company C, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. September 20, 1864, dis. July 15, 1865. Sergeant William E. Carpenter, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. November 2, 1861, dis. May 23, 1866. Sergeant Thomas R. Carrot, Company G, 163d Ohio National Guard, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 10, 1864. Robert Cary, Company I, 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 8, 1862, dis. October 13, 1864. Otho Collier, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 18, 1862, dis. June 18, 1865. Frederick Conrad, Company K, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e, January 22, 1864, did. May 26, 1865. Cabin-boy James Conway, United States Reg. ship., e. February, 25, 1864, dis- May 12, 1865. William Cooper, Company F, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. December 8, 1863, dis. July 10, 1865. Sergeant James F. Crandall, Company A, 52d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 15, 1861, dis. December 25, 1863. David Creek, Company E, 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. Sep tember 12, 1861, dis. July 11, 1865. Lyman Critchfield, Company K, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 12, 1862, dis. June 9, 1865. F. C. Colley, Company F, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. May, 1861, dis. February, 1863. Sergeant Baxter Davis, Company 1, 2d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. December 12, 1862, dis. October 3, 1865. John Davis, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 30, 1862, dis. May 20, 1865. Sergeant Solomon Deamer, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 23, 1861, dis. June 25, 1865. Sergeant George W. Deatrick, Company E, 102d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 31: 1862, dis. June 30, 1865. Peter Dickman, Company A, United States Marines, e. August 13, 1862, dis. January 18, 1865. . Franklin Duck, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 20, 1862, dis. June 20, 1865. Washington Duford, Company I, 17th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 11, 1862, dis. July 1, 1863. 186 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. Sergeant Orlando Dyarman, Company E, Veteran Reserve Corps, e. April 16, 1861, dis. June 4, 1864. Corporal 0. F. Ensign, Company C, 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 7, 1863, dis. July 13, 1865. Lewis Ferris, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. February 15, 1862, dis. October 17, 1863. Sergeant John B. Fisher, Company C, 8th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. January 5, 1864, dis. July 30, 1865. John 0. Fisher, Company E, 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, e. September 30, 1864, dis. May 31, 1865. Sergeant Rollin Fisher, Company B, McLaughlin Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. November 19, 1861, dis. June 7, 1865. Second Lieut. Johnson Foot, Company F, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August, 1862, dis. June, 1865. William H. Francisco, Company F, 148th New York Volunteer Infantry, e, August 29, 1862, dis. June 17, 1865. Henry Generick, Company G, 38th Ohio Veleran Volunteer Infantry, e. September 11, 1861, dis. July 12, 1865. David Gleason, Company D, 14th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, e. April 16, 1861, dis. July 16, --. Paul E. L, Hager, Company G, Veteran Reserve Corps, e. July 28, 1862, dis. 1865. Corporal J. I. Hale, Company K, 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 19, 1861, dis. March 12, 1863. Hiram Hawk, Company F, 38th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry e February 10, 1864, dig. July 12, 1865. Michael J. Hawk, Company I, 78th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October 18, 1864, dis. June 12, 1865. Capt. B. F. W, Hawkins, Company H, 1323 Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. Seplember 24, 1864. Corporal James W, Henderson, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. September 7, 1861, dis. July 12, 1865. George Hooker, Company H, 1st Ohio Volunteer Light Arlillery, e. August 5, 1862, dis. June 14, 1865. Wilson S. Hufford, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunleer Infantry, e. August 4, 1862, dis. June 25, 1865. Lewis Jaynes, Company B, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October, 1862, dis. December 9, 1865. Conrad Kale, Company K, 3d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. December 12, 1863, dis. August 14, 1865. George W. Killey, Company F, 9th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. February 10, 1864, dis. July 18, 1865. Corporal Albert W. King, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 17, 1862, dis. May 20, 1865. Charles Klinefelter, Company A, 148th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, e February 4, 1865, dis. September 22, 1865. Samuel W. Kosier, Company B, 2d Indiana Volunteer Light Artillery, e. August 30, 1861, dis. October 12, 1865. William A. Kraft, Company B, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. February 29, 1864, dis. July 10, 1865. Henry Kuhl, Company E, 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e April 24, 1861, dis. August 28, 1861. Sergeant E. N. Lewis, 1st Indiana Battery, e. October 22, 1861, dis. February 29, 1864. John Lewis. F. A. B. Lowe, Company K, 12th Massachusetts Infantry, e. May 9, 1861, dis. March 16, 1863. Corporal Edmond R. Monett, Company E, 130th Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September, 1864. Isaac Masden, Company G, 1633 Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 10, 1864. Henry Miller, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. January 29, 1864, dis. July 12, 1865. John I. Miller, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. January 29, 1864, dis. April 20, 1864. George Mollenkopp, Company F, 9th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. December 15, 1863, dis. July 15, 1865. William Mosher, 16th Ohio Battery, e- August 10, 1861, dis. March 21, 1862. William S. McClary, Company C, 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 1, 1862, dis. June 20, 1865. Corporal David McCollister, Company G, 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e August 23, 1862, dis. July 13, 1865. John 0. McNabb, Company F, 129th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, e. July 11, 1861, dis. August 29, 1865. David Naveau, Company E, 130th Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 23, 1864. Lester Newton, Company K, 169th Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 4, 1864. George Ollinger, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 5, 1862, dis. May 26, 1865. First Lieut. William Palmer, Company B, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 16, 1861, dis. July 10, 1865. Corporal George Partee, Company B, 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 21, 1861, dis. August 4, 1865. Corporal Joseph Partee, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. November 17, 1861, dis. May 9, 1866. Corporal 0. W. Partee, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. November 9, 1861, dis. December 2, 1864. Corporal Conrad Phiester, Company F, 130th Ohio National Guards, e. May 2, 1864, dis. September 22, 1864. William Henry Ralston, Company K, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 24, 1861, dis. August 12, 1861. Capt. David Renton, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August, 1861, dis. July, 1865. George N- Rice, Company H, 82d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. November 22, 1861, dis. January 2, 1565. Sergeant John E. Richardson, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October 26, 1861, dis. January 7, 1865. Second Lieut. L. W. Richardson, Company G, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 19, 1861, dis. January 12, 1865. Sergeant John Richholt, Company K, 2d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry e. November 14, 1862, dis. May 12, 1865. Corporal Simon Ridennour, Company C, 1833 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. November 14, 1863, dis. July 17, 1865. Luther H. Roberson, Company B, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 24, 1861, dis. July 10, 1865. James Romine, Company K, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. September 12, 1864, dis. July 15, 1865. Henry Rothenberger, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. February 1, 1864, dis. July 12, 1865. John Schuerman, Company K, 9th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e May 27, 1861, dis. July 14 1864. Uriah Shasteen, Company D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. July 29, 1862, dis. June 20, 1865. Stephen M. Shirley, Company H, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e September 12, 1864, dis. August 15, 1865. Benjamin Shupp, Company I, 1st Michigan Infantry, e. September 3, 1862, dis. November 9, 1865. Sergeant Peter Sieren, Company B, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April 18, 1861, dis. July 10, 1865. Henry Smick, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunyeer Infantry, e. July 15, 1864, dis. June 1, 1865. Sergeant George M. Schmidt, 3d Independent Company, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. July 4, 1861, dis. August 28, 1862. William L. Seals, Company H, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. April, 1861, dis. June, 1865. Major Benjamin. F. Southworth, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 9, 1862, dis. June 21, 1865. George T. Squires. HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 187 Daniel Stephens, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Veteran Infantry, e. September 1, 1861, dis. July 12, 1865. Corporal M. B. Stevens, Company L, 10th New York Artillery, e. December 29, 1863, dis. June 30, 1865. James A. Stoner, Company E. 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. February 28, 1864, dis. July 11, 1865. Sergeant John W. Stoner, Company I, 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August, 1861, dis. May 25, 1865. Christopher Surrenner, Company C, 8th Ohio Volunleer Infantry, e. June 1, 1861, dis. June 27, 1865. James W. Townsley, Company D, 150lh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, e. January 30, 1865, dis. January 16, 1866. Sergeant Nathaniel Vandusen, Company E, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 11, 1862, die. June 27, 1865. Alvara Vanskiver, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. January 17, 1864, dis. August 3, 1865. Michael Vanvlerah. Thomas B. Wade. John Widmer, Company G, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. January 24, 1864, dis. July 12, 1865. Daniel W. White, Company K, 38th Ohio Volunteer infantry, e. February 17, 1864, dis. July 12, 1865. Sergeant Amos W. Whitney, Company K, 10th United Slates Infantry, e. October 8, 1865, dis. December 31, 1817. Musician George A. Williams, Company F, 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October 19, 1861, die. April 26, 1866. Corporal J. D. Williamson, Company H, 110th Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, e. April 27, 1861, die. June 16, 1865. Francis M. Wing, Company C, 87th Ohio Volunteer infantry, e. June 4, 1862, dis. October 1, 1862. James Winterstein, Company B, 35th Ohio Volunleer Infantry, e. 1861, dis. 1864. Second Lieut. Benjamin B. Woodcox, Company E, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 9, 1862, dis. March, 1865. A. B. Woodruff, Company L, 3d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, e. August 26, 1862, dis. March 6, 1863. Harvey Woods, Company A, 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. October 6, 1864, dis. October 6, 1805. John I. Wordon, Company D, 142d Indiana Infantry, e. October 12, 1864, dis. July 14, 1.865. Musician Warner Wrede, Company K, 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. August 9, 1862, dis. July 10, 1865. Sergeant Abner Yeager, Company B. 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. September 1, 1862, dis. June 20, 1865. Corporal Gabriel Yenser, Company I, let United States Engineers, e. August 21, 1861, dis. September 26, 1865. John Zook, Company G, 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, e. January 13, 1864, dis. July 10, 1865. CHURCHES OF DEFIANCE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church is situated on the corner of Third and Wayne streets, Defiance, Ohio. The first Methodist sermon was preached in Defiance in A. D. 1825, by Rev. William Simmons, of Xenia, Ohio, Soon after, a Rev. Mr. Weir also preached in the private house of Mr. Leavell, one of the town proprietors, haviug among his auditors Messrs. Leavell, Wasson, Warren, Dr. John Evans and William Craig. In 1826, Rev. Elias Pettit, the first regularly appointed Methodist minister, took charge at Defiance and in the same year organized a small society, who built a log church on the lot now occupied by the parsonage. The names of the first members cannot now be found. In 1834, the first Sunday school was organized with four officers and teachers and twenty-three scholars. In 1841, a board of trustees was organized, consisting of J. B. Seamans, Thomas Warren, Joseph Taylor, James Ward and Nathan Shirley. June 26, 1841, a new board of church trustees was created, consisting of J. B. Seamans, Thomas Warren, James Ward, Isaac Craig and Nathan Shirley, who were instruoted to erect a new church, the contract for the building of which they let to J. B. Seamans, of Defiance, at $1,050. The church record goes back to 1832, and gives the following dates and ministers on Defiance Circuit : 1832 and 1833-William Sprague. 1834-Jacob Marten and John W. Cooley. Defiance Circuit consisted of eleven preaching places as follows: Defiance, Perkins, Bowens, Richardsons, Coys, Hamiltons, Runyans, Banks, Quicks, Snooks and Shirleys; with but one log church which was in Defiance on the lot now occupied by the parsonage. 1835-Peter Sharp and Wesley Brock. 1836-McKendree Throp and Austin Coleman. 1837-Sanford C. Parker and Adam Minnis. 1838-Sanford C. Parker and Rolla H. Chub. 1839-J. S, Saxby and W. H. Collins. 1840-Ebenezer R. Hill. 1841 and 1842-John Brakefield and Silas D. Seymore. 1843-Richard Biggs and John S. Kalb. 1844-John McNabb and C. Johnson. 1845-J. M. Morrow. 1846--W. W. Winter and N. Gunn. 1847-W. S. Lunt and J. M. Wilson. 1848--Samuel Fairchild and T. L. Wait. 1849-Henry Chapman and D, W. Ocker. 1850--Benjamin Herbert and J. S. Cutler. 1851--Benjamin Herbert aud F. W. Vestican. 1852 and 1853-Thomas Parker and John Frounfelter, 1854--James S. Albright and E. G. Longsworth. 1855 and 1856--Jacob F. Burkholder. In 1857. Defiance was made a station and Rev. A. B, Poe appointed pastor, and the following ministers have since served the church : Jacob Fetgley, S. H. Alderman, S. S. Barter, D. G. Strong, T. C. Reed, A. Berry, G. Leose, A. J. Fish, S. L. Roberts. In the spring of 1871, the present brick church was commenced and completed in 1873, at a cost of nearly $25,000. The society now numbers 340 members ; the Sunday school, 400 scholars ; officers and teachers, forty. J. P. Buffington, Superintendent ; C. Bronson, Secretary. The records of the church show the following as official members : Rev. C. Weaner, Rev. B. F. Dromer, Rev. L. Tiedeman, .T. A. Orcutt, J. P. Buffington, P. Kettering, T. D. Harris, E. F. Aldrich, B. F. Southworth, L. E. Beardsley, C. E. Bronson, J. H. Whittaker, J. W. Childs, 188 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. Mr. Shultz, R. H. Gleason, H. Powell, E. R. Mallet, D. Lehman, J. B. Ulrich, A. F. Harley, Quincy Fairbanks, J. Stoner, A. Finch, Rev. R. Henderson, P. E. Samuel L. Roberts, present pastor, June, 1883. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DEFIANCE, OHIO. The first movement toward the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Defiance was made on the 10th day of August, 1837. A public meeting was called on that day for the purpose of forming an Ecclesiastical Society. Mr. N. B. Adams was called to the chair and Dr. Jonas Colby appointed Secretary. After the notice of the meeting was read, it was resolved that a committee of three persons be appointed to form a constitution for said society. The committee consisted of Dr. George W. Crawford, Benjamin Brubacher and G. C. Mudgett. Mr. Pierce Evans, John W. Moore and N. B. Adams were appointed a committee .to draw a subscription paper, and ascertain how much can be secured for the support of a Presbyterian or Congregational preacher. It was also voted that the above committee confer with Rev. William B. Stowe and ascertain on what conditions he may be had as pastor of this society. This meeting then adjourned to meet August 19, at 3 o'clock P. M. It does not seem that anything was done in the matter of organizing the church which was made a matter of record until November 9, when a meeting was held by Rev. William B. Stowe and the names of a number of persons were obtained who were willing to unite in the organization of a Presbyterian Church. On the 11th clay of December, 1837, the church was formally organized by the adoption of the Presbyterian form of government and the election of Elders. The following persons are the original members : Mr. N. B. Adams, Mr. Curtis Holgate, Mr. John Whitney, Dr. Jerome Allen, Mr. (afterward Doctor) Oramel H. Allen, Mr. Sereno Lyman, Mrs. Mary Adams, Mrs. Eliza Holgate, Mrs. Ruth Whitney, Mrs. Sarah Lewis, Mrs Phebe Allen, Mrs. Eliza Brubacher, Mrs. Abijah Thrall, Mrs. Almira F. Moore, Misses Juliette Holgate, Betsy A. Daggett and Miss Eunice Daggett, Mrs. Hannah Goodyear and Mrs. Parker. Mr. Nathaniel B. Adams and Mr. Curtis Holgate were chosen Elders, and Mr. Sereno Lyman was chosen Clerk. Religious services were first held in the court house, the first brick building built in the town, which is still standing on Lot 58, the lot adjacent to the one uow occupied by our present house of worship, and is used as a dwelling house by Henry Hardy, Esq-, at this time. This old court house was the place where all schools were kept, and in which meetiugs of all kinds were held. It has been rendered historic from the fact that in it, about the year 1839, Morrison R. Waite, the present Chief Justice of the United States, made his first speech before a court of record, and we may add in this connection that William C. Holgate, of our city, also made his first appearance in court in this case, as the opposing counsel. The church was under the pastoral care of the Rev. W. B. Stowe until the spring of 1839, and enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity during his pastorate, a number of accessions being made to the church during this time. Mr. Stowe, on account of ill health, closed his labors on the 31st of March, 1839. January 15, 1840, Curtis Holgate, August 9, 1843, Nathaniel B. Adams, the first two Elders departed this life. December 11, 1840, the church invited the Rev. E. R. Tucker to become their pastor- Mr. Tucker accepted the call and was accordingly ordained and installed pastor on the 9th day of July, 1841. Mr. Tucker proved to be a man of earnest piety, and a devoted pastor. For twenty years he fulfilled the office to which he had been called with great fidelity. When he took charge of this congregation, the nearest Presbyterian Church was many miles distant, and he often had to travel fifteen or twenty miles on foot to attend funerals and perform other pastoral duties. It was through his exertions, supported by a few members, that the meeting house was built. While here, he declined a professorship iu the University of Ohio at three times his salary as preacher. Twenty years of toil broke down his coustitution, and soon after he retired to his old home in the East, and died at Newburyport, Mass., in January, 1861. At the time of Mr Tucker's call, the church was very weak in means ; only from $60 or $70 a year being raised for the support of the pastor in the church and congregation for several years. Eliza Holgate, widow of Curtis Holgate, deceased, contributed about one-half of this amount, and boarded Mr. Tucker, then unmarried, being a young mau of some twenty-one years of age, at $1 a week. Mrs. N. B. Adams also boarded Mr. Tucker about two years, at same price per week. The congregation worshiped for some time in a room in a frame building known as the " Gray House," that had been used as a hotel, and that stood on Lot 44, the site of the residence of the late William Carter, deceased ; afterward, in a building on the corner of Clintou and Front streets. This was an upper room of a structure then occupied as a drug store by Dr. 0. II. Allen. The building is now used as an agricultural warehouse. The limited means of the church at this time was really not much greater, comparatively, than that of the town and country in those days, There was scarcely any money. in it. The chief business currency was " county orders," rated at 50 and 60 cents on the dollar ; " canal due bills," issued by contractors then building the canal, rated at same price (for the bonds of the State were no higher) ; " wolf-scalp orders," coon and deer skins. It was deemed by some strange that Mr. Tucker should so patiently and perseveringly remain and work with so small a pittance for a salary, but it was stranger still that he should 'lave conceived HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 189 the idea, in the close times and under the straitened circumstances I refer to, of securing the lot and the erection of the large and commodious edifice which the church now occupies. But Mr. Tucker started this then great enterprise for the church and succeeded in carrying it through. He had a few zealous assistants ; of these I will now name Mrs. Eliza Brubacher, Mrs. Eliza Holgate and Dr. O. H- Allen. Mrs. Eliza Holgate, whom we have already mentioned, gave most of the lot on which the building is situated. Mrs. Holgate died December 27, 1851. Two of her children, Mrs. E. G. Willey and Mrs. E. P. Hooker, are now living at Defiance, and members and regular attendants of the church. The frame of this church was very heavy timber, put up by David L- Oliver, deceased, one of the best of carpenters, who was the first husband of Mrs. Moon, now living in our city. It stood several years without being weather-boarded. To assist Mr. Tucker in carrying through his enterprise, Mrs. Eliza Brubacher, about this time, organized the first sewing society in the church, and at one of the gatherings of this society, on the completion of a quilt, being asked what they were going to do with it, the ladies replied, " We are going to cover the church with it." Some assistance was also received from abroad. Mr. Tucker was a man of solid attainments and earnest piety, and enjoyed the confidence of every one while he remained resident of Defiance. He resigned the pastorate in 1860, and shortly afterward removed to Newbury port, Mass., where he soon after died. After Mr. Tucker's death, the church was under the ministerial charge of Rev. J, P. Stockton, now of West Unity, Ohio, for one year. Mr. Stockton was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. B. W. Slagle, in August, 1862. Mr. Slagle served as stated supply until July 11, 1870, when he received a call to become the settled pastor, and, accepting the call, he was regularly installed ou the 11th of September,. 1870, which position he still holds. During the present pastorate, the church has grown steadily iu numbers and has enjoyed several precious revivals of religion, in one of which the pastor was assisted by Rev. H. H. Wells, the result of which was an aocession of about ,fifty persons to the communion of the church. The church building has undergone great modifications and improvements since its erection, the latest of which was made under the supervision of Mr. D. B. Turnbull, who constructed a recess at the rear of the church for the reception of a fine pipe organ, built by Steere & Turner, of Springfield, Mass. This addition also secured a study for the pastor, and an infant class room for the Sabbath school. The audience room was also improved by the alteration of the wiudows, the paperiug of the walls and ceiling of the church, the introduction of new seats, carpeting, and heating apparatus, etc., until they now have as neat and tasteful a house of worship as they could desire. The church and congregation are now in a flourishing condition, with a member- ship of at least 150 in good and regular standing, and a Sabbath school about equal in numbers. The officers of the church consist of the following : Rev. Bernard W. Slagle, pastor ; Elders—Messrs. E. P. Hooker, F. W. Colby, L. G. Thacker, M. D., Thomas R. Carroll ; Trustees—Messrs. D. B. Turnbull, George W- Deatrick, Dr. L. G. Thacker,- Thomas R. Carroll ; Mr. Frank G. Brown, leader of choir ; Dr. J. L. Scott, Clerk. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH. BY REV. J. B. YOUNG This sketch begins with the year 1841, at which time Defiance had a population of very nearly 300 inhabitants, when Father Rappe for the first time said mass and preached in Timothy Fitzpatrick's house. But one more Catholic family then lived in Defiance—Frank Weisenburger's. There were then liviug in Defiance also the following young men and ladies : Adam Wilhelm, Joseph Grossel, Jehu P- Downes, Michael Caldwell, Joseph and Michael Decker, Barbara Reikhard (now Mrs. Weisenburger), and two servant girls, Agnes King and Mary Myers. Father Rappe visited Defiance every year until he was chosen and consecrated Bishop of Cleveland, in the year 1847. After him, Father De Goesbriand, now Bishop of Burlington, Vt., came a few times to Defiance. From 1847 to 1849, Father Foley attended the mission from Toledo ; after Father Foley, Father Cessare, residing at Maumee, followed for about a year and a half. In 1850, Defiance was made the center of its mission district, and Father Foliere was appointed the first residing pastor in Defiance, remaining about two years. In 1845, September 19, a lot 150 feet long and about forty-six feet front was donated and deeded by Horatio G. Phillips to I- B. Purvell (recorded Vol. I, 110, Purvell to Gilmour, Vol. II, 139)- A frame church was built on it 22x30 feet. From 1841 to 1850, the number of Catholics in Defiance Village did not increase much, but some families moved into Defiance County and the neighboring counties, counting in all about fifteen families, some of whom joyfully crossed the woods twenty miles to occasionally assist holy mass and receive the holy sacraments. Their earnestness and zeal in practicing their religion, especially also in their family circles, are best known by their descendants, who to-day appreciate their religiou better by far than many a family that now come from the old country, imbued to a great extent with a spirit, to say the least, of indifference toward the church. But it must also be said that not a few of them, for want of a regular church service, have ceased to practice their religion altogether, and all their descendants can remember of it is that their parents used to be Catholics. The population of Defiance in 1859 was 890. From 1850 on, the young Catholic folks married, and some families arrived to settle on farms, Ohio then being a State where land was cheap. In 1852, the Wabash Railroad was built through Defiance. About this time, 190 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, from Minster, Auglaize County, took charge of the oongregation. They built a little frame house to the church for their residenoe, and another was erected for the Sisters of their order, who came to teach school. It is to be remarked that Defiance, almost from its beginniug, had a Catholic school, and always kept it up. In 1853, two more lots, each of the same size as the first one, were bought and deeded by Horatio G. Phillips to Amadeus Rappe, (recorded Vol. VI, 344). In the same year, the congregation bought five acres of land for cemetery ground (now known as the old cemetery), from William Lewis (recorded Vol. IV, 158). The Fathers of the Most Precious Blood remained in charge of the congregation until October, 1855. We find the following names of them in the baptismal record : Patrick Hennebery, Andreas Herbstritto Engelbert Roff and Jacob Kingsly. There were now about twenty-five families here. To them Father Westerholt, now rector of St, Peter's Church, Cleveland, succeeded. He remained until June, 1858. During his administration, the number of families fully doubled. The increase was especially rapid in the village of Defiance itself, business men starting and beginning their enterprises. It became necessary to build a new church, Father Westerholt went to see his families, who very willingly subscribed for a new brick church, 35x75 feet. The old church in which the old settlers so joyfully served their God was moved to the place it stands now, henceforth to receive the happy school children. It is said that one time when Father Westerholt was on his way to collect money for the erecting of the new church, he brought home $800 in money, many Protestants contributing. We cannot but improve the occasion to state that all along the Maumee Valley, especially in Defiance, there has always existed, and still exists, a com • mendable spirit of toleration between Protestants and Catholics. The church was soon under roof and paid for. Meanwhile the neighboring country become settled more and more by Catholics. Father Westerholt (as also his successor) visited Poplar Ridge, North Ridge, Napoleon and Antwerp, to gather the families that had located near those places, in all of which priests now reside. He attended, besides, Junction, Delaware Bend, Mud Creek—small congregations that now are attended from Antwerp and North Ridge, and which now number from twenty to thirty and forty families. Father Westerholt was succeeded by Father Hoeffel, who was rector of St. John's until January, 1868. In 1860, the population of Defiance was 1,625. For one year yet Father Hoeffel was to be pastor of St. John's and visit the above-named missions. But the Catholic population of Defiance and its next surroundings grew so strong that an assistant became necessary, and in -1859 Father Molony, now rector of St. Malachi's, Cleveland, came to divide the hard labors of Father Hoeffel. The assistant priest resided in Defiance, and from here attended the missions until one mission after the other had a church and pas toral residence built, the missions now being entirely separated from Defiance. St, John's congregation rapidly increased by a constant stream of immigration, and in 1868 it numbered about seventy-five families. In 1870, when the population of Defiance was 2,760, with very near one hundred Catholic families, Father Hoeffel finished the church. It was not merely plastered, but beautiful stucco work ornamented both sanctuary and the upper part of the walls ; there were beautiful pews, and a bell also was bought, and a pipe organ, at a cost of $1,000, which still serves at divine service, certainly better than any, melodeon could do. On March 28, 1863, several acres of land were bought for a new cemetery, deeded by Philip Smith to Amadeus Rappe (recorded Vol. XII, 90). In January, 1868, Father Hoeffel was appointed rector of St. John's, at Delphos, Ohio, and was succeeded by Father Rudolf. In August, 1869, Father Viers arrived and had charge of the congregation until October, 1878, when the present pastor, Father Young, succeeded him. In 1870, the sisters of the convent of St. Agnes, Fond du Lac, Wis., took charge of the school, and have ever since worked faithfully in the education of the little ones. Very soon a new school room was built, and from that time on the school had two divisions. The congregation now growing very rapidly, the church became too small ; there was no room any more for new-comers. By a majority of a vote taken by the congregation in January, 1873, it was decided that the congregation was to be divided in two ; there should henceforth in Defiance be a German and an English congregation. The Germans bought the entire church property, paying over to the English congregation $5,000. The English Catholics were to have the use of their mother church yet for three years, to have fully time to build their new church, both congregations therefore holding divine service in the same church, but at a time separated for each. Shortly after the separation of the two congregations, the B. & 0. R. R. was being built.. In 1873, the B, & 0. R. R. Company bought three and half acres of the Catholic cemetery for $1,500, and shortly after 1870 one factory after the other started, bringing new life and enterprise into Defiance. In 1873, a new pastoral residence was built, which cost about $4,000, and is certainly one of the best in the diocese. When the beautiful new English church was built and furnished, aud the Germans had now alone the possession of the mother church, it was as well filled by German Catholics alone as it was just a little before the separation. Indeed, so rapidly did the congregation grow larger and larger, that the church became again too small. In 1880, an addition was built to it, and when in that year the population of Defiance was 5,915, the German Catholic congregation had about 130 families. For the present, the church is large enough. A small debt which is yet on the congregation for the building of the priest's house is covered by subscrip- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 191 tion, and whatsoever may be the wants of future times, the congregation is able and willing to meet them. The progress of the temporal welfare Of the Catholics during the time may be best illustrated by the following : In 1841, two of the above-mentioned young men, Adam Wilhelm and Joseph Grossell, were one Sunday afternoon sitting on the banks of the Maumee River, counting their money. Adam Wilhelm then called $5 his own, and Joseph Grosse11 had a quarter more. Both of them are now grandfathers, the latter still working at his carpenter's trade, with a very good property, the former now owning one of the. best flouring mills in Ohio, and said to be the second richest man in Defiance. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. BY REV. M. P. KINKEAD.   Our Lady of Perpetual Help Congregation was opened in the year 1873. Up to that time, all Catholics in Defiance and the immediate vicinity worshiped in St. John's Church- That edifice being no longer sufficiently large to accommodate the rapidly increasing Catholic population, at the suggestion of the Rt- Rev. Richard Gilmour, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, the members came together to decide by vote, either to erect a larger church edifice capable of affording ample ties for all to continue worshiping together as hereto. fore, or to divide and establish an exclusively English speaking congregation. This latter proposition was the one agreed on, and accordingly the new church was commenved as soon as the necessary preparations were completed. A Building Committee of ten members was appointed, constituted as follows : Adam Wilhelm, Johu Crowe, J. B, Weisenburger, John Rowe, Michael Gorman, Joseph Haller, Gideon Blanchard, M. B. Gorman, Jacob Karst and A. A. Grant. The first step was to select a location, and soon afterward about an acre of land was purchased ou the corner of Jefferson avenue and Arabella street. The new congregation not yet having received a priest of its own,- the building committee were compelled to attend to all the details of providing plans for the church, excavating for foundation, raising funds, etc.. etc. By May, 1875, the building was sufficiently far advanced for the laying of the corner-stone, and so rapidly was the work of construction proceeded with that the new church was ready for divine service in January, 1876. Rev. P. P- Mazuret was appointed pastor of the congregation in March, 1875, and remained in charge for twenty-two months. On the fourth of January, 1877, the present pastor, Rev. M. P- Kinkead, succeeded Rev. Mazuret. The sequel is best told in the words of the Rt. Rev- Bishop Gilmour, who visited Defiance November 10, 1878, to dedicate the church edifice and administer the sacrament of confirmation- Writing to the Catholic Universe of Cleveland, he thus describes the church and his visit :   " Last Sunday, at 10 A. M., the Rt. Rev. Bishop dedicated at Defiance. the beautiful new church (English) of Our Lady of Perpetual Help ; after mass, in the same church, he confirmed seventy-five well-prepared children.   " The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is really a beautiful church, bespeaking not only much taste but great liberality on the part of the congregation- It is one hundred and thirty feet- long by sixty. wide, and high in proportion, with stained-glass windows, handsome pews, beautiful frescoed, etc. The lot is one of the finest in Defiance, with a neat parsonage and small schoolhouse. There is yet considerable debt, but with unity in the congregation, and careful management of the finances, the debt will be got through with. There is a good disposition among the people, and the pastor, Rev. Kinkead, has done exceedingly well since his appointment- The church and lot cost about $35,000, and, when paid for, will be a monument to religion that both pastor and people may be justly .proud of.   " There was an immense crowd, and the music was very good. This congregation of Our Lady was formed five years ago by dividing the St. John's congregation, thus making an English and German congregation. We would recommend as a model the terms of agreement entered into by the old congregation with the new, when they separated, and, what is better, the fidelity with which they were kept."   The congregation, when organized, had a membership of some sixty-five families, many of whom were prominently identified with Catholic interests from the early days of Defiance. There are now about one hundred and twenty families.   THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DEFIANCE, OHIO.   The Rev. James French, a missionary sent out by the Baptist Convention of the State of Ohio, to labor in the western part of the State came to Defiance in the early part of the year 1846, and held a series of meetings, by which an interest was awakened in the minds of a few, and they were induced to make arrangements to organize a Baptist Church.   The first preliminary meeting for the organization. of which there is any record, was held at the residence of James Ward, February 19, 1846, at which seven persons—James Ward, William Clark, Caroline Clark John Winfield, Jane Winfield, Sarah A. Goodson, and Mary A. Stilwell—entered into an agreement to proceed to organize a Baptist Church. Ou April 15, 1846, the above named, with a number of others completed the organization and called James Ward to be their pastor The next day, he was ordained to the work of the ministry by a council convened to recognize the church and to ordain the pastor. At a meeting of the churoh held May 16, 1846, William Clark was elected Deacon, and June 22 of the same year Amos Zellers was chosen Church Clerk. At this meeting, they resolved to unite   192 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY-   with the Maumee Baptist Association,- and instructed the clerk to prepare a letter to be presented to that body at its next session, and appointed James Wardo William Clark, John Winfield. and Amos Zellers delegates to the association. At this time they reported twenty-two members to the association. Mr, Ward remained with the church as pastor only a few months, and they were without one for about a year and a half.   In May, 1848, Rev- H. P. Stilwell commenced laboring with the church one-half his time as pastor, and continued to do so till May, 1853- During his ministry, the church became an incorporate body by a special act of the Legislature of the State of Ohio, passed March 22,1850, with the corporate name of " The First Baptist Church in the Town of Defiance " (see local laws of the State of Ohio, Vol. XLVIII, for 1848-50). It was also during his ministry they built the first house of worship : it was dedicated May 2,1852.   In the latter part of November, 1853, Rev. Amos Pratt became pastor, and remained till the next April. Soon after Mr. Pratt left the house was rented to the Board of Education for school purposes, and was used for such purposes about two years.   In March, 1855, Rev- William Branch settled as pastor and remained one year. In April of this year, Calvin B. West, by a council convened with the church, was ordained to the work of the ministry to labor as an Evangelist and soon after started to Oregon, but died on the way.   In May, 1857, Rev. J. C. Armstrong became pastor, and remained till December, 1858. During his ministry, the church enjoyed considerable prosperity and increased in numbers so that when he left it had forty-six members. For the next two years, the church had no pastor and made but little, if any, progress in growth or usefulness.   In December, 1860, Rev. J. H. Barker became pastor, and remained till. September, 1862- During his pastorate, the country was in high state of excitement caused by the Southern rebellion, and in consequence of this but little, if anything, was accomplished in church work. After Mr- Barker left, the church had no ministerial labor, but occasional visits from the associational missionary, till March 1,1866, when W. V. Thomas settled as pastor- At this time the church had but twenty- one members, and only about half of them in town. It was poor, financially, and the house of worship very much out of repair. During his first year's labor, the house was repaired and refurnished, and some progress made. In 1869, the church enjoyed a precious revival, which resulted in an addition of about thirty members. There continued a steady growth in the membership and financial strength till the 1st of May, 1873, when Mr. Thomas resigned and left.   Rev. J. H. Sedgwick settled as pastor June 1,1873, and remained only one year- In August, 1874, Rev. A. Von Putkamer became pastor and remained till August, 1876. During his pastorate, the parsonage was built, and some repairs made on the church property. After Mr. Von Putkamer left, the church was without a pastor till April, 1877, when W. V. Thomas, the present pastor, settled with the church the second time. At this time, the membership was reduced to about fifty, and a small debt upon the property. During the first year's labor, the debt was paid and some progress made. In the winter of 1879-80, the church enjoyed another revival, by which it received an addition of about thirty-five members. The next year the house of worship was repaired and enlarged, and there has been a steady growth in numbers and efficiency up the present time. The present membership is one hundred, and a large proportion of them are young people.   The records of the church are defective in many particulars, and especially in giving the membership of the church from time to time, and their financial condition and progress. From the minutes of the Maumee Baptist Association, I learn the increase in membership has been slow. Iu their first report to that body, in 1846, they reported twenty-two members, and the increase the first ten years was only one, reporting twenty-three members to the association in 1856. The largest number of members reported any year during the first ten years was twenty-nine, in 1854. The increase during the second decade of their existence was two, reporting twenty-five members to the association in 1866, and the largest number reported any year during the decade was forty- six, in 1858. The increase during their third decade was thirty-one, reporting fifty-six members to the association in 1876. The largest reported any year during the decade was sixty-five, in 1871, and the same in 1872. The increase from 1876 to 1880 was forty-five, reporting 101 members to the association in 1880.   There has been received into the church by baptism, 124 ; by experience, 36 ; by letter, 126 ; unknown (that is, the record does not state how), 7, making a total of 293. Of this number, 107 have been dismissed by letter, 30 have died, 52 have been excluded, and 7 unknown (probably they have left the place and their names dropped from the record), making a total of 196, leaving 97 members to-day, June 1,1883.   GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH   The congregation of the German Methodist Episcopal Church of Defiance was formed in A, D. 1850, services previous to this being held in the school room. Defiance at that time was part of an extensive missionary field served by Methodist preachers. In 1857, Rev. Frederick Ruff, of the Central German Conference, was stationed on the West Unity Circuit, to which belonged many appointments, Defiance being one of them. The names of the official members of the M. E. Congregation at Defiance at this time were as follows Hermann Iding and A. Schmidt, Local Preachers ; Phillip Thor-   HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 193   reiter, Class Leader ; H. Kettenring, Trustee. The number of members at that time was fifteen, viz.: H. Iding, A. Schmidt, A. Kettenring, Frederick Genrich, Margaret Schulz, Frederick Kahlo, John Hanzel and Carrie, his wife, George Young and Eliza, his wife, Daniel Wolf, Frederick Guthman, Philip Thorreiter, Mrs. Genrich and Mrs. Hoffman. The four last named are dead. The claims for the support of the minister were $200. The church, which was located on Wayne street, was built under the administration of the above named pastor in A. D. 1857, at a cost of $700, And was paid for on the day of consecration. The lot cost $300. The bell was presented afterward by the Presbyterian congregation. The parsouage was built in A. D. 1860, under the administration of Rev. J. Braun, at a cost of $300. At the present time (1883), J. Roser is pastor in charge ; has a circuit of two appointments—South Ridge and Defiance—with a membership of about 150 ; and the Sabbath school numbers about the same, including scholars and teachers, and superintended by C. Krenkel and Frederick Demland. H. Iding, Daniel and Elias Roser, Local Preachers ; Christopher Miller, Exhorter ; H. Thorreiter, Rudolph Dickmann and Frederick Demland, Class Leaders ; C. Geiger, Register ; William Hoffmann, George Young, Joseph Kahlo, Rudolph Dickmann and Frederick Demland, Trustees. The value of the church property at Defiance, according to the minutes of the yearly conference in 1880, church (frame) $2,000 ; parsonage (frame), $1,000.   GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH   The first Episcopal service held in Defiance was in November, 1851, by Rev. Dr. Walbridge, of Toledo.   Rev. David Barker, of Maumee City, visited Defiance four times during the year 1855.   Rev. Moses Hamilton held services for about six months in 1857—residing at Napoleon—visiting Defiance alternate Sundays.   Rev. Edward Winthrop, of Maumee City, held services in Defiance onoe a month for one year in 1857-58. Rev. Mr. Jukes officiated here several times.   May 1, 1855, " Grace Church " Parish was Organized. The first vestry was Jacob J- Greene, John W, McKim, William Sheffield, Henry M. Clark and Alexander Backus.   After 1858, for more than fifteen years, no services were held, and the parish " lapsed."   Services were again held. in 1876, by Rev. A. V. Gorrell, then residing at Hicksville—at first once a Month, and afterward on alternate Sundays, and with such encouragement that the present brick church, a neat, convenient and churchly building, was erected ; consecrated by Bishop Bedell, assisted by a number of clergymen, April 11, 1878.   Communicants; 70 ; average attendance of the Sunday school, 45.   Rev. George S. May is the present minister—since December, 1880.   Trustees and acting vestry: J. J. Greene, J.. J Jarvis (Wardens), Elmer White, C. J. Chenevert, Charles Seymour and W. D. Hill-   In addition to the above statement of facts connected with the growth and development of the Episcopal Church in Defiance, it may be proper to add that during the year 1881 the trustees have erected upon the church lot, immediately under the shadow of the church, a large and convenient rectory, costing $4,000. The increase in the number of communicants indicates a just appreciation of the churcth and. her services. The zeal and earnestness of those who were the founders of the work richly deserve to be commended. The future of the parish is assured.   GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.   In the fall 1845 came Rev. August Friedrich Knape, of Fort Wayne, Ind., to Independence, a small hamlet four miles below the town of Defiance, situated on the Maumee River. He, with his family, made the journey by canal-boat. He was then following a call from a small congregation near New Bavaria, in Henry County, Ohio, on the so-called South Ridge, several miles southeast of Defiance.   In the following years after Rev. Knape had settled down among his congregation, he was frequently called to Defianoe from the few German Lutherans, who then resided in town and its vicinity, to preach to them the Gospel and perform such other rites as are customary in said church, as the baptizing of infants, etc. However, at this time a regular church could not be established yet, but there was a constitution drawn up and signed by many of those Lutherans who lived at the time in Defiance and vicinity. ,   The signatures are : A. F. Knape, their minister ; Martin Viebach, Valentine Stork and wife, Catharine Stork, E. Kornbaum and wife, Elizabeth Kornbaum, John Grass and wife, Barbara Grass, Frederick Stork, John' Stork, Frank Roegner, Louis Bremer and wife, Barbara Bremer, Peter Bremer, Conrad Peter, Adam Bruman, Carl Voigt, Julius Dolke, George Heckler and wife, Catharine Hechler, Philip Stork and wife, Susanna Stork, Catharine Minzlin, Maria Kornbaum, Elizabeth Koenig, Dorethea Schlagman, Sophia Hase, Elizabeth Bauman, Maria German, Rebecca German and Anna Eizabeth Thalen.   Many of the above named are not now living. It seems that this constitution was but of short duration, for as the document bears no date, it cannot be said, with certainty, at what time it was drawn up, but may be assumed that it was about the year 1849. The original of the same is retained in the congregation. Rev. Knape at this time served the congregation no more from the South Ridge as formerly, but from the North   194 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.   Ridge in Adams Township, where he lived upon his farm situated near Ridgeville Corners- It also appears that Rev. Knape served said congregation no longer than the year 1850. It so happened that in 1850 several Lutheran families from the so-called " Altmark," in Prussia, arrived and settled at Defiance and the membership was thereby enlarged.   On the morning of the 19th day of August, 1850, at 9 o'clock A. M., the congregation convened. The members present were twenty-one in number, and there and then elected a board of trustees.   The persons elected were : Christian Hess, with sixteen, and Martin Viebach, with sixteen votes, for Trustees, and Valentine Stork, with thirteen, and Edward Kornbaum, with seventeen votes, for Elders. It is to be supposed that this was the first set of officers that was ever elected in this congregation.   The congregation from this time on grew continually in number, so that in the year 1851 the members thereof called upon the Rev. Adam Detzer, at this time living in Williams County, Ohio, to pay them a visit and deliver a sermon, to which he responded. On the 29th day of May in the same year, Rev. Detzer was, in a regular meeting, chosen by sixteen men to be henceforth their minister. This is really the time from whence may be dated the founding of a German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Defiance, Ohio.   After Rev. Detzer had accepted the call of the 29th day of May, 1851, he was, on the 3d day of August, 1851, solemnly installed (ordained) by Rev. Trautman, of Adrian, Mich.   On the morning when this important transaction should take place, the congregation had yet no place Where to assemble. The schoolhouse west of the German Catholic Church, which was frequently used by them as its place of meeting, was at this time occupied by some other denomination and could not be had. Finally the members found an old house on Water street (nicknamed Smoky road) which was uninhabited, and in a short time it was furnished with the necessary seats, made of old boards, sufficiently to accommodate the congregation.   On the 24th day of August, 1851, shortly after the regular founding of said church, the voting members elected their first church council : namely, Valentine Stork, Charles Warneke, Isaac. Frank, Martin Viebach, John Grass, Charles Kahlo, Sr., aud Christian Hess.   As the congregation from this time on kept increasing, plans were resolved upon to find a place whereon to build a church, and in 1852 it was able to purchase a lot situated on the banks of the Auglaize River for $75. The lot was purohased of Mr. J. D. Phillips, of Dayton, Ohio. In the year 1853, the members commenced already with the erection of a frame church, and the whole work went on favorably. The heavy timbers for the building were gratuitously -furnished by members of the church. The contract for building the church was taken by D. Oliver. Rev. Detzer at this time lived in Fulton County, Ohio, among a Lutheran congregation, near Archibald, Ohio, and from thence tendered his services to both this and the one there, many a time traveling the long way of twenty-one miles on foot, in mud and water. The roads in those days were anything but good, and were almost impassable, so that toward the end of June, 1853, he moved to Defiance. From this time on he was a resident of Defiance till the spring of 1873.   Early in the summer of 1854, the church was completed, which is a building forty-five feet long by thirty-one feet wide, and on the 9th day of July, 1854—a very pleasant summer day—it was solemnly dedicated to the service of . God. Prof'. Cramer, then living in Fort Wayne, conducted the services in the morning before a crowded house, and Rev. Detzer preached in the evening of the same day. The author remembers very well the services of the day, and the singing of hymns of praise and thanksgiving by the congregation, accompanied by a band of musicians. It was a day not to be forgotten in the history of a church.   The congregation, in its efforts of building this church, was aided by many American friends, and. likewise by its Catholic neighbors, among whom are noted Messrs. C. H. Bouton, W- C- Holgate, J. J. Greene, W. A. Brown, E. F. Lindenberger, Frank Weisenburger, Adam Wilhelm and many others.   The congregation at this time had many difficulties to compete with, for many of its members were, with the exception of a few, new beginners, and, it may be said, poor. Many of them had enough to do to supply themselves with their necessaries. Rev. Detzer traveled around in a circuit by Fort Wayne and made collections among his Lutheran friends. Finally this was all overcome, with the help of God, and in the year 1856 the congregation built a parsonage. Rev. Detzer took possession of his new quarters on the 8th day of September, 1856.   On the 12th day of May, 1856, the congregation convened in its new church, and on motion of Mr. August Dolke, Mr. John Buehneman was appointed chairman of the meeting. After Mr. Dolke had made known the object of said meeting, its members adopted a constitution in conformity with the laws of the State of Ohio. The principles laid down in said document have been adhered to by the congregation until this day, as a guide to regulate its affairs.   The name given to this church in the constitution is " St. John's Church " of the German Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation unaltered Augsburg Confession, of Defiance and vicinity.   The names of those that signed this document are : Adam Detzer, Secretary ; Jol n Buehneman, President ; Wolfgang Roedel, Julius Dolke, John Buehneman, Martin Wiebach and Charles Warneke, Trustees. In addition thereto, it is signed by a few other members, as   HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 195   Henry Fritsche, John Koenig, August Dolke, Joachim Mueller and Christian Hess.   In the year 1860 or 1861, the church was furnished with a nice bell, whose chime has called many a Christian to the services, and to many already dead it has tolled their last farewell.   In the fall of 1864, the Congregation was strong enough to put a pipe-organ in its church. The organ cost $636, and was built by a man in Chicago by the name of Wolfrum. It is an excellent piece of work, and when its tunes accompany the congregation singing its beautiful hymns, the hearts are drawn up on high.   In the year 1867, the congregation bought a piece of property containing four lots, situated in one the handsomest locations of the town, from Mr. H. C. Houton, for $800, which was finally paid for by the remaining members. Since the 1st day of June, 1867, these lots are the property of this congregation.   The congregation at this time may be said to have been in its greatest bloom ; when, all at once, Satan cast his seeds of discontent into its midst. In the beginning, these difficulties, existing principally between Rev. Detzer and a few members, were mutually settled ; but the old enemy was not satisfied therewith, until, by and by, the matter took such a shape that it became necessary to call upon the Revs. Sihier and Stubnatzi, of Fort Wayne, to act as arbitrators.   Revs. Sihler and Stuebnatzi accepted the invitation, and the investigation took place in February, 1870.. The meeting commenced early in the afternoon, many members being present, and continued till after midnight, without any favorable result. The consequence was) that many, being dissatisfied, separated from the old congregation and are so till this day. From this time on there existed two German Lutheran congregations in Defiauce ; the old one, incorporated with the Missouri Synod, and the new one, after there came a minister from the Iowa Synod, hold to the last named.   Now, the old congregation was greatly reduced in number, but in a short time received strength again, so that in the same year (1870) it commenced building a brick schoolhouse. The house was completed the same year, and cost $1,153, which is paid a long time ago.   Rev. Detzer tendered his services not alone to the congregation in Defiance, but also to one on the South Ridge, and a few others somewhere else, so that many times he had to be absent. The congregation of Defiance beginning to insist upon having regular services every Sunday forenoon, and he being all alone, could not very well do it. It was now resolved by both congregations to call for an assistant, and the two should preach alter nately. The synod, who was called upon to send an assistant suitable for this post, sent an excellent young man by the name of W. T. B. Lange. He arrived about the 20th of August, 1871, and accepted the position under many congratulations from the congregation.   The congregation had now two ministers, and pretty soon there were also two parties. One part preferred Rev. Detzer, the other Rev. Lange, and as Rev. Detzer, being the oldest minister, claimed the preference in administering the customary rites of said church, Rev. Lange felt himself degraded.   It became necessary that the ballot should decide which of them should have the ministry in Defiance. On the 23d day of June, 1872, at a regular meeting, the ballots were cast, and Rev. Lange was elected by seven majority. At the close of this same meeting, the discontented members gave vent to their dissatisfaction, and blamed the congregation in general, that Rev. Detzer was not treated in a, Christian-like manner, whereupon Rev. Lange revoked the transaction, and ,afterward accepted a call from a congregation at Valparaiso, Ind., who had called upon him prior to this meeting.   The congregation of Defiance had now no minister at all, Rev. Detzer being voted out, and Rev, Lange would not accept the position. This was the close of Rev. Detzer's labors in Defiance, after toiling faithfully in this congregation over twenty-one years. Rev. Detzer was asked to serve the congregation till the following September.   Immediately after this perilous meeting, on the 23d day of June, 1872, the congregation requested Rev. Stubnatzi, in Fort Wayne, to propose a minister suitable for this post. Rev. Stuebnatzi proposed Prof R. Lange, of Fort Wayne, and who was, on the 14th of July, 1872, called upon. Rev. R. Lange accepted the call, and in September, 1872, was installed by Rev. Stuebnatzi. The rejoicings were now without bounds, to have a minister whose services should be exclusively tendered to this congregation ; but it did not continue long, for on the self-same day, when installed, after services were closed, he presented a call from Cincinnati to the congregation. It was not hearkened to; however, it was a poor omen. After this, he received other calls from other places, off and on, so that finally the congregation resolved to let him off. He was the minister of this place for the short period of three months.   The congregation was again without a minister, and was compelled to search for some other man.   At a meeting on the 17th of November, 1872, the members resolved to call upon Rev. C. F. Steinbach; he, however, for reasons of his own and his congregation, did not accept the call.   On the 8th day of December, 1872, the members convened again, and this time resolved to call upon Rev. G. M, Zuckero of Proviso, Cook Co., Ill. Rev. Zucker accepted the call, and, about the middle of January, 1873, he arrived with his family in Defiance. On the second following Sabbath, he was installed by Rev. Lehner. Rev. Zucker has been its pastor, at this writing, over eight years, and God grant that he may serve them many more years.   The following summer, about the month of August, the congregation made application to the synod to send   196 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.   a suitable person to teach its school. It was supplied with a young man by the name of August Krueger. He was yet young and seemed to have had but little or no experience in teaching and of governing a school, and as he was otherwise of a reckless nature, faults were found, and in the spring of 1874 he handed in his resignation. The congregation at first seemed to object to his resignation, but after some deliberation, granted the same. Since that time it has had no teacher, and Rev. Zucker both superintends and teaches said school.   The congregation, under constant growth, now counts about 100 voting and other members, and thinks itself strong enough to erect a new brick church on one of its four lots. The necessary funds thereto will be raised by subscription among its own members. How large and in what style it shall be built is not yet decided.   The author in closing this sketch expresses his sincere desire that the growth of this congregation may continue; that the pure word of God may be preached therein in all times to come; and that finally, each and every one, as their time will arrive, may land in yonder world, where bliss is everlasting.   GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.   History of the German Evangelical Reformed St. John's congregation at Defiance, Ohio. The pioneer work in this congregation was done by Rev. J. O. Accola in the year 1861, when the services were conducted in the old court house. In 1862, a formal organization was effected when the following persons joined the newly formed congregation : Christopher Krebs, Frank Young, Jacob Mueller, Jacob Widmer, Ludwig and John Spangler, J. Geiger, John Hies- ter, Mrs. M. Mueller, Mrs. Heatley, Miss Mary Gorman, etc. In 1864, A. B, Koplin took charge of the congregation in connection with another one northwest of Defiance, who was succeeded by the Rev. H. Daniel in 1866, who from this place engaged in missionary work in Paulding County, Ohio, and succeeded in organizing a congregation in Junction.   During this period, difficulties arose which materially retarded the progress of the congregation, and in 1867 Rev. H. Daniel resigned. Then the congregation remained for years without a pastor. Quite a number of members joined other denominations ; others moved away, and the congregation consequently decreased to a small number, At this time of discouragement, the following few are among the number who were zealous and faithful : Frank Young, Abraham Baum, Rudolph Mueller, John Hiester, Ludwig and John Spangler, Daniel and John Widmer, Mrs. M- Mueller, etc., and in spite of discouragements this little flock undertook the building of a house of worship, in the year 1869, on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets. They had no settled minister at this time, but were supplied from time to time by the Rev- H. Wegert, from New Bavaria, Henry Co., Ohio. In 1871, the congregation succeeded in building a parsonage. In 1873, the congregation again called a regular pastor, Rev. J. B. Poerner, who remained about a year, and was followed by the Rev. C. Pluess, who resigned August 1, 1875, and the church and parsonage were again left empty and the flock again had no leader, a heavy debt also resting upon the church, which the few faithful ones were unable to pay.   Accordingly the congregation (with the consent of Classis) sold the parsonage, with the lot, having forty-four feet front, to William Lauster, for the sum of $1,205. Now things looked less cheerful than ever before. Once more an empty church, no parsonage and no minister, even the few faithful ones began to lose courage, and became unwilling to further lend a helping hand- The Rev. D. Zimmerman, at that time missionary agent of the Synod of the Northwest of the German Reformed Church, visited the congregation on his missionary tour now and then ; also Rev. N. Wiers, of New Bavaria, Henry Co., Ohio, both of whom did all in their power by way of admonition and persuasion to hold at least a few, Finally a suitable man was found for the field, August 1, 1876, in the person of A. K. Heineman, from the theological seminary of the mission house at Franklin, Sheboygan Co., Wis. With an audience of eight persons at public service, he began his labors in this, his first field. On the 8th day of August, 1876, Student A. K. Heineman was licensed to preach at a special meeting of Classis, and on the 23d of August of the same year he was ordained to the Gospel ministry by the Revs, C. Schaaf, A. Bolinger, N. Wiers and Elder H. Tons. Meanwhile, the young pastor was steadily at work, and many of the scattered sheep came back again, so that on the 15th day of June, 1878, a second new, well-appearing parsonage stood complete, and that, too, without debt, so that the church property is now worth about $3,000. At this writing the number of communicant members has already increased to forty, and the Sunday school has some twenty scholars Rev. Heineman has, besides this city congregation, three others in the country, viz.: In Florida, Henry Co., Ohio ; Sherwood, Defiance Co., Ohio ; and Junction, Paulding Co., Ohio. The whole charge consists of 203 communicant members and 80 Sunday school scholars. The members are mainly Swiss, Hessians, and from the region of the Rhine. Preaching is only in the German language. The charge belongs to Zion's Classis, and this to the German Reformed Synod of the Northwest of the Reformed Church in the United States- Thus far the Lord has prospered and blessed. May He further direct and sustain this little flock. Deo gloria soli sit!   ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.   The Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul congregation was organized at the close of the year 1870. There were about twenty voting members present at the organization, among whom were the following : J. C.   HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 197   Schultz, F. Schultz, J. Martin, A. Martin, A. Dolke, A, Behringer, C. Brede, H. Herdegan, F. Wolfrum, M. Schultz, etc. Its first pastor, J. Deindoerfer, who is still iu charge of the congregation, is a member of the German Lutheran Synod of Iowa and other States (Eastern District). Soon after its organization, the congregatiou purchased three lots on the corner of Clinton and Arabella streets, in front of the Union School Park, for $1,200 ; then erected a small building for the purpose of a parochial school and made preparations for a house of worship. Of this, the corner-stone was laid the summer of 1871, and the edifice, a solid brick building, 36x60 feet, with a spire in front about ninety feet high, was finished and dedicated in February, 1872, costing about $6,000. During the summer of 1873, the congregation built a parsonage near the church. The congregation has lost several of its members by death, but is steadily increasing in numbers, and has now about 140 communicants, and of their families and other members about 250 souls. Rev. J. Deindoerfer, present pastor.   DEFIANCE COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.   The society now known as the Defiance County Bible Society, auxiliary to the American Bible Society, was organized in 1831—fifty-two years ago—when Defiance was a small village, situated along the north and south banks of the Maumee River, from the foot of Clinton street east on Front street to Jefferson. There were only two houses at that time west of the canal, and uo improvements south of Second street, and the population of the town could not have exceeded 150 persons- The records of the organization of the society are so imperfect that the names of the first officers of the society are lost. The little band of earnest Christian meu and women who first formed the society, fifty-two years ago, to spread the Word of God and supply the Scriptures to the destitute pioneers of the northwestern part of the State, appears to have done its work well. As far as can be learned, there is not one living today to recount to us the scenes of the past, while the little village of Defiance has grown into a city of nearly 7,000 inhabitants, and the surrounding country, which was almost a trackless wilderness, is now filled with happy Christian homes.   Ten years after the first organization in 1841, the society was re-organized and a new constitution adopted. The name of the society was called The Bible Society of Defiance and Vicinity, which included the present counties of Williams, Paulding, Defiance, Henry and part of Putnam. From that time on to the present, the records are full and complete, and the fiftieth anniversary was held in the Presbyterian Church, March 27, 1881. The officers of the organization of 1841 were William Seamans, Esq-, President ; Owen Ensign, Payn C. Parker, William Trans and Dr- 0. H. Allen, Vice Presidents ; Rev. E. R. Tucker, Secretary ; Sereno Lyman, Treasurer ; W. C. Holgate, Auditor ; and Dr. J. Colby, W. C. Holgate and Josiah Ackley, Directors. Of the above-named officers, only two, Messrs. Holgate and Traverse, are known to be living at the present time-   August 5, 1841, a branch society from the Defiance Society was organized at the town of Charloe, Paulding Co.. Ohio, with the following officers ; Robert Shirley, Presideut ; John Taylor, Vice President ; A. J. Taylor, Secretary ; Levi Taylor, Treasurer and Depositary. Also September 3, 1841, a branch society was organized at Williams Center, Williams Co., Ohio, with the following- named gentlemen as officers : Owen Ensign, President ; Jacob Conkey, Vice President ; W. 0. Ensign, Secretary ; Payn C. Parker, Treasurer and Depositary.   Of the above-named officers of the branch societies, but oue or two are now living.   The first anniversary of the new society was held in the law office of William Seamans, November 15, 1842. Rev. Mr. Briggs, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. E. R. Tucker, of the Presbyterian Church, conducted the services, and the reports of the officers itl regard to the success and progress of the work were read and approved. From the reports we fiud that much good work had been accomplished, and many copies of God's Word had been distributed among the poor and destitute settlers of the northwest part of the State. January 26, 1843, was organized the Ladies' Branch Bible Society of Defiance, for the better prosecution of the work of the church. The following ladies were elected officers of the society:   President, Mrs. H. C. Southworth; Vice President, Mrs, E. L. H. West; Secretary, Mrs. E, Holgate; Treasurer, Mrs. A. M. Noble; Depositary, Mrs. A. Colby; Directors and Visitors, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Cheeney, Mrs. Lyman, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Brubaker.   This organization was very zealous and efficient in its work, visiting all the families in the neighborhood, and supplying all who were destitute of Bibles and Testaments. It was a labor of love, for which our pioneer mothers took a deep interest, as they do in every good work for a higher and better civilization.   For fifty years the men and women of the Defiance Bible Society, in the spirit of their Master, have given freely of their time, influence and money, as well as their earnest prayers, for the spread of His Gospel, and the conversion of men and women from sin to pure and My thoughts of God and Heaven, and a future life. They have sent consolation and joy into the homes of hundreds of families of pioneer settlers, which has doubtless controlled the destiny of many a wayward spirit, and turned it into channels of usefulness and power for good.   During the fifty years of the existence of the society, it has purchased more than $5,000 worth of Bibles and Testaments, for free distribution and sale among the people within its territory, and has sent to the American Bible Society, from sale of books and collections, more   198 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.   than $6,000. At the present time the society is in a most flourishing condition, and expects to make a thorough canvass of the county during the present year, and give a copy of the Scriptures to every family not able to purchase. The present offices are:   President, E. P. Hooker; Vice President, C. B Squires; Secretary, G. H. Palmer; Treasurer and Depositary, G. P. Buffington.   The following is a list of many of the principal officers for the last fifty years:   Presidents--William Seamans, ten years; Sereno Lyman, three years; Woolsey Welles, six years; John W. McKim, three years ; Dr. David Greenlee, two years; S. R. Hudson, two years; Horace Sessions, two years; Virgil Squires, two years; J, P. Ottley, one year; Samuel Booth, two years; E. P. Hooker, one year; J. H. Buffington, four years; Dr- M. B, Stevens, three years.   Secretaries —E. R. Tucker, eighteen years; B. F. Southworth, ten years; Virgil Squires, four years; W. F. Goodenough, three years; A. M. Shead, two years; G. H. Palmer, four years.   Treasurers—Sereno Lyman, four years; J. J. Greene, twelve years.   Depositaries-Dr. O. H. Allen, twelve years; J. P. Buffington, Depositary and Treasurer, twenty-three years.   CEMETERIES.   The first grounds ever set apart as shown of record for the burial of the dead at Defiance were the two lots marked M and P on the original plat of the town laid out by C, G. Phillips and Benjamin Lea- vell, in November, 1822. Lot " M " was dedicated by that plat to the Methodists for a church and burying ground. And lot " P " to the Presbyterians for the same purpose. There was no organized Methodist or Presbyterian Church at that time at Defiance, and there being no member of a Presbyterian Church then resident of this place to care for its interests, the general public took possession of their ground and devoted the same exclusively to burial purposes. This ground is yery handsomely located on the westerly bank of the Auglaize River, a little northerly of the Hopkins street bridge, now almost in the heart of the city.   Among the early burials in this lot, as attested by marble slabs still standing, may be found the names of Nancy, daughter of Robert Shirley, who died March 1, 1823, aged seventeen years; Thomas, son of Joshua Hilton, died 1825, aged fifteen years; Mary, wife of Thomas Warren, died April 11, 1826, aged twenty-three years (she was also daughter of Robert Shirley); Nathaniel B. Adams, died August 9, 1843, aged forty-one years twenty-two days; David Travis, died March 8, 1847, aged fifty-five years. In addition to the above may be found the graves of the father and mother and one sister of James. B. Heat- ley, Esq., of this town, now one of the oldest living pioneer settlers   As this lot was fast filling up, steps were taken to secure a general burying ground, resulting in the purchase from H. G. Phillips of ten acres for $400, deeded May 14, 1847, to the Defiance Rural Cemetery Association (incorporated by special act).   At an election of the Defiance Rural Cemetery Association, held March 8, 1847, the following electors were present: J. W. Phillips, M. P. Bell, A, L. Downs, S. B. Barnum, Eli Rider, William Semans, Jonas Colby, Thomas Warren, Jacob J. Greene, George W. B. Evans, Orlando Evans, William C. Colgate, W. A. Brown and Pierce Evans, William Semans S. B. Barnum and William C. Holgate each received 13 votes, and William P. Bell and Orlando Evans each received 14 votes for Trustees of the Defiance Rural Cemetery Association. Jonas Colby received 14 votes for Secretary and Horace Sessions received 13 for Treasurer.   November 17, 1847—Ordered that the Secretary of this Association procure a surveyor to survey the ground lately purchased of H. G. Phillips, for the use of said association, situated on the Auglaize River, at Culvert Run in Defiance Township.   Pursuant to the above orders, John Wisler, County Surveyor of the county of Defiance, was called and proceeded at once to survey the ground, laying out the lots and fractional lots, avenues, walks, etc.   May 22, 1848—Board met. Present, William Se- mans, M. P. Bell, Orlando Evans and William C. Holgate, Trustees. William Semans in the chair. On motion, William C. Holgate and Jonas Colby were appointed a committee to have general supervision of the grounds, clearing, fencing, arranging shade trees, etc.   The first notice for the sale of lots took place July 1, 1848. December 20, 1848, at a meeting held at the Secretary's office (J. Colby, Secretary), William C. Holgate, William Semans and George B. Way were appointed as a committee to draft by-laws for the government of the association.   The first burial in the new cemetery was that of Helen D., daughter of Lyman and F. M. Langdon, who died January 13, 1849, aged six years eight months and twenty days The original design of beautifying the grounds was never fully carried out until 1871, when the Association was re-organized by the election of new officers as follows: William C. Holgate, Peter Kettenring, L, A. Davison, L. E. Myers and E. P. Hooker, Trustees; William C. Holgate, President; Peter Kettenring, Treasurer; Edwin Phelps, Secretary. In 1875, Messrs, Davison and Myers retiring, their places were filled by Charles P.   HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 199   Tittle and J. J, Jarvis, and subsequently in March, 1881, the Board as above was continued and John D. Lamb was elected Secretary in place of Edwin Phelps, resigned.   The ladies of Defiance, in 1875 or 1876, organized a society known as the Ladies' Rural Cemetery Association, whose object was the raising of money to beautify and improve the grounds, and in 1878 and 1879 their fund had grown to perhaps $500, a good portion of which had been devoted to the object above specified. These grounds are located about a mile from the center of the city on the banks of the beautiful Auglaize River, and are very tastefully laid out into lots and fractional lots, with fine, spacious avenues and walks, notably among them Central avenue, which is twenty-five feet wide, extending through the center and whole length of the grounds to the banks of the Auglaize. Rural avenue is sixteen feet wide, running along the bank of a ravine, which forms the boundary line of the grounds on the west; and then there are Locust, Eglantine and Cedar walks, which are very pretty and are laid out each of them eight feet wide. The plat is divided into five divisions, " A, B, C, D, E." Division C is a circle situated at the southerly part of the grounds as a public park and is surrounded by Central avenue. Its diameter, inclusive of the circular part of Central avenue, is 170 feet, and this, together with the entire inclosure, is beautifully shaded by the natural forest trees.   The Lot "M" donated to the Methodist organization by H. G. Phillips and Benjamin Leavell, was not considered suitable for a burying ground and the congregation, by and with the consent of the original donors, proceeded to lay it out in building lots, the proceeds of which they were to apply a certain amount in payment of the lot deeded to the Defiance Rural Cemetery Association, and the balance realized from the sale of said lots was to go to the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.   DEFIANCE TOWNSHIP.   Defiance Township was organized in 1846. Unlike Most of the other townships of Defiance County, it is not a full Congressional Township. Its southern part consists of the northern half of Town 3 north, Range 4 east, being a half of Auglaize Township, Henry County; and this half township included all the territory taken from Paulding County upon the organization of Defiance County in 1845. The northern portion of Defiance Township, as now constituted, comprises the southern part of Defiance Township, Williams County; which formerly included, besides these, the land which now comprises Noble. The Maumee River forms a portion of the northern boundary of Defiance.   The earliest settlements in this township were made at Defiance.   " SCALP LEVEL."   Immediately opposite the old plat of Defiance, on the north side of the Maumee River, is a level plateau of land, extending some distance back without any apparent variation of grade. Its height above the river is fifty or sixty feet; the bank, before " improvement broke nature's fair outline," gently sloped to the river's edge, and in some places left a narrow bottom of a few rods' width.   This being higher than Defiance, it commands the view, not only of the town, but also of the adjacent farming lands, and strategically, might be said to command the situation. Tradition has it that the French Post (if, indeed, there ever was really one here) was located on this ground. If such a post existed, its works could not have been of a very permanent or enduring character, for no trace or outline was ever identified.   The brow of the hill, and for a few rods back, was cleared and lawn-like as ordinary Indian greens, the clearing, however, could never have been made with a view to cultivation, as the soil is of too hard and forbidding a nature to reward the lazy, careless and primitive culture of the Indian agriculturist. It was, so far back as the knowledge of Americans extends, devoted to trade; and here were located the booths of the traders and peddlers, who dispensed whisky, ammunition and blankets during the fur season, or at the payment of some annuity or gratuity from Government.   One of these, of a more permanent character, located on the site of the tavern building now owned by F. Woluiffer, survived several years, and was the scene of many a drunken row and fight--generally among Indians, though occasionally dare-devil whites mixed in the fray. On the removal of the Indians, all these developments of white men's cupidity disappeared, giving place to trade, less profitable but more useful and creditable to society.   This plateau, or elevated " green," was known, fifty or seventy years ago as "Scalp Level," but why so designated is only left to conjecture. Possibly, this ground was the place of torture, where captives, doomed to death were surrendered to the tender mercies of the boys and squaws for the preliminary gauntlet running and beating, to be followed by the final agony of stake, fagot and fire; or, possibly, a scalping scene, having occurred there under peculiar circumstances, interesting to the mind of the savage or the rude backwoodsman, gave it this uncouth name. That it ever had such a designation will probably be