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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 275 we have, He begins by referring to thirty-five years' residence in the county, and to the great changes that have taken place in that time, from a dense forest to smiling villages and farms, He describes early scenes. How farmers, in some cases, had to dig up seed potatoes to save themselves from starvation, Imagine, says he, a spring-pole, a pestle, a string, a hollowed-out stump, a few grains of corn, and a woman pounding up that corn to get dinner for the Hon, A. P, Edgerton! Young men roamed the woods barefooted, hunting, until the soles of their feet were impenetrable by thorns or briers. He goes on humorously to relate bow, owing to the refusal of his horse to carry two, he had to walk while the girl (afterward Mrs. Wilder) rode, and when crossing the stream near Mr. Farmer's, the high-spirited steed leaped across, throwing off the young lady, who hung by the stirrup. Wonderful to relate, the horse, usually a kicker, stood still until Levi came up and released the lady. The address goes on cleverly to contrast the warm manners of the past with the formality of the present, "cold as the wiggle of a dead dog's nose." But in the last forty years a mighty change has taken place; carding and spinning by hand have gone, and the girls are to-day pleading at the bar, preaching in the pulpit, or editing newspa- pers, The schoolhouse in which Mr. Boyington taught was about sixteen feet square, with holes bored in the logs and pins driven in, and boards nailed on for a desk; basswood logs split for benches, and puncheon floor. One day, Spencer Hopkins came to the school, and wished Levi to help him catch a wounded deer, and after going two miles, Hopkins directed him to catch it by the horns while he cut its throat. Levi did so, but let go without being told. The deer, as Levi expresses it,' was a careless cuss, and put both hind feet on his shoulders, and Levi thought for a minute or two that he had a dozen feet. The deer cut his pants on the bias, and put some beautiful stripes on them. This was the last deer he ever caught. He never forgave Hopkins until he got a chance to stumble with him on his back (accidentally?) while carrying him across a mud-hole. Hop- kins was dressed for church, but when he came out of that mud-hole he was hardly presentable. When Mr. Wilder came to Farmer, there were living there then Grandfather Rice and wife, Edward Lacost and wife, John Rice and wife, Joseph Barney and wife, William. Reynolds and wife, Josiah and James and Isaac Tharp and wife, Amarilla Lord, Jacob Conkey, Dr. O. Rice and Spencer Hopkins; none of whom are here now. Mr. Wilder here. pays a eulogy to Mr. Hopkins, with whom he had spent many happy days. "In the meridian of life he departed. Peace be to thy ashes, thou sharer of my boyhood pastime. May the flowers bloom sweetly over all the old settlers' graves. May the journeying wind sigh sweetly, as year after year they pass o'er their grassy beds. May the solitary rain-clouds weep in darkness over the remains that lie in that Farmer's Cemetery. But when shall human tears cease to be shed? * * * What is death? Or what is life? Of what does it consist, that we put such a value upon it? Is it that frail breath that makes us weak, and suffer so much? Why do we fear to lose it, more than anything in this world? What is reserved f:r us after it, that the thought of death makes us tremble? Man has been talking about it for century after century. We all hink about it, but no one can tell; it is a mystery, all, How little we realize that we are so interwoven into the fabric of society, that not one fiber can be influenced for good or for evil without such influence extending to all in contact. When brother Wentworth sang his sang here last year, it had its influence with me, and in a few weeks' time I had a song all cut and dried, ready for the touch of the old settler's match. If my time is not out, I will sing that song to-day; if it is, I will sing it in some future time, providing that old invader, Death, does not travel me over that road from which no traveler was ever yet known to return. It speaks of the residences, occupations, names and nicknames of quite a number of the first settlers, For the benefit of late set- tlers and the young, I will explain the nicknames: Edge is the Hon. A. P. Edgerton; Nat, Rev. N. Crary; Boots, Mr. Elias Crary; Mullen, Mr. Spencer Hopkins; K, Mr. Seneca Sanford; The Miller of Lost Creek, Mr. Miller Arrowsmith; Buckskin, the name of a creek where Mr. Lyman Langdon resides. PIONEER SONG. (As sung by L. W. Wilder at the old settlers' meeting in Hicksville, Ohio, A. D. 1880. Tune, "0, carry me back to Old Virginia.") There were Conkeys in Farmer and Dilman in Center And Thomas that lived in Newville, Doctor Rakestraw in Hicksville, and Nobles in Clarksville, And our miller of Lost Creek Mills. T'was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the days of my childhood, I'm willing to go any day. There was the spring-pole and pestle and hollowed out stump Where Mrs. Osborn ground corn for to bake. Her cakes were so grand for she bolted by hand; No toll but her own did she take. T'was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the days of my childhood, no stealing or tolling for pay. There was Nobles, an old fur-buyer, he has been Paulding Judge, And another we used to call Chett Blynn. 276 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. With four weeks' excursion all over this wild wood, Would corner them up with coon skins. T'was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. Pins, needles and whisky they scarcely did deal in, but always had money to pay. The wolf and the bear that roved over this wildwood, The Mortimers chased them away. The beaver and otter was in Lost Creek water, And the opossum have all gone astray. T'was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the place of my childhood, when hunting was nothing but play. There was Langdon on Buckskin, and Haller on Lost Creek, And Allen and Rices them days. Randall Lord, our shoemaker, at the Junction Brubaker, And Hinkle was honest they say. T'was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the days of my childhood, they were honest if not quite so gay. There were the Wentworths and Travis, the Evans and Curtis, Oh, Sid Sprague don't forget "by the way;" For in building he was a giant, he built up Defiance Without any money to pay. T’was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the days of my childhood, when cities were built without pay. The Farmer road to Hicksville, the crooks are there still, Surveyed by a man in our town. His pants leg it was froze, and the story now goes, That his dry leg kept running around. T’was Edge, it was Nat, it was Boots, it was Mullen, and another we used to call K. O, carry me back to the days of my childhood, when dry legs kept running away. It has been truly said, you might go and see Edge, Without money, could buy you a farm; You build you a cabin, and then move your wife in, And work and he would do you no harm. Now 'tis the honorable A. P. for in Congress was he, but I don’t know what they call K. O, carry me back to the days of my boyhood, when farms could be bought without pay. A brave man in Hicksville went out past the mill, A deer lick to watch one day; He heard an owl hoot and for Hicksville did scoot, And seven-up on his coat tail you could play. It was the honorable A. P. running for Congress you see, but his vote was all O. K. O, carry me back, that coat tail to see, seven up aint the game it used to be. A farmer, a thresher, a fiddler and a hunter, On horseback rode out one day. He hugged a school teacher, and turned out a preacher, And nothing can beat him they say. Now 'tis the Hon. A. P. and the Rev. N. C., but his doctoring ain't all O. K. O, carry me back to the days of my boyhood, when fiddlers made preachers that way. On the banks of St. Joe, the old settlers know, Lived a man they called Tommy Green. When the country was new, of one gun he made two. Before any game he had seen. "Two pieces are handier than one," cried Tommy, "I've now the best gun in the land." By the eternal, he swore, "I wish Ild broke it before, for I can now carry a piece in each hand." My sisters took music lessons once, On mother's little :wheel. The scale they slid up and down on a tow thread, And the notes they used to feel. They made their own dresses of home-spun wool, my pants were made of tow. O, let, me go back to my youthful days, oler forty years ago. Soon after I first landed on this earth, A buckeye hat I wore. Tow shirt and tow breeches my mother she made me, And she paddled me when I swore. My suit was made of daddy's tow frock, brass buttons on my vest. O, let me go back to my youthful days, it would tickle me half to death. I've had my ups and downs in this world, Barefooted I've been to school; I have jumped out of bed with snow on my head, You bet 'twas confounded cool. But the future I don't know nothing about„ the wicked they say have no rest; If Rev. Crary's doctrine, it would prove true, it would tickle us all to death. There has been a great change, in people and names, Some worse and some for the best. Some kept plodding along, whether right or for wrong, And some gone away out West. But our fathers, our mothers, our sisters and brothers have gone and left us alone; They have left us the word, we must come that road no traveler yet known to return. Old settlers, see here, to me you're so dear, Your race is nearly run. Then will there be rejoicing to see A mother meet her son. Your ambitious life's been a tedious one, its led some to renown, But your bodies soon they must decay, and fade and totter down. Kind people assist, some name I have missed, No malice or intention of mine. If I've caused any pain, its a lack in my brain, But I'll try and do better next time. But time goes marching swiftly on, and we are growing old, We can't go back to our youthful days, we can't for love or gold. Oney Rice Hopkins, merchant, Farmer Center, was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Qo., N. Y , March 1, 1818, son of Truman and Laura Hopkins, natives of Vermont. When he was about sixteen years of age, his father died, leaving a family of six children— Spencer, Oney Rice, Laura Elvira, Marinda, Uretta Cordelia and Hannah Sabrina—who, with their mother, removed to Ohio in the fall of 1835, and set- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 277 tied in what was then Williams County. O. R. Hopkins was one of the four men who built the first-log house in the town. The names of the other three were John Rice (his uncle), Spencer Hopkins (his brother) and Edward Lacost, they having to walk from Defiance, a distance of twenty miles, carrying their axes and provisions to last while they cut five miles of road and built a shanty to serve them while building the first log house. The subject of this sketch is the only survivor at this time (February, 1883), the other three having died several years ago. On the 23d of July, 1840, Mr. Hopkins married Artemisia Sawyer, who was born March 8, 1823, in Rushville, Yates Co,, N. Y., daughter of Prescott and Zernia Sawyer. In 1843, he engaged in the mercantile business, keeping the first store in Farmer Township. In July, 1845, ho settled in Green County, Wis. , where he remained till the fall of 1847, then to Muckwonago, Waukesha County; in April, 1851, went to Madison, Dane Co., Wis., and in November, 1853, moved to Milwaukee and took charge of the woodwork department of the Milwaukee Threshing Machine Company, where he remained about fourteen years in the same business. In 1865, he removed to Chicago, Ill,, and went into the manufacture of zinc washboards, in company with his sons, A. R. and S. R. Hopkins (firm named O. R. Hopkins & Sons). In the spring of 1866, he bought a farm in the town of Vernon, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he followed farming four years. 1866, joined the order of I. 0. 0. F., to which society he still belongs, as a zealous worker. In the spring Of 1870, he rented his farm and returned to Chicago, where he again went into manufacturing, and continued in that until the great Chicago fire, in October, 1871, when he lost his house and shop by fire, losing about $8,000. After the fire, he re-bui It his shop and continued the same business, with the addition of sash, doors and blinds. In August, 1872, he moved to Rossville, Shawnee Co., Kan., but only remained there till fall, when he returned to Chicago, and, the spring following, built a residence in Jefferson, one of the suburbs of Chicago, and occupied it one year, then sold it and broke up housekeeping and spent some time in Ohio. In May, 1875, he removed with his family to Denver, Cole., but remained only three months, then returned to Chicago for the fourth time, stayed about three months, then went to Edgerton, Williams Co., Ohio, and engaged in selling agricultural implements in company with M. C. Farnham. In May, 1876, he sold his interest in the business to his partner and removed to Waupun, Wis., where he was engaged in the manufacture of windmills five years. In June, 1880, he was representative to the Grand Lodge, I. 0. 0. F,, of the State of Wisconsin, held at Madison June 1 to 4; through the summer of the same year, kept the Western Hotel, in the city of Waupun, Wis. His wife died February 17, 1881; soon after, he broke up housekeeping, and on his way to New York, while stopping in Ohio to visit friends, he married, for his second wife, Ellen M. Thrall, widow of Martin Thrall, M. D., who resided at Farmer Center, Defiance Co., Ohio. After spending the summer in New York City, returned to Wisconsin in the fall. He engaged again in the manufacture of zinc washboards: the February following was again burned out, losing some $1,500. In the spring of 1882, he went again to Waupun, Wis., and the following fall removed to Beaver Dam, Wis. ; engaged in the restaurant and confectionery business; then to Farmer, Defiance County, where he has rented a store; is putting in a stock of goods. Mr. Hopkins had eight sons by his first wife. The eldest, Arba Ransom, is living in Waupun, Wis. The second son, Selden. Rich, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, served but a few months, when he was taken sick and placed in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn. His father went to Nashville, got his discharge, and returned home to Milwaukee. In a short time he recovered his health so as to engage as Military Telegraph Operator, stationed in Tennessee, which position he held until about the close of the war. He is now editor and publisher of the Bookkeeper, in the city of New York. The seventh son, Dr. Truman Prescott, is living in Milwaukee. Is engaged as Master Mechanic by the C., M. & St. P. R. R. Co. His other five sons died quite young, their ages being from eight days to three years, 278 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. CHAPTER XXIV. HICKSVILLE TOWNSHIP—ROADS—SALES OF LAND—MILLS—VOTERS IN 1845—HICKSVILLE— VILLAGE OF HICKSVILLE—SCHOOLS—CHURCHES—SECRET SOCIETIES—PHYSICIANS— ATTORNEYS—PRESS—BUSINESS INDUSTRIES—PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. This township occupies the southwest corner of Defiance County. It is a full Congressional town- ship, being Township 4 north, Range 1 east. About one-third of the territory—the southeast portion—is still uncleared, the land here being low and wet. The soil of this low land is a sandy loam, very productive. The more Undulating portions of the land have a clay soil, Elm, hickory and swamp oak were the most common types of timber in the low lands, while much walnut, oak and beech and some sugar, ash and other varieties prevailed on the higher lands. It was organized in June, 1839, and the first election of officers held June 22. The settlement of the township was developed principally through the Hicks Land Company and the American Land Company. Of the 23,040 acres in the township, 14,000 were owned by the former and over 4,000 by the latter company. The greater part of these lands were entered in the years 1835-30 and 1837. The Hicks Land Company (so called) the American Land Company, Columbus and other Ohio par- ties, and smaller Eastern speculators were large purchasers of the public lands in Ohio during the years mentioned. All these purchases were made for a speculation through an expected sale before the lands became taxable, which was five years from the time of entry. It was believed that the country would so rapidly settle up, that sales could be made of large quantities at large profits within the five years. All of the lands of the Hicks Land Company, called, were entered in 1835-36 in the names of Henry W. Hicks and Isaac S. Smith, Mr. Hicks being of the firm of Samuel Hicks & Sons, shipping merchants. 80 South street, New York, and Mr. Smith being of the firm of Smith & Macy, Isaae S. Smith and John B. Macy, steamboat owners and large forwarding and commission merchants, of Buffalo, N. Y. Smith afterward conveyed all his interest to Henry W. Hicks, and from him direct, or through A. P. Edgerton as a purchaser from him, all the titles of purchasers of the Hicks lands have been derived. Having entered a large body of land, the owners determined to make such improvements upon them as would secure, in their opinion, a rapid sale at remu- nerative or profitable prices. John A. Bryan, of Columbus, Ohio, then Auditor of State, had been agent in selecting these lands, and to him was assigned the duty of commencing operations at Hicksville, a town to be laid out, and thus called after the Hickses. He engaged Ephraim Burwell, of Columbus, May 20, 1836, who came shortly thereafter "to start the business." The selection of Mr. Burwell was not fortunate, as a large loss was sustained through his management. The liberality of the company and their honorable purposes were unquestioned. They made an effort deserving success financially, and one which was greatly to the benefit of every interest in the surrounding country. The first thing to be done by the agent sent here (Burwell) was to start a town, and to make a road into the township. There was not a road running north from the Maumee River between Bull Rapids and Defiance, thirty miles. Isaac Hall under brushed a road from the river up to the State line, over which he moved that year to where he now lives, on the Fort Wayne road., Burwell was directed "to be cautious in the selection of a town site." It was to be "fixed in the most profitable place to the owners, and in the midst of the most valuable timber." Hicksville was selected and laid out, and a road to it became a necessity. FIRST ROAD. Accordingly a survey was made by Arnzi D. Meese, of a road from the Maumee River to the Indiana line, in the direction of Newville. This road is now called the "Old Clemmer road" and the" Newville road." It was a part of a State road from Fort Brown, on the Auglaize River, to the Indiana line. The road was at once chopped out the whole width of sixty feet for about a mile and a half from the river, and partially chopped the remainder of the way to Hicksville. The cost was $488.93, and paid by the company. After Burwell had spent $12,- 439.45 in making the Clemmer road, and making some attempts at clearing, putting up three log cabins, and getting a saw mill in running condition, without any sale of lands or lots, the proprietors concluded to re-organize their adventure. Accordingly in April, 1837, A. P. Edgerton came out from the city of New York, where he had been employed in a counting. HISTORY QF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 279 house in which the Hickses were interested, to take charge of the property, not only for the Hicks Land Company but for the American Land Company. He received a salary of $1,000 per annum from the Hicks Company and a commission from the other company. OTHER ROADS. During the year 1838, more roads were necessary, and our friend Arrowsmith was found equal to any emergency, and in that year surveyed a road from New Harrison, on the Maumee River, at the State line. The road ran north on the Indiana line to the corners of Allen and DeKalb Counties, in Indiana, and from thence northeasterly through Hicksville to Lost Creek, Farmer and Evansport. This is now our Fort Wayne and Bryan road, running through High street in Hicksville. The two roads crossed each other at Main and High streets, being the Clemmer and Newville and the Fort Wayne and Bryan roads, and were the only roads surveyed in the township until 1840. The necessity for additional roads through the county was more and more apparent. The road from Maumee City to Defiance and to the Indiana line on the south side of the river was the most important and the most used. Then the roads of the Auglaize, and up Bean Creek through Evansport to the Michigan line, and the Bellefontaine road through Brunersburg, Williams Center and Denmark on the St. Joseph, were important. In 1840, a road was surveyed from Clarksville on the St. Joseph River south to Hicksville, and from thence to the " Basin " on the Wabash & Erie Canal, where Antwerp now is. This is now the "Edgerton road " north and the Antwerp Turnpike south. No work was done that year on this road north of Hicksville, but south to the Maumee River it was cut out thirty feet wide by contract; Abram Jackson, now a wealthy and respected farmer of Scipio, being one of the contractors. SALES OF LAND. The first piece of land sold in the township was sold April 23, 1837, to Buenos Ayres, being the 100 acres in Section 15 where John Clemmer now lives. rue next piece was in Section 7, to Luther Loveland, June 27, 1837, and is the farm on which he lived for nearly forty years, and which he sold in 1877. Then July 1, Edward Wood bought the forty acres where Flattery lives, in the northeast quarter Section 21, and put upon it, in 1839, the first cabin in the township off the town plat. It was raised on Sunday, because all the men in the township were working by the day or month and couldn't afford the time to raise it on any other day. August 14, 1837, James Thomas bought the 100 acres in Section 18 where Harrison Shaw lives, and Ransom Osborn bought the 100 acres where George Norrick lives, in Section 17. All these lands were sold at $5 per acre, part down and part on time. No lots in the town were sold that year, nor any other lands within this township. During all the year 1838, Mr. Edgerton sold no lots nor lands anywhere. Although building and paying out large amounts of money, no one was willing to buy land of him. Many of those employed were the owners pf small tracts of land, which they were seeking to improve, and many had families to support, and a little money was a necessity to them. Land was everywhere cheap--too cheap to sell. The speculations in 1836 were land speculations—no railroad or fancy stocks, or wheat corners then —and when the financial crash of 1837 came, down went real estate everywhere, and fortunes with it. Speculators' lands were in the market at less than the Government price, $1.25 per acre. Section 11, in this township, where Lash, Edson and Babbage now have fine farms, were sold for $1 per acre by an Eastern man, who had entered it with large quantities in other counties. In 1839, there were only six land sales made- 120 acres in Section 14, May 13, to Stephen Hinkle, being the Elliott farm now; eighty acres in Section 17, to Amzi D. Meese, being the Widow Shaw farm; and eighty acres to William H. Slater, in Section 18, now part of the Hemery farm, There was also sold to Jonathan C. Bayes and James Cornell 240 acres in Section 23, Clinton Township, Fulton County. This land is now in part the town plat of the town of Wauseon, on the Air Line Railroad. There was neither canal nor railroad thought of anywhere near that part of the country then. Among the earliest settlers in the township were David Landis, Mark W. Babb, William Hollinger and Nelson Tustason, on the Fort Wayne road; Alonzo Works, Ezra Dickson, James Thomas, Luther Loveland, Lewis Michalls and Hugh J. Marconi's, on the Newville road; Allen Pearson, David Blain, Joshaa.Hall, Isaac Miller and Isaac Wartenbe on the Edgerton road; Buenos Ayres, David Grier, John Ryan, Ebenezer Johnson, Casper Ginter and Thomas McCurdy, on the Bryan road. All the above were here in 1846. The first settler on the Bryan road was Buenos Ayres, on Section 15, now the John Clemmer farm, and the next David Grier, on Section 1, where his widow now lives. He bought his land in 1840. Loveland and James Thomas were the first settlers on the Newville road, and the next Lewis Michalls, in 1840; William Allen commenced the first clearing on the Fort Wayne road, and William Hollinger and Mark W. Babb followed. They bought their land October 11, 280 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. 1842. On the Edgerton road, Joshua Hall was the first settler. He bought in the northeast quarter Sec- tion 8, November 25, 1840, and settled there soon thereafter. On the Spencerville road, William H. Slater built the first cabin in 1840, and Amzi D. Meese followed. MILLS. The first mills were those erected at Hicksville by the Hicks Land Company. Mr. Edgerton commenced the erection of new mills, and completed them in 1838-39, at a cost of $20,323, and ran them until the 10th of December, 1840, when they were burned. This was a great loss to the country around as well as to the owners of the mills. The Hicks Company, notwithstanding their losses determined at once on rebuilding the mills, and steps were taken to that end. New mills were built in 1841-42 at a cost of $9,542.21, and they continued to run successfully until burned, Jan. 9, 1850. MISCELLANEOUS. The first birth in the township was a boy, the child of Buenos and Sarah Ann Ayres, in 1837. It lived about seven months. The first death was in 1836, a child (not born here) of Samuel C. Arnold, who married a daughter of Mr. Osborn. It was buried in the old graveyard, where the Hicksville flouring mills of T. W. Kerr & Co. now stand. The first girl born in the township was Anne Josephine O'Connor, daughter of Joseph M. and Margaret O'Connor. She was born in 1838, in a board kiln, which had been fitted up for temporary family use. It stood in front of where John Clay now lives, on Lots 181 to 184. But what could a town be without a wedding ? The first wedding in the township was that of Allen Parker and Esther Osborn, who concluded to do their part toward giving the town character and growth. They were married November 14, 1839, in a little frame house on the corner where Lewis & Otis' drug store now is, on Lot 138, the same building now on Lot 97, Edgerton's Second Addition, and occupied by Mr. Wright. Amzi D. Meese was the first Justice of the Peace; Ransom Osborn and Alonzo Work were his immediate successors. VOTERS OF 1845. The following settlers of Hicksville voted at the election held in October, 1815: Bela Edgerton, Joseph M. O'Connor, Joseph Jamison, Byron Bunnell, Alfred P. Edgerton, Streper Hinkle, John Ryan, Ebenezer Johnson, Joshua Hall, Albert Pond, George Clemmer, Daniel Halo, Buenos Ayers, G. O, Williams, Isaac Wartenbee, Alfred O. Williams, Truman Forry, Ezra Dickeson, Samuel Diehl, James W. Blain, Hugh J. Marzellis, Madison Reniball, Casper Ginter, Andrew Finley, Edward Wood, Lewis Michaels, Hays G. Lure, David Blain, Charles E. Johnson, David M. Quin, Thomas C. M. Curdy; Alonzo Works, David Landis, Allen Pierson, Charles Bevington. Luther Loodcud, Richard Ford; Byron Bunnell and Streper Hinkle, Judges; Bela Edgerton and Joseph M. O'Connor, Clerks. HICKSVILLE. Hicksville was laid out in 1836, for John A. Bryan, Henry W. Hicks and Isaac S. Smith, by Miller Arrowsmith, then Deputy Surveyor of the county. As thus surveyed the town remained until 1841, when all the lots except those on High and Main streets were vacated. As mentioned before, it was founded by the members of the land companies having large investments in this locality, for the purpose of enhancing the value of their property and enabling them to dispose of it on favorable terms, When Ransom Osborn, whose sketch is given below, moved to Hicksville in 1836, he found only two cabins had been erected by the company; one was occupied by Daniel Comstock, the other by Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn's cabin was the third. It stood near the homestead of A. P. Edgerton. When A. P. Edgerton arrived at the village, April 17, 1837, he found here a log cabin in the middle and at the crossing of Main and High streets, where Ransom Osborn kept boarders; a log cabin occupied by Buenos Ayers, in which he took his first meal in Hicksville, on Lot 143, where Stull's store now is; a cabin occupied by Ephraim Burwell, on Lot 139, where Dr. Rakestraw's house stands; a cabin occupied by Robert Bowles, on Lot 202, back of St. Paul's Church; a shanty on Lot 200, where Dr. Bracy's house stands, and a shanty occupied as a store on Lot 216, near the corner where his office is; and a log blacksmith shop where Ben Davis' house stands, on Lot 17, Auditor's plat, The saw mill was raised on Lot 18, Auditor's plat, on the ground now occupied by John A. Miller's house, and had been running. There were neither provisions nor money here, and nothing but woods and debts everywhere around. Streper Hinkle was the first blacksmith, Ezekiel Mowry the next. Mr. Edgerton found also the white ash tree, sawed down, in front of Lot 208, near St. Paul's Church, with its stump scooped out, wherein Mrs. Osborn, with spring-pole pestle, pounded corn for hominy to feed her hungry boarders. Mr. A. P. Edgerton was the first Postmaster. A mail route extended from Toledo to Fort Wayne along the south side of the Maumee River and its nearest office to Hicksville was at Cranestown, Paulding. The law permitted the establishment of post offices and of special routes to supply them if the mail HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 281 could be carried thereon for the receipts of the special office. A route was therefore secured from Cranesville to Hicksville, eleven miles, the mail to be carried once in two weeks. A contract was, made September 29, 1838, with David Landis to carry the mail once in two weeks, afterward changed to a weekly and finally to a semiweekly mail. Maria Landis, now the widow of Solon De Long, and Ransom Osborn were the witnesses to the contract. John Landis was the first mail carrier, and afterward his brother, Absalom Landis, then a little short-legged, stubby boy. The first sermon was preached in Hicksville by Rev. Joseph Miller, in the winter of 1837, at the log cabin occupied by Ransom Osborn. VILLAGE OF HICKSVILLE. Was incorporated in 1871; the first Mayor was Thomas C. Kinmont, who was elected twice, The second Mayor was James E. Coulter, who served one term, The third Mayor was A. Summers, who was elected in the spring of 1880. The present Mayor is J. E, Coulter. SCHOOLS. The first school at Hicksville was taught by Ransom Osborn in 1836. It consisted of but five pupils —Joseph Bunnell, Sarah Bunnell, Alexander Yaxley and Mary and Caroline Osborn, the two daughters of the teacher. Mr. Osborn taught several terms. The school remained a district school until 1873. In March of that year, an election was held at which it was decided by a vote of 59 to 3 to establish a special school district, and shortly after the following School Board was elected: J. D. Phillips; three years; D. G, Huffman, two years: William Warner, one year. Subsequent elections for members of the board have resulted as follows: 1874—William Warner; 1875D. G. Huffman; 1876 J. D. Phillips, resigned in 1878; 1877—Rev. S. S. Hyde, resigned in 1878; 1878—J. C. Clay, three years; U. E. Babb, two years; J. M, Ainsworth, one year; 1879—A. Summers; 1880 -J. E. Coulter; 1881—J. C. Clay; 1882—A. D. F. Randolph. In 1874, the main part of the present brick school building was completed. The contract price was $7,400. but with the recent addition, interest, etc., this original cost has been more than doubled. Henry Harris was the first Superintendent in the new building, serving one year. His successors have been F. J, Miller, 1875-77; 0. B. Tannehill, 1877-79; F. M. Priest, a few months in 1879; T. Reese Millison, 1879-82; C. A. Fyke, present incumbent. There are now seven departments, and the course embraces twelve years. The last school enumeration gives 487 children of school age within the district. CHURCHES. Union Presbyterian Church was organized in Farmer Township, September 2, 1848, by Rev. John M. Crabb, an itinerant missionary of Maumee Presbytery, old school, with Jesse Fisher and Arthur Cleland as Ruling Elders. Fourteen individuals constituted the membership. These were Jesse Fisher and Nancy, his wife, Arthur Cleland and Marc-, his wife, John Miller and Margaret, his wife, Isaac Miller and Nancy, his wife, William Cleland, William Cleland, Jr., Andrew Cleland, Joshua Hall and Mary, his wife, and Joshua Woodcox. Rev. Mr. Crabb was the minister of this church until the close of 1857, Rev. John M. Layman succeeded in 1858, and remained until 1865. He was followed by Rev. B. 0. Junkin, in the same year, who was the minister of the church until 1869. After him, in 1870, Rev. S. S. Hyde took the field and remained until the close of 1877. His successor was Rev. James Quick, in October, 1878, who remained till February, 1882. Rev. F. M. Baker succeeded him in September, 1882, and is the present minister of the church. During these thirty-four years, the membership increased from fourteen, at the organization of the church, to ninety-one, at the close of Mr. Quick's ministry. Hicksville Presbyterian Church was organized on the 12th of May, 1855, by Rev. J. M. Crabb and Elders Arthur Cleland and Thomas Richardson, who had been appointed a committee for this purpose by Maumee Presbytery. Eleven members had been dismissed from Union Church, to enter, with others, into the new organization. These were Daniel Reason and Sarah, his wife, John Reason, Matthew R. Scott and Sarah Ann, his wife, James Maxwell and Elizabeth, his wife, James Miller and Sarah, his wife, Miss Harriet Reason and Mrs. Jane Freese, With these were Israel Richards and Eliza, his wife; Abraham Miller and Eliza, his wife; Mrs. Sarah Moore and Mrs. Eusebia Tustison. Abraham and James Miller were elected Ruling Elders. On the following day, May 13, Isaac Hall and Jane, his wife, C. F. Maynard and E. Frances, his wife, Mrs. Hannah C. Maxwell, Mrs. Sarah S. Reason and Miss Ellen G. Reason were added to the above, making a membership of twenty-four, which had been increased to sixty-three at the close of Mr. Quick's term of service. These churches have had a common history, as they have had, in fact, a common membership. The same ministers have served them both, dividing their labor equally between them, and, with the exception of Mr. Crabb, having their homes within the bounds of one or the other of the churches. Those who constituted the early member- 282 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. ship of these churches were among the original settlers of the country, and did their full share toward its development, and in giving the community a substantial and honorable character. The first minister of these churches, Rev. J. M. Crabb, a native of Kentucky, was a strong man, whose positive character did much to fashion the elements with which he had to deal. He was a stranger to fear, and no one chose to come under his rebuke. One of his good members had fallen into the habit of using some loose expressions in his conversation, and thoughtlessly did so, on one occasion, in Mr. Crabb's presence. His quick ear heard, and was prompt to speak: " What is that you are saying?" That was enough! The rebuke was felt and heeded. He was a good man, and had the respect and confidence of his people. The next minister, Rev. J. M. Layman, was of Irish parentage, unostentatious, a man who could handle the ax with his compeers, and, at the same time, do effectual work among Greek and Hebrew roots. His Hebrew Bible was his constant companion, and he came to be a recognized authority, as a scholar, in these Bible languages. His term of service covered the. period of our civil war, and, by his quietness and prudence, he passed through it, sharply watched, but retaining the good will and confidence of all parties, a very difficult feat for any minister to perform. Rev. B. 0. Junkin followed Mr. Layman. He purchased a small farm near Union Church, and made improvements on it, with reference to a permanent home, but after four years returned to Western Pennsylvania, leaving the churches in about the same condition as when he took the charge of them. His successor, Rev. S. S. Hyde, was a native of Massachusetts, and a Congregationalist until he assumed the charge of these churches. But coming to his field in 1870, the year of the re-union of the old and new schools, he entered heartily into the enthusiasm of the time, and stirred up his churches, in the same direction, An active man, he soon secured the confidence of his churches, and of the outside community, in which he was given a position no one of his predecessors had occupied. For several years, he was the only resident minister in Hicksville, and as such was called to attend funerals and to solemnize marriages in all the surrounding country. In Sabbath school gatherings and conventions, he was more frequently chosen to preside than any other, and was expected to be reedy with a speech on almost any occasion, and seldom failed to respond. During the seven years of his ministry, both houses of worship were greatly improved, an organ was obtained for the Hicksville church, and a communion service for each of the churches. Until the Meth. odist Episcopal house of worship was built at Hicksville, the two denominations worshiped together in the Presbyterian Church, and made one congregation. holding service on alternate Sabbaths, and the Lutherans, who for a time had no separate service, were alike embraced within the circle of the common interest and influence. At Union Church, the congregation was similarly constituted. Besides the work at these two churches, Mr. Hyde preached every two weeks, for several years, at Farmer Center, and for some months at Edgerton, in the one direction from . Hicksville, and at Antwerp, in Paulding County, in the other, at which latter place, as the result, a Presbyterian Church was organized July 11, 1871, and a house of worship built, and dedicated November 7, 1875. But the time came when the two churches, Union and Hicksville, required his whole service, and the other points were relinquished to other hands, As a citizen, Mr. H. interested himself in whatever pertained to the welfare of the community, particularly in the temperance cause, in which he occupied no half-way position; in the Old Settlers' Association, of which he was made an officer, and in the Cemetery Association as one of its Trustees, for successive years. Near the close of his work in the churches, he was employed, for nearly a year, as Superintendent of the Hicksville Union School, in which position, in connection with the teachers with whom he was associated, a higher standard of school work was attained than had hitherto been reached. In 1878, his name went on the list of " honorably retired " ministers, but he has continued to preach. especially on funeral occasions, as there has , been a demand. Rev. James Quick, his successor in 1878, was for several years a missionary of the A B. C. F. M. in Ceylon, and brought to the churches a zeal for foreign missions, which very much quickened their interest, and led to the formation of ladies' missionary associations in each of the churches, Mrs. Quick was very active in this direction, and contributed largely to the results achieved. During Mr. Quick's ministry, Union Church was much strengthened by valuable accessions, and he left it stronger financially, as well as numerically, than it had ever been before. The First Presbyterian Church in Hicksville was built in 1858, on Lots 157, 158, 159, 100, donated for a church by A. P. Edgerton. The contract was made by the Trustees of the church, Alfred P, Edgerton, James Maxwell, Daniel Reaser, Sr., Matthew K. Scott and Israel Richard, February 15, 1858, with John Adams, Jr., and Alexander Smith, to complete HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 283 the church by the 1st day of November, for the sum of $1,800. The work was done and final settlement made with the contractors, October 23, 1858, the extra work being $18, the entire cost $1,818. . The church property was conveyed te the Trustees in this manner: " To the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Hicksville, Defiance County, and State of Ohio, in trust for said church so long as they shall receive the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism, according to their substance. Said church to be in ecclesiastical connection with 'The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America,' in contradistinction to the 'New School, or Constitutional Assembly of the Presbyterian Church,' said property to be alter- nately held by the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in case said First Presbyterian Church of Hicksville shall become extinct or depart, from said Westminster Confession," Protestant Episcopal Church. —The first service of the Protestant Episcopal Church held in Hicksville was on Sunday, November 9, 1873, when the Rt. Bev. Joseph C. Talbot, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Indiana (visiting his friend, the Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton and family, at the time) preached, after morning prayer, to a large congregation in the Presbyterian Church on the "Liturgical Worship of the Episcopal Church." After the conclusion of the service, the Bishop suggested to Mr. Edgerton the erection of a church for the benefit of his family, the friends visiting him during the summer and autumn, and the people of the village, a proposition which was promptly accepted by Mr. Edgerton, and was afterward carried into execution. The next service by Bishop Talbot was held in Commercial Hall, Sunday, November 29, 1874, when he preached upon the "Catholicity of the Episcopal Church," proving its Protestant character as against the specific errors of the Roman communion. From the Standard of the Cross, published at Cleveland, Ohio, October 23, 1875, is the account of the Constitution of St. Paul's Church in Hicksville: "At the suggestion of Bishop Talbot, Mr. Edgerton has erected the past season, opposite the old homestead in Hicksville, a neat little church, at his sole expense, and has conveyed it in trust, together with the lot on which it stands, to the Diocese of Ohio, as a free gift, to be forever held as a free church, and on Sunday last, October 17, at the request of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Ohio, acting as the ecclesiastical authority, it was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Talbot. The instrument of donations read by the Rev. Mr. Tate, the sentence of consecration by the Rev. Dr. French, the prayer by the Rev. Mr. Tate, and the lessons by the Rev. Mr. Fisse, the Bishop taking only such portions as are assigned him by the rubric and the consecration sermon. The church thus built and consecrated is a wooden edifice, finished in the interior in ash—open roof —square Elizabethan windows of stained glass, and all the work is as well and substantially done as in our best city churches: It is heated by it furnace, the aisle and church are handsomely carpeted in re the seats are abundantly provided with prayer books, hymnals, and kneeling stools, and there is a fine cabinet organ. The cost of the church as consecrated was $2,000. A full history of the church is found in the parish records of St. Paul's Church, Hicksville." Methodist Episcopal Church. —Services by ministers of this denomination were held occasionally at Hicksville soon after the first settlements were made here, and about 1840 Rev. J. D. Martin began to preach regularly once in two weeks. He was sent by Elder M June, of the Pulaski Circuit, as a supply. A church organization was effected, which remained quite small until about 1875, at times there being no male members at all. For ten or twelve years, they worshiped in the schoolhouse and subsequently for about the same length of time, through the kindness of the Presbyterians, they held services in the meet- ing house of the latter denomination. The early services in the schoolhouse were often held under the most discouraging circumstances. Mrs. C. A. Rakestraw (at that time Miss C. A. Albertson) says that time after time herself and other sister ladies have searched around among the school officers for the key of the house, and then made lights and fire, when they expected meeting. But if it may seem a little surprising at first view thus to find a few humble females struggling along alone endeavoring to carry the church and thus to keep alive the cause of the Redeemer, we have only to remember that it was not the only time that Jesus first manifested himself to the women. Finally the church began to increase both in numerical and financial strength, and in the year 1875 Hicksville was made the head of a circuit. The Rev, B. Wallace was sent upon the new circuit and took up his residence at Hicksville. The same year the Hon. A. P. Edgerton donated to the Methodist Church a lot of land large enough upon which to build a church and a parsonage, on the corner of Morill and Edgerton streets, The parsonage was built in 1875, and the church the next summer (1876). The cost of the parsonage was about $1,000 and the church $5,000. There is at present a membership of about ninety. They have preaching every Sabbath morning at 11 o'clock; at 7:30 in the evening. They also have a large Sunday 'school in a flourishing condition. Lutheran services were held in Hicksville as early 284 - IIISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. as 1859. From 1859 to 1877, occasional services were held by the following-named Lutheran pastors, viz : Bartholomew, Herring, Hunt, Synidor and Long. The congregation was organized under the pastoral services of the Rev. J. M. Long, in the adoption of a constitution and the, election of its officers, September 9, 1877. At the organization, the communicant membership numbered but 21. The roll of membership now numbers 4l. The congregation having no house of its own, holds its services in the Presbyterian Church. Rev, J. Wesner, its present pastor, served the congregation since December, 1881. The present council consists of the pastor, ex-officio; Jacob Gruber, Elder; W. J. Kleckner, Deacon. The Christian Church at Hicksville was organized 1874, with twenty-five members, their first meeting being held at Commercial Hall. In 1870, a neat brick church was erected on Main street, since which it has had regular pastoral services, its membership having reached 165, and it has a very large Sunday school. Its present pastor is R. G. White, of Ashland, formerly of Toledo. This church is har. monious and prospering. The Catholic Church of Hicksville, situated on Edgerton street, was built during the summer of 1880, by Rev. Frederick Rupert, at a cost of $1,200. Chief benefactors were A. P. Edgerton, who donated the lot on which the church stands; Mrs. Hicks Lord, of New York, who donated $500; Joseph Spire, $100; and Felix Huber, $50. Previous to the building of the church, services were held occasionally at the residence of Mr. John Stroband. Services are now held in the church once a month by Rev. A. E. Manning, of Antwerp. The congregation consists of about ten families. SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC. Hicksville Lodge, No. 478, F. & A. M., was granted a dispensation September 3, 1873, and chartered October 1, following. The charter members were: E. B. Bracy, John L. Bevington, John A. Parker, Alexander Smith, John E. Hartle, John M. Ainsworth, John J. Shaw, Volney Crocker, Harrison Shaw, Isaac M. Boon, S. M. Boon, Luther Loveland, J. B. Relyea, Wallace Shaw and Daniel Wentworth. The first officers were: Volney Crocker, W. M.; E. B. Bracy, S. W.; Harrison Shaw, J. W.; Luther Loveland, Treas. ; John N. Ainsworth, Sec.; John L. Bevington, S. D.; John A. Parker, J. D.; S. M. Boon, Tiler. For 1882, its offrcers were: J. L. Bevington, W. M. ; G. F. Knight, S. W.; S, J. Moore, J W.; S. M. Maxwell, Sec.; H, Welson, Treas,; P. S, Pettitt, S. D. ; A. H. Phillips, J. D.; S. Wright, Tiler. Hicksville Lodge, No. 597, I. O. a. F. A charter was granted to S. W. Wilson, C. S. Graham, L, C. Loveland, John Keener, Addison Kleckner, S. F, Kinsey, J. F. Speelman and J. R. Keener and their successors, legally and duly elected to constitute a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to be hailed by the title of Hicksville Lodge, No. 597, I. O. 0. F., by order of the Grand Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., of the United States and the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, on the 16th day of May, A. D. 1874. Said charter was signed by A. C. Deuel, M, W. G. M.; E. C. Bayce, R. W. D. G. M.; D. M. Suzarus, R. W. a w.; W. C. Earl, R. W. G. Secy.; George W. Winchell, R. W. G. Treasurer, The above named Hicksville Lodge, No. 597, I. 0. 0, F., was instituted July 30, 1874, by A. C. Deuel, Most Worthy Grand Master of the State of Ohio. The lodge has continued to hold its meetings every Saturday night, with a few exceptions, since it was legally authorized to act as a lodge. It is now in a healthy and prosperous condition:. has added largely to its membership and usefulness as a lodge. Names of officers January term, 1883: H. T. Kintigh, Noble Grand; A. S. Andrews, Vice Grand; T. C. Kinmont, Per. Sec.; G. F. Knight, Recording Sec.; A. J. Crowl, Treas. G. A. R. I. Donafin Post, No. 52, G. A. R., was organized April 1, 1881, with the following charter members: J. O. Foot, I. E. Kintigh, Charles Hollinger, J. W. Blythe, W. J. Henry, W. D. Otis, J. H. Bevington, G. Brown, J. Blosser, C. R. Putnam, E. Dutter, L. Ferris, S. Fish, B. Wort, J. 0. Rose, W. C. Powell, E. J. Riesh, D. M. Eveland, G. Flint, S. McColla, T. C. Kinmont, T. E. Gay, S. Moore, N, Smith, S. Deihl, and S. Robinson. At the first election of officers the following were elected: J. O. Foot, Commander; S. E. Kintigh, S. V. C.; T. C. Kinmont, J. V. C.; E. E. Hale, Chaplain; J. O. Rose, Adjt. ; S. Moore, Q. M.; W. J. Henry, O. D.; L. Ferris. 0. G.; W. D. Otis, Surgeon; (Justin Flint, Post Inspector; James H. Bevington, Sergeant Major; George R. Brown, Q. M. Sergeant. Comrade I. Donafin, after whom the Post is named, was a member of Company E, Twenty-first Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, who enlisted from this place under the call for 300,000. Was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and endured the hardships and horrors of Andersonville and other prison pens. Was paroled therefrom to return to family and friends, but met bis death by the blowing up of the ill-fated Sultana on the Mississippi. Toward the close of 1881, an enterprise was set on foot to secure a soldiers' monument. The committee appointed to secure funds secured liberal sub- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 285 scriptions and the specified amount was raised by April, 1882, and the monument erected, a white bronze statue of a soldier, standing at parade rest, being five feet eleven inches high. The statue stands on a firm foundation of the best dark Quincy granite. This pedestal is ten feet nine inches high. The monument was unveiled July 4, 1882. in the presence of an estimated attendance of twelve to fifteen thou- sand people. W. D. Otis was President of the Day, and the address was delivered by Hon. A. P. Edgerton. The Post has steadily grown in numbers and strength and at the beginning of the present year had a membership of sixty-eight. Members of I. Donafin Post, No. 52, G. A. R., Hicksville, Ohio. William Auraud, Co. B, 21st O. V. I., e. August 26, 1861; disc. September 19, 1864. Henry Amadeu., Co. E, 21st O. V. V. I„ e. Aug- ust 29, 1861; disc, July 29, 1865 James H. Abel, Co. F, 44th (). V. I., e. September 23, 1861; disc. September 7, 1865. Thomas Armstrong, Co. A, 81st O. V. V. I., e. February 12, 1864; disc. July 28, 1865. James Bevington, Co. C, 152d O. V. I., e. February 15, 1865; disc, August 30, 1865. George R. Brown, Co. A, 38th O. V. I,, e. August 26, 1861; disc, September 13, 1864. John Blosser, Co. K, 101st O. V. I., e. August 12, 1862; disc. June 20, 1865. J. W. Blythe, Co. G, 104th O. V. I., e, August 16, 1862; disc. June 25, 1865. William E Bassett, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 14, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. Barney Brown, Co. B, 66th O, V. I., e. June 9, 1863; disc. July 15, 1865. William Boyer, Co. H, 88th I. V. I., e. August 7, 1862; disc. June 10, 1865. Corp. Otis Blood, Co. F, 44th I. V. I., e. September 23, 1861; disc. November 23, 1864. Harlow Burr, Co C, 3d O. V. C., e. November 18, 1861; disc. August 4, 1865. Lewis Baird, Co. F, 44th I. V, I., e. Sept. 22, 1861; disc. November 29, 1864. Joseph Barbower, Co. E. 21st O. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc. July 25, 1865. Thomas B. Bassett, Co. E, 86th O. V. I., e. June 17, 1863; disc. February 10, 1864. Corp. Joseph T. Bushong, Co. G, 81st O. V. I., e. August 26, 1862; disc. July 13, 186D. Christian Bishop, Co. C, 124th I. V. I., e. November 23, 1804; disc. August 31, 1865. F. M. Baker, Independent Company. J. L. Bishop, Co. C, 17th O. V. I., e. November 2, 1863; disc. July 16, 1865. Monroe E. Bristol, 5th 0, Ind. Batt., e. September 10, 1864; disc. June 22, 1865. Peter Countryman, Co. F, 44th I. V. I., e. September 23, 1861; disc. November 23, 1864. William H. Crow, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 16, 1862; disc. July 5, 1865. Capt. T. H. B. Correll, Co. C, 1st U. S. H. A., e. August 6, 1862; resigned. George Clemmer, Co. D, 100th O. V. I., e. August 28, 1862; disc. March 5, 1865. Ephraim Dutter, Co. D, 100th O. V. I., e. August 14, 4862; disc. June 20, 1865. Samuel Deihl, Co. B, 47th O. V. I., e. October 1, 1864; disc. June 1, 1865. John Daub, Co. K, 200th Penn. V. I., e. August 30, 1864; disc. May 14, 1865. Henry Daub, Co. K, 200th Penn. V. I., e..August 3(), 1864; disc. May 30, 1865. Amos Densmore, Co. F, 182d O, V. I., e. October I, 1864; disc. July 7, 1865, Ord. Sergt. George F. Delong, Co. F, 88th O. V. I., e. August 9, 1862; disc. June 15, 1865. Walker Dean, Co. H. 99th O. V. I., e. August 9, 1862; disc. July 28, 1865. Peter Eldridge, Co. G, 30th I. V. I., e. August 23, 1861; disc. July 19, 1865. G. Flint, Co. F, 129th I. V. I., e. February 8, 1864; disc. September 13, 1865. Lewis Ferris, Co. F, 48th O. V. I., e. February 15, 1862; disc. October 17, 1863. George Ferry, Co. E, 21st O. V. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc, August 29. 1865. Ord. Sergt. N, T. Fuller, Co. F, 44th I. V. I., e. September 28, 1861; disc. October 23, 1864. Nelson Fusselman, C. F, 129th 1. V. I., e. October 10, 1863; disc. June 18, 1865. Thomas Galantine, Co. I, 74th Penn. V. I.. e. July 16, 1863; disc. August 29, 1865. Charles Hollinger, Co. F, 55th O. V. I., e. February 24, 1864; disc, July 19, 1865. Fifth Sergt. E. E. Hale, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 13, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. First Sergt. W. J. Henry, Co. E, 21st O. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc. July 25, 1865. James Hughes, Co. H, 31st O. V. I., e. September 10, 1861; disc. September 26, 1865. H. C. Hootman, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 13, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. Jacob Hartzler, Co. A, 8th I. V. I., e. August 15, 1861; disc. September 8, 1864. Abraham Henry, Co. H, 123d O. V. I., e. August 22, 1862; disc. June 12, 1865. Corp. W. S. Headley, Co. F, 129th I, V. I., e. October 14, 1863; disc. September 13, 18(35. N. W. Hosack, Co. D, 100th O. V. I., e. August 5, 1862; disc. June 20, 1865. Aaron Hopkins, Co. D, 100th O. V. I., e. August 19, 1862; disc. June 20, 1865. Appleton Hopkins, Co. E, 21st O. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc. July 25, 1865. S. H. Helmick, Co. F, 48th O. V. I., e. February 15, 1862; disc. December 2, 1864. Elijah Imhoo -, Co. H, 88th I. V. I , e. March 5, 1863; disc. June 10, 1865. Warren Jump, 23d Ind. Batt., I. L. A., e. September 14, 1862; disc. July 2, 1865. 286 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. First Lieut. I. E. Kintigh, Co. C, 111th O. V, I., e. August 12, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. Capt. T. C. Kinmont, Co. F, 44th I. V. I.,e. September 26, 1861; disc. February 14, 1863. C. W. Kyle, Co. E, 21st O. V. I., e. September 12, 1861; disc. April 23, 1865. Emanuel Kyle, Co. D, 88th O. V. I, a August 18, 4862; disc. August 25, 1865. Levi Kinterman, Co, 1, 6003. I. V. I., e. March 7, 1862; disc. March 20, 1863, Sergt. John W. Meek, Co. D, 19th O. V. V. I., e. April 24, 1861; disc. October 24, 1865. Jonas Miller, Co. F, 111th O. V. I , e. August 12, 1862; disc, June 27, 1865 C. Mierly, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., o. August 14, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. Alexander McConkey, Co. E, 21st O. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc. July 29, 1865. Sergt. John Nelson, Co. F, 129th I. V. I., e. November 24, 1863; disc. August 29, 1865. Benjamin F. Nelson, Co. F, 129th I. V. I., e. January 1, 1864; disc. September 12, 1865. Corp. W. D. Otis, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 13, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. G. K Otis, Co. F; 111th O. V. I., e. August 15, 1862; disc. June 14, 1863. W. E. Powell, Co, E, 21st O. V. I., e. August 29, 1861; disc. July 29, 1865. C. R. Putnam, 23d N. Y. B., e. February 7, 1864; disc. June 28, 1865, Dennis Pitts, Co. F, 48th O. V. V. I., e. October 21, 1861; disc. December 2, 1864. Lieut. J. O. Rose, Co. E, 86th O. V, I., e. May 4, 1861; disc. February 14, 1864. Sergt. W. Renton, Co G, 38th O. V. V. I., e. September 13, 1861; disc. December 26, 1863. W. H. Richards, 5th O. Ind. Batt., e. September 11, 1861; disc. January 14, 1865. William Roan, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e, August 13, 1862; disc. June 27, 1865. Eusebius Reyff, Co. K, 7th Maryland V. I., e. September 16, 1862; disc. April 1, 1865. Nelson Smith, Co. D, 42d I. V. I., e, October 13, 1864; disc. July 21, 1865. Edwin Smith, Ca C, 5th Ind O. Batt., e. February 2, 1864; disc. September 5, 1865. Lieut. George W Scott, Co. F, 68th O.V. V, I., e October 13, 1861; disc. July 20, 1865. John B, Spindler, Co. G, 14th O. V. V. I., e. April 22, 1861; disc. August 13, 1861. Sergt. Harry Sweet, Co. F, 111th O. V. I., e. August 13, 1862; disc, May 30, 1865. Lewis Wentworth, Co. G, 14th O. V. V. I., e. February 4, 1864; disc. July 21, 1865. Gardiner Works, Co. C, 152d I. V. I., e. February 15, 1864; disc. August 30, 1865. Surg. G. Wonsetler, 3d U. S. V., disc. May 8, 1866. This list was prepared by G. Flint, Post Inspector. PHYSICIANS, Dr. Jonas Colby, of Defiance, and afterward Dr. Oney Rice, of Farmer Center, were the first practitioners in Hicksville and vicinity. The first resident physician in the village was William S. Goodale, now practicing in Illinois. He came about 1838, and remained only a short time. Dr. B. M. Rakestraw settled at Hicksville in October, 1846, its first prominent physician, He has been in practice here ever since. Dr. Cosgrove came next, about 1848. He remained only a short time and removed to Marysville, Ind Dr. Stephen, of the eclectic school, came a year or two later, remained for about two years and removed to Leona, Iowa. Dr. Edward Gorgus was probably the next permanent doctor. He practiced here until his death. Quite a number of physicians have located here for a short time, then removing elsewhere. At present, nine are in practice, Drs. Rakestraw, Kinmont, Sabin, Otis and Richards, allopaths ; Drs. Brookins and Phillips, homoeopaths, and Babbit and Wonsetler, eclectics. ATTORNEYS. Six attorneys are now engaged in practice at Hicksville-S. Summers, Hon. W. D. Hill, Thompson & Griffin, James E. Coulter and C. J. Ryan. Of these, Mr. Summers has been longest in practice here-since 1872. PRESS. The Hicksville Independent issued its first number September 10, 187.4, with Francis Brooks as proprietor and J. W. Cummings, as publisher. It has been succeeded by the Hicksville News, of which M. V. Starr and L. G. Dowell are publishers and edit ors. It is a weekly Democratic paper, newsy, and has an excellent circulation. The Hicksville Republican was started by D. M. Eveland, February 5, 1880. After a brief existence its publication ceased. BUSINESS. A summary of the present business interests of Hicksville is as follows: General stores-Ainsworth, Boone & Bevington, Maxwell Dilworth, I. A. Gingery, J. E. Coburn. Grocery--William J. Kleckner, H. Bloomfield, W. G. Hamilton, Goodin & Cony. Clothing-Lewis & Hirsh. Furniture dealers-J. P. Blakeslie, S. Blodgett, Wilderson & Co. Hardware-Miller Brothers & Co., W. O. Hughs & Co. HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 287 Drugs—Frank Dalrymple, B. S. Pettit. Bakery—Hugh Nelson. Jewelry—Charles Bassett, Andrew Patterson. Harness—E. M. Bilderbach, Sollenberger Brothers. Livery—Bouker & Hughs, Nichols & Bayes. Saw mill—Britton & Callender. Grist mill—Bruce, Scott & Figley, T. W. Kerr Co. Wagon manufactory --Luther Crowl. Photographer --H. Elliott. Hicksville Manufacturing Company. Building supplies—Fisher, Maxwell & Co. Agricultural implements—John Hollinger, Merrill Otis, G. K. Otis. Millinery—Mrs. Huber, Mrs. Eliza Murphy. Kerr Brothers, manufacturers of turned handles, forks, etc. George Knight, manufacturer of saw mill dogs. H. F. Randolph & Co., manufacturer of staves. Marble works - B. Webber. Hicksville bank—E. D. Otis. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Alfred P. Edgerton of Fort Wayne, Ind., was born in Plattsburg, Clinton County, N. Y., on the 11th of January, 1813, and. is the eldest son of Bela Edgerton and Phehe Ketchum, who were married at Plattsburg, March 24, 1811. His father was born at Franklin, New London Co., Conn., September 28, 1787, and was descended from Richard Edgerton, one of the original proprietors of Norwich. Bela Edgerton was fitted for college in his native town by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Nott, brother of the late President Nott, and graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1809, He was a classic teacher for several years after his graduation, in Vergennes, Vt., and in Plattsburg, N. Y. He volunteered at the latter place in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of Plattsburg, September 11, 1864. After the war, he was admitted to the bar, having previously studied law and practiced his profession in Clinton County, N. Y., till 1839. He was a member of the Legislature of New York, in 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, at a period when it numbered among its members the ablest men in the State, most of whom obtained national fame in after years. Among these Mr. Edgerton was recognized as a peer of the best, and had much to do in shaping the legislation of the State. He moved to Ohio in 1839, and settled at Hicksville, where he was well known to all the people, and no man was more esteemed by old and young. He died at Fort Wayne, Ind., September 10, 1874, aged eighty-seven years. Mrs. Edgerton was born at Livingston's Manor, Dutchess County, N. Y., March 27, 1790, and died at Hicksville, Ohio, August 24, 1844. She was a daughter of Joseph Ketchum, a merchant and manufacturer, who died in the city of New York in 1795. Alfred P. Edgerton, the subject of this sketch, was a graduate of the Academy at Plattsburg. Tie first appeared before the public as the editor of a newspaper, in 1833, and in the fall of that year removed to the city of New York, and engaged , in commercial pursuits. In the spring of 1837, he came to Ohio, and assumed the management of the extensive landed interests of the " American Land Company," and of the Messrs. Hicks, their interest being known as the " Hicks Land Company." He laid out the town of Hicksville, built mills, and made extensive improvements in the interest of the parties he represented. In his land office in Hicksville, there was sold by him up to October 5, 1852, 140,000 acres of land—all to actual settlers. In 1852, Mr. Edgerton became the owner of the then unsold lands, amounting to 40,000 acres. A large part of these lands have since been disposed Of to actual settlers. In all sales of land a liberal policy was pursued, arid long credits given, and prompt payment never exacted when purchasers improved and continued in possession of the property purchased. During all the time Mr. Edgerton resided in Hicksville, he was actively engaged in improving and developing the town and the country generally, and was, and is now, a liberal contributor to every matter of public interest and benefit. In 1845, he was elected to the State Senate of Ohio, from the territory which then embraced the present counties of Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Mercer, Auglaize, Allen, Putnam, Henry and part of Fulton. lip to this time, although accustomed to express, on proper occasions, decided political convictions, he had not been active in caucus and conventions, and was only known to the people of the district as a sagacious and upright business man. The public questions of that period involved complicated matters relating to finance, the State banking system, metallic or paper money, the public debt, public credit and kindred issues, and regarding these matters, the public mind was greatly stirred. The recognized leader of the Whig party of the State was Alfred Kelley, who had been identified with the public improvements and the financial policy of the State, in various official relations, since the origin of the public debt and the commencement of the canal system. Mr. Kelley was the Whig leader of the Senate, and he had developed his financial policy—had introduced bills to sanction it by legislation--had unmistakably beaten his antagonists and was master of the field. 288 - HISTORY OF -DEFIANCE COUNTY. Mr. Edgerton had been an attentive and patient observer of passing events, but except voting when questions came up, had taken no part in the debates. When the conflict, however, was approaching a close, he unexpectedly appeared in the arena, and in clear and logical speeches, electrified the body by the accurate knowledge he evinced of the principles involved in the proposed legislation, and of all the details regarding the finances of the State and of their management by his political opponents. The battle which was supposed by the Whigs to have been fought and won, it was ascertained had just commenced, and Mr. Kelley soon found in Mr. Edgerton a foeman more worthy of his steel than he expected or ever hoped to encounter, while the Democrats from that time forward recognized Mr. Edgerton as their leader. It may be stated that while this debate between Mr. Kelley and Mr. Edgerton was one of the most noted in the State, that the respectful deference always shown by the latter to the former, who was the senior, won for Mr. Edgerton the respect of the entire Whig party of the State, and secured to him ever after the warm friendship and respect of Mr. Kelley, which he often exhibited in kind and valuable ways. In 1850, after the close of a brilliant career in the State Senate, Mr. Edgerton was elected to the House of Representatives of the United States, from the district comprising the counties of Shelby, Mercer, Auglaize, Allen, Hardin, Putnam, Van Wert, Paulding. Defiance, Henry, Fulton and Lucas, and was again elected in 1852, the district being changed by dropping off Shelby. Mercer, Allen, Auglaize and Hardin, and adding. Wood and Hancock. During his first term, he was second on the Committee of Claims, but in the next Congress was the Chairman. This was a very important committee, and involved much arduous labor, but his duties at the head of the committee were performed with diligence and fidelity. He gave searching examinations to every claim in. trusted to his committee, and from his carefully prepared reports and logical conclusions, protecting alike the Federal Treasury, and extending evenhanded justice to worthy claimants, no successful appeal was ever taken. This labor afforded him less time to engage in the current debates, yet, when occasion offered he would enter the field, and his opinions never failed to command the respect of the House. In debate, he was forcible, logical, pungent and refined, his speeches showing great research, and being filled with information, discrimination and practical good sense, and always having reference only to the business before the House. In 1853, he was selected by the Board of Fund Commissioners of Ohio to represent, the State as its financial agent in the city of New York. This was the inauguration of a new policy by Ohio, of having its funds kept by its own agents and at all times in its own control. Mr. Edgerton succeeded the Ohio Life & Trust Company as the agent of the State, and his appointment met with much opposition from 1 the friends of that institution, The failure of the I company in 1857 was the best proof that the Democratic policy for the New York agency was the best. It was in connection with this agency that Mr. Kelley's friendship and confidence in Mr. Edgerton was particularly manifested. In 1856, he was Chairman of the Committee on Organization of the National Democratic Convention, held at Cincinnati. In 1859, he was appointed by the Legislature of Ohio to investigate the funds in the State Treasury. He made an elaborate report, which was accepted by the public as a Lull exposition of the frauds and their authors. In 1857, he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., but retained his citizenship in Ohio until 1862. In 1859, in conjunction with Hugh McCulloch, since Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and Henry Hoagland, he became the lessee of the Indiana Canal, from the Ohio State line to Terre Haute, and assumed the position of General Manager, and controlled the business until 1868. In 1868, he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Thomas A. Hendricks as Governor, but was defeated by 961 votes. In 1872, he was nominated for Governor by the O'Connor, or anti-Greeley " straight-out" Democrats, but declined in an able and dignified letter, which concluded by expressing the hope that all Democrats in the State would vote for Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks was the only candidate on the Democratic State ticket who was elected. Mr. Edgerton has been called by his friends to fill many minor political positions, but he has persistently preferred a business and not a political field of operations. He was a Senatorial Delegate from Ohio to the Baltimore Convention, in 1848, and a Senatorial Delegate from Indiana to the Chicago Convention in 1864, but he has held no office of any kind of a political nature since he was a member from Ohio of the Thirty-third Congress. He has, however, been an active and efficient member and President of the Board of School Trustees of the city of Fort Wayne for many years, his present term expiring in 1885, and he is now one of the Trustees of " Purdue University, a State institution of La Fayette, Ind., his term expiring in August, 1884.. Whatever public position Mr. E. has occupied, he has filled with complete satisfaction to those who HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 289 have conferred them upon him and with honor to himself. In private life he is an accomplished and genial gentleman, and he is one of the best and most successful of business men, and a prominent favorite and a respected citizen. Mr. Edgerton continues to manage his landed and other interests at Hicksville, by keeping an office and his old homestead there open for business, and for the annual gathering of his own family and all friends who choose to visit him. He has contributed liberally to all the churches in the town, six in number, and to each he has given $500 in cash, and the lot on which they stand, except the Christian Church, which bought their own lot and built their own church and asked and obtained only $100 from Mr. E., and except also the Episcopal Church, which was finished complete throughout by Mr. E. only, and conveyed by him to the Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio in trust. Mr. Edgerton was married at Columbus, Ohio, February 9, 1841, to Charlotte Dixon, daughter of Charles Dixon and Lucy Sage, born at Portland, Conn., June 1, 1816. They have six children living, all born at the old homestead in Hicksville—Frances Delord, now the widow of Alwyn A. Alvord, of New York; Charlotte Elizabeth, the wife of Satterlee Swartwout, of Stamford, Conn. ; Ann Eliza, the wife of George Manierre, of Chicago, Ill. ;. Henry H., now a resident of New Orleans; Alfred P., now a resident of Cincinnati, and Dixon, now a lawyer at Fort Wayne, Ind. Dixon is the youngest and the only one unmarried. Mr. Edgerton has made many speeches and published many addresses, and the publishers of this history have availed themselves of much information to be found in these addresses. Hon. W. D. Hill was born in Nelson County, Va., October. 1833, and, with his father's family, emigrated to Ohio in 1849, and settled on a rented farm near Jamestown, Greene County. This son, being the oldest in the family, had principal charge of the farm, and remained upon it until he attained the age of twenty-one years. Meantime, he had attended the public schools in Virginia and Ohio during the winter seasons. In 1853, he bought a scholarship in Antioch College, while the institution was under the Presidency of Horace Mann. To maintain himself, he sawed wood, made fences, cultivated gardens and cooked his own food. He taught school during winters, and, after passing three years in college and for the want of means, left it and never graduated. Meantime, however, he read law with the late James M. Hunt, of Springfield, and was admitted at the spring term of the District Court in Clark County in 1860. In 1858, he started out in editorial life, and edited the Ohio Press, which journal succeeded the Democratic Expositor. This was a business misadventure, and he lost not only his scanty savings, but became involved in debt. The law partnership of Hill & Snyder was formed in 1861, and although surrounded by hostile political elements, prosecuted a fair business. He was elected Mayor of Springfield in 1861, over James L. Torbert, a favorite Republican party leader, and in a city strongly opposed to Mr. Hill's well-understood views upon public men and measures. In June, 1863, he removed to Defiance. During the Congressional canvass between Gen. Ashley and Gen. Rice, in 1864; the latter, being confined at home by illness, Mr Hill took the burden off Gen. Rice's shoulders, and made speeches at many prominent points throughout the district. Gen. Rice, as a matter of reciprocity, could not have surrendered his claims to one more gratifying to his own feelings than Mr. Hill. The Democracy of this representative district, and especially those of Williams, insisted, in 1865, in urging his name as a candidate for nomination for the Ohio House of Representatives, and he was successful against great odds, and elected by a majority exceeding two hundred. In 1867, he was re-elected by more than twice this majority. In 1866, ho was a candidate before the Democratic Convention of his district for Congress, but the late Gen. Henry S. Commayer secured the nomination, and was heartily supported by Mr. Hill In 1875, Gov: Allen appointed him, unsolicited, and when there was a flood of applicants indorsed by powerful influence, State Superintendent of Insurance Department, and he held this position three years, faithfully discharged his duty, retiring after the expiration of his term, and resisting the pressure of many distinguished Democratic politicians in different sections of Ohio to permit the use of his name as an applicant for re-appointment. In 1878, he received the nomination for Congress, and was elected. In 1882, he was re-elected, and is at present serving as the National Representative from this district. Several years ago, Mr. Hill removed to Hicksville, where he has since engaged in the active practice of his profession. He was married, June 3, 1862, to Augusta B. March, at Springfield, and has four daughters—Alice L., Anna E,, Mary V. and Mattie T. John Clemmer was born December 25, 1810, in Rockingham County, Va, When two years old, his father started to move into Montgomery County, Ohio, but had to stop on the road, and was detained two years, in consequence of the war. In 1814, he moved into Montgomery County, Ohio, where Mr. Clemmer resided until he was of age. In 1831, he came into Paulding County, where he resided until he 290 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. married Miss Mary Glasmire, in 1837. He then moved into DeKalb County, Ind,, and, March 1, 1846, Mrs. Clemmer died, leaving four children. In 1847, Mr. Clemmer married Mrs. E. A, Shaw, his present wife, The farm on which Mr. Clemmer lives was owned by Buenos Ayres, bought when acting as agent from Mr. Edgerton in 1837, and purchased from him by Mr. Clemmer in 1854, He died June 10, 1882. His family is Rebecca Jane, George W,, Susan E. and Washington, by his first wife, and Frank J. by his second wife. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth A. S. Clemmer, was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., State of New York, in 1818, and resided there until 1821, when her parents removed to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , near the banks of the St, Lawrence River, There she spent her childhood days. In 1834, her father, Ira Allen, moved into Richland County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he again moved, to what was then called the far West, and settled in the vicinity of Newville, Ind. Miss Allen, at that time, was mostly engaged in teaching school, in the primary branches of learning, until May 10, 1840, when she was married to Dr. Asa Shaw. They settled in the vicinity of Newville, where he practiced medicine until September 8, 1842, at which time he died. Mrs. Shaw was left a widow, with one child-Sylvester A.--fourteen months old. She went home and lived with her father and mother, but soon went to teaching again, and soon felt quite at home in the school room. She enjoyed the society of the children very much, and loved to see them advance in their studies, and states that she is still very much attached to those who were once her scholars. December 8, 1847, she married, for her second husband, Mr. John Clemmer, and still resides on the home place, Hugh Elliott was born in Clear Creek Township, in Richland County, August 15, 1819, and married Miss Margaret McFarland September 8, 1842, of the same township. He had one boy by this marriage-George M. His wife died August 17, 1843, and the child died September 20, 1843. Mr. Elliott married, for his second wife, Miss Elizabeth A. Richardson, of Orange Township, Ashland County, December 4, 1851. Mr. Elliott sold his home farm and removed to Hicksville Township September 30, 1876, and bought a farm of 160 acres in Section 14, upon which he now resides. The farm has a neat frame residence, a good frame barn and 100 acres of cleared land. The land is productive, and he made a good exchange for his old home in Ashland County, He was elected Justice of the Peace in Hicksville Township in 1877, and re-elected in 1880, and proved himself a frank, honest and incorruptible officer. His family, by the second wife, is Abraham F., John J., James B., Mary A., Willie M., Eli R., George R. and Hugh C. All living but George R. Abraham Richardson, the father of Mrs. Elliott, died in Williams County, July 1, 1868, aged sixty-five years, and Mrs. Richardson, her mother, lives with Mrs. Elliott. She is now seventy-four years old. Jacob Gingrich was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 17, 1822, attended school in the same place, and came to Hicksville Township in 1854, from Crawford County, Ohio, where he had resided about ten years. His father and mother came at that time. His father died in 1863, aged about ninety-two years; his mother died in 1865, aged seventy-two. In 1844, Mr. Gingrich married Miss Catharine Warner, who was born July 11, 1830. He arrived in Hicksville Township April, 1854. Milling was then done at Clarksville and Hicksville, Preaching at that time was .generally in the cabins of the settlers. Rev, John Martin, of the United Brethren Church, was then the principal speaker. The family of Mr. Gingrich consists of one son-Emanuel, The first school taught in No. 7 was taught by Angeline Dorham in 1850. The house in No. 7 was built in 1849. Mrs. Gingrich's father died in Crawford County, Ohio, November 7, 1870, aged about eighty years. William Babbage was born March 4, 1811, in England, in the town of Winklegh in the county of Devonshire. He landed in New York June, 1834, with only $2.50 and about three thousand miles from home, with no friends to help him. He says: " Two of us, my brother John and myself, left the city of New York at the same time. He went to Lockport, N. Y. I went to Rochester, N. Y., and went to work on a farm at $10 per month, for four months, and afterward hired for $12 a month for one year. At the end of that time, left Rochester for Ohio, and came by way of Buffalo. Got on the lake during an equinoctial storm. The Captain was obliged to turn around and go back to Erie, and had to remain there three days, as it was considered the worst storm ever witnessed on the lake. After three days, the boat started again, and crossed the lake to Detroit and then went back to Toledo, where it arrived in the night, and I footed it from there to Defiance, a distance of about sixty miles, and arrived there in the fall of 1836. I there worked for Curtis Holgate for a time, and, at the building of the canal, was then given the position of Superintendent, to look after the hands in certain sections; entered a farm of 120 acres in what is now Williams County, Center Township, Section 19, clearing up about forty acres; built a log house; then sold out and came to this township, and purchased where I now live, in 1845, and built another log cabin, and moved into it in June, 1846. The HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 291 country was all woods then. My farm now contains eighty acres, under a good state of cultivation. Have a good house and barn, He was married, April 23, 1846, to Tryphena, daughter of Rev. E. and Betsy (Ryan) Johnson, of this township, who was born April 11, 1820, in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Has six children-William E., John W., Charles E., Ann E., Emina C. and Addie T. all living." Mr. Babbage is situated about three miles from Hicksville, on the Ridge road. The name of Mr. Babbage's father was Richard, and of his mother, Anne Elizabeth Down. They had seven children, four boys and three girls-William, John, Elizabeth, Anne, Richard, Simon and Mary. John came to this country with William; the rest all remained in England. The children of William Babbage are married, except the youngest. The oldest lives in Oregon; the rest are all settled at a convenient distance from home. Peter Hilbert was born in Harrison County, Ohio, near Cadiz, February 20, 1818, and was married, March 8, 1838, to Miss Rebecca Miller, daughter of George and Christina (Sauvel) Miller. Mrs Peter Hilbert was born April 10, 1819. Her parents were Maryland people, and Mr. Hilbert's parents the same. They had the following children: .Franklin, Solomon, William, Abraham, Alfred, Sarah, Daniel and Nathaniel, twins, Catharine, Rachel, George, Lydia M., Amanda M. and Anna A.; all living except George, Franklin, Anna A. and Sarah. He came to this township in 1846, and settled on his farm, then in the woods, in Section 1, and put up a log cabin, with puncheon floor, and stick chimney plastered with mud. The farm contains 160 acres, for which he paid $900, and commenced clearing it for a homestead. He went to Hicksville to do his milling and trading. After the mill at Hicksville burned, he went to Clarksville or Brunersburg to mill. Their first school was at the six corners, and their first church at Lost Creek. His father, Daniel Hilbert, married, for his first wife, Miss Catharine Young, who died December 29, 1862, aged seventy-three years eight months and fifteen days. They were from Maryland, and came to Harrison County, Ohio, and from there to this county about forty years ago, and purchased a farm adjoining Miller Arrowsmith, known as the Isaac Wartenbee farm. For his second wife, he married Mrs, Barbara Yingling (widow), sister of his first wife, who died March 30, 1872, aged eighty-four years three months and ten days. He had a large family by his first wife, consisting of five boys and seven girls. He died December 30, 1877, at his daughter's, Mrs. Kleckner, in the northwest corner of Mark Township, at age of ninety years, eight months and thirteen days. Five sons of Peter Hilbert were in the service of the late war. Solomon enlisted in Company C, in the Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, July 23, 1861, and was discharged July 26, 1865; William enlisted in Company D, One Hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 4, 1862, and discharged June 20, 1865; Alfred enlisted October 13, 1864, in Company D, Twenty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, discharged July 13, 1865; Franklin enlisted June 5, 1861, in Company F, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was dis charged, on account of disability October 30, 1862, and died November 20, 1862, from disease contracted while in the army. Abraham did not enlist, but was employed as a teamster at Camp Nelson, Crab Orchard, Somerset, Knoxville, etc. Michael Tracht was born June 11, 1837, in Crawford County, Ohio, and served in the war of 1861-65, about three years, having enlisted in Company K, Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry August 20, 1862, and was discharged May 20, 1865. His father, Peter Tracht, and mother, Elizabeth (Heist) Tracht, came from Germany, near to Hessen, to this country in 1829, and settled in Crawford County, Ohio. Shortly after the close of war, came to this county, and settled on a farm in Hicksville Township, Section 2, where they now reside, Michael remaining at home with them, and helping to carry on the farm. They have had a large family of children, as follows: Elizabeth, Anna, Margaret, Michael, John, Eli, Catharine, Agnes, Caroline B., George and Mary; two of these are dead, Eli and Margaret. George Tracht, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Heist) Tracht, was born in Crawford Couiaty September 18, 1847 He married Matilda, daughter of Jacob and Fredericka Hofmeister. who was born February 25, 1854. They have four children-Lillie May, born November 13, 1875; Elmer R., born December 3, 1877; Oscar J., born June 10, 1879; Charles W,, born November 6, 1881. Mrs. Tracht's parents were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and immigrated to this country, landing in New York September 28, 1852; thence going to Mahoning County, remaining eighteen months; removing then three years to Fostoria, Hancock County; then five years to Seneca, and then, March, 1861, settling in this township, clearing up a 100 acre farm, but are now comfortably retired on a two-acre lot in the town of Hicksville. They have eight children, all surviving but John, who died November 8, 1866, aged twenty years. The other children are Margaret, married Christian Bishop; Fredericka, married Antoin Dierston; Jacob P., married Catharine Moore; Paulina, married Edward Tracht; Matilda, married George Tracht; Mariette, married Anthony Webber, and William, unmarried. 292 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY, Frederick Henning was born in Amt Walhern, Baden, Germany, in 1831, and immigrated to America, landing at New York March 20, 1850. He removed to the far West, but, not liking the country, he returned to Reading, Penn., where he learned the cabinet-making, which he followed until 1870. He came to Ohio in 1854, settling in Ravenna, Portage County. He was married, in 1856, to Lena Hilterhoffe. His seven children all grew to maturity. They are Anna, Margaret, Carrie, Susie, George, Henry and Hattie, He moved to Hicksville Township in December, 1877, where he bought sixty acres of land in the woods, most of which he has reduced to a state of cultivation. He has a neat little house, surrounded with fruit trees and many conveniences. In politics, Mr. Henning is a Democrat. He received a good education in Germany. In his habits, Mr. H. is strictly opposed to tobacco and intoxicating liquors. Ransom Osborn was born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Conn., April 4, 1795, and married Miss Sarah Hurd, of Humphreyville, Conn., January 15, 1815. Sixteen years after, he removed to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining there eight .years; from there he went to Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1836 he removed, with his family, to Hicksville Township, When he arrived, he found but twc cabins, built by Hicks & Co., and occupied by Daniel Comstock and Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn built the third cabin, near where the homestead of A. P. Edgerton now stands. As soon as he had his family domiciled, he started for Fort Wayne with a load of wheat and corn, and two yokes of oxen, the former to be converted into flour for the use of the family. The distance was twenty-five miles, through a dense forest, and the only road was a winding path, furor which a few bushes had been cut. He reached hi( destination in safety, got his grain ground, and started for home about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, After traveling some miles, it commenced to rain and snow, and the weather, which had been mild, turned bitterly cold. The path lay through a level country and the heavy fall rains had covered the lower por tion of the trail with water, which commenced freez ing, and the oxen soon grew weary, as, at every step the ice would break, cutting their legs; but he urge( them on, with all the skill of an experienced driver The cold increased, and he began to be alarmed fo his safety, as the night was rapidly approaching He tried to kindle a fire, but everything being covered with sleet, it was impossible. He moved slowly along, and as the darkness deepened he had to feel his way and guide his team. The weather grey colder and colder—ice formed on his clothing, an( his body became chilled and benumbed. For a long time he urged his team forward, but at length the: halted and refused to go. He then unyoked them, and let them loose in the forest, hoping to reach some habitation where he could obtain shelter and relief. His feet became so wetland frozen that he could not walk without the support of the limbs of the trees, with which he swung himself from tree to tree, often stopping to rest against some oak or beech while he called loudly for help. But no help came until he had remained in the woods all night, when a Mr. Brant, at whose house he had stopped on his way up to Fort Wayne, thinking he was probably lost in the woods, started out to look for him. As Mr. Osborn cried again and again for help, and he heard no sound save the dismal howling of the wolves and the echoes of his own voice, he gave up in despair. But hark! What was that? A shout—the barking of a dog. Mr. Brant assisted him to his cabin, where everything was done to alleviate his sufferings that could be done. All this time his wife and children were anxiously awaiting his return. The cold winds whistled among the trees, and after waiting in great suspense until after midnight, they barred the door and retired, but could not sleep. As quickly as possible, word was sent to Mrs. Osborn, of her husband's misfortune, and she went to hit, staying a week, and then he was taken to his home in Hicksville. Medical assistance was called from Defiance. Dr. Colby and Dr. Kibby examined the case, and found that nothing but amputation of the limbs would save his life. The same evening of their arrival, they amputated them, just six inches below the knee. This tearful ordeal was passed through by Mr. Osborn without a murmur, but he was crippled for the rest of his life. He had a pair of cushions, or sort of knee-shoes, constructed, and as he recovered, with the help of a cane, he was able to walkabout, and taught the first school in Hicksville, It consisted of five scholars Joseph Bunnell, Sarah Bunnell, Alexander Yaxley, and his two daughters, Mary and Caroline Osborn, Mr. Osborn taught several terms, and was also Justice of the Peace. In the spring of 1837, he moved into the double cabin formerly occupied by Mr. Comstock, where Mrs. Osborn kept the workmen that cleared away the dense forests, and also the men that built the first grist mill. Mr. Osborn's family consisted of his wife and one son and five daughters—Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Joseph M., Mary and Caroline. He owned the property where Dr, Rakestraw now lives, and also the farm on the Edgerton road where Mr. Herrick now lives. Mrs. Osborn died March 8, 1843, aged forty-eight years. In 1857, Mr. Osborn went to Geneseo, Ill., to live with his oldest daughter, Mrs. Buenos Ayres. October 14, 1872, he ate his dinner as usual, and in the afternoon died sitting in his chair. About three years before his death, he re- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 293 ceived his second sight, which was a great pleasure to him, as he was a great reader. Allen Parker was born near Baltimore, Md., December 25, 1810. He moved with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he came to Hicksville, being one of the first settlers. He married Miss Esther, daughter of Ransom Os born, November 14, 1830, it being the first wedding in Hicksville Township. It was attended by all of their near friends and neighbors. Mr. A. P. Edgerton and Miss Mary Platter were the attendants, Mr. Parker was a farmer by occupation, and also kept the hotel of the place for many years. He endured with cheerfulness all the privations and hardships incident to the settlement of a new country, and hopefully labored for and received the rewards due to industry and integrity. He died July 11, 1860, after a brief illness, leaving a wife and seven children, two daughters and five sons—Sarah, William, George, Carrie, John, Charles and Joseph— all living and married. His wife, Mrs, Esther Parker, survives him, and still lives at the old house at Hicksville, being the oldest settler of the place. Luther Loveland, born in Hartford County, Conn., October 10, 1816, is a son of Luther .and Lucy (Wickam) Loveland, both natives of Hartford County. They immigrated to Huron County, Ohio, in 1832. In 1836. the subject of this sketch came to Hicksville Township, and was employed by the Hicks Company, at $16 per month and board, to drive ox team, carting produce from the Maumee. October 22, 1840, he married Mary Magdalene, daughter of John and Phcebe (Nafee) Clemmer, who was born in Rockbridge County. Va., in 1814. The children of Mr. Loveland are Phcebe J., Lucius C., Sarah Catharine, John N., Lucy Ann, Peletiah and Mary. Mr. Loveland bought 160 acres in Hicksville Township, and is now living on. Section 6. William R. Maxwell, farmer, Hicksville, born in Adams County, Penn., on December 13, 1820, was the son of William and Isabelle (Johnson) Maxwell, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled with their family in Wayne County in 1827, purchasing land on which he lived until death, in 1837. His wife resided on the land with our subject until 1877. They were the parents of nine children, of whom two are living in this county Elizabeth Nash (nee Maxwell) and our subject. James H. lives in Williams County. The early life of our subject was passed in Wayne County, and he received his education in the primitive district school. When of age, he began life for himself. Six years later, he purchased a farm of 160 acres of wild land, on which, now well improved, he still resides. He moved into a small cabin already on the land, and began to clear off the dense forest, which, by the frugality and industry of himself and wife, he has converted into a beautiful farm. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in 1853, and has served in all seven years. He has also been identified with other township offices, and in all has shown good executive ability and fearlessness in discharge of his duties. He has succeeded in making for himself a good home, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is well preserved, and bids fair to enjoy the fruits of his labors for many years. He was married, October 27, 1842, to Miss Eliza Amos, of Wayne County, Ohio, and they have had eight children, five of whom survive—Frances. Belle, Franklin, James H. and Eliza; the deceased were Mary A., Jane and William. The children are residents of this county, except Belle, who resides in Crawford County. Mrs. Maxwell departed this life October 13, 1864, at the age of forty-one . years, eleven months and five days. Politically, Mr. Maxwell has affiliated with the Democratic party, and during his long life has been in full accord with his party. He has always been a friend to any public improvement that was projected, Simon P. Brinker was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 28, 1845, came to Defiance County March 24, 1874, and located in Hicksville Township. He has been twice married. His first wife was NI iss Margaret H. Ross, of Westmoreland County, Penn,, married October 25, 1866, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter Adelia M. and Joseph H. (deceased). He married, for his second wife, Elmira Bungard, of Defiance County. They have the following family: Christopher Columbus, Laura Mabel. The father of Mrs. Brinker is Adam Bungard, and the name of her mother is Mary Bungard; formerly it was, when single, Hefflefinger, she having resided in Ashland County prior to her removal to Defiance County in the fall of 1863. They have a family of six children, three boys and three girls. All came to Defiance County, and all are living. John M. Brinker, father of Simon P., was born in Butler County, Penn., September 29, .1803; married Elizabeth Henry, of Butler County, Penn., February 24, 1824; she was born October 8, 1808; had fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls---Margaret B., Louisa, Henry A., Rebecca, Stephen J., Elizabeth, Christopher C., Joseph H., Carson B., Anna M., Simon. M. P. and Hartman, and two others dead; came to Defiance County October 15, 1873, from Westmoreland County Penn., to Hicksville. John Ryan was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in September, 1799, and received his education in that county. He married Miss Gertrude McCaffree, daughter of Cornelius and. Elsie (Legg) McCaffree, 294 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. in St Lawrence County, N. Y., October 5, 1824. Their children were Eugene, William Augustus, Charles M., Francis D., Eliza P., Washington C., (who was in the war of 1861-65, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August, 1862. and was discharged in July, 1865), Amelia J., Silvia Adelle and Cornelia Theodocia. Eugene, the oldest, died when a babe; William Augustus died in February, 1875; Silvia Adelle died September, 1874. Mr. Ryan came from St, Lawrence County, N. Y., to Hicksville Township in 1844; purchased eighty acres of land in the woods; put up his cabin with puncheon floor, chimney of sticks and mud, and moved in and commenced to clear his land, and passed through the usual experience of all the pioneers. He cleared about thirty acres, and then sold to John Hilbert. He then purchased an adjoining eighty acres of woodland, and made one more start in the woods, put up a cabin and barn, and Cleared the farm upon which he died. It is under a fine state of cultivation, and has a fine frame house and good buildings, barn, etc. The first school in this neighborhood was on the southeast corner of this farm, near what is now the six corners, and built in 1846. The teacher was Elias Cammel. Before this, they had to go to the northern district, two miles distant, which was taught by one Mr. Bercaw. Meetings were held in private residences in the neighborhood. Milling at Brunersburg, nearly twenty miles distant. Mr. Ryan died May 1, 1880, in his eighty-first year. Gertrude Ryan, his wife, was born April 3, 1799, in Dutchess County, N. Y.; died October 7, 1872, aged seventy-three years. A fine double monument, erected by their children, marks their resting- place in the beautiful cemetery at the six corners; cost $450. Benjamin Forlow was born April 1, 1810, in Berks County, Penn. His father, John, and his mother, Catharine (Wallsmith) Forlow, were both born in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather on his father's side was of Irish descent, and great-grandmother on his mother's side of German descent. His grandfather and grandmother both died in Berks County, Penn His father 'moved, in 1831, to Butler County, Ohio, when the subject of this sketch was twenty-one years old, where the father and mother both died. Mr. Forlow was a cabinet-maker by trade, which he learned in Pennsylvania, at which he worked in Butler County till he was twenty-two years old, when he married Catharine, daughter of John and Margaret (Wyland) Ernerick, by whom he had eleven children, viz., Amos, John B., Susan, George, William, Mary E., Uriah, .Lewis, Benjamin N., Ananias, Elizabeth. Two boys and a girl are deceased—John, George and Elizabeth. His wife, Catharine, was born in Butler County, her parents being among the first settlers of that county. After his marriage, he worked at his trade in Butler County some ten years, then came with his family to Defiance County, in 1843, and settled in Milford Township, where he bought eighty acres and forty in Farmer, the township line dividing. He lived in Milford in Section 36, in Farmer on Section 31. The farm had a small clearing and cabin when he bought of Robert M. Kells. He bought forty acres of Anthony Huber, who came from Butler County about the same time. His wife died on the farm November 4, 1876. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Forlow rented out his farm, and is now living a retired life at Hicksville, in his seventy-third year. He is still active, and enjoys good health. He has always be- longed to the German Reform Church, as did his parents and grandparents before him, When Mr. Forlow came to his farm on Lost Creek, there was no road cut out to Hicksville from his place except the brush. He has prospered, and has plenty of this world's goods as the result of industry, economy and honesty. He has a good farm of 120 acres; could sell, if he would, at $75 per acre. His oldest son, Amos, whose sketch and portrait are in this work, was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted as a private in Company F, One-Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In all, four of his sons were in the service of their country in the late war. Robert Filmore Kerr was born February 19,1851, in the village of Middletown, Salt Creek Township, Holmes Co., Ohio. His father, Joseph Kerr, and his mother, Jane (Dowell) Kerr were born, the former in Honey Brook Township, Chester Co., Penn., September 10, 1820, the latter born in Holmes County, Ohio, September 18, 1827. Their children are Joseph D., Thomas W., Robert F,, Alice May, Laura E. (deceased). Mr. Kerr (Joseph) came from Pennsylvania to Holmes County, Ohio, where he remained about fifteen years, then came to Defiance County, in October, 1857, and settled at. Hicksville, where he now resides. Was a tailor by trade, but on his arrival at Hicksville he engaged in the lumbering business and cleared up a farm. Robert F., the subject of this sketch, at twelve years of age commenced driving oxen to haul logs to the mill, and helped thereafter to clear up the farm, attending district school in winter, till about twenty years of age; then taught school three terms, in winters of 1872,1873, 1874, in Hicksville Township. In 1874, he commenced his present business at Hicksville, on a small scale, in connection with his HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 295 brothers, Joseph D. and Thomas W., and continued till 187'7. Thomas W. then sold his interest to E. W. Crook, and the firm became and is now known as Kerr Bros. & Co. In 18'79, they established a branch warehouse at Chicago, Robert F. taking charge. This establishment is, probably, now the largest of the kind in Northwest Ohio, shipping largely to New York, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, St, Louis, Omaha, Denver, Sacramento, Cal., Portland. Ore., also to Europe. They have an agency at New York. On December 1, 1881, Mr. Kerr was married to Miss Amanda J. Otis, daughter of Morell and Margaret Otis, of Milford Township, who was born February 21, 1855. Mr. Kerr is of the firm of T. W. Kerr & Co., in the grist mill known as the Hicks. ville Mills, and also connected with the agricultural business of the firm of Otis & Co., of the same town. Mr, Kerr is now but little over thirty years of age; by industry and economy has worked his way up to a position of affluence and standing in the town seldom attained by many of double the amount of his years. He has put up a fine residence, second to none in the t own. The Kerr brothers all seem to be enterprising and go-ahead gentlemen. T. W. is, perhaps, the leading spirit in business enterprise, leading in the building of the grist mill. Edward W. Crook was born December 23, 1841, in the village of Elkston, Columbiana County, Ohio. He is the oldest son and the fourth child of a family of seven children, of Thomas and Jane (Bachelor) Crook, who were born in England, were married there, came to America in 1839, and settled in Columbiana County, engaging in the manufacture of woolen goods, continuing in same business till 1863, when he engaged in mercantile life for two years, and then retired from business. Their children were Martha L., Mary, Sarah, Edward W., Emma C., John F. and Ida May. Edward W. Crook, the subject of this sketch, remained at home assisting his father in his business and attending school until nineteen years of age, when he went to learn the carriage- making business, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years, when he commenced the business for himself at East Fairfield, Columbiana County, where he continued in the business till December 1, 1877, when he sold out and came to Hicksville, and in the spring of 1878 bought the interest of T. W, Kerr in the handle factory of Kerr Brothers, and the firm became J. D, and R. F. Kerr and E. W. Crook, and is known by the firm name of Kerr Brothers & Co. Mr. Crook married Miss Alice M. Kerr, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Dowell) Kerr, July 14, 1875, who was born November 5, 1852. Mr. Crook built his fine residence in Hicksville in 1878, into which he moved on the 1st day of January, 1879, a lithograph view of which appears in this history. Mr. Crook and his partners are wide-awake, enterprising gentlemen and do an excellent business. E. D. Otis, banker, Hicksville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, September 20, 1832, and is a son of Jesse Otis, a native of Vermont who located at Massilon, Ohio, in 1815; afterward located in the above township and county in 1817. He was born in 1793, and was a son of Elden Edward Otis, of Massachusetts, who was a son of Stephen Otis, a Major on the staff of Maj. Gen. Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill. He was wounded in the same engagement, but recovered, and did his country good service. Jesse made a permanent home in Wayne County, Ohio, for himself and family. He died there May 1, 1856, leaving seven sons and three daughters —John D., Merrill, Anna, William, Jane, Edward, Nathaniel, E. D., Mary, Henry W. Our subject remained on the farm with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when, in 1856, he went to Dalton, and became engaged as a clerk in a drug store. In 1857, he engaged in a mercantile business in Dalton, which he successfully conducted until 1879, at which time he sold out and came to Hicksville. Ohio, and in June of the same year began the general banking business, in which he is now so successfully engaged. He is a member of Lodge, No. 478, F. & A. M., to which body he his belonged for twenty years. He was married, in 1857, to Eliza, daughter of Jacob Bruch, of Wayne County, Ohio, by whom he has had four children, viz., A. F., Anna, Jennie and A. R. He is a gentleman of good education and ability, and during his residence in his native county was considerably interested in political matters, and represented his people in some of the offices of trust and responsibility Mr. O. is one of the leading citizens of the town, and although he has but lately become identified with the interests of Hicksville and Defiance County, his public-spiritedness has already won for him a leading place in society, and he is prominent among the solid men of the county, Abram Henry was .born in Crawford County May 4, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Susanna (Kniseley) Henry. They were farmers, and the subject of this sketch remained at home, working on the farm, till seventeen years of age; then learned the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. He was married to Miss Emeline, daughter of Edward and Phoebe (Young) Wagner, December 22, 1857. Mrs. Henry was born August 20, 1834. Her father, Edward, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio; her mother was born in Virginia. Six children have been born to the subject of this sketch, three now living—Edward C., Willet F., Leila N. He enlisted in the late war 296 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 22, 1863; passed through many battles, but came through all right, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. George W. Scott was born at Independence Defiance County, on what is known as the Dr. John Evans farm, January 6, 1839. His parents were Virginians by birth. His parents, John and Catharine (Davidson) Scott, settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, and remained there till 1836, when they came to this county. They made their first purchase by entering eighty acres in what is now Ridgeville Township, Henry County, which he partly cleared up, putting up a cabin. Mrs. Scott (lied on this farm about 1845. Mr. Scott bought next in Richland Township, and married, for second wife, Mrs. Stacy, He died on this farm about 1852. By his first marriage, he had eight children, viz., Lydia, Jacob, Eliza, Wesley, Nancy, Mary .1., John H., George W. Two of these are living, Jacob and the subject of this sketch. Jacob lives at Florida, Henry County. George remained at home on the farm till his father's death, being then about thirteen years old. He loft home for Pickaway county, where he worked on a farm about five years, then returned to Florida, Henry County, and learned the milling business. He enlisted as a private in Company F, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in November, 1861, and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant at the close of the war, July 20, 1865; then returned; farmed for about two years: then entered the mill at Evansport, and continued in the same till the spring of 1877. He then came to Hicksville, entering the Anchor Mills, and in 1880 bought an interest, and the firm became Hootman, Scott & Bruce, now Scott, Bruce & Fribley. Mr. Scott married Clara, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Barnhart) Bowen, September 6, 1860, and has seven children, viz,. Mary J., Della, Myrtie, Nelly, George E., Darla. Mr, Scott was in thirty-four battles, which was inscribed on their banner by order of their General. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta, and in Sherman's march to. the sea. He never lost a meal, missed an engagement or received a scratch. B. S. Pettit, dealer in drugs, books and stationery, was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 17, 1850, and is a son of Benjamin Dye and Patsey (Morris) Pettit, who were born in the same county, he July 3, 1822, and she March 21, 1827, He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Dye) Pettit. He came from Pennsylvania to Miami County, in which he died. She was born in Miami County October 8, 1800, and the first white child born in Miami County. Benjamin Dye Pettit removed from Miami County with his family to Marion County, Ohio, in 1852, in which he lived till 1866, when he removed to White County, Ind., where he died April 28, 1879. To them were born six children, viz., B. S., David (deceased), E. M., Clara E., B. B. and Mary E, Mrs. P. is living, and resides in White County, Ind. Mr. P. was a farmer by occupation. The boyhood of our subject, was passed upon the farm, and in the district schools he obtained the rudiments of an education. He entered the Asbury University, at Greencastle, Ind., in 1873, and took a full philosophical course, completing the same in two years. Previous to entering the above institution, he taught district schools for two terms. After attain- ing his twenty-fourth year, he entered a drug store, for the purpose of making himself acquainted with the nature of drugs, and located in Hicksville, in business for himself, in February, 1879, where he has since been engaged, and does a thriving business. He is a member of F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 478, Hicksville; is also a member of the Baptist Church. He was married, January 28, 1880, to Miss Estella, daughter of S. H. and Dorcas H. Powell, of White County, Ind. She died August 2, 1881. Mr. P. does a good business in his line, and keeps everything usually found in a first-class drug retail house. William J, Kleckner, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Hilbert) Kleckner, was born October 2, 1844, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; came to this ,county with his parents when about eighteen months old; grew up, and spent his early days on the farm until nineteen years old; then went to the boat-oar factory of J. D. Wilsey, of Defiance County, on the farm of Miller Arrowsmith; worked at this business thirteen years. After following up the oar business for a time, he commenced the manufacture and sale of pumps at Hicksville, and continued the same till September, 1882, He then commenced the grocery busi- ness at Hicksville, in which he is now engaged in connection with the pump business. Mr. Kleckner married Harriet A., daughter of David and Sophia A. (Walden) Powell, January 14, 1866, by whom he has two children-Addie L., horn April 30, 1867, and William E., born January 17, 1874. Mrs, Kleckner was born in Allen County, Ohio. February 25, 1846. Her parents, David and Sophia, were born, the former March 12, 1812, in Juniata County, Penn,, the latter born January 24, 1823, in Portage County, Ohio. They had four children- Mary J., William C., Harriet A. and George F., all living in this county except one daughter (Mrs. States), now living in Allen County, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. W. J. Kleckner were married April 8, 1841, Mr. Powell died April 22, 1849, in Allen HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 297 County, Ohio, having suffered for a number of years with necrosis of the bone in one of his legs, which was amputated above the knee, without taking any anodynes, but died about eight months after the operation. William C. Powell, brother of Mrs. Kleckner, was in the late war; enlisted September, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-first Regiment ; was honorably discharged July 28, 1865; came through all right, after passing through many battles and hardships. Mrs. Powell, in 1850, married Alexander Tharp, brother of Colin and Elisha, early settlers in Defiance County. He died in 1864; died on his farm, and was buried in the cemetery on his farm, where the Lutheran Church now stands. Mrs. Kleckner lived on this place twenty-six years of her life. Mr. Tharp first settled at Williams Center; then bought the farm on which the Lutheran Church stands, near Arrowsmith's land. Dr. W. H. Richards was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 6; 1837. His father, John Richards, was born near Steubenville, Ohio His mother, Jane (Hutchinson) Richards, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn. The Doctor's younger days were spent on the farm, until a young man, He attended high school at Fredericksburg, Wayne Co., Ohio, and taught school several terms. He commenced the study of medicine in the spring of 1861, and volunteered as a soldier on September 11, 1861, in the Fifth Ohio Independent Battery, commanded by Capt. Hickenlooper, now Gen. Hickenlooper, of Cincinnati. The battery was under Gen. Fremont, in Missouri, till the spring of 1862, then transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, under Grant, and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing was in Gen. Prentice's division, and fired the first shot in that memorable battle. They lost four guns out of six, with the greater part of the men and horses, ' He remained with the battery till the spring of 1863, when he was discharged in consequence of disability. He then removed to Paxton, Ill., where he remained until the close of the war, teaching school, with the exception of six months spent in the army again, or in the one hundred days' service in 1864. He again resumed the study of medicine, in the office of Ran. dolph & Kelso, of Paxton, Ill ; attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1866 and in 1867; returned to Illinois and commenced the practice of medicine at Ludlow, Champaign Co., Ill., where he married Miss Mary A. Pinkerton, of Preble County, Ohio, in 1868. In 1869, he removed to Savannah, An- drew Co., Mo,, where his wife died of consumption. He had one child born, and which also died at the same time. He then returned to Ohio, in 1871, and graduated at Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1872; located at Hicksville that spring, in partnership with Dr. T. C. Kinmont, for one yeltr. He married his second wife, Lodema H., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adamson Tannehill, of Defiance County, in 1873. From this marriage they have one child, eight years old, named Fordyce B. Richards. Dr. William D. Otis was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 14, 1841. About this time, his parents moved. to Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained about five years, then removed to Defiance County, in 1846, and settled in Milford Township, where they now reside. W. D. remained at home until eighteen years of age, attending district school in the winter season. At this age, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, enlisting August 13, 1862, and was in the battles of Loudon Creek, Strawberry Plains, siege of Knoxville, also through the Georgia campaign and Franklin fight, Nashville siege and victory, winding up in North Carolina, and was discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, at the close of the war, in July, 1865. He then returned home and resumed his literary education, which had been contemplated before his enlistment. He attended normal school at Bryan, Ohio, for one year; then went to Denison University, at Greenville, Ohio, where he remained six years, completing his classical work, and graduating from the institute three years thereafter with honors, receiving the degree of A. M. In 1872, he entered the office of Prof, A. C. Miller, at Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio, completing his studies with him. After graduating at Wooster Medical College, at Cleveland, he started to practice at Independence, near Cleveland. He remained there one and a half years; then went to Pataskala, Licking County, where he remained five years; then located in Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio, November 1, 1880. He married, May 8, 1873, Harriet M., daughter of Harrington Howe (deceased), and Martha (Smedley) Howe. Her mother, Martha, resides with Mr. Otis. James Casebeer, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Hicksville, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 4, 1818, and is a son of John and Sarah (Smiley) Casebeer, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in the above county in an early day, where they made a permanent home, living therein until they died, He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation. To them were born three children, viz., James, Sarah and Lavina. By his first wife he had eleven children, viz., Elizabeth, John, David, Mary, Plevy, Ann, Andrew, Adam, Catharine, Jacob and Hannah. The early life of our subject was passed upon the farm, and when old enough and strong enough he began learning the smith trade, which he pursued for a number of years, saving up enough in the 298 - HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY. meantime to buy himself a small piece of land in his native county. For thirteen years after his purchase, he lived in Tuscarawas County, then disposed of his property, and removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where he bought land, on which he lived until 1861, at which time he located where he now lives, near Hicksville; now owns a farm of 270 acres of good land, 110 of which adjoins the village. He was elected to serve as a Justice of the Peace of the township, and likewise as a Trustee. He was married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Stevens) Sewer, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. To them have been born eleven children, seven of whom are living, viz., Martha J., John E., Catharine, George T., Elizabeth and Benjamin F., and Marietta; the deceased, Samuel J., William H., Anna and Alice. John was a member of Company D, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; enlisted October, 1861, as First Lieutenant of Company D; went through the war, and was honorably discharged September 25, 1865. William H. was a member of same company and regiment, and enlisted with his brother at the same time; was a Corporal; was killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862; shot through the head and instantly killed. Mr. C.'s family are members of the United Baptist Church. Mr, C. began life a poor boy, and by industry and economy he has accomplished the great object of life --made a good home—and is now living amid peace and plenty, the result of a successful life's work. Mr. C.'s parents died nearly at the same time, when he was only five years of age. Mrs. Sarah Smiley's mother named Boyd, was captured by the Indians in childhood, in Somerset County, Penn., during the Revolutionary war, and held a captive by them for seven years. After the close of the war, she was turned over to her friends, a treaty having been effected that necessitated the return of all captives, and she, with others, was brought into old Fort Duquesne, where Pittsburgh, Penn., now stands, At the time she was captured, even others of the same family were taken, consisting of the child's mother and grandmother and four other children. The mother and grandmother were ruthlessly murdered by the Indians at the time they were captured, but all the children, except one, passed seven years in captivity, One of the children, a boy, and the youngest, became accustomed to his red captors and their ways, and refused to return to his white friends and relatives. The eldest son was kept a prisoner three years, when he was released and assisted back to his friends by his Indian captors. About twenty-five women and children were at the time congregated at the house where these people were captured. They all were infirm and the infants were murdered, the rest taken into captivity. They were not captured until after a hard resistance was made, and then only after the cabin was burned. Asher P. Phillips, son of John C. and Phebe A. (Mark) Phillips, was born in Berrien County, Mich., July 8, 1859. His father was born in Ohio in 183'7, his mother, in this county in 1839. They had two children —Asher P. and Francis B. (dead). Asher P. married Susan J., daughter of John and Rachel (De- pew) Knisely. One child has been born to them, December 12, 1881---Phebe R. Phillips. His mother, Phebe, married for her second husband Peter M, Eldridge. John C. Phillips, the first husband, enlisted in Company C, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served till the close of the war. The second husband, Peter Eldridge, enlisted in Company 0, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August, 1862, discharged April, 1862, on account of disability. Re-enlisted in the Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, January 12,1864, and discharged July 19, 1865; was in the siege of Atlanta and at Resaca and Peach Tree Creek, etc. Isaac Donafin was born March 30, 1834, at or near Lancaster, Ohio. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Hartle) Donafin. His mother died when he was about eight years old, leaving him to the cold charity of the world and friends. Nothing in particular is known of his youth from this until 1855, except that he had to shift for himself, and that in the meantime he had learned the cabinet maker's trade. In 1855, he removed to Auburn, Ind., where he became acquainted with Miss Julia G. Gray, daughter of John B. and Julia (Rowland) Gray, to whom he was married August 24, 1854. She was born May 8, 1831, in Ashland County, Ohio, and is a descendent of the Nickerbockers of the East, and can trace her family history back 200 years. The fruit of this marriage was two daughters—Hattie, born gust, 24, 1857, who was stricken down in the bloom of womanhood in Hicksville, August 8, 1881, much beloved and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends whom she had served for a number of years as clerk in the post office of her native town. Hicksville, where she had grown up. The other daughter, Julia M., was born June 25, 1860, and is now clerking in the same office, for her mother, Mrs. Donafin, who received the appointment of Postmistress at Hicksville, February 16, 1870. In 1858, Mr, Donafin moved to Hicksville and continued the cabinet business until the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the service of his country in Company E, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September 12, 1861; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and was convoyed hence to the Southern prison pens, and was retained a prisoner un- HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY - 299 til near the close of the war, when he was exchanged, and on his way home lost his life by the explosion of the ill-fated Sultana, on its passage up the Mississippi River, consigning the body of Mr. Donafin and many other brave comrades to a watery grave. The Post of the G. A. R., at Hicksville, is called "I. Donafin Post" in honor of the brave comrade, Isaac Donalin, whose remains were carried away by the great waters of the Mississippi. D. G. Huffman, born in Ashland County December 9, 1829, was the eighth of a family of ten children of Abraham and Margaret (Cuppy) Huffman. His father was the second person who settled in Clear Creek Township, Ashland County, in May, 1813. At the age of nineteen, he commenced teaching school, and taught six years in his native county. He then moved to Iowa in 1850, and en- gaged in the drug business for seven years, then came to Defiance County, and in the fall of 1872 settled in Hicksville. He was railroad agent five years at this place. Then engaged in insurance and land agency. Was elected Justice of tho Peace in April, 1881. He was married to Fannie J., daughter of Aldrich and Anne Carver, of Ashland County, in 1852. They have had five children, one now living, Fanny J., who married Charles G. Shephard. James Maxwell was born October 4, 1817, in Jefferson County, Ohio; remained at home with his parents until twenty-one, helping to clear the farm and carry on same, attending district school in winter. His parents were born, the father in Adams County, 'Penn., the mother in Westmoreland County, Penn. They afterward came to Ohio, settling in Jefferson County, where they died. In the spring of 1843, Mr. Maxwell came to Wayne County, Ohio. In 1846, came to Defiance and located 160 acres of land in Hicksville Town ship, in Section 5. In 1848, he moved on to it, cleared up and put it under cultivation, except forty acres which remains in limber. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Dorotha (Akins) Miller, who was born October 13, 1819, in Holmes County, Ohio. Their family consists of six children, three boys--Samuel A., Isaac M., Robert B.; three girls ---Sarah M., Mary A. and Charlotte E.—all living but Robert. When Mr. Maxwell first came to the county, game was plenty—deer, turkey, wolves, and occasionally a bear Wolves were quite troublesome to sheep. Deer were frequently seen in flocks of from five to twenty. They frequently fed on the wheat fields in the spring, and as they were easily shot, venison was plentiful. In 1849,he owned a fresh cow and the wolves were bound to take her and the calf. Mrs. Maxwell was obliged to build a fire near by to keep them away. The dog being a coward, and Mr. Maxwell not at home, Mrs. M. was obliged to watch all night, frequently hearing the snapping of their teeth in the darkness. They often killed and ate young calves. Mr. M. caught, at one time, a half dozen young wolves in a hollow log. The premium was • $2.50 per scalp, paid by the Treasurer from the county taxes. They disappeared about the year 1852. About. 1849, they had no schoolhouse, and Mr. Maxwell was joined by his neighbors, Adamson Tannehill, Joshua Hall, Matthew K. Scott and John A. Isaac and James Miller, and put up a hewed-log schoolhouse on the corner of his farm, Mr. Maxwell furnishing most of the lumber and shingles and hewing the timber. Elizabeth Powell was the first teacher. Mr. M. removed to Hicksville in 1878, and located on Lot No. 63, on which he now resides. He also owns Lot No. 62 and 04. George Cleminer, carpenter, Hicksville, was born in Perry Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, June 13, 1816, and is a son of David and Martha (Wilson) Cleminer, the former of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Rockingham County, Va. They were married in Virginia and removed to Montgomery County in 1815. He died about 1867, she in 1865. They were the parents of twelve children, viz.: Robert, Polly, Andrew, John, Nancy, Eliza, George, Joseph, Phebe, William, Martha and David. Our subject, after serving fifteen years on the farm, serv,ed apprenticeship to carpentering at Dayton; then worked two years at Cincinnati, and there, in 1836, married Elizabeth Repteo of Albemarle County, Penn. In September, 1838: he came to Hicksville, assisting to build the first grist mills in the county. He worked steadily at his trade until 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to check Gen. Kirby Smith; was in the Knoxville siege; then, for four, months, bridge-building, when he ruptured himself and was sent to hospital; came home three months on furlough; then rejoined his regiment at Nashville, but being unable to do duty he was put in a field hospital, and was discharged at Wilmington, N. C., when he returned home, and has followed his trade ever since. To Mr. and Mrs. Clemmer have been born nine children viz.: David, Greenville, Francis, Martha A., Malinda, George H., Adelaide and Adeline (twins) and Benjamin. He is a member of Donafin Post, G. A, R. He and wife are members of the Disciples Church. He was the first Assessor of the township. L. E. Griffin, of the firm of Thompson & Griffin, attorneys at law, Hicksville, was born in New Cumberland, W. Va., June 10, 1858 His early life was passed in his native place, and in the com- mon school he received the rudiments of an education. In 1874, he entered Hiram College, at Hiram,