Excerpts from The Defiance Democrat Newspaper
Defiance Democrat – 1869
January 2, 1869
Died – On Sunday night last, Ada, daughter of David and Mary TRAVIS, aged 8 months and 12 days.
January 9, 1869
Died – On the 12th day of December, at the residence of her son-in-law, in Delaware township, Rebecca HUGHES, aged 80 years – having been a member of the Methodist E. church sixty years. She was taken from the church militant to the church triumphant above, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. Jas. JACKSON
Died – September 12th, 1861, Albert H., aged 4 years and 7 days; August 12, 1865, Franklin P., aged 10 years, 8 months and 26 days; December 28th, 1868, Willie A., aged 9 months and 15 days – sons of Hieronimus and Eleanora MONINGER.
January 16, 1869
A six mile ditch in Hicksville and Mark townships, likely to cost a pretty pile of money, is now before the Commissioners. Nothing, however, is bringing out our county so much as the Ditch business. The money invested in these brings sure return in dry roads, surer and increased crops and enhanced value of real estate.
In Kalamazoo, Michigan, five members of Mr. AYRES; family were poisoned on Friday afternoon last, by eating pieplant* that had been put up in cans. It was thought at first that one of the members of the family would die, but having received prompt medical aid, all were restored. (*Pieplant is rhubarb.)
The Infirmary Directors have been in session several days this week. R. KNIGHT is President of the Board. Levi MOCK, of Delaware township, takes charge of the farm. He is a respectable farmer and competent business man, and has before for several years held a similar position… Mr. Mock expects to move on to the farm within two weeks, and will have things ready for “boarders “about March 1st.
January 23, 1869
Adam WILHELM has purchased a one-half interest in the “Defiance Mills” for $13,000.
January 30, 1869
Section 16, Adams township, Defiance county, was perhaps the wettest and least desirable land in the township. We remember when the U.S. Land Office was here, that the Trustees made effort to get an exchange for a better piece, but without success. The Auditor subsequently sold the land at two dollars per acre. William ALLEN became the possessor of the whole section. Recently, Mr. Allen sold a quarter section of this, upon which there was little or no improvement, for thirty dollars an acre. A ditch was run through it last year, making the boggy prairie excellent corn ground. The purchaser at that price considers he has a bargain. He proposes to put in 80 acres of corn this season. We mention this as one of the instances we hear daily of the benefit of ditching, and that farmers are beginning to comprehend that the low, black, and heretofore wet land is that to be depended on for certain yield.
February 6, 1869
Game. Mr. J. S. HALLER, Express Agent at this place, informs us that during game season for the first three months ending January 1st, 1869, there were shipped through his office from Defiance to New York by J. TUTTLE & Sons …and other persons, a total for the season of 354 deer, 41 saddles, and 19 wild turkeys.
Ice. .. in the Auglaize opposite Defiance. The original ice is yet there and unbroken. Our ice house men are putting away now of this – not choosing to wait for another freeze. This ice is clear, free from slush or snow, and is from nine to twelve inches thick and as good as ever was put up. Dealers from other towns can get this and transport it on cars or canal boats to be forwarded to first trip. The ice is about three hundred feet wide and extends up the river two or three miles, and from what we hear, is the only body of perfect river ice within five hundred miles.
Died – January 19th, 1869, Julia Adelle, daughter of Edwin and Eva PHELPS, aged 9 months and 23 days.
Died – February 2d, Moses T. RICHARDSON, aged about 53 years.
February 13, 1869
Died – February 2d, little daughter of William and Kate ANDREWS, aged 9 months.
February 20, 1869
Charles, son of Elias DIETRICH, of Evansport, aged about 14 years, while at play on the 12th inst., dislocated his neck, and died next day.
A young son of Michael LAWLER, of this place, while at play on a train of freight cars, at the depot, was so seriously injured by a fall, on Thursday of last week, that his life is despaired of.
March 6, 1869
Sheriff KARST hands us the following Jury list for the next term of Defiance Common Pleas, to commence Monday, April 26th:
Grand – Solomon SHAW, Henry WHITE, Jacob GARMAN, Frederick MOEHRING, Harvey J. HILL, Samuel CLECKNER, Joseph CULLAR, John PARTEE, Luther LOVLAND, John T. CONKLE, George HOPKINS, Peter GARES, J.D.H. SERRILL, C. C. TUTTLE, Henry FADELY.
Petit – Peter CONKLE, J. A. HUDSON, John N. WILDER, B. M. CHILCOTE, George WARNER, Michael GORMAN, Joseph PIFFER, Joseph SEWELL, August DOLKE, William WATSON, Frederick WOLSIFFER, George T. CARPENTER.
March 13, 1869
Burglary – A boy, named FISK, aged about 17, was committed to jail on Monday last, from Hicksville township, charged with burglary – breaking into the Grocery Store of Geo. WARNER, in Hicksville.
The County Jail, an old wooden building, caught fire on Thursday forenoon, from some fault in the flues about the roof. Sheriff KARST, with some assistance from the shops, promptly put the fire out. There would have been no laments had the fire been a success – or as an old citizen, irreverently expressed it, “how d-d slow the old thing burns.” Liberty Co. No. 1 was out and threw water from the river to the jail, to show what they could have done had there been the necessity.
Died – In Tiffin township, March 3d, 1869, Wesley Ambrose HALL, son of George C. and Mary A. Hall, aged 13 months and 17 days.
March 20, 1869
Rev. Mr. THOMAS added nine more members to his church on Sunday last, by immersion, in the Maumee, at the foot of Wayne Street.
Rev. Mr. THOMAS added nine more members to his church on Sunday last, by immersion, in the Maumee, at the foot of Wayne Street.
March 27, 1869
A.B. THRALL, sent in from Farmer township on a charge of assault and battery, was taken to the Napoleon jail on Thursday last.
J. Augustus HASELTINE of this vicinity, died from an overdose of morphine on Thursday of last week, taken intentionally, it is supposed. He was at the time in the employ of the ship timber men on the Auglaize, near Charloe.
The members of Liberty Fire Company, No. 1, to the number of fifty or more, were out in full dress on Thursday to bury a member by the name of Charles ARNING, a sadler recently in the employ of John H. KISER, a very worthy young man. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. DETZER, at the Lutheran church, and were attended by a large concourse of people.
Divorce notice – Caroline GIER v. David GIER of Broadwell in Logan County, Illinois, willful absence and custody of child, Frederick, and restoration of maiden name.
April 17, 1869
The horse and dray of F. HARMENING fell into the Upper Lock on Monday last. The horse was drowned – worth $200.
May 29, 1869
Died – In this town, on Thursday last, at the residence of her son, John H. BEVINGTON, Esq., Mrs. Frances Bevington, aged 77 years, 7 months and 5 days.
“Who is the Bill DITTMER I read so much about in the paper? He is a clever Dutchman who makes and sells clothing in Defiance opposite the Russell House, and next door to WISENBERGER’s. He does good jobs, acts honorably, fits out a fellow with a suit at astonishingly low prices. Call in and see him when you are in town.”
June 6, 1869
Col. SPRAGUE’s grave could not be identified last Saturday by the “decoration” process. Nothing marked the place and recollection is already at fault. We understood, some time since, that measures were instituted to secure a monument to his memory, and that sufficient funds were already subscribed. Col. Sprague, in his best day, did much for Defiance and some fitting acknowledgement should be made.
Married- May 29th, at the residence of Mrs. LAMBERT, in Highland township, by Rev. W. V. THOMAS, Mr. John FOUTS, of Grand Traverse, Mich. to Miss Hannah BARINGER, of Richland township.
Mrs. Phebe STUBBS, wife of John Stubbs, died at Stryker, on the 18th ult., aged 75 years. The Stubbs family were the earliest pioneers on the Tiffin river, having moved into Williams county when an almost unbroken wilderness, about 1830.
June 12, 1869
Jail. Messrs. MILLER and MOREHOUSE, Architects of Toledo, have furnished plans, estimates, specifications for a new Jail for Defiance county, which the Commissioners have been considering during the week. The plan contemplates a building separate from the Court House and with a residence for the Sheriff. So far as we can judge, we should think the plan an excellent one, convenient in its arrangements, substantial and safe as to the prisoners’ department, and exceedingly tasteful in design. The proposition is to place it on the site of the old jail and to front on Wayne and Second streets – the offices in time to be removed.
June 19, 1869
Dr. Wallace W. MOATS has attended another course of lectures at Cincinnati and secured his degree. He proposes to locate in Mud Creek settlement and vicinity of his home. We wish him a full share of patients.
July 10, 1869
New Bridge. Petitions are in circulation for signatures asking the Commissioners of Defiance county to erect a bridge across the Maumee River in Delaware township, from the farm of George W. HILL to the WHETSTONE farm, about six miles above Defiance. A bridge across the Maumee in that township would be a great public convenience.
Style. The Council have provided for signs giving, at the corners, the names of the streets – a much needed improvement, as but few persons, except real estate dealers, know the names of the streets.
The wife of William DICKMAN,of Tiffin township, an elderly lady, was thrown from a buggy, at the foot of Clinton street last Saturday, and very severely injured.
July 17, 1869
Murderous Assault. On Sunday eening last, Dr. I. N. THACKER, while on his way to church, was assaulted and beaten with a club by his son-in-law, Thomas E. MELIA, editor of the Defiance Express. Melia’s grievance is that his wife and child had been taken from him and all his proffers of reconciliation rejected by the Thacker family. He was already under bonds to keep the peace, and petition for divorce is now pending. Melia was taken before the Mayor that evening, and on default of bail in the sum of $1000, was committed to jail, to await his trial in September. The Express office, which he purchased a few days since, is again in the hands of Mr. BROOKS.
Martin VIEBACH and F. G. BOLLING of this place, were arrested and taken to Toledo for selling Mustard, unstamped and contrary to the statues of the United States of America. On examination before Commissioner OSBORN, both were discharged.
July 31, 1869
Fire. The barn of Simon FIGLEY, of Tiffin township, was destroyed by fire on Saturday last. He was engaged in getting in his harvest. Ten tons of hay and 160 dozen of wheat were burned, also a farm wagon. A tobacco pipe is supposed to have had intimate connection with the disaster.
August 14, 1869
The old Jail was sold at public outcry on last Saturday, by Commisioner ELLIOTT, to S. P. MOON, for $53.75. The iron in it should be worth that, but the labor of taking down the old crib will probably be equal to the value of the logs and material saved. In 1820, when the county seat of Williams was established at Defiance, the proprietors of the town gave lots to aid in the erection of public buildings. The jail then built was the first story of the present building. Subsequently as the need for more accommodation was felt, another story was put on. On the removal of the county seat to Bryan,the jail stood on the public square, a sorry monument of our then fallen greatness for several years – but unharmed. When Defiance county was organized in 1846, the Commissioners took possession of it and improved its appearance by a new roof, siding, painting &c. and has answered its end since that time. It is now being taken down to give place to a substantial and imposing structure of brick, stone and iron, more in keeping with the increased wealth, population, taste, and possibly increased crimes of the times.
Distressing Casualty. John BLEEKS, a substantial farmer of Washington township, while on his return home from town was almost instantly killed by being thrown from his wagon forward on the whiffle trees* where he was kicked by his horses and horribly mangled. His horses took fright at the R.R. crossing on the Brunersburg road – a train passing under the bridge at the time. He has been a resident of Defiance county about ten years, moving here from Crawford county. He was about sixty years of age and a thrifty and respectable citizen. (* whiffle-trees – Whiffle-trees were two centrally pivoted horizontal wooden beams fixed to the wagon behind the two wheel horses to which the harness traces were attached.)
An infant but a few weeks old, done up in a basket, with note in the approved style, was left at the residence of T. J. COLE, on Tuesday night last. It will be cared for, as several families think of taking it.
August 21, 1869
Died – August 17th, infant child of Henry and Julia HARDY.
August 28, 1869
Louis KOHLMANN of the firm Kohlmann & BAUER, brewers, died suddenly on Saturday last. His remains were taken to Cleveland for interment, on the 6 o’clock train Monday morning.
Simon KENTON. The very eloquent address of Senator HUTCHINSON of the Columbus district, made on a proposition to complete a monument some years since, commenced to the memory of Gen. Simon Kenton… There are several relatives of the Kenton family residing in this county, Miller ARROWSMITH, Esq., being one of the number.
September 4, 1869
Two horse thieves are under arrest for stealing a horse each from Mr. WELDEN and Sam’l NOFFSINGER, of Highland township. The elder was sent, under name of NEWTON, to the Penitentiary from this county in 1867, for two years, for burglary – stealing wheat from a farm in Hicksville township – and has but recently been discharged. McCULLOUGH, the other, is but a boy and mere assistant. The horses as yet have not been recovered. Newton got off safely with the horses, and as supposed was on his way, for more when arrested. He was at Ottawa, and requested a seat in Sheriff KARST’s buggy (the sheriff being there on other business), and so was brought back and arrested without trouble.
September 18, 1869
Died – September 15th, at his residence in Adams township, after a lingering sickness of over five months, of disease of the bowels, Erastus GLEASON, in the 43d year of his age.
September 25, 1869
Thomas ANSBERRY died suddenly on Monday morning last. His funeral was attended on Tuesday, conducted by Liberty Fire Company No. 1, and St. John’s Benevolent Society. Services at the Catholic church.
October 2, 1869
The ship timber men are laying out for a heavy business this winter. Sixty-five hands arrived from Canada, on Thursday morning, for ALDRICH, and more yet to arrive for him and other operators.
October 9, 1869
Died – Friday evening, October 1st, William TAYLOR, of Defiance township, aged 49 years.
Died – September 28th, in Adams township, Jacob FREAS, aged 45 years.
October 16, 1869
Land Assessors Elected. Defiance – Charles P. TITTLE; Richland – Philip YOUNG; Noble – George T. CARPENTER; Tiffin – Stanberry L. CAMERON; Washington – Nath. G. SEWELL; Highland – Jno. W. TATE; Mark – William WATSON; Delaware – Daniel GUNSAULLUS; Farmer – William PRICE; Milford – Nelson STONE; Adams – John BECHTOLT; Hicksville – David WOOLFORD.
Justices Elected – Defiance – John W. SLOUGH and Charles B. SQUIRE; Highland – Enos B. MIX
October 23, 1869
Died, on the morning of October 13th, of Consumption, Miriam, eldest daughter of Mrs. Margaret R. MOORE, aged 19 years.
October 30, 1869
Resolution offered by the Defiance Union Schools upon the death of Miss Miriam MOORE.
Chas. B. RICHLIN, late a clerk in the Defiance Post Office, was arrested some two weeks ago charged with robbing the mail, or rather abstracting money from letters in the office. On a hearing before the Commisioners at Cleveland, this charge was abandoned, he was held to bail however, for withholding and delaying mail matter, a charge of lesser grade and lighter punishment. This young man, while employed in the Post Office, was popular with
everybody, being an accommodating and efficient clerk. His many friends are in hopes that he may come out of the matter safely and without loss of reputation.
November 27, 1869
Charles B. RICHLIN, late a clerk in the Defiance Post Office, had his trial on Tuesday in the U.S. Court at Cleveland, plead guilty to the charge of detaining letters and was sentenced to six months in jail and to pay costs and fines of $300. He is to be confined in the jail of Hancock county. The charges for purloining money from letters and robbing the mail were withdrawn.
December 11, 1869
(from the Detroit Free Press)
A curious career. In the year 1866, one night a dashy woman arrived at Monroe, having in her custody a splendid span of horses. After remaining there several days, an officer from Defiance, Ohio, arrived in pursuit, it being alleged that the woman who hailed by the name of LINN, had stolen the horses from a lately divorced husband at that place. While in temporary custody at the hotel, the woman slipped out into the back yard and, going to the barn, bestrode one of the horses and made her escape, being hotly chased for several miles in vain. She shortly afterward appeared in Detroit and established a millinery and dressmaking establishment on Michigan avenue. In some difficulty with the police, she preferred charges against an officer, wherein his reputation was compromised, and secured his dismissal. She was then again arrested by an officer from Defiance on a charge of horse stealing, but the man committed an error in serving the warrant, and while she got free, he was for some time in jail here on charge of false imprisonment, being finally bailed out and sent home by the Chief of Police.
Mrs. LINN was next heard of on Gratiot street, pursuing the same business, and there she was shortly again in trouble by having two girls arrested in her house for a robbery at Springwell’s, some of the jewelry being found on Mrs. Linn’s premises. Nothing startling occurred in the woman’s career until a night or two since, when she moved into a house on Atwater street, got acquainted with a sailor in the morning, and the two were married by a Justice of the Peace the same night, while it was rumored the next morning that her husband, who was from Buffalo, had already a wife and two children.
Citizens of Defiance will be at no loss to recognize the woman referred to in the foregoing item, as also to see that her wayward course is about run.
December 18, 1869
Burglary. The Sheriff is looking after a young man who broke into WILHELM’s store, alst Saturday evening, taking two coats. His name is James DRENUEN and was but recently under arrest for till-tapping.
December 25, 1869
The only daugther of Rev. D. G. STRONG, Pastor of the M.E. church in Defiance, died on Saturday, aged 4 years. The funeral was attended by joint services of several ministers at the Methodist Church on Sunday, Rev. LOVE of Napoleon preaching the sermon. The corpse was taken on Monday to Bellefountain, Ohio for interment.
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