Are You Looking for Books on Local History?

 Many are unaware that the Defiance Genealogical Society has published books over the years, and sometime updated past books.  The books are affordable and easily ordered, and most are also available in all public libraries in Defiance County.

Just print this form from our website using this link:

Publications (defiancecountygenealogy.org)  Enclose the order form and check or money order to Defiance County Genealogical Society, PO Box 7006, Defiance, Ohio 43512.

A few local authors have also written about Defiance history: 

Louis Simonis - In and Around Old Defiance and Maumee River, 1835

Randall Buchman - The Confluence: The Site of Fort Defiance

All are available in the public libraries, and because they are out of print, one would have to look at used book stores or online for copies.

The Murder Trial of Joseph Weismantel in Defiance - 1882 - THE CONCLUSION

 

The State, represented by N. G. Johnson, spoke for four hours for the prosecution of Mr. Weismantel.

S.T. Sutphen spoke for the defense, followed by W. D. Hill, for another three hours.  They argued for self-defense and an acquittal for Joseph Weismantel.  According to the paper, there were times when the jury was brought to tears.

Soon Judge Owens gave instructions to the jury and it was dismissed to deliberate at 4:00 Monday afternoon.

Inside the jury, four different votes were taken and it was quite a divided group at first.  The first vote was 4 for first degree murder, 4 for manslaughter and 7 for not guilty.

A second ballot brought 1 for manslaughter, 1 for murder in the second degree and 10 for not guilty.

On the third time around, it was 2 for manslaughter and 10 for not guilty.

At last, on the fourth ballot, all twelve agreed to a verdict of not guilty, so the verdict was returned and Joseph Weismantel went free.

What happened to Joseph Weismantel after the trial?

We don't know when exactly Joseph Weismantel left Defiance, Ohio, and settled in Owego, New York, but in the 1900 census, he was residing at 75 Talcott Street in Owego as a boarder with Spencer and Mary Smith.  The Smiths had two children at home, Herbert, 31, an invalid, and Lottie, 26, a dressmaker.  Joseph, 42 and widowed, was the undersuperintendent of the wagon works.

A marriage license for Joseph Weismantel and his first wife, Lorinda B. Chaffee, was found in the Owego records for December 25, 1889.   Lorinda died on September 27, 1896, which explains, perhaps, why he was boarding with the Smiths.  Her obituary:

Mrs. Joseph P. Weismantel

Died at Owego, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 27, 1896, of abscess and a complication of stomach troubles, Lorinda D. Chaffee, wife of Joseph B.(P.)Weismantel, aged 51 years. She is survived by her husband, two brothers, Dexter and Preserved Chaffee of West Warren, Pa. and one sister, Mrs. John Pease of LeRaysville, Pa. The funeral services were held at her late residence, 71 Talcott Street, Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Milton F. Negus of the First Baptist church officiating.

The funeral was largely attended by her any relatives and friends.  Granite Lodge, No 111, I.O.O.F. of which she was a member, attended in a body and had charge of the services at the grave in Evergreen Cemetery, which were conducted according to the solemn ritualistic ceremonies of the order.  The cortege was a long one and the vicinity of the grave was crowded... Among those present were Mrs. Weismantel's brother, Dexter Chaffee and wife of West Warren, Pa., her sister and the latter's husband, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pease of LaRaysville, Pa., her nieces, Mrs. Mary Beckwith of New York city and Mrs. Etta Mereau of 5 Lyon street, Binghamton, Mr. Weismantel's mother, Mrs. J. F. Weismantel of Defiance, O, Mrs. Skillman and daughter, Miss Lottie of 56 Thorp street, Binghamton and Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaGrange of 12 Myrtle avenue, Binghamton."

On October 17, 1900, a marriage license appeared for Joseph Weismantel and Lottie Smith of Owego, most likely the daughter mentioned in the 1900 census above.  Lottie would have lived just down the street at 71 Talcott Street, while Joseph and Lorinda lived at 75 Talcott Street.

A New York state census in 1905 confirmed that Joseph P. Weismantel, 47, wagon maker, and his wife, Lottie, 31, and their daughter Mary, 2, lived in Owego, Tioga County, New York.

In 1910, they lived in Lottie's parents' house with her mother, Mary, 69, and widowed, and Joseph, 57, both named as head of household.  Joseph was a machinist at the bridge company and Lottie was at home with three children: Joseph P., 8 - Mary R., 7 - and Charlotte, 1 year, 4 months.

On the last census where Joseph appeared in 1920, he was 61 and working as a steel worker at a bridge shop.  Lottie's mother, Mary, was still co-head of the household at 78 years old.  Lottie had a job as a dressmaker in a shop, and Mary, 16, and Charlotte, 11, were still at home.  

The Joseph Weismantel funeral was held on March 23, 1922, in Owego.  He was buried with his wives in Evergreen Cemetery.  No obituary has yet been found for him, but we know the accused murderer left Ohio and built himself a fulfilled life with his wives and children in New York.

The Murder Trial of Joseph Weismantel in Defiance, 1882

On December 5th, 1881, in the Wabash Saloon at the corner of Jackson and Fifth Streets in Defiance, John Miller was shot in the back by Joseph Weismantel.  Miller died soon after being shot. When the Grand Jury met in January, 1882, Weismantel was indicted on a charge of murder.  Joseph was about 24 at the time and still living with his parents, Francis and Rosalia Weismantel on Washington Street in Defiance.

The trial began on May 3, 1882, in the Common Pleas court, with the first day dedicated to jury selection.  These twelve men were eventually chosen to hear the case:

Joseph Saunders, Delaware; John Conkle, Henry Amaden, and George Green of Milford; George W. Ury and Andrew Scott of Washington; Philip Young and Robert Kepler of Richland; Henry White of Defiance; O. B. Partee and John G. Steever of Tiffin; M.S. Porter of Highland.

The Prosecutor, Mr. Enos, noted in his opening statements that this was only the second case of its kind in the county since the county was organized.  

John Miller once owned the Wabash Saloon and had sold it to John Richter; however, it was well known that John Miller still frequented the place.  Prior to December 5, Weismantel and Miller had a disagreement because of an alleged intimacy between Weismantel and Miller's wife.  The prosecution alleged that Weismantel went to the saloon, armed and ready to meet Miller.

The defense declared that the shooting was a matter of self-defense since Miller was threatening Weismantel.  The jury quickly visited the saloon before witnesses were called for the prosecution. The first witness, Barney Frank, testified to the layout of the bar and its adjacent washroom, and although hearing the shot, did not see the shooter.  Michael Zook described what happened up to and including the shooting:

"I reside in Defiance, on the evening of December 5, Weismantle and myself started from Weismantle's house and went over to Richter's; when we got in I saw Miller in the bar-room; Weismantel call for the beer and after we had drank it, Weismantle said to Richter, that man there, pointing to Miller, is laying for me, I want you to protect me; they started out towards the washroom together, when Miller called to Weismantel that he wanted to see him; Weismantel did not stop, and Miller started toward Weismantel, (who) ran away from him and went into the washroom; my attention was first called to Miller when we were at the counter.

Under cross-examination, it was learned that Miller reached out to grab Weismantel who started to run out the back door.  The bar owner, Richter, had Miller, but he slipped away.  The he heard the shot fired.

Character witnesses came in droves.  Anthony Sage said that "when Miller was sober, he was a quiet man, but when intoxicated, he would pick a quarrel and fight; Weismantel has always been a very quiet boy ever since I've known him; his reputation for being a well behaved boy is good.  Miller was a stronger man than Weismantel.  Frank Rau testified that he heard Miller say that he wanted to fix Weismantel and that night Miller had a club under his coat about 1 1/2 inches square.  Rau told Weismantel about it. Apparently, the two - Miller and Weismantel - had had a previous verbal altercation in another saloon, the Occidental, earlier that week.  There James Miller heard John Miller threaten to kill Weismantel and Wm. Palmer heard Miller say he would cut Weismantel's heart out.

The police testified to their dealings with Miller and it wasn't good.  Others spoke to their fights with Miller and how he kicked them, punched them in the eyes, and broke noses.  Thomas Hilton said that Miller's wife and children had a hard time of it.  Quarrels could often be heard from the home and well as physical incidents.

Finally, it was time for Joseph Weismantel to testify in his defense. 

"I am the defendant in this case; on the evening of December 5th, Mike Zook went to the Wabash House, and stepped up to the bar; we first went to the American House to see a sick man; from there we went to the Wabash House; we entered by the front door, as we came up to the bar, Joe Richter came up and shook hands with me; as he came up, I first noticed Miller in the saloon; I said to Richter give us some beer and I will pay you for it when I come in again;

While we were drinking, Mr. Miller moved from his position around to the front door and I became uneasy and asked Richter to take me back into the back room, as I was afraid; we started for the back room and Miller started towards us saying he wanted to see me; I replied that I did not have time; Richter then said that he wanted no fighting in his house;  Miller then struck at me over Richter's shoulder; I turned and ran and Miller followed me; when at the wash room door, he caught hold of me and swung me around; he then braced himself between the door and myself;

and I thought he was in the act of drawing a knife; I then reached in my pocket and drew my revolver, and as I was in the act of cocking it, it went off; when I left the saloon, I started on a run and went to the veneering factory where I told the watchman what I had done; I went from there to Hengstler's store, then to Squire Baker's office, then to Mr. Sutphen's office and then to the jail;

I did not as a rule carry a revolver, but as I had expected to go away that afternoon, I had put it in my pocket; I had owned the revolver over three years; I had been told by my friends that Miller was looking for me to break my d----d neck or break my head; Frank Rowe and Jack Lawler told me that Miller had threatened to kill me.

Miller said to me at the Occidental Saloon that he would fix me; I tried to get away from Miller at the Wabash House because I was afraid for my life; I made an attempt to get out of the door, but he prevented me going; I had known Miller for about three years; I had heard of his being a quarrelsome man; I once saw him with a billy (club); he said that it came in handy sometimes; he said that he used it the day before on a farmer; I did not know that Miller was in the saloon."

To be continued...

Andrew Bostater - Celebration and History, 1882

 

The family of Andrew Bostater is one of the earliest families in the area.  The Defiance County Express reported on the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Andrew Bostater and Harriet Cameron Bostater on January 5, 1882.  After the party, the unnamed reporter wrote a short history of the family.

"GOLDEN WEDDING

Fifty Years of Married Life Celebrated by a Worthy Couple.

The following interesting account of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bostater, of Washington township, we take from advance proof sheets of the Bryan Press.

Tuesday, Dec. 20th 1881 was the occasion of a very happy reunion of the children and a few other of the near relatives of Andrew Bostater and Mrs. Harriet Cameron Bostater, at their residence in Washington township, Defiance county, O., that being the 50th anniversary of their marriage.

But for the absence of one son and his family, the joy and felicity of the meeting would have been perfect.  Mr. George Bostater, of Lincoln, Neb., found his business relations such that he could not leave home, consequently, his parents, brothers, and sisters were much disappointed in not having the pleasure of meeting one of their number whom they have not seen for nearly ten years.

The guests present were three sons, A. J. Frank and John Bostater and wives and children of the two former; Mrs. Della Bucklew, husband and five children; Mrs. Harriet Ewer, husband and one child; their daughter, Alice, not being present; Mrs. Nanny Ury, husband and one child, and the unmarried daughter, Ella. Besides these, there were present, S. P. Cameron, only living brother of Mrs. B.; Mr.and Mrs. P. S. Gleason, of Bryan, Mrs. G. being youngest sister of Mr.B.; Mrs. Louisa Cameron and Mr. Wm. Strailey.

Guests arrived about 11 a.m., and after greetings, Mr.and Mrs. Gleason, in behalf of the children, presented to each of the parents a very fine upholstered chair, and then, the host and hostess, seated in their new chairs, the oldest son, in behalf of all the children, presented to his father an elegant gold headed cane, and Miss Ella, in behalf of all presented to her mother a beautiful solid gold pin.

The presentation of the above gifts were accompanied with a few affectionate and appropriate remarks.  In addition to the above joint gifts, many individual gifts were presented, such as Ottomans, slippers, and spectacle cases, gold thimble, gold coins China cups and saucers, gold scarf pins and especially a find gift framed portrait of our late lamented President, James A. Garfield.

After the presentations and a few moments spent in social converse, the children arranged themselves in order of their ages, each with his or her family grouped together in a semi-circle in front of the parents, and then, after a few remarks by the oldest, directing the parents' attention to the fruits of the happy union, fifty years ago, each child and grandchild passed by and kissed the beloved aged couple.  Then the eldest daughter escorted the father and the son, the mother, to the head of a sumptuously laden table, the guests following, and all partook of a bountiful repast.

After dinner the parents called their sons and daughters together and handed them each a package containing $50. Then Mrs. Ury took her place at the instrument and they all joined in singing the good old hymn... Then they were led in prayer by the beloved mother, after which 'Home, Sweet Home' was sung...

Perhaps a short sketch of the lives of two of the oldest and earliest pioneers of the Maumee Valley would not be without interest to those who read the above.

Andrew Bostater was born in Washington country, Maryland, on January 30, 1804.

Harriet Cameron, eldest daughter of Mordecai Cameron, (a connection of Honorable Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania), was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, on November 15, 1810.

They were married at the bride's residence on Apple Creek, about eight miles southeast from Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, on December 20, 1831.  They took up their abode in Wooster and resided there about six years.  Mr. B following his trade of carpenter and joiner.  At the expiration of that time, they converted their accumulated effects of those six years of energetic and constant labor into cash, two yoke of oxen, wagon, two cows and other necessities of the pioneer, and taking their three little boys, Milton, Andrew and Marion, and accompanied by Mr. B.'s youngest and Mrs. B.'s eldest brother, they made their (way) through the Black Swamp and arrived, after many hardships, at the site of their present home on Lick Creek, Washington township, Defiance county, in the fall of 1837, forty four years ago.

There, by strict economy and indefatigable industry, they carved out, in the dense forest, the home where now they can spend their remaining days in ease and plenty.  The courage, perseverance, and indomitable energy of those early pioneers, who hewed out for themselves and children, homes in the dense forests of Defiance, Williams and adjoining counties, are characteristics as grand and nobleas the same traits in the heroes who stormed Sebastopol or captured Vicksburg."

A Guest.

Frederick Albert Burnham Lowe - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

Known as F.A.B. Lowe, Frederick was a traveling dry goods salesman after his stint as a Union soldier.  Born in Gloucester, Essex, Massachusetts, on December 28, 1843, he was the son of Daniel Lowe and Bertha G. Lowe. He first appeared on the census of Boston, Ward 5, in 1860, as he and his parents lived with John and Eliza Casey. Daniel Lowe, 44, carpenter, and Abby, 41, and Frederick, 17, boarded with the family.  

At 18, Frederick enlisted in the Union Army in Gloucester, MA.  His enlistment on June 26, 1861, was as a private in Company K of the 12th Massachusetts Infantry.  The group was formed in Boston by Col. Fletcher Webster, the son of Daniel Webster.  They trained in Boston Harbor and set out for the front in July, 1861.  

For awhile, they were assigned to picket duty, but things soon changed.  In February, 1862, they moved into Virginia for their first meeting with Confederates. And then it was the second battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Antietam, where the regiment lost 224 men of 334. Somehow Frederick made it through alive and was discharged on March 16, 1863. He reported his discharge papers lost on the 1890 Veteran's Census, and it is not known if he suffered any disability.

On June 29, 1864, Frederick married Jennie Prescott in Boston, Massachusetts.  She was born in New Hampshire, the daughter of James and Marie Prescott. In 1870, the couple resided in Boston with the family of Henry Lord, a manufacturer of pants. Frederick, 28, gave his occupation as "drummer," an older word for traveling salesman.  Jennie, 27, was with him.

It was in the 1880 census that Frederick and Jennie were found in Defiance, Ohio, living on Jefferson Street.  F.A.B. Lowe, age 38, merchant, born Massachusetts, and Jennie 38, born New Hampshire, were settled in with their son, F.H.P. Lowe (Frederick Hudson Prescott Lowe).  Sometime during his stay in Defiance, he joined the G.A.R. and became a part of their group photo.  The couple was still here twenty years later for the 1900 census, married 35 years, and Frederick was still a traveling salesman.  That census noted that Jennie had two children with only one living.  The second child was Charles A. Lowe, born back in Boston on September 4, 1876, but who died at the age of one month, fourteen days.

On March 29, 1900, the Defiance Democrat reported that "Frederick A. B. Lowe, a traveling salesman, of the city of Defiance, puts his debts at $8,166.21 and his assets at $75.00."  He declared bankruptcy just a few days before. Part of the debt may have been caused by a fire reported on February 15, 1883 -"A fire last night damaged Flickinger & Blair and F.A.B. Lowe to the amount of $20,000.

This notice of the purchase of a house in Melrose, Massachusetts, appeared in The Boston Globe on October 7, 1905.  

"MELROSE APARTMENTS SOLD.  Fred E. Everett of the Ames building has sold for Anita B. Clark of Melrose a new modern house of eight rooms with 8000 square feet of land, located on Faxon st. to Frederick A.B. Lowe of Gloucester,for $4100, who will occupy.  Agreements have been signed through."

Apparently, Frederick was planning to or had moved back to Massachusetts at some point.  But, what about the bankruptcy?

So Frederick and Jennie hit the road and were actually captured twice by the 1910 census. First, they were in Indianapolis where they lived as boarders in the home of Charles and Virginia Harris.  Frederick, at 68, was still a traveling salesman in dry goods. Here he had an accident while trying to jump off a streetcar.  From the Brazil Daily Times, Brazil, Indiana, August 8, 1910, p. 1:

"ATTEMPTED TO ALIGHT BEFORE CAR WAS STOPPED AND SUFFERED SERIOUS MISHAP - NO BONES BROKEN.                         

 

While attempting to alight from the west bound interurban car, due at the station at 2:28 this afternoon, F. A. B. Lowe, a veteran traveling man, living at 270 Downey Ave., Irvington, Indianapolis, was hurled from the rear of the car and fell heavily to the pavement.  Lowe alighted on his left shoulder.  He fell with considerable force since the car was moving at a rapid rate and the old gentleman was hurled over in the air.

Mr. Lowe told the conductor that he wanted off at the Davis Hotel and understood that the car stopped here as the old locals formerly did.  However, the regular stop is a Sherfey street a few rods west and the car sailed past the Davis entrance.  Mr. Lowe attempted to alight from the car while it was still in motion, believing that it was stopping for the hotel. He lay or a moment, stunned by the blow and was helped up by Robert Kidd who witnessed the accident. The old gentlemen was taken in the David Hotel. His injuries seemed principally to be from the nervous shock."

Later that year, the Lowes were also enumerated on Malvern Street, Melrose Ward 7, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, living with their son, Frederick H. Lowe.  Perhaps the accident prompted Frederick and Jennie to head back to Massachusetts and their son.  The son, Frederick, 37, was married to his wife, Francis, for 16 years, and worked as an automobile salesman. They had one son, William J., 12.  Frederick, 69, still identified as a traveling salesman of dry goods.

Ten years later, Frederick and Jennie lived in a boarding house on Lake Avenue in Melrose which seemed primarily for the elderly.  Jeanette Campbell, 62, ran the home in which Frederick, 80 and Jennie P., 80 made their final home.  Other residents' ages ranged from 65 - 90.  

The Boston Post reported Frederick's death on  April 5, 1922 -

"DEATHS.  LOWE - In Melrose, April 4, Frederick Albert Burnham Lowe, in his 80th year.  Private funeral services will be held from 33 South High st., Melrose, Thursday, April 6, at 1 p.m. Interment at Gloucester, Mass."

Jennie lived on until 1928.

(This is part of a series on Civil War veterans of Defiance County who were part of the G.A.R., Bishop Post, that headquartered in the city.  Formed in 1879, the post was named after a local man, Captain William Bishop, Company D, 100th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Army who died as a result of wounds received in battle.  The veterans' photos are part of a composite photo of members that has survived.  If you have other information or corrections to add to the soldiers' stories, please add to the comments!)

Defiance County Jail - THE RULES, 1863

 

Taken from the Defiance Democrat, May 2, 1863:

(Some of the rules have been edited for length or paraphrased. DCGS)

1. The inside of the prison shall be roughly whitewashed in the months of May and December, in each year, and the cells shall be whitewashed once at the end of every quarter.   (Or more if that jailer thought necessary)

2. At sunrise each morning, a bell shall be rung at the jail, at which time each prisoner shall rise and dress himself, fold up his bedclothes and sweep out his cell, all to be done within thirty minutes of the ringing of the bell...

3. Suitable vessels, towels and bowls and other conveniences for washing shall be provided...4. and bedding and clothes shall be washed once a week..

5. The area of the jail shall be swept every morning and the alley shall be scrubbed twice a week, and each cell or room in the jail shall be scrubbed once a month...

6. The bedding and mattresses shall be taken down and shaken out as often as found necessary to keep them clear of vermin, and it is the jailer's job to mak sure the prisoners keep their bedding clean of vermin...and each bed tick shall be well filled with good clean straw in May and November each year...

7. No prisoner shall be allowed to permit any filth or litter about his cell, but each prisoner should be accountable for the cleanliness of his own apartment ...not permitted to cut, carve or write any letters, etc. upon the walls, doors, floor, ceiling or furniture.

9. The labor necessary to carry out these rules shall be done, as practicable, by the prisoners themselves.

10.Each prisoner shall be furnished a comb, and each cell shall have a broom, a vessel for drinking water, with a night bucket, wash basin and spitoon.

11./ 12. Male and female prisoners shall be kept separate.  As much as possible, the younger prisoners should be separate from the older, more experienced criminals, and those charged, but not convicted, should be kept separated.

Other rights the prisoners had included, warmth in winter, lights at least until 9 p.m., a respectable physician who could be called upon, a copy of the Bible which they would be encouraged to read, visitation by counsel, clergy, and family with the jailer present at all times.  A room was set aside for counsel and client to speak privately, where they would be locked in.

However, they could not have spiritous liquors, tobacco, gaming or card playing.  Breaking the rules could end with the prisoner on bread and water for a period of time, at the discretion of the jailer.  If the prisoner objected to his treatment, he was to be given paper and pen so he could write to the judge a complaint. A record of the deportment of each prisoner, along with all visitors, was kept.

The jail at the time of these rules was a log building, and by September 1865, folks began to notice it was unsafe with decayed timbers, and generally just in bad shape.  The fact that prisoners could easily escape also came into public notice.  So the first vote for a new jail was held in October, 1865.  It took awhile to get there, though, and by August 7, 1869, the Defiance Democrat reported that the contract for the new jail was agreed upon, with a $24,645 price tag and a completion date set for August 1, 1879.

The new jail actually opened in January 1880.

 

Flora Ada Culler Kerr - Dr. Paul Kerr's Grandmother

Most Hicksville residents of an older status in life would remember Dr. Paul Kerr II and his office on Bunnell Street.  No appointments ever were necessary to see the doc - just show up, take a seat and wait your turn. He served the people of Hicksville for about 45 years.
 Dr. Kerr's grandparents, Flora A. Culler and Joseph D. Kerr, were the earliest of the Kerr family to settle in Hicksville.  Their son, Paul B, was the father of Dr. Paul B. Kerr II. 

Joseph D. Kerr died in Chicago in 1902 as the Defiance Express reported on December 17, 1902:

"The funeral of Joseph D. Kerr, who died in Chicago last week, occurred from his home in Hicksville Sunday.  Mr. Kerr was found on the streets of Chicago in an unconscious condition and soon passed away.  He was an attorney and formerly a member of Kerr Bros. in Hicksville."

This obituary of Flora Kerr from Obituaries  - Pioneers of Northwest Ohio, Carma Rowe Estate - which is available in the county libraries - detailed the early Kerr settlers.

"KERR.

Flora Ada Culler, only daughter of William T. and Mary Crook Culler, was born at Elkton, Columbiana county, Ohio, August 7, 1863, and died at Hicksville, Ohio, August 31, 1911, aged 49 years and 24 days.  

Her parents moved from Columbiana county to Hicksville, Defiance county, in 1883, and on August 10, 1887, she was married to Joseph D. Kerr, with whom she lived until December (10?), 1902, when he departed this life.  Of this marriage, two sons were born, Paul B. Kerr and DeWitt C. Kerr, both of whom survive and both of whom were with their mother at her death.  The death of Flora is the first death in her father's family of four chlldren, and she is not only survived by parents and children, but also by three brothers, Dr. Frederick W. Culler of New York City, Edward C. and Ira L. Culler of Hicksville.

At the tender age of 10 years, she experienced religion and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, a membership which she faithfully adhered to during the remainder of her life.  Her activities largely confined to her home and to the church and in these circles, she will be sadly missed by those with whom she was associated.

In the years of her health, she was known as a bright, cheerful, lovable and sacrificing character, ever ready to undertake and assist in every good work and always lending her energies, even beyond her strength, to all helpful undertakings.  After the death of Mr. Kerr, although the deceased was in failing health, her whole soul became centered in the training and education of her sons, planning and saving, and managing and sacrificing that they might finish their education and be fitted for lives of usefulness. 

She lived to see Paul graduate with honors from Athens, and to be happily married and settled in school work.  She expressed the hope, near the end of her life, that she might also see DeWitt finish his college career.  In this, she was disappointed.  During the last year she lived at Athens that she might be with DeWitt, but the ravages of the disease had made such progress that her return to Hicksville a few weeks ago became imperative and the end came quickly and peacefully in her own home.

She was a woman of high ideals, pure thoughts, splendid impulses and fine Christian character; she did not fear death, but being assured that she could not live, welcomed the grim reaper as a friend who would relief her from her sufferings.  In her life, she was absolutely unselfish, never counting the cost to her own strength and vitality, but always considering only the happiness and well being of others.  In this, her life was ideal, for though dead, she will continue to live in the lives which she did so much to shape.

The deceased was an esteemed member of the order of the Eastern Star, a delegation from which was present to manifest its respect and its loss by this death.  Funeral services were held from the residence Saturday forenoon at 9 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. C. Shaw.  Interment at Forest Home."

 

DeWitt died soon after his mother at the Toledo State Hospital in Lucas County.  The newspapers of the day named his brother, Paul, as his guardian because DeWitt suffered from insanity, which could have been any kind of mental illness, but DeWitt actually died of tuberculosis.