William Colgan - Revolutionary War Soldier

 

Buried in the old Evansport Cemetery, William Colgan is one of a small number of Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Defiance County.

Born in Berkley County, Virginia, in 1750, son of Edward and Susannah Heath Colgan, William enlisted into the service of the United States Army on August 1, 1777. He was assigned to the Third Regiment of the Virginia Line as a private in the Light Dragoons under the command of Colonel George Baylor and Captain Cadwalder, near Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia. Later, after the death of Baylor, William Washington, George Washington's second cousin, took over the command and placed them with his 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons.  William Colgan committed for a three year term.

He was present at the Battle of Monmouth in the stifling heat of June 28, 1778.  Following a six month stay at Valley Forge in the winter, this battle was a test for the colonial forces which they met well.  

A few months later on September 27, 1778, Colgan's regiment was surprised at 2 a.m. in the morning by British forces at Old Tappan in New Jersey.  The U.S. forces were sleeping in several barns when the British silently approached, killing all the pickets before they could sound a warning.  Commander Baylor was captured and sixty-seven men were either killed, wounded or captured.  William Colgan was one of the captured.

According to a deposition filed at his pension hearing, Colgan was held by the British for a month after Tappan and then brought back to his regiment in a prisoner exchange. (Ironically, the night before this surprise attack, the whole regiment had been given new uniforms and accessories, and they enjoyed great pride and excitement for that one day.)   Since Baylor was killed, so the survivors were joined with Major William Washington's unit.

William Colgan was discharged on August 1, 1780, after his three year service. He married Eleanor Long on March 19, 1782, according to the marriage records of Berkeley County, Virginia.  It seemed they had children Eleanor, Mary, Hannah, Daniel, Suzanne, and William.

Before 1818, William Colgan moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where he applied for a pension that year in the court of common pleas. He was deposed as was a fellow soldier, William Weaver, in front of Judge Alexander McBeth, to testify to his service to the United States. Colgan told of his capture and being taken to New York and then to the Sugar? House for a month.  He then was conducted by a British guard to Elizabethtown point for his exchange. He stated that he served his full term and was honorably discharged at Halifax in North Carolina on the first day of August, 1780.  William Colgan was 58 years old when he applied for his pension and in reduced circumstances, needing the assistance of his country.

William Weaver stated that he often heard Daniel Colgan, William Colgan's brother, read letters that he had received from his brother.  Weaver was acquainted with William at the time of the enlistment.  The judge approved the request.

On 24 August 1820, William Colgan came back to court, perhaps to pursue an increase.  He testified that he had not disposed of any property as to qualify for more nor has he any extra income. 

He stated he was a reed maker "which occupation by __ of my remote situation I have not followed for many years, but labour as far as I am able as a husbandman unable to work but little in consequence of age and rheumatism...  My family consists of my wife, aged fifty-eight years who is feeble and scarcely able to do things around the house, a daughter aged eighteen who has no particular occupation other than assisting in the care of the family and a boy aged fourteen years who is as capable of working as most boys at that age."

He listed his property as a one man cart, three small young cattle that he bought on credit and hadn't paid for as yet, a swine pig, one table and chairs, a cupboard, 2 furnitures, grain growing, on rented land of which he was to give in kind for rent, and he listed his debts.  

 

In the 1830 census, he was still in Champaign County with one son and two daughters.  His wife had died, apparently.  Remembering that Defiance County was then a part of Williams County, his will was found in the Williams County Records.  He wrote it on January 5, 1837, and he died in October of that year. So, sometime between 1830 and 1837, William Colgan moved to our area. His son, Daniel, was found in the 1840 census in Williams County, so perhaps they came together so son could care for father; that answer may never be known.

In William Colgan's will, probated April 14, 1838 (after his death on October 25, 1837), he ordered his debts to be paid and funeral expenses.  To his oldest son, William, he gave $100, and the same to his eldest daughter, Hannah Hamilton, widow of John. To his second daughter Susannah Ford, he left one bed and bedding, she having received $100 earlier.  To his third daughter, Eleanor Halton, he gave $100, while his fourth daughter Mary Major was to receive $493.38 to be paid out of a sum of $1354.70 due to William from Samuel Sargent of Lucas County when it was collected. Mary should also receive two beds and bedding, one side saddle and one Bible.

To his second son, Daniel Colgan, he gave the sum of one dollar, he having received the sum of $125 earlier. Then the residue of the estate was to be divided among the five children, share and share alike.  William Semans of Defiance was to be executor.

A small appraisal was completed that noted one grey mare, $41; 1 saddle, $5.50; 1 portmanteau, 50 cents; 1 spy glass, $1 and 1 horse or saddle blanket, 50 cents.  He gave three years to his country, and lived a spare and humble life afterward, ending up in Evansport, Ohio at the end.

William F. Merifield and William P. Gilbert, Pioneers

Two obituaries from Pioneers of Northwest Ohio, Carma Rowe estate, Hicksville, Ohio:

"GILBERT

William P. Gilbert, son of George and Susan Gilbert, was born in Austin, Trumbull county, Ohio, November 1, 1831.  His father served in the war of the Revolution, being with General Washington when he crossed the Delaware at McConkey's
ferry, and surprised and defeated the Hessians at Trenton, N. J.  It seems improbably upon first hearing the statement that one just passing away at this distance from Revolutionary days should be the son of one who fought in these battles, but the father was 80 years old when William was born.

He came to Hicksville in 1856 and was married the same year to Susan Fish.
Five children were born to this union.  One daughter died in childhood.  The surviving children are Mrs. Lillie Ransom of Hicksville, F. P. Gilbert of Findlay, O. H. Gilbert of Fostoria, and C. L. Gilbert of Hicksville, all of whom were present at the funeral service which was conducted from the U. B. church Tuesday afternoon by Rev. J. F. Miller.

Mr. Gilbert died at the home of his son Clarence on Spencerville street, Sunday morning, November 27, 1910, aged 79 years and 26 days.  Beside the above mentioned, relatives he leaves ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren with other relatives."

"MERIFIELD

 

Wm. F. Merifield was born in New London, Huron county, O., January 20, 1833.  He was united in marriage with Miss Juda Smith October 3, 1855, in Lorain county, O.  To them were born 8 children, 5 daughters and 3 sons.  One son, Bertie Eton, preceded him to the better world when 11 years of age.

About 1858, they moved to this county, and soon after with his companion, joined the United Brethren in Christ at Fairview under the labors of Rev. Cyrus Lawrence.  Quiet and unassuming in manner, but possessed of strong faith in Christ, he followed the Master and trusted to the end.

Of late years he has not been permitted to attend the services of the sanctuary because of impaired health, and that of his companion, but was always interested in the work of the church and remained a faithful member until his death.

He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, by precept and example seeking their highest good.  He departed this life December 19, 1908, aged 75 years, 10 months and 29 days.  He leaves his companion, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, the youngest being present at the funeral. 7 children, 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, with other relatives and many friends who deplore their loss.  But their loss is his gain.  On daughter, Hattie, was unable to be present on account of sickness.

Funeral services occurred from the home Tuesday afternoon conducted by Dr. J. W. Lilly, assisted by Rev. J. F. Miller.  Interment at Six Corners cemetery."

 

Lyman Langdon, Early Defiance County Pioneer

Lyman Langdon

1809 - 1900

His obituary from the Defiance Weekly Express, August 23, 1900, p. 11:

"NOTABLE PIONEER

Good, Old Man of Noble Township Ends His Race.

Lyman Langdon, one of the most notable pioneers of the Maumee valley, died at his home in Noble Township, at mid-night, Sunday, August 19, 1900.  He was born at South Canton, St. Lawrence county, New York, Sept. 9, 1809, and lacked just twenty days of being 91 years old when he passed away.

At the age of twenty-three years, he was married to Fannie Marie Sanford.  Ten children resulted from that union, those living being Lucia A. Langdon, of Noble township; Mrs. Adeline Bridenbaugh, of Toledo; Emma B. Sheffield, of Noble township; Almira Sisco, of Kansas; and Grace E. Reid, of Van Wert.

In 1835, Mr. Langdon came to Ohio, driving through from Cleveland in a wagon and settling in what was then Williams county.  He passed through this city, which was then a town of 150 people.  He found here acquaintances from St. Lawrence county as follows: J. W. Moore, Erskine Perkins, Edwin Phelphs, Wm. A. Brown, Amos Stoddard, and other friends.  He located land with Dr. Oney Rice and Jacob Conley near Farmer Center.  On Sept. 16, 1836, he sold out his possessions in New York and with his wife and one child, drove through to Ohio in a wagon, being accompanied by his wife's brother, Seneca E. Sanford.

He reached this city after being on the road twenty- two days.  On Jan'y 25th, 1837, he rented Payne C. Parker's hotel at Georgetown (now Ney), and it became one of the most notable places in the northwest.  That same year he and Horatio G. Phillips bought four lots on Clinton street, this city, from Gen. John G. Hunt for $3,000, between First and Front streets.

In 1838, he resided in this city and was elected a justice of the peace and was appointed county judge in place of Bishop Adams, who had moved to Henry county.

He kept a tavern here at that time and some of the most notable men of the times and section boarded with him.

Late in 1841, the canal having been completed, he sold his property here to Samuel Rohn and C. I. Trude, and bought the farm in Noble township where he died, of Addison Goodyear and moved there in April, 1842.

After the formation of Defiance county, he, in 1849, went into the merchandising business with Horace Hilton at the north end of the Maumee river bridge, this city.  He purchased an acre of ground where the Joseph Ralston home now stands in North Defiance, and built a house in which he lived and which he afterwards sold to Joseph Ralston.

He sold his interest in the store to Mr. Hilton in 1851 and moved back to his farm in Noble township, where he built in the 1852, the house he died in.  Mr. Langdon also kept a tavern at this place.

Langdon Tavern, built 1852

 

 On Sept. 13, 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Langdon celebrated their golden wedding and received many useful and valuable presents.  The wife has been dead now for many years.

Lyman Langdon was one of nature's noblemen and was one of that heroic band of pioneers that reclaimed the northwest territory.  He was a man of broad views, keep perception, strict integrity and, while frugal and simple in his habits, was the soul of hospitality.  He had a wide acquaintance and his knowledge of the early settlement of the Maumee valley was not exceeded by any living man.

He was a grand, old man and while the news of his death will be received with regret by his friends everywhere, his noble life and deeds will stand as an imperishable monument of his goodness.   May he rest in peace.

The funeral occurred from the Langdon home in Noble township, at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday,  Rev. Jacobs, officating. The remains will be interred in Riverside cemetery."

The Langdon's 50th Anniversary was covered by the Defiance County Express, September 21, 1882, page 5.  A long article, here condensed, described the big party, including many friends and their family, that was held at the Langdon home.

"GOLDEN YEARS.

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARRIED LIFE OF LYMAN AND FANNY LANGDON.

 

"It is not often that it falls to the lot of man and woman to enjoy the bonds of wedded life for fifty years... 

Such an occasion as this took place last Wednesday, September 13th, at the pleasant farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Langdon in Noble township.  It was the fiftieth anniversary of their very happy wedded life.  On that day, they had gathered once more all their children living, five in number and all their grandchildren, seven in number, at the farm hearthstone...

September 13, 1832, Lyman Langdon and Fanny M. Sanford were married at Canton, St. Lawrence county, New York.  In the year 1835, they moved west, and settled in the then very small village of Defiance.  While here, they kept the only tavern in the place on the lot now occupied in the Myer's Opera House.  After residing here until the year 1842, they moved to the farm where they now live.

At that time, all around them was new.  There were no railroads and no canal, and for a long time, Maumee was the point to which grain had to be hauled to find a market.  But hard work tells.  While many have become discouraged in those years of toil, these pioneers of the Maumee valley toiled on, and to-day have the enjoyment in their advancing years, of a home surrounded by pleasant memories, respected and loved by all who knew them.  From a wilderness, they have made a home for their old age...

 

Early in the morning before invited guests began to arrive, the five children - Lucia Langdon, Mrs. Addie Bridenbaugh of Toledo, Mrs. Emma Sheffield of Noble, Mrs. Almira Sisco of Augusta, Kan., and Mrs. Grace Reid, of Toledo - were made a present each of $100 in money by their father and mother.

 

At about 3 o'clock, when the guests were assembled, Rev. N. Crary of Hicksville, offered a prayer...and h noted that the host and hostess, who were set in the midst of their friends in the same, old 'split bottom chairs in which they had sat over fifty years ago to do their courting, and it was observed by many of the guests that for an old lady, Mrs. Langdon did look quite pert and that Langdon did still cast 'sheep eyes' at her.  

 

At the close of Mr. Crary's remarks, Mr. Langdon followed, recounting the important events in his life - spoke of the ups and downs - and of the many happy days, he had passed with the friends present, only regretting that his home had not been large enough to have all of his friends present...  Following him, others spoke of the many pleasant days that they had enjoyed...Then the time was spent in hand-shaking, until it was announced that refreshments...were ready...

 

At about six o'clock, the guests began to take their departure, all wishing the happy couple 'long life and happiness.' Among the guests, we noted the following:

Albert Langdon and wife, of St. Lawrence County, NY

Truman Barnes and wife of St. Lawrence County, NY

Ezra Leonard, wife and daughter of Danville, Ill.

E. Lord and wife of Fulton County, O.

Dr. S. W. Goodrick and wife of Wood County

Miss Ella Russell of Huron County, O.

Rev. N. Crary and wife of Hicksville

Mrs. Harriet Hopkins and daughter, Hiram Rice and wife, Aaron Rice, Mrs. Eliza Hill, and Mrs. Liddia Rice of Farmer township
Edwin Phelps of Granville, O.
S. Cameron and wife and J. Y. Garwell and wife, and J. O. Wisler and wife of Tiffin township.
Chester Blinn and wife and Mr. Beatty and wife of Stryker, O.
Mrs. C. A. Duffee of Toledo
Capt. John Partee and wife, Wesley Sanford and wife, Miss Nettie Sanford, Sheldon Sanford and Miss Jessie Sanford, Frank Goddard and wife, Miss Emma Lehman, D. Bruner and wife, John A. Sheffield and Henry Langdon and wife, and Lucia Langdon of Noble township
Jesse Chapman and wife of Milford township
Jos. Ralston and wife, John H. Kiser and wife, C. P. Tittle and wife, Miss Mary Tittle, K. C. Carley and wife, W. G. Blynmyer and wife, Mrs. William A. Brown, Mrs. John Kiser, Mrs. Jesse Colby, Willis D. Colby, Mrs. Mary Lyman, and S. F. Cheney and wife of Defiance"

Among the gifts presented by friends from abroad were:

- gold headed cane by Albert Langdon Ira Heston and Nelson Sanford

-pair gold, bowed spectacles for each from their children

-five dollar gold piece by Truman Barnes and wife

-silver mounted salt dish by Mr. and Mrs. Sanford

-Cravon picture (gilt frame) of Mr. and Mrs. Langdon from Mr. and Mrs. Leonard of Danville, Ill.

(crayon picture)

-pair ruby gold-lined goblets supposed to be from J. Ralston and wife

 

 

 

 

 

Many, very many more tokens of esteem and regard would have been given, but guests were informed by this invitation that no presents were expected, and they all knew what that meant.  

One of the pleasant arrivals of the occasion...was a letter from friends in Illinois - Lyman and Fanny Langdon."

 

 

 

 

 

John A. Sheffield - G.A.R., Bishop Post

John A. Sheffield, born March, 1840, was born in either Ohio or New York, depending on the source. His family came from the Lawrence County, New York group that migrated to the county. He lived in Townsend, Huron County, Ohio, at the time of his enlistment into the Union Army on June 6, 1861.  Company A, 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, welcomed him into their midst where he served three years and two months, before being discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee, on June 22, 1864, at the expiration of his service.

The 24th regiment began its duty in West Virginia, but soon moved into Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.  Sheffield was in the major battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and Chickamauga before his release.
On the 1890 Veterans Census, he reported his disabilities caused by his service: vertigo, headaches, heart disease as a result of sunstroke, and rheumatism.

With a farm in Noble Township, Defiance County, secured, John Sheffield married his love, Emma Langdon, on April 21, 1869.  Emma B. was the daughter of Lyman Langdon, a well known early citizen of Defiance County.  Ten years younger than John, Emma was born on October 1, 1850.  John and Emma had children:
William Henry, June 19, 1870 - September 1, 1873
Lyman Langdon- June 3, 1872 - ?
Fanny S. - Oct. 3, 1878 - June 11, 1960  (married Lyman C. Moon)
John Edgar - Mar. 29, 1884 - May 21, 1971

Sadly, their first child, little Willie, died at the age of 3 of cerebral meningitis.  Emma was no doubt worried about her other little boy, Lyman, at that time, too.

The censuses noted that John farmed in Noble Township, Defiance County, for many years.  In the 1880 census, he had taken in John M. Goodrick, a cousin from New York and hired him as a farm laborer.

In 1900, just Fanny, 21, and John E., 16, were home with John and Emma.  Fanny worked as a stenographer, while John attended school. (Both he and Lyman would become dentists.)  Fanny married Lyman Moon of Washington Township on February 1, 1905.  Their daughter, Louise Lalliny Moon, was born on August 8, 1905. By the 1910 census of Noble Township, Fanny was divorced and living at home with Emma and John and her daughter, Louise, 4.

John and Emma Sheffield seemed to be connected with the Pomona and Banner Granges, and John was active in the G.A.R.  At one point, he was nominated by the Populist party to represent his district in the state legislature.

Many changes occurred in the life of James Sheffield over the next ten years.  On August 9, 1913, his beloved wife, Emma, died in Norwalk, Ohio. Her obituary explained the situation:

"EMMA B SHEFFIELD

The body of Emma B. Sheffield, wife of John Sheffield, who died at her home in Norwalk Saturday, was brought to the city this morning and interred in Riverside, Rev. C. E. Shields of the First Presbyterian church officiating at the service.

Mrs. Sheffield was born in Noble township, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Langdon and was about 70 years of age.  She was married to John Sheffield and until October 1912, the family resided in Noble township.  They went to St. Cloud, Florida where they expected to make their home, but last March, Mrs. Sheffield was stricken with paralysis and in April, returned to Ohio locating at Norwalk.

Besides her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Fannie Moon of Norwalk, and two sons, Dr. Langdon Sheffield and Dr. John Sheffield of Toledo and four sisters: Mrs. Charles Herzer of Santiago, California, Mrs. J. W. Reid of Decatur, Illinois, Mrs. Oren A. Sisco of Alva, Oklahoma, and Mrs. John Bridenbaugh of Toledo.

Mr. Sheffield is a past commander of Bishop Post G.A.R. and Mrs. Sheffield was a member of the W.R.C.  She was well known throughout Defiance county and held in esteem by all who knew her."

So, in all likelihood, Fannie took care of her mother in her illness. After his wife's death, John, at some point, met the widow, Abbie (nee' Dexter) Morse.  Abbie was the widow of Daniel Sanborn/Sandborn Morse who was twenty years older than Abbie.  Daniel was a former teacher who then studied law, and worked on the law circuit in Chicago with Abraham Lincoln.  They married in 1885 when he was 47 and she was 27 and settled in Vermont. Daniel died in 1910.   

The how and why of how this couple - John Sheffield and Abbie Morse - met is unknown, but they were married in Los Angeles on June 25, 1919.  In the 1920 census, they rented at 6608 Estrella Avenue, Los Angeles.  John was 79 and Abbie, 70. 

 BUT, prior to that, John was admitted to the National Home for Disabled Veterans in Sawtelle, Los Angeles County, California on November 17, 1917.  Records from the home noted his military service and his many disabilities, including artero schlerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, chronic constipation, prostrate hypertrophy and defective vision.  He was 77 when admitted and described as 5'3", fair skin, hazel eyes, and gray hair - a widowed farmer.  His nearest relative was Lyman Langdon Sheffield of 141 North Delaware Street, Toledo, Ohio.  He had the generous pension of $40 a month, and he was discharged on February 10, 1918.

The couple moved to St. Cloud, Florida, John's original plan for a home with Emma, sometime before his death in 1928.  He passed away on April 17, 1928, of old age.  John A. Sheffield was brought back to Defiance from St. Cloud to be buried on April 20 at Riverside Cemetery, Lot 22, Block B, Grave 3,  

Only this brief obituary could be found in the Defiance Crescent-News of April 23, 1928, p. 3:

"John A. Sheffield, who died Wednesday in St. Cloud, Fla., were held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Mausoleum Chapel with burial in Riverside Cemetery.  Rev. A. L. Benze, Lutheran minister of Toledo, was in charge.  The G.A.R. took part in the service."

His second wife, Abbie, lived a long life back in California.  From the Los Angeles Times, March 9, 1950:

"WOMAN PASSES AWAY 7 MONTHS AFTER 100TH BIRTHDAY

Mrs. Abbie K. Sheffield, who celebrated her 100th birthday last August 29, died last night at the home of her niece, Mrs. Flora Faulkner, 994 N. Hoover St.

Seriously ill for the past week, Mrs. Sheffield had been in poor health since shortly after her 100th birthday.  At that time, she had fulfilled an ambition to reach the century mark.

Mrs. Sheffield came to Los Angeles in 1915 with Mrs. Faulkner.  Except for 13 years' residence in Florida, she has lived here since then.

A native of Franconia, N.H., Mrs. Sheffield had been an artist and schoolteacher.

Besides Mrs. Faulkner, Mrs. Sheffield leaves another niece, Mrs. E. W. Smith, and a nephew, W. E. Stephens, both of Los Angeles, and a grandniece, Mrs. L. G. Munion of Grass Valley.  Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Forest Lawn Mortuary."

 

   (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!)

Trouble in the Town Saloons - Flanigan's and Kissner's

 

From the Defiance Democrat, December 16, 1897 -

" BUNGLING ROBBERS

Did a Bold Job at an East Defiance Saloon. 

JAMES FLANIGAN RAIDED.

A Bullet Grazed His Temple -

The Bandits Secured Very Little Money for Their Work.

Friday evening between 9:30 and 10 o'clock, three men entered the saloon of James Flanigan, just south of Hopkins Street, in East Defiance.  They wore masks and were amply armed with revolvers.

The leader stepped in with his gun levelled at Mr. Flanigan, who was standing behind the bar, and ordered him to throw up his hands or the robber would shoot.  Flanigan thought it was somebody playing a joke on him and remarked that he couldn't hurt anybody with that thing.  But the robber persisted, and held the gun in his right hand resting on the counter, pointing at Flanigan in a very threatening manner.  At this, Flanigan grabbed a large cheese knife and made a motion as if to carve the robber, when the bandit shot, the bullet just grazing the left side of Flanigan's head, near the temple.  The shock stagger Flanigan, and he stepped back.  At this, the bandit went over the bar and into the cash register, which he looted, but in doing so, dropped a part of the money on the floor.  He then crawled back over the bar.  It is believed by Flanigan that he secured about $2.   

 While the above was in progress, two of the robbers were in the rear room where there were six or eightmen, part of them playing cards and a part playing pool. When the robbers came in, some of the occupants, panic stricken, fled out the back door, and in their haste, ran against and knocked down another of the robbers' confederates, who it is presumed was standing guard. Of those who remained, Joseph Schrader arose form the table intending to hit the robbers with his chair, but at that time the revolver was being held dangerously near his face, and he changed his mind, and went down in his pocket and yielded up $1.25.

About this time, the robber who had engaged Flanigan in the front part was through with his work and the three made good their escape through the front door.  It was all over and the men gone in less time than it takes to tell it.

 

 

 Flanigan says the men were all of a small size and wore overcoats too large for them.  But the guns they carried looked large enough for artillery duty.  The men were masked with handerchiefs tied around their faces.

The people of that neighborhood were soon aroused, and a posse to go in pursuit of the robbers was organized, with Policeman Seibert in charge.  Mr. Gilliam, of the city water works, was engaged with his two bloodhounds and about 11 o'clock they took the trail and started down the B&O track eastward.  The party went as far as Midway, when they became discouraged and gave up the hunt ,though the hounds were trailing well and anxious to continue on, but the rain storm made the trailing very unpleasant.

A farmer named Zimmerman, about two miles farther east than where the marching party stopped, says some men staid in his woods all night.  It is thought by some they might have been the robbers.

Mr. Flanigan's wound bled profusely for a time, but the injury was not at all serious, and he was not laid up with it."

-----------

About two weeks later, Kissner's had a problem when someone refused to pay.

From the Defiance Democrat, January 6, 1898 -

"POINTED FIRE ARMS

"PUS'  CONNORS GETS INTO TROUBLE AT KISSNER'S.

Wm. Connors, familiarly known as 'Pus' loaded up an unruly jag of liquer last Saturday afternoon and as a result got into a little difficulty  He went into Kissner's saloon in north Defiance and ordered a drink.  He got the drink and then refused to pay for it, whereabouts 'Pus' started to leave the place, when Kissner attempted to stop him to make him pay.  At this, Connors pulled a revolver and pointed it at Kissner.  This caused the latter to desist and Connors was allowed to go.

He then went over to Clemmon's place, where he attempted the same deal. Here he was captured by the police and locked up.  His revolver had no loads in, hence was not very dangerous, though flourishing it was in violation of law.

He was taken before Mayor Deatrick Monday p.m., who bound him over to Probate Court on the charge of pointing firearms."

 

 

"Molly Pitcher" - A Poem by Katherine Brownlee Sherwood

Molly Pitcher

by Kate Brownlee Sherwood

 

'T was hurry and scurry at Monmouth town,
For Lee was beating a wild retreat;
The British were riding the Yankees down,
And panic was pressing on flying feet.

Galloping down like a hurricane
Washington rode with his sword swung high,
Mighty as he of the Trojan plain
Fired by a courage from the sky.

“Halt, and stand to your guns!” he cried.
And a bombardier made swift reply.
Wheeling his cannon into the tide,
He fell 'neath the shot of a foeman nigh.

Molly Pitcher sprang to his side,
Fired as she saw her husband do.
Telling the king in his stubborn pride
Women like men to their homes are true.

Washington rode from the bloody fray
Up to the gun that a woman manned.
“Molly Pitcher, you saved the day,”
He said, as he gave her a hero's hand.

He named her sergeant with manly praise,
While her war-brown face was wet with tears—
A woman has ever a woman's ways,
And the army was wild with cheers.

 

https://www.biography.com/military-figure/molly-pitcher -

Check this website for more information.

Isaac Ruth Sherwood and Katherine Brownlee Sherwood, Part 2

 

 

 The Sherwood family lived in Toledo most of their lives.  In 1880, when Isaac was a probate judge in Lucas County, they lived on Erie Street with their two children, James B. and Nora K. (Lenora), and a servant, Lucy Holden.  By 1900, they had moved to 2123 Ashland Avenue, Toledo, with a granddaughter, Katherine, 9, and a niece, Katherine, 20, who both attended school.

 In 1900, Kate Sherwood delivered the memorial address for Decoration Day in Defiance, and her daughter, Lenore, sang for the event.

 

 

 

In 1910, Isaac was a representative to the U.S. Congress at age 73.  Still residing on Ashland Avenue, Katherine, 65, had living with her: her niece, Katherine Duncan, 25, a public school teacher; Katherine Sherwood, a granddaughter; John and Lenore Pyle, daughter and son-in-law, and Helen Pyle, 20, a lodger.  Dr. John Pyle was a physician with his own surgical practice.  A servant, Ida Mahroan, helped keep the family going.

 Katherine Margaret Brownlee Sherwood was quite notable in her own right.  Born to Judge and Mrs. James Brownlee in Mahoning County on September 24, 1841, she was known as the "Poetess of the Congressional Circle."  Kate wrote popular, patriotic poetry, was a prominent suffragette, a newspaper correspondent and editor, and an organizer of the Women's Relief Corp for the GAR.

Katherine died on February 15, 1914, while in Washington, D.C.  Her obituary appeared in newspapers across the states.  The Washington D. C. Times ran this obituary on February 15, 1914:

 

Katherine was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo; her husband continued to serve in Congress until 1921.  Much was made of Congressman Sherwood's 80th birthday with many national papers reporting on the event.  This article  (Toledo Bee origin) from the Xenia Daily Gazette appeared in the newspaper on August 14, 1918:

  "SHERWOOD IS EIGHTY YEARS OLD

 Veteran Congressman , Strong, Vigorous and Active

at Age Most Men Have Retired 

 General Issac R. Sherwood, veteran Congressman, celebrated his eightieth birthday anniversary, Friday, August 17.  The Toledo News Bee of that date has the following interesting story regarding him.

Isaac R. Sherwood, M. C., is 80 years old today, yet he is one of the most prominent and most active figures in the public eye in Ohio and in the United States.  Snow white hair are his hair, eyebrows, and stubby mustache.  But he carries his six feet straight as a young hickory, and his 220 pounds like a man of 45.  His eyes are as bright and as keen as a youth.

 

'My doctor examined me yesterday,' said General Sherwood in his home at 2122 Ashland Ave.  'He took my blood pressure and says it's that of a man of 45; says I'm in better physical shape than I was ten years ago.  I know he's right, too, for that is the way I feel.'

DEAFENED IN BATTLE

The Congressman's deafness,requiring an artificial eardrum, is no sign of age or infirmity.  That came from the concussion of a shell as he led his regiment into action in the Civil War. 

The General's career is brief: Orphan farmer's boy, struggling student, school teacher, printer, newspaper man, politician, soldier, horseman, statesman.  He has been a success in every line of work he has undertaken.

When he retired from active life more than thirty years ago, in his 50th year, he had made himself a school teacher, a lawyer and a newspaper man.  He had entered the army as a private and finished as a brigadier general, brevited by Lincoln for repeated distinguished service. He had served two terms as Secretary of the State of Ohio. He retired to his horses, his newspaper, his books.

A generation later, he came back.  In 1906 he led the Democrats in his congressional district, the Republican by over 18,000.  He secured 42 majority over his Republican opponent, Elmer G. McClelland of Wood County.

'My second time on earth,' says Congressman Sherwood.  He referred to his election to Congress as a Republican from this district in 1872, defeating the popular Frank Hurd.  

Isaac R. Sherwood is of English and Scotch descent.  His grandfather fought the English with Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga.  His father fought them in 1812.

WANTED AN EDUCATION

Bereft of his father, he went to school in the winter, working the other months.  The system did not suit him.  He worked for two consecutive years as a farm hand, and then took his money for a continuous school course, choosing Horace Mann, then the first educator of the country, as his instructor.  

The youth attended the law school at Poland, Ohio, afterwards the Cleveland law school.  Having qualified as a lawyer, he went to setting type on the Mahoning County Register at Youngstown.

At the age of 22, he bought the Williams County Leader at Bryan.  Two years later he ran for probate judge and was elected.  The following year, he was elected Mayor.  Then Fort Sumter was fired upon.  James B. Steedman and E. P. Bassett of Toledo went to Bryan for volunteers.

The first volunteer in northwestern Ohio was Mayor Isaac R. Sherwood.  With him lined up, within 24 hours, 107 Williams County stalwarts who were formed into Company C, Fourteenth Ohio.

 

 Officers of the 111th O.V.I- Standing: B. S. Southworth and I. R. Sherwood.  Seated: J. W. Mock, Capt. W. M. Beals, George W. Berry and Jerry Bowlin

Mayor Sherwood served as a private for $11 a month until four months later when the regiment was disbanded.  Then he enlisted in the 111th Ohio and was elected Lieutenant.  Sherwood took part in the first battle of the war at Phillipi, West Virginia.  He was made Adjutant and the Major over the Captains at their own request.  Then through 42 battles, he rose to Lieutenant and Colonel. In December 1864, he was recommended by every officer of the brigade, with the approval of Major General Schofield, and was brevetted a brigadier general. 

LEADS THREE PARTIES

The general, then 30 years of age, refusing from President Grant the appointment of Secretary of New Mexico, returned to newspaper work, but public service sought him, and he was elected, as a Republican, Secretary of State in 1868 and again in 1870.  Then in 1872, the Toledo district sent him to Congress.  He was elected Probate Judge of this county in 1878 on the National Greenback party, and in 1881 as a Democrat.

He retired from politics until called on to lead the desperate Democrat campaign in this district in 1906.  He defeated James H. Southard for Congress in 1908 by 2,100; his fellow veteran J. Kent Hamilton in 1910 by a still large majority; 'the young man candidate,' Holland Webster, in 1912, by over 9,000; and William Cordell by over 13,000.  He never knew defeat at the polls.

FOUNDED NEWSPAPER

In addition to his newspaper career at Bryan, he owned and edited the Canton News-Democrat, weeklies at Wauseon and Bryan, helped to found the Toledo Commercial, owned and edited the Toledo Sunday Journal, and owned the American Sportsman, Cleveland.  For a time, he wrote editorials for the Cleveland Leader.

'A master politician,' they say of Sherwood.  No opponent has been shrewd enough to trap him.  He makes no unnecessary declarations, seeks no troubles.  But he is prompt and fearless to go on record on real issues.  He asks no handicap for his years, his soldier record, or public service.

FINANCED OWN FIGHTS

And one of the most political sayings is, 'I never allowed any men to contribute a dollar to me for my campaigns.' 

 A few months ago, his wife, one of the brightest and best-beloved women in Toledo, Kate Brownlee Sherwood, died.  His daughter now makes his home for him.

In Washington, Congressman Sherwood is regarded as a phenomenon. The oldest man, in years, in Congress, he is the only representative who drives a team. He drives the fastest team in Washington and makes it a point to drive a new pair every year.

On both sides of the Capitol building, they do honor to the general.  The house fills when he speaks.  His memorial address to the Confederate veteran, George Washington Gordon, is one of the traditions of congressional oratory.  He is chairman of the Houses' busiest committees, pensions, and has done more for the welfare of the old soldier comrades than any other man in or out of Congress.

CHATAUQUA? TOO BUSY

The general has been solicited repeatedly for the Chatauqua courses, but 'I am too busy just now,' the veteran says. 'Sometime later, maybe.'

'I think my father remains young, said Mrs. Leonore Sherwood, 'because of his sense of humor and because he has never lost his interest in affairs of all kinds.'

And of this, he is privately very proud - he has owned more fast horses than any man in Ohio.  

And, at 80, unbent, unshaken, unafraid, he is looking forward, unruffled, to further years of useful and happy life."

When he was 88 years old, he wrote a book, Memories of the War, which he self-published.  At the end, he lived in the Scottwood Apartments in Toledo with his daughter.  A fire broke out in the apartment house in the spring of 1925, and since that time, General Sherwood's health deteriorated due to the smoke inhalation.  He kept on until October, 1925, when he died of pernicious anemia.

His funeral was held at the Collingwood Presbyterian Church in Toledo.  "The funeral will have a military aspect, the thinning ranks of the General's war buddies and veterans of the Spanish American war and World War being in the funeral cortege.  The eleven surviving members of the 111th Regiment led by Sherwood during the Civil War will have places of honor in the funeral train." (Defiance Crescent-News, October 16, 1925)

The last time he was elected was in 1922 at the age of 87.

Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio