NO DCGS MEETING IN JANUARY

 JUST A REMINDER THAT THE DEFIANCE COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

WILL NOT MEET IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY.

**WEATHER PERMITTING, WE WILL RESUME IN FEBRUARY ON THE 4TH MONDAY AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, DEFIANCE.

CORRECTION: The February 28th program will be "Witches of Salem: The Story of One Accused," the story of one of Mary Williams' ancestors.

On March 20, Dianne Kline will talk about Newspaper Archives use with your library card.

DIANNE KLINE WILL PRESENT THE PROGRAM ON USING NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES FROM THE WARMTH OF YOUR HOME WITH YOUR LIBRARY CARD, ALONG WITH SOME TIPS ON USING THE ARCHIVES.

**REMEMBER THAT WE ARE COLLECTING MEMBERSHIPS THIS YEAR  FOR 2022, AFTER A WAIVER FOR THE MEMORABLE 2021.  

MEMBERSHIP FORMS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MEETINGS.  

Join Our Society (defiancecountygenealogy.org)

IN THE MEANTIME, WE WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!

 

Poor "Uncle" John Leffler - PART II

 After the trial, it was only the next day, November 13, 1888, when the attorneys started pointing fingers at each other.  The defense lawyers accused John J. Winn of being the author of the article in the Defiance Daily Crescent.  The newspaper came back strongly, stating that it does not hire attorneys to write for them.  Mr. Woods, one of the defense attorneys, thought the plaintiff's attorneys were "trying to bulldoze his clients."   It was said that Mrs. Leffler lived in luxury in Rochester.  When John Leffler left, he took nothing with him, leaving her with all their possessions.  The case was still up for appeal.

At the end of November, Johnnie Leffler, the only son of John Leffler and Mary Buck, died.  His obituary appeared in the newspaper on November 30, 1888:

"Last Thursday afternoon, Johnnie Leffler, aged seven years, died. He was the son of John and Mary Leffler, who figured in an interesting case at the last term of Common Pleas Court.  The court allowed Mrs. Leffler $500 for the boy's support, but now as he is dead, the entire property of John Leffler will no doubt go to the plaintiff in the case."

The Defiance Daily Crescent reported the death of Uncle John Leffler on January 23, 1892:

"DEATH OF 'UNCLE

John Leffler died this morning at 5 o'clock at his residence on Clinton street  The deceased was 59 years, 3 months and 21 days old and was well known, having been in the saloon business here for a number of years.

Mr. Leffler was better known as 'Uncle,' having been called by that name ever since he has been in business in this city.  His funeral will be conducted by Rev. C. H. Schoepfle at his late residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and his remains will be interred in Riverside Cemetery."

Now alone, without husband or son, Mary grew despondent.  John and Mary ran a saloon on Clinton Street, but after his death, Mary and her brother, Fred Buch, took over.  She argued with her brother frequently, according to witnesses.  About three months after her husband's death, she had made her plan in the the depths of sadness and hopelessness.

March 30, 1892 -

"IT WAS SUICIDE.  MRS. MARY LEFFLER TAKES AN OVER DOSE OF ACONITE -  SHE WANTED TO GO HOME TO HER CHILDREN..

Dr. J. D. Westrick was called to the residence of Mrs. Mary Leffler, over her saloon, on Clinton Street, Monday morning at 9:30 and found her suffering from narcotic poisoning.  She was unconscious, breathing labored and slow, pulse, weak and temperature below normal.  She was then really in a dying condition and though the doctor work with all the might and main to save her, the unfortunate woman expired at 12 o'clock.

The following is a translation from the German of a note left by the deceased:

DEFIANCE, March 24, 1892 -   John Leffler's will was, if he dies first, everything belongs to me, and nothing shall go to his relations because they stole from him three years ago; and my will is, bury me decently and what is left belongs to my brother's children in Rochester, one in Germany and to the brother that is here.  Do not blame me for what I have done.  I want to go home to my children and to John Leffler.   Mary Leffler

That note and other evidence that has since been adduced shows conclusively that the woman committed suicide.  A 2 oz bottle containing about 2 drams of aconite was found in the room.  Every indication was to the effect that she died of aconite poisoning.  It is not known how much of the contents of the bottle she drank, but it is the supposition that she took it all, excepting the two drams found in the bottle.  It is not known when the poison was taken, but as she was sick and vomited Sunday evening, between 8 and 9 o'clock, it is thought it was taken prior to that time.  Then again, it is said that she had been drinking quite freely during the evening and that leaves the question open as to whether her sickness early in the evening was caused by the poison or resulted from an overdose of whisky.  There is no question, however, but that she died of an overdose of aconite, though if she had taken 1 oz. instead of the amount that it is supposed she did take, death would have ensued much sooner than it did.

The husband of this woman, John Leffler, died some three or four months ago and left her in fairly good circumstances.  Since that time, she has been running her saloon next to the Russell House, her brother, Fred Buch, working for her as barkeeper.  No reason can be assigned for the rash act, other than that she'd grown despondent over the death of her husband and quarreled with her brother.

After the death of Mrs. Leffler, Coroner Westrick began an investigation , but being satisfied that she committed suicide, did not complete it.  He examined A. E. Schoninger, the butcher, who has a shop next to the saloon.  He said that she had appeared low spirited since the death of her husband and seemed to worry a good deal over the matter.  Never heard her say she would commit suicide. She was at his shop at 9 o'clock Sunday morning and purchased some meat.  She was alright then.  That was the day following the date of the note given above.

Amanda Miller was with her Sunday and though she talked rather despondently, did not think she would kill herself.  Some two or three weeks ago, she had talked to Mrs. Leffler and deceased then asked her to see when she come to died, that she was properly buried.

Mrs. John Ritchey, who occupied rooms across the hall from the Lefflers, testified that she saw nothing unusual in the appearance of Mrs. Leffler Sunday.  Had heard Mrs. Leffler and her brother, Fred Buch, quarrel a good deal.  Heard Mrs. Leffler say that it would have to come to an end in a few weeks, as she could not stand it any longer.

Mrs. Leffler was a German, and aged 42 years at the time of her death.  The note, which is given above, was written in German.  There is nothing to show in the writing that the writer was in any way agitated.  The funeral occurred from the Lefler residence at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning.

Since the above was written, the coroner has found that Mrs. Leffler came to her death by her own hand."

(No marriage license could be found for Mary Buch/Buck and John Leffler.  Perhaps it became a common law marriage after awhile, or maybe John was never given permission from New York to marry.)

 

 

 

Poor " Uncle" John Leffler?

"UNCLE'S TROUBLES

JOHN LEFFLER'S LIFE MADE PUBLIC

HOW HE LIVED WITH MARY BUCK FOR ELEVEN YEARS, DURING WHICH SHE HAD TWO CHILDREN, BUT WAS NEVER MARRIED.

THE ROMANTIC STORY OF A ONCE WEALTHY CONTRACTOR AT ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

From a legal standpoint, the finest case ever tried in this county was the case of Elizabeth Leffler vs. John Leffler, tried Saturday by Hill, Hubbard, and Winn for the plaintiff, Peaslee and Woods for the defense.

It was also a case which has the tinge of romance and sensationalism in it and there are few stories so interesting as this.

Eleven years ago there lived in the city of Rocheter, N.Y., John Leffler, now known here as 'Uncle', a wealth contractor, an inventor and a citizen of prominence, well known and highly respected as one of the city's best men.  Not only was he a man of high standing in business circles, but also in society.  With a handsome and accomplished wife to preside over his household, and to act superbly in the capacity of hostess, and a finely educated daughter, he became established in the ranks of society, impregnable to any concerning whose honor might be a question.

Also eleven years ago, this same respected man became deeply attached to a young and handsome girl named Mary Buck.  So thoroughly enamored by her charms was he that he broke his matrimonial vows, was charged by his wife with adultery and she left him.  The outcome was a suit for divorce by the wife.  While the suit was pending, Leffler suddenly left Rochester in company with Mary Buck. Mrs. Leffler was granted the divorce and $2500 alimony.  All efforts to trace Leffler were of no avail.

Mary Buck had an uncle, Michael Koch, living in Brunersburg, near this city, and the two went to his residence. To her uncle and aunt, she introduced Leffler as her husband, saying he had been a widower and that they had been married but two weeks. Leffler confirmed this story, and they spent about two months with Mr. and Mrs. Koch.  They came to this city, rented rooms and later went to housekeeping living as man and wife.  They have lived her nearly eleven years and, in that time, had two children, one of which was born dead and the other boy now living with one side paralyzed. Intellectually, he is strong, being bright and smart, but will never be able to accomplish much which will require physical strength.

(* The photo is NOT Mary Buck, but an anonymous young lady dressed as she might be in 1887.)

In the summer of '87, Leffler's divorced wife ascertained that he was living in this city and that he was in the possession of some property.  She sent Mr. A. J. Curloch, a Rochester attorney, here to see if there was any chance of obtaining the $2500 allowed her by the court.  On July 19, the attorney made a demand for the judgment, which Leffler refused.

On July 20, Leffler sold his property to Daniel Widmer for $5,000, Widmer giving him five promissory notes, payable in one, two, three, four and five years, and assuming a mortgage of $2500.  He then transferred the notes to Mary Buck, supposed to be Mrs. John Leffler and was left insolvent.

The supposed wife of John Leffler who signed the deed as Mary Leffler, joined in the dower clause and was supposed to be the wife of John Leffler.  Messrs. Hill and Hubbard had been authorized by Mr. Curloch to attend to the case, and later they called in Mr. John W. Winn. Nothing had been done by these attorneys before Leffler sold his property, as it was the day after the Rochester attorney visited him.  After the transfer of the notes, Hill & Hubbard brought suit to declare that the sale and transfer to had been made with the intent to defraud Leffler's creditors, and asking the court to find to have been honest on Widmer's part to have the notes placed in the hands of a receiver, the money collected and applied in satisfaction of Mary Leffler's judgement.

On Saturday morning, the trial began.  To the surprise of all,

the plaintiff's first witness was John Leffler, the defendant

himself.  HIs testimony was to the effect that he left New York state with the girl and brought her to Ohio, paying all of her expenses  He admitted telling Mrs. Koch that he was married, but said it was all a joke.  He said the woman had two children and he was asked if he was the father  The defense objected to the question and the objection was sustained.  He said that he supposed his wife had loaned him $399 eight years ago.

Michael Koch, the next witness called, did not give away further information than that which Leffler had divulged.  Mrs. Koch testified that they had always lived as man and wife and that the girl always slept with Leffler.  Mrs. Koch got on her mettle several times and the attorneys on both sides, the bailiff, the sheriff, deputy and judge endeavored to quiet her, but to no effect.

Mr. Hubbard then took the stand and related the story of the Rochester attorney and offered the deed to evidence with the name of Mary Leffler signed to it. He said that under the law of the State of New York, the court had granted Mrs. Leffler the right of marrying again, but had not given John Leffler that privilege, and if he married again that he could be arrested for bigamy.

The defense called Daniel Widmer who claimed that he had bought the property in good faith and had already paid off $1300 of the mortgage.

John Leffler said he had hired the woman to work for him, agreeing to pay her $4 a week and that she had worked for ten years without receiving any pay.  The plaintiff's attorneys claimed that the services were incidental to an illicit cohabitation and that the contract was void.  On this, they were upheld by Judge Sutphen.  The court found that the sale was honest on Widmer's part, but that the transfer of notes from Leffler to his supposed wife was made with the intention to defraud his creditors.  He allowed the alleged Mrs. Leffler the $390 that he had borrowed with interest for eight years.  He also allowed her $500  for the support of her child.  The woman did not claim this, but Judge Sutphen gave it simply through kindness.  The balance of $1611 to Mrs. Leffler and he appointed S. M. Cameron, clerk of court, receiver, with instructions to hold the notes, collect them and distribute the proceeds according to his best judgement.

The defense gave notice of an appeal.  Judge Sutphen said that if the defense would turn the notes over at once, he would make the appeal bond low, but if the defense held them, he would make it big enough to cover the indebtedness of Mrs. Leffler.  The defense refused to turn over the notes, and he fixed the bond at $1800, more, it is thought, than Leffler would give.  Mr. James Woods holds the notes at present, but the plaintiff's attorneys expect him to turn them over to Mr. Cameron soon.

John Leffler is now insolvent.   It remains to be seen how his alleged wife will treat him, whether or not she will leave him and take the money or whether she will continue to live with him and divide the money to their mutual benefit

It is the same old ending to a life of crime.  'Uncle' Leffler came here a fine looking man with plenty of money.  He is the inventor of the bell or rim of sewer pipes and obtained a royalty on every one made.  He disposed of the rights for little or nothing, spent the money, and is today almost without a dollar.  He has a daughter living in Rochester at present.  She is the wife of the cashier of the German National Bank of that city and is said to be very handsome.  She is highly respected, as is her mother, who also lives in Rochester.

In every feature, the case is one of the most interesting in the record of the Common Pleas court of this county."    (Defiance Daily Crescent, November 12, 1888)

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

SEE PART II

Defiance County Pioneers - Joseph D. Kerr

JOSEPH D. KERR

1846 - 1902

"Joseph D. Kerr died in the Cook county hospital Friday, December 12, where he was taken.  He fell on the streets of Chicago from the effects of a paralytic stroke on December 3.  He remained in the hospital nine days.  He went to Chicago December 1 to attend the stock show, and intended to leave that city for Toledo either Thursday or Friday.  Saturday his folks here became anxious about him, but it was not until December 8,  they succeeded in finding the place where he was sick.  He was unconscious most of the time after the attack of paralysis.

Ed. Culler and L. E. Griffin went to Chicago the fore part of last week, returning home Thursday evening.  Fillmore Kerr, a brother of the deceased, left for Chicago Friday morning, but before he arrived, Joseph D. had died.  Pneumonia had set in after the paralytic stroke.  Charles Miller, the undertaker, went to Chicago, and brought the remains home Saturday night.

Joseph D. Kerr was born August 2, 1846, in Middletown, Holmes county, Ohio, and with his parents in 1857, came to Hicksville, where he for a time attended the public schools.  Afterwards he attended the normal school at Williams Center for two terms and then taught school in this vicinity for several terms.  The objection of his parents hindered his enlisting during the civil war.

For six years, commencing with 1867, he conducted a flouring mill at Lagrange, Ind.  In 1873, he came to Hicksville, and was the leading spirit in organizing the well-known firm of Kerr Bros. & Co.

In 1883, Mr. Kerr retired from this firm and took a two years' law course in the Union College of Law at Chicago.  On his return to this place in June, 1884, he was elected justice of the peace.  In 1885, he took up the practice of law.  In 1889, he formed a law partnership with James E. Coulter.

In 1857, at the time of the advent of Mr. Kerr, the village contained less than one hundred inhabitants.  The public school had an enrollment from all the territory then included in the district of less than sixty.  Not a single manufacturing plant run by any other power than the hand was in Hicksville. 

About that time, Joseph and Wesley Dowell built a saw mill over on the site of the present Lower-Goller manufacturing plant; subsequently Joseph Kerr, Sr. rented the mill of these founders and Miles Chapman and Joseph D. and his brother Thomas became the working force of the mill and gained his first knowledge of mechanical aid in labor.  Industry was the prominent trait of his character.

From childhood until death, labor was the duty of every hour.  After the burning of the grist mill at Lagrange, Joseph D., Thomas and Filmore Kerr succeeded in getting a shelter shed over an old threshing engine, a bolting saw and a cut off, and the original of the present Kerr Bros. company plant was ready to lay the foundation of wealth without a dollar in addition, save mentality and a willingness to work.  This was the beginning with Joseph D. as the mastermind that built one of the largest handle plants in the world.  While Joseph D. did not remain with the firm of Kerr Bros & Co. through all the years of its growth, yet its breadth and scope of application was covered by the plan mapped out for its future by Joseph D. - a manufacturing institution that has furnished more days labor through all its ramifications than any other labor center in the village.

Mr. Kerr was a believer that a practical education consisted in a trained mentality that could and would furnish to the possessor a support and competence for old age..  While Mr. Kerr did not escape the army of critics with their close-drawn blankets and 'better than you' step.   No family in our village was better provided for.  No more thoughtful, painstaking father and husband.  No young man ever started in life with less.  Willing hands and an honest intention to succeed was his sole capital..." 

*Joseph D. Kerr was the father of Hicksville's long-time physician, Dr. Paul Kerr.  Dr. Kerr's only sibling, Dewitt Kerr, died at a young age and was buried with his parents.  His wife was Flora Culler Kerr.

Source: Obituaries: Pioneers of Northwest Ohio, Volume I.  Carma Rowe Estate, Johnson Memorial Library.  No date. Page 44. 

Copies available at the Defiance Public Library and the Sherwood and Hicksville branches.

Defiance, Ohio! Welcome to the Gorman Minstrel Show!

 

  The Defiance Daily Crescent, October 30, 1905

From 1840 onward until about the late 1940s, ministrel shows were a form of popular entertainment as the troupes traversed from town to town.  Sometimes it was white folks in blackface and sometimes it was black folks in blackface, and yes, sometime it was a mix of the two!

Jokes, dancing, singing, and buffoonery all added to the enjoyment.  The Gorman minstrel show was one of the most well-known in the United States.  Reviews from newspapers all over the United States praised the show which had come to Defiance since at least 1890..  

The Defiance Daily Crescent promoted it this way:

"Good Singing and Dancing

Gorman Minstrels Always Noted for That.

The singing and dancing part of the Gorman's Minstrel program is indeed a happy part, teeming with all that is new in popular songs, and bristling with all that is unique and coming in dancing.  

The 'End Men' known as the funny part of the troupe of minstrels are simply bubbling over with side splitting jokes and 'misunderstandings.'  They are especially prepared with parodies on the latest topical songs of the day, which are always expected and looked forward to with intense interest in a Minstrel performance and our people can rest assured that in Gorman's Minstrels, every expectation will be more than fully realized.

The Minstrels will be seen on our streets at noon, and in open air concert at 7:00 in the evening in front of the Opera House.  Monday, Nov. 2nd."

Minstrel Show Blackface Comedy - Bing video

James McKellip - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

James McKellip

Born about 1847 in Noble Township to parents, David and Mary Anne McKellip, James was their second child.  His father, born in Vermont, was a farmer, and his mother kept house and raised at least five children.

When he was 18, he decided to enlist in Company F of the 198th Regiment, Ohio Infantry.  This unit was formed in February, 1865, at Camp Chase and James enlisted on February 7 for a one year term.  

However, the war was just about over, and the group never deployed anywhere before the Confederacy surrendered.

The whole unit mustered out on May 8, 1865.

But, James was a veteran and a part of the Bishop Post of the G.A.R.

Pension card for James McKellips

James came home and lived with his parents again, and that's where he was found in the 1870 census of Defiance.  James, 23, was there with his brother, Andrew and sisters, Mariam and Elizabeth, and parents, David and Mary Anne.

Three marriages were a part of James' life.  He first married Julia/Mary? Dixon on February 9, 1871, but they divorced, and, he married Lucinda Frazee on February 8, 1875. Another divorce.  His last marriage was to Emma McKellips, and it was quite a scandal for the times because Emma was the wife of James' brother, Andrew.

This notice appeared in the Defiance Express on April 14, 1898, p. 14:

"Andrew McKellips has filed a petition in probate court for divorce from Emma A. McKellips.  He alleges adultery, sets forth in the petition that the defendant has confessed that two of her children are the offspring of his brother, James McKellip.  Hill and Baker for the plaintiff."

After the divorce was completed, a marriage license was recorded for Emma McKellips, 44, housekeeper and daughter of Erastus Alma and Julia Eseltine, to James McKellips.  The license reported that she had been previously married and divorced and the two were not near kin or second cousins.  They were married on January 10, 1899.  The license apparently made history as it was the first in Defiance following a new law.

In the Defiance Daily Express, January 11, 1899, p. 3: 

"THE FIRST

JAMES MCKELLIP TACKLES THE NEW LICENSE LAW

James McKellip was the first to secure a marriage license under the new law in this county.  The records show that he is 52 years old and that he was born in this county and that he has been twice divorced.  He is a son of David McKellip.

The maiden name of the bride elect was Emma Alma.  She is 44 years old and was born in Seneca county, New York.  She had been married to Andrew McKellip, a brother of James, but secured a divorce from him last summer.  James McKellip has a guardian, Hon. J. F. Deatrick and his consent was given to the marriage.  The application shows that the couple expect to be married by Rev. Rhodes, of East Defiance.  It took Mr. Kellip, his guardian and attorney a good part of the afternoon Tuesday to figure out the records." 

Why James had a guardian is a question not answered. He had been in trouble with the law before.  In May of 1897, he had been locked in jail by the Marshall for being intoxicated and disorderly.  Whether this was a one time event or habitual is a question that will be answered later.

In January, 1902, he had a job sawing logs on the Butler farm, run by J. J. Osborn.  Unfortunately, he had an accident while on the job.

"TWO MEN ARE INJURED

LOG ROLLS ON FEET OF WORKMEN ON BUTLER FARM SOUTH OF TOWN

An accident in which two people had their feet severely mashed, occurred late last evening on the Butler farm south of the city.

James McKellips and a young son of Henry Gherke both living near the place where the accident occurred, were the victims.  They were employed by J. J. Osborn of this city as helpers with his log sawing machine.

Yesterday the men were buzzing wood on the lower end of the Butler farm.  At the time the accident occurred, a heavy log was being cut in two.  As the saw cut the last fiber which held it together, the two heavy pieces fell and struck both men.  McKellip had the bones in his foot crushed.  Whether they were broken is not known, as immediately after the accident, he was taken to his home in a buggy.

The boy's injuries were not as serious, but will keep him limping for a few days to come..."

 (Defiance Crescent News, January 24, 1902, p. 8)

His obituary appeared in the Defiance Democrat on April 5, 1917:

 

 James McKellip's records show that he was admitted to the hospital at the Sandusky Soldiers' Home on February 21, 1917, with a general disability.  He would have been 62.  His listed next of kin was Ellen McKellip, his daughter, who lived in Defiance.  He was receiving $18 a month in pension money, and he could not read or write. James was brought to Defiance for burial in Soldiers' Circle at Riverside Cemetery.

And Emma?  Emma petitioned to divorce James in August, 1909, as reported in the August 21, 1909, Daily Crescent News.  The grounds?  Habitual drunkeness. But was the divorce finalized?  In July, 1902, he transferred a partial lot 34 to her for $1 and love and affection.  Love - it's complicated!

 Emma lived on until 1939, passing away at the age of 83.  James was named as her husband in the obituary, but not as her next of kin in the Sandusky records...

*This was a lesson in researching as one could not count on the spelling of this surname at all...McKellip, McKellips, McKellep, McKelleps, McKellipes, and so on!

Try every possible spelling.

(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!)

Hicksville High School Graduations - 1886 and 1890

 

Old Hicksville High School, but all grades were there

Our favorite Michigan flea market hunter, Mr. Doss, sent us two graduation programs from Hicksville High School, 1886 and 1890.

The class of 1886 consisted of four students, listed by the Hicksville News:

Ada I. Platter, Angie Wright, Lura E. Hamilton and M. L. Wesner

It was only the fourth annual commencement for the school, held in the Pettit Opera House, now the Huber Opera House.  In 1895, the Pettit Opera House was destroyed by fire, then rebuilt and converted into a hotel.  Eventually, through many uses and owners, it became the Huber Opera House.

In 1890, the class size had increased to five: 

Ada A. Conrad, Samuel A. Jordan, Curtis A. Overholt, Eva A. Nicholls and Minnie A. Ridenour.  In this year, the graduation was held at the Presbyterian Church on  a Thursday evening.