Chinese Laundries

Henry Hop Kee --------------Tueng Lee -----------------Lee Sang-----------
Leong Jim-------------------Sam Wah-------------------Charley Lune

Each of the men listed above once ran his own Chinese laundry in downtown Defiance.  Popular during the late 19th and early 20th century, these laundries were usually run by Chinese immigrants who would hand wash and press clothes for their patrons.  

 The first mention found in the local newspapers of a Chinese laundry in Defiance was that of Henry Hop Kee.  The Defiance County Express ran this brief advertisement on May 11, 1882:

"Henry Hop Kee, Chinese laundryman, 3 doors west of Carey's billiard parlor on Front street, Defiance.

Tueng Lee's business was first announced on September 3, 1885.  He, perhaps, was the laundryman burglarized in a news report of 1886, losing a silver watch and two dollars.

Charley Luna followed in 1890.

On July 6, 1895, a reporter wrote in the Defiance Daily Crescent:

"Leong Jim, the almond eye 'washee man' will open a laundry in the Harley building at 418 Clinton Street." 

On February 10, 1909, Sam Wah's laundry was advertised, as was Lee Sang's later.   

Defiance Daily Crescent, February 10, 1909

 Lee Sang did put a shadow over the occupation, however, when he absconded with all his patrons' laundry.  He left his shop in the Wayne Hotel building on Clinton Street in the night and fled to Fort Wayne. Although a patron notified the police, the laundry could not be confiscated and apparently Mr. Lee Sang was not found. 

Discrimination abounded toward the Chinese, even in our own local papers, calling them 'chinks' and Celestials.  A stereotype developed around the Chinese laundryman and eventually their shops closed. 

George Thomas Squire - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

Before enlisting into the 21st Regiment of the Ohio Infantry, George Squire lived with his parents, Virgil and Rebecca within the 1860 corporation limits of Defiance.  Virgil, born in Connecticut, had done well for himself as a merchant, reporting $10,000 of personal estate.  George's mother, Rebecca, 44, was seven years younger than her husband and had three sons at home.  Charles, 23, worked as a telegraph officer, while George, 18, and Edward, 11, were students.  They had a domestic servant, Frances Felix, 22.

In the next year, on August 21, 1861, George would enlist as a sergeant in Company E of the 21st Infantry Regiment. His three year term and more was filled with warfare at some of the most important battles of the War Between the States.

Of the earlier battles in Tennessee, the Battle of Stones River and others nearby inspired George to write two letters home to his father and mother.  Copies were discovered in the Ohio Regimental Files held at Stones River Battlefield. (The originals are in the hands of his grandson.)  The first is short and will be included here, while the other letter is of some length, and will be accessible through a link below.

"In line of Battle Near Murfreesboro
Jan. 4, 1862 (actually 1863)

Dear Father and Mother,
Once more I am permitted by kind Providence to pencil you a few lines - I have went through two very severe battles, besides several skirmishes without a scratch.  Our killed in the Comp. are 2.  Wesley Johnson and Sherman ? Mussen of Hicksville, 10 wounded and 3 missing - the loss in the Regt. are 181 killed, wounded and missing.  Brewster is back somewhere showed the white feather and left us.  Cheney all right - brave as can be.

Day before yesterday the enemy attacked Sheriden's Division - drove them across the river.  Our Regt. laid down close to the river, let Sheriden's men run over us - then rose up, pitched into them, chased them, waded the river, wasn't deep, took 3 cannons and chased them 3/4 mile until our ammunition gave out, then reinforcements came up and charged on and took seven more cannons.  The Rebels suffered terribly.

Can't write any more.  Good Bye.  If I go through all right, I'll write soon.
Write soon.
George" 

LINK to LETTERS FROM GEORGE T. SQUIRE 
 
George was promoted to full Sergeant of Company E on January 14, 1863, to full Quartermaster on February 15, 1865, and to First Lieutenant on February 15, 1865.  He mustered out on July 3, 1865, and returned to his family in Defiance.

Ina Asenath Carey became the bride of George Thomas Squire on September 22, 1868 in Lake County, Ohio.  By the 1870 census, they were settled in at Maumee, Lucas County, Ohio.  George, 28, was a railroad agent, while Ina A., 21, stayed home to care for their first child, Virgil, 1.

George's name was found for the first time in a Defiance newspaper of August, 1877, when he was appointed chairman of the Working Men's Club organizational meeting.  In 1879, he was a salesman for "the Great Singer Sewing Machine," but he also was establishing himself as the city telegraph operator.  He built a building as a telegraph office that year.

In the 1880 census, he and his family lived at 286 Warren Road, Defiance.  George's occupation was listed as a telegraph operator.  Four sons now completed the family: Virgil, 10; Edward C., 7; Guy P., 5, and George T., 1.  Mary Schindler, 19, a servant, and Harriet Davis, 20, a telephone clerk and boarder, also lived there.

In January, 1881, George managed the Bell Telephone Exchange was substituted for the Edison Exchange.  In 1882, he was sent to Joliette, Illinois, according to the Defiance County Express of June 29th, to take charge of that city's Western Union Office.  The family remained in Defiance at that time, perhaps because their first daughter, Rebecca, born in January 1881, was just about 5 months old.

Before May 1886, when their last daughter, Dorothy, was born in Dakota, the family settled in the Dakota Territory, in what would be South Dakota. Records indicated that he applied for land through the U.S. General Land Office that was issued to him after his death.  Two parcels in Edmunds, South Dakota, were issued in November, 1888, and July, 1890.

George T. Squire passed away in Bowdle, Dakota, on September 17, 1888.  A notice was published in the Defiance County Republican Express on September 21, 1888:

Riverside Cemetery

The Ohio Soldiers Grave Registration for George indicated that he died of pneumonia.  However, a recent find in a National Archive newspaper database contradicted that conclusion.

The Dickinson Press of Dickinson, Stark County, Dakota Territory on September 22, 1888 printed this death notice for George:

"George T. Squire, Milwaukee agent at Bowdle, committed suicide Monday by shooting himself."

 So did the family use pneumonia as a coverup for suicide?  What really happened and why?






Ina Squire lived on until her death in 1927, raising her six children, several of whom were quite young when their father died. 

(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 Pioneers - John Kniss

"DEATH OF A PIONEER.

Passing of John Kniss Who Started the First Shoe Store Here.

John Kniss died Wednesday morning at 5:30 o'clock, at his home, 1022 Harrison street, of old age.

The deceased was one of the oldest settlers of this section, having been a resident of this county for more than 65 years.

John Kniss was born in Armstrong County, Pa., Oct. 14th, 1814.  He came to this state with his parents when two years of age.  Later, in 1834, he came to Defiance where he resided until his death.

March 10th, 1839, he was married to Sarah Wells, of this county, who survives him.  To their union, twelve children were born, five boys and seven girls, five of whom are now living.  These are Mrs. A. Bruner, of this city, Frank Kniss of Liberty Center, Henry, Wesley and William Kniss of this city.

Fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren are among the descendants of this pioneer citizen.

Mr. Kniss was next to the oldest settler in the county, Brice Hilton, of Brunersburg, alone being of longer residence.

Mr. Kniss was engaged in the boot and shoe business for 60 years, he and his

brother Jacob having opened the first shoemaker's shop in Defiance.

Mr. Kniss was a highly respected gentleman, at all times giving evidence of the possession of those qualities that make up the Christian man.

The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, from his late residence at 1022 Harrision street, Rev. A. Thomas and Rev. O. C. Wright officiating."

Defiance Democrat - October 27, 1898

Hugh Tomlinson - Bishop Post, G.A.R.

It was in the depths of winter, on February 14, 1836, when Hugh, the firstborn son of Jesse and Catharine (nee' Gaskill) made his appearance in what was then Pickaway County, Ohio.  Jesse was a farmer born in Maryland, and his wife, Catharine was a Pennsylvania native.

By the 1850 census of Union Township, Madison County, Ohio, Hugh, 15, was joined by his siblings: Leah, George, Melinda Catharine, Jesse and Albert.  Just seven years later, his father, Jesse would die on May 24, 1857, at the age of 59.  

Hugh was married by that time to Clara Eastman.  Jesse would have been 19 years old when the marriage took place on September 23, 1855, in Fayette County, Ohio.


Much searching led to a dead end as to the location of Hugh and Clara in 1860.  Their daughter, Alice Arabel was born on August 7, 1856, in Bloomingburg, Fayette County, Ohio.  

Hugh enlisted for three years service as a Private in Company K of the 90th Ohio Infantry, a unit consisting largely of Pickaway County men, on August 6, 1862.  A history of the 90th Ohio Infantry revealed that Hugh's short time in the service - only three months - was filled with hardships.  A little over 1100 men began with the unit and 468 of those were discharged with wounds or disease, a likely case for Hugh as he was discharged on a Surgeon's Act of Disability on December 18, 1862.  The unit actually lost 67% of its men before mustering out at the end of the war.

When Hugh began his journey in Kentucky, it was already cold and would only get colder. On September 3, 1862, the group marched 100 miles in 86 hours with only 16 hours sleep.  Men were forced to drink from stagnant pools of water causing illnesses.  Rations would not always arrive in time, so days would go by when they marched or survived on empty stomachs.  When the meager amount of food did arrive, they ate it all at once. 

A major snow appeared that year on October 22, leaving more than six inches of snow.  Many had no overcoats, having left them on a hedge during an early skirmish, and finding them gone later.  Many no longer had wearable shoes, and so rags were wrapped around the feet.  The unit history noted:

"Reader, imagine a day's tramp through a chilling wind, a scant supper prepared by your own hands, a short supply of firewood, a single, worn blanket to wrap around you..."

And so, Hugh returned home to his wife and daughters, Alice and Emma, in December, 1862, in time for Christmas.

 
 The 1870 Federal Census enumerator found the Tomlinson family in Blanchard Township, Hancock County, Ohio.  Hugh, by then 35, worked in a sawmill and his wife, Clara, was mother to three daughters: Alice, 13; Emma, 11; Elsie, 5. Elsie was born after the war in 1865.  The family had real estate worth $500 and a personal worth of the same.  

Clara passed away in 1879.  Hugh did not remarry until December 30, 1885, in Defiance, Ohio, when he married Amelia Barrack.  Together they had a daughter, Grace, born in 1890.   That same year, Hugh was enumerated on the Veterans Census in Defiance.  He did not list any disability.

Hugh was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and the G.A.R.  It was at a G.A.R. meeting that Hugh first became very ill, as the Defiance Evening News reported on October 7, 1895:

 Hugh could not overcome this stroke.  His obituary appeared in the Defiance Democrat on October 17, 1895.

An earlier obituary appeared in the Defiance Republican Express on October 14, 1895:

"Hugh Tomlinson was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, February 14, 1836.  He died at his late home on Seneca Street, Defiance, Ohio, October 10, 1895, being 59 years, 7 months and 26 days old.  He was married in Fayette County to Miss Clara Eastman in 1855.  To them were born three children who were present at the funeral.  They are Mrs. Williamson of Benton Ridge, Ohio; Mrs. Swinehart, wife of Rev. Swinehart of VanLue, Ohio, and Mrs. Church of Pomeroy, Ohio.  Mr. Tomlinson's wife died in 1879 at Benton Ridge, Ohio and was buried at Benton Ridge.

On December 10, 1885, he was married to Miss Amelia Barrack, of Defiance, who with one child, Grace, survives him.  The funeral services were conducted at the residence by J. W. Taylor, assisted by Rev. Pilgrim.  Interment today at Benton Ridge.

Mr. Tomlinson was a charter member of the church of Christ of this city.  He was faithful in the discharge of his Christian duties, as a fond and loving husband and father, and highly respected by all who knew him."

Hugh's wife, Amelia, lived until October 27, 1937, when she passed away in Toledo.  Her daughter, Grace, married Maynard Jordan.

(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!)

J. F. Singer's Store

For many years, Lloyd V. Tuttle contributed historic photos and information to the Defiance Crescent-News for his column, "A Backward Glance."

"ABOUT FIFTY YEARS AGO, the enticing aroma of roasting coffee pervaded downtown blocks.  It was Jake's Pride Coffee being roasted by the J. F. Singer Grocery Co. which occupied the room of the southwest corner of Clinton and First Sts.

Sometimes it was the aroma of roasting peanuts.  Whenever this happened, F. W. Cheney, who operated Cheney Lumber Co., across the canal from the rear of the store, hastened over and got a big bag of peanuts.

J. F. Singer operated the store for years.  In the picture are: E. T. Grube, who happened to come along; John  Reinemeir, the delivery boy; John Bresnan, a clerk; John Forst, who was a clerk at that time; J. F. Singer, Harry Wrede, meat cutter, and Charles Brown, a passer-by.

JOHN FORST purchased the business later and continued to roast Jake's Pride Coffee and peanuts.  He had a big rural trade and was noted for the fine eggs he sold.  He and his wife are now retired at their home on Jackson Ave..."

 

William H. H. Ramsey - A Civil War Soldier Buried in Farmer Cemetery

Farmer Cemetery

William H. Harrison (Henry Harrison?) Ramsey lived a short, but full life.  Born on September 3, 1838, little could be found on William's early life.

On August 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 49th OVI.  Men in this unit signed up for a three year service.  The 49th participated in so many battles throughout the south after their initial appearances in Louisville, KY.  Shiloh - Corinth - Murfreesboro - Battle of Stone River - Chickamauga - Missionary Ridge - and Atlanta Campaign. Ramsey was promoted to full sergeant on March 3, 1863, and to full corporal on August 26, 1863.










 His, widow, Emma Ramsey, appeared on the 1890 veterans census with her deceased husband's name.  That record recorded his first duty  from August 23, 1861, to December 31, 1863 - two years, four days, nine months. His unit had a thirty day furlough home and at some point, Ramsey reenlisted into the veterans' army where he served from January 1, 1864, to November 30, 1865, another one year and eleven months.  After Atlanta, the unit was sent to New Orleans and eventually to Texas where the 49th was mustered out at Victoria, Texas on November 30, 1865.

Harrison Ramsey married Emma Foltz in Putnam County on February 29, 1864.
They applied for the license just a few days before.  It might be a guess that this was during his 30 day furlough from the war, as he was not mustered out until November 1865.

 By or before 1870, they were settled in Liberty Township, Putnam County, Ohio.  William farmed and they had one child at that time, Frank D., six months old.  Ellen Foltz, 15, lived with them - probably Emma's sister.

By 1880, the couple had settled in Farmer Township, Defiance County. He was listed on the census as W. H. Harrison Ramsey, 41.  Emma, 33, had her hands full with children: Frank, 10; Lulu, 9; Ella M., 7; Orie (Ora Alice), 5; Mable, 2; and Guy, 8 months.  Six children filled the house when the tragedy occurred - 
William H. H. Ramsey passed away on September 2, 1884. 

It would appear from tidbits in the newspapers and most of all, from the census, that Emma stayed on the farm.  In 1894, she sold 1/2 acre of ground in Section 10 for $225 to the commissioners for a gravel pit.  She built a new milkhouse, one Farmer reporter noted.  In 1900, the widowed Mrs. Ramsey lived on a farm she owned free with her children, Ella, 27; Mable, 22; and Guy, 20, all listed as farm laborers.  And Emma gave her occupation as farmer.

Her obituary, so short, does not give credit to the strength of Emma Ramsey.

"Emma Ramsey departed this life September 17th, aged 55 years.  The funeral was held at the home Friday afternoon. Rev. C. H. Davenport officiating.  Interment in the Farmer Cemetery." 
Defiance Weekly Express, September 25, 1902, p. 8

She had had a stroke in early August and could never recover. The Ramsey children lost their father at 46 years old, and their mother at 55.

Vintage Photos of Homes in Farmer, Ohio

Some of these homes may still stand, perhaps in a remodeled state.

The home of Clyde and Gertrude Norway

The home of Emery and Olive Shank

The Shank house, pictured above, is the first house on the right in this photo.

The home of Sylvester Close

The home and barn of A. C. (Andrew?) Biglow

Home of William P. Bayes

"The old Hutchins farm"

And for good measure, here is a mystery house.  Anyone recognize it?

Recognize this?

We'd love to know more about any of these homes.  Do they still stand?  Do they look nearly the same or have they had a facelift?  Please comment if you are in the know!  It would be fun to have a modern photo of the house, too.