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.

Finlay Strong, Early Defiance County Settler, Lawyer, Surveyor, and Civil War Soldier

 By now, his tombstone in Old Riverside Cemetery in Defiance is probably crumbled or sunken into the ground, but back in the 1970s, enough was still there to read - Finlay Strong, Mrs. A., and Miss ?   Not much and no dates were there or at least readable at that time.  The stone would have been old, as Finlay died on September 29, 1870 and his wife before him.  But he packed his life full of service to his community and nation.

When only one line appeared in the Defiance Democrat stating that Finlay Strong had died, someone protested that a life such as Finlay's should have been better represented with a full obituary...and so the complainant provided one.  His letter follows with addition information added along the way.

Defiance Democrat, October 8, 1870

"In Memoriam.

Mr. Greene

In your paper of last week was an announcement of the death of Mr. Finlay Strong

As Mr. Strong has been, for many years, a prominent citizen of our place, I have thought that his death demanded something more than a passing notice.  By giving a place in your columns to the following brief memoir, you will gratify a large circle of the friends and acquaintances o the deceased.

Mr. Strong was born in Onondaga, New York, on the 6th of December, 1810, and consequently would have been 60 years of age in a few months from his death.  He was the eldest in a family of six children and the first of the number to be called away.  His father still lives in Syracuse in his 90th year.

The subject of this notice was a graduate of Union College, then under the Presidency of the celebrated Dr. Nott. Among his classmates were the two brothers, Clarke, who has since distinguished themselves in the literary world, and with whom he has for years maintained a friendly correspondence.  Mr. Strong was a good classical scholar, and a man of fine literary tastes.  His library, though small, contained some of the choice productions of modern authors."

Finlay was the son of Oliver Ripley Strong and Margaret McLaren.  After his graduation from Union College, he headed to Cuyahoga County where he was listed in many tax records of the time.  At some point before landing in Defiance, he married his wife, Eunice, and they had three daughters, Louisa, Mary and Jannet.

"By profession, he was a lawyer, having studied for the bar in Syracuse.  He practiced law a short time in Cleveland, but concluding to come further west, he moved to Defiance in 1847, where he has since resided until the time of his death.  Here he speedily gained the confidence of the people, and was chose County Surveyor, and afterwards was elected Auditor which office he held for four years.  Subsequently, he consented to take charge of the Union Schools of this place, and occupied the position of Superintendent for two terms.

When the 111th Reg. Ohio Volunteers was formed, he was chosen Quarter Master, and went with that regiment to the field but finding the service too hard for a man of his age, he resigned after a service of 5 months."

Finlay was 51 when he enlisted into the 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company S, on August 13, 1862, as a First Lieutenant, soon chosen as Quarter Master. According to a history of the 111th by Thurston in 1894, their trek was not an easy one, mostly in Kentucky at the beginning.  In September, they were in Louisville, October brought Shelbyville and Frankfort. 

 On October 4th, they were on a march to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, at the base of the Cumberland Mountains where they "dogged the rebel rear guard out of the state.  From there we marched to Bowling Green, Kentucky.  We will always remember those cheerless marches, barren of results so far as we could see or know, the clouds of suffocating dust, the pitiless summer sun, the intolerable thirst which drove us to fill our canteens at horse ponds polluted by dead and dying mules."

"Then came on winter camp life, with nothing between us and the frost and snow except the sheet of canvas.  Men were packed into tents 'like sardines in a tin,' sleeping upon the ground.  Epidemics raged through the camp.  The graveyard threatened to become more popular than the camp itself; and when spring came, over 200 men out of the original 1,000 had died or been discharged because of physical disability.  Never in the history of the regiment was the mortality as great in the same length of time."

So Finlay Strong, as one of the older soldiers, was discharged from service on a surgeon's certificate of disability. One can only imagine his condition when he made his way home to Defiance.

"For the last seven years of his life, Mr. Strong occupied the position of Mail Agent on the Eastern Division of the Toledo and Wabash Road, shortly after leaving the Road, hewas attacked by the disease that ended his life on the 29th day of September, 1870.

Mr. Strong was a man of mild temperament, and gentle and unassuming in his manners.  He was a Christian in faith, whose life gave evidence of the sincerity of his profession.  A member of the Presbyterian church of this place, in which he held the office of Ruling Elder.  He was an early and earnest friend of the temperance cause. A consistent man in all the walks of life.  A loving husband and father, a kind neighbor, and a good citizen.

Sustained in his sickness by an unfaltering trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, he passed away in the full assurance of that 'crown immortal,' which our Savior has promised to those who are faithful to the end."

Finlay wrote his will on July 2, 1870, before his death in September.  The will was short and to the point. Probated on October 3, 1870, he simply left all he had to his surviving daughters, Mary Strong and Janet Strong.  The will suggested that his wife, Eunice, and daughter, Louisa, had preceded him in death.  However, Eunice's short death notice appeared in the Defiance Democrat on November 30, 1872, page 3 : 

"Died - On Friday, November 22, Mrs. Eunice A., a widow of the late Finlay Strong, aged 52."

So she may have been ill in mind or body at the time of her husband's death, and the remaining daughters were to care for her.  Perhaps there are other speculations, too.

Broken Promises - Walters and Weihn

 "CALLIE WEIHN TELLS HOW LENHART WALTERS

POPPED THE QUESTION.

This morning the case of Caroline Weihn vs. Lenhart Walters was brought before Judge Sutphen.  The case is an interesting one, as it is a suit for $5,000, alleged breach of promise.  The principals live just north of Mark Center, Mr. Walter living with his father on an 80 acre farm owned by the latter, while Miss Weihn is the daughter of poor but respected people, living near Mark Center.  The plaintiff was represented by Messrs. Harris & Cameron and Newbegin, while J. E. Coulter acted as the defendant's attorney.

Miss Weihn was the first witness.  Her testimony was of little importance until it reached the point where, as she alleges, Walters popped the question.  In speaking of his visits to her, she said that he asked her on the 20th of November and the 4th of December.  The testimony was as follows:

Q. What did he say on the 20th?

A. He ask me to be his wife.

Q. I am asking you to give his language.  Now what did he say?  Just repeat his language.

A. He wanted to know what about us getting married.

Q. Were those the words he used?

A. Yes, sir.

On the 4th of December, she alleges he asked her again and gives his exact words as follows.

Q. What did he say to you at that time - the exact words?

A. He ask me to be his wife and he would take me up home for a long year and get me a pair of rubber boots to wear out in the mud.

Mrs. Weihn followed, testifying that her daughter had informed her that the proposal had been made and that in anticipation of the even, she purchased a $10 feather bed, six quilts, valued at $6, $2 worth of glassware, two pillows for $4, a $5 bedstead and a $9 set of dishes.

J. W. Weihn and Jacob Weihn, brothers of the plaintiff and Jacob Kisbet followed and closed for the plaintiff.  Lenhart Walters and Lewis Carey were examined for the defense and court adjourned.  Walters denined ever proposing and contradicted all of Miss Weihn's statements.  Carey's testimony was not of much importance.  The defense will probably finish the examination of its witness this afternoon and the arguments will be heard tomorrow."

(Defiance Daily Express, October 30, 1888, p. 4)

The next day, October 31, 1888, the Defiance Daily Express printed the conclusion of this case.

"SHE RECEIVES DAMAGES.

The witnesses examined in the Weihn - Walters breach of promise suit yesterday were John Heirs, John Walters, the defendant's brother, Nicholas Walters, the father, and Jacob Stradeker. 

John Walters testified that the plaintiff's brother came to his (Walter's) residence and asked why the defendant did not keep his promise. Walters told Mr. Weihn that if she was going to marry Lenhart, she was making a big mistake as he loved her more.

Mr. Newbegin opened the argument for the plaintiff.  Mr. Coulter conducted the case for the defendant and Cameron closed for the plaintiff.  The jury was out half an hour and returned a verdict of $150 damages for the plaintiff.  A CRESCENT reporter this morning saw the ring which Walters gave Miss Weihn.  It is a thin band of nickle worth probably a quarter."

Membership, 2022! Defiance County Genealogical Society

 

What a year it was! Most of us went into a sort of hibernation, trying to avoid getting sick.  Our DCGS meetings stopped, and we just stayed away from each other.  Even though we are supposedly not done with Covid totally, we are going to get going this year!  

DCGS plans to resume our meetings on October 25, 2021, for a celebration of First Families.  We will meet at our usual venue, the St. John United Church of Christ, parking in the parking lot next to the Defiance College gym.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m, with masks and social distancing recommended.

We meet on the 4th Monday of each month except for August and December.

On Monday, November 22, Cara Bolley will join us from the Defiance Public Library to show us how the MakerSpace can be of use to genealogists.  She is bringing some equipment and will show us how it all works. 

Last year, we did not collect dues, but this year we are starting anew.  We encourage new members or returning members to join us this year for 2022.  

Dues are $15 or individuals and $18 for families.  In addition, if you would like your newsletters mailed through the USPS (as opposed to emailed), we would ask you to add $5 to your dues to cover printing and postage.

An application for membership is posted here for printing in Word or .pdf -

http://defiancecountygenealogy.org/join.html

Please send to DCGS, PO Box 7006, Defiance, OH 43512.

We are always looking for folks who would like to serve as officers or who would take on a project.  Please note if you are interested on your application!

    

Margaret Powell Richardson and William H. Crow, Farmer Obituaries

 

MRS. RICHARD RICHARDSON

(Margaret Powell Richardson)

"Mrs. Richard Richardson, of Farmer, departed this life, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1904, aged 64 years, 4 months and 21 days.  She was the eldest daughter of Wm. Powell and his wife.  Mrs. Powell's four brothers and two sisters are still living.

Mrs. Richardson was born in Farmer township May 10, 1840, and with the exception of two years in childhood, has always been a resident of the township of her birth.  She was united in marriage to Richard Richardson April 5, 1859. 

To this marriage were born four sons and three daughters, all of whom were present before mother passed to her reward.  She united with the Lost Creek Presbyterian church January 1859, and was a consistent, faithful member to the day of her death.  She was quiet and reserved in regard to her Christian experience.  Her life consisted of deeds, not words, faithful at all the services of the church, always deeply concerned about the building up on God's kingdom in the community.  Thus she impressed others with the sincerity of her faith.

For weeks before the end came, she suffered much, but through it all, she was patient and submissive.  The end came peacefully.  As a child going to sleep, she passed over the river to meet the Savior she loved and served. She leaves behind a sorrowing husband and family and will be sadly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Her pastor, John D. Campbell, conducted the funeral services from the Lost Creek Presbyterian church. The very large attendance testified to the esteem in which she was held.  The floral tributes were many and appropriate, the music by the choir most comforting and helpful..."

WILLIAM H. CROW

William H. Crow was born in Columbiana County, O., Sept. 19, 1828, and departed this life at his late residence in Mark Twp., Defiance Co., O. Dec. 3,1903, aged 75 years 2 mo. and 14 days  

Mr. Crow was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Wonderly Sept. 8, 1852. To them were born seven children four of whom have already passed on to the spirit world.

Mrs. Crow died April 26, 1900.  By his death, three children, 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren are left to mourn. Also one brother and one sister still survive.

Mr. Crow was a soldier in the Civil War.  He enlisted Aug. 16, 1862 in Co. F. 111th O.V.I. and was discharged July 25, 1864.  He was a charter member of Haller Post No. 436 G.A.R. Mark Center.  Mr. Crow is the second member of the post to answer the final roll call.

The funeral service was held from the Lost Creek Lutheran church at 2:30 p.m. an was attended by a large and sympathizing audience.  The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. C. B. Fletcher.  Interment in Lost Creek cemetery."

Source: Obituaries of Northwest Ohio Pioneers, available at all Defiance Public Libraries.

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

JOHN WEBER

of

Tiffin Township

This Civil War veteran, John Weber, was one of several men with the same name in Defiance County.  Born in Germany to Jacob and Doratha Weber on September 9, 1839, he came to America with his parents when he was quite young. 

In 1860, they were settled in German Township in Fulton County, Ohio.  John was the only child enumerated with them and he was 19.  His father did not own a farm, but he worked as a farm laborer.

John worked on a farm with his father until John enlisted into the 67th Ohio Infantry, Company I, on December 5, 1861.  He served three years until the same date in 1864 when he was discharged. The 67th Regiment, Company I, was made up of men mostly from Fulton County, and they participated in some of the worst battles of the war.  They began in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but were soon moved under McClellan's command along the eastern coast to Charleston.

The Battle of Fort Wagner was one of their bloodiest battles.  The Ohio 67th fought alongside the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, and the Union losses were great.  This battle was depicted in the movie, "Glory."  

The regiment reenlisted in February 1864 and were then released for a thirty day furlough home.  Upon their return, they fought around Richmond and Petersburg and lost 76 men at the Battle of Cartlett's Station.  Near Petersburg, at the Battle of Deep Bottom, John was wounded in the side and arm in July, 1864.  

First Battle of Deep Bottom Battle Facts and Summary | American Battlefield Trust (battlefields.org)

Efforts to find this John Weber after the war in the 1870 and 1880 Fulton, Williams and Defiance County censuses were unsuccessful. A possible match was in an 1880 agricultural census of Franklin Township, Fulton County, Ohio. This John Weber had 45 tilled acres with 14 acres of wood.  Two acres of apple orchard with 100 trees graced this farm, valued at $3000.  

He next appeared in a marriage record in Defiance County when he married Mrs. Eliza Brown on April  17, 1887. John would have been about 48 years old. According to the 1910 census, Eliza was married three times, John being #3.

Around this time, he located to Evansport, Defiance County, Ohio, where he set up a furniture store business. 

 In the 1890 Veterans' Census of Tiffin Township, Defiance County, John Weber is listed as a member of the 67th Regiment, Company I, serving for three years.  His wounded side and arm are mentioned on this document.

John and Eliza remained in Evansport, owning a home there and running their furniture store. Eliza died in 1917, leaving John who was enumerated as a widower in the 1920 census. He was 79 and not employed.  John Weber passed away in 1923, leaving no children to survive him.

"EVANSPORT RESIDENT DIES AT ADVANCED AGE

John Weber Conducted Furniture and Undertaking Establishment 

Until Retirement

John Weber, resident of Evansport for thirty-five years, died at his home there last night, 84 years, due to infirmaties of age.

He came from Germany to this country with his parents when a year old.  He resided in Stryker and Archbold till 1890, when he moved to Evansport, where he conducted a furniture store and undertaking establishment until 1905, when he retired from business.  His wife died about seven years ago.

Mr. Weber was a Civil War veteran and member of Bishop Post G.A.R.  

A nephew, John Keller, of Millersburg, is the only survivor.

The funeral will be held Friday at 1 o'clock from the house and at 1:30 from Evansport M. E. church in charge of the G.A.R.  Services at the grave will be in charge of Evansport Lodge No. 408, I. O. O. F., of which he also was a member."

Lizzie Charlotte Fickle and Nathan Fuller, Farmer, Ohio, Obituaries

 "LIZZIE CHARLOTTE FICKLE

The largest funeral ever held at Farmer took place last Sunday afternoon when Mrs. Lizzie Charlotte Fickle, whose sad and sudden death shocked the whole community, was laid away in the beautiful and quiet cemetery about a mile from the town.

Mrs. Fickle was the daughter of Silas N. and Lilly I. Hulbert.  She was born in Milford Twp., Defiance Co., March 16th, 1886, and passed from the scenes of earth July 7th, 1904.  Up to the day before her death, she was in her usual good health.  On Wednesday, without a moment's warning, she was seized with convulsions.  Then followed blood poisoning with death the next day.

Mrs. Fickle was married Dec. 31st, 1903, to LeRoy Fickle and resided in Farmer Twp. until death called her to her reward.  She leaves four brothers and three sisters, besides her father and mother.  The community for miles around testified by their presence at the funeral to the esteem in which the deceased was held.  The many flowers in the home and in the church bore silent witness to the true sympathy extended to both families by a sorrowing community.

The funeral services were held in the Union Chapel at Farmer, Rev. John Campbell of the Lost Creek Presbyterian Church preached the sermon, taking for his text, Rev. 7:17.  "And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes."  The music furnished by the choir was very appropriate and comforting."

JOHN EVERITT

John Everitt was born in Columbia county, Pa., Feb. 9, 1817; from there with his parents moved to Licking couny, Ohio when but six months old; from thence at an early age of two years, with his parents moved to Morrow county, Ohio, where he grew into manhood and where his parents resided until the time of their deaths.

During his boyhood and early manhood, he was employed with work incident to the times and the hewing out of the wilderness a home, never having had the advantages of an education in his early days.  He had the privilege of only three months schooling during his boyhood, he however by close attention to books, and the literature of the times, became more than ordinarily familiar with the history and politics of the day.

On March 12, 1816, (*March 5, 1846) he was united in marriage with Martha McKinney by the Rev. Dodd, forming a contract sealed in love and with an affection that remained as warm and as pure to the end as when, buoyant with hope, life was a promise.

This union was blessed by seven children - G. D. Everitt who now resides at Toledo, Ohio, Melissa A. Cole who resides at Ithaca, Mich., John I. Everitt  of Chicago, Ill. , Martha E. Faber of Mendota, Ill., Frank J. Everitt of Schuyler, Neb., M. B. Everitt of Payne, Ohio, and Clara B. Austed of Peoria, Ohio, these all being present at the burial except John I. who lay sick at his home in Chicago.  Father Everitt having been the first to be called from the family circle, mother Everitt, his partner, sitting in the shadow of her great sorrow still languidly slowly travels toward the end of life's dark road.

Mr. Everitt left Pierceton and reached the farm upon which he resided at the time of his death, Augsut 16, 1856, and with the neighbors who lived near him, began the struggle that was to transform a wilderness into bloom and such a fine neighborhood; they deserve to be mentioned: the Clelands, the Hilberts, Forlows, Otises, Ridenours, Crarys, Reeders, Ensigns, Farmers, Coys and many other names synonymous with clean morality, lofty ideals, and pure motives.  A lock or a key was useless and seldom used.

Father Everitt has gone to his reward on Tuesday morning, June 24th, upon arising in the morning, he complained of pain which suddenly developed alarming symptoms, and on June 26 (1902), after having suffered almost more than he could bear, he peacefully passed away.  The road had been long and weary and he laid down to rest.  On Sunday following - the day he had always loved best - all that was mortal of him was borne to the Lost Creek Presbyterian church where it had been his wont for more than forty years to worship, and where the Sunday previous, he had led the congregation there assembled in humble prayer for their preservation and their salvation - here the largest concourse of friends and neighbors had come to pay the last tribute, their respect to the deceased that had ever gathered together at this place on any similar occasion.  After a few brief and touching remarks by his minister, the Rev. Dempster, he was borne by tender hands and laid in his last rest at the Farmer Cemetery."