Finding Your Roots - A Defiance Connection to Maggie Gyllenhaal, Actress

 

In one of the episodes of "Finding Your Roots," on PBS, the family tree of Maggie Gyllenhaal was investigated.  

How surprising it was to hear Defiance, Ohio, mentioned!

It seems her great-great-grandfather, Swain Nelson, immigrated to America from southern Sweden in 1852 with his cousin, Olaf Benson.

In Sweden, Swain worked as an apprentice gardener on the estate of Count Wachtmeier, and that continued to be his occupation.

He spent just a few years, 1852 - 1855, in Defiance, working several jobs, as he described, and then he moved on to Chicago.

There he found great success in designing landscaping - such as the Graceland Cemetery, Lincoln Park and the Lake Shore Drive.  He actually lived later in Glenview, Illinois where the Gyllenhaal family planted for awhile.

                                                  

                                                 Swain Nelson

It makes one wonder who or what drew him to Defiance?

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Mark Center High School Juniors - 1946

 

Bullying and the Sad Consequences - "A Tale as Old as Time"

 This is not a pretty story.  In fact, it's graphic and shocking.  And it is still a problem 130 years later. This report appeared in the Defiance Democrat on November 17, 1892, on the front page: 

"HE STUTTERED

And Schoolmates Made His Life Wretched.

He Begs to be Allowed to Stay at Home From School.

On Being Refused, He Sends a Bullet Into His Brain.

The Sad Death of a 13 Year Old Milford Township Boy

Hicksville, O. - Nov. 15, '92.

Daniel Bucher, the 13 year old son of A. M. Bucher of Milford Township, committed suicide with a rifle yesterday.  He placed the muzzle of the weapon to his head and in some manner pulled the trigger.  The bullet entered his brain.

The affair took place about 9 o'clock a.m.  The boy lingered until 3 p.m. He was unconscious until he died.  His death is a particularly sad and tragic one, owing to his extreme youth and from the circumstances which led up to it.  It is a story of a sensitive nature and senseless teasing about a physical defect which the poor child was powerless to help.

Children are cruel.  They may be angelic in some ways, but to one less fortunate than themselves, they show no mercy.  It is their nature to be positively brutal at times.  In no case that can be called to mind is this fact more clearly emphasized than in this one.

Little Danny lived with his parents in Milford Township and attended district school.  His father is an influential farmer and stands well in west end society.  He was anxious that the boy should receive as good an education as the home facilities could afford, and he would not hear of Danny missing the opportunities by staying at home.

The boy did not want to go.

He stuttered and was very sensitive about it.  His schoolmates cruelly teased him about it, and mimicked him until he cried.  His teacher could not prevent it.  The poor boy was more happy at home.  At school he could not take interest in his lessons, owing to his misfortune.  

Yesterday morning, he begged to be allowed to remain at home, but his request was not granted.  His father did not realize the torture the boy was suffering at the hands of his schoolmates and he said the boy should go.  Sadly, the boy turned away.  No one of the family notices where he went particularly, as all supposed he would mind his father.  

None knew the desperate purpose forming in his mind.

All of a sudden, the family heard the report of a rifle in the bedroom.  They rushed in and an awful sight met their gaze.  Danny was lying on the floor with ta bullet hold in his temple.  By his side was the rifle.  The grief-stricken parents summoned medical aid and did all in their power to save him, but to no avail.  The unfortunate lad died at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

The lesson is a deplorable one both to school children and parents.  Merciless and senseless teasing should be stopped or the child who is being imposed upon taken out of the reach of his tormentors.  There are several other children in the family, but the parents are nearly frantic with grief."

For more current reading on the subject: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts

Standing up to Bullies

Meet a Monkey in Defiance

 

Meet Cesspool.  This pristine skeleton may be viewed in person at the Defiance Public Library in the Local HIstory room, but it's really not Cesspool's.

Cesspool was a gift to Mr. Edward Manley, manager of the J.C. Penney's store when it was downtown on Clinton Street. 

His daughter recalled in a newspaper article:

"Someone gave my father a little monkey named Cesspool, but, not wanting it in her home, my mother told him, 'You're not going to keep that monkey!'  He ended up taking it to the store and somehow it got loose in the store.  

The fire and police departments were called to get the monkey out of a tight space it had become wedged in between two inner walls.  They never did get the monkey out and as far as I know a little monkey's skeleton is still wedged between the walls of Rogliatti's Sports Center and Phil's Hobby Shop(the location of the original downtown Penney's)"

Holgate Avenue was once beset with a loose pet monkey that kept them busy for awhile.   It was running free, and it was hard to catch.  

The Defiance Daily Crescent reported on September 21, 1907:

 "...The little fellow made his appearance several days ago when one of the good housewives was busily engaged at some work in the back yard.  She looked up and beheld the little imp, but did not extend him the usual courtesies of visitors.  Mr. Monkey then proceeded to go down to a poultry yard and frighten the wits out of a flock of ducks.

Friday, he contented himself by breaking into the basement of a neighbor, who was out of the city, and making himself at home therein.  The children of the neighborhood have been in pursuit of the little animal ever since he made his appearance, but he always manages to allude them.

It is thought that the little fellow is the property of the boys at the Waterworks plant, but whether or not his owners are able to capture him remains to be seen."

As it turned out, the monkey's name was Jocko and it was the property of a man named O'Conner who lived near the B & O Depot.  He gave the children much entertainment on Holgate Avenue.  The Defiance Weekly Express reported on September 27, 1907:

"Jocko is very nimble and so far he has successfully eluded the panting youths who have tried to snare him.  Friday, he discovered an open cellar window and to satisfy his curiosity,he investigated the interior.  Turmoil and destruction followed the progress of his flying fingers and feet.  

A crowd of school children espying him just previous to his entrance, followed him taking the window route as the members of the family were not at home.  But despite their active endeavors, Jocko escaped.  Early this morning he raided a front porch, filched a breakfast and with cool assurance, shook hands with the head of the house who, clad in his robes de nuit, investigated the clatter..."

And then there was Philbert - what a thrill it was when he was sent to the city to Chief of Police, Karl Weaner, and fireman, Mick Schultz!  The three year old monkey with the sweet tooth was to be the first animal in the developing city zoo along the canal.  Philbert arrived in town on July 23, 1937, and the Defiance Crescent-News reported:

"You should have seen the way he climbed right on the car wheel when we brought him down from the B. and O. station," the chief related.  "How did we get him?  Well, here are the letters from the man in Cincinnati who sent them.

'.I have a pet ring-tailed monkey which is fairly well-trained and in very good health. If the police department of Defiance is still interested in acquiring a pet of this kind, I'd like very much to give him to you.  Would you let me know as soon as possible whether you are still interested?'

'Dear Chief: In reply to your letter of July 21, I have made arrangements to send my pet monkey, whose name is Philbert, to you via the Railway Express Company.  They assured me they could provide a dog crate in which to ship him off to you tomorrow morning so you should get him by the 24th.

I have had Philbert for close to three years, and so far have found no difficulty in feeding him.  I have fed him most everything with the exception of meat, which I have given him very sparingly.  He loves fruits and sweets of all sorts.

If handled correctly, he is quite docile and friendly, although at times he can become very excited.  I absolve myself of any liability due to any accident that might occur with him in his transmission from the railway station to the place you have arranged for him.  Otherwise I give him to you in fee simple with an unencumbered title.  I am very anxious that he does have a good home and decent care.'

And so, Philbert became the first animal in Weaner and Schultz's Defiance zoo.

"Adminstrator Note - All comments are moderated, so it make take a day or two for your comment to appear on the post.  We welcome comments and additional information on all posts."

Surname R : Birth Records Located in Defiance County, But Births Actually Occurred Elsewhere

 

These are as found in the Birth Records of Defiance County or other files, originals located at the Records Center in Defiance, or as indexed by the Defiance County Genealogical Society and published as a book, available for ordering on our website.  

The DCGS index book notes the actual location of the record.  Births were usually recorded in a log book, but sometimes appeared in other files.  Remember that these are transcriptions and errors in spelling/numbers could appear.  It is always best to check the original record.

R

Rangler, Carl (William Henry Rangeler & Laura Ellen Wells) b. Henry Co., O. -

1 April 1892

Rau, Ernest Albert ( George William Rau & Ema Schaad) b. Putnam Co., O. -

18 August 1904

Ream, Velma Byrthelda (Levi Ream & Arvada Aschleman) b. Williams Co., O. -

16 April 1907

Redman, Forest Clyde (Dyer Redman & Alice Jane Gregory) b. Scioto Co., O. -

25 November 1908

Reel, Edgar M. (Samuel S. Reel & Selerena L. Karple) b. Gloucester Co., N. J. -

7 June 1880

Reichard, Fred (James H. Reichard & Malinda M. Sunday) b. VanWert Co., O. -

10 September 1901

Replogle, Miner Derilo (O. E. Replogle & Alice Hipp) b. Jackson Co., Michigan -

11 May 1906

Replogle, O. Clifford (L. R. Replogle & N. May Woodward) b. Williams Co., O. -

20 August 1899

Rex, J. Phillis (Wm. M. Rex & Hattie B. Hoffman) b. Wood Co., O. -7 Oct. 1897

Rhodes, Sarah Ruth Marilla (A. F. Rhoades & R. J. Howell) b. Paulding Co., O. -

9 January 1899

Riblet, Jerry Wilbur (Willard Riblet & Lena Gertrude Haas) b. VanWert Co., O. -

28 October 1903

Riblet, Willard Alva (Allie Riblet & Nancy Jane Mullen) b. VanWert Co., O. -

7 September 1878

Rice, Grover E.(Clarence F. Rice & Clara Lininger) b. Fulton Co., O. -15 May 1905

Richardson, John Wesley (Danford Samuel Richardson & Mary Quigley) 

b. Lucas Co., O. - 3 May 1878

Ripley, Molly (Henry Ripley & Barbara Edwards) b. Henry Co. O. -7 March 1894

Roan, George Layton (George W. Roan & Ora Evelyn Wheaton) b. Lucas Co., O. -

5 February 1902

Robarger, Oscar Dale (Frank Robarger & Minnie Kline) b. Williams Co., O. -

30 April 1906

Robinson, Thomas Leslie (Edward Albert Robinson & LaBelle Florence Slough)

b. Cook County, Illinois - 21 February 1904

Robison, Mary Ellen (Harlem Robison & Ella Clemmens) b. Paulding Co., O. -

4 November 1900

Roehrig, Elmer (William Roehrig & Effe Frederick) b. Henry Co., O. - 10 May 1905

Roehrig, Elva (William Roehrig & Effe Frederick) b. Henry Co. O. - 10 May 1905

Rofferty, Jessie (John Rofferty & Lillia Grube) b. Garrett, Indiana - 28 July 1902

Rogers, Glenoris Leona (Geo. A. Rogers & Sadie Corner) b. Williams Co. O. -

22 September 1902

Rogers, Wanda (Joseph S. Rogers & Ida M. Marks) b. Williams Co., O. -

1 July 1907

Rohres, Laurina (Carl Rohres & Minnie Teitge) b. Henry Co., O. - 18 May 1905

Rosebrock, Annie (George Rosebrock & Minnie Luck) b. Henry Co., O. - 10 Apr. 1899

Rosenberger, Clarence (J. C. Rosenberger & Katie Fryer) b. New Vernon -

3 August 1905

Roth, Freda M. (Samuel Roth & Anna Petman) b. Paulding Co., O. -7 Sept. 1900

Rowan, J. P. (Joseph R. Rowan & Lucia Hopkins) b. Henry Co., O. - 9 August 1887

Ruble, Orville J. (John Rubel & Grace Hatfield) b. Williams Co., O. - 16 April 1903

Rulman, Harold Henry (Anthony Rulman & Minnie Herman) b. Mercer Co., O. -

13 August 1905

Rupert, Lilly (W. H. Rupert & Minnie Gearing) b. VanWert Co., O. - 13 Sept. 1893

Rymers, Mildred Elizabeth (Raymond Rufus Rymers & Mary Gertrude Cooper)-

b. Ottawa County, Ohio - 5 November 1917

Surnames N - P : Birth Records Located in Defiance County, But Births Actually Occurred Elsewhere

 

These are as found in the Birth Records of Defiance County or other files, originals located at the Records Center in Defiance, or as indexed by the Defiance County Genealogical Society and published as a book, available for ordering on our website.  

The DCGS index book notes the actual location of the record.  Births were usually recorded in a log book, but sometimes appeared in other files.  Remember that these are transcriptions and errors in spelling/numbers could appear.  It is always best to check the original record.

N

Nagel, Nettie (Gust Nagel & Miss Kopenhaver) b. Castit, Odo Co., Nebraska -

30 August 1895

Neddermeyer, Luella (Geo. F. Neddermyer & Mary Polker) b. Henry Co., O. -

21 October 1890

Nedry, Arthur J. (C. J. Nedry & Luella R. Searght) b. Paulding Co., O. -

17 July 1900

Netcher, Infant Male (Chas. D. Netcher & Mable Mackey) b. Hillsdale Co., Mich. -

24 February 1901

Newcomb, Reynor Roy (J. I. Newcomb & Minnie Steavens) b. Ann Arbor, Mich. -

23 April 1888

Noirot, Eva (Lauret Noirot & Anna Huffman) b. Henry Co., O. -18 June 1888

Norton, Luetta (Henry Norton & Hellen Boselman) b. Henry Co., O. -7 July 1901

O

Osborn, Samuel Carmen (Peter Tunget Osborn & Mary Elizabeth Bedford)

b. Allen County - 11 October 1877

Oswalt, Chestia M. (J. F. Oswalt & M. E. Allison) b. Paulding Co., O. -8 Jan. 1898

Otis, Ester E. (A. F. Otis & Emma Nelson) b. Oakland Co., Mich. - 15 Feb. 1898

Owens, Melvin A. (Wm. Owens & Manda Shepherd) b. Allen Co., Ind. -3 July 1907

P

Parker, Ruel (Louis Packer & Tarie Crane) b. Seneway Co., Mich. - 9 Oct. 1907

Pahl, Rosalie (Joseph Pahl & Mary Puehl) b. Wyandot Co., O. - 11 Oct. 1894

Painter, Floris I. R. (E. R. Painter & Carie Kennedy) b. Allen Co., O. -9 Jan. 1908

Palton, Floyd (John Palton & Ella Fyke) b. Williams Co., O. - 27 Jan. 1899

Patterf, George E. (Oscar Patterf & Anna Relyea) b. Grumly Co., Illinois - 

18 September 1897

Pessefall, Edward Joseph (Anthony C. Pessefall & Caroline Hoeffel) b. Williams 

Co., O. - 2 May 1889

Poher, Infant Male (J. W. Poher & Viola Hart) b. DeKalb Co., Ind. -14 Feb. 1901

Polloc, Vernon (Delbert R. Polloc & Mary L. Flightner) b.Williams Co., O. -30 Aug 1888

Pollock, George Henry (William C. Pollock & Sarah Bayliss) b. Michigan -

24 December 1894

Potter, Frank (August Potter & Minnie Brammer) b. Williams Co., O. -25 Oct. 1888