The Presbyterian Church, Defiance, Ohio

From the Defiance Democrat, July 26, 1894...an article describing the beautiful churches and cemeteries of Defiance, Ohio

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

 "The first movement towards organizing a Presbyterian church at Defiance was on the 10th of August, 1837, when an Eclesiastical society was formed.  The society appointed a committee to confer with Rev. W. B. Stowe and ascertain on what conditions he would become pastor of the society when the meeting adjourned to meet August 19, at 3 o'clock p.m.  

On the ninth of November, Rev. Stowe held a meeting and obtained the names of a number of people who were willing to become members of a Presbyterian church.  The church was formally organized on the 11th day of December, 1837, when the Presbyterian form of government was adopted and the elders elected.  

Religious services were first held in the old court house, which is still standing and is now occupied by Henry Hardy as a residence.  Rev. W. B. Stowe was pastor of the church until the 31st of March, 1839, when, on account of failing health, he resigned.

Rev. E. R. Tucker succeeded Mr. Stowe, and was installed as pastor on the 9th day of August, 1841.  Mr. Tucker worked hard and faithfully for the church and deserves much praise for his labors.  The nearest Presbyterian church was many miles distant and he had to travel over rough and often muddy roads to perform the duties of his office and he received but $60 or $70 a year for his labors.  It was through his exertions that the present church was built.  At that time, it was a tremendous undertaking, but though it took years of patient endeavor and hard labor, it was at last accomplished.  

For the success fo the undertaking, all honor is due Mr. Tucker.  It was through his efforts alone that the great enterprise was successful.  In 1860, he resigned his pastorate and soon afterward died in Newburyport, Mass.  After the death of Mr. Tucker, Rev. J. R. Stockton had charge of the church for one year.

The present pastor, Rev. B. W. Slagle, succeeded Mr. Stockton in August, 1862.  He served as stated supply until July 11th, 1870.  On September 11th, 1870, he was installed pastor of the Presbyterian church of Defiance.

A new church was built in the early 1900's

 The church has undergone many improvements since its first erection among which are the building of the pleasant study, the recess for the fine pipe organ possessed by the church, and remodeling of the audience room and the introduction of new seats, carpets and heating apparatus, and the papering of the walls and ceiling.

Rev. Slagle has been pastor of the church for many years and has won the respect and sincere love of his people and all who are thrown into contact with him.  The members of the church are now contemplating the building of a new and handsome church.  I should think they could scarcely bear to give up the old church.  For long years, Rev. Tucker and the few faithful members worked with hard, preservering faithfulness to complete it, and it seems to me, that this would make the old church dearer and more precious to them than the most magnificent edifice that could be erected."

Meet the Lawyers of Defiance County - 1894

From the Defiance Democrat - November 22, 1894

"LAWYER'S FADS

Some Peculiarities Noticeable in the Legal Gentlemen.

 Judge Sutphen wears his beard trimmed in a faultless manner and is always crowned by a soft hat.  When not engaged in his law office, he can be found putting in some spare moments looking after the grounds which surround his Jefferson street residence.

Hon. Henry Hardy is a student who applies himself to reading.  He delights to draw on his fund of reminiscences of Defiance and knows much of its early history.

B. B. Kingsbury is something of a searcher after more light on the subject of spiritualism and is perhaps one of the most persistant readers among the attorneys of this city, and has an extensive library stocked with scientific works.

Henry Newbegin is a born fighter and is in his element when engaged in a case that is stubbornly contested.  He loves to sit in the court room and listen to an argument by a brother attorney.

John W. Slough likes a bit of an argument himself and is one of President Cleveland's most ardent admirers.

W. H. Hubbard, aside from being a good lawyer, is one of the most entertaining story tellers among the members of the bar.  He is in his element when making a political speech.  His silk hat always looks immaculate.

 

W. H. Hubbard

Henry Hockman has a 'hankering' after educational matters and was formerly considered one of the successful teachers in the county.

Hon. John W. Winn is something of a horse fancier and dabbles in equines some.  John is an expert wheelman and is at home in politics.  He is also a zealous member of the Knights of Pythias and holds an exalted position in the grand lodge.

John W. Winn

B. F. Enos has the largest collection of pipes of any attorney in the city and things theatrical interest him.  Mr. Enos is in his element when engaged in criminal practice.  His forte is in examining witnesses.

N. G. Johnston is perhaps the only exponent of Blackstone at this bar who combines agriculture with law, and he does it with success.

J. P. Cameron is one of the unmarried lawyers and perhaps his fad is in not becoming a head of a family.  Mr. Cameron has a farm or two and helps make hay when the demand for laborers exceeds the supply.

Mr. Harris affects soft hats and cape overcoats.  He is wrapped up in his business and has a memory he can rely on.  He fights every inch of the ground in a law suit.

Judge Baker's fad is loans.  He is one of the staunchest Democrats in Ohio, and makes a brilliant political speech.  H. G. has travelled extensively and is an entertaining conversationalist.

K. V. Haymaker will arise in the night to tell you a story and when he has told it to you, you'll laugh.  K. V. excels as a wag and always has something new in his line.  He is now interested in the loan association which does not afford him much opportunity to practice law.

L. B. Peaslee is a college bred man and can impart much valuable information on almost any subject.  He is familiar with history, smokes a pipe and is somewhat of a Bohemian.

Solicitor Latty is one of the youngest members of the bar.  He dreams of ordinances, Guss Wagner, Dey Ayers and Jess Shulz.

Squire Orcutt attends to his justice business, marrys couples and enjoys life about as well as any of his colleagues.  He is a bachelor.

Prosecutor Woods is still enjoying single blessedness along with his law practice.  Jim has a good supply of the substantials of this life and has served the country faithfully.

Of all the attorneys in this city, Wm. Carter has the finest collection of whiskers, which make him look decidedly distinguished.  Mr. Carter's fad was the Centennial and he did splendidly as secretary.  He represents several large firms in this city and has a penchant for literary work.

Judge Hay is an orator.  His fad is politics and looking after fences.  He is an enthusiastic wheelman and is always well dressed.

Justice Ansberry is the youngest member of the bar and perhaps one of the youngest justices of the peace in the country.  Tim as come to the front through his own efforts and may yet represent this district in congress."

Timothy Ansberry