Communities have been taking care of the poor, because of laws or through churches or just through the kindness of neighbors, for centuries. After the Civil War and the deaths of thousands of men, a law was passed to help those widows and children who were left to fend for themselves. The law evolved over time, but, in general, each county in Ohio had a Soldiers' Relief Commission, consisting of three persons who were appointed by the probate judge.
At first, those committee members had to have some connection with the military, such as a veteran or, for women, membership in an auxiliary. Eventually, the law was broadened to included "reputable citizens" and the people they helped could be anyone who really needed assistance.
The three members of the commission would, in turn, appoint three members in each township or county seat to create a list of probable names of indigent persons. These persons would have to apply for aid, providing financial information of income, loans, taxes, and other pertinent facts for the consideration of the committee. Eventually, a list was made and submitted to the township clerk and eventually to the county commissioners for their approval. Payment was made from the county funds. In case of urgent need, the clerk also had the power to provide for any indigent or neglected persons. This committee was also delegated the task of providing burial places and stones for indigent soldiers.
On December 2, 1897, the list of persons who were to receive aid appeared in the Defiance Democrat. Today, this might have been embarrassing, but then again, for the times, maybe it was not at all.
"SOLDIERS' RELIEF
Allowances From the County Fund Made to Those in Need
The allowances by the Defiance County Soldiers' Relief commission for the coming five months to May 1st, made last Monday are as follows:
Defiance Township
Mrs. Mary A. Davis, per month..............................................................................$5.00
Mrs. Jeffers............................................................................................................ 5.00
Mrs. L. A. Malson................................................................................................... 5.00
Mrs. Jane Hatfield.................................................................................................. 5.00
Mrs. Francis Schneider.......................................................................................... 5.00
Mrs. M. C. Stout..................................................................................................... 5.00
Mrs. Lena Manders................................................................................................ 5.00
Mrs. Benj. Schupp.................................................................................................. 5.00
Mrs. M. Marcelius................................................................................................... 4.00
Mrs. M. E. Hutchins................................................................................................ 4.00
Mrs. Geo. Watts...................................................................................................... 3.00
Mrs. Robt. Kyle....................................................................................................... 3.00
Mrs. John E. Richardson........................................................................................ 3.00
Mrs. Alanom Grant................................................................................................. 3.00
Hicksville Township
Mrs. Laura Lawson................................................................................................. $5.00
Mrs. Elizabeth Schooley......................................................................................... 5.00
Mrs. L. G. Cox......................................................................................................... 4.00
Mrs. Emma Attleberger............................................................................................ 3.00
Mrs. Edward Brooks................................................................................................ 3.00
Mrs. Cornelia Hindle................................................................................................ 3.00
Highland Township
Mrs. H. D. Parker...................................................................................................... $5.00
Mrs. Augusta Warren................................................................................................ 5.00
Noble Township
Mrs. Catheran Heiss.................................................................................................$4.00
