The Fourth at Ney, Ohio, 1894

From the Defiance Democrat - July 12, 1894

THE FOURTH AT NEY

"Ney did herself proud...she fairly turned herself wrong side out July 4th, celebrating the Declaration of Independence.  The day was pleasant and not too warm and early in the day, the streets were full of people listening to the tuneful lay of the hokey pokey man* until the grand and only get-up-and-snort fantastic parade of improvised hoodoos** traveled about town.  An interesting feature was a party of 52 large and small girls dressed in the national colors, and each carrying a banner representing one of the states and territories.

   (*hokey pokey man =an ice cream vendor) (**those who bring bad luck, practice voodoo)

Wild Jim French

 Then Capt. W. J. French or Wild Jim, the Texas cowboy and saddle king, performed feats of daring and skillful marksmanship with his Winchester rifle, rivaling Buffalo Bill and Dr. Carver in his instantaneous snap shots seemingly without aim, holding the rifle in every conceivable position, shooting with unerring aim objects thrown into the air.  One incident was shooting the ashes from a cigar held in the mouth of his cowboy companion whose name we did not learn.

After dinner, J. H. Hockman, Esq., of Defiance, delivered an able address suitable to the day.  The Ney band and choir furnished excellent music.  

The pony race between J. H. Kyle and Joe Ehlinger was easily won by Kyle.

The bicycle race between Eugene Conkey and Charley Davis resulted in Davis coming out second best.

The fat man's race furnished considerable amusement.  Orley Welker, Wes Kerns, and George Keller did their best, Keller winning, though Welker would have had a better show had the street not been so crowded that he could not pass Kerns and Keller.

A free for all footrace between Albert Motter, Charles Griner, Walter Stailey and Wild Jim's cowboy resulted in the latter's favor.  The race not being satisfactory, on the second trial, the cowboy again easily won. Walt Stailey being second best.

The wheelbarrow race was by Weston Welker, Charles Griner, and Lewis Motter.  Motter fell down and Griner running into him, gave the race to Welker.

The sack (race) was between Arty Doud, Lewis Motter and Walter Stailey and was won first heat by Stailey, second and third were draws, and the fourth was won by Motter.

The pie eating contest between Pete Donley and Ora Coy was won by Donley.

The greased pole was climbed by three or four small boys, the last of which performed some gymnastics upon reaching the top.

The mule race between William Figley and Frank Botterf was very comical, the latter gentleman not being 'in it' at all, in spite of wearing out a telegraph pole upon his noble steed.

The minstrel troupe also gave a sample of their burnt cork talent. 

 After supper, fireworks were indulged in.  Several fancy balloons were sent up, and after a few rockets and pinwheels had been placed on exhibition, sparks ignited the box containing the fireworks which exploded with the noise of a cannon, and people fled from the shooting missiles in all directions.  The display would have been one of the finest ever seen in this part of the country, had not the deplorable accident occurred.

Marshall Bill Donley bossed the proceedings of the day, and, of course, he and everybody else was happy.  So may it always be."

The Hicksville Fats - Play Ball!

Now, this might be some good entertainment...

"HICKSVILLE FATS

The Heavy-Weights of the West End Wish to Play Ball

A fat men's ball club has been organized in the neighboring town of Hicksville, and the gentlemen of rotund proportions are looking for trouble.  The combined weight of the club is something over a ton and they wish to play an organization composed of fat men in this city of equal weight.

They have boldly issued the defi.

All communications in regard to this heavy-weight contest should be addressed to the sporting editor of the Hicksville News, and the conditions can be arranged.

Here is a chance for James Kitchel, Sam Starr, Dan Shea, B. F. Enos, Billy Myers, Tom Ansberry, Chris. Diehl Jr., August Gottwald and Isaac Bourbonis to distinguish themselves."

And they named names!  

Defiance Democrat, July 18, 1895 

 

A History of St. John's Catholic Church, Defiance, Ohio

This history appeared in the Defiance Democrat with information on the laying of the cornerstone at St. John's Catholic Church in May, 1895.

"St. Johns congregation was organized in 1841.  At that time, few families comprised the membership of the Catholic church of this city.  They had no building to worship in and met at the homes of the members.  The records show that mass was held at the residence of Frank Weisenberger and at Mr. Fitzpatrick's and Mr. Colwell's.

Father Rappe was the priest and was a zealous teacher.  As St. John's church flourished, so did Rev. Rappe and he was later made First Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland.  In 1845, Rev. Rappe concluded the congregation had grown sufficiently large to feel the need of a place of worship and the first church, a wooden structure, was built and did duty for a number of years.  This building still stands on Fifth street near the present church and is at present, used as a school building.

The building was regarded as a fine one in those days and the members were proud of it indeed.  The congregation when organized, comprised the following: The families of Frank Weisenberger and Mr. Fitzpatrick, Adam Wilhelm, Joseph Grossell, Joseph and Michael Decker, two young men by the names of Downs and Colwell, Miss Barbara Eckhart and two servant girls whose names do not appear.

Father Rappe was succeeded by Father DeGroesbriant in 1847 and his pastorate continued until 1849.  Father Foley was the next pastor coming from Toledo.  After him came Father Sonner in 1850, and he was succeeded by Father Filliere, who resided here.  Defiance was then made the center of a mission having a resident priest.  The congregation then numbered 15 families and the city had 850 inhabitants.

Father Filliere remained here until 1852 when the records show the Wabash railroad was built. From 1852 to 1855, the Fathers of the Priests of Precious Blood, of Minster, Auglaize county, attended.  On June 5th, 1855, a priest was once more sent here in the person of Father Westerholt, who resided here.

The congregation increased rapidly and soon the church was deemed too small to meet the requirements and the matter of building a new one was discussed and met with favor.  In 1856, the present brick building was built in which the congregation  has worshipped since.  Father Westerholt stayed until June, 1858.  At that time, the congregation numbered 50 families and was in a flourishing condition.  

Father Hoeffel assumed the duties of priest and had charge until January, 1868, when he went to Delphos.  Rev. Rudolph came next and he remained pastor until August, 1869, on which date Father Viere succeeded him.

In 1870, the Sisters of St. Agnes came and established a school, organized it and took charge and it is still being conducted by the Sisters.

1873 marked an important era in the history of the church when the membership was divided into two congregations, the German and the English.  Father Mazarette was the pastor for the English congregation.

In 1873, the priest residence was built and is now in use.  In September, 1878, Father J. B. Jung relieved Father Viere and was succeeded by Father Gloden, the present pastor in November 1891.  Father Jung was in delicate health for some time before he resigned and visited his old home in Switzerland with a view of becoming stronger.  He returned and appeared some better for a time, but decided to again visit the continent.  He sailed in October 1891, bidding farewell to the members of his charge and they never more beheld the loved face of their pastor.  He died in Switzerland, the home of his birth, in December of the same year.

St. John's congregation now numbers 138 families and is one of the largest in this section."

According to the newspapers, these pioneer members of the congregation of 1845 were still living in 1895: Adam Wilhelm, Joseph Grosell and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Eck, G. M. Weisenberger and wife, John Crowe, Mrs. Joseph Haller and Mrs. Eliza Ausberry.

 

 

Rev. Joseph Peter Gloden, St. John's Catholic Church, Defiance, OH

"Sketch of Father Gloden.

Rev. Joseph Peter Gloden was born at Remerschen, Grand Duchey of Luxemburg, Jan. 12, 1842.  He attended St. Augustine college at Ritch, France, and subsequently came to America. He studied philosophy at the seminary at Metz, and studied theology at St. Mary's seminary at Cleveland, from 1866 to 1869.  He was ordained priest September 30, 1869, by Bishop Rappe, at Cleveland.

His first charge was at St. Peters at Cleveland, which position he held for seven months.  He then resigned and went to Europe on account of failing health and stayed one year.




When he returned in 1871, he was assigned the pastorate at St. Nicholas church at Burwick, Seneca county, Ohio, where he remained until 1886.  While he was at Burwick, he also had charge of a congregation at Carey, O. and built a new church in Burwick.

In 1886, he went to Fostoria and entered upon his duties as pastor of St. John's church.  In May, 1891, he was transferred to Randolph, O.  He remained there until he was assigned charge of St. John's church in the city, in November 1891.  Mr. Gloden is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman and is well liked by his congregation and all who know him."

Defiance Democrat, May 30, 1895

Laying of the Cornerstone at St. John's Catholic Church, Defiance - 1895

St. John's Catholic Church - photo and article from the Defiance Democrat,

 May 30, 1895

It was a heavily overcast Sunday morning with drizzle and light rain showers by 9:00 a.m., but then the sun broke through to leave a beautiful day for the consecration of the NEW St. John's Catholic Church.  It was quite an event for the area, as this article will describe. Maybe one of your ancestors was there!

 "IMPOSING CEREMONIES

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE

FOUNDATION OF ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

Consecrated to Divine Worship Sunday.

The Parade a Grand Demonstration of Civic Bodies.

  Thousands of People from the Surrounding Country Assist in Making the Event One of the Most Memorable in Church History of Defiance.

...The attendance at the corner stone laying was very large, estimated at five thousand people - and it no doubt would have been larger if many from a distance had not been discouraged from attending by the ominous appearance of the weather in the morning.

Trains consisting of many coaches came in over the railroads, bringing thousands to witness the laying of the corner stone for what will be, when completed, one of the largest and finest church structures in this part of the country.

The celebration of St. John's Golden Jubilee commenced at 9 a.m. by solemn High Mass at the church.  The room was crowded and the exercises were impressive indeed.  The sermon was by Father Westerholt, a former pastor, who spoke in German of the history of the church.  Father Westerholt was priest when the present church was built and is very familiar with the history of the congregation.

Bishop Horstman was present and made an address in English.  He complimented the choir on the fine music rendered during the services and spoke words of wisdom to Father Gloden and his congregation.  The Bishop was a fluent speaker and his words abounded with wisdom...

The services of laying the corner stone and invoking divine blessing on the foundation of the building was conducted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstman, of Cleveland, who was ably assisted by Rev. Joseph P. Gloden, Rev. M. P. Kinkead of St. Mary's church, Rev. Peter Holfeltz, Rev. W. S. Kress, Rev. Relbaaddt, Rev. Nigsch, Rev. Tapas, Rev. Hoeffel and Rev. M. F. Walz.

At the appointed hour the ceremonies were commenced by an invocation service at a cross raised upon a platform on the foundation for the altar and sanctuary.  From this point, they proceeded to the northeast corner of the building, where the corner stone was in position to be lowered to its final resting place...

In the lower side of the stone was chiseled a cavity of ample dimensions for admitting a large tin box, and when the time arrived, the box was placed in position before lowering the stone over it. 

The contents of the box consisted of church documents of the corner stone laying, a copy of the Catholic Universe of Cleveland, the Herold, of Defiance, a copy of last Saturday evening's News, and copies of other daily papers of the city.  The face of the stone was inscribed: 'St. John's Evg. Church, Defiance, O., May 26 A.D. 1895' and diagonally across the front, in the center of the lettering, was a large cross, bearing upon it the initial letters, 'I. H. S."

After the stone was in position, the Bishop and assistant priests, under escort of the uniformed Catholic Knights of America, of Defiance, walked around the foundation of the entire building and the Bishop conferred upon it a sacred blessing."

The Herold mentioned above was Defiance's German language newspaper, and the News was another Defiance paper.  After the blessing of the building, the speakers gathered on a platform and addressed the audience from there, some in German and some in English. When the speakers were finished, the congregation knelt for a benediction.  Then on Monday afternoon, the ceremonies continued with the blessing of the bells for the church.

"Monday morning solemn high mass was observed at the church at 9 o'clock, and in the afternoon, the two new bells were consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstman with appropriate services.  The following is a brief description of the bells:

The large one weighs 1,700 pounds and has been named St. John.  Its tone is F and the inscription is 'Donated by St. Johns Dramatic Club in memory of the 50th anniversary of St. John's congregation of Defiance, O., established 1845 by Rev. Amadeus Rappe.'

The second bell weighs 1,200 pounds and is named St. Joseph and its tone is G.  The inscription is 'Donated by St. Johns School Children in memory of the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Joseph P. Gloden, ordained priest, Sept. 30, 1869.'  

 The bell that has done duty in the old church so long will be placed in the belfry of the new church.  This bell has been named St. Mary and its tone is A, and its weight is 800 pounds.

On Monday evening, the grand celebration was concluded with a banquet in the St. John's hall.  Various histories were offered by the speakers, including one by J. A. Deindoerfer on the Germans of Defiance and surrounding counties.

Upcoming posts will discuss Father Gloden in more detail and the history of the St. John Catholic Church.
The newspaper reported that the inscription and cross on the cornerstone were the work of G. W. Withrow, a workman employed by V.A. Shrimplin at the Perry Street marble works.

 

The Knights Templar of Defiance, Ohio - 1894

The Knights Templar (K. T.) is one of the oldest fraternal bodies in the United States, begun in Ohio in 1818.  One of its requirements was that its members be professed Christians.  

From the Defiance Democrat - November 15, 1894 -

"THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Held Their Annual Election of Officers.

Defiance Commandery No. 30, K. T., held their annual election of officers Friday eve.  
The following members were chosen to serve the ensuing year:

E. Squire - Eminent Commander
J. P. Cameron - Generalissimo
Geo. W. Bechel - Capt. Gen'l.
L. E. Beardsley- Prelate
Chas. D. Harris - Sr. Warden
J. V. Cuff - Jr. Warden
Geo. W. Deatrick - Treasurer
R. T. Whitaker - Recorder
John L. Pocock - Standard Bearer
H. B. Tenzer - Sword Bearer
R. W. Wortman - Warden
F. W. Dittmer - Sentinel

Unwise Romance in Farmer Township

From the Defiance Democrat - November 22, 1894

"LOVED NOT WISELY

A Farmer Township Young Man in County Jail.

CHARGED WITH BEING A FATHER

He Refuses to Furnish Bail, Although Able to Do So.

The Hasty Action of a Young Lady.

Benton A. Sweet, of Farmer township, is an inmate of the county jail.

Miss Florence Crossland, also of Farmer, has brought about his arrest on a paternity charge.  The case was heard before Philander Richardson, justice of the peace.  Sweet was held to the common pleas court in the sum of $600.  This bond he refused to furnish and he was locked up last Friday evening.

Both the parties are of respectable and highly connected families.  Their parents are well to do farmers and the young people have moved in the best of society.  Sweet has been keeping company with the young lady for several years.

Some time ago, it dawned upon the young lady who loved not wisely, but too ardently that she was about to become a mother.  She informed her lover of the fact and he promised to right the wrong by only one course open to him - marriage.  He told her he was not prepared to enter the matrimonial state.  The young man is reputed to be worth considerable property as he was managing a large farm belonging to his father.

Lately, he has been disposing of considerable of his chattels and friends of the girl persuaded her that he was preparing to flee the country and not fulfill his promise to marry her.  The fact is, he was negotiating for the purchase of a small farm in which was a pretty house he was intending to install her in as mistress of.

By the advice of meddlesome friends, it is learned she caused his arrest.  He was so indignant at the turn of affairs that he refused bail, although friends offered to furnish it, and went to jail.  He now declares he will not marry her, but he may think better of it.  It is understood the young lady now regrets her action.

LATER -- Since the above was written, Sweet has decided to be admitted to bail.  Hon. John W. Winn will go on his bond and will endeavor to induce Sweet to return to Farmer township and marry Miss Crossland." 

I think we all like a happy ending, and I'm fairly certain that this story had one.  According to the 1900 census, Benton Sweet, 38, and his wife, Florence, 31, lived in Farmer Township with their three children: L. D., 5, a son, and two daughters, Ardis, 3, and Valera, 1.  Benton was farming and their marriage date was given at 1895, so apparently, after the initial shock of the pregnancy, Benton succumbed to the plea to marry Florence.  I hope they lived happily ever after!