Defiance Township (part 4 of 11)

William Lewis, Jr., was born March 31, 1812, in Frederickstown, Md. ; immigrated with his parents, William and Ellen (Hooper) Lewis, to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1822. They had ten children - Thomas, James, Eveline, Charlotte, William, Abraham, Nancy, Charles and Susan. The second child died in infancy and was not named. Mrs. Lewis died at Lancaster in March, A. D. 1827. Mr. Lewis moved from Lancaster to Defiance in A. D. 1832, and was again married to Elizabeth Hively, of Defiance County, in June, A. D. 1832, by whom had four children - Rebecca, Ann, Jonathan and Ellen; these are all living in and around Defiance. Of the first family of children, only two are living - William, Jr. (the subject of this sketch), and Charlotte, who married Thomas Applegate, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and who is still living ilk that county. William, Jr., after arriviiicr at Defiance, worked four years for Dr. John Evans, for the first three months receiving |25. But his wages were increased, and the last year he received $25 per month. His noxt job was clearing up a farm of 151 acres for Isaac Hull, in Section 21:, on the south side of the Maumee Iliver, for which he received $8 per acre. This farm he also luaitod during the time of clearing. This was in 1835, when Mr. Lewis, with ax and saw on his shoulder, marched into the woods to a log cal)in where he kept bachelor's hall and cleared up the farm; this being accomplished, he rented it for a tiiuo and then bought it. He also cleared up a portion of the John Hollistur farm, in same section, which joined him on the wc^st and extended to the Auglaize, which he afterward purchased. This gave him a farm of 2-U) acres, bounded by the Maumee River on the north and by the Auglaize on the west. On the 3d day of June, 1838, Mr. Lewis was married to Ann Caroline Davis and settled down on this farm; lo them were born nine children - Abraham L., William (deceased), John W., Mary (deceased), Frank, Cornelia, Ennna, Hattie and Andrew J. William enlisted September 20, 1801, in the Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; died at Columbia, Ky., November 20, 1801. John enlisted in the Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 8, 18f)], and in the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry November 8, 1802, and went through till the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn. August 10, 1805, having passed through many battles. At Selma, Ala. , April 5, 1805, he was wounded in three different places, a ball passing through his wrist, another through his right arm near the elbow, and a third through his left leg, crippling him badly; the right arm is nearly helpless. October 8, 1878, he married Ettie Meanor, of Defiance. They have one child - E. Lewis, who was born January 1, 1880. Mrs. Lewis was born in Alliance, Ohio, December 0, 1857, her parents moved to Lima, Ohio, when she was about three years old. She lived there about seventeen years and then came to Defiance with her parents. In 1843, William Lewis built his brick residence. February 27, 1854, Mrs. Lewis died. She came to this county with her parents, Walter and Doi-cas (Lewis) Davis, in the fall of 1832, from Fredorickstown, Md., where both she and her parents were born. Mr. Lewis marj'iod his present wife Elizabeth Logan, October 24, 1858. In July, 1873, he sold his farm to W. 0. Hutchinson and the three Frost brothers, viz. : J. H., J. B. and J. F., who at once proceeded to lay it out in town lots and gave it the name of East Defiance. Mr. Lewis has been quite an extensive dealer in stock, and at an early day was acquainted with all parties living between Defiance and Maiimee City, Ft. Wayne, Findlay and Wapakonetta. The Lewis family came to this place by way of Findlay, and had to leave their wagons and goods there and come through on horseback, there

Edward F. Lindenberger was born near Olive Green, Delaware Co., Ohio, April 21, 1818. His parents removed to Rhode Island with him when he was quite small. He started in life to earn his own living at the age of twelve years, when he left his home and came to New York State with the intention of studying medicine, but circumstances not his fault changed his resolution, as also the resolution to study law under Judge Brown, of Marion County, Ohio, to whom he afterward resorted. He came to Defiance about 1830, at the age of eighteen, and commenced clerking for Dr. Evans, in the same house where L. E. Myers' residence is now. He often related the trades he had with the Indians, camping out at Qights, an<l the many tricks played on their fierce but ignorant simplicity. They could only count ten, and every pile of ten skins must be settled and paid for before any further bargains could be made. Soon after his arrival in Defiance, he was taken into partnership, and two or three years after removed to Ft. Wayne with Dr. Evans, who also moved his store. He was married to Miss Mary M. Hull December 25, 1842, after which he moved to Evansport and engaged in the hotel business, but was burnt out there in February, 1849, and came to Defiance the same year. His first wife died April 3, 1802. He was married to Mrs. Maria Dunning, his present widow, November 5, 1803, He retired from business in 1872, after having been in the dry goods trade thirty- six years. He did not live long after his retirement, but' died October 5, 1875. Two children remain of his first marriage - Cassius, born in 1840, and Lillian, born in 1850, the latter the wife of Charles J. Chenevert, all residents of Defiance.

G. M. Weisenburger was born in the village of Mortria, on the banks of the River Rhine, in France, July 4, 1822, and immigrated to America with his parents, Matthias W. and Josephine Weisenburger, in the spring of 1830, and settled in Hanover, Columbia Co. Ohio. Thence they moved to Seneca County, Ohio and settled on what was called Wolf Creek in 1833, where they dii^d - Mrs. M'eisenburger, in 1830, aged forty- five years; Mr. Weisenbm-ger in 1840, aged sixty-five years. They had a family of ten children - Frank J., Margaret, Andrew, George M., Frances, Joseph, Mary Josephine, Mary Magdalene, John B. and Elizabeth, four now living - Margai-et, in Cary, AVyandot Co., Ohio; George M., John B., grocery and provision merchant of Defiance; and Joseph, in Seneca County, Ohio. George M. Weisenburger, the subject of this sketch, came to Defiance in 1838, and worked on the construction of the canal for about two years, then returned to Seneca County and was em- ployed to help run the route for the first railroad of Northern Ohio, known as the Mad Eiver Eailroad, after which he returned to Defiance and started a provision store in the fall of 1843, on the canal, back of Lock No. 4, where he continued business for a number of years; was married September 23, 1846, to Miss Barbara Rickard, of Ft. Jennings, Putnam Co., Ohio. Of this marriage thirteen children were born - George M., Jr., Joseph M., William A., John Edward, John P., Prank H., Prank J. (deceased), Prances Ellen, Leanie M., Caroline, Mary Josephine (deceased), Mary Elizabeth, (deceased), and Anna (deceased). In 1857, Mr. W. went into the dry goods business for two or three years, on Clinton street, where Schultz & Sou's brick grocery building now stands. After this, he engaged in boating and lumbering business for a number of years, and in 1858- 59 was superintendent of the division from Independence to the State line of Indiana, distance some thirty-two miles. Of late years and at the present time, Mr. W. is engaged on the public works of the city, grading streets, laying sidewalks, building bridges, etc., etc. At the time Mr. Weisenburger came to this town in 1838, it was pretty much a wilderness. There were two stores, one grocery and bakery, and a saddler's shop. The stores were kept by Pierce Evans & Son, Benjamin Brubacher and C. L. Noble - all were located near the old fort grounds. The parents of Mr. Weisenburger were born, the father in Mortria, in Prance, about twelve miles below Strasbourg; the mother in Baden, Germany.

Francis J. Weisenburger, eldest son of Matthias W. and Josephine Weisenburger, was born in Germany December 28, 1817; immigrated to America with his parents A. D. 1830, settling first in Columbiana County, Ohio, afterward moving to Tiffin in Seneca County, Ohio, where he became acquainted with Miss Mary E. Smith, who was born in Germany February 9, 1821. Her father, Conrad Smith, immigrated to this country in 1833, and settled at Tiffin also. At the time the canal was being built through Defiance in 1838, Mr. Weisenburger concluded Defiance would be a good point in which to settle down for life. Mr. Weisenburger and Miss Smith both came to Defiance in 1838, and on the 25th of July of the same year were united in marriage by Rev. William B. Stow. Mr. W. first found employment here as a day laborer on the canal, then started a grocery and bakery, and finally went into the dry goods business, and continued in the same till his death, which occui-red February 13, 1860. Thirteen children were born to this union - seven boys and six girls; six are now living - George W., married Catharine, eldest dauo-hter of Peter and Mary Shannon; they have three children - Frances P., Andrew A. and George

E. Mr. W. is a harness-maker by tra'de, and is carrying on that business. Josephine married Joseph S. Haller. Frances married Frederick F. Shoner. Mary C. married Henry T. Connoveu. John S. married Ellen Miller; Henry F. is unmarried.

Michael Hoeffel, Jr., was born September 22, 1853, in Lorraine, France. His parents, Michael and Mary E (Schoeifer) Hoeffel, were the parents of five children - Mary Magdalene, Charles Leo, Michael, Jr., Casper and Joseph Isadore; all are living in this State, except Casper, who resides in Colorado. His father came to this country in December, 1867, and died on what is known as North Ridge, in this county, September, 1868, aged fifty -two years. His mother died iu the old country February 2, 1862, aged about thirty- eight years. Michael, Jr., learned the boot and shoe making with Henry Bittner, of Defiance, and is now doing business for himself; in connection with his shop is running a boot and shoe store. He was married February 16, 1882, to Mrs. Mary Connoven, formerly Mary C. Weisenburger, daughter of Francis J. and Mary E. Weisenburger, all of Defiance.

Isaac Corwin was born October 3, 1824, in Washington County, Penn. His great-grandfather, William Corwin, and two brothers, Benjamin and Moses, immigrated to this country from Ireland about 1770. William settled in Washington County, Penn. ; Benjamin in New Jersey, and Moses in West Virginia or Kentucky. His grandfather, William, Jr., was born in Washington County, Penn., and his father, Ephraim, at the same place, April 3, 1798. He was married to Margaret Sharp, of the same county, in 1822. Then had ten children, seven boys and three girls ; two died in infancy; eight grew up and were married and raised large families. One has since deceased - William, who died in December, 1876. Mr. Corwin (Ephraim) left Pennsyvania in November, 1827, for Ohio, came to what was then Knox County (now Morrow) and died there in December, 1877. Isaac learned the blacksmithing with his father, and remained at home until he was eighteen; then went to Newark, Ohio, to work at his trade, and from there to Mt. Vernon, and worked there about a year; then returned to Williamsport, Morrow County, and started a shop, and at that town was married, February 4, 1845, to Miss Maria Smart, by whom he had a family of eleven children, six boys and five girls, six of whom are living - Zeliett, Erasmus D. , Frank P., Alice M., Fred H. and Mary. Mr. Corwin continued the blacksmith business at Williamsport until October, 1850, when he left for Defiance. After arriving here, he expended his all in a cook stove, a barrel of flour and half a hog. He came by team, staying the first night at Mellmore, Next day he struck the pike at Fremont, staying that night at a farm house on the pike. Next day came to Perrysburg and crossed the Manmee at that places and followed up the river about ten miles and stayed all night with Hi chard Fancher (generally known as Dick); next day arrived at Indo|i(^udence, stayed over night at the hotel kept by George Thompson, and arrived next day at Defiance, October 5. 1850, making the unusual good time of about forty miles a day, the roads being di-y. October 15, 1850, Mr. Corwin formed a C()[iartnership with John Yocum in the blacksmith business, on tlio north side of the Maumee. In about six months they dissolved, and Mr. Corwin then built the sh()|)snow occupied and owned by Peter Dickman, and carri(Hl on the blacksmith and carriage-makinobusiness till 1861; then sold out and bought a small farm about a mile from town, and farmed about two years; then, in 1803, commenced dealing in horses, cattle, hogs and sheep; followed the I)usiness about four years; then John Kiser joined him, dealing in horses only. Mrs. Corwin died March 7, 1808, and' about a year thereafter Mr. Corwin took up his trade again and married for his second wifo Martha L. South worth. Deeember 21, 1869. By this marriage had two children (boys); the eldest is dead; Charles I. is living. Mr. Corwin routed an old shop of James Hudson, sitiiated on the grounds where Corwin & Riser's fine brick shop now stands, carrying on the business alone from March 14, 1870, to April 19, 1880. In 1872, he bought Hudson out, and in 1873 built the present lu-ick shop, at a cost of $2,700. In 1875, built an addition to the brick, at a cost of $1,250. In 1876, added to it again, at a cost of $1,400. Value of lot, 1200. April 19, 1880, formed a copartnership with John H. Kiser in the blacksmithing and carriage-making business, also in the livery business. Then raised the shop to a three story building, at an additional cost of $2,000; then bought the adjoining lot, known as the printing office corner, extending to Second street, and fitted up for the livery, at a further cost of $3,300; total cost, $12,650. They are doing quite an extensive blacksmith and carriage business, turijing out from a heavy lumber wagon to a fancy top buggy, and cutters the finest of the season. The Corwin fainily have been famous as blacksmiths. The grandfather, William, and his three boys, Ephraim, and his six boys, and the subject of this sketch (Isaac) and three sons were all blacksmiths by trade. Mr. Carwin built his present residence in 18(51, situated on the hill north side of the Maumee (North Defiance), commanding a fine view of the whole town as also up and down the Maumee and Auglaize llivers, and the old fort grounds - Defiance and Winchester. Peter Dickman was born in Wooster, Ohio, March 4 1811. His father, William Dickman, was born October 2, ISIO, in Hanover, in Bruchhausen County, in Hanover, Germany. He immigrated to America, July 4,1832; landed in Baltimore September 8, 1832; from there went to Middletown, Penn. , and was married there to Miss Rebecca A. Kanecamp, by whom he had a family of eight children - John, William, Margaret, Peter, Albert, Catharine, Henry and Jacob. Albert and Margaret are dead. He came to this county in 1848, and located in Tiffin Towtishi[), and entered 160 acres of wild land. He first cleared up a little patch for the log cabin, and erected it with difficulty, as help was scarce and he had to take in a circle of four or five miles. The next thing in order was to get a little clearing on which to raise a little grain for Ijread for the family, but for meat there was no scarcity, as the forest abounded with wild game of every description. Mr. Dickman identified himself at an early day with the Evangelical Albright Church, and for some twenty six years was chosen class leader. Mr. and Mrs. Dickman finally withdrew from this church and united with the United Brethren Church, of which the former is still a member. Mrs. Dickman died October 8, 1872, on the farm where they made their first start. Mr. Dickman is still living and remains on the same place. Peter, who was about seven years old when his father went into the woods, remained at home, helping to clear up the farm until he was seventeen. Then learned the blacksmith trade with Jacob Dow, at Brunersburg, to whom he was bound as an apprentice for two years. After serving his time, he worked as journeyman at $8 per month, which was increased with experience until he very soon received $20 per month. He then quit his trade for a time and on August 13, 1862, enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served till the close of the war. He was married April 13, 1865, to Margaret Sughsworth, of this county, who immigrated from Germany at the age of about thirteen. They had foiuchildren - Adaline M., Wallace M., Clara B. (who died August 14, 1872) and Rosie O. Mr. Dickman after marriage settled at Brunersburg and took up his trade aeain and did a thrivino- business there for about four years. In the fall of 1869, he moved to Defiance and entered into partnership with Charles Black, and bixilt a shop; then sold his interest to Black, and in January, 1870, purchased the property which he now owns, consisting of wagon and blacksmith shops and steam saw mill, it being the property formerly owned by Isaac Corwin, the site of the first blacksmith shop in .Defiance, and carried on by Arthur Burras, on the north side of the Maumee River. The mill will probably cut 2,000,000 feet of lumber this year, principally wagon and shipping lumber, the ash lumber being shipped to New York, the oak and hick- ory to Toledo to the Milbum Wagon Works. The shops, mill and grounds, where once stood the lone blacksmith shop, are now worth probably from $8,000 to $10,000, and Mr. Dickman has erected a very neat little brick residence on the hill, nearly opposite his works, at a cost of about |3,500, including grounds and tixtures, commanding a line view of the town and the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, and of the old fort grounds, where once stood Forts Defiance and AVinchester.

Zephaniah H. Davis was born in Fredericsktown, Md., October lij, 1812. Came to Defiance County A. D. 1832; was married to Susan J. Lewis, February 17, 1842, who was also born at Frederickstown, Md., June 22, 1822. To them were birn eight children - Civillia, Emma 0., William F., Lemuel H. , Charles E., Ellen, Hattie, and John, who died in infancy, Mrs. Davis died' June 20, 18(34. He married for his second wife the widow, Mrs. Biggs, July 4, 1865. Mr. Davis died of palsy at his residence in Defiance, June 19, 1871, having been a resident of the town for about forty years. When he came to Defiance, it was comparatively an unbroken forest. Indians were plenty and there were but few white families here, doing mostly a trading business with the Indians, but he lived to see the Indians removed beyond the Missouri River, the land cleared and cultivated by the white people who settled in rapidly after their departiu'e, and the town grown to a thriving village of about three thousand inhabitants, with a country surrounding it correspondingly prosperous. His death resulted from paralj^sis. He was first paralyzed in his right arm and shoulder, which gradually extended over his whole body, and, losing the use of his tongue, he was then unable to describe his sufferings or spgak of his wants to relatives and friends. About a week before his death, his brain also underwent a shock, after which he lay completely unconscious of everything, unable to swallow and with no control of any part of himself. He remained in this condition without food or medicine, and only breathing, at intervals about a week, when life at last left a body that had apparently been dead several days.

Nathaniel B. Adams was born June 17, 1802, in Lisbon, Conn. He lived in a farm with his parents until he was ,jf age, and then engaged himself as a clerk to a firm from Boston, who were doing a manufacturing business at Norwich, Conn; in connection with which they had a stiore, doing a gener il mercantile business. He continued as clerk in this firm for nearly two years, then bought the stock, and remained in businriss four years. He then sold his slock of goods and removed to Seneca County, Ohio, in October, 1832, where he remained about three year.s. In January, 1836, he came to Defiance, and again commenced mercantile business, in company with his brother-in-law, N. F. Emmons, and con-- tinued in the same two years, when his health became so poor, he was induced, by the advice of his friends and family physician, to move on his farm, then in Henry County (now Defiance), which he had purchased about a year before locating at Defiance, and which at this time was but partially cleared, thinking by assisting in clearing the land, burning logs, brush, etc., his health would be better; but in this undertaking he was sadly disappointed, as his health grew gradually worse, until he was obliged to give up this experiment and return again to Defiance, where he commenced to build a residence in North Defiance (it being the first brick built on that side of the river), which was partly completed when he died of consumption August 9, 1843. Mr. Adams was married to Miss Mary Carpenter, of Norwich, Conn., September 13, 1831, who was born in that village June 3, 1808. There were born, to them four children, who died in youth and infancy, except Ellen E., their first born, who grew up to womanhood, and was married to George C. Backus, of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in May, 1856, who had born to them seven children - Minnie, Kate, John A., George Dwight, Nellie (who died in infancy), Nathaniel B. and Nellie (who died aged five years). Mrs. Backus passed away February 15, 1871, and five weeks after her husband followed her to her "long resting-place," .leaving five children (the eldest nearly fourteen years) to the care of their grandmother, whom God, in His good providence, has seen fit to spare them until all have positions suitable to supjiort themselves. The two eldest, Minnie and Kate, are teachers; the two boys have good positions in the machine shops, while the youngest boy, of fourteen years, is going to school. Mrs. Adams married, for her second husband, Sereno Lyman, March 18, 1840, having two children by this husband, who both died in early childhood. Mr. Lyman died in 1858. Mrs. Lyman is now living, and is remarkably active and well-preserved, and, at the ago of snventy-six, her memory, sight and hearing are good. When Mr. and Mrs. Adams came to Defiance, they were members of the Congregational Church, but there was no church of that denomination, neither was there any Presbyterian organization at that time. Soon after (in 18;!7), the few members of the two churches united in forminoan organization, and adopted the Presbyterian form of government, at which time, Nathaniel B, Adams and Curtis Holgate were chosen Elders and Sereno Ly/nan, Clerk. Mrs. Adams, also, was one of the number at the time of the organization.

Lehman and Mary (Wiae) Lehman, in 1837, arrived in this county in July or August, the same year; was married October 10, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Hepker, of Williams County, Ohio. They had eleven children, four boys and seven f:jirlBi five of them are living - Henry, Daniel, Anna, Callie and Laura Ella. His wife, Elizabeth, died April 0, 1805. For his second wife he married Sophia Mullett, of this county, in the fall of 1800, by whom be had one child, Emma, who died August 0, 1809. He then married Maria Wilson, of this county, September 19, 1871. Mr. Lehman commenced the cooperage business in North Defiance, in 1841, on the banks of the Maumee, where Joseph Bauer & Co.'s brewery now stands. In 1842, he built a residence on High street, it being the second frame building on the hill. A Mr. Moore put up the first one for a hotel, afterward called the Gary House, situated on what is now Center street. Mr. Lehman continiied the cooperage business alone xmtil 1878, employing usually four or five hands. He then took his son Daniel in as a partner and enlarged the shop, giving employment to about ton men. In 1879, they built a new shop, increasing the business and giving employment to twenty live or thirty men, turning out from 100 to 150 barrels daily, principally pork and lard barrels. John Jacob Schneider was born at White House, Lncaa Co., Ohio, A. D. 1845, and settled in Defiance in 1870. Ho was married in Williams Center, Williams Co., Ohio, April 29, 1869, to Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Dr Daniel and Lydia Aan (Bin-rell) Calkins, who was bora in Ceuterville, Wayne Co., Ohio, A. D. lSr)l. They have four children, viz.: Alice Adell, born July 21, 1870; John Daniel, born September 4, 1872; Charles Caleb, born November 10, 1874; and Bessie, born December 3, 1870. Mr. Schneider's parents were John G. and Charlotte (Golmer) Schneider, the former born in AVurtemberg, Germany, March 10, 1810, the latter born in Germany February, 1819, and thoy wore married December 10, 1S84, at Medina, Ohio They had a family of fifteen children, eight boys and seven girls, viz.: John Jacob 1st (deceased), Andrew Benjamin (deceased), John Jacob 2d, Lewis Christian, William Frederick, Caleb Jacob, Charles Koyal (deceased), Lyman Charles, Charlotte Kosina (deceased), Frances Elizabeth, Dorothy Julia, Charlotte Harriet, Mary Caroline, Calista Harriot (deceased) and Cora Alfaretta. Mr. Schneider (JohnG.) came to this county in 1830, May 5, and engaged in the building of the Wabash & Erie & Miami Extension Caual, and was also engaged in the building of the \\' abash Railroad. John J., the subject of this sketch, enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in September, 1802, and was honorably discharged March 2, 1864. Mr. Schneider says he frequently had to face a whole regiment of rebel soldiers, but never felt so much like backing down as when he mot the big " African lion " of W. W. Cole's menagerie on the railroad track about midnight of the 25th of September, 1879, which had escaped from its cage; the following account of which we copy from the Defiance Democrat of October 2. 1879:

" W. W. Cole's circus and menagerie exhibited in Defiance last Thursday, September 25, 1879. In the evening, after the show was out, the animals and other goods were loaded on cars at the Wabash depot, preparatory to shipment West. As one train, containing cages, was passing the large coal chutes in this place, one of the chutes somehow caught the cage containing the two lions. In an instant, before the situation could be comprehended, the cage was so badly broken that out walked the large African lion, and leisurely trotted down the railroad track toward the station. By this time ,the attaches of the menagerie were on hand, and quickly secured the other lion and cas about for a way to capture the fugitive. The lion went several squares, until ho reached a barn on the premises of Adolph Miller. The upper half of the door was open, and inside was a cow. Scenting this nice morsel of food, with a slight roar the lion sprang over the door, and leaped upon his victim. He seized the cow by the nose, and, crunching it, he held on, sucking at its life-blood. The cow bellowed fearfully, but was helpless in the toils of the monster of the forest. The lion continued at his work until he had obtained all the blood, and the cow was dead, when he went to a corner of the stable and lay down, on a pile of straw.

" How to capture the lion was a pirzzle for the showmen. Prof. Conkling, the great tamer (who, by the way, had only a few hours previously entered the den containing the same lions), was sent for. He took in the situation at a glance, and instructing the men to get the cage off the cars and quietly to run it alongside of the barn, he armed himself with a couple of revolvers, a stout club and a whip, and started on what was reg,ardod as a perilous undertaking. He entered the stable, by means of the hay-loft, and commenced calling the lion. A growl was his only answer for some time. He continued calling until the beast recognized the voice, when Mi-. Conkling proceeded boldly down in the lower part of the barn and hunted his pet. He cai-essed the animal - got it under complete control, when he had the doors opened, and quietly called and drove the beast into his cage. He was quickly secured, bat "when he found his liberty was again restrained he became furious, and it was with great difficulty that the cage could be made sufficiently strong to hold him. Prof. Conkling informed the bystanders that he would not dare enter the cage for several days, or until the lion became perfectly quiet. While the lion was going down the railroad track toward the barn, he was actually met liy two of our citizens. John Schneider, engineer of the pump house. Mr. Schneider says he did not realize what it was coming down the track until they met face to face, and then, naturally, he was much frightened. John Sauber, baggage master at the ^V abash depot, was the other person who met him, and says he supposed it was a big yellow dog until he got opposite the beast."

Frederick Trampe was born in Mecklenberg- Strelitz, Germany, November 2, 1815; was married to Mary Lannes, of Mechlenberg, Germany, May 1, 1851, who was born January 11, 1830. They had a family of nine children - Louisa F., Frederick J., Charles L., John F., Mary A., Herman J., Frederick W. , Martin and Julius M. Of this large family all are gone, except the mother and two of the children, Harman J. and Julius M. i\[r. Trampe came over to this country July 4. lS52; stopped at Toledo five years; being a brick-maker by trade, he got employ ment there as foreman for two years, then rented the yard for three years and carried on the basiness himself. He then came to Defiance, in 1857, and purchased a lot in what is now East Defiance, and started a brick yai'd, which he carried on till his death, August 21), 1870. His wife and the two boys, Herman and Julius, still live on the place, carrying on the business. They manufacture about 1,500,000 brick annually, for which they find a ready market at home, giving employment to about twenty-five hands during the brick-making season.

Peter William Lauster, only son of John Jacob Lauster, and Sibilla Gertrude Wiertz, was born in Bheydt, Rhenish Prussia, Germany, December 18, 1820. At the age of about fifteen years he commenced his apprenticeship to learn the reed and harness-making business, in his native town, which consisted largely of silk and cotton factories. From here he went to Elberfeld, where he also wrought five years at his trade, to perfect himself in his business. He immigrated to this country in 1848, where, after a six weeks' voyage in a sailing vessel, he landed at New York on the 13th of Jane of the same year, where, through the influence of J. Y. Smith, afterward Governor of Rhode Island, he found a situation io Providence, to work at his trade. In December, 1850, he moved to -Fall River, Mass., commenced business for himself, and was very successful. In INUU, he sold his business at Fall River, and moved to this county (Defiance), and bought an interest in the hub and spoke factory of this city, which was carried on by Kahlo Brothers, Crowe & Co. Soon after this, he purchased another interest, in the Defiance Machine Works, which was carried on by Kettenring & Strong. The firm was then changed to Kettenring, Stronw & Laaster: the business was enlarged, new shops built and Mr. Lauster made Treasurer of the company. The company was finally changed to a - stock compaoy, Mr. Kettenring being elected as President and Mr. Laaster continued as Treasurer, which position he .still holds. In October, 1881, he was elected by the people of the county to the office of County Treasurer by a large majority, being the first Republican Treasurer the county ever had. He was married, August 13, 1849, in New York City, to Miss Thusnelde Dorothea Gruiler, a lady of German descent, who was born at Langenberg, near Elberfeld, Rhenish Prussia, October 22, 1819. To them the following seven children were born, viz. :_ Martha Washington, July 4, 1850 ;Eliza was born May 9, 1852, and died on the 29th; Emilie Thusnelde, born April 25, 1853, deceased April 12, 1873, and was buried in Heidelberg, Germany, where she had gone to attend school ; Maria Louisa, born December 6, 1855; William Charles, born February 9, 1858, died March 28, 1859; Charles William, born May 31, 1860; Lydia Amanda, born October 2, 18(31, died December 7, 1861. The parents of Mr. Lauster came to this county in 1849, and lived with their son, the subject of this sketch. His mother died at Fall River, Mass., September 28, 1858, aged sixty-two; his father died at Defiance, May 3, 1877, aged eighty-three years and ten months. Mr. Lauster made two trips across the water, to his native country, in 1871, also in 1872, remaining one year on his last trip, returning in 1873.

Virgil Squire was born in Southport, Conn., November 4, 1808, and died at Defiance, Ohio, May 28, 1874. He was the third son of Jacob Squire, a veteran sea captain. In 1815, his father immigrated .to Ohio, and settled iu Florence, on a farm, in Erie County. In 1826, Mr. Squire commenced clerking for Dr. Fay, a druggist in Milan, Erie County, this town then being one of the most thriving in Northern Ohio. He afterward clerked for Asa Sanford, and other prominent business men in Milan and Norwalk. From Norwalk he went to Clarksfield, Huron County, and was engaged for himself in the milling business. While in this place, in 1840, he became interested iu the Vermillion & Ashland Railroad, a speculation that proved disastrous to all connected with it. In 1844. Mr. Squire formed a partnership with Ahira Cobb, now a resident of Cleveland, this partnership continuing for twenty-five years. They were engaged at Vermillion and Birmingham in milling, mercantile and general shipping business. They owned several vessels, and did a flourishing btisiness for many years. A.bout 1855, he removed to Ottawa, Putnam Co., Ohio, where they continued under the firm name of Cobb, Pierce & Squire. In 1857, this firm removed to Defiance, which place Mr. Squire made his residence until his death. Tlie firm of Cobb, Pierce & Squire continued until the death, by drowning, of Mr. Pierce in 1861. At this time, Cobb & Squire sold their entire stock of goods to C. Harley, and established a private bank in the Piussell House, on First street. In ISGU, Mr. Cobb retired, and the business was changed to the Defiance County Bank, with Mr. Squire as President. In 1872, the bank was converted into a National Bank, and from that time on Mr. Squire was its President. Mr. Squire was married in November, 1835, to Miss Rebecca A. Peck, in Florence Township, Erie Co., Ohio. Mrs. Squire still survives him, as also do three sons, viz.: Charles B. Squire, City Clerk; George T. Squire, telegrapher, and Edward Squire, who is Cashier of the Defiance National Bank, which position he has held since its organization. In 1835, Mr. Squire embraced religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He continued a faithful member and a true Christian the balance of his life. All of his business transactions were honest and upright, and he was known by all as a citizen honorable to the community in which he lived. He was a friend alike to rich and poor - a man who had no personal enemies, but hosts of friends, many of whom live to bear testimony to his sterling worth as a citizen and as a Christian, and who departed this life leaving to his family the record of a well-spent life.

John Brubaker was born near Chambersburg, Penn., October 18, 1827, and came with his parents, Daniel and Catharine (Kiner) Brubaker, to Stark County, Ohio, in 1833, and from there to Defiance County in 1848; settled on Mud Creek, in Delaware Township. They were Pennsylvanians by birth, and had a family of fifteen children, ten of whom grew up. Seven of this family are now living, viz., John, Margaret, Catharine. William, Jacob, Ephraim and Eebecca. John, the subject of this sketch, was married. June 7, 1852, to Miss Emeline Stoner, daughter of Solomon and Margaret (Voorhes) Stoner, who had born to them ten children, five now living, as follows: Emeline, John W., James A., Whelan and Adeline. Mr. Brubaker started out in life by purchasing a wild lot, of eighty acres, in Delaware Township, and put up his cabin and partly cleared up his farm, and then traded it for a farm in Adams Township and farmed for a number of years, and then sold his farm and moved to Defiance, and worked for six years for the Defiance Manufacturing Company, and from there went into the Defiance Machine

Works, and still remains Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker, like their parents, have been blessed with a large family of children, numbering eleven, eight now living, viz.: Francis M., William W. , Weston F., Lila U. M., Adeline N. , Ida A., John L. and Sylvester E. , all living in or around Defiance. Weston Forest is engaged in the grocery business with M. B. Gorman &Co.

John Miller was born in Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, March 18, 1828. His parents, William and Betsey (NooIb) Miller, were born, the former in 1797 and the latter in 1807. They had a family of ten children, viz., William, Polly, Henry, George, John, Mary Elizabeth, Sarah, Margaret, Catharine Ann and Samuel - all living except Henry, who died May 1, 1865, at Chattanooga, Tenn., having enlisted in the Sixteenth Regiment of New York* Regulars in March,

1863, Mr. John Miller was married, in the year 1846, to Miss Agatha Null, who was born in Germany, November 2, 1827. Her parents, Martin and Agatha, were born in Germany, the former April 30, 1779, the latter January 15, 1776, and were married A. D. 1817, and emigrated from Homerstine, Germany, to America, in 1832. Martin Null's family consisted of six children five daughters and one son. Mr. Miller's family were as follows: John J., the eldest son, was born November 3, 1848, enlisted in Company G, Thirty-eighth Regiment Ohio Yolunteers, January 29, 1864, to serve three years or during the war, but on account of disability was discharged April 20,

1865, for one year or during the' war: was discharged at the close of the war, July 12, 1865. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Rosetta J. Britton, who was born near Pleasant Lake, Steuben Co., Ind., in 1852. The fruits of this marriage were four children - William Irvin, born May 30, 1871; Nellie Irene, born January 80, 1873, deceased March 1, 1881; Maggie Isabel, born August 4, 1875; Edie Mabel, born September 29, 1878; all born in this coiinty (Defiance).

Margaret H. , was born August 11, 1853; was married, in 1875, to James W. Dellett. To them was born one child - Gwendoline, born March 28, 1876. Mrs. Dellett deceased October 4, 1877. Mr. Dellett was in the late war, 1861-65; enlisted in Company G, in the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in 1863, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war in 1865. He died Jxily 2, 1877,

Barbara A. was born February 8, 1859; was married, in 1877, to John C. Barber. Of this union two children have been born to them - Emma L., born December 1, 1878, and Florie A., born March 24. 18S0.

History Op Defiance Counts

Charles L. Miller, ))orn March 1/, 1860, was married to MisB Ella M. Heller, of Crawford County, Ohio. ]\Ii'. Miller came to Defiance County in 1S50, aQd settled on the north side of the Maumee Eiver, North Detiaace, where he now lives. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and has put up many of the residences of Defiance, and still continues the busi-. ness.

Thomas K. Carroll was born in Evansport, Defiance Co., Ohio, January 4, 1842. In 1850, with his parents, he removed to Pulaski, Williams Co., Ohio. At the age of eleven, he commenced clerking in the dry goods store of A. W. Boynton, at Pulaski. After two years, he hired out to W. E. Kintigh, of Defiance, Ohio, and with him moved to Napoleon, Ohio, and continued clerking for him as long as he remained in the business. He afterward clerked for Imber & Richards, dry goods merchants, for five years. In 1863, he enlisted in the United States Army, and after the war hired to H. E. Cary, grocer, with whom he remained working on a salary until 1872, when he became a partner in the business. On October 12, 1865, was married to Miss G. A. Cary, youngest daughter of Kev. Joel and Harriet W. Cary. Mrs. Carroll died March 1, 1876. To them were born two daughters and one son. The daughters died in infancy; the son, Charles H., was born in Napoleon, Ohio, July 16, 1872, and is now living with his parents in Defiance, Ohio. During the year 1876, H. E. Cary & Co. (H. E. Cary and T. R. Carroll) commenced a branch business at Defiance, Ohio, Mr. Carroll taking charge. March, 1881, he purchased the entire business' at Defiance, and continued it alone for two years. May 16, 1883, the firm became Carroll & Co., with C. W. and T. J. Prettyman as partners. December 4, 1878, Mr. Carroll married Miss Annie B., only daughter of John and Harriet Opdycke, of Pulaski, Williams Co., Ohio. By energy and probity, he has won his way to position among the leading business men of Defiance. His business houses are sustained by a large and increasing patronage from a class of substantial customers, and his wholesale business relations are moving steadily on to success. Together with his estimable lady, he occupies a high social position, forming an important link in the social circle, performing their part cheerfully and well in carrying out the noble purposes of their being.

William Carroll, father of Thomas R. Carroll, was born near Baltimore, Md., May 10, 1813. At the age of ten years he, with two brothers and one sister, were left orphans. They came to Ohio in 1829, and were bound out until of age, having no advantages of schooling. In 1834, he came to Evansport, Defiance County, and, September 7, 1834, was married to Sarah Evans. In 1850, he, with his family, moved to Pulaski, Williams Co., Ohio, where both now are living in good health at this writing. Of the family, one daughter lives in Pulaski, Ohio, one son in Bryan, Ohio, and two sons in Defiance.

Peter Ziegler was the youngest of the five children of John and Magdalene (Eenniger) Ziegler, who were born, tiie former in Wier, on the River Rhine, in Prance, in 1811, and died February 24, 1882, aged seventy-one years, the latter born in Weiler, France, in 1817, died in 1859, aged fortytwo years. The other children were Katie, John Jr. (deceased), Margaret, Robert (deceased). The two sisters remained in the old country. Peter Ziegler, the subject of this sketch, was born April 11, 1846, in Weisenburg, France, and attended the district school in his native town until he was thirteen years of age, then entered the high school at Strasbourg, where he remained two years, and at the age of fifteen entered the hardware store of Mr. Victor Polpert as a clerk, with whom he remained until he was twenty years of age; was married. October 5, A. D. 1866, in Strasbourg, Prance, to Louisa, daughter of Philip and Barbara Altchuh, and soon thereafter set sail for America to seek their fortunes and to secure for themselves a home, arriving at New York on the 5th of November, and from there at Cincinnati, and thence to Port Wayne, Ind., arriving there in the summer of 1867. Of this union six children have been born to them, four now living, viz. : Mary, Peter W , Edward and Sophia. In 1878, Mr. Ziegler moved to Defiance, purchasing the property where he now lives, and established an eating-house in connection therewith at No. 93 Clinton street.

Michael Ziegler was one of a family of eleven children of Joseph and Marietta Ziegler, and was born in Grosswingheim, Bavaria, Germany, April 12, 1822. He was married to Miss Gertrude Smith in May, 1855. One son was born to them in their native land, Michael, Jr., who was_ born in 1856. Mr. Ziegler immigrated to this country with his wife and child, landing at Boston on the Ist day of May, 1857, and thence came to Defiance, arriving on the 6th of the same month, and working on the railroad thirteen years. Ho followed blacksmithing about three years, and ran a dray for nine years. Four children have been born to them since their arrival here, making five in all. Michael, Jr., was married to Miss Philipine Hahn, of Defiance; Barbara, the second child, was born in 1860, and married Michael Streit, of Defiance, January 18, 1881; Margaret was born June 12, 1861, died aged aboiit three years; Mary was born in 1863, died in infancy; Josephine was born in 1865. Mr. Ziegler, by industry and economy, has been able to secure to himself and fam-

Harvey W-ood was born March 18, 181(), in Union Connty, Ohio. His father, Samnel Wood, was born in Saratoga, Blilton Co., N. Y., May 13, 1800. His mother, Abigail (Weaver) Wood, was born in Sarafa .ga Connty, N. Y., March 20, 1819. Their family consisted of six children, three boys and throe girls. Ml'. Wood immigrated to Union Connty, October 11, 1S;!V); afterward to Putnam Connty, Ohio, where he died October 17, IS^O. The family then came to DoMance Connty, April IT), 1851, where Harvey was married, July 4, 1808, to Sarah E. White, who was born in this county March 25, 185;!. To them were born the following children, viz.: Cora E., born September '21, bSOl); Elisha B., born December 28, 1870, and diiHl May 23, 1872; John S., born April 8, 1874, died April 13, 1N75; Harvey \V., born November 15, 1877. Mr, Wood served in the late war, 1861-65, in Company A, Twenty-lifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His grandparents (Asa Wood and John Weaver) were both in the war of 1812, Asa \\'ood as a Captain, John Weaver as Colonel. Mrs. "Wood's father (John S. White) was born September 18, 1818, in Lancaster County, Penn.; came to Defiance June 10, 1837, and settled on the banks of the Auglaize Kivor, about four miles south of Defiance. Her mother, Sarah A. (Wells) White, was born November 17, 182!, in Muskingum County, Ohio; came to this county September 17, 1835, and settled on the banks of the Auglaize about one mile south of Defiance. -

Joseph Bauer, Jr., came from Baden, Germany, when he was a young man, with his parents, landing at Defiance A. D. 1850. His father, Josejih Bauer, Sr. , was married twice, and had three children by his first wife - Mary, Magdaleiia and Joseph. By his second wife he had three children, viz., Leopold, Albin and Rosa. Leopold died at Defiance in 1853. Mr. Bauer, Sr. , also dii>d at Defiance, in 1863, aged about sixty-eight years. Mary is still living in Germany. Joseph, Jr., married Catharine Royal, of Defiance, by whom he had six children, four girls and two boys. One of the girls (Mary) died in 1879. Mr. Bauer's wife died in 1877. Mr. Bauer worked about ten yeai-s at repairs on the canal, when he first came to this country. He kept saloon about seven years; then went into the bre\very business, in pai'tnership with Lewis Coleman for two years, when Coleman died. Bauer then ran the business alone one year; tlien took in Christ. Diehl as partner in 1871, and they still continue tlie business together. Jacob Kai-st put up the br; wory in 1866. Mr. Bauer has added extensively to the buildings since he piuchased, so that the cost of lot and buildings at present amount to about $20,000, turning out annually from 2,500 to 3,500 barrels of beer.

Daniel H. Killey was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., about twelve miles from the city of Auburn, August 24, 1826. His father, Heman Killey, was born in Barnstable County, Mass., and followed the sea for a number of years, in the whaling trade. In 1824, he left the sea and moved to New York. Ruth (Lapham) Killey, the mother of Daniel, was also born in Massachusetts, .and was of the old Quaker stock. They had born unto them four sons and two daughters, viz., Daniel H., Benjamin F., Oliver, Adeline, Susan E. and Joseph Killey. Susan E. died at Napoleon, Ohio, December 15, 1856. Joseph died at Battle Creek, Mich., from injuries received in the service in the late rebellion, - after having served about one year in the Union army. Daniel's father removed from New York to Seneca County, Ohio, in the spring of 1835, and died in the fall of that year, Daniel H. Killey was married to Matilda Billings in 1848, at Attica, in Seneoa County. They have had seven children - George W., Daniel H. , Charles, Emma, Lafayette, Edgar E. and ^V^illiam T. Killey. Of this number all are dead except George W. , they having died in infancy. The wife of Daniel H. Killey, Matilda A. (Billings) Killey, was born in New York, and was the daughter of Jollier and Am-illa (Ford) Billings. Her parents came from Cayuga County, N. Y., to Seneca County, Ohio, at an early day, her mother's brother, Johnson Ford, also coming with them, and is now a resident of Attica, Seneca Co., Ohio, at ninety years of age. The five brothers of Heman Killey (father of Daniel) were all engaged as seamen, in the whaling business, and were supposed to be lost at sea. Daniel, when about twenty years of age, enlisted in the Mexican war, and served about thirteen months, traveling while in the service about 8,000 miles. On his return home, he was married, and removed to near Bellevue, in Hanover County, where he remained for about three years; then came to Putnam County, Ohio, while it was still a wilderness, and abounded in bears and wolves and other wild animals, and located on a land warrant on 160 acres of land about twelve miles from Defiance. They had to cut roads for about four miles. Here he resided for about one year, and then removed with his family to the town of Defiance, and commenced to work in the Defiance INIills, for the firm of Semans & Stevens. In 1864, he enlisted in the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and remained with the regiment till the close of the war, about seven months, being all of this time assigned to the hospital, nursing and caring for the sick. After the war, he came home and purchased a farm in Henry

County, Ohio, and reraainod there about two }'ears, when he removed to Defiance again. He has spent most of his time in the Defiance Mills, and has probably worked here longer than any one person. At one time, he was the owner of one-half interest in what is now known as the Defiance Machine Shops, which was at that time a very small affair. He now owns ono-half interest in the iindertaking business, with I H. B. Hall.

Horace P. Miller was born in Williams County, Ohio, September 2-1=, 1848. His father, William Miller, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y. , March 17, 18ns ; came to Summit County, Ohio, and there married Miss Phebe Parker, by whom he had seven children, three boys and four girls; of these, four are living - H. P. Miller, Alice J., Charity M. and William P. Horace P. Miller, the subject of this sketch, received his education mostly at Lockport, Ohio, and was married to Miss Jennie S. Beaty September 22, 1870. The}- have two children, Frank G. and Claud W, Mr. Miller started out in life at farming, and afterward w°nt to work in the produce business for O. T. Letcher & Co., of Bryan, Ohio, carrying on the business at Defiance. In 1878, Mr. Miller bought out the business, and formed a copartnership with G. Morgan, of Fostoria, Ohio, and the firm name became Miller & Morgan, who are doing quite an extensive produce business, handling during the past year about 250,000 pounds dressed hogs, 60,000 pounds poultry, 130,000 pounds butter, 60,000 pounds hides, 3,660 bushels clover seed, 280,000 dozen eggs.

Frank J. Shead was born on Court street, in the city of Defiance, Ohio, August 13, 1856. His grandparents, Orson Shead and Lucy (Upham) Shead, were born in Stockbridge, Mass. ; the former September 4, 1797, the latter March 21, 17'J5. In 1821, they moved to New York, settling in DeKalb Township, St. Lawrence County. They had a family of five children - Oliver, Emeline, Celistie, Lorrin J. and Alonzo M. The boys are siill living. Alonzo M. was a former resident of Defiance, but now a resident of New Madrid, Mo., Oliver was also a former resident of this town, and a contractor and builder, at an early day building what was known as the old Brown warehouse, located at the northwest corner of Clinton street bridge, on the north side of the Maumee River, and since destroyed by fire. In 1850, Mr. Oliver Shead left Defiance for East Troy, Wis.; from there he went to Washington Territory. He was a commissioned officer in the Indian war, and a member of the Territorial Legislature. Lorrin J. came to Defiance when a young man, A. D. 1853, and opened up a furniture store in the old Pierce Evans building, which had just been vacated by E. F. Lindenberger, and which is still standing on Front street, in the rear of the Opera House Block. On November 13, 1855, he was married to Miss Martha Parkhurst Adams, of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Mrs. Lorrin Shead waa born in Royalton, Vt., A. D. 1833, and at the age of about three years her parents, David A. and Hannah (Parkhurst) Adams, moved from Royalton, Vt., to St. Lawrence County. In 1856, Mrs. Shead's parents moved to Beloit, Wis., at which place they died, her mother August, A. D. 1875, at the age of sixty -nine, her father in July, A. D. 1880, at the age of seventy-nine years. Five children survive them - David A., Harry Adams, Mrs. C. Miller, Mrs. W. C. Dustin and Mrs. Shead. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shead, they returned to Defiance, and Mr. Shead resumed his old business at his old stand heretofore mentioned, and continued there until the spring of 1859, when he sold and moved to Beloit, Wis. At the breaking-out of the rebellion of 1861-65, he enlisted in the first call for three months' men and served his time, when he returned home and engaged in the manufacture of reapers and mowers at Beloit. In the early spring of 1863, he returned with his family to Defiance, to engage in the lumber business in the old mill at the second lock, and is now engaged in the grocery business. Their children were Frank J., born August 13, 1856; Lucy C, born February 23, 1858, and May, who died in infancy. Their eldest and only son, Frank J., received his education mostly in Defiance, his birthplace. In the summer of 1870, during his vacation, he clerked in the grocery store of Booth & Aldrich. In May, 1873, he entered the Defiance National Bank, of Defiance, as collector and individual book-keeper. In 1876, he was made general book-keeper, and January 1, 1880, was made Assistant Cashier, which position he still holds. November 26, 1878, he was married to Miss Hattie D. Clarke, of Beloit, Wis. The fruit of this marriage has been two children - Frank Mills Shead, born November 20, 1879, died in infancy; Ralph Clarke Shead, born March 3, 1881.

Peter Schlosser was born in New Bavaria, Germany, in 1840; immigrated to this country, landing at New York August 10, 1861; thence going to Wyoming County, N. Y., stopping at the little town of Sheldon, where he married Miss Catharine Felker, August 20, 1861, who had immigrated at the same time from the same place, coming over on the same vessel with Mr. Schlosser. They had one child, John, who is carrying on business with his father at Defiance. Mr. Schlosser, being a wagon-maker by trade, worked for his brother in-law, Christopher Felaer, who was carrying on business at that time at Sheldon, N. Y., and worked for him one year, when he bought him out and carried on the business him-

Helf from 1803 to 180U; thou he sold and came to Dt^iance, arriviii;^ here December 7, 1809. His wife died here August 12, 1870. He was again married, January 28, 1871, to Catharine Shafer, of this phice, by whom he had four children - Frederick A., Franlclin M., G-eorgo and Lenhart P. In 187'2, Mr. Schlosser bought the property wliere he is now carrying on business, it being the pro, erty formerly owned by O. D. Eduiky, who made the purchase while a wood lot, in 18ri'2. Mr. liomky built the frame house now owned by Mr. Goodman. In 18S4, he built a drydock and a limekiln. About the same time, he bailt the frame dwelling in which Schlosser now lives. In hSTii) or 18(')(t, he built another dry-dock. In the spring of ISOTi, Mr. Romky sold out to Kamus & King, who continued the business about three years. About this time, Eamus built quite a large blacksmith shop, 20.\5(). Mr. .Ramus carried on the wagon and blacksmithing business till 1S72, when Mr. Schlosser bought him out and continued the business. In 187 4, Mr. S. put up another building, 24x34, twostory, using same for a wood work shop. In 1879, Mr. Schlosser found it necessary to increase the shops; accordingly, he put up his present commodious two-story brick, 32x72; adjoining this, in the rear, a frame of 40x00, for a warehouse and for storage of wagon material, etc. The upper story of the brick is used as a paint and trimming shop, the lower for blacksmith and wagon shop, giving fifteen to twenty men employment, turning out heavy lumber wagons, heavy and light spring wagons and buggies; lumber sleighs a specialty in their season; about one hundred set of bob-sleighs sold this winter, 1880-81. Lay Whitney Richardson, born December 25, 1880, in Canton, St Lawrence Co., N. Y. , was the son of J. L. and Delia (McCulloch) Richardson, and was raised on a farm, and resided with his parents in St. Lawrence County until about eighteen years of age, when he came to Defiance County with his parents, in the spring of 1848, having received the usual common school education allowed to boys of his age at that time, by attending school at the old stone sohoolhouse in Sou.th Canton, N. Y., in the winter scuison, with an addition of one term at the academy at Canton Village. After coming to Defiance, he remained at home with his father and assisted iu clearing up a farm, purchased by his father, of 100 acres of wild land (situated about two miles west from Brunersburg, on what was then known as the Bellefontaine pike, near where Lyman Langdon now lives), working on the farm in summer and teaching a winter school in the winter season till the fall of 1852, when he came to Defiance and attended school during that winter, boarding with William Langdon, then Sheriff of Defiance County. In the spring of

1853, he clerked for John M. Stilwill, who then kept a general store, about opposite where the Russell House now stands, remaining with him about one year, when he went into the store of J. M. Boyd, who opened a store and bank in the same block, and soon after sold his stock to J. P. Rowen, of Napoleon, Ohio, and the subject of this sketch was transferred with the goods to Napoleon, to put up the goods and open the trade for the new proprietor. Napoleon then was but a small town and only contained but one other small store. This was just at the time the Toledo & Wabash Railroad was being built from Toledo to Fort Wayne, in the year A. D. 1855, and the greater portion of the trade consisted in supplies to contractors and hands then working on the railroad, and business was good. Mr. Richardson remained in the employ of Mr. J. P. Rowen, as salesman and general manager of the store, for about one year, when he purchased a stock of goods from Abner L. Backus and went into business for himself at Napoleon in A. D. 1850, and remained in trade there until 1800. In April, 1801, Mr. R. enlisted under the first call for 75,000 troops, on the 22d day of April, 1801, and enrolled, in less than three days' time, over one hundred of 'the best young men in Henry County. Mr. R. was tendered a commission on the start, but de clined, and went out as an Orderly Sergeant in Company F, of the Fourteenth Regiment, under Col. James B. Steadman, of Toledo; served in the campaigns of Western Virginia, participated in the battles of Phillipi, Va. , Laurel Hill, Cheat River, capture of Gen. Garnett's command, and all the marches and campaigns of West Virginia till August, 1801. The term of enlistment having expired, the regiment returned to Toledo, and was mustered out, Company F, having had the singular misfortune to lose their Captain, A. Crawford, and First Lieutenant, J. D. Belnap, both having been accidentally shot by their own men. Mr. Richardson, after returning to Napoleon, re-enlisted again in October, 1801, for three years, in Compauy G, Sixty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, organized at Napoleon by Col. S. H. Steadman, Maj. R. K. Scott. James G. Haly and others, at Camp Latty, near Napoleon. Mr. R. entered the service again as Orderly Sergeant, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant of the company at Vicksburg in A. D. 1803, and to First Lieutenant before Atlan*;a in A. D. 1804; was in all the campaigns, marches and battles in which the regiment was engaged, in the Seventeenth Army Corps of the Army of the Tennessee, under the command of Gen. U. S. Grant, from the commencement of his campaigns at Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Corinth, Miss., and down the Mississippi to Vicksburg, during the siege and at the surrender of the same, and on to Jaokson, through the Atlanta campaign and with Sherman to the sea, and to Savannah, and was mustered out of service at Savannah, Ga. , January 3, 1865, never having missed a day's dvity or a battle in which his regiment was engaged while in the service, Mr. Richardson, on the 10th of Januaiy, 1805, turned his face hoaieward, taking steamer at Hilton Head for Now York, and from there by rail to Washington, D. C, where he lemained about ten days, settling his accounts at the Quartermaster General's office, for ordnance and other stores of Companies G, F and E, of the Sixry-eighth Regiment, of which he had been in command while in the regiment. He went to the capitol, and called on the President, Abraham Lincoln, shook hands with him, and said to him, " IMi'. President, I have served under yoiT, as Commander-in-Chief, for nearly four years, and am now honorably discharged, and on my way home am come to see you, and say good-bye, and God bless you." He said he was glad to meet the old veterans, and wished me "good luck. " This was only a few weeks before he was shot. Mr. R. arrived home at Defiance in February, 1865, and in March, 1865, went into the store of E. P. Lindenberger, near the Maumoo bridge, as salesman for five or six years. In 1866, March 28, Mr. Richardson married Miss Mary Met?,, of Defiance, Ohio, who was born at Columbus, Ohio, February 8, 1839. Their family consists of four children - Florence M. , born April 16, 1867; Hattie Pearl, April 29, 1868; Harry, born July 8, 1869, died March 21, 1871; Ralph Roswell, Sej^tember 12, 1871, and Nellie, born at Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio, April 15, 1878. His mother died March, 1875. at Pioneer, Muskingum Co., Ohio, aged sixty- nine years; his father, at the same place January 31, 1881, aged seventy-eight years. In the spring of 1860, Mr. R. was appointed as Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for the counties of Defiance and Paulding, under Col. George E. ^Yells, then Assessor of the Tenth District, with headquarters at Toledo. About two years thereafter, a consolidation was made, and his territory increased by the addition of Henry, AVilliams and Putnam Counties. In A. D. 1873, the office of Assessor was abolished, and the business was done by the Collector and Deputy Collectors, when he was appointed Deputy for the above counties, which position he held till the spring of 1874, when he again went into the dry goods business with A. M. Shead and C. M. Thrall, under the firm name of Shead, Thrall & Co., in the new brick building then just completed by William D. Hill, in what is known as the Keystone Block, on Clinton street; another store was run at Cary, Wyandot Co., Ohio, at the same time. This firm continuefl about one year, when Mr. Richai-ds purchased the store at Cary, withdrew from the firm, and removed with his family from Defiance to Cary and opened up business in Lis own name, and continued till the fall of 1877, when he sold and removed to Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio, where he resided till the spring of 1879, when he returned to Defiance, his former home, where he now resides, and is now engaged in the real estate, insurance, collection and claim agency business, with office in the Eagle Block, corner of First and Clinton streets.

Robert Cary, born January 1, 1842, is son of David and Nancy (Harter) Cary, in Putnam County, Ohio (then Williams County), on the Auglaize River, near the mouth of Hog Creek, on a farm entered by his grandfather, Rufus Cary. His father, David Cary, was about twelve years old when his parents moved from Shelby County, Ohio, to the farm where he resided for forty years. On this farm Robert Cary was born, and remained with his parents till he was twenty years of ago, when he enlisted in Company I, Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served about two years, and was badly wounded while skirmishing near Chattanooga, Tenn. His grandparents, Cary and Harter, were both soldiers in the Indian war, and were with Gen. Wayne at Fort Defiance. Mr. Cary was married, September 17, 1865, to Martha E. Williams,, of Delaware County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Polly (Budd) Williams, and was born February 27, 1846. Her father died when she was about one year old; her mother lived to be sixty years of age, and died January, 1881. Mr. Cary had two children, Alice V. and Eva May; the youngest, Eva May, died February 9, 1881, at the age of eleven years. Mr. Gary's father died at Charloe, Paulding Co., Ohio, May 12, 1878. His mother is now living in Defiance, where she was partly raised, and went to school in the blockhouse on the Fort Grounds, which was then used for a schoolhouse. Mr. Cary located in Defiance County in 1867; was elected as Justice of the Peace for two terms; studied law for two years with Hill & Myers, of this town, and afterward engaged in the business of collecting soldiers' claims for bounty, pensions, etc., being a badly crippled soldier himself, thus fitting him the better to look after the just claims of his comrades. Mr. Cary is now devoting his whole time to this business. Office in Eagle Block.

John A. Foust was born March 24, 1852, in Jefferson Township, Williams County, Ohio. His parents, Benjamin S. and Priscilla (Markle) Foust were , born, the former in Bucks County, Penn., the latter in Ciroleville, Ohio. They had a family of six chil dren - Mary A., who died in infancy; George W., who also died in infancy; Lydia C, John A., Effie and Ella. John A., the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days working on his father's farm iu suiumor and attending the district school in winter, until about sovonteen, when he entered the Mykrantz College at Bryan, Ohio, where he remained aboat two years, when he entered the shop of A. B. Stoner, of West Unity, Ohio, to learn the blacksmith business, where he remained two and a half years, then started out as a tramping " jour," all over the countiy, until July 14, 1872, at which time he was married to Miss Mary A. Crethers, only daughter of Lindsay Crethers, of Stark County, Ohio. The fruit of this marriage has been three children - Oracle, born July 12, 1873, deceased September 12, 1874; Freddie L., born May 28, 1871; Maudie, born December

2, 1880. After his marriage, Mr. Foust settled down to his trade in Hicksville, in this county, where he did a vi-ry extensive and thriving business until the fall of 1880, when ho was elected Sheriif of the county, and entered upon the duties of the office the first Monday of January, 1881. At the county convention held at Defiance, in June, 1882, he received the unanimous vote of the conventi(m for a second term, and at the election held in October of the same year was re-elected by a handsome majority. Mr. Foust is a Democrat, a man of simple, sterling character, {jossessing many good qualities, and has the respect of a wide circle of friends, hot simply in the party of which he is a member, out among his political opponents as well.

James B. Heatley was born in Union Town, Monroe County, Va., August 18. 1819. His father, Moses Heatley, and molher, Mary (Foster) Heatley, were by birth, the former a Pennsylvanian, the latter a Virginian lady. They were married at Union Town, Va., and had eight children - Elizabeth, James B., Martha, Parmelia, Clarissa, Mary, Maria and John O. Of these, three are living - James B., Clarissa and Mary. Clarissa married Jason Carman; Mary was married to John E. Deardorfl', Both sisters are now living in San Francisco, Cal. James B., was married to Rebecca Oarman, of Defiance Township, October 17, 1850, by whom six children were born - Lorenzo D., born December, 1851, died July

3, 1881; George A., born July 5, 1853; Millie E., born August 7, 1855; Rebecca E., born November 9, 1857; Parmelia and John D., who died quite young. Mrs. Heatley' 8 parents, George P. Garman and Rebecca (Frankenberger) Garman, came from Pennsylvania in 1831, to Stark County, Oliio, and from there to .Defiance County in 1847, and settled on south side of the Auglaize, about two miles up the river from town, where they both died on their farm. Moses Heatley, father of James B., emigrated from Monroe County, Va., Ohio, in 1821, with his family, consisting of his wife and two oldest children, Elizabeth and James B., the latter of whom was about two years' old, stopping for about three years at or near Dayton, Ohio, working at his trade in the tannery until 1824, when, hearing of the country in the neighborhood of Defiance, he packed up and with his ox team followed the army trail until he reached Blodget's Island, two miles up the Auglaize River. Arriving at Defianoein the fall of 1821, he stopped the first night with Robert Shirley, who lived in a double losr cabin made from a block-house of I'ort Defiance, and located on or near the lot now owned by A. M'. Shead. We give his recollections in his own words. He says : " In 1824, this town was very thick woods - except a strip running up the Auglaize River, from the mouth to a short distance above where the Lutheran Chui'ch now stands, and extending west to the present route of Clinton street. A tannery was located on the deep ravine near the present outlet of the canal, built by James Jolly. At the time James B. Heatley came to this town, there were but three houses here, all of which were built from the old block-house of Port Defiance. The early settlers had great difficulty iu raising their log cabins, owing to the scarcity of men. Frequently it would take two or three days to obtain sufficient help. They had to go as far as Blanchard's Fork for help - a distance of thirty miles. For two years after moving to Defiance our staff of life consisted of corn bread alone. The first year we pounded our corn in a kind of mortar, after the fashion of the Indians. A basswood tree of about twelve inches diamet*r was cut down and a block cut and made to stand on end, a tire built thereon and kept burning until a hole was burned to the depth of about eight or ten inches - this was our mortar. We fastened a stick on an iron wedge and putting the corn in this mortar, pounded it until it was as fine as could be gotten - which, of course, was not very fine. Mother would mix it with milk, the best she could, and spread it on what we called a Johnny-cake board. This board was made of a clapboard, tapering at each end and about three feet long and seven inches wide. It was set up edgewise to the fire,in an old-fashioned cabin fire-place. We knew nothing about stoves until about 1830, cooking altogether by fire-places. While OLir corn was yet soft, we grated it, mixed and baked in the above stated manner. In this way we were compelled to live for about two years. After that, a stone-cutter came to this part of the country. He took two flint stones, working out two buhrs about eighteen inches in diameter, and four or five inches thick. The lower buhr was stationary, while the upper one stood on a pivot, just like a mill stone; on top, a hole was drilled about one inch and a half deep, on one side of the center. Then a pole the size of a broom handle, was placed in this and extending up- right to the joist. Sometimes we drove a staple for it to work in. \\'e could then work it with one hand. This made tolerable good meal. We owned one cow, which we called Eigga. This cow we brought with us from the Miami country. I think we raised ten head of cattle from her, which gave us a good start for stock. Old Eigga was a good cow. Mother often used to say the old cow almost raised us children. The way we used to farm, after our horse died, was the same as the Indians did. In planting our corn we iised what was called a square hoe, which was about three inches wide and sis inches long. We would strike it in among the stumps and roots to open a hole to drop in the corn. Then when it was ready to work, we could do better with the same kind of a hoe among the roots, as many of the early settlers know. I think it was two years after we came that we got our first mill flour. It was from Waterville just below the head of the Eapids." Mr. James B. Heatley has held several township and county offices; was Township Treasurer two years. Assessor in 1849-50 and IS-il; was elected Recorder in 1851 and reelected in 1854, serving six years as Eecorder. Also has served over thirty years as Township Constable. Mr. Heatley had but very little advantage for an early education. He being the oldest boy, was obliged to assist his father in clearing the land and do what he could toward the support of the family. He went to school to William A. Brown and learned to read and write, which was the extent of his schooling until after he was of age; then, by applying himself to such books as were within his reach and by attending night school, he managed to get his education. Mr. Heatley is now in his sixty-second year, and says there is not a person now living within the corporate limits of Defiance who was here \vhen he came - and he knows of none living.

Joseph Ealston was born in Hanover, Daup hin County, Penn., June 20, ISIS. His father, William Ealston, was born in Mount Joy, York County, Penn., March 26, 1701 ; hib mother, Jane (Eouch) Ealston, was born in Hanover, Dauphin County, Penn., December 11, 1797; they were married July 17, lSi7; had a family of ten chikh'en, viz. : Joseph, Harriet, Maria, George A., Henry P., William E., Jane, Susan, Eebecca A. and James. Of these, two died, Jane at sixteen years of age, and Maria at forty-two. In 1824, his parents moved to Lebanon, Lebanon County, in the same State, where he attended the Lebanon Academy, graduating from that institution in isyi. In March, 18::!2, he with his parents started for Ohio, and after seventeen days travel overlana arrived at Massillon, Ohio, on the 10th day of April, and soon after settled on a farm nearby, where his parents died - Mr. Ralston, August 10, 1858, and

Mrs. Ralston May 30, 1868. Joseph assisted on the farm until the age of eighteen, when he commenced teachinsf school, and continued at that vocation six years. Jime 23, 1839, he was married to Ann E. Shorb, of Stark County, Ohio, whose parents were born in Frederick County, Md., and immigrated to Stark County, Ohio, in 1820, where her mother died in August, 1833. Her father removed to Fairfield, in Wayne County, 111., in 1847, near which place he died in 1868. They had a family of ten children, viz. . Mary C, Ann C, John F., Frances C, Harriet, Ann B., Sarah, James, Thomas and Margaret. Mr. Ralston remained in Stark County about three years after his marriage, when he concluded to seek his fortune in the West. Accordingly, in October, 1843, he and his family, consisting of his wife and sou, William Henry (then one year old), took passage on a canal boat on the Ohio Canal at Massillon, for Cleveland; there embarked on the old steamer Superior for Toledo; leaving the wharf in the evening in a gale, the storm increased so much that in about three hours the boat returned to her dock at about 11 P, M. and started out at 4 P. M. of the next day, arriving at Toledo next morning. Here he took passage on the canal boat Red Lion, for Defiance, arriving there October 10, 1843. Here he met an old acquaintance, Samuel P. Cameron, and was induced to settle in Washington Township, where Georgetown is now located, and occupied a small log cabin on the land of Mr. Cameron until he could secure a place for his future home, which he did by selecting 80 acres of land in the southwest part of Section 31 in Tiffin Township, on the bank of Mud Creek, being the first settler on that stream. He commenced the cleariug o£ the forest preparatory to putting up a house, which in those days was quite an undertaking, owing to the scarcity of help, which had to come from two to six miles. The season was an exceedingly wet one, which proved quite a hindrance, as he had to gather his help five times, but after a time he succeeded, and moved into it, and was "monarch of all he surveyed, " for his neighbors were not plenty, the nearest, Parmenus Kibble, Reuben Brown and John Partee, were two miles away, on the north; on the east, on the " Bellefontaine " road, was Brunersburg, four miles, then a small village; on the west was " Orago Hotel," six miles off, on the bank of Lick Creek; on the south it was four miles to the Maumee, and west the forest was unbroken for twenty miles. After Mr. Ealston made a break, he was soon followed by Solomon Stoner, who settled on an adjoining lot, and David Strawser, the following fall, settled on the Bellefontaine road near by. Among his neighbors were Lyman Langdon, Reubeu Brown, John Partee, John Post, Levi Tarr and Mathew and William

Pierce. The first sohoolhouse in his vicinity was near Mr. Kibble's farm, and known as the Kibble Sohoolhouse. After clearing a part of this farm, putting up a hewed log lionso (which is in gooil condition now), sotting out an orchard, carrying the trees on his back from ]<luo8 Tarteo's farm (six miles), and making several improvements, he sold out to Samuel Clinker, in 1850, and in the spring of 1X51 moved to Defiance and purchased the place he now resides on, and also purchased an interest in the firm of Tattle & Bruner, who were ongagod in a g(^iui/'al merchandising and produce biisiness; continuing in this business, he bought out the other parties and continued t]u\ dry goods business about three years, on the north side of the Maumee, in the building now occupied by Hall & Killey as undertakers. He then sold, and formed a partnership with Gen. Gilson (the first banker of Defiance) for one year, and started a hardware store, o]iposite the Russell House, ou Lot No. yy, opening out in May, 1857. In August, he purchasoil Mr. (Tilson's interest,and continued alone until ISOO, when L. E. Myers became a partner, by consolidating his tin and stove store. The firm which became Kalston & Myers then built the two frame buildings recently removed from the Lot No. 100, now occupied by Messrs. Switzer & Kehnast's brick block. In 1802, Mr. Ralston sold his interest in the hardware, and retired from the mercantile business. In 1860, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and at the end of his term was, in 1803, appointed by the Government Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Tenth Collection District, and Deputy Collector of Revenue thereafter. In 1868, he received the appointment of Special Agent for the Post Ofiice in Defianc(>, and in INliU, was appointed Postmaster, in which capacity he served four and a half years, when ho resigned and gave his attention to raising fine sheep, and is now engaged in raising fine Dui-ham antl Jersey cattle. Mr. R. has several fine farms, in all about 530 acres, including 187 acres in the corporate limits of the city of Defiance. The products of one of his farms on the Maumee, containing 144 acres, IIT) of which is cleared, were in 1880, 780 bushels of wheat, 1,240 bushels of oats, 2,000 bushels of corn, 02 bushels of Mammoth clover seed, and about 60 tons of hay. Mr. Ralston has a family of seven children, viz. ^ Ann M., William H., Sarah J., Orlando L,, L. Clayton, Clara A. and Lake E. ; of these three died, Ann M., in infancy, L. Clayton at twentythree years and one month of age, and Clara A. at twenty-three years and five months. The remainder of his family are distributed as follows: Sarah J., now Mrs. Bowen, is located at Denver, Colo. , and has a family of live children - Harry R., Annie, Samuel A*., Albert H. and Jennie; Annie died in infancy: AVilliamH. , is living near his father's residence, married C. E. Hudson, has two children - William H, Edwin F.; Orlando L., is on his farm, five miles up, and on the baak of the Maumee River, married Helena B. Rohn, have five children - Joseph, Eraest, Clara, Karl and Eugenia; and Lake E., residing at his father's house. Adam Wilhelm was born June 23, 1823, in North Prussia. His parents, Jacob and Odelia (Smith) Wilhelm, with their family, then consisting of foiuchildren, viz., John, Jacob Jr., Marian and Adam, immigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Stark County, Ohio, where he lived one year and then moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and remained there about three years. Here Marian, the only daughter, (tied at the age of seventeen years. In the spring of 1840, they moved to Brunersbnrg, and reinainiMl natil January, 1841, and removed to Henry County and settled on 80 acres of wild land, and he was obliged to cut the road a distance of three miles through the woods to get to it, an,d distant three miles from any white neighbors. Indians were numerous but friendly. Here the subject of this sketch, Adam Wilhelm, remained just long enough to assist his father and brothers in getting up their log cabin home and in clearing up about two acres, and in May, 1841, left the parental home to shift for himself, and walked to Independence, Ohio, where the Miami and Erie (Janal, as well as the State dam across tbe Maumee, were being coustructed. Here he got employment and hel])ed to lay the first timbers for the present dam, and was employed as teamster on the job, at di'iving oxen, in connection with Philip McCaulej'^, now a prosperous farmer of this county. In September, ho began work in the blacksmith shops of the State, and assisted Thomas * Garrett. In December, came to Defiance and worked for Benjamin Brubaker for his board, and attended school for the winter. The following year, C. L. Noble married Miss Brubaker and bought oiit Mr. Brubaker's stock of general merchandise. He then worked for Mi-. Noble at $8 per month and schooling; remained with him thi'ee years; was now getting $25 per month. In 1844, he clerked in S. Lyman's store and warehouse, remaiaing nine months, when he sold out his stock. Mr. Lyman retaining the building, rented one-half of the room to A\'ilhelm, using the other half for a tin shop. Here he (Wilhelm) commenced business on a very limited scale by selling bread and cakes, and small beer of his own manufacture, continuing at this until the following year-, 1845, when he took in Mr. S. Lyman as partner, he (Lyman) furnishing $75, which was invested in tobacco, candy, crackers, etc. In July, same year, sold out his interest to ilr. Lyman, and after paying oft" his indebtedness had $14 left. On th(^ following Sunday, Joseph Grosell, John Orf

(now in the milling business at Fort AVayne, Ind.) and himself were at the old fort grounds and they showed up their assets. He had $14, Orf , 114. 10 and Grosell, $14.3r>. On Monday, Mr. Wilhelm's father had a note of ?28 to pay, and he let him have the 114 to help meet it. This loft him penniless, but he had lots of friends. A young man named George Woodruff and himself hired out to S. S. Sprague, buying rnd shipping grain. In September, 1845, he took fharge of the toll bridge across the Maumee here, only getting his board from the company, but in addition he had the use of the toll house, 10x14 feet in size. Mr. Lyman assisted him to a Itttle stock of notions, he not having a dollar. Here he got a start doing well for himself and the bridge company. "While in charge at the bridge, three men wanted to cross and were informed that the toll was 3 cents each, but no extra charge for baggage, when one of them paid 3 cents and took the other two on his back and carried them over. Then he quit the bridge and went into the grocery business with G. M. Weisenberger, at the upper lock. At the end of eleven luonths, in the spring of 1846, he bought a farm of H, G. Phillips, of Dayton, Ohio, located at Independence Lock. One year after this, he was married to Miss Mary Ann liikart, of Fort Jennings, Putnam County, Ohio. The fruits of this union were nine children, viz, : John, born July 28, 1848; Barbara Elizabeth, born July 15, 1850, and died May 24, 1856; George Adam, born September IG, ]85"2, and died May 16, 1854; Jacob Adam, born February 22, 1850, died July 29, 1858; Franklin, born September 10, 1858; Mary Catharine, born September 27, 1862; Ann Amelia, born October 31, 1864; Clara Elizabeth, born July 13, 1866; Adam, Jr., born August'31, 1872, In the spring of 1850, he sold out his farm to G. B. Abel, with the intention of moving to Logansport, Ind., but on his way stopped over at Defiance to pay a farewell visit 1o his former partner and brother-in-law, and was induced by them to remain at Defiance; bought out Andrew Weisenberger and for the second time went into business with G, M, Weisenberger, After eleven months he bought out his partner's stock and real estate for $3,800, and continued doing a very successful grocery business until 1860. Then took in his clerk (John Kowe) as partner. For three years he had a very large lumber trade and made money fast. In 1866, he bought out his partner and built a brick building adjoining his grocery and started in the dry goods business. Not liking the business, at the end of three moQths sold his stock to A. A. Ayers, and moved his grocery into this building and continued the business until 1871, Then bought the Defiance Mills, and since that time has made the milling and real estate his principal business. In 1868, Mr.

Wilhelm took a trip across the waters once more to visit the home of his childhood, in company with Mr. Vandenbrock, of this place, since deceased, and visited all the principal cities o'F Europe. In 1875, he lost his first wife, and for his second wife he married Miss Rosa Virgho, February 20,1877, of Monroe, Mich., with whom he is still living. He served the county as one of its Commissioners six years, a member of the City Council six years, and a member of the School Board for six years. Has always been an ardent Rom.an Catholic, and aided very much in the cause of the church by liberal donations here in Defiance as well as in neighboring towns. When Mr. W. first came to this place, there were but two Catholic families residing here - F. Weisenberger's and T. Fitzpatrick's - and a few young men and women. In politics, Mr. Wilhelm has always been a Democrat, Mr, Wilhelm's father was a soldier imder Napoleon through the Spanish war. Out of a division of 5,000, only 276 were left, he being one of them, and these all wounded but nineteen, he among the rest. He had verylittle sympathy for Spaniards ; having seen them nail the French soldiers to barn doors He was born A. D. 1789, in Bavaria, Prussia, and died on his farm in Pleasant Township, Henry County, Ohio, 1874, aged eighty- five years. His wife, Odelia, was born in Prussia, A, D, 1795, and died in Henry County aged fifty- two years. John E., eldest son of Adam Wilhelm, is a partner with his father in the milling business, and has principal charge of the mill. He was married, November 7, 1877, to Miss Agnes M. Marantette, of Mendon, St. Joe County, Mich, They have two children, Fanny M, , aged four years, and Carl E,, aged about two years.

William A, Brown was born September 6, 1815, and died at Defiance, July 10, 1875, His father, William, was a scout for Gen, Hull, at Detroit, in the war of 1812, and performed many a trip as bearer of dispatches between Detroit and Fort Miami, on the Maumee River, little dreaming that forty years thereafter he would revisit the same place to find it a beautiful, thriving country. After the surrender of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, he returned to Richville, St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, and married Miss Mandana Rich, a daughter of Salmon Rich, and settled upon a farm near De Kalb Yillage, in said county, then as much a wilderness as it was here forty years ago. Here the sul^joct of this sketch was born, and a short time thereafter his father and mother removed about a liiile south of Richville, near the line of Governeur. From this place he attended school about three months in summer and three or four in winter, until about twelve years old when all the schooling ho got was about three or four months in winter, the balance of the time working upon the farm, until the winter of