Defiance Township (part 1 of 11)

Defiance Township

DEFIANCE was laid out in November, 1822, by Benjamin Leavell, of Piqua, and Horatio G. Phillips, of Dayton. The plat was acknowledged April 18, 1823, and recorded April 28, 1823, by Thomas R. McKnight, Recorder of Wood County. The original plat embraced 150 lots, and was located at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize, with Jackson street on the west and Fourth street on the south. The square in which the court house -now stands was reserved by the proprietors to be laid out into town lots, unless the town became a county seat, '"and forever continue to be," when it was to be uspd for public buildings. The " Old Fort Grounds " was a public donation on the same condition. The square between Jackson and Perry streets, and south of Fourth was a donation for a Methodist Church and burying-ground, and the square between Washington street and the Auglaize River, and south of Fourth, for a Presbyterian Church. H. G. Phillips, one of the proprietors, never resided at Defiance. He was a son of a Revolutionary officer, and one of the earliest settlers of Dayton, Ohio, an extensive land-holder and a man of unblemished character. He died at his home in Dayton, November 10, 1859. Benjamin Leavell became a resident of Defiance, and was its first innkeeper; he also kept the first store to supply white settlers. The store was located on the banks of the Maumee, at the foot of Jefferson street. His dwelling, the first frame building in the village, was a one and a half story, erected in December, 1822, on the northwest corner of Water and Jefferson streets opposite the fort grounds. The lumber for it was sawed at the Brunersburg Mill, which had been built the winter previous. Mr. Leavell's residence is still standing. In a few years, he sold his interest in the town to Curtis Hoi gate, of Utica, N. Y., and returned with his family to Piqua.

The site of Defiance was already occupied when the village was platted. Situated as it was in the heart of a populous Indian nation, it was the location of many a French trader long before permanent settlements were made by white men. Oliver M. Spencer, of Cincinnati, who was held a prisoner here in 1792, thus describes the place as it appeared:

" On the high ground, extending from the Maumee a quarter of a mile up the- Auglaize, about two hundred yards in width, is an open space, on the west and south of which are oak woods, with hazel undergrowth. Within this opening, a few hundred yards above the point, on the steep, high bank of the Auglaize, are five or six cabins and log houses, inhabited principally by Indian traders. The most northerly, a large hewed-log house, divided below into three apartments, is occupied as a warehouse, store and dwelling by George Ironsides, the most wealthy and influential of the traders on the point. Next to his are the houses of Pirault (Pero), a French baker, and McKenzie, a Scot, who, in addition to merchandising, follows the occupation of a silversmith, exchanging with the Indians his brooches, ear-drops and other silver ornaments at aa enormous profit, for skins and furs. Still further up are several other families of French and English, and two American prisoners, Henry Ball, a soldier, taken at St. Clair's defeat, and wife, and Polly Meadowc, captured at the same time, are allowed to live here, and by labor to pay their masters the price of their ransom, he by boating to the Rapids of the Maumee, and she by washing and sewing. Fronting the house of Ironsides, and about fifty yard^ from the bank, is a small stockade, inclosing two hewed-log houses, one of which is occupied by James Girty (brother of Simon), the other, occasionally, b) McKee and Elliott, British Indian Agents, living at Detroit."

Defiance was, before Gen. Wayne's time, and for some time after, a place for Indian consultations and payments, and was to them a place of great importance. It was held by the British down nearly to the war of 1812, and it was here that they made much mischief by tampering with the semi-hostile tribes. It is stated that at one of the Indian gatherings, about 1810, as many as fifty traders were here, having temporary stores or booths, coming from Detroit or Canada.

Broken at intervals, by the erection of l^ort Defiance in 1794 by Gen. Wayne, and ,by the erection oi Fort Winchester in 1812, the French and Indian traders continued to dwell in cabins here, and barter with the red men, till the coming tide of emigration drove them and their dusky customers farther west. In 1819, William Travis, a pioneer of Noble Township, visited Fort Defiance, and found here seven cabins, occupied by French traders. A few Ameri- cans were also here. In old Port Winchester, John and William Preston were living. The former had married a daughter of Judge Ewing, of Troy, Miami Co., Ohio, and died soon after Mr. Travis came. John Driver, a silversmith, and family were here; his brother Thomas was also an early resident. Both moved farther v?est as omigrants began to people this vicinity. John Perkins, in 1819, lived at "(]amp No. 3," a short distance below Independence. Of the Frouch cabins, three stood in the point, near the old fort, two where the canal enters the Maumee, and two on the opposite side of the river. Peter Lumbard kept one of the trading houses on the point; L. A. Clair and Peter Bellaire occupied the cabins on the hill. In 1822, two Indian trading stores were kept, one north of the Maumee, on the hill owned by the Hollisters, of Perrysburg, and operated by Peter Bellaire and George Lance; the other owned by the Ferrys, of Michigan. It stood on the banks of the Maumee near the foot of Clinton street. Both these stores were removed from Defiance about 1 823.

William Preston, who was a soldier at Fort Winchester in 1812 is regarded as the first white permanent settler at Fort Defiance. He married a Miss Butler, whose brothers lived about eight miles below, on the Maumee. He was a farmer by occupation, intelligent, sober and industrious. He removed to St. Joseph Township, Williams County, where he died about 1828, Arthur Burris was the first blacksmith; his shop stood near the old apple tree north of the Maumee. Robert Shirley, with his family, came to Fort Defiance in the spring of 1821. The recollections of his daughter, Mrs. Ruth Austin, may be found in this volume. Dr. J hn Evans came in 1823. In 1824, he brought a large stock of goods from Maumee City, and o]ioned the first extensive store. Foreman and Albert Evans also came that year. The village gi-ew slowly. In 1825, it contained a small store, a tavern and five or six families. Among these were those of Robert Wasson. James Craig Timothy S. Smith and Isaac and David Hull. Isaac Hull kept a store on the tiorth Fide of the Maumee, and did an extensive trade with the Indians. P. C. Parker came in 1827; he kept a trading house on the Maumee bank. In 1829, a Mr. Waterhouse occupied the Pavilion House. In 1833, beside the foregoing, William Semans, Peter Bridenbangh, Frederick Bridenbnugh, Walter Davis and PiercS Taylor were here. A Mr. Kniss is said to have been the first shoemaker. Walter Davis was the first cooper. Jolly & Craig started the first tannery, nearly opposite the Russell House.

The following incident is related of one of the relics of the war of 1812: There were lying about the village sundry empty bombshells and a few cannon-balls. When the fort here was evacuated, some of the ammunition, bombshells and cannon-balls were thrown into the river. A part of these balls and shells were discovered by the early settlers and fished out. They were thrown upon the bank at Defiance, where every one who wanted one took it, and the remainder were kicked about as things of no value and as matters of idle curiosity and remark. One day, a loafing party amused themselves in picking the fuse out of three shells, when one of them thought it would be a good speculation to apply a coal'of fire to it. He did so, and the fierceness with which it commenced bm'ning suggested to them that they did not occupy an eminently safe place from which to witness the final result ; so they took a short recess, some over the bank and others behind stumps. They put off, pretty badly scared, and had barely reached their places of retreat before the shell exploded, manifesting a very destructive power. One piece struck Mr. Leavell's house, some eight or ten rods distant, leaving an indentation that demanded the aid of the carpenter; another struck a store, nearer the place of explosion, with still greater force, but no persoa was hurt.

At an early day, when Defiance could boast of having a log jail, and the Sheriff lived in a double log cabin in Bast Defiance, where now stands the brick.residenee lately owned and occupied by William Lewis, one of our early pioneers. His Honor the Sheriff, William Preston, had an Indian in Ihe lockup for stealing a watch. The custom of the Sheriff was to hang the key to the jail at the entrance of his double log cabin, and as court convened but once a year, several young men, thinking it rather expensive to the county to keep the Indian until next term of court, proceeded to the SherifTs residence, took the key from the porch and let the Indian out. Several young men being stationed at a convenient distance, with whips in hand, whipped the Indian out of town. The next morning, the Sheriff took dovra the key as usual, and started for the jail with the breakfast for his prisoner, but found no Indian. The boys had locked the door, and returned the key to its proper place. Frederick Bridenbangh, Allen Brochor. James Spofford and others were the boys who had the fu.n.

Population

In 1840, the population was less than three hun - dred. In this year, the county seat was removed to Bryan, and the future of Defiance was* not encouraging. Bruner.sburg, a thriving little villaffe two miles north, threatened to outstrip it in growth. Prior to 183fi, the site of Defiance was still almost wholly covered with the second forest gi-owth to which it had been abandoned in 1794. Its dwellings, houses and stores were frame buildings, set on wooden blocks.

and for the most part were shanties. Its business mostly trading with the Indians and hunters for pelts, which were then disposed of to traders who came this way. In 1842, the canal was built and trade increased. Three years later, the county seat was obtained, and a new growth commenced. In 1848, the village contained two churches, five mercantile houses and about seven hundred inhabitants. In 1850, it had reached 890, but the increase during the next decade was only fifty-two. In 1870, Defiance contained 2,750 inhabitants, and in 1880, 5,907.

Post Office

The first post office at Defiance was established May 19, 1821, and located on the north side of the Maumee Eiver, and kept by Timothy S. Smith in the same building in which he lived. In the fall of 1822, a small frame building, about ten or twelve feet square, was erected at or near the fort grounds, expressly for a post office on the south side of the Maumee, and still kept by Smith as Postmaster. The mail route at that time extended from Piqua to Perrysburg, a distance of about two hundred miles, running via St. Mary's (Auglaize County), Fort "Wayne (Ind.), thence to Defiance, and from Defiance to Waterville (distant about forty-two miles), and from there to the end of the route - Perrysburg.

Fort Defiance was the name of the office until March 10, 1824, when it was changed to Defiaace. The first bondsmen of Mr. Sniith were Peter G. O'Hara and Samuel Swing, for $700.

Incorporation

Tuesday in April, 1836, John Lewis was elected Mayor, and James Hudson, Jonas Colby, Amos Evans, Horace Sessions and Jacob Kniss, Trustees. The first entry on the book of minutes is a certificate, signed by Foreman Evans, Associate Judge, setting forth that John Lewis had appeared before him and taken the oath of office as Mayor. The Trustees qualified before the Mayor on the 16th of April, except Mr. Sessions, who declined to serve.

On the 7th of May, the Council held its first meeting. John Oliver was appointed to fill the vacancy. E. S. Perkins, who had been elected Recorder, being found not to be eligible (not having been resident sufficient time), George W. Crawford was appointed in his place, Amos Evans acting as Recorder for that meeting. The Council appointed John Hilton the Village Marshal. July 4, the Council met and appointed E. C. Case Assessor. July 17, Council met. Alfred Purcellwas appointed Treasurer, and the Recorder's fees fixed at "ten cents for every hundred words of writing performed for the Council, except for transcribing copies, where he should receive only eight cents." The Town Treasurer was required to give bond in the sum of $1,200, with " two freehold securities." The first ordinance of the town was passed at this meeting, in which the Old Fort Grounds were cared for, in providing "that any person or persons destroying the public point lying in the junction of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, either by shooting, chopping or digging, or in any way or manner whatever, upon conviction of which before the Mayor, shall be subject to a fine." December 30, Mayor Lewis resigned, and Dr. Crawford was appointed in his stead, and C. C. Waterhouse became Recorder. Ten feet on each side of the streets of the town were set off for sidewalks.

The expenses for the year 1836 were $1.75 for Record book, 18 cents for paper, $10.50 to the Recorder, 15.58 to the Assessor. There s'eems to have been no settlement made with the Marshal.

The tax of 1836 amounted to $244.98 on the lots. The town comprised only 150 lots, and a portion of these belonged to the county and were not taxable, and comprised within the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers and Harrison street on the west and Fourth street on the south.

The next regular election was held April 4, 1837, in the court house, resulting in the choice of C. C. Waterhouse for Mayor; George T. Hickox, Recorder, and S. S. Sprague, John Oliver, Amos Evans, Jacob Kniss, Benjamin Brubacher, Trustees. At the first meeting of the Council, William A. Brown was appointed Marshal, Erskine S. Perkins, Treasurer, and William C. Holgate, Supervisor.

elected Mayor, Ooorgo T. Hiokox, Eeoorder, and Lyman Langdou, Benjamin Brubacher, Horace Sus HioM, John B. Semans and William C. Holgate, Trustees - politically a Whig Board. April 11, Council appointed Seneca A. Sanford, Marshal, Amos S. Evans, Treasurer, AmosZollors, Assessor, and David E. Knoop, Supervisor.

April '25, Mr. Sanford having dooliiiod to serve as Marshal, James M. Kood vyas appointed to Hll the vacancy. At this meeting, the rnlo of taxation was changed, so as to include " all property made taxable by the State of Ohio, for State and county purposes," the assessment to be made between the 1st day of April and the let day of May in each year.

May 22, one- third of one per cent was levied for town purposes. An appropriation was luade for the purpose of draining the low grounds lying between the court house square and the Methodist Church. In many phxoos this has since been filled live and six feet, to roach the present grade. Amos S. Evans having removed from the corporation, Robert Wasson was appointed Tr6asu.rer. Mr. HicliOx having died during the smnmer, William Semans was made Recorder for the balance of the year.

In 1839, C. V. EoycG was re-elected Mayor, Orlando Evans elected Recorder, and Jacob Kniss, Lyman Langdon, Sydney S. Sprague, David C. Knoop and Jonas Colby Trustees - an equal divide between the parties.

At a meeting of the board on the 27th of July, sixteen and a half feet were set apart for sidewalks on all streets of the town except on Front street, whei-e the width was to be but twelve feet. During this year, the records show the appointment of John Kniss, James B. Laughlin and William Carter as Marshals.

In February, 1S40, the first sidewalks were ordered, " commoiicing at the corner of Jefferson and Third streeis, and running north on the west side of Jefferson street until it intersects Front street, thence west, on the south side of Front street, to the west side of Clinton street; thence soiith, on the west side of Clinton street, to the south side of Second street; thence east, to the east side of Clinton street; thence south, to the north side of Third street. Also, commencing on the south side of Front street, at the east side of Wayne sti-eet, and running south to the southwest corner of the court house. " There were not half a dozen houses in town then not accommodated by this route. The work was finished the next year. W. D. Haymaker furnishijig the lumber at $10.37 per thousand, and Evans & Royce laying the walk at 30 cents per rod. The walks were bxit three feet in width.

B. Semans was chosen Mayor, William C. Holgate, Recorder, and Horace Sessions, Orlando Evans, James S, Greer, William Semans and Jonas Colby, Trustees. One per centum tax was levied, and also subscriptions raised to aid in paying for the sidewalks ordered. The collections of the year amounted to $183.35, and the disbursements'to $189.05. Various ordinances and regulations were adopted this year for the protection of the new sidewalks.

1841 - Curtis Bates was chosen^Mayor, Levi Colby, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, James B. McLaughlin, Jacob Kniss, John H. Kiser and Edwin Phelps, Trustees - -a Democratic Board. F. F. Stevens was appointed Marshal,

1842 - C. V Royce was chosen Mayor, I. P. E. Whedon, Recorder, and Amos Zellers, James B. Langhlin, Jacob Kniss, Z. H. Davis and Elias Shirley, Trusiiees, Mr. Stevens continuing Marshal.

In 1841, an addition, known as the First Addition to the village of Defiance, Ohio, was laid off by H. G. Phillips and Curtis Holgate, extending around the old town plat on the south and west from the Auglaize and Maumee, including the blocks between Jackson and Harrison streets, was, by a special act of the Legislature, annexed to the corporation in 1844. In 1847, after the organization of the new county of Defiance, a tax of $1,000, by a special act, was levied in the town, to aid the county in the construction of the first free bridge across the Maumee River.

1844 - George W. B. Evans was chosen Mayor, M. C. Canfield, Recorder, and I. P. E. Whedon, Angus L. Downs, James Cheney, Orlando Evans and William A. Brown, Trustees.

1845 - John M. Stilwill, Mayor; Jonas Colby, Recorder, find William A. Brown, Edwin Phelps, Jacob Kniss, D. W. Marcellus and John Wells, Trustees.

1846 - William Carter, Mayor; Jonas Colby, Recorder, and William A. Brown, Angus L. Downs, D. W. Mai-cellus, Edwin Phelps and Sidney S. Sprague, Trustees.

1847 - William Carter, Mayor; Jonas Colby, Recorder, and William A. Brown. Angus L. Downs, John Stilwill, S. S. Sprague and F. J. Weisenberger, Trustees.

1848 - William Carter, Mayor; William Teats, Recorder, and F. J. Weisenberger, S. S. Sprague, Angus L. Downs, William A. Brown and J. M. S ilwill, Trustees.

1849 - Nathan M. Land] s, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Timothy Fitzpatrick, Seneca A. Sanford, J. W. Phillips, Hugh J. Mai-cellus and F. J. Weisenburger, Trustees.

1850 - Henry C. Boutou, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, Edwin Phelps, J. M. Stilwill, D. D. Lovejoy and Peter Zimmerman, Trustees.

1851- -Sidney S. Sprague, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and "W'illiam O'Connell, William E. Enos, F. J. Weisenburger, S. M. McCord and Jacob J. Greene, Trustees.

1852 - John M. Stilwill, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and D. W. Marcelhis, Henry C. Bouton, James B. Kimball, Levi Rider and F. J. Weisenburger, Trustees.

1853 - William Moore, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Alexander Backus, Jacob J. Greene, Angus L. Downs, F. J. Weisenburger and Amos Zellers, Trustees.

1854 - Alexander Backus, Mayor William Richards, Recorder, and William Moore, Angus L. Downs, John M. Stilwill, Jacob J. Greene and William A. Brown, Trustees.

1855 - Charles Parsons, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Thomas D.Harris, Ira Richardson, James L. Olney, David W. Marcellus and Edward P. Lindenburger. Trustees.

1856 - Angus L. Downs, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, Edwin Phelps, William Carter, James B. Heatley and William Moore, Trustees.

1857 - William Carter, Mayor; James B. Heatley, Recorder, and Edwin Phelps, Jonas Colby, S. R. Hudson, A. A. Downs and J. W. McKim Trustees.

1858 - David Taylor, Mayor; William E. Kintigh, Recorder, and J. W. McKim, J. P. Buffington, L. E. Myers, Benjamin Myers and E. Shipley, Tnistees.

1859 - William |Carter, Mayor; Edwin Phelps, Recorder; William Moore, Treasurer, and Jonas Colby, P. J. Weisenbtirger, P. Wolsiffer, William E. Enos and R. H. Gilson, Trustees. March 6, 1860, Henry Hardy was appointed Trustee in place of F. J. Weisenburger, deceased.

1863- Henry Hardy, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Recorder, and Martin Viebach, William HigginS, Martin Shondal, J. B. Heatley and Frederick Schultz, Council.

1864 - William Higgins, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Recorder; A. B. Crunkhilton, Treasurer; M. A. Perkins, E. Phelps, J. Karst, John Ruhl and Miohael Roorke, Council. July 5, M. A. Perkins resigned, and J. H. Bevington appointed.

1866 - S. T. Sutphen, Mayor; E. H, Gleason, Recorder; A. Wilhelm, Treasurer; J. Karst, F. Trompe, Job English. J. H. Kiser, A. Dolke, Council.

1870 - J. W. Slough, Mayor, two years; Abijah Miller, Clerk, two years: J. M. Preisendorfer, Treasurer, two years; Conrad Moore, Marshal, two years; Peter Moore, Street Commissioner, two years. Council - J. J. Greene, two years; F. W. Graper, two years; C. C. Tuttle, two years; Thomas T. Cowen, one year; J. H. Bevington, one year; William Ferguson, one year.

HOTELS. In the summer of 1823, Dr. John Evans built on the opposite corner of Front and Jefferson streets, into which he moved his family in November of that year. To this he soon afterward built a large twostory adlitioQ, of a sufficient capacity for a store and hotel, which he ran for a number of year.s, and sold out to Thomas Warren and William Travis, who occupied it for a time.

C. C. Waterhouse next became proprietor, and connected therewith a four-horse stage, rnnning to Maumee City. At this time, the hotel took the name of Pavilion. Connected with this hotel at an early day (says John D. Graper), was a barn sufficiently large to accommodate over night fourteen to sixteen horses, in which there was not a nail or scrnp of iron used in its construction. Wood pins were used in place of nails, hinges and latches of wood, and the clapboards were weighted down by poles.

In later years, A. D. 1858, Virgil Squire (deceased) purchased the old Pavilion property. His widow, Rebecca A. Squire, now owns and occupies the samer. The youngest son, Edward, who also occupies with his mother, says he well recollects of a portion of the old Pavilion and also the old barn standing when his father bought the premises, and which he has since assisted in pulling down and clearing up the grounds, and the corner of Front and Jefferson, where once stood the grand old Pavilion, now forms a portion of the door yard to Mrs. Squire's residence, with here and there a bowlder scattered through the yard, once the corner-stone of "ye old Pavilion."

Exchange Hotel. - Ahont 1827 or 1828, Payne C, Parker built on the corner of Front and Clinton streets, where the furniture store of Hoffman & Geiger now stands, for a store and hotel, in which he carried on business for several years. Then he rented it to Blackman & Stoddard, in 1834 or 1835. John W. Moore kept it about one year. Lyman Langdon next occupied and went in 1836 or 1837, and ran it five or six years, and under his administration it took the name of Exchange. Next followed C. J. Freedy and Samuel Rohn in 1841. Rohn remained but a short time, and sold his interest to Allen Braucher. Next was Samuel Greenlee, who took possession in 1847 or 1848. C. L. Noble next occupied, and continued until it burned down in June 6, 1852, an account of which we clip from the' Defiance Banner of June 10, 1852, as follows:

" The old and well-known Exchange buildings were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning last. The fire was discovered about 1 o'clock in the hotel stables, in which eleven horses were burned. The buildings were the property of Col. J. D. Phillips, of Dayton, Ohio, who had no insurance. The hotel was occupied by C. L. Noble, partly insured; D. Taylor's law office, furniture, etc. , mostly saved. A. M. Richards' saddler shop, loss about $150; and William Ferguson's tin and stove store, loss about $500. The Bantier building was partly saved, by great exertion of the citizens. Dr O. Allen's drug store was in imminent danger. P. Evans and Lindenberger had their goods considerably damaged in removing them."

Clinton House - The next hotel in Defiance was built by Amos Evans on the corner of Clinton and Second streets, where now stands the finest birsiness block of Defiance, the three-story stone front built by C. A. Flickinger and J. B. Weisenburger.

The hotel was built in A. D. 1835 or 1836, and kept as a boarding house by Conrad Slagle during the time of the building of the canal Was opened up as a hotel in 1844, and kept by Norman King, who also carried on the gunsmith business, and the hotel took the name of Clinton House. Just how longMf. King carried on the business we have Inot been able to ascertain, but probably about five or six years, for the next record we find is under the head of American House, in the spring of 1851, and kept byCha«les W. Carey. About five months thereafter, August 21, 1851, we find B. B. Southwortli as proprietor. On March 6, 1854, Larkin Heacock went in, and ran it two years, and following him, as near as we can learn, John Daly, and was called "Daly's Exchange. " Following him was J. E. Mellen, Lysander Williams, Elliott Oosgrov^e, Dr. Benn, Aaron Bennett and Samuel Kintigh.

The Grc'i] House, corner of Third and Jefferson streets, was built in 1836 or 1837 by John L. Grey. In 1854, when the cholera raged badly in this town, there were several cases of cholera in this house, and by accident or otherwise this hotel burned down the latter part of July, 1854, and that was the end of the Grfey House. It stood on the corner of Jefferson and Third streets, where William Carter's residence now stands.

A hotel on the north side of the Maumee, standing near the "Big Apple tree," was built in 1832, and kept by Alfred Powell; next by Mr. Ames, as a grocery and store, and used as a packing-house; next by Benjamin Weidenhamer; afterward by Mr. Stone, as a hotel and marble shop. This, too, came to an end by lire, the same as the Grey House, in the summer or fall of 1854, "cholera times."

Washington Hotel, on the hill. North Defiance, was built first for a dwelling house in 1840, by one Mr. Moore. Afterward was bought, enlarged and 'opened to the public, in 1845, by H. E. Major, who kept it as a hotel up to February, 1852. He then rented the property to John Bostater for three years, who afterward assigned his lease to Burk & Struble, who dissolved partnership soon after. The house was. kept by James Burk up to September of same year, when Mr. Struble took possession, and remained its landlord up to February, 1855. The property was then bought by Aaron Gary, of Crawford County, . Ohio, who kept it for two or three years longer. Afterward, it was traded and sold several times, and finally came into possession of P. Wolsiifer. who converted it into a private residence.

Exchange Hotel - On the north side of the Maumee River, was built, by Henry B. Hall, contractor and builder, in 1849 or 1850, for Eenben Straight, for a hotel, and was kept by him for several years; then followed Frederick Cox, Samuel Kintigh, Lorenzo Thomas, George Thompson, and last, Gideon Yarlot, who now owns and occupies the same as a residence,

The Crosby Tlouse was bnilt for a dwelling in 1869 or 1870, by Mike Shnltz. Mr. Crosby, however, had the building converted into a hotel, and conducted it for four or five years; after which Mr, Shultz acted in the double capacity of owner and proprietor. While in his possession, the building was bn.rned, but was immediately rebuilt, and J. E. Casebeer became proprietor, who ran it till June, 1883, when it again passed into the hands of Mr. Shultz. Mr. Casebeer moved to Toledo, and re-opened the American House in that city, under the name of the Merchants' Hotel.

The Russell House - This commodious hotel was commenced by Sidney S. Sprague, but his affairs becoming involved, it was completed under the direction of a receiver, R. H. Gilson, in 1858. Charles Russell was the first proprietor, from 1858 to 1863, and from him the house received its name, which it has ever since retained. After Mr. Russell severed his connection with this house, he was proprietor for a time of the Forest City House, Cleveland, and at the time of his death, June 1, 1874, was proprietor of the Lake House, Sandusky. Larkin Heacock ran the Russell House from April, 1863, to April, 1866, and was succeeded by Elijah Shipley, who remained in possession until May, 1873. William 0. Hutchinson and Mr. Jackson were each successively proprietors for a short time, and_in February, 1877, Simon P. Moon became the owner and proprietor. He disposed of the property to the Frost Brothers, and under their ownership N. H, Webb took possession, June 1. 1877, continuing until December, 1880, when it passed into the hands of Mr. R. H. Harrison. August 15, 1882, he associated with him Mr. William Kirtley, Jr., became connected with the house, and it is now run under the firm name of Harrison & Kirtley.

Banking In Defiance

The present system of banking was instituted by Ahira Cobb and Virgil Squire. These gentlemen were conducting a dry goods store here at the time of the failure of the banking house of R. H. Gilson & Co. The village being left without any banking facilities whatever, they commenced selling exchange upon Eastern points to the different mercantile establishments here, but received no deposits.

In the year 1861, these gentlemen disposed of their stock of dry goods to Christian Harley, who had been clerking for them for some time previous, and opened up an exclusive banking and exchange office. The bank was opened under the [name of the Banking House of Cobb & Squire, who were Ahira Cobb and Virgil Squire, Mr. Cobb living in Cleveland, Ohio, and giving no personal attention to the busi ness. Mr. Squire lived here, and personally managed the business of the bank. The banking room was what is now the rear office of the Russell House, with an entrance on First street. In June, 1866, Edward Squire, a son of Mr. Squire, returning from college, was given a place in the office as partner. This partnership continued until 1869, when Mr. Cobb withdrew entirely from the business, Mr. Squire remaining. He then associated himsoif with James A. Oroutt and Joseph Ralston. These three gentlemen then opened the Defiance County Bank, with a capital paid in of about $20,000, with Virgil Squire as President and Edward Squire as Cashier. The banking room was at this time removed from the location in the Russell House to the corner of Clinton and Second streets, into a building just completed and owned by M^'. George Brunor, of Puncannon, Penn. The increasing population of Defiance and its expanding business enterprises were taxing the limited bankinocapital of this bank for accommodations. More capital was added and other parties admitted as partners until, in 1871, there was paid in a capital of 150,- 000. During the summer of this year, it was concluded best by the proprietors of this bank to merge the same into a National Bank. They were successful in their application to the Government for a charter, and on January 1, 1872, the Defiance National Bank was opened for business, with a paid-up capital of $100,000, with Virgil S(£uire as President, Henry Kahlo, Vice President, and Edward Squire, Cashier, and the following Board of Directors: Virgil Squire, James A. Orcutt, Henry Kahlo, John Crowe, Joshua P. Ottley, "William Lauster and Edward Squire.

By the death of Virgil Squire, in May, 1874, the Presidency of the bank became vacant, and was filled by the election of James A. Orcutt. Henry Kahlo retiring, Joshua P. Ottley was elected Vice President.

The Board of Directofs at this time, A. D, 1883, are James A. Orcutt, Joshua P. Ottley, Edward Squire, Joseph Ralston, Benjamin F. Southworth, Charles E. Slooum and B. W, Slagle. James A. Orcutt, President; Edward Squire, Cashier; P. J. Sheah, A.ssistant Cashier.

The MerchaiifH' National Bauk of Defiance. - Dui-ino- the fall of 1875, the idea of a second bank in Defiance was agitated by sornt* of its citizens, and on the 24th of December, of that year, the " Defiance Savings Bank" was chartered, with the followingnamed gentlemen as incorporators, to wit: ^Yilham C. Holgate, Edward P. Hooker, John S. Greenlee, Alexander S. Latty and Adam A\'ilhelm, who also constituted its first Board of Directors. This bank was opened for business March 1, 1876, with a subscribed capital of $50,000, and the following as officers: William C. Holgate, President; Adam Wilhelm, Vice President; Benjamin L. Abell, Cashier, the latter for several years an employe, and latterly Assistant Cashier of the Defiance National Bank. This bank did a constantly increasing business until March 1881, when its capital was increased to $100, 000, and in, April of the same year it re-organized as " The Merchants' National Bank of Defiance. " The following was its condition as reported to the Comptroller of the Currency, January 1, 1883, to wit: Liabilities - Capital stock, $100,000; surplus funds and undivided profits, $1,599.73; circulation, $90,000; dividends unpaid, $4,000; deposit-.s, $161,084.48; due to other banks, $400.97; unpaid taxes, $1,719.51; total, $358,804.69.

The following-named gentlemen now constitute its Board of Directors, to wit: William C. Holgate, Henry Newbegin, Adam Wilhelm, Lewis Teidman, J. P. Buflfington, Edward P. Hooker and Benjamin L. Abell, and its officers are William C. Holgate, President; Benjamin Abell, Cashier.

Tunibull Wagon Company is the most extensive manufacturing interest of Defiance, the works of which are located in the northeastern portion of the city. They were erected in 1876, by D. B. Turnbull and his sons, E. A. and David H. Turnbull. Po)- several years the business of the firm was Confined to the manufacture of various kinds of agricultiu'al wheels. About four years ago, the manufacture of wagons was commenced, and, quite recently, of buggies and carriages. In October, 1882, a stock company, consisting of the original proprietora and a number of Toledo capitalists, was organized, with a capital stock of $300,000, all paid up. C. P. Curtis is President; A. H. Wood, Secretary, and M. Neering, Treasm-er. The value of the buildings exceed $75,000, and the grounds and machinery together are worth as much more. From four to five hundred men are employed, and the works run at their full capacity throughout the year. They manufacture daily about two thousand wheels and fifteen wagons.

Planing Mills. - The first planing mill at Defiance was started about 1862, by Hamilton Davison & Son, and operated by them until 1872, when they sold it to Charles 0. Strong and Samuel F, Cheney. A general line of planing mill business is transacted, including the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc. Two years ago, a machine shop was added to the establishment, where, in addition to the general repair work, lathes and the various machinists' tools are manufactured. Of the other two planing mills now in operation in Defiance, that of Karst & Tenzer was started by Peter Kuntz in 1872, and that of Kuhn & Ulrich subsequently. The latter firm has also been engaged for several years in the manufacture of tobacco boxes.

Hoop and Slave Factories. - Defiance is unexcelled as a place for the manufacture of wooden articles from native timber. Its three rivers and two canals afford it the means of bringing logs and timber from a wide scope of country at a trifling cost, and one of the industries thus fostered is the making of hoops and staves.

The Defiance Hoop and Stave Company, of which John Marshall, John S. Greenlee and Louis Marshall ai'e the members, started in business at Defiance in June, 1882, in the northeast portion of the city, on the banks of the Mamnee. When running at full force, seventy-eight men are employed; 18,000 patent coiled elm hoops, for kegs and half barrels, and 25,- 000 staves are daily produced. The former find a market chiefly in New York, Philadelphia and Boston; the latter in St. Louis.

D. F. Holston's hoop factory is located at the junction of the Wabash and B. & O. Railroads, and turns out daily, when running at full capacity, 32,- 000 patent steam coiled barrel and keg hoops, which are used principally for nail kegs, sugar, lime and salt barrels; 10.000 feet of elm timber is consumed daily, and forty men and boys are employed. The buildings are ample, and a large business transacted. The first coil of hoops was made at the factory April 17, 1879.

Crow & Hooker and Trowbridge & Eddy are each engaged in the manufacture of staves on an extensive scale. The former fiiTa began business in Jnne, 1882: the latter has been in operation for several years. Each employs about twenty-five hands, and each turns out about "25,000 staves per day. A few years ago, it was thought that the manufacture of staves and hoops had reached the maximum point at Defiance, but more are being made in this city at present than ever before.

Hiihft, Spol'i's, Forks. Waqon-t. etc.- - The Defiance Manufactiu'iug Company, with a capital of 1100,000, is incorporated, and has William C. Holgate as President and E. P. Hooker, Secretary. It is one of the chief manufacturing establishments of Defiance, and annually sends forth from its factory a vast quantity of hubs and spokes.

Another factory is that of Haller & Gibson, recently set in operation. It manufactures patent wooden forks, and is making preparations for the manufacture of extensive agricultural works.

The American Wood Preserving Company, which has extensive works in several cities, owns and operates a branch at Defiance, where the principal business is the hardening of elm railroad ties by treating them to a prepared solution.

Other manufactories of wood, on a somewhat smaller scale, are in 'operation, and, taken all in all, Defiance is, perhaps, unequaled in the State as a manufacturing city of this kind.

Furniture. - William Hoffman and C, Geiger, under the firm name of Hoffman & Geiger, have a furniture factory on Perry street, where they started in business in 1859, and have since continued. About fifteen men are employed, and the furniture manufactured both supplies their retail home trade and also finds its way to foreign markets.

Tlie Defiance Machine Works, one of the largest manufacturing institutions, has been in operation since 1872. They are successors of a foundry which was operated for many years at the same place. The foundry and machine shop was built in 1850, and leased to Kimball & Frank, the former a molder and the latter a machinist. Peter Kettenring, a young man who had learned the molder' s trade with this firm, in 1856 leased the shop. Two years later, Strong Brothers & Orcutt became its operators. It was burned in 1864, but rebuilt by "Kettenring & Strong, who in 1869 admitted William Lauster as a partner. In 1872, a stock company was organized and chartered. Mr. Kettenring has been its President to the present time. The works manufac'ure wood-working machinery, engines, boilers, shafting, etc., together with all kinds of castings. In 1882, an extensive brick addition was made to the buildings. About one hundred and twenty-five men are employed.

Defiance Woolen Mills are situated on the Miami & Erie Canal, and derive their power from the canal! They were first 'built by William Gibson, of St. Mary's Ohio," in 1861, and operated for him by Alexander Bruner, of Defiance, until destroyed by fire in July, 1864. A.fter the fire, the walls and site were purchased by Francis Jarvis,"of Piqua, R. C. Gibson, of St. Mary's, and Alexander Bruner, of Defiance, who at once proceeded to erect the present mills.

the mills did a variety of work, manufacturing cassimerea, satinets, jeans, flannels, blankets and yarn, besides doing a large amount of custom work for the farmers and wool-growers of this and adjoining counties. In the early history of the mills, E. 0, Giteon sold his interest to Jnmes Johnson, of Piqua, who in turn sold to Francis Jarvis, and the firm name beriame J arvis & Briiner, with Mr. Bruner as Superintendent. They were run under this name for three years, when Francis Jarvis purchased tho interest of Alexander Bruner, and the firm name was changed to Francis Jarvis & Sou. and operated by Jamcis J. Jarvis, who has since been owner and sole proprietor, and under whose able management the mills have achieved a reputation second to none in the West. The production for the past three years has been principally in knitting yarns, aad the goods are always sold ahead of production in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. They annually consume 100,000 pounds of wool, which is bought principally in Ohio markets. The capacity of the mill will bo increased with the demands of trade.

The Ga.s Uorte were built in 1875, and manufacture gas from petroleum, under patents granted to J. D. Patton, a citizen of Defiance County. The works are located nearly midway between the business center of the city and the B. & O. depot. The works and appurtenances occupy the point of land between the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and Clinton street, from which point the distributing pipes extend in all directions, reaching all the principal streets and bridges of the city and crossing the river at three different points. The aggregate length of these iron pipes is between four and five miles. The original cost of the works was 125, 0(X), represented by that amount of paid-up stock, which is nearly all owned by citizens of Defiance County. Hon. Alexander S. Latty is President of the company, and John W. Stratton Secretary. The down-town office of the company is on Clinton street, opposite the court house.

7 Vie Ih'Jiance Mills were erected by William Semans, in IS-KS, and then comprised two ran of stone. Two years later, Frederick F. Stevens became his partner and the mills were completed, two run of stone being added. In 1858, Mr. Semans sold his iaterest to A\'illiam A. Brown, and in 1859 JVfr. Stevens disposed of his to David Taylor. Mr. A. Wilhelm, the present proprietor, purchased a half - j interest from Mrs. Sessions, of Painesville, Ohio, and afterward rented, then purchased Mr. Brown's interest. He admitted his son, John R. Wilhelm, as a partner, and the style of the firm is now A. Wil- j helm & Son. The mill was then doing a business of i about 130,000 a .year. Last year it amounted to $96,000, and will be increased this year. About

1875, Mr. Wilhelm replaced the old overshot wheel with a turbine, and added an elevator with a storage capacity of about 20,000 bushels. Extensive improvements have since been made, and a 135-horsepower Corliss engine has recently been purchased. The capacity of the mill is 150 barrels per day.

Palamo Mills are situated on the canal, from which it derives its power; were built by Judge Palmer in 1852; sold to Edwin Phelps, who in 1871 sold to David Boor. The last-named gentleman, in January, 1873, added steam power, the engine being sixty-five horse-power; but finding this in.^ufiicient, returned to water-power, grinding about 125 bushels per day employing live or six hands. In 1870, L. D. Renolett bought a half-interest, but retired January, 1881, since which time David Boor & Son have run it, adding recently a 100-horse-power engine and four run of stone.

The Ashery and Pearl-Ash Business was established in Defiance by E. F. Lindenberger about thirty years ago, who had previously had experience in this at Evansport in connection with his other occupations. The business prospered and grew larger until 1870, when Louis Tiedeman was taken in to partnership. In 1875, the partnership was dissolved, and the firm was Imown for a short time as Lindenberger & Hard)', but owing to the death of senior partner in the fall of that year, Mr. Teideman repurchased the business and has since continued the same up to date. The factory is located on Clintoo street, south of the schoolhouse, and is said to be the largest factory of its kind in the United States, shipments being made to Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and other points. Mr. Teideman a iew years ago took into partnership Mr. D. Diedneck, whose factory is located on the north side of the Maumee, and whose capacity is 100 casks of pearl ash per annum. The products of these factories are used in the manufacture of chemicals and of flint glass. The business consists in the conversion of lye into pcjarl ash. The first process is to convert the lye into black salts. This is done by evaporation in shallow pans. Five hundred bushels of ashes are used, from which one ton of black salts is obtained. The home supply of ashes not being sufficient, black salts are purchased at various points in the neighboring States. The black salts are put into a scorching oven, having a capacity of 2,000 pounds. Ten houi's' brisk fire convert the black salts into " scorchings," an impure white salt, which is put into the settler and dissolved in hot water, then run into a vat, from which, after settling, the liquid (or salts dissolved) is drawn off into kettles and boiled about ten hours, by which process it is converted into pure white salts. From this the salts go to the pearling oven, which is similar to the scorching oven, and also has a capacity of one ton per day. After ten hours, this process i« completed, when from the rear of the oven is taken the pearl ash, which is now fine, pure white and free from grit. The business of the establishment averages about S75,000 per year, an amount known to be larger than any other factory in the United States, not even excepting the large factories in New York and Boston. In 1874, its quotation of prices were known to control the markets of the United States.

Newspapers In Defiance

The Defiance Banner, a Whig paper, was published and edited by John B. Seamans, Esq., an attorney as well as printer, during 1838-39. The first number was issued August the 5th, 1838. The publication was continued about nine months, when it was forced to suspend, although it had the public printing and other patronage of several counties. The Banner was an imperial sheet, with six columns of long primer type, new or nearly so, with brevier for advertisements. This was the first newspaper in this region of Ohio, was ably edited and merited a better fate.

"The Barometer, much reduced in size, having but four columns, the first number of which appeared September 21, 1839, was neutral as to politics, and was issued from the same office by Maj. Seamans, who was also editor. The publication of the Barometer was continued nine months, when it was sold to G. W. Wood, of Fijrt Wayne, who had then just sold the Sentinel office to Nelson, and with the materials bought here commenced the publication of the Times where the same materials and editor are to this day. . The neutrality of this nine -months affair was with difficulty sustained dui'ing the excitement of the spring of 1840, for the editor himself says in his number of May 23, that it was by an effort, nay by a constant concession of efforts. We can't and we shan't publish a neutral paper any longer. '

" The next in order was the North- Western, the first number of which was issued June I, 1843, by J. B. Steedman & Co., and edited by H. S. Knapp, at that time also connected with the Kalida Venture. Th& North-Western was Democratic in politics, was printed on long primer type, entirely new, as also were the press and other materials. The publication was discontinued in the summer of 1844, and the press and materials removed to Logansport, Ind., having been purchased by S. A. Hall, who has since published at tliat place the Demooratic Pharos.

This was succeeded by the present Defiance Democrat, the first number of which was issued July 17, 1844, by A. H. Palmer, Esq., and by him edited.

" The materials, which were very extensive for a western office, had been previously used at Toledo, in the publication of the Register. Mr. Palmer sold out the office the succeeding spring to Samuel Yearick, whose connection as editor and proprietor commenced with the thirty- fourth number of Vol. I, March 6, 1845. An interest was purchased by J. W. Wiley, and after May 28, 1846, Vol. II, No. 42, it was edited and published by Yearick & Wiley. In the spring o.? 1847, Mr. Wiley having- been appointed to a Lientenancy in the Fifteenth Regiment United States Army, his interest was bought back in May by Yearick. The publication of the Democrat was contijiued by Mr. Yearick until the office was disposed of, on March 3, 1849, to Hon. J. J. Greene, who continued its publication until December 3, 1873, when ij was purchased by Elmer White and W. G. Blymyer. In July, 1878, these gentlemen sold the office to George P. Hardy, who conducted it until April, 1879, when White & Blymyer again assumed eoatrol. In July, 1881, Mr. Blymyer retired from the office, having disposed of his interest to Prank J. Mains, The office is now managed by White & Mains. It will show for itself as to size, type, etc., and is and has been Democratic in politico.

" A s6cond Defiance Banner, Whig also in politics, was started and published by R. R. Thrall. The first number was issued October 4, 1849, upon an imperial sheet, with bourgeois and brevier type. The press and materials are those used by Blaker in the publication of the Standard at Bryan, in 1846^7."

The county seat was removed to Bryan in 1841, and the new county of Defiance was created at the session of 1844-45, and commenced April 7, 1845.

The last number of the Defiance Banner was dated September 23, 1852. From that time until 1856, Defiance published no Whig paper. Some time in that year (1856) a paper callled the Defiance >Sia?- was started. What time in the year I am unable to find any record, and a copy of the Star cannot be found in the county. It was a six-column folio, Republican in politics, and earnestly advocated the election of Gen. John C. Fremont for President. The subscription price was 11 per year. It was published about a year and then sold, I think to George Weamer, who continued its publication in the same size and price, only changing the name to Defiance Bepublioan. In 1861, Weamer sold it to N. C. A. Rayhouser, who published it about a year and sold it to W. R. Carr. May 23, 1862, Carr began the publication of the Defiance Constitution, a seven-column folio, at 11 per year, Republican in polities. Carr soon reduced it in size to a -six-column folio. In 1863, A. J. Warwick purchased it, and published it several years, raising the subscription price to $1. 50 per year. J. D. Butor then x^irchased it aad published it until 18(37, and sold it to Frtmois Brooks.

December 7, 1807, Francis Brooks began the pub lication of the Deiianoo Weeldij Express, a seven-column folio, at |2 per year, Republicau. in politics. In 1809, Brooks enlarged it to an eight-column folio, and in a short timo changed it to a IIvh column quarto. In 187!^, he again changed it to a seven column folio, and in the latter part of the same year to an eight-column folio. In the summer of 1873, he changed it to a small (ive-columQ quarto, and in the latter part of the samo year enlarged it to a sixcolumn quarto. In 1874, he sold it to Frank B. Ainger, of Bryan, Ohio, who, in connection with Lee H. lludisill (for a time),' published it until 1877, when it was sold to the present proprietor, Mr. Frank 0. Culley. Mr. Culley published it as a six-column quarto until February, 1878, when he enlarged it to a nine-column folio. In the fall of 1882, the paper was enlarged to a seven column quarto.

The Union School Chronicle, a small four-column folio, monthly, edited by the teachers of the Defiance Union School, was published during 1808, only ten numbers being issued. The su.bscription price was $1 per year. It was printed at the Defiance Democrat ofSce.

March 23, 1878, the Defiance National, a six-column folio, Greenback in politics, was first published. The editor was William M. Randall, his assistants were John J. Smith, Henry G. Baker, George Alpress and Charles T. Hayes. The subscription price was $1 per year. The last number of the National was published May 11, 1878.

July 5, 1878, Francis Brooks began the publication of the Grcoilnu-k Era, an eight-column folio. January 1, 1879, tlu< name was changed to the Dollar Era, and the form of the paper was soon changed to a five-column quarto. March 12,1879,Mr. Brooks began publishing the Daily Era, a six-column folio, which, however, was only printed twice a week; it was published three or four weeks, when the publiation of the Dollar Era was again resumed. The last number of the Era was dated June 20, 1879.

February 20, 1879, the Mains brothers (Frank J. and Charles W.) began publishing the Democratic Ledger, a nine-column folio, subscription price $1.50 per year. It was published eight weeks, when it was purchased by White & Blymyer and was merged into the Democrat. The last number was dated April 17,

The Defiance Daily Democrat, a small four-column folio, was published from March 3, 1879, to April 9, 1879; twenty-eight numbers were issued. The price was 2 cents per copy. It was printed at the Daily Democrat office, and was edited by S. Ray Williams.

Das Kirchen-Blatt, a sixteen -page paper, throe columns to the page, German-Lutheran paper, $1.50 per year, first appeared in 1879. H. Deindorfer was editor; it was published at the Defiance County Express office. It is still published, but at the Democrat office.

The Kirchliche Zeitschrift, a Lutheran magazine, f 1.50 per year, H. Deindorfer, editor, appeared in 1879, published at same office as the Kirchen-Blatt, is still published and at the Democrat office.

The Wevicly Herald, a German eight- column fourpage paper, H. and J. Deindorfer, Jr., proprietors, appeared Wednesday, May 4, 1881. It was Independent in politics; subscription $1.50 per year. In April, 1882, the Herald was purchased by White & Mains, proprietors of the Democrat, who converted it into a Democratic paper.

The Democratic Times, a four-page eight columns to the paper, appeared in October, 1881, W. G. Blymyer, publisher; subscription, $1.50 per year.

The Barometer, first issue September 21, 1839, at Defiance, Ohio, at 50 cents per quarter or cents per copy, published weekly, C. "V. B. Martin, printer. This paper introduced itself to the public as follows;

Well, we are fairly before the public. No flaming prospectus - no pompous parade - no flourish of trumpets, heralded our approach. Still, we are here - what there is of us ! There may be those who will turn up their nose at our Liliputiau hebdomadal ; but no matter. They woidd probably do the same at the good Book itself, were a copy of it presented to them possessing less ponderosity than the homely quarto over' which their grandsires used to pore. Some there are, we know, who estimate the value of everything according to tlie hugeness of its bulk - and to such a bushel ot gold is worth no more than an equal quantity of sand! With these we have nothing to do. AVe neither court their friendship nor deprecate tlieir wrath. Let them take their course, and we'll take ours. It shall bo our aim to make the Barometer popular with the right sort of people, and if we succeed in this, a flg for what others may say or think !

"Despise not the day of small things." We thought it best not to attempt too much at fii'st. The principal reason why so many newspapers go by tlie board is because their propi'ietors are too ambitious. In agricultural phraseology, they fence more ground than they are able to cultivate. We begin by inclosing a small " truck patch, " with a sort of brush fence; if cirourastauccs shall warrant, it will in due time, be enlarged atul improved; if otherwise, there'll not be much lost by its abandonment.

Whigs and Democrats - about eighteen or twenty months since, a prospectus was put in circulation for the establishment of a Democratic paper in Defiance, Imt it failed. Little more than twelve months have elapsed since the Defiance Banner was unfurled; but the Whigs suffered it to be furled in death. On the first of last month, in the hope of obtaining the support of both parties, Messrs. Semans and Phelps (the first a Whig and the second a Democrat), issued proposals for the revival of the Banner, under their joint supervision; but the thing wouldn't take. What course, then, should the Biiriimeter pursue to avoid being shattered into a thousand atoms? Can any one tell us? We've been thinking of forming a party of our own, and beating up for volunteers! What say you, gentlemen; will any of you 'list?

As this paper is commenced without a list of subscribers, it is hoped that gentlemen to whom the present number is sent will interest themselves in our favor; remembering, however, that each list of names must be accompanied by the cash.

We understand, then, one reason why the proposition of Messrs. Semans & Phelps, for the revival of the Banner, did not meet with more favor in some parts of the county, was liecause jt was feared the papers would go full tilt against the removal of the county seat. To avoid any difficulty on that head, we explicitly declare that editorially we should say nfithing either pft) or con upon the question of removal.

To the distant reader, it may not be uninteresting for us to drop a remark or two touching the position and history of this village. The ground on which it stands ought to be regarded, in some sort, as hallowed. It is now just forty-five years since the indomitable Wayne penetrated into the heart of the Indian country, and on this very spot planted the stars and stripes of liberty. It was here that having erected a strong fortification, immediately at the confluence of the two rivers, in the emphatic language for which he was distinguished, he declared that he " defied hell and all her emissaries." Hence its name--Fort Defiance. Upon the completion of this work, feeling that he was now fully prepared for either peace or war, " he made a last attempt at conciliation." " I have tho't proper," said he, in one of his dispatches, " to offer the enemy a last overture of peace; and as they have everything that is dear and interesting at stake, I have reason to expect that they will listen to the proposition. But should war be their choice, the blood be upon their own heads. America shall no longer be insulted with impunity. To an all-powerful and just God, I therefore commit myself and gallant army." " This overture," says the historian, " was rejected against the advice of the distinguished chief. Little Turtle, a man of great capacity and unimpeached courage, who, in a eonncil of the combined Indians on the night previous to the battle, held the following language: 'We have beaten the enemy twice under separate commanders. We cannot expect the same good fortune to attend us always. The Americans are now led by a chief ' who never sleeps; the night and the day are alike to him. And during all the time he has been marching upon our villages, notwithstanding the watchfulness of our young men, we have never been able to surprise him. Think well of it. There is something whispers me it would be prudent to listen to its offers of peace.' "

On the day following, which was the 20th of August, 1794, the sanguinary but decisive battle of Presque Isle was fought, in which the most consummate skill and bravery were exhibited by the American General and his gallant troops. At the time of which we are speaking, the Maumee and Auglaize Valleys presented less the appearance oE a wild and uncultivated region than we of this day are apt to imagine.

The American General, writing to the Secretary of war, remarks: " The very extensive and highly cultivated fields and gardens show the work of many hands. The margins of those beautiful rivers, the Miami of the Lake and the Auglaize, appear like one continued village for a number of miles above and below thisplace; nor have I ever before beheld such immense fields of corn in any part of America, from Canada to Florida." This picture was drawn fortyfive years ago, at that time when this vast region was in possession of the savage; when the presence of the white man carried with it desolation and death, who, till his approach, happiness and plenty reigned undisturbed. Let us, of 1839, now that the red man kindles his council fire far beyond the Father of Waters blush for the little improvement with which we are surrounded. This position was again occupied by the American troops during the war of 1812. The remains of the palisades which protected the army of Winchester while here are to be seen; and the em" bankments and trenches of Wayne, constructed in 1794, are still more visible. The advantages as to local situation possessed by Defiance are at once commanding and important; and despite the barriers whicli have hitherto tended to retard her onward march, she must eventually assume that rank among the commercial towns of this beautiful valley, assigned her by the intelligent and discerning. She stands in the very heart of a rich, fertile country, with no less than four natural channels of communication by water, two canals, and numerous roads, radiating toward every point of the compass. But notwithstanding all this, the prospect to him who cares not to penetrate the vista of futurity, is gloomy and dis- heartening. Business is almost at a dead stand. Operations upon the public works here and in our vicinity have nearly ceased. Money is scarce, and although provisons are plenty in the hands of the producer, the mere consumer finds it difficult to furnish himself with many of the comforts of life. These things will in time regulate themselves; but not until we shall have become thoroughly sobered. When we shall learn to throw aside Aladdin's lamp, and, relying no longer on enchantment or chance, shall follow the dictates of reason and common sense, we shall move steadily forward in the road to opulence and wealth, pretty much as did our fathers and uncles in the days of our boyhood.

Old Advertisements

John B. Semans and William Semans, attorneys; Israel Stoddard, as administrator of the estate of Samuel Holton, deceased; J. B. Semans, administrator of G. T. Hickox's estate; S. Lyman & Co., last call to their debtors; H. Sessions, administrator for Friend Hall's estate, insolvent; Montgomery Evans notifies the public of two horses appraised by J. D. McAnally and B. Mullican at $95; notice of attachment is made by Charles V. Royce, Mayor of Defiance, against Edward Tuttle, an absent debtor, at the instance of Lyman Mudge, signed Sidney S. Sprague, agent; Israel P. Whedon advertises hats, for which, "as cash is badly wanted, the best kind of bargains will be given;" on December 4, S. Hinkle advertises as a blacksmith, at Hicksville; and A. P. Edgerton has a long advertisement for 30,000 acres of land in Williams County, also the grist mills being in operation in Hicksville, also dry goods, etc. An advertisement also appears, giving the people of Williams County notice that at the next annual election (October, 1839), they should designate on their ballots for or against appointment of a commission to remove the seat of justice ; M. Young, Chief Engineer of Wabash & Erie Canal, publishes"! as result of recent letting, that certain named sections have been let to R. P. Harryman, J. G. Butman, Charles Bucklin, W. D. Barry, P. Donovan, B. Barker, S. &. D. Harley, H. Doran, P. Murphy, Hall & Cheney, Gabriel Manning, E. P. Conreck, N. Demorest, F. Lyon. The death of Henry Zellers, aged thirty-four, of Brunersburg, September 29, 1889, is announced. He had been seven years a resident, and left a widow and three small children.

A Letter List

As showing, to some extent, the residents of Defiance in 1839, we append the list of letters remaininw in the post office on October 1, of that year:

" OUR PAPER. " (From the first issue of the Defiance Banner, October 4, 1849.) We fling our Banner to the breeze, with the fond hope that it will meet with a hearty welcome from the people of Defiance and surrounding counties. That a Whig paper has long been needed, we believe all will agree; therefore we anticipate they will cheerfully put their shoulders to the wheel, and give us such a start as to send us on our way rejoicing.

The Banner will advocate the well-known Whig principles under which our State has flourished and advanced so much beyond her sisters in wealth, commerce, agriculture and manufactures. Itwilladvo- eate all measures necessary for the continued advancement and prosperity of our Union and State, by Legislative enactment or otherwise: it will give to the present administration a liberal support, so far as it is conducted in strict accordance with right and equity; it will keep posted up with the news of the day, and carefully notice all local and general matters that are calculated to advance the interests and growth of this poriion of our State; it will have some carefully selected literary and agricultural matter in each number. It will be the endeavor of the publisher to add to the mechanical department, from time to time, such improvements as the increased demands of our patrons will justify. The location of our town will justify us in saying that it is bound to be a great mart for the produce and manufactures of the country around. Its almost unequaled beauty of scenery marks it as the place where families will resort for the purpose of finding residences, in which every comfort may be enjoyed, and homes which it will be their pride to adorn and beautify.

The citizens of Defiance can safely boast that their town has the most beautiful location of any in the West. Located as it is upon the high banks of the Maumee and the " Wild Auglaize," and at the confluence of the two rivers, almost every variety of natural scenery is afforded which is pleasing and agreeable. To one standing upon the old green forts Defiance or Winchester - and casting his eyes down upon the broad expanse of the two rivers, as they "flow gently on and mingle into one," a feeling of grandeur and sublimity insensibly steals over him, and to whichever direction he turns his eyes from this wonted spot, the view is pleasant and beautiful to behold. There are a number of beautiful groves back of the town, which aiford delightful places of resort to visitors. The town now numbers about eight hundred inhabitants, and is steadily increasing; its grovrth to its present size, we are informed, has principally been within the last four or five years. With one or two exceptions, the town is destitute of any veiy splendid edifices. The court house is a fine building, and would do honor to any county in the State. The Defiance Exchange is the principal hotel, and it will, doubtless, remain so (at least, as long as it is kept by the present proprietor). There are Jive or six large warehouses, seven or eight stores, and other store buildings in the progress of completion. The fall of water from the canal to the river affords an extensive water-power, and ample facilities for the establishment of manufactories. Situated as the place is, in the heart of an immense agjicultural region, and possessing as it does manufacturing and commercial advantages to a great extent, it cannot fail to increase for a number of years to come. With the manifestation of a little more liberality on the part of one or two of the principal proprietors of the town, it v/ould probably receive such an impetus to its growth, that the citizens could bid defiance to any town in the West, in point of rapidity of growth, as well as beauty of scenery and healthiness and handsomeness of location; and they might look forward with the fond anticipation that Defiance, erelong, would become a place of no small magnitude.

Schools Of Defiance

From the best sources of information at our command, back and beyond any written and authentic records, we find that the first school in Defiance commenced about the year 1825. The first schoolhouse of which we can gain any information was a hewedlog building, erected on lands now occupied by Strong & Cheney as a lumber factory, north of First street, between the canal and the Maumee River The first teachers were William Semans; second William Edmondson, and, third. William A. Brown. In 1828, a school was taught by Brice Hilton, about two miles southeast of Defiance, on Cole's Run.

Following along down to 1837, or thereabouts, we find that schools were kept in the old brick court house building, occupying Lot 58, next north of the Presbyterian Church, and now occupied by Henry Hardy, Esq., as a dwelling. The first written records of the schools of Defiance (then Williams) County bear date June 19, 18-11; in which we find Jonas Colby, Edwin Phelps and James S. Groer were the Directors of School District No. 1, and Levi Colby was the Clerk of said district.

There were foui- schools taught during the school year, the first commencing November 30, 1840, and ending February 20, 1841; whole number of scholars in attendance 100; average number per day, 39; males, 47; females, 53. Branches taught, orthogoraphy, reading, writing, English grammar, geography and arithmetic. E. C. Betts, teacher. Salary, f 105.

The second, commencing December 29, 1840, and ending February 20, 1841; whole number of scholars, 35; average per day, 26; males, 14; females, 21. Branches taught, as above. Catharine Colby, teacher. Salai-y, $32. The third, commencing March 15, 1841, ending Jime 14, 1841. Amount paid teacher, male, $120. Whole number of scholars in attendance; 72; average number, 32 per day; males, 36; females, 36. The fourth school commenced March

In the forepart of the year 1841, Benjamin F. Reed taught at 140 per month; Catharine Colby taught at $20 per month. Maria Allen was employed for a short time. In November, 1841, John H. Crowell as employed for six months for $35 per month, and Catha)ine Colby for three months, at $20 per month.

At that time, there being an insufficient amount of money in the treasury to pay the teachers, a tax was assessed upon each scholar, according to the number of days in attendance, to make up the deficiency.

The following is a list of the names of scholars who were in general attendance about the year 1840- 41, together with the names of the parents and guard-' ians.

From a daily register, as kept by William A. Brown teacher in School District No. 1, Defiance Township, 1839 and 1840, we copy tlie following list of scholars who attended the school during the quarter commencing December 4, 1839, and ending February 28. 1840, and adding the name of parent or guardian.

I'Arents Ok Guaudians Paiients Or Quardians

The following is a list of names that appeared on the books at that time. These lists are not given because of any great amount of history they contain, but they give the names of many of the early pioneers of this county and their descendants which at this writino-, 1882, we could not obtain from any other source, and we think they should appear in this work for future reference :

Parents Or Guardians. Pupils

No. 1, the same consisting of Edwin Phelps, James S. Grreer and Jonas Colby, with Levi Colby as Clerk, the walls of a brick schoolhouse were erected on the west side of Wayne Street, between Fourth and Fifth, and the building partly finished b}' Timothy Dame, contractor and builder, at a cost of $800, which was raised by tax upon the taxable property of the district. In September, 1842, an additional tax was levied for the finishingup of the lower part of said school building, and was continued in the use of District No. 1, till the adoption of the Union school system in 1851, when it was finished up and used as a union school building.

We append a list of the names of the Directors, Teachers, Clerks and Treasurers, from 1840 to 1851, at which time the Union or graded school system was adopted, as will appear by reference to a letter from F. Hollenbeck, of Perrysburg, Ohio, which appears in connection with this sketch.

Dear Sir - Yours of tlie 19th instant received. la answer to your inquiries will say, that it is so long since I was in the school at Defiance that I have ceased to have any "clean cut" recollection of what then and there occurred - general impressions only remain. Of these, I will give such as occur to me while writing.

It may not be amiss to state, briefl)'-, the facts and incidents which led immediately to the organization of the Union School at that place. I had taken a lively interest in popular education from my first arrival in the Maumoe Valley, at Maumee City, in December, 1843, and discussed the subject wherever I went, whenever I could. The first Union School established in the valley was at jMaumee City; the next at Peri-ysburg, then at Waterville and Toledo. By this time the public mind had become, generally, awakened to the subject.

Being at Defiance in the latter part of winter or early spring of 1851 on business, I learned the inadequate provisions of the town for the instruction of its youth. I suggested to some of the citizens of whom I now remember Wolsey Welles, Dr. John Paul, William A. Brown, Frederick Stevens, William Carter, Esq., Boughton and probably others, the desirability of adopting and putting into isractice the graded school system. The suggestion was received with a ready and cordial response. A huge difficulty, however, stood in the way. As the law then was, a school of that character could be established only by a majority vote of the district, and it was feared that could not be obtained. To prepare the minds of the people for the vote, it was determined to hold a a Teachers' Institute there, provided I could obtain proper persons to conduct it. I obtained them, but can now recall only one of them, Maurice Paige, Superintendent of the Maumee Schools and a "live teaf-her." The institute was held ; many teachers attended ; the session was highly satis-

I was then requested to organize the school. I consented to "assume th(! pressuri'," my en;j,iigrment being for one year. Tlicre was no maliM-ial tor a high scliool and the grades established were primary, secondary, intermediate and grammar scliools, myself taking inunediale elnirge of tlie lattc^r, together witli supervision of tlie others. My assistants were Miss Millie Woods in tlic primary deiiartment, and sIjc was a superior Icacher of tlmt gr;ide. Miss Maria Welles tauglit llie secondary, and succeeded very well. Tlie intermediate was taught by a young woman whose name I cannot now lecall. SIh' occupied llie sclioolhouse on the west side of the canal, near the Catholic ('lunch building. Perhaps someone of the old citizens, or of my pupils icmaining there, could give you her nanu'. Of the latter, there remains, as I am informed (I give the names as I knew them), Fannie ITolgatc, Belle llolgale, Gcorgiana Richards, Mary Stevens, Amelia llowland. now Mrs. Peterson, Frank Brown, John (.'rowc, (li'drge Ferguson and John Kiser. There may be others.

The common school branches only were taught, viz., siielling, reading, writing, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and 1 recollect I had u very interesting class in natural philosophy. As to efficiency of the school, I refer you to my old pupils and their parents.

I must, however, be permitted to say this, that I do not believe there was ever in the State of Ohio a more pleasant and agreeable school than the department of which I had immediate cluirgc. Teacher and pupils constituted a family which was in perfect sympathy and acconi from the comivrenceiucnt to the close. Each one regardeil it as ou7' school and was sensitively alive to the nniiutenanco of its good name and character. When I think of my connection with that school, it is with tmalloyed satisfaction, and I hold my old pupils in very dear and cherishcil remembrance. May blessings attend them during their lives.

When my year expired, the Board of Education had not succeeded in finding my succcs.sor, and I remained until the commcncenu'nt of the smiiuu'r vacation.

I believe 1 have answered all your inquiries, but in haste, and iierhups in an unsatisfactory nninner. If of service to you I shall be pleased. Make what use of it you deem best.

Fua.Nois Iiollenbeck Institute

The Teachers" Institute of Northwestern Ohio held its first session in Defiance County, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, May 5, 1851. The Committee of Ai'rangementa were S. S. Sprague, W. P. Bacon, \\ . A\'olles, H. Sessions, M. Arrowsmith, W. Sheffield, AV. C. Holgate, W. A. Brown, William Carter, J. M. Stilwill and C. L. Noble. The Board of Instruction was composed of the following persons, viz. : Hon G. B. Way, of Defiance, Francis Hollenbeck, A. H. Drummond, Blaurice Paige (Superintendent of the Maumee Schools), Edward Olney, Mrs. INIaiy A. \\'ebb, IMiss Mitchell and Miss F. Drummond - fill from Maumee City and Perrysburg, as near as the writer hereof has been able to ascertain. There were in attendance over seventy teachers, about two-thirds of whom were young ladies. About one-half of this number were of Defian.je County, and the remainder from the counties of Williams, I'ulton, Henry and Paulding.

At a meeting of the qualified electors of School Districts No. 1 and 5, in the town of Defiance, held in pursuanco of legal notice, for the purpose of adopting or rejecting the act for the better regulation of public schools in cities, towns, etc., passed February '2.1, 1849, by the Legislature of the State of Ohio, held at the court house in the town of Defiance, on the 8th day of March, 1851, George B. Way was chosen Chairman, Miller Arrowsmith, Assistant Chairman, and William A. Brown, Secretary of said meeting. A vote was then cast by the electors of said School Districts 1 and 5, for and against the adoption of said act aforesaid, and the whole number of votes cast was 82. For the adoption of, -14; against, 38; majority in favor of, 6.

At an election held in the court house March 25, 1851, by the electors of the united School Districts No. 1 and 5, for the election of Directors, John M. Stilwill acting as Chairman, Miller Arrowsmith as Assistant Chairman, and William A. Brown, Clerk, the following persons were duly elected as the first Board of Directors under his new organization: Woolsey Welles and Calvin L. Noble, for one year; John H. Kizer and J. B. Kimball, for two years; Hamilton Davison and John M. Stilwill, for three years.

The Board thus elected assembled at the office of Woolsey Welles, and organized the Board of Education of the united School Districts No. 1 and 5, in Defiance, Defiance Co. . Ohio, by electing Hamilton Davison. President, Woolsey Wellep, Secretary, and John M. Stilwill, Treasurer. The Board thus organized proceeded to levy a tax of four mills on the dollar on the taxable property of the united districts for the support of teachers and other expendittu'es. It now became necessary to provide suitable buildings for the difierent departments and teachers for the same. It was therefore ordered by the said board that the .old two-story brick schoolhouse of 1841, heretofore mentioned, be repaired and finished up for the Union School, and was known as the High School Building. The contract for the same was awarded to Henry B. Hall, at 1421, to be completed by the 1st day of June, 1851. The services of Francis Hollenbeck, of Perrysburg, Ohio, were secured as their first Superintendent, at a salary of $500 per annum, school to commence Jane 9, 1851.

The building in which the Intermediate was taught is still standing, west of the canal, and i th third building west of St. John's Evangelical German

Catholic Gliurcli and now used as a dwelling house. The first teacher in this department was Mrs. Arietta Hutchinson, who consented to fill the position " briefly, " until a suitable person could be found to till her place. Mrs. Hutchinson taught three weeks, when Miss Marietta Knapp took her place, at a salary of $150 per annum. Miss Knapp taught several terms, and then followed Miss Emeline Shead.

Miss Maria "Welles taught the Secondary in the building still standing on the corner of "Water and Jefferson streets, at a salary of SI 50 per annum.

Tlie Primary occupied a room in the High School Building, and was taught by Miss Permelia Woods, at a salary of $150 per annum. The next teacher in this department was Miss Susannah Myers. At a special election held at the court house May 22, 1865, by the qualified voters of the Defiance United School District, for the purpose of voting for or against levying a tax of $18,000 upon said district, for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting suitable school buildings for said district, the whole number of votes cast was 107, of which 89 were in favor of and 18 against levying the tax.

The matter now being in the hands of the board of the district, it was unanimously voted by them at a meeting of the board, held May 26, that the sum of $18, ( MJO be levied according to the vote of the people of said district. That $6,000 be levied in 1865, $6,000 in 1866, and $6,000 in 1867.

A beautiful selection for a site, at the head of Clinton street, commanding a fine view of the entire city, was purchased, upon which the buildings were erected.

In July, A. D. 1874, the Board of Union Schools purchased a lot on the hill on the north side of the Maumee, for a building site, of William C. Holgate, for $700. A contract was entered into with C. H. Franz, to put up a two-story brick, with slate roof, at $2,370, to be completed by the 16th day of October, 1874. Mis.s K. A. Langdon was the first teacher within its walls, commencing with November 9, 1874. In June, 1875, the board prurchased of Sarah Kepler an acre of land for a site, at $1,800, in the "Warren neighborhood, on the west side of the canal, and in the same month and year another lot, from J. S. Greenlee, at $1,000, in East Defiance. The building of the two schoolhouses was let toR. J. V , at $5,350, to be completed October 15, 1875, to be of brick, two stories high, and slate roof. It was ordered by the Board that the several school buildings within the United School Districts be hereafter designated as follows: The building east of the Auglaize River, "East Schoolhouse;" north of the Maumee River, "North Schoolhouse;" on the "Warren road, " West Schoolhouse," and the so-called High School Building, " Central Schoolhouse."

An enumeration of the youth in the United Districts No. 1 and 5, in the town of Defiance, between the ages of four and twenty-one years old, as taken by Woolsey Welles, in October following the organization, was as follows:

Woolsey Welles, having served the board as Secretary for two years, resigned the office, and Jacob J. Greene (who became one of the Directors of the Board at its second annual meeting in March, 1852) was elected Secretary, and has been an active member of the board most o f the time since - a period of thirty years. Mr. Hollenbeck's service as Superintendent of the school closed with the summer vacation of 1852, and we learn that Mr. Enoch Blanchard took the supervision, although the records make no mention of it until we find, at a meeting of the board held February 24, 1853, " Resolved, that Mr. Blanchard be continued for a term of eleven weeks. " In July or August, arrangements were perfected under which D. C. Pierson, of Columbus, Ohio, was to take charge of the school as Superintendent, and B. F. Southworth was. employed to teach the grammar school department. Mr. Pierson, from some cause or other, remained but a short time, and Mr. R. Fauroot was employed for the balance of the school year as Superintendent. April 3, 1854, Mr. J. R. Kinney, of Toledo, Ohio, took charge of the school as Superiutedent at a salary of $500 per annum, and in July following his salary was raised to $600 per annum. Mrs. Kinney was also employed to take charge of the secondary at a salary of $225 per annum.

At the expiration of the school year, July 3, 1855, Mr. Kinney resigned as Superintendent, and the school was to have a vacation of two months. September 3 being the day for opening the schools, and as no Superintendent had as yet been secured, a further vacation was had until the latter part of November, when Mr. John R. Kinney was again placed in charge of the schools as Superintendent, at an annual salary of $700, and B. F. Soathworth was continued in the grammar department at an annual salary of $400. Mrs. Kinney was again employed in the secondary as before, and at the same salary; Mrs. E. S. Brown in the primary, at a salary per annum of $225, and Miss Maria B. Welles as assistant at a salary of $175 per annum.

1858, Mr. Kinney handed in his resignation as Superintendent, and Finlay Strong, of this town (Defiance) was employed as Superintendent for the remainder of the school year, and to receive the same salary as Mr. Kinney, resigned.

March 1^8, 1859, Michael W. Smith was employed to fill the pla<xi of Superintendent of said schools for the last term of the current year, to consist of twelve weeks consecutively, etc., at the same salary of $700 per annum.

September 1, 18('))i, Hem-y Newbegiu was employed to tako charge of the schools as Superintendent, and was in charge but a few months and then resigned, and on the 19th day of December, 1863, Mr. E. M. MtHU'ch was appointed to take his place; but the length of time he may have served is not recorded, and we only find that an order was issued by the board April '2, 1861, for twelve weeks' services, and the next record we find an order from the board, bearing date January 2, 1865, to William H. H. Jackson, $260, for sixteen weeks' teaching High School, consequently he must have been employed in September, 1864; and again we find, June 29, 186(), an order in favor of J. C McKercher, for $210. September 4, 1866, Charles K. Smoyer was elected Superintendent.

June 27, 1867, James J. McBrido was elected Superintendent; salary, $650; and at a meeting of the board May 22, 18()S, he was continued in office at a salary of $1,000 per annum.

In August following, there was a (rerman department established in connection with the Union Schools, and Miss Phoeba Detzer was employed as teacher in this department, at a salary of $350 per annum.

Lein T. Clark, of Delaware, Ohio, was chosen as the next Sujierintendent of the Union Schools, at a salary of 1 1,000 per annum, for the year commencing the first Monday of Septembor, 1871. At a meeting of the board, held May 14, 1872, his salary was increased to $1,200 for the coming year.

July 17, 1874, H. H. AV eight was duly elected as Superintendent, at a salary of $1,100 peranniun, and on the 25th day of June, 1875, his salary was raised to $1,200. In May, 1877, arrangements were made with him at $1,100, and continued thus till the close of his year, in June, 1879, at which time S. S. Ashbaugh, of Hillsdale, Mich., was elected in his place as Superintendent, at a salary of |1,000 per annum. The schools opened the first Monday in September, 1879, in a flourishing condition, and with the rapid increase of population in Defiance, and with the enlargement of her business, came a great awakening in her school interests. The demands made upon the corps of teachers were now greater than ever before, and they were cheerfully met.

Although the school was now carefully graded, and the dejsartments as even in number as possible, some of the rooms were overcrowded, and the Board of Education began investigating the subject of enlarging the capacity for seating and bettering the general accommodations.

There was at this time a building of two rooms, with a seating capacity for about a hundred and twenty pupils, in each of the four wards of the city, accommodating, however, only the primary pupils. At the head of Clinton street was situated the Central building, having eight school rooms and a Superintendent's office, used also as a recitation room for the High School.

On the 26th day of February, 1880, the contract was lot to Jacob Karst, of Defiance, for the sum of 110,800, for repairing and enlarging the Central building, and the work was begun as soon as the term closed in June. The schools in the Second, Third and Fourth Wards of the city opened as usual on the first Monday of September, but the Central building was not ready for occupancy until the 1st of December. It now contained twelve rooms, with a seating capacity for sixty pupils each, recitation room, Superintendent's office, public hall, holding about six hundred persons and occupying the third stor^, and two basements, which are wai'med and seated for the general accommodation.

The Board spared no reasonable expense in fitting up the new departmentr.' The hall was seated with chairs, and furnished with large and elegant chandeliers; the stage was carpeted, and provided with a fine Hallett & Davis piano. Most of the rooms ^^ere supplied with the new and perfect furniture manufactured at Battle Creek, Mich.

Two new departments were now added, making eighteen in all; the janitor using the old Primary building as a residence. The High School department had now increased in numbers, so that at the holiday vacation it was necessary to secure an assistant during half the day ; and at the annual commencement in June, the largest class since the organization

During the years 1881 and 1882, the school was very prosperous, the assistant being now retained for the whole day, and the Superintendent still teaching jne vjx' more classes. There had been but few changes m the corps of teachers, and at the close of th^ year, in June, 1882, the teachers and their respective departments were as folhjws:

Mr. Ashbaugh declined an election for the fourth year, choosing rather to enter the profession of law, to which he had been admitted three years before. His resignation was reluctantly accepted by the Board of Education, and caused deep regret among the parents and pupils alike. The schools had made perceptible advancement during his connection with them, and were found in excellent condition by his successor, Mr. C. W. Butler, of Bellefontaine.

The Board of Education now consisted of J. J. Greene, President; J. P. Buffington, Clerk; Adam Minsell, Treasurer; Isaac Co'^win, M. B. Gorman, E. P. Hooker.

In the year 1878, an Alumni Association was organized by the graduates of the High School, admitting Henry B. Harris and KoUa H, Gleason, who had completed the course of study before graduating exercises were instituted.

Tlio family of thiK gontleraan was widoly known to the old citi^ona of the Uppor Maumeo Valley. Ho Mtudind his protossioa nndor the instruction of Dr. S))enonr, of Kentucky, and Dr. Kush, of rhiliuloiphia, and commenced ]).vactice at Washington, Fayette County, Ohio, about the year IS 11 and also conducted in .separate rooms of the same building the mercantile business and an apothecary store. On the 27th of May, 18 IS, he married Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of liainbridgii, lloss Oou.nty, Ohio.