USA > Ohio > Defiance County > History of Defiance County, Ohio. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, etc.; military record; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; farm views, personal reminiscences, etc > Part 23
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A WEDDING IN PIONEER TIMES.
A wedding engaged then as now the attention of the whole neighborhood, and the frolic was anticipat- ed by oll an'l young with eager expectation. In
the morning the groom and his attendants started from his father's house to reach the bride's before noon, for the wedding by the inexorable law of fash- ion, must take place before dinner. There were no tailors or mantua-makers in those days. The men dressed in shoepacks, moccasins, and leather breeches, leggings, linsey-woolsey or buckskin hunting shirts, all home made. The women were dressed in linsey petticoats, and linsey or linen gowns, coarse shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs and buckskin gloves, if any. If there was jewelry, it was the relic of old times. The horses (for all came on horseback), were capari- soned with old saddles, old bridles or halters, pack Saddles, with blankets thrown over them; and a rope or a string for girth or reins as often as leather. They formed a procession as well as they could along the narrow roads. Sometimes an ambuscade of mis- chievous young men was formed, who fired off their guns and frightened the horses and caused the girls to shriek. A race for the bottle took place by two or more of the young men racing over this rough road to the bride's house, the victor to receive a bottle of whisky, which he bore back in triumph, and passed it along the procession for each one to take a drink in turn. Then came the arrival at the bride's house, the ceremony, the dinner and the dance, all conducted with the greatest fun and frolic till morning.
Sometimes those who were not invited would re- venge themselves by cutting off the mane, foretop and tails of the horses of the wedding party. The log- rolling, harvesting and husking bees for the men and the quilting and apple-butter making for the women, furnished frequent occasions for social intercourse, and gave ample opportunity for any neighborhood to know and appreciate the good and bad qualities of each other. The rifle-shooting was a pastime which men loved, as it gave them an opportunity of testing their skill with the necessary weapons of defense, and means often. of subsistence. When a beef was the prize, it was divided into six quarters, by this queer arrangement: The two hindquarters were the highest prizes, the two forequarters the next, the hide and tallow the fifth, and the lead shot into the mark was the sixth.
NAVIGATING THE MAUMEE.
When the new settlers on the Maumee raised a surplus of grain it was sometimes shipped down the Maumee River in pirogues. Dr. John Evans, who was engaged in trade at Defiance at that time had taken in quite an amount of corn, which he concluded to ship, and hired Thomas Warren, Isaac Perkins and James Shirley to ship it to market. It was loaded into a pirogue and started down the river, arriving at the head of the rapids (Providence) where they landed for a rest. Eighteen miles of rapid current and intricate
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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
channels were before them. None of them knew the channels and rock; neither of them had ever passed over the rapids, and in prospect was not a pleasant ride; after this short rest they moved on and into the whirling rapids through which they passed in safety, and in due time arrived at Maumee City, where they sold their corn for 50 cents per bushel to Col. John E. Hunt. The measure upon unloading overrun twelve bushels, caused by the plashing of the water in the rapids, which swelled the corn. This the boatmen claimed, giving them $2 each, which they proposed to expend on their home journey in high living. Being now ready to return, Mr. Thomas Garrett, a blacksmith, was on his way to Defiance to locate, and proposed to take passage with them. He treated the boys and thanked them from being thus relieved from the journey on foot. They now had to run the river against the current, and they made but six miles the first day, with the aid of Mr. Garrett (their passen- ger), who towed manfully on the cordelle. Next morning, Mr. Garrett again treated the boys, thanked them for their kindness, but proposed to continue his journey on foot.
FIRST DEFIANCE COUNTY FAIR.
The first annual fair of the Agricultural Society for this county was held October 7 and 8, 1851. The cattle, horses, hogs, fowls, etc., were on exhibition in a lot owned by Dr. Colby, on the north side of the Maumee River. The fruit and other articles were ar- ranged for inspection in the court house. William C. Holgate was Secretary.
HEBREWS.
The Jewish nation is represented in Defiance County by about fifty-seven souls, independent of the class denominated "roving Jews." Of the adult por- tion of resident Jews of the county, there are twenty- seven males, and twelve families, with eighteen chil- dren under thirteen years of age. The most of these live in Defiance. Thirteen, however, live in Hicks- ville.
The Jews commenced their history in this coun- ty with the Wirtheimer family, followed by Kittner, Kugle and Levys; afterward Ginsburg and family settled here. The families mentioned above, and others perhaps, are classed among our best citizens. They are well thought of by the Gentile brethren, and fra- ternize freely with other classes of citizens irrespec- tive of religious opinions. In their religious beliefs, they are firm, and we might say strict, in the obser vance of all rules and ceremonies pertaining to their ancient
religion. In addition to their religious organiza- tion, they have a Hebrew relief association. The officers of this society are H. H. Ginsburg, Presi- dent; A. Schlossburg, Vice President; M. Kittner, Treasurer, and A. Rosenbaum, Secretary. This as- sociation was called into being here by the shameful outrages perpetrated by the Russian Government upon the defenseless Jews, and has for its object the relief of the persecuted brethren in that country. The religious congregation, while it meets for relig- 'ious purposes only, is not observed with that faith- fulness, perhaps, which is characteristic of this peo- ple in large cities where the congregations are larger, and where they have their own synagogue or build- ing for worship. Here they meet but twice a year, except in case of a death or a marriage or an occa- sion of that nature. The first meeting is that of Jew- ish New Year, which usually comes in the latter part of September or the first of October. The second meeting is that of the day of atonement, which is commonly known as the long day, and occurs one week after the New Year. This day being a fast day is usually observed by the most liberal of the Hebrews. For these two occasions referred to they generally bring here a regular Rabbi, or minister. They also hold religious meetings at weddings and deaths. At all religious meetings it requires the at- tendance of at least ten males over thirteen years of age. Their meetings are presided over in the ab- sence of a Rabbi by a senior member, and as Mr. Joseph Kugle is the oldest member here, this gen- tleman is chosen by common consent for this office. The Jewish women, not unlike their Gentile sisters, are the most religious of the two sexes. Inasmuch as their mode of worship like their race is the most ancient, their services are always conducted in the Hebrew language, of which all members are readers.
POPULATION OF DEFIANCE COUNTY BY TOWNSHIPS FROM 1840 TO 1880.
TOWNS.
1840.
1850.
1860.
1870.
1880.
.
Adams .
188
432
754
1,220
1,509
Defiance
1,044
1,281
2,418
3,615
6,846
Delaware.
201
445
895
1,160
1,505
Farmer.
281
894
1,180
1,184
1,302
Hicksville.
67
507
910
1,287
2,381
Highland.
542
365
797
946
1,326
Mark.
391
595
1,096
Milford.
175
645
1,293
1,555
1.460
Noble ..
558
770
867
912
Richland
702
908
1,194
1,427
Tiffin
222
709
916
1,080
1.526
- Washington
98
428
751
1,016
1,325
Total ..
2,818
6,966
11,983
15,719
22,515
In 1840, Noble is included in Defiance, Richland in High- land, and, in 1840 and 1850, Mark in Farmer Township.
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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
A COMPANY was raised for the Mexican war, in the Maumee Valley, known as Company B, Fif- teenth Regiment United States Infantry. This regi- ment was familiarly known as "New Regulars," and was mustered out at the close of the war. The com- missioned officers of Company B, appointed by the President, were Daniel Chase, of Manhattan, Cap- tain; -- Goodloe, First Lieutenant, and J. W. Wiley, of Defiance, Second Lieutenant. Wiley was court marshaled and dismissed from the service for fighting a duel with a brother officer in Mexico. He went thence to Olympia, in Washington Territory, where he published a paper for several years, but is now dead. Goodloe was killed in battle. The Cap- tain returned home. The company participated in all the battles about the City of Mexico, and suffered terribly in killed and wounded, quite a number also dying in hospital.
We are not able to furnish a roll of the men en- listed, but we here give, from the files of the Defi- ance Democrat, of March 9, 1848, a list of deaths.
The following is a list of deceased soldiers former- ly belonging to Company B, Fifteenth United States Infantry :
Chester G. Andrews, killed in battle near City of Mexico, August 20, 1847.
Joseph T. Clark, died of wounds received in same battle.
Jonas G. Anglemyer, died of wounds received at the storming of Chapultepec.
John Ball, died in Government Hospital in New Orleans, August 20, 1847.
Solomon Blubaugh, died in hospital, Mexico, October 6, 1847.
Chauncy Crago, died at San Borgia, September 3, 1847.
Robert Graves, killed in City of Mexico, Septem- ber 14, 1847.
Isaac Huyck, died in hospital in Chapultepec, November 19, 1847.
Joseph Hickory, died in hospital in Vera Cruz, June 22, 1847.
Samuel Jennings, died near Jalapa, Mexico, June 26, 1847.
Thomas L. Kollock, died in hospital in Chapulte- pec, December 15, 1847.
Thomas Marks, died near Santa Fe, June 19, 1847.
John McMillen, died in Puebla, July 20, 1847. Jacob Reid, died in Perote Castle, July, 1847.
David Robinson, died in Chapultepec, November 19, 1847.
Noble Robinson, died in hospital in Perote, July 3, 1847.
George W. Slough, died in hospital in Perote, July 15, 1847.
John Sleath, killed in battle near the City of Mexico, August 20, 1847.
William Strain, died in hospital in Chapultepec, December 11, 1847.
James M. Skean, died in hospital in Mexico, Sep- tember 27, 1847.
Calvin Waggint, died in hospital in Puebla, Au- gust 9, 1847.
Charles Carrol, died in hospital in Puebla.
Edward Bennett, died in hospital in Puebla.
Joseph Cummings, died in hospital, Puebla.
William Davis, died in hospital, Puebla.
Samuel Garrison, died in hospital, Puebla. William Gee, died in hospital, Puebla. Otho Ham, died in hospital, Puebla.
George Holden, died in hospital, Puebla.
Robert Hinkley, died in hospital, Puebla. William Russel, died in hospital, Puebla. Ephraim Smith, died in hospital, Puebla. Anson Strever, died in hospital, Puebla.
Leander P. Stoddard, died in hospital, Puebla. Charles Tupel, died in hospital, Puebla.
Charles Smith, died in hospital, Puebla.
The following is an extract from a letter of Lieut. James W. Wiley, in which he makes honorable men- tion of officers and soldiers who went from the Mau- mee Valley:
" I take this occasion to remark that the Defiance and Williams County boys deserve particular notice for the gallant manner in which they acted in every action. All that were able were always present, and there has never been an instance that has come to my knowledge of one of them flinching. Sergt. John Davis and Sergt. Maybe deserve particular mention the former loading and firing more shots at Churubusco than any other member of the company, cheering up and encouraging his comrades, etc .; and the latter for his deliberate coolness and gallantry throughout the action. He was shot through the hand while carrying an order from Capt. Chaseto a portion of the
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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
men, to have them cease firing, which entirely dis- abled it. Corp. John Daly, James Skean, David Robinson Sanford W. Smith, William Strain, James Black and others, deserve much praise for the manner in which they conducted themselves. Mr. Jason Dame was on detached service at the time of the bat- tle of Churubusco, and was not in that action, but at Chapultepec he distinguished himself for his bravery and good condnet. In fact, the whole company, with one or two exceptions, did their duty manfully, and I think the list of killed and wounded will show that they were not slow in walking up to the work, as we were the second company on the list in our regiment in point of loss.
" It now becomes my painful duty to rehearse the casualties which have happened to the brave little band I enlisted at Defiance, including, also, those who went to Toledo and joined the service there. Thomas Marks died at the close of the second day's march, and the next evening, while the companies were drilling, exercising in loading and firing, George Slough was struck in the leg with a ball, from the effects of which he died with the lockjaw at
Perote. Jacob Smith, of Williams County, and Noble Robinson, from Evansport, were both attacked with diarrhoea on the march, and were left at the hospital at Perote-both since died. At Puebla, Mr. McMillan, from Williams County, died from the effects of a violent fever. On leaving Puebla, there were detained in the hospital at that place, Corp. Rogers, Corp. Garrison (brother-in-law to Henry Brubacher), Simon Smith, of Williams County, Anson Strever, of the same county, and Dutch Charley, or Charles Tuber. C. G. Andrews was killed by a posse of Mexican lancers while engaged with Joseph Clark in caring for a wounded comrade; Clark was badly cut up by the lancers, being badly wounded in the hand, arm and head; was left for dead, but came to and was picked up and conveyed to his regiment, where he partly recovered from his wounds, but was attacked with diarrhea, which terminated his exist- ence, and, in a few days afterward, James Skeen died with the same disease. Our Orderly Sergeant, Mace, was left sick at Vera Cruz, and Sergt. Ward at Puebla; neither of whom have yet arrived."
CHAPTER XIX.
MILITARY RECORD OF DEFIANCE COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. THE CALL FOR TROOPS.
A T a meeting of the citizens of Defiance, held at the court house on the evening of April 16,1861, in pursuance of a call made by many of the leading citizens of the town, S. S. Sprague was chosen chair- man and S. A. Strong, Secretary. The chair briefly stated the object for which the meeting was called.
On motion, a committee of three was appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of the senti- ments of the meeting. E. H. Leland, Dr. Perry and J. P. Buffington were appointed as the committee.
Dr. Paul, William A. Brown, T. Fitzpatrick, E. H. Leland, Dr. Ruhl and others addressed the meet- ing in stirring and patiotic remarks. The Committee on Resolutions, through their chairman, reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we view the recent attack upon the National flag at Fort Sumter, while the Gov- ernment was engaged in the peacable and neces- sary duty of supplying our soldiers with provisions, as one of the most abominable of crimes-a crime against the Government and a direct and unpardon- able insult to every loyal citizen of the United States.
Resolved, That the treasonable band of conspir- ators who are organized under the name of Confeder- ate States, have by their crimes against the Govern- ment extending through a series of years, and finally culminating in frequent overt acts of treason, forfeit- ed all the political rights which they have heretofore enjoyed. That they are entitled to no respect or con- sideration from the civilized world, and by the exer- cise of all power of men or money, it has become necessary to inflict upon them the just and speedy punishment which their crimes deserve.
Resolved, That to such an extent has treason been permitted to walk abroad, unpunished in our land, that it has now become a question of self-preserva- tion; and all party feelings, and all party issues as heretofore existing should be entirely lost sight of; and until the question of the preservation of the Govern- ment shall be settled, we recognize no two classes of people, but two parties-Patriots and Traitors.
Resolved, That it is the imperative duty of every good citizen to uphold the President of the United States in his efforts to execute the laws of the United States in every portion of the Government and against
114
HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
all its enemies. All of which is respectfully sub- mitted.
On motion it was ordered that the proceedings of the meeting be published in the village newspapers.
Party differences were ignored by common consent and sentiments of a determination to support the Government at all hazards were freely expressed.
S. S. SPRAGUE, Chairman. S. A. STRONG, Secretary.
FOURTEENTH OHIO INFANTRY.
The Fourteenth Ohio Regiment was raised in the Tenth Congressional District of Ohio. Ten companies from Toledo, Bryan, Defiance, Stryker, Napoleon, Antwerp, Wauseon and Waterville were organized into the Fourteenth Regiment at Toledo, on the 24th of April, 1861, James B. Steedman being elected Colonel; George P. Estell, Lieutenant Colonel; Paul Ed- wards, Major. The President's proclamation for 75,000 men was promptly responded to, and in less than three days the Fourteenth Ohio was ready for the field, and on the 25th day of April, 1861 (just twelve days after the firing on Fort Sumter), it started from Toledo for Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, where it was thoroughly drilled and its organization com- pleted. On the 18th of May, the regiment was trans- ferred from the State to the General Government.
The regiment left Cleveland on the 22d day of May for Columbus, there received their arms and ac- couterments, and on the same day started for Zanes- ville, Ohio; arrived at 1 P. M. on the 23d and imme- diately embarked for Marietta. Occupied Camp Putnam until the 27th of May, then was ordered to embark for Parkersburg, Va., at which place it landed without opposition, and for the first time the regimental flag of the Fourteenth was unfurled in the enemy's country.
Immediately on its arrival, one company was double-quicked along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the bridges of which were being fired by retreating rebels, as a signal of the arrival of National troops in Western Virginia. Guards were then posted along the road to prevent further destruc- tion, and on the 29th the regiment moved forward until Clarksburg was reached, having repaired all the burnt bridges and culverts up to that point. At Clarksburg, some important arrests were made and the trains were put to running for supplies.
On the 2d of June, the regiment started by rail for the town of Webster, supplied with rations sufficient for a march to Philippi, a distance of thirteen miles. This march was performed on a dark, dismal, rainy night, to surprise a force of about two thousand rebel cavalry in camp near that place. The march brought the regiment in front of the town at 5 A. M.,
when a battery belonging to the force opened upon the surprised rebels, who were badly frightened, and scattered to the bushes and hills as fast as their horses could carry them, some leaving their clothing and boots behind and making off almost in the Georgia costume of "a shirt and a pair of spurs." A few pris- oners, all the rebel stores and five wagon loads of arms and munitions fell into the hands of the Nation- al force. On the National side, there were but four men wounded, including Col. Kelly, afterward Major General. One of the rebel cavalry had his leg taken off by a cannon ball. On the next day, the Four- teenth, in company with the Sixteenth and Seven- teenth Ohio, Sixth and Seventh Indiana and First Virginia Infantry went into camp on the hills in the rear of the town of Philippi. On the 2d of July, 1861, the regiment received its first pay in gold and Ohio currency. On the 7th of July, the rebels began to show themselves in force at Laurel Hill, and works were thrown up at Bealington to repel their attacks. Several cavalry charges made by the enemy were handsomely repulsed. On the 12th, Gen. Garnett, having suddenly retreated, the National forces moved out of their works; the Fourteenth taking the advance, took possession of a fort; vacated by the enemy and pressed on after the retreating column. The rebels were closely pressed, the road being strewed with trunks, boxes, tents, stalled baggage wagons and "tuck- ered-out" rebels. In crossing Carrick's Ford, the enemy was obliged to make a stand to save their trains. Taking a strong position, they awaited the coming of the National forces. The advance guard of the Fourteenth was under the rebel guns before they were aware of it. The rebel flag was flaunted in their faces, and with shouts for Jeff Davis came a shower of balls from the bluff above and opposite the stream. The Fourteenth closed up to its advance guard and answered the enemy's first volley before the second had been fired. In twenty minutes, and just as the first regiment of the main column came up for ac- tion, the enemy gave way in great confusion, casting off everything that could retard escape. Over thirty well-laden baggage wagons, one battery, three stand of colors and 250 prisoners were the fruits of this vic- tory. The next morning the regiment returned to- ward Philippi with the prisoners and captured train, fording at least six rivers and creeks swollen by the heavy rains, arriving at Philippi on the 15th of July. The Fourteenth remained in camp at Laurel Hill until the 22d, when it moved to and crossed the Ohio at Bellaire, and there took cars on the Central Ohio for Toledo and home. The wounded received great attention from the people along the road, and the regiment was tendered ovations and kindnesses without number. It arrived at Toledo on the 25th of
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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
July, where it was hailed by the ringing of bells and firing of cannon. After partaking of a sumptuous feast, prepared by the citizens at the Oliver House, the regiment dispersed.
After a few days' rest at home the men re- assembled, and again volunteered in a body for three years, or during the war. On the 23d of August, 1816, the Fourteenth received orders, and moved from Toledo to Cincinnati on the same day, reaching there in the evening. It was here sup- plied with arms and accouterments, and on the morn- ing of the 25th crossed the Ohio to Covington, Ky., and took cars for Lexington and Frankfort. Re-
maining in Frankfort two days, the regiment moved by cars to Nicholasville, and established a camp of rendezvous, where for three weeks it was engaged in daily drill and was thoroughly disciplined. Camp Dick Robinson was its next stopping place, and was reached on the evening of October 2. While there, a regiment of loyal East Tennesseans arrived, hav- ing, as the men said, crawled on all fours through the rebel lines. Among these brave and self-sacrificing loyal mountaineers were the then Tennessee United States Senator, Andrew Johnson, and Horace May- nard, Congressman, on their way to Washington, D. C. Col. Steedman, of the Fourteenth, invited Johnson to share his tent for the night. The rough attire and begrimed appearance of Johnson caused "the boys" of the regiment to remark that "old Jim Steedman" would invite "Andy" to a free use of soap before he would allow him to bunk with him. The East Ten- nesseans being without arms, discipline or drill, a detail was made from the Fourteenth for the purpose of perfecting them in drill. About this time rumors were rife that the National forces stationed at or near Wild Cat, a desolate region sixty miles south- east of Camp Dick Robinson, were surrounded by the rebels. The Fourteenth, with Barnet's First Ohio Artillery, started at once for Wild Cat, making forced marches through the deep mud and driving rain, and reached there at 9 A. M. of the 21st of Oc- tober. On nearing the battle-field the crash of mus- ketry and artillery was heard. This spurred the ex- cited troops, who were going into their first engage- ment, and they double-quicked to the point of attack. Barnett's artillery was placed in position and the enemy shelled. Five companies of the Thirty-third Indiana were on a wild knob, almost completely sur- rounded by the rebels. Under cover of a brisk fire from Barnet's battery, two companies of the Four- teenth, with picks and shovels, crawled through the bushed over a ravine, and reached the knob, fortified it in such a manner that the enemy shortly abandoned the siege and retreated toward London, Ky. The rebels left on the ground about thirty of their num-
ber killed and wounded. The National forces pur- sued the rebels under Zollicoffer, to a point near Lon - don, and then went into camp for some two weeks. Orders were received to march back toward Lancas- ter, passing through Crab Orchard and Mt. Vernon. The next point was Lebanon, at which place the troops went into winter quarters.
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