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 32
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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 can-
non-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 kieked about as things of no value and as mat- ters 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 burn- ing 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 seared, and had barely reached their places of retreat before the shell exploded, manifesting a very destruc- tive 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 person 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 East Defiance, where now stands the brick-residence lately owned and occupied by William Lewis, one of our early pioneers. His Honor the Sheriff, William Preston, had an Indian in the lock- up 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 onee a year. several young men, thinking it rather expen- sive to the county to keep the Indian until next term of court, proceeded to the Sheriff's 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 ont of town. The next morning, the Sheriff took down 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 Brocher, James Spofford and others were the boys who had the fun.
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 enconrag- ing. Brnnershurg, a thriving little village two miles north. threatened to ontstrip it in growth. Prior to 1836. the site of Defiance was still almost wholly covered with the second forest growth to which it had been abandoned in 1794. Its dwellings, houses and stores were frame buildings, set on wooden blocks,
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and for the most part were shanties. Its business was 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 mercan- tile 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 River, 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 dis- tance 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.
The name of the carrier at that time was Thomas Driver, who made the round trip every two weeks.
Fort Defiance was the name of the office until March 10, 1824, when it was changed to Defiance. The first bondsmen of Mr. Smith were Peter G. O'Hara and Samuel Ewing, for $700.
After Mr. Smith, the following have been the Postmasters of Defiance, and dates of appointment:
Isaac Hull, Jr., appointed September 22, 1825; Benjamin Leavell, June 30, 1826; Joseph Hull, January 13, 1830; Foreman Evans, March 12, 1831; Jonas Colby, October 2, 1837; Sereno Lyman, July 6, 1841; Orlando Evans, March 18, 1842; Samuel S. Case, February 13, 1845; William Richards, October 5, 1847; Henry C. Bouton, June 20, 1851; William Moore, May 16, 1853; William E. Enos, October 15, 1860; Charles W. Evans, March 26, 1861; Charles W. Evans, March 11, 1865; Joseph Ralston (special agent acting), August 4, 1868; Joseph Ralston, March 3, 1869; Francis Brooks, February 20, 1871; George W. Deatrick, February 26, 1875; George W. Deatrick, February 22, 1879; George W. Deatrick, February, 1883.
INCORPORATION.
The village of Defiance was incorporated Janu- ary, 1836. At the first election held, on the second
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, ex- cept Mr. Sessions, who declined to serve.
On the 7th of May, the Council held its first meeting. John Oliver was appointed to fill the va- cancy. E. S. Perkins, who had been elected Recorder, being found not to be eligible (not having been resident sufficient time), George W. Crawford was ap- pointed in his place, Amos Evans acting as Recorder for that meeting. The Council appointed John Hil- ton the Village Marshal. July 4, the Council met and appointed E. C. Case Assessor. July 17, Coun- cil met. Alfred Purcell was 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 re- ceive 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." De- cember 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 Re- corder, $5.58 to the Assessor. There seems 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 ap- pointed Marshal, Erskine S. Perkins, Treasurer, and William C. Holgate, Supervisor.
At the election of 1838, Charles V. Royce was
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elected Mayor, George T. Hickox, Recorder, and Lyman Langdon, Benjamin Brubacher, Horace Ses sions, John B. Semans and William C. Holgate, Trustees-politically a Whig Board. April 11, Council appointed Seneca A. Sanford, Marshal, Amos S. Evans, Treasurer, Amos Zellers, Assessor, and David E. Knoop, Supervisor.
April 25, Mr. Sanford having declined to serve as Marshal, James M. Rood was appointed to fill the vacancy. At this meeting, the rule 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 inade between the 1st day of April and the 1st day of May in each year.
May 22, one-third of one per cent was levied for town purposes. An appropriation was made for the purpose of draining the low grounds lying between the court house square and the Methodist Church. In many places this has since been filled five and six feet, to reach the present grade. Amos S. Evans hav- ing removed from the corporation, Robert Wasson was appointed Treasurer. Mr. Hickox having diod during the summor, William Semans was made Re- corder for the balance of the year.
In 1839, C. V. Royce was re-elected Mayor, Or- laudo 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, where the width was to be but twelve feet. During this year, the rocords show the appointment of John Kniss, James B. Laughlin and William Carter as Marshals.
In February, 1840, the first sidewalks were or- dered, "commencing at the corner of Jofferson and Third streets, and running north on the west side of Jefferson street until it intersects Front street, thence west, on the south side of Front stroet, to the west side of Clinton street; thence south, on the west side of Clinton street, to the south side of Second street; thonce 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 street, and running south to the southwest corner of the court house." There were not half a dozen houses in town then not accom- modated by this route. Tho work was finished the next year, W. D. Haymaker furnishing the humber at $10.37 per thousand, and Evans & Royce laying the walk at 30 cents per rod. The walks were but three feet in width.
At the annual election of the spring of 1840, John
B. Semans was chosen Mayor, William C. Holgate, Recorder, and Horace Sessions, Orlando Evans, James S, Greer, William Semans and Jonas Colby, Trustees. Qne per centum tax was levied, and also subscrip- tions raised to aid in paying for the sidewalks or- dered. 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 Col- by, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, James B. McLangh- lin, 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 Shir- ley, Trustees, Mr. Stevens continuing Marshal.
No election was held in 1843, the old officers hold- ing over.
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 Au- glaize and Maumee, including the blocks between Jack- son 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; Jouas Colby, Recorder, and William A. Brown, Edwin Phelps, Jacob Kniss, D. W. Marcellus and John Wells, Trustees.
1846-William Carter, Mayor; Jonas Colby, Re- corder, and William A. Brown, Angus L. Downs, D. W. Marcellus, Edwin Phelps and Sidney S. Sprague, Trustees.
1847-William Carter, Mayor; Jonas Colby, Re- corder, 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 il- will, Trustees.
1849-Nathan M. Landis, Mayor; William Rich- ards, Recorder, and Timothy Fitzpatrick, Seneca A. Sanford, J. W. Phillips, Hugh J. Marcellus and F. J. Weisenburger, Trustees.
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1850-Henry C. Bouton, Mayor; William Rich- ards, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, Edwin Phelps, J. M. Stilwill, D. D. Lovejoy and Peter Zimmerman, Trustees.
1851 -- Sidney S. Sprague, Mayor; William Rich- ards, Recorder, and William 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. Marcellus, Henry C. Bouton, James B. Kimball, Levi Rider and F. J. Weisenbur- ger, 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 Rich- ards, Recorder, and William Moore, Angus L. Downs, John M. Stilwill, Jacob J. Greene and Will- iam A. Brown, Trustees.
1855-Charles Parsons, Mayor; William Richards, Recorder, and Thomas D. Harris, Ira Richardson, James L. Olney, David W. Marcellus and Edward F. Lin- denburger, Trustees.
1856-Angus L. Downs, Mayor; William Rich- ards, 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, Trustees. November 29, 1858, David Taylor resigned as Mayor, and'Trustees appointed Horace Sessions.
W. E. Kintigh also resigned as Recorder, and David Greenlee was appointed.
1859-William [Carter, Mayor; Edwin Phelps, Recorder; William Moore, Treasurer, and Jonas Colby, F. J. Weisenburger, F. Wolsiffer, William E. Enos and R. H. Gilson, Trustees. March 6, 1860, Henry Hardy was appointed Trustee in place of F. J. Weisenburger, deceased.
1860-William Carter, Mayor; Edwin Phelps, Recorder, and Jonas Colby, A. Wilhelm, W. E. Enos, F. Wolsiffer and Henry Hardy, Trustees.
1861-J. J. Greene, Mayor; Henry Hardy, Re- corder; Thomas McBride, Treasurer, and Adam Wil- helm, Edwin Phelps, J. B. Weisenburger, H. W. Pauck and J. B. Heatley, Trustees.
1862-J. J. Green, Mayor; J. B. Heatley, Job English, Frederick Schultz, Levi Rider and Martin Viebach, Councilmen.
1863-Henry Hardy, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Re-
corder, and Martin Viebach, William Higgins, Mar- tin Shondal, J. B. Heatley and Frederick Schultz, Council.
1864-William Higgins, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Recorder; A. B. Crunkhilton, Treasurer; M. A. Per- kins, E. Phelps, J. Karst, John Ruhl and Michael Roorke, Council. July 5, M. A. Perkins resigned, and J. H. Bevington appointed.
1865 -- S. T. Sutphen, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Re- corder; A. Wilhelm, Treasurer; J. S. Haller, M. Gorman, J. H. Kiser, J. J. Greene, L. Romas, Coun- cil.
1866-S. T. Sutphen, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Re- corder; A. Wilhelm, Treasurer; J. Karst, F. Trompe, Job English. J. H. Kiser, A. Dolke, Council.
1867-Thomas T. Cowen, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Recorder; A. Wilhelm, Treasurer; Henry Kuhl, Marshal; J. H. Bevington, J. Karst, J. S. Haller, John C. Schultz, Isaac T. Bowman, Council.
1868-Thomas T. Cowen, Mayor; E. H. Gleason, Recorder; A. Minsel, Treasurer; Henry Kuhl, Mar- shal; J. F. Harmening, Supervisor; J. H. Bevington, F. W. Graper, J. J. Greene, William Ferguson, George Moss, Council.
1869-Thomas T. Cowen, Mayor; F. Wolfrum, Recorder; A. Minsel, Treasurer; Samuel Palmer, Marshal; J. F. Harmening, Supervisor; C. C. Tuttle, J. H. Bevington, F. W. Graper, J. J. Greene, Will- iam Ferguson, Council.
1870-J. W. Slough, Mayor, two years; Abijah Miller, Clerk, two years: J. M. Preisendorfer, Treas- urer, two years; Conrad Moore, Marshal, two years; Peter Moore, Street Commissioner, two years. Coun - cil-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 Fer- guson, one year.
1871-Council, two years, William Ferguson, A. Wilhelm, M. Gorman.
1872-J. W. Slough, Mayor; J. M. Preisendorfer, Treasurer; F. Wolfrum, Clerk; Samuel Palmer, Marshal; P. Moore, Street Commissioner; Council, two years, J. J. Greene, A. Minsel, C. C. Tuttle.
1873-Council, two years, A. Wilhelm, William Ferguson, M. Gorman.
1874-J. W. Slough, Mayor; J. W. Preisendorfer, Treasurer; Elmer White, Clerk; G. M. Weisenber- ger, Street Commissioner; John Hepler, Marshal. Council, two years, J. J. Greene, A. Minsel, John Crowe.
1875-Council, two years, J. Karst, E. Phelps, Michael Schultz.
1876-J. W. Slough, Mayor; J. W. Preisenderfer, Treasurer; Elmer White, Clerk; John Hepler, Mar- shal; G. M. Weisenberger, Street Commissioner;
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HISTORY OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
Council, two years, J. J. Greene, A. Minsel, John Schneider.
1877-Council, two years, Joseph Blanchard. M. Schultz, Daniel Widmer.
1878 - William C Holgate, Mayor; J. M. Heng- stler, Treasurer; M. B. Gorman, Clerk; Jobn Hepler, Marshal; D. W. Marcellus, Street Commissioner; Council, two years, J. J. Greene, Potor Schlosser, J. S. Haller.
1879-Council, two years, I. Corwin, William Ferguson, George Mallott.
1880-J. F. Deatrick, Mayor; J. M. Hengstlor, Treasurer; M. B. Gorman, Clerk; John Hepler, Mar- shal; D. W. Marcellus, Street Commissioner; Coun- cil, two years, P. Schlosser, J. S. Haller, John Crowe.
1881 -- Council, two years, W. E. Carpenter, George Mallett, J. S. Greenlee.
Vote for advancement to City, socond class, 557 majority.
1882-J. F. Deatrick, Mayor; John Hepler, Mar- shal; N. G. Johnston, Solicitor; John W. Wisler, Street Commissioner; C. B. Squire, City Clerk; A. Minsel, Treasurer. Council: First Ward-D. F. Holston, two years; G. W. Bechel, one year. Second Ward-H. B. Teuzer, two years; R. A. Houghton, one year. Third Ward -- B. F. Southworth, two years; George Miller, one year. Fourth Ward- Joseph Kahlo, two years; J. N. Myers, one year. George W. Bechel, President City Council.
HOTELS.
In the summer of 1823, Dr. John Evans built on the opposite corner of Front aud Jefferson streets, into which he moved his family in November of that year. To this he soon afterward built a large two- story ad lition, of a sufficient capacity for a store and hotel, which he ran for a number of years, and sold out to Thomas Warren and William Travis, who oc- cupied it for a time.
C. C. Waterhouse next became proprietor, and connected therewith a four-horse stage, running 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 suffi- ciently large to accommodate over night fourteen to sixteen horses, in which there was not a nail or scrap 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 (de- ceased) purchased the old Pavilion property. His widow, Rebecca A. Squire, now owns and occupies the same. 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 .- About 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 con- tinued until it burned down in June 6, 1852. an ac- count 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 Fergu- son's tin and stove store, loss about $500. The Ban- ner building was partly saved, by great exertion of the citizens. Dr O. Allen's drug store was in immi- nent 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 business 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 lotel 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 long Mr. King car- ried on the business we havelnot been able to ascer- tain, 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 by Charles W. Carey. About five months thereafter, Angust 21, 1851, we
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find B. B. Southworth 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 Cosgrove, Dr. Benn, Aaron Bennett and Samuel Kin- tigh.
The Grey 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 Grey 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, stand- ing 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 fire, 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. R. Major, who kept it as a hotel up to February, 1852. He then rented the property to John Bostater for three years, who after- ward assigned his lease to Burk & Struble, who dis- solved partnership soon after. The house was. kept by James Burk up to September of same year, when Mr. Struble took possession, and remained its land- lord up to February, 1855. The property was then bought by Aaron Cary, of Crawford County, Ohio, who kept it for two or three years longer. After- ward, it was traded and sold several times, and final- ly came into possession of F. Wolsiffer. who converted it into a private residence.
Exchange Hotel-On the north side of the Mau- mee River, was built, by Henry B. Hall, contractor and builder, in 1849 or 1850, for Renben Straight, for a hotel, and was kept by him for several years; then followed Frederick Cox, Samuel Kintigh, Lo- renzo Thomas, George Thompson, and last, Gideon Yarlot, who now owns and occupies the same as a residence,
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