Pioneer Physician Dr. John Evans (Defiance first Physician) History of Defiance County 1883 Page 177-179

    The family of Dr. John Evans was widely known to the people of the Upper Maumee Valley. He studied his profession under the instruction of Dr. Spencer, of  Kentucky, and Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, and commenced practice at Washington, Fayette county, Ohio, about 1814 and also conducted in a separate room of the same building the mercantile and apothecary store (A person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.). On the 27th of May, 1818, he married Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio.

    The Evans family were among the early settlers of Kentucky. Samuel Evans (father of Dr. John), removed to Ohio from Bourbon County, Ky., when Dr. John was about seventeen years old. William Taylor (father of Elizabeth, who married Dr. John), the first settler between the Ohio River and Chillicothe, moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky when his daughter was about three months old, and from Kentucky to near Bainbridge , Ross County, Ohio, when she was six or seven years of age. Dr. John and family (now consisting of his wife and two daughters) removed from Washington, Fayette County, to Defiance, in February, 1823. They started in a large double sleigh, but the snow failing they compelled to abandon their sleigh and resort to wagons. The family reached Judge Nathan Shirley's, on the Auglaize River, one mile above Defiance, on the last day of February. Their first location was camp No. 3, five miles below Defiance on the north side of the Maumee in a double log cabin, and here Samuel Cary Evans, their first born son, was born April 10, 1823. During the summer, the doctor built a frame house at Defiance, into which he removed his family in the month of November of that year. He made the first brick and the first lime that was manufactured in Defiance, a part of which was used in the construction of his own house and the proceeds of the sale of the surplus lime and brick netted an amount that paid the entire cost of his house. In the same year, Foreman Evans, his brother also removed to Defiance. Judge Pierce Evans (cousin of Dr. John) removed to the head of the rapids and reside there during the year 1822 and 1823, and then removed to the farm below Defiance. When Dr. Evans reached Defiance, there were no physicians on the rivers nearer than Fort Wayne above and Maumee City below, and his professional visits often extended to Fort Wayne, to St. Marys, on the St Marys River, and to the head of the Maumee rapids. There being no good roads, no bridges over streams and facilities for ferriage were at points remote from each other, it is difficult to convey to the mind of the medical practitioner of this day (1883) an adequate view of the formidable and often dangerous obstacles that Dr. Evans was compelled to encounter in the discharge of his professional duties. The first relief from this exhausting toil was afforded by the arrival at Defiance of Dr. Jonas Colby, in 1832. In 1824. he purchased the stock of goods of Hunt& Forsyth, of Maumee City, which were brought up on pirogues. This was the first store of considerable importance that contained goods adapted to the wants of the white settlers, although staple Indian goods (except whisky) were included in his general stock. When the family removed to Defiance, there were no regular church services, and, until the court house was erected, no suitable house for worship. The Methodists, however, held services at short intervals, sometime in private houses, and when weather was favorable, in the adjacent groves. The first Presbyterian clergyman was Rev. Mr. Stowe. During his residence in Defiance, Dr. Evans possessed more fully the confidence of the Indians than the majority of those who had dealing with them. He acquired this confidence by professional ministrations, by fairness in trade and refusing their applications for intoxicating drinks. When the Indians men and women would visit Defiance and obtain liquor from mercenary traders and become drunk and crazed, and their brutal nature aroused, the Indian women  would gather up the tomahawks and knives of their  men and deposit them at the premise of their friend, Dr. Evans. On one occasion the chief, Oc-co-nox-ee, of Oc-co-nox-ee town, on the Auglaize River (now Charloe, Paulding Co.) brought one of his daughters to the doctor  to be treated for some sickness which had baffled the skill of the Indian "medicine man." She was received into the Doctor's household and in due time restored to health. As an equivalent for his service the chief made the Doctor a present of an Indian pony. In 1838, with a view of affording his children opportunities for obtaining better educational facilities,he temporarily removed to Troy, Ohio, and continued there until the fall of 1840, when he removed to Fort Wayne and engaged actively in commercial pursuits in partnership with his son-in-law, John E Hill. During his residence in Troy, he continued business in Defiance, and now from the two stores they supplied the contractors, who were constructing the Paulding County Reservoir, with goods to prosecute their work. In 1840, he removed the Defiance stock to Fort Wayne and concentrated his business at that point. In the summer of 1842, business called Dr. Evans to Defiance, and while here he was seized with an illness that would have induced an ordinary person to remain and receive medical treatment, but his indomitable will had determined him to make an effort to reach his family at Fort Wayne. Leaving Defiance on horseback, he had traveled only about a mile and reached the house of Thomas Warren, when the intensity of his suffering arrested his progress, and he remained at the house of Warren two or three days. Moved Dr. Evans to Mrs. Hiltons house, in order to secure more comfortable quarters .
    On the following day, August 11, 1842, Dr. Evans past away. Dr. Evans was taken back to Fort Wayne, by his family, to be buried there.

Ransom Osborn (1790 - 1872) - Find A Grave Memorial

Hicksville Land Office

Ransom Osborn

    Ransom Osborn was born in Oxford, New Haven County, Conn., April 4, 1795, and married Miss. Sarah Hurd, of Humphreyville, Conn., January 15, 1815. Sixteen years after, he moved to Geauga county, Ohio, remaining there eight years; from there he went to Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio , and in the fall of 1836 he removed, with his family, to Hicksville township, then Williams Co. (now Defiance co.). When he arrived, he found but two cabins, built by Hicks& Co., and occupied by Daniel Comstock and Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn built the third cabin, near the homestead of A.P. Edgerton now stands (Hicksville Library). As he had his family domiciled, he started for Fort Wayne with a load of wheat and corn, and two yokes of oxen, the former to be converted into flour for the use of the family. The distance was twenty-five miles, through a dense forest and the only road was a winding path, from which a few bushes had been cut. He reached his destination in safety, got his grain ground, and started for home about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. After traveling some miles, it commenced to rain and snow, and the weather, which had been mild turned bitterly cold. The path lay through a level country, and the heavy rains had covered the lower portion of the trail with water, which commenced freezing, and the oxen soon grew weary, as, at every step, the ice would break, cutting their legs; but he urged them on, with all the skill of an experienced driver. The cold increased, and he began to be alarmed for his safety, as the night was rapidly approaching. He tried to kindle a fire, but everything being covered with sleet, it was impossible. He moved slowly along, as the darkness deepened he had to feel his way and guide his team. The weather grew colder and colder ice formed on his clothing, and his body became chilled and benumbed. For a long time he urged his team forward, but at length they halted and refused to go. He then unyoked them, and let them loose in the forest, hoping to reach some habitation where he could obtain shelter and relief. His feet became so wet and frozen that he could walk without the support of the limbs of the trees, with which he swing himself from tree to tree, often stopping to rest against some oak or beech while he called for help. But no help came until he had remained in the woods all night when a Mr. Brant, at whose house he had stopped on his way up to Fort Wayne, thinking he was probably lost in the woods, started out to look for him. As Mr. Osborn cried again for help, and he heard no sound save the dismal howling of the wolves and the echoes of his own voice, he gave up in despair. But hark! What was that? A shout --the barking of a dog. Mr. Brant assisted him to his cabin, where everything was done alleviate his suffering that could be done. All this time his wife and children were anxiously awaiting his return.The cold winds whistled among the trees, and after waiting in great suspense until after midnight, they barred the door and retired, but could not sleep.As quickly as possible, word was sent to Mrs Osborn, of her husband's misfortune, and she went to him, staying a week, and then he was taken to his home in Hicksville. Medical assistance was called from Defiance. Dr. Colby and Dr. Kibby examined the case, and found that nothing but amputation of the limbs would save his life. The same evening of their arrival, they amputated them, just six inches below the knee. This fearful ordeal was passed through by Mr. Osborn without a murmur, but he was cripple for the rest of his life.

A Sketch of the Early History of the Settlement of the Maumee Valley H.N. Curtis Defiance Democrat 15 June 1867

    It was on the 10th day of March A.D. 1825, that I first stood on the banks of the Maumee River; having arrived on the morning of that day in Defiance, at that time the county seat of Williams County. I was then in the twenty-third year of my existence in this world; and just married and hunting a location, and I found one; although in quite destitute condition but perfectly healthy, and found plenty to do, such as boating, chopping, and felling trees, as there was plenty of that to do. At that time Defiance was quite a small village containing one small store, one tavern, and some five or six families. Isaac Hull kept a store on the north side of the Maumee River opposite Defiance, and done quite an extensive trade with the Indians.

    Williams County was organized in 1824 and had Henry, Putnam and Paulding counties attached to it for judicial purposes. John Perkins, Pierce Evans and Robert Shirley, father of the late Judge Shirley, were the first Associate Judges. Dr. John Evans, Clerk; William Preston, sheriff; George Lantz, Auditor; and Robert Wasson, Treasurer. The first township organized above Defiance was Delaware, named after an old Indian town of that name. Among the first settlers of what is now Delaware township, in Defiance county, were Montgomery Evans, William Snook, Thomas Warren and Samuel and Denison Hughs who settled in 1823-24. Soon after, G.W. Hamilton and Jacob Platter moved in. The first death that occurred was Andrew Platter, son of Jacob Platter. The two first, Justices of the Peace elected were Oliver Crane and Montgomery Evans. The next township organized was Crane, which extended south and west from Delaware township to the State Line. The township derived its name from Oliver Crane, he having been one of the first settlers of the township. among the early settlers of what is now Crane township, in Paulding county, were Oliver Crane, William Gordon, Ephraim Seley and Samuel Reynolds, who settled in 1823-24. Samuel Gordon and Denison Hughes, moved on in the early part of 1825. The first Justices of the Peace elected, were Thomas P. Quick and H.N. Curtis. The first marriage that took place in what is now Crane Township, was solemnized by Oliver Crane, who joined in holy wedlock a Mr. Young to Miss. Sherry. About this time Brown Township was organized. This township was up the Auglaize River, south of Defiance; the first settlers were Shadrack Hudson, Isaac Cary and Christopher Shroufe. The township took its name from Fort, or Stockade, that was built by a part of Gen. Harrison's army in 1812 or 1813. It stood on the point at the junction of the Little and Big Auglaize rivers. A part of the pickets or palisades were still standing and seen by the writer (H.N. Curtis) in passing down the Auglaize river in the Spring of 1825. This was called Fort Brown, and was, I think, so marked upon early maps of the county. The next township organized was Carryall; this township derived its name from a large rock in the middle of the Maumee River. It was called by the French on account of its resembling a Carryall; (French wagon) this stone is about one mile above the Village of  Antwerp. Carryall township lies west of Crane. Among the first settlers of this township were William Banks, Reason V. Spurrier, David Applegate and Thomas Runyan,, who settle there in 1827-8. The first marriage that took place in what now composed Carryall township was Phillip Murphy to Miss Nancy Runyan, and solemnized by H.N. Curtis in October 1830, who was then acting Justice of the Peace. The three last named townships, Crane, Brown and Carryall, are within the limits of Paulding county was organized in the Session of 1838-9. The first Associate Judges appointed were Nathan Eaton, John Hudson and Gilman C. Mudget. They met in the fall of 1839 and appointed H.N Curtis as Clerk pro tem., of the Court; and Andrew J. Smith, Sheriff. The first Court was held in the Spring of 1840 in the then flourishing village of New Rochester, at that time containing some twenty families and the most suitable place to hold a Court. (There is now scarcely a mark of its former greatness to be seen.) From there the Court and County business was removed to Charloe, 1841, that being the time the County Seat of Paulding county and remained so for a number of years, until it was removed to its present location. The bounty on wolf scalps in the early settling of the county, together with the large quantities of furs and peltries taken by the trappers and hunters,formed quite a revenue, and assisted much in paying taxes and procuring the common necessaries of life. This county in early times was the great hunting ground of the Indians, which they were loth (sic) to give way to the "Chemokoman" or white man. This county was long noted for the large and fine quality of furs and pelties taken within its limits.my
    I recollect while acting as Clerk of the Court to have candidates for marriage frequently to pay me my fees in raccoon skins for granting the marriage license. One case I well recollect of having been called on to marry a couple; well, I done it, for I was always fond of such jobs, but the gent had nothing to pay me for my services. I told him all right, but in the fall they gathered and sent me a fine lot of hickory nuts as a compensation for my services.
    The first trading house in Paulding county, was opened by Thomas P Quick in 1826, for the purpose of obtaining furs and pelties from the Indians. The first citizen store was opened in the fall of 1829, by the writer (H.N. Curtis), and is still kept up (1867). The first white man that settled in Paulding county was John Driver, a silversmith, who made brooches and ear rings for the Indians.

                                          H.N. Curtis   15 June 1867

Benjamin Leavell (1781 - 1860) - Find A Grave Memorial

Benjamin Leavell (1781 - 1860) - Find A Grave Memorial

Old Notice Of Sale Of Defiance Defiance Democrat 9 June 1905

    Judge S.T. Sutphen received from a cousin, Mrs. John Outcalf, a newspaper clipping that has some historical significance inasmuch as it relates to the original sales of the city of Defiance.
    The article was taken from the Ohio State Journal, of Columbus, which is undoubtedly the oldest published paper in the state, being founded in 1811. It is a reprint from their edition of February 27, 1823.

    It will be noticed that it is a legal notice. The sale of the lands mentioned of about 40 acres, or only a very small fraction of what now constitutes the city of Defiance. The present acreage of Defiance is in the neighborhood of 3,200 (1905) acres. The lands offered for sale were bounded on the north and east by the Maumee and Auglaize rivers, on the west by Jackson street and on the south by Fourth street. It is another noticeable fact, that a house is now located on every one of those lots, with the exception of one, and that is located just across from the fort grounds (1905). In the sale notice, special mention is made of the wide streets that have been provided for, showing that the original proprietors and platters of the land had in mind at the very beginning of the foundation of Defiance, in making it particularly noted for its wide thoroughfares, and this has been carried out. The main street, Clinton, being one the widest streets, especially of any the size of Defiance.
                              The notice as it originally appeared is as followed.




                                                              " Town Of Defiance"
                                     
                             "The lots in the above town will be offered at public sale on the premises
                          on Monday, the 1st day of May, next. The terms of the sale will, be one-fourth
                          in hand, the balance in three equal payments of 6, 12 and 18 months
                              "Defiance, is laid out at the junction of the Auglaize an Maumee rivers.The
                         streets are wide with alleys for the convenience of the lots, which are of handsome
                         size; the proprietors have also laid off lots for religious societies and schools. The
                         superior advantage for navigation, being only 50 miles by water to Lake Erie; the
                         beauty and healthfulness of the situation, being in the center of a fertils country offers
                         advantages to the enterprising and industrious, beyond any situation in the western
                         country.

                                                          "H.G. Phillips
                                                           "Benjamin Leavell
                                                                            "Proprietors."

The Annual Meeting of the Old Settlers of the Maumee Valley At Hicksville Ohio 27 Sept 1899

                                     The following address was delivered by A.C. Comparett

 

    My parents moved up the Maumee River to Fort Wayne, Ind., they went up in a pirogue. There were but few white people, but there were many Indians extending up the St. Marys and St. Joe rivers. In the spring and fall they would come to Fort Wayne with their furs, as my father and the Ewings were the principal merchants, who bought furs and pelts those days. They packed them up and shipped them down the Maumee River by pirogues to Maumee City. This fur business was a great traffic in the early days in this part of the country. Men were sent out those days to hunt up this commodity of fur and pelts, as men sent to look at hogs and cattle. But the men of those days had to go afoot or horse back with a gun on their shoulders. There were no roads; they would meander along the streams, as the Indians, generally camped there and trapped for otter, mink and muskrats.
    The traffic of keel boating and pirgueing on the Maumee river was a grand thing those days and was the only way of getting in and out of Fort Wayne. Ravinscraf and Barber were the only ones who propelled keel boats on the river. Each had a boat propelled by long poles with heavy iron sockets which would stick to the stone bottom of the river. There would be three or four men on each side of the boat to push the boat up stream.They would go to the bow of the boat and run along the stern, on the gangway at the side of the boats. These keel boats were run when the river was in a good stage of water, as they could carry a good cargo. They never went separate in case of the water going down, although the water in the Maumee did not run down those days as now, as the wood and logs kept the water backed up, and it was slow in getting into the river.
    There were very few families along the river. At the head of the river was Mr. Cole, opposite the fort (Fort Wayne), now Lakeside, below him Wm Jackson, John Klinger,opposite and below the Nine Mile dam was William Taylor at the boat landing some two miles below town.
    The settlers below at New Haven were McDonnel, Rogers and Burges. Those are the early settlers before the canal was commenced. Not much settlement for some distance below New Haven.
    Bull Rapids a man named Ervin laid out a town called Fairport on account of the canal.
    Next was the state line, old man Saylor, George Ashley another town laid out.
    Now we are in Paulding County, the settlers along the river there were Slough, Doering, Graves, Murphy, Runion, Spurrier, Banks, Wm Rogers (Pirogue Man), Woodcox, Snooks and Daggets; these are the families living near Antwerp. Below on the river were Hughes, Gordon, Clemmers, Curtis, Musselman, Platers, Simpson, Blair, Eaton and Shirley.
    At Defiance Dr. John Evans, Sprague, Tuttle,Bouton, Edwin Phelps, David Marcellus, Brown, Miller; not much of Defiance those days. Sprague commenced building the Russell House. It was said of him that he only had $5.00 to commence with, but he stuck to it and completed it which was the first public building of note in in Defiance.
    Very few people then in Milford township; names Dr. Ladd, Noble, Bratton, Helwig, Green, Clark, Pierce, C.W. Barney,Wilcox and Hopkins.
    I then returned to Ft. Wayne es the business there increased as the wheat began pouring in from the north on the prairies and the facilities were good to get it to market, by the way of the canal to the lake. The first wheat that was bought in early days only bought three shilling, 37 in half cents per bushel, that was before the canal was completed through to Toledo.
    Cincinnati was a great manufacturing town of cooperage hictory, hoops were in good demand and Paulding county would furnish the goods. The early settlers had no other means than to hunt the poles up and carry them to the canal and thet would send men out to pick them up. These men would start out of Cincinnati with $3000.00 or $4000.00 to buy up these poles. The poles were packed out in bundles, as it was impossible to haul them out with a teams on account water and logs, as they had to go to market before the canal froze up for the winter. Then the stave business came next as they could lay on the banks of the canal and dry out before shipping; which was the means of the clearing up of  Paulding county, as they had the timber to dispose of.
    The canal lands were sold at 62 in half cents per acre with no buyers, but as soon as reduced to 30 cents to actual settlers they were soon disposed of, mostly to speculators.

Dr Charles Elihu Slocum (1841 - 1915) - Find A Grave Memorial

Dr Charles Elihu Slocum (1841 - 1915) - Find A Grave Memorial