Squirrels

    In the fall of 1855, Defiance was over run with wild squirrels who were migrating from east to west.

    For several days, no matter which way you turned they could be seen in the streets and alleys, in door yards and trees, but all moving in a westerly course. Along their route they devoured everything which squirrels will eat, and hickory trees especially were alive with them. During the time they were here Mr. Buffington says he did not go far from town and could not tell how wide the territory they traveled over, but there were thousands upon thousands of them.
    They were of the gray and black species of squirrels, very few if any red ones being found among them. People here killed many of them with clubs for they were easily approached and could not be turned from general course.
    About a week after they were the thickest a squirrel hunt was organized. Mr. Buffington and Angus Downs, were selected as captains and each choose eight men, making eighteen in all.
    They started at a given time in the morning and shot until evening; when the count was made the hunters had 960 dead squirrels as a results of the day's sport.
    Angus Downs side had the most, Angus himself having killed 110. The game was piled up in front of the Russel House Hotel and everyone who would carry them away were welcome to them.
    All of these squirrels were killed within one and one-half miles of Defiance.


Defiance Democrat    7-14-1892