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Newspaper
Defiance County Express
Location
Defiance, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Feb 12, 1885
Page
3
Local notices mix social chatter with business and weather, noting new embroideries and white goods at Harley's Lion Store, a push for newspaper partners, flood anxieties in Toledo, sleighing, and a flood of town chatter from Defiance, Antwerp, Lima, Findlay, and more.
The Express condemns Bohemian Oats as a gigantic swindle following lawsuits spreading in several counties. A Milan letter confirms widespread suits and debt disputes, with warning that many farmers face legal actions and financial ruin as they struggle to reclaim losses. Reports also note local ads, trades, and a billiards incident tied to a warrant for assault.
Judge J J Greene retired after thirty one years as Probate Judge and leaves a strong record of efficiency and public trust. J P Cameron stepped down as County Clerk, succeeded by his brother M B Cameron, with high praise for the family’s reputation and expected continued diligence in office.
The Sandusky Local notes that Ohio has 17 458 teachers and over 52 000 school officers, giving about three officers per teacher. The state spends nearly 10 million dollars annually on schools, and it is hoped teachers will receive the largest share once all returns are in, especially from back districts.
The snippet lists old aphorisms about February weather: St Dorothea on the sixth predicts snow, north winds signal March, a sunny February shows a fine week, snow birds imply rain, February fogs foretell May frost, bearded frost warns of cold, dark moon frost harms fruit while light moon frost does not, June frost counts match February fogs, moonlit nights bring hard frosts, and six months separate frosts with three frosts in a row indicating rain.
The Evening Express offers three months in advance plus arrearages free access to Good Cheer for one year, with noted authors and historical sketches. Also offered is Our Country Home, agricultural monthly, with a combined deal for Evening Express plus either Good Cheer or Our Country Home at reduced rates, plus retail sales to non-subscribers.
With winter easing timber markets, a hopeful note for next season. Albert Kellogg, seventeen, transferred from Defiance County to the Reform Farm by Governor Hoadly, after October term imprisonment, for improved prospects outside the penitentiary workshops.
The Chatauqua Circle and guests gathered at Dr. D A Rohn home for supper and literary exercises. A piano duet opened the program before members quoted American authors and lectured on the New Orleans Exposition. The group adjourned with thanks to the hostess and planned to meet again, marking February 4th, 1885 as a red letter day.
Hicksville, usually peaceful, is stirred by a scandal involving two married merchants and two fair maids. A sleighride plan led to a fatal accident when a horse fell into an old well, exposing the affair and triggering community shock and moral outrage.
A leading dry goods shop reported a valuable embroidery theft detected before customers left. The proprietor noted women are frequent thieves, with items like ribbons, laces, shoes, and entire bolts at risk, but said vigilance and on floor watchers deter losses. He hinted at a suspect but refused to name individuals.
Advertisement notes unscrupulous sellers claim cough and cold remedies equal to Dr. Bosanko's cough and lung syrup. It warns buyers to insist on this remedy and avoid substitutes. Price listed as 50 cents and one dollar, sold by Colby and Scott.
A local fox and deer hunt ended with only one fox killed after mismanagement. Andrew Boyd Willis Fuller and wives George Wells and wives and Mrs Deacon Jones participated. J B Wibel lost two fingers in a circular saw accident while milling but may avoid amputation. The next fox hunt is scheduled March fifth at the Garman schoolhouse amid ongoing meetings at Gray schoolhouse. Mother Owens of Florida is visiting the locality. Reporter gathered notes for the county paper.
Two rail lines debate direct versus indirect routes to Washington for inauguration travel. The Baltimore and Ohio offers flat low rates on all trains, while the rival line restricts fares to slow trains and imposes extra charges on limited services. The B and O emphasizes direct service, track space for sleeping cars, and a special Washington schedule, plus a prepared station area with lighting for travelers. Erie Mills of Defiance announces refitting and new capacity to handle wheat and corn processing starting February 15th.
A riddle from Stryker Advance cites a Fulton county resident who over 50 years has lived in Michigan Hillsdale County Mill Creek Township Toledo area Ohio Williams County Bradley Township and Fulton county Franklin Township without leaving the family farm, a puzzle echoed by Wauseon Tribune for the Angora Road home.
Brunersburg notes discuss skating rink talk, town visits, and school progress under Mr and Mrs W S Johnson and Miss Tena. Mentions Miss Kate Snyder visiting Ela Hilton, funeral of Mrs Roehrig, and various local outings. A new boot and shoe shop opens in the old bee hive building, with social visits to Defiance and Delaware Beach. Weather surprise with thunder and snow. M E appointment changed. Shilohs Vitalizer advertised. Branersburg summer school teacher hired for two months.
The name is familiar nationwide as the originator of Dr Bosanko Cough and Lung Syrup, a staple remedy for coughs, colds, consumption, and throat and lung ailments. Priced at 50 cents and 100 dollars, it is sold by Colby & Scott.
The recent fox and deer hunt by Defiance Paulding and Putnam counties drew about three hundred citizens. Six foxes and three deer entered the enclosure but poor management caused demoralization, leaving only one fox captured and brought home by Defiance hunters E. R. Mallett A. F. Harley G. A. Bogart C. P. Harley F. E. Travis H. E. Carey H. Feindel D. Jarvis D. Krotz and G. O. Durrah. The skin will be kept as a memento of their noted feat.
A female author asserts many ways for women to earn a living beyond seeking a husband. She warns that some men fail to support a wife and family. She urges girls to learn domestic skills in school and be competent in household management, arguing this would reduce divorce and improve homes.
Reader notice extols Dr Jones Red Clover Tonic for liver stomach and kidney disorders and dyspepsia debility from malaria and other causes. Described as a tonic appetizer blood purifier and cure for ague. Price 50 cents at G W Bechel.
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