Page 1 of 3 Sep 1903 Issue of Defiance Weekly Express in Defiance, Ohio

Defiance Weekly Express September 3, 1903 Page 1 old newspaper archives

Read an issue on 3 Sep 1903 in Defiance, Ohio and find what was happening, who was there, and other important and exciting news from the times. You can also check out other issues in The Defiance Weekly Express.

Browse Defiance Weekly Express

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

How to Find What You Are Looking for on This Page

We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to make the text on a newspaper image searchable. Below is the OCR data for 3 Sep 1903 Defiance Weekly Express in Defiance, Ohio. Because of the nature of the OCR technology, sometimes the language can appear to be nonsensical. The best way to see what’s on the page is to view the newspaper page.

Show OCR

Defiance Weekly Express (Newspaper) - September 3, 1903, Defiance, Ohio Dcpiance is a City or the Secowd*Crade»Pofolatioh * *10,000GROWING RAP IDLV-SITUATED AT THE CONFLUENCE OF THE AUGLAIZE AND MAUMEE RI IVERS. The Heart of the Great Maumee Valley VOL. XLV.DEFIANCE, OHIO. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1903. No. 39 REVOLVER DID WORK. WELL THE TRAGIC DEATH OF DEFIANCE MAN Shot Himself on the Porch of Club House at Golf Grounds. The remains of Lewis T. Branson were found on the west porch of the Golf club house,near Island Park, at 5:50 a. rn. Saturday by Officers Buchholz and Frank Baker. His head was lying to the north and his feet crossed. In his right hand he held a seven shot revolver, two shells having been exploded. There was a bullet hole in the center of his head. The bullet had lodged in the brain. The features and hands of the deceased had began to turn, which indicated that he had been dead many hours. RED LIGHTS OFT. At 7:30 Friday evening the red lights were turned on at police headquarters and the call was answered by Officer Thomas Buchholz, who found that an officer was wanted by Mrs. Lewis T. Branson. When the officer called she stated her husband had left home about 2 p. rn. and his state of health was such that she feared that he might have fallen ill somewhere or dropped dead. Officer Buchholz went out and informed night police that Branson was missing and a search was made until ll p. rn. At that hour Buchholz left for home. At day break the police made a search of the old fort grounds, but nothing was found. officer’s awakening. When Officer Buchholz arose next morning the thought occurred to him that he could locate Branson and he called Night Police Frank Baker and the two left for Island Park. Mr. Buch holz remembered that Friday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock he took a street ear and rode down to Island Park. On the car was A. T. Kruse, Claud Beatty aud Lewis T. Branson. Mr. Kruse got off the car at his factory but Branson and Beatty went on to the end of the line at the park. The officer remembered that Beatty crossed the pontoon bridge to Island Park, but Branson started west along the river bank. ON RIGHT TRACK. When the officers reached the end of the street car line that morning they covered the ground to the club house where they found Branson’s body as noted in the opening of this article. Blood indicated that the man had been dead many £hours, the place swarming with many flies. CORONER CALLED. Justice C. H. Hunter was called as acting coroner and viewed the remains. An ambulance was then called and the remains wrere taken to the morgue at Ed W. Huffman’s undertaking establishment to be prepared for burial. NOTE TO JUDGE HAY. The following note to Judge F. L. Hay was found in a notebook on the body: To Judge F. L. Hay:—Put me in our lodge lot by brother John Sitherns. My head hurts all of the time. I am afraid I will go crazy yet. My sister’s address: Mrs. Carrie B. Taylor, Coatesville, Chester county, Pa., 254 South First ave.; Aunt, Mrs. Mary Doan, Coatesville, Pa. LETTER TO WIFE. In addition to the above was the following letter to his wife: My Dear Wife: — My head hurts so much that I cannot sleep at night. I can see everything flying around my bed. I think I am going crazy. I cannot stand it any longer. I think I will be better off to go before that time comes. Lovingly, Lewis. God forgive me. beatty’s story. Claud Beattv, a son of Chas. Beatty, of North Defiance, has been the gate-keeper at Island Park this summer. When he got off the car at Island park Friday he had a short talk with Mr. Branson. He invited him to go bo the park, where he had some poles, and they would go fishing. Branson said he wanted to walk around for a time and left, going toward the golf club house. Young Beatty went on to the park and shortly after he had crossed the pontoon bridge heard a shot in the direction of club house. That was about 2 p. rn. and the condition of the remains would indicate that it was about that time when Mr. Branson shot himself. As there were two empty shells in the revolver, it is likely there were two shots and that Branson missed the first time. OBITUARY. Lewis William Thacker Branson was born in Salem N. J. July 7th, 1847, and died Aug. 28th, 1903, aged 56 years, I month and 18 days. He leaves a wife. He served for nine years in the United States navy. He was a member of W. S. Hancock lodge, No, 207, Knights of Pythias,and was well liked and generally respected by every one. He has been in bad health for years and it is believed that the thought that he would become a helpless charge upon his wife drove him to the rash act that ended his life. Mr. and Mrs. Branson resided at 410 Front street. TUE FUNERAL. The funeral occured from the Presbyterian church at 3 p. rn. Sunday, Rev. B. W. Slagle officiating. W. S. Hancock lodge K. of P. having charge of the fun eral. The remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. BREAKING THE NEWS. After the body had been found Officer Buchholz telephoned Mrs. Enos Blair and asked her to inform Mrs. Branson of the death of her husband. Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Frank Ferguson performed that sad service, It was a great shock to the lady, but she was in a measure prepared for the sad news, for she was satisfied when her husband did not return in the evening that something was wrong. She knew better than any one the state of his health. He had been trying to do some work about the postoffie, build ing, but had to give up on Friday. Dr, W. S. Powell, the family physician, was called on for some medicine. At that time Mr Branson broke down and cried bitterly. PEOPLE SHOCKED ' BY DEATH. The sad news of Mr. Branson’s death was a great shock to his friends and the public generally. He was good-hearted, a man of friendly disposition and generous impulses. He could not hold emnities, enjoyed lively company and was a great talker himself. While his friends knew that his health was bad and that he was frequently depressed, they did not for a moment think that he would take his own life. There was nothing in his actions in the latest meeting with friends that would indicate anything of that kind. His letter to his wife, however, shows that the subject o suicide had been on his mind. His wife will have the sympathy of everyone in her sad affliction. May the last prayer of the unfortunate man be answered. DEFIANCE COUNTY TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE Tho Sessions End on Friday and Officers Were Duly Elected. to in ter WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. Fifteen minutes was given singing, led by Prof. Canfield. Supt. Williams talked very terestingly to the teachers thirty minutes. He said that the tendency of the times de-1 manded that the teachers stand in line in ability with other professions, and if they wished to rank with the refined and cultured people they must assert themselves. The incompetency of the teacher is largely the cause why he does not measure up with other professions. Mr. Williams spoke of the preparation of the attorney, physician aud minister in comparison with that of the In the good old days the sexton announced a death in the community by a stroke on the church bell for every year of the life that was gone. People expected, then, to live to old age, and speculation at the first tap of the bell took a narrow range including only those who had lived the allotted time. There is no reason why people should not have the same expectancy of age to-day, except for the neglect and abuse of the one organ on which all the other organs depend—the stomach. Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery enables men and women to be strong and healthy, by curing diseases of the stomach (and other organs of digestion and nutrition), which prevent the proper nourishment of the body. "I had been sick for two years with indigestion and nervous debility, and had taken medicine from my family doctor for a long time without much benefit,” writes Mrs. W. H. Peebles, of Lucknow, S. C. "Was induced by my husband to consult Dr. Pierce by letter. You advised me to take ‘Golden Medical Discovery ’ and ‘ Favorite Prescription,' which I did, and, to my great sur- Srise, after taking six ottles I was cured.” The Medical Adviser, in paper covers, is sent free for 2i one-cent stamps to pay expense of mailing only. Address Dr. R» V. Pierce, Buffalo, N. Y. teacher. The state has established normal schools for the purpose of preparing teachers for their profession. Mr. Hutchinson explained to the teachers how some subjects in grammar might be made clear to pupils beginning the study. It was his opinion that pupils should be drilled more in synthesis than in analysis and to be taught carefully the essential elements of the sentence. Mr. Hutchinson gave some good illustrations how case might be taught successfully. Prof. Canfield gave a short drill on how to find ‘do’ in any key, followed by note reading from music readers. The last period of the afternoon session was given to the round table conducted by Supt. Williams. Institute adjourned to meet Thursday morning at 8:30. THURSDAY MORNING SESSION. Devotional exercises, conducted by Supt. Williams. Commercial arithmetic was discussed by Supt. Williams. Supt. Williams made the fol lowing outline of the work in arithmetic. with these subjects. how the tendency of our social Supt. Williams talked on Read- system operates to repress or mg. Pay great attention to ar- rather discourage originality. (a) Synthetic (b) Analytic (c) Thought Addition Multiples Involution I Multiplication Subtraction. Factoring. Division Divisors. Evolution. Ratio I Proportion I Reduction I Percentage Properties of numbers. I Progression. Mr. Williams said that if teachers would examine the new arithmetics they would find much commercial data and the use of too much of this material unfits the pupil to apply the principles of arithmetic to other data. He deplores the fact that so many lady teachers are 30 ignorant about commercial subjects. Teachers should come in contact with business transactions in order to familiarize themselves ticulation. Drill the children on emphasis, so he can put the emphasis on any word in the sentence. Teach the children how to punctuate. Teach them how to use the dictionary. Do not have the children criticise each other in reading. Supt. R. W. Mitchell appointed the following committee on resolutions: F. E. Reynolds, Defiance; G. Figley, Ney; Miss Smith, Hicksville. The lecture on “Expression as an Educational Factor,” by Supt. N. E. Hutchinson, was well worth hearing. Mr. Hutchinson spoke of the value of expression as seen in all kinds of work,showing the great importance of manual training as an educational factor. THURSDAY AFTERNOON. Institute opened with singing led by Prof. Canfield. First lesson—Grammar — Mr. Hutchinson. The work given in the other talks en grammar were reviewed and new lessons were taken up on ‘How to teach the essentials in the parts of speech.’ These talks on grammar are very practical and therefore very helpful to teachers of grammar. Supt. Williams gave a very interesting talk to the teachers under the subject of ‘School Management.’ He spoke of the forces that have the most to do with the formation of character: The home, the school, the church, society. The function of the home is to train, if the home fails to perform this most important function it throws the responsibility upon the school. The function of the school is to instruct. The function of the church is to inspire or to uplift. Teachers should have broader ideas of life, greater interest in all humanity, a love for all creatures, that kind of love and spirit which the poet Burns had he wrote “To a Monsie.” A lesson in music was given; patriotic songs were sung under the direction of Prof. Canfield. Supt. Hutchinson talked on Scientific Temperance. Teachers were told to appeal to the selfish interest of the child, and to get the pupil to see the social and moral phase of the effects of alcohol and tobacco. Mr. Hutchinson told of the effects of alcohol on the stomach, liver and the brain. EVENING SESSION. The Institute was called to order at 8 o’clock. Julius J. Blair being present favored the teachers with a vocal solo, “In the Mighty Deep,” which called forth expressions of delight because of the excellent quality of voice possessed by Mr. Blair. The quartette, Messrs. Myers, Ash, Canfield and Blair gave two selections to the delight of all present. The president then introduced Supt. Williams who spoke on “Habit.” He handled his subject in an admirable manner, giving many illustrations, showing the effect of habit on the life of a person. His address showed careful thought and study, and was one of the best ever heard by the teachers of Defiance county. FRIDAY MORNING. Teachers were urged to culti vat© originality in their pupils, as there is great danger in their work of falling into mechanical lines. A few minutes were given to singing after which Rev. Murphy, of the Baptist church, conducted the devotional exercises. Supt. Williams gave a very interesting talk to the teachers, touching on some things that might be of great interest to both teacher and pupil. He encouraged the making of school collections. In all work where mathematical calculations are involved teachers were made to see the necessity of fixing the comparison, lesson, Grammar—Supt. N. E. when Hutchinson. The lecturer gave many helpful suggestions on how to teach definitions, the relative and interrogative pronoun, and the passive voice. Prof. Canfield gave the teachers an excellent drill in music. He gave some apt illustrations j Mr. Williams gave a very pro-how the tendency of labor unions; fitable talk on ‘Geography.’ He is to repress originality, and told ^ spoke of the northwest as being the bread basket of our conntry. To verify this he gave the following statistics; No. bu. wheat raised, 2,000,000 “ corn raised, 65,000,000 “ oats raised, 80,000,000 “ flax raised, 35,000,000 If the whole acreage had been planted in wheat the yield would have been something like 40,-000,000 bushels. The fertility of the soil is the cause of this great crop. The speaker accounted for this great fertility by showing the process of formation of the soil in the glacial period. That lakes covered much of the Red River valley; as a proof of this fact, he referred to the lake beaches. This lake was gradually filled up with drift, making a rich soil. The soil in this valley is from three to ten feet thick. Of the climate of this section, he said, that the extremes of climate were IOO above and 40° below zero; that the average rainfall was 24.27 inches. Mr. Wil Hams also explained why there is more heat north of 62° than south. The roll was called. One hundred and thirty-two teachers have enrolled; average attendance has been about 75. ERIDAY AFTERNOON. Supt. R. VV. Mitchell called the Institute to order at I o’clock. Fifteen minutes were spent in singing, led by Prof. Canfield. Supt. Williams then conducted the round table exercise. A number of questions were handed in by the teachers and answered by Supintendents Williams and Hutchinson. Supt. Hutchinson gave a talk on Henry D. Thoreau. He told how different authors appealed to different persons and why he so much admired the writings of Thoreau. After giving a brief sketch of his life he closed his talk by reading a few pages from “Walden.” Dr. J. J. Burns was then introduced to the Institute and in an interesting manner told of some of the things he heard this summer, while making his visits to the different Institutes in interest of the O. T. R. C. Dr. Burns told of one county, as having promised 250 readers for the O. T. R. C., and that he would be greatly pleased if Defiance county could have some thing like that number. Dr. Burns can always be depended upon as the teacher’s friend and his talks are an in spirarion to the teacher for better work. Supt. Williams before leaving for his train, made a few remarks thanking the teachers for their kindness and courtesy to him. Five minutes intermission was given. Under the direction of Prof. Canfield the Institute sang “Hurrah for the Schools o Ohio,” and “America.” The roll was called, seventy-one answering to their number. The enrollment for the week was 133; average attendance 68; number present every day 18. Supt. Jones, of Masillon, member of the Board of Control o the O. T. R. C., was introduced to the teachers and gave a very inspiring talk. He said that it was the purpose of the Board o Control of the O. T. R. C. to put such books in the course that would bring the teacher in close touch with the best in art anc nature and in literature. Announcements were to the effect that Defiance College anc the Normal School at Lebanon would give free scholarships to the pupil making the highest grade in the examination. The report of the committee on resolutions was read and adopted: Resolved, That our thanks and appreciation are due the board of education of Defiance for the gratuitous use of the High school hall. That we extend our thanks to the P. G. & E. Co. and also the Island Park Co. for courtesies and favors shown. That our appreciation is due all those who so kindly favorec us with special music at anytime during the session. That we appreciate the efforts of Supts. Williams and Hutchin son to give the teachers of Defi ance county such a high grade o work and to inspire such genuine enthusiasm as will be of very material benefit in the discharge of duties the ensuing year. We believe such instruction must necessarily have a good effect upon the work of the schools. That we express our admiration for the stimulating way Prof. Canfield has of imparting instruction in music, thus maintaining for it that high place it merits in the common school curriculum. That we thank the various of ficers for such an interesting program and for the willing discharge of their many duties. That we appreciate the many ;avors shown us by the daily press of the city in reporting so carefully the various proceedings. That our special commendation is due Prof. D. M. Whetstone or his untiring services in the O. T. R. C. work. We believe every ©acher in the county should read that course either willingly or by he gentle persuasion influence of the powers that be. That we urge upon the teachers of the county special effort in preparing pupils under their charge for toe Patterson examination. Much more good for our schools can be done than has ever been accomplished if the teachers would see to it that proper instruction and encouragement are given those pupils preparing for some good high school. That we most heartily commend the wise and judicious course of the county board of school examiners in attempting to elevate the standard of the jrofession both morally and ed-leationally, and we urge upon them to continue their efforts, assuring them that all true teachers will give their moral support to every move for the advancement of the educational interests of Defiance county: F. E. Reynolds, MaryC. Smith, G. FIGLEY. The election of officers was the next thing In order. The name of Supt. R. W. Mitchell was announced for president. There be ing no other nominations, the secretary was instructed to cast a ballot for Mr. Mitcell. Nominations for secretary were heard. Miss Prueser’s name was announced, she declining a reelection and announced the name of Miss Genevieve Fouke, who was elected secretary. The members of the executive committee were elected in the same manner. The number of years each was to serve was determined by lot. The result of this election was: O. P. Bevington, Hicksville, DEFIANCE COUNTY. years; S. I. Gruner, Defiance, 2 years; Miss Marne Gleason, Defiance, I year. The question of charging a fee for the county association came up; it was the opinion of the teachers that this would be a good thing to do. A motion prevailed that a committee of three be appointed to draft a constitution for the county association. President Mitchell announced the following members for this committee; S. I. Gruner, chairman, Defi ance; A.G. Figley,Ney; Miss Laura Smith, Hicksville. The secretary read the report of the afternoon session. Institute then adjourned to meet at the call of the executive committee. CANDIDATES WERE THERE The farmers picnic held in Mon inger’s grove, Noble township, Wednesday was well attendee and an excellent program rendered. Candidates Zeno Miller, Dr. M. V. Replogle and Peter Weiger-ding were in attendance and all responded to an invitation to address the farmers. Mr. Miller made an address of about half hour’s duration. Falling off In Enumeration. The school enumeration in this county for 1903 is 8196, while that last year was 8239. The loss was in the county. The enumeration in this city for 1902 being 2464 and 2526 for 1903. The enumeration by townships and special districts are as follows; Adams................................. 451 Defiance............................... 328 Delaware............................. 872 Farmer................................ 364 Highland............................. 381 Hicksville............................ 345 Milford................................ 354 Mark.................................. 456 Noble................................... 269 Richland.............................. 452 Tiffin................................... 415 Washington........................ 500 Ayersville special................. 74 City Defiance......................2526 Evansport special............... 95 Hicksville special................. 646 Mark special........................ 18 Sherwood special..........„..... 123 Mark and Craine special............19 BURIAL OF A CHILD. The funeral of little Vernon Robinson, which occurred at the home of the grandfather, Dr. E. L. Slough, in South Defiance, Tuesday, was attended by quite a number of out of town people, among them being Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Slough, of Pioneer, Mrs. Jacob Cunningham, Mrs. M. Bennett and daughter, Myrtle, of Swanton, Mr. and Mrs. Frank DosterandC. A. Robinson, of Chicago, and A. Umbenhour, of Montpelier. Rev. R. E. M. Eagers, of the English Lutheran church, officiated at the funeral. E. E, Travis and Florence Stottler have been licensed to wed. J acob Stlckley, a farmer in the vicinity of Napoleon, has a freak pig, with two legs. The re-union of the county exsoldiers will be held at the fair grounds in Paulding, Sept. 24th. E. E. Travis and Miss Cora Stottler, both of Noble township, were married at the home of Rev. S. L. Roberts Saturday. The school enumeration of the city of Defiance for the year 1903 is 2526. Figuring the total population of Defiance at a rate of 4% to I, the city’s population is 11,367. We have a copy of the Daily News, of Denver, Col., giving a full account of labor troubles. The illustrations of the scenes of trouble are made from photographs, taken by M. A. Wisda,of Cripple Creek, a former resident of this city. The name of the firm is Yelton & Wisda. The following persons from this city attended the re-union at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Elliott in North Richland twp., Thursday: Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Gorman, Mr. and Mrs. Syi Gar-ver, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Spangler, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Hall and Mr. and Mrs. Lafe Conkle. Prof. E. A. Jones, of Massillon, Republican Candidate for State Commissioner of Schools, after a pleasant call Friday afternoon upon the Teacher’s Institute, spent the evening and night in the home of his old friend, Dr. Burns. He was summoned away to Columbus on the early morning train. A big barn belonging to Chas. Allen, of Adams township, was struck by lightning during the the storm Saturday morning and burned to the ground. One hundred tons of hay and a big lot of grain were in the building. The barn was on the Bill Allen farm and was insured in the Ohio Farmer Co. A couple of young men, M. MOlton and M. Swisher, who reside near Bryan, have been endeavoring to train a dog to make a high dive. They will not assure a good show, as they are not certain that the dog will work in public, after night, but an attempt will be made. They ought to call in Prof. Drake, of Ney, to give the closing lesson in high diving. OASTORZA >Tta Kind Yen Bm

Search All Newspapers in Defiance, Ohio

Advanced Search

Search the Defiance Weekly Express Today with a Free Trial

We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.

Start for Free

Not Finding What You Were Looking for on This Page of The Defiance Weekly Express?

People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!

Advanced Search