Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-03-01
The PIoneers at Defiance.

II. S. KNAPP, Esq, furnishes the follow
ing report to the Sunday Journal of the an
nual Pioneer meeting Defiance on Fri
day last;
have no recollection Of a Washington
Birthday like this, as regards inclemency
of weather, superabundance of rain and
mud taken into account. And here [ will
recur q moment to an era of political his
tory with which all your old readers are
familiar. You will remember that Harri-
son and Ty Ter were nominated by the Wing
party for the respective offices Of President
and Vice President of the United States,
Mt Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, December,
1889. The opening Of the great campaign
of 1910 the managers fixed at Columbus,
and time, 22d of February. Except the
demonstration at Fort Meigs, in the fell
lowing June, il was the largest assemblage
of people gathered in that eventful year.
But there had been an almost incessant
rain IA during about tive weeks before the
day appointed, and the 22d brought in
crowded wagon-loads of peeple-the teams,
and men on horseback, and even footmen
forming a procession that embraced many
many thousands. The apparel of every
ono was defiled with mud from head 10
foot but the rain and mud could not abate
the ardor and enthusiasm that controlled
that remarkable hour in our political his
tory. Excuse this digression, but could
not but reflect that the weeping skies we
have had during several days, and have
had to-day, bear so close resemblance to
the weather OF the same month in 1910.
Well, as to the events, can onl Y briefly
sketch them.
The Association convened at the Court
House about 1890 this merning, and was
called to order by Judge Dunlap, Secretary
Mt whose call Hon. Asher Cook was made
Chairman.
The programme was filled beyond the
letter. The music, vocal and instrumental,
would do credit to any city in the Valley.
The opening prayer by Elder Gavitt was
a most impressive one. The memorial OF
Dir, Strong, Esq, late OF Napoleon, by VIM.
Sheffield, Esq, was most creditable to the
heart of the speaker as a tribute to an old
friend and professional associate.
Judge Dunlap's memorial of the late
General John L. Hunt was listened to with
profound attention. The address was based
npon matter which the General, during his
lifetime, had communicated to his friend,
the speaker.
Mr.. Holgate, who had been chosen 10
make the Animal Address, made choice
of his subject Defiance" which compre-
hended not only the ancient historical
events with which the place is so promi-
nenuy identified, but also of the progress
Of the town since its commercial founda-
tions were planted.
In the afternoon Hon. Asher Cook re-
spOnded to the tirst regular toast, Anths-
Wayne" His address was good. The
topic which he would have been so we'll
qualified to handle, "The Pioneer Law
yer'," was omitted, through the absense of
Judge Fitch. -..r
Early Missions "-respense by the VEN
cradle Elder Gavitt, reflected upon that
gentleman high credit, and elected, during
its delivery, many plaudits.
"The Sons and Daughters OF Pioneers,
was responded to by Col n. NJ. Howard,
in speech conveying sound Christian
teachings, in course Of which he paid in
behalf OF the sons and daughters fervid
and elegant tribute 10 the character OF
their ancestry.
That old settler, Peter Kiser, OF Fort
Wayne, was on hand with George Wash
ington's "little hRlchet,' and n salmagundi
Of historical specimens, the exhibition OF
which afforded considerable amusement
The Pioneer guests were magnifcently
entertained by the proprietors Of the Rus
sell House, and the hespitalities of the cit.
liens Of Defiance were uncOnfned.