The Grant City Star had a correspondent who periodically wrote in from Defiance, now Sheridan. The Star was a devout Republican paper, as was the correspondent. The letter was dated July 3rd and published July 20th:
Three weeks ago, Mr. Editor, you were able to publish several communications from your numerous scribblers at this point, but we see nothing in your late issues from the pens of those distinguished writers. Perhaps the nomination of Hayes and Wheeler (1876 Republican Presidential nominees) has so elated your correspondents here as to cause them to forget, for the time being, their great abilities as writers; hence, the Star has failed to keep its readers posted on the condition of affairs in this, the most important part of our county.
We are enjoying, my dear sirs, the finest of growing weather. Corn is doing finely and is making rapid growth. Farmers predict more than an average yield of this great staple the coming season. Oats promise an abundant yield. Wheat has been badly damaged and a great deal of that portion of our crop will not pay for harvesting.
Our public schools are now in session, and as far as heard from, are being satisfactorily taught. The bad consequences of the workings of the school system under the new constitution are, however, being “scented from afar,” and a great deal of grumbling and complaining is being made against it. We must war relentlessly against this offspring of democracy until it is so changed that the youth of our state can enjoy every facility for a good common school education.
Business in the town of Defiance remains good. This is a busy season for Messrs. Crinklaw & Co., who are still doing a good business in their line of trade. We expect to see this firm become one of the permanent institutions of our county — that they will erect buildings at this point and otherwise aid in improving our neighborhood.
The finishing work on the Odd Fellows and Masons’ Hall is about completed. It will be a respectable room and of great advantage to the different orders here.
Our merchants keep up heavy stocks of goods and are having a large trade.
Dr. Skinner is erecting an important addition to his building and is also largely increasing his stock of drugs.
Our blacksmiths and other mechanics find plenty to do.
We have not yet seen a single democrat who says he will take down the St. Louis prescription. The dose is too markedly a fraud on western ideas and interests for any sensible democrat to swallow at present. But we fear they wear the same old harness and we believe that time and persuasion will make the matter right, so that like the editors of the Times, they can embrace the “party nominee,” no matter whether it be Wall Street Sam or Rebel Jeff — party, not the man.
Jacob Bohart Sr. has returned from a visit to friends and relatives in Andrew and Platte counties.
Joseph Engalls and Edith Cooper were untiled by Rev. Mills in the holy bonds of wedlock on the 2nd.
Yours truly for Hayes and Wheeler.
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