In 1865, Jacob Winemiller came to the newly formed Worth county, and purchased land in township 66, range 33, section 14, on the banks of the Platte river.

in 1868, John Weaver started a store nearby, and by 1872 the town was laid out and a post office established.

By 1882 the town featured 3 blacksmiths, drug and dry goods stores, a shoemaker, carpenter and physician.

[2] The stage coach that operated between Grant City and Hopkins stopped at Defiance.

[5] In 1887 the Chicago, St. Paul and Kansas City Railroad was built through the Platte Valley, and missed Defiance by a half mile.