Exhibit 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of First Defiance Financial Corp. of our report dated January 21, 1999, included
in the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders of First Defiance Financial Corp.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8)  pertaining to the 1993 Stock  Incentive Plan and the 1993 Directors'
Stock Option Plan of First Defiance  Financial Corp. of our report dated January
21,  1999,  with  respect  to the  consolidated  financial  statements  of First
Defiance  Financial  Corp.  incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.


                                                            /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                                            --------------------
                                                            Ernst & Young LLP



Toledo, Ohio
March 24, 1999