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This part of Knox County was at one time called North Prairie, but when the citizens met on January 14, 1850, to name the town- ship, Rio Grande was on every tongue-the Mexican War having just come to a successful termination-and the first part of that name was suggested as being appropriate to this re- gion, more particularly so hy reason of the numerous streams with which it abounds. The meeting, however, adjourned, leaving the ques- tion to be decided by the county officials, and they, at the solicitation of Lewis Coe, deter- mined on Rio as their choice.
The first town election was held April 5, 1853, one hundred and four votes being cast for the following successful candidates: Reuben Hef- lin, Supervisor; Paul Hahn, Clerk; Lewis Goff, Assessor; Daniel Robertson, Collector; Jose- phus Hahn, Overseer of the Poor; Larkin Rob- ertson, Justice of the Peace; W. D. Epperson, Constable; Samuel Brown, John Gibson and T. J. Jones, Highway Commissioners.
The first school in the township was taught by Mrs. Cresswell, at her home. There are now nine school districts, comprising one graded and eight ungraded schools, each of them hav- ing a library. Of the former Miss Mary E. Maley is principal, and Miss Mary A. Hurst assistant, the enrolment numbering fifty pu- pils. The nine frame buildings devoted to edu- cational purposes are valued at $5,560, and the libraries at $287. Of three hundred and fifty- nine persons under twenty-one years of age, one hundred and eighty-seven attend the pub- llc schools.
VILLAGES.
Rio Village was platted in 1871 by William Robinson, and was first called Coburg, in honor of the Coe brothers. The pioneer store was
huilt and conducted by Messrs. Schroeder and Owens. The postoffice was originally called North Prairie, Nelson Coe being the first post- master. The present incumbent of that posi- tion is Frederick A. Landon, a very efficient and courteous official. The business interests of the village are in the hands of competent and energetic merchants. H. F. Schroeder and Company have a fine line of dry goods and groceries, while Sexton and Landon have been in the same business for about five years. La- bar and Junk supply the people with hardware and furniture; S. S. Bair conducts a grocery and notion store; James G. Mansfield deals in lumber and hardware; C. F. Peters carries on a restaurant; Mead and Mead, a meat market; and the Misses Junk and Fisher a millinery establishment. The Rio Hotel is under the management of J. Van Arsdale; David Eiken is the village smith, and also keeps a wagon shop; and the elevator, which does an exten- sive business, is operated by Fraser and Gra- ham.
Fraternally, Rio Township is well repre- sented. Blue Lodge, No. 685, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 1, 1872, by D. C. Cregier, G. M .; O. N. Miner, Secretary; Robert Death- erage, Master; Alexander Heflin, S. W .; Wil- liam Hair, J. W .; and the following charter members: Joshua Bruner, M. Conley, F. A. Landon, Robert Robson, W. D. Wright, J. B. Edgar, D. Robertson, C. I. Epperson, G. M. Wetmore, J. Shankholtzer, R. Allgeyer, and M. S. Shepherd. The present officers are: M. Dickerson, Master; Dr. J. N. Cox, S. W .; D. L. Rowe, J. W. There are sixty-eight members.
Horeb Chapter, No. 4, A. F. and A. M., was organized October 14, 1850, with these officers: G. C. Lanphere, High Priest; E. S. Cooper, King; J. M. Witt, Scribe. The charter was issued by W. B. Warren and J. E. Anderson. The present officers are: L. J. Smith, High Priest; Frank Camphell, King; N. Moody, Scrihe. The membership numhers one, hun- dred.
The Rio Lodge I. O. O. F., has twenty- five members and occupies its own hall. The first officers were: L. S. Whitcomb, N. G .; H. E. Whipple, V. G .; William Van Tassell, Secre- tary; J. C. McMurtry, Treasurer. The officers now serving are: D. Deatherage, N. G .; S. Lovis, V. G .; G. A. Wier, Secretary; A. Larson, Treasurer.
Rio Camp, Modern Woodmen, holds its meet- ings in Odd Fellows Hall. The charter mem-
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KNOX COUNTY.
bers numbered sixteen and the initial officers were: E. H. Schrieber, V. C .; C. F. Peterson, C .; B. G. Peterson, B .; J. C. Egan, W. A. The present officers are: E. J. Tye, V. C .; C. F. Peterson, C .; J. W. Epperson, B .; Monie Alm- gren, W. A. The Camp now has twenty-five members.
Chapter No. 313, O. E. S., was organized August 2, 1895, with twenty-one members and these officers: Lizzie Schreiber, W. M .; J. P. son, Secretary; Josephine Smith, Treasurer. The present officers are: Mary McMurtry, W. M .; Adam Littlefield, W. P .; Josephine Smith, A. M .; Lois Epperson, Secretary; Eila Bair, Treas- urer. There are now fifty-two members, who meet in the Masonic Hall.
The Home Forum has a flourishing Camp in Rio.
ADAMS, WILSON R .; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born in Indiana, September 22, 1834; edu- cated in Illinois: his parents were James and Sarah (Miller) Adams, of North Carolina. He was married to Sarelda J. Rusk, In Knox County, March 6, 1856. Their children are: Rosa G., Henry M., Ida R., Eddie A., E. Otis, Sarah A., and Clyde W. Theron died in in- fancy. Mr. Adams is a member of the Metho- dist Church. In politics, he is a democrat. He has held the office of Road Commissioner.
BROWN, FRED SMITH; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born February 6, 1869, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Thomas Brown, Jr., of Lon- don, England, and Emily (Ware) Brown, of Williamstown, Vermont; his grandparents were Thomas Brown of Kendal, England, and Pris- cilla (Smith) Brown of Maidenhead, England; his maternal grandparents were Horace Ware of Pormfret, Connecticut, and Persis (Chase) Ware of Cornish, New Hampshire. His great- grandparents were Frederic Ware of Westfield, Connecticut, and Jermina (Manning) Ware of Woodstock, Connecticut. Mr. Brown was mar- ried to Anna D. Robson, at Rio, Knox County, Illinois, November 5, 1895. They have one child, Grace. Mr. Brown is a member of the Congregational Church.
BROWN, JACOB EDWARD; Teacher and farmer; Rio Township, where he was born July 12, 1851; educated in Galesburg. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Brown, of Montgomery County, Indiana. His paternal grandparents were Samuel Brown of Kentucky, and Jane (Beli) Brown of New Jersey; his maternal grandparents were Abraham Miller of Tennessee, and Mary (Little) Miller. Mr. Brown was married to Elizabeth M. Oakes, in Story County, Iowa, March 14, 1877. They have five children: Athol, Talent, Elizabeth, Jen- nie, and Edna. in politics, Mr. Brown is a democrat. He is a member of the Universallst Church.
CONRAD, CARL; Farmer; Rio Township; born March 15, 1848, in Brengetosta, Sweden.
His parents were Carl John and Anna Loulsa (Eistedt) Hoit of Sweden; his paternai grand- father was John Lansy; his maternal grand- father was Peter Elstedt. Mr. Conrad married Charlotte Granberg, February 22, 1872, in Woodhull. Nine children have been born to them, Alfred Benjamin, David Amanuel, Gil- bert Henry, Amanda Wilhelmina, Emily Au- gusta, Rosa Eilinda, Christian Lenne, Clara Sophia, and Anna Chariotte. Clara S. died November 28, 1877, and Anna C. died December 14, 1877. Mr. Conrad is a republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
COZIAHR, WILSON; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born July 9, 1846, Ontario Township, Knox County, Illinois; educated in the com- mon schools. His parents were Ludwick and Christian (Brown) Coziahr; his paternal grandparents were William and Susanna (George) Coziahr, and his maternal grand- parents were Joe and Lydia (Harmous) Brown, of North Carolina; his great-grandfathers were Ludwick Coziahr and Abel Brown. Mr. Wilson Coziahr was married to Emma Bowers in On- tario Township, October 2, 1873. There were ten children, five sons and five daughters; one son is deceased. Mr. Ludwick Coziahr came with his wife and three children to Illinois in 1841, and settled in Henderson Township, then removed to Ontario Township, and later to Rio Township, where Mrs. Coziahr died April 15, 1899, at the age of eighty-one years. Mr. Wilson Coziahr is a Protestant. In politics, he is a democrat, and has served for a time as Road Commissioner.
EDGAR, ARTHUR J .; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born in Walnut Grove Township, Knox County, March 14, 1866; educated in Rio Town- ship. His parents were James B. Edgar of Sangamon County, Illinois, and Lucinda (Ken- nedy) Edgar of Knoxville, Illinois. His pa- ternal grandparents, Samuel and Mary (Le- Fever) Edgar, were natives of Kentucky; his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Mary (Sheidon) Kennedy were born in New York. In religion, he is a Protestant. He is a dem- ocrat. Mr. Edgar is a School Director and Collector.
HALL, IRA R .; Farmer; Rio Township; born November 18, 1829, at Java, Wyoming County, New York; educated at the seminary at Arcade, New York. He is a member of the Congregational Church. He was married .to Mrs. Cynthia Ann Lyon, at Rio, Illinois, No- vember 5, 1894. He enlisted in the War of the Rebellion for three years, Company A, Seventy- Seventh Illinois Volunteers, being mustered in September 2, 1862. In politics, he is a repub- lican.
MELTON, FRANK A .; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born April 20, 1875, in Rio, Illinois; edu- cated in Rio, Wataga, and Galesburg. His pa- rents were W. J. Melton, born in Ontarlo Township, Knox County, and Mary (Knox) Melton, born in Connecticut; his grandfather was George W. Melton. He was married to Alice N. Cozlahr, at Rio, October 20, 1897. Mr.
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KNOX COUNTY.
Melton is in religion a Protestant. In politics, he is a democrat.
MAY, SAMUEL WELLS; Farmer and man- ufacturer; Rio Township; born March 20, 1838, in New York; educated in Knox College. His parents were Harvey Henry and Delia Duane (Ray) May of Washington County, New York; his grandparents were Ellis Nathaniel and Mary (Wells) May of New York. Mr. May was married to Elizabeth Hanan, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1870. Mr. May has held the office of Supervisor.| He is an independent in politics. In religion, he is a Presbyterian.
MOOR, ANGUS; Farmer; Rio Township; born in Anson, Maine, February 8, 1835. His parents, Eber S. and Lydia T. (Daggett) Moor, were natives of Maine; his paternal grandpa- rents were John and Susan Moor; his maternal grandparents were George and Mary Daggett. Mr. Moor came to Knox County with his parents in 1844, and received his education here. In 1859, he crossed the plains, and for seven years mined in California, Idaho, and Montana, re- turning in 1866. On the journey he came in a row boat down the Missouri River and from Fort Benson to St. Joseph's. After his father's death, in 1879, Mr. Moor purchased the home farm where he 'still resides. December 23, 1882, Mr. Moor was married at Galesburg, to Lydia F. Daggett Stevens, who was born in Atkinson, Piscataqua County, Maine, June 17, 1844. Mrs. Moor has, by an earlier marriage, six children: Conrad, Jessie, George, Howard, Harry, and J. Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Moor have one son, Don A. Mr. Moor is a republican.
OLSON, CHARLES w .; Carpenter and farmer; Rio Township; born December 23. 1846, in Molmohus Land, Sweden; educated at Hersef Soken, Sweden; his parents were Ola and Elsie (Anderson) Person of Sweden. Mr. Olson was married March 1, 1884, to Emma Christine Selberg, in Woodhull, Illinois. They have eight children: Emil Gotfred, Hattie Me- linda, Carl Harmon, Minnie Alvera, Esther Madena, Hilma Clarence, Hartwick Albin, and Walter William. Mr. Olson is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican.
STAFFORD, SAMUEL; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born in 1837, in Ireland; his ancestors were from England and Ireland; his paternal grandfather lived to the age of one hundred and nine years. Mr. Stafford was married to Lucinda Melton, in Oneida, Illinois, in 1867. They have one son living, Guy M. Mr. Stafford came to America in 1857, enlisted in the United States Army, and served four years and seven months. In religion, he is a Methodist. In politics, he is a republican.
WEECH, JOHN; Farmer; Rio Township; born August 1, 1856, in Somersetshire, Eng- land; educated in Oneida, Illinois. His pa- rents, Joseph and Martha (White) Weech, came from England. He was married to Mary Wool- ley at Galesburg, January 20, 1883. Their chil- dren are: Richard B., Mary Luella deceased,
Inez Ann, John Glenn, and Walter S. Mr. Weech's parents, with their five boys and five girls, came to Knox County in 1858. After liv- ing in Walnut Grove Township for eight years, they bought a farm of eighty acres, to which they later added one hundred and twenty more. They were thrifty people. The father died at the age of fifty-eight years; the mother died at the age of sixty-seven. John Weech worked on the home farm till he was twenty-six years old, when he married and settled on a farm in Adams County, Iowa. After living in Iowa for five years, he returned in 1884, to Knox County, and bought his present farm of 260 acres; he also owns 320 acres in Boone County, Nebraska. Mr. Weech is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics, he is a republican, and has been School Director. Mr. Weech is a successful farmer.
WHITE, WILLARD JUSTIN; Rio; Physi- cian; born April 19, 1872, in Wallingford, Ver- mont. He is the son of Dr. N. White, who was for seventeen years President of Lombard Uni- versity, Galesburg, Illinois. His mother, Inez (Ling), daughter of Lorenzo Ling, was born in Portland, Maine. Both parents are descend- ants of the Pilgrims. Doctor White first at- tended the public schools of Galesburg; at twelve years of age he entered the preparatory department of Lombard University, and at the age of nineteen, graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1891. Three years later he received the degree of Master of Arts. After graduating, he taught school for two years, then entered the office of Dr. Judd, and in the Fall of 1893, entered Barnes Medical College, St. Louis, Missouri, where, in 1895, he received Junior first honors in the form of a gold medal; he was also the recipient of two special prizes. In 1896, he located at Rio, III1- nois. In religion, Dr. White is a Universalist. He is a republican.
WIKOFF, WINN CONGER; Farmer; Rio Township; born in Oneida, Illinois, June 29, 1875. His father, Fred Z. Wikoff, was a native of Rio Township; his mother, Ida (Conger) Wikoff, was born in Galesburg. His paternal grandparents were John F. Wikoff, a native of New Jersey, and Cornelia (Crane) Wikoff, a native of New York; his maternal grandparents were J. Newton and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Con- ger. Mr. Wikoff graduated at Brown's Busi- ness College, Galesburg. He was married February 22, 1898, to Carrie D. Wetmore, of Ontario. Mr. Wikoff is a republican.
WOOLLEY, DAVID E .; Farmer; Rio Town- ship; born near Ontario October 3, 1854; edu- cated in the common schools. His parents were John R. Woolley of Crawford County, In- diana, and Elizabeth S. (King) Woolley of Ken- tucky; his grandparents were Richard B. and Nancy (Hughes) Woolley. He was married to Marlbah I. Means, October 20, 1878; they have four children: Arthur P., Clarence O .. Eva May and Rollo Ray. Mr. Woolley is a Metho- dist. In politics, he is a republican.
N Aller
799
KNOX COUNTY.
ONTARIO TOWNSHIP.
By A. D. Metcalf.
Lying in the northern tier of townships in Knox County, Ontario, stretches out, a broad expanse of almost unbroken prairie. There are few streams, and the only hill is Pilot Knob. This rises to a considerable elevation above the surrounding country, and probably re. ceived its name from the circumstance that it can be seen for a distance of several miles. A grove of about eighty acres nearly covers it, and is the only growth of natural timber found in the township. Not- withstanding the fact that it lies some two miles to the south of the "Galena Trail," the number of arrow heads found in the vicinity has given rise to the belief that this hill was once a favorite camping ground for the Indians.
The first settler was Alexander Williams, who broke and fenced in twenty acres of land on the northwest quarter of Section 30, in 1833. This property was subsequently purchased by I. M. Wetmore. In 1833, also came George W. Melton, who took up his home on Section 31. living on the same farm for nearly sixty years, and dying there in 1891. Three years after his arrival he married, and his daughter, Eliza- beth-now Mrs. Ralph Voris-was the first white child born in the township. Other early settlers were the families of the Wetmores, Cranes, Chapmans, Camps, Hollisters, Savages, Moshers, and Powells most of whom had emi- grated from Oneida County, New York.
Rude as were their surroundings, these pioneers did not lose sight of the paramount importance of education for their children, and as early as 1839 the first school house was built. It was known as the "Camp school- house," and was located on the northwest quar- ter of Section 32. Its first teacher was Sally Ann Belden, of Center Point, and among the earliest pupils and teachers were Louis Burt, James Hammond and Harvey Powell, with the lady who is now Mr. Powell's wife. The build- ing was also utilized for the holding of re- ligious services, Rev. S. G. Wright usually offi- ciating. A Sunday school was also taught here, being first organized in the Spring of 1841 and Ward K. Hammond being its first Superintendent.
Prior to 1840, the people depended upon Knoxville for both the receipt and sending of mail matter. In that year the first postoffice
in Ontario township was opened, with Edward Hollister as postmaster.
Trading facilities in those early days were de- cidedly poor. Farmers hauled their grain to Peoria by wagon, and frequently drove their live stock to Chicago on the hoof. A general store was opened in the southeast quarter of Section 30 about 1840; and in 1845, I. M. Wet- more opened a store for the sale of dry gooda only on the same section, driving to New York the year before and bringing back his stock by teams. The building in which Mr. Wetmore conducted his business is still standing, on the farm of Norman Fay. Another general store was opened about 1853, by Miles and St. John. Its original location was at the point known as Ontario Corners, but in the Autumn of the following year the firm removed to Oneida. Their first store building is now owned by L. B. Shedd.
A noteworthy occurrence in the township's early history was a violent disturbance of the clements, which is still well remembered by many of the older citizens as "the great storm of June 5, 1844." Nearly every house was un- roofed, and it is said that on the farm of T. E. P. Wetmore only two fence posts were left standing, while throughout the entire region the loose soil which had been turned over by the plowshare was sent swirling through the air in eddying, blinding clouds. One eye- witness, Ezra Chapman, describes the storm'a general appearance as resembling a wheel, about one hundred feet in diameter, rapidly rotating and advancing at the same time.
Township organization was effected April 3, 1853, at a meeting where I. M. Wetmore was Moderator and W. J. Savage, Clerk. Previous to that time Ontario had been associated with Rio as a voting precinct. The first election resulted in the choice of Edward Crane as Su- pervisor; E. P. Brott, Collector; W. J. Savage, Clerk; John Burt, Assessor; T. E. P. Wetmore, Overseer of the Poor; G. W. Melton, James Hammond and John Powell, Commissioners of Highways; J. W. Crane and E. C. Brott, Con- stables; Ezra Chapman and S. E. Mosher, Jus- tices of the Peace. The first officer to dispense justice in a minor court had been Royal Ham- mond. The name "Ontario" was selected in memory of the lake near whose bosom many of the early settlera had had their home in childhood and youth.
The present officers are: G. L. Stevenson, Supervisor; L. W. Ewing, Clerk; L. E. Olson,
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KNOX COUNTY.
Assessor; C. E. Bennett, Collector; G. E. Fred- ricks, John M. Peterson and C. B. Wetmore, Commissioners of Highways.
It is a fact worth mentioning that the roads of this township, with one exception, are all on the section lines.
Reference has already been made to the anxiety of the settlers to establish schools. They were no less ready to make sacrifices for the advancement of religion. The first church organization to be formed was that of the Presbyterians, in 1840, but this is now extinct. A Congregational Church was founded August 12, 1848, with seventeen members, the first pas- tor being Rev. D. Todd. A building was erected, and dedicated (November 4) in 1851. The congregation also owns a comfortable par- sonage. Rev. Charles Slater is the present pas- tor. In 1851, a "Union" church edifice was erected, which, three years later, passed into the hands of the Baptists, who still control it. Rev. R. M. Wilbur was the first, and Rev. William H. Dickman is the present, pastor. In 1866, the Christian denomination built a church edifice in Section 2, at a cost of two thousand dollars. This was thirteen years after the organization of the society, by Samuel Croy. A parsonage is situated conveniently to the church, and the minister in charge of the fold is Rev. G. A. Brown. Some detailed refer- ence to the churches in Oneida will be found in the paragraphs devoted to the history of that city.
The township is strongly republican in poli- tics, and in the ante-bellum days was intensely anti-slavery in sentiment. The old "under- ground railway" ran through it, Galesburg and Cambridge being important stations on the line. In Ontario, Horace Powell, and C. F. Camp may be said to have occupied the positions of conductor and depot-master respectively.
During the War of the Rebellion the people were fervently loyal. One hundred and ninety- six men went to the front from Ontario Town- ship. Several of them achieved distinction, and many never returned. Some of the com- missioned officers who rose from lower places were Brevet Brigadier General F. S. Smith, Brigadier General David R. Clendenin, Colonel N. H. Walworth, and Captain O. Powell, while to give a detailed record of individual valor would be well-nigh tantamount to duplicating the roster of enlistment. The women of the township were no less devoted than the men, and Ontario gained an enviable prominence in
the record of hospital supplies sent forward to the defenders of the integrity of the Nation.
The following named citizens of the township have represented the legislative district in the General Assembly: A. S. Curtis, 1878-80; O. P. Cooley, 1884-90; Frank Murdoch, 1892-98.
ONEIDA.
The city lies in the southeastern part of On- tario Township, Charles F. Camp may be said to bave been its first resident, and it was he who platted the original village, on September 1, 1854, in connection with B. S. West and S. V. R. Holmes. Before Christmas of that year it had become a railway station, and a hotel was built the same winter. The first house in Oneida, however, was built by Jackson Rogers, and is now owned by Rev. Mr. Swansen. The growth of the early town was very gradual, there being only eight resident families at the end of its first year. These were those of C. F. Camp, J. J. Rodgers, C. W. Robertson, John Kenny, S. Cooley, John Eckley, M. Osgood and E. Child. The promoters of the enterprise. however, were not idle. A monster Fourth-of- July picnic was held in 1855, at which between nine and ten thousand persons were present, and dinner was free to all comers.
The question of incorporation as a village was agitated early, having been discussed at a meeting held on December 3, 1858. It was then resolved to submit it to popular vote on De- cember 24, and the ballot stood forty-seven in favor of and eighteen against incorporation. On January 7 following, trustees were elected as follows: C. F. Camp, H. L. Sage, J. M. Brown, J. M. Henning and W. B. LeBaron, the gentleman last named being subsequently chosen president of the Board by his fellow members.
In 1869 the General Assembly incorporated Oneida as a city, with greatly extended munic- ipal limits. The officers chosen at the first charter election, held April 5, 1869, were: F. G. Jelliff, Mayor; George H. Vorce, City Clerk; J. A. Pratt, Police Magistrate; and G. L. Stephen- son, Marshal. The first Board of Aldermen was composed of D. D. Martin, R. Bristol, E. J. Petersen and E. Bennett. One of the beneficent provisions of the charter was the prohibition of the sale of liquor within the city limits, the good effect of which is shown in the character of the residents who have been drawn to the city and in the good order which prevails. The present city officers are: L. M. Nash, Mayor;
James W brane
Henry Dr. Crane
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KNOX COUNTY.
and L. W. Ewing, Clerk. Aldermen: Frank Hosler, Frank Epperson, James McGrath, T. Haon, William Stephenson and Dr. Z. H. Mc- Clanahan. A Board of Education is also in. office, composed of D. McConchie, President; F. S. Stephenson, Secretary; J. R. Mitchell, D. W. Westland and H. W. Crane.
Oneida was made a postoffice in 1854, with C. F. Camp as postmaster. The first school house was built in 1855, Mary Allen West being the teacher. It was known as the "South" School, and the building was used for all sorts of purposes. In fact, so various were the uses to which it was put that it came to be popularly called "Freedom Hall." On week-day evenings it was always available for political meetings, singing schools or intinerant shows; while on Sundays the members of three different de- nominations praised God-with more or less regular alternation-beneath its roof. The building was ultimately bought hy the Ad- ventists, who used it as a house of worship for several years, until their organization dis- banded.
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