USA > Illinois > De Witt County > History of De Witt county, Illinois. With illustrations descriptive of the scenery, and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 47
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The first saw-mill was erected by Messrs. Brooks and Bosturck. Being unable to secure a sufficient supply of water when it was first built, it was torn down and rebuilt on the east side of Huddles- ton's grove, where it did a fair business. MeFall grew tired of merchandizing, and after a year or two quit, to engage in mill- ing. This left the people without such facilities. However the mail carriers were accommodating men, and made purchases at Danville or Bloomington, on order of parties desiring goods Hunting afforded a great attraction for these pioneers, and at stated times they would gather together to enjoy the excitement of the chase. Richard D. Webb had a fine large hound he called Mang, that was an especial favorite. Rarely did he fail to take down a deer or catch a wolf, in a fair chase. Once he caught a fine buck, throwing him heavily to the ground. Losing his hold and his balance too, he tumbled over on his side. The buck gained his feet first, and away he sped. Mang rallied and followed a half mile, when he suddenly stopped and looked after the game with a look that seemed to say, "Go, I don't waut to catch you." All the rallying the hunters could do passed for naught with him; he would not resume the chase. Webb's de- light was in wolf hunting, in which he excelled. Once he was first at the death of three wolves caught the same day John Weedman was the owner of two fine grey-hounds, and took great delight in the chase of deer, in which he was eminently successful. He was the owner of a very fleet horse named Blue, which was generally first in a deer chase. There was much excitement in these hunts, as all participated in the fun.
About 1840 hogs were worth from one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars per head. Dealers visited the settlement, carrying an old-fashioned pair of steelyards with which to weigh them. Cattle brought from eight to twelve dollars a head ; horses ranged from thirty to fifty dollars.
The first political speaking was by Asahel Gridley (whig), of Bloomington, and Wilson P. Brown (democrat), of the same place. They were candidates for the State Senate. Gridley was the successful candidate. Some additional importance was given to this election from the fact that a United States Senator was to be elected the ensuing session of the Legislature. An incident con-
nected with this speaking is worthy of perpetuation. Amos Kendall, Postmaster-General, had written to John Smith, the postmaster at Santa Anna post-office, asking him to use his influ- ence for the re-election of Martin Van Buren as President of the United States. Smith gave the letter to Gridley, who in the course of his speech read it to the small crowd that had gathered together. Brown, when replying to Gridley, said he had a letter rebutting what was said in the letter Gridley had read in their hearing, and proceeded with his speech. Reuben Clearwater, who was present, thought Brown had forgotten the letter, and said, "Squire, we would like to have that letter read." Brown replied, " Yes, yes, I forgot myself ;" shuffled his papers around ; commenced where he left off, and went on with his speech. Clearwater was not to be put off in such a way, so he again said, "Squire we would like to hear that letter." Brown replied again, " Yes, yes, I declare I forgot myself again ;" shuffled his papers for some time, and went on with his speech. But Clear- water was persistent, and compelled a confession from Brown that he had no such letter, which brought out a wild shout from the whigs present.
Peter Gideon of Clinton, made the first abolition speech ever made in Santa Anna township. His predictions respecting the death of slavery were undreamed of by his auditors, and their declaration fairly startled them. The effort is well remembered by those who heard it, and lived to witness the destruction of the institution throughout our land, many of whom extended a helping hand in its downfall.
Millerism numbered several of the old settlers among its con- verts ; one of whom had in his possession large pictures of the final scenes on earth, and accounts of the last days, together with the day of final reckoning sometime in 1843. That year, snow in drifts was to be seen the first of May ; grass was scarce ; it was a year of hardships, which the imagination of the Millerites easily construed into a fulfillment of Miller's predictions. On the day for the rolling together of the heavens as a mighty scroll, and the melting of the earth with a fervent heat, two persons in this vicinity clad themselves in ascension robes ready to meet their God.
The first wedding to take place in the timber, was that of Absalom Danner, to Lucretia Covey in 1837. The neighbors ge- nerally contributed their presence and cheer to the happy event
The first school-house in Santa Anna township was erected on a beautiful bluff, the base of which is washed by Salt creek, about a mile south-west of Farmer City. A grove of sugar- maple is close by. It was a hewed log-house, twenty-four feet square, and served for the double purpose of school and meeting house. The fire-place was eight feet wide and four feet deep. The chimney was of sticks, imbedded in a stiff clay mortar mixed with cut straw, a material called by the settlers " cut and clay." John Danner was the moving spirit in behalf of the educational in- terests of the rising generation. He furnished the land on which to build, and most of the material, hewed all the timbers, and aided in its construction, until it was completed. Schools were taught by subscription. 82.25 and $2.50 were the common prices per scholar for a three months school. The first teacher was John Heath, a native of Tennessee. Robert Pool, a local preacher, was the second.
Henry Huddleston and wife died of small-pox during the late war, and were buried on the bluffs, high above Salt creek, in the beautiful grove which bears their name.
Edward Covey came here from Ohio in 1835, and bought land
217
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
of Renben Clearwaters. He was an exemplary citizen. He and his wife have long since passed into "the realms of shade."
During the winter of 1832-3, the wolves committed such de- predations among stock as to lead citizens of Buckle's grove to offer a hundred bushels of corn, wurth as much at the time as sixty acres of prairie land to the man who would kill the most of them during the remainder of the winter. Nathan Clearwaters put up a trap in which he caught nine within a month. He believes himself to have been entitled to the prize, but more laid claim thereto. Among the note-worthy adventures of citizens, perhaps none are more deserving of being chronicled than that of Asa Weedman. 1Ie was one day hunting near the north-fork of Salt creek, when he shot what he said was the largest buck he ever saw. At the crack of the rifle the deer fell, and he rushed upon it to cut its throat, and let it bleed. As soon as he reached the deer, it started up and Weedman canght it by the antlers. A terrible struggle ensued, as the deer had scarcely been wounded by the shot To release his grasp would have been certain death, so he held on with a vice-like grip, and the desperate aod doubt- ful conflict continued until the deer and man both sunk down - from sheer exhaustion, Weedman still clutching the horns with bull-dog pluck. The combatants were perfectly hors de combat, - and remained indifferently passive, till the deer feeling himself somewhat rested, attempted to regain his footing and renew the struggle. When the deer started to rise, Weedman wisely thought to let his hands glide gently from the horns, and remain lying on the ground still and motionless, as if he were dead. The buck got up, looked upon his brave and fallen foe, and walked leisurely off with the triumph of a victor. Weedman got up con- gratulating himself on the success of his ruse. Although the ; buck was the better fighter, he lacked strategetic ability. Weed- man long carried the scars, showing the desperate character of the struggle.
FARMER CITY.
The town of Mount Pleasant, now Farmer City, was laid off by Robert M. Patterson and John W. Baddly January 23d, 1837. The original plat being a part of of the N. E. } of the S. W. Į of section 28 was surveyed by Hiram Buck of McLean county, and dived into fourteen blocks of twelve lots each and four partial blocks, in the centre of which is a public square after the manner of old southern towns. In all there were two hundred luts. These lots were 44x125 feet in dimensions. Streets were 49} feet wide, except Main street, which was 66 feet wide. To the original town plat additions have been made as follows: By John Weedman and John R. Blackford as surveyed by A. L. Barnett, May Ist, 1856, a tract 849 feet long by 560 feet wide, in all six blocks of twelve lots each, to the east of the orig- inal town. By Reuben Huddleston as surveyed by David Rich- ardson, August 12th, 1868. Eight blocks containing forty-six lots, being a part of the S. W. } of the N. E. } and a part of the N. W. 4 of the S. E. }, section 28. By Reuben Huddleston a 2d addition east of above addition. Sixteen blocks, in all 159 lots addition, made March 9th, 1870. By G. W. Herrick, an addition east of Weedman and Blackford's, made October 14th, 187I. Six blocks, in all fifty-seven lots. By A. M. Cum- ming, March 2d, 1871, west of original plat, six lots. By same addition September 12th, 1871, of four blocks of four lots each. By-Watson, August 28th, 1871, of four blocks of four lots each, located south of Cumming's addition. By C. H. Moore of four blocks, August 2d, 1871. By A. S. Norris, twenty- two lots, October 12th, 1872. By J. McMurray, fifteen lots,
February 6th, 1872. By William T. Bean, five lots June 23d, 1870. By-Keenan, nine lots, April 26th, 1871. By W. T. Bean, ten lots, June 9th, 1871. The dates of these additions in- dicates the period of the greater growth of the city. The construc- tion of the Gilman branch of the Illinois Central railroad gave an impetus to it that caused much speculation in town property and made of it a handsome little city. The name of Mount Pleasant was exchanged for that of Farmer City, by popular vote in 1868.
Elevators. The first elevator, and largest as well, was that of Gallup, Clark & Co, erected in 1870, at a cost of $10,000. Its capacity is about 16,000 bushels. Shipments for 1881, 240,000 bushels. It is on the line of the I. B. and W. railroad from which a switch is extended to the elevator.
In 187 { another elevator, now the property of A. T. Peckham of Rhode Island, was erected. It has a storage capacity of 12,000 bushels, and originally cost about $8,000. Shipments for 1881 were a quarter of a million of bushels. W. W. Alder is manager.
Mill. In 1869 John Weedman and William Y. MeCord erect- ed the mill now owned and operated by William Haynie, at a cost of $18,000. It is supplied with three run of burrs and all modern appliances, guarantying good work. Its capacity is one hundred and twenty-five barrels per diem.
Banks. The bank now known as Weedman's was first opened for business by the Thomas Brothers and John Weedman. Oscar Thomas died in 1876, whereupon Weedman bought out the inter - est of the brothers, and has since carried it on. The capital was $40,000 when first established. It is largely a bank of deposit, buys and sells home and foreign exchange. Is admirably man- aged and deserves the extensive patronage awarded it. J. B. Lewis is Cashier and Teller, and W. K. Stare, book-keeper.
First National Bank was organized on the 15th of August, 1874, with a paid up capital of 850,000 and a surplus of $10,000 It is well conducted. Its present officers are J. H. Harrison, President, A M Cumming, Vice President and Frank J. Miller, Cashier.
Hotels: "Commercial House," by J. H. Crane, a well or- dered and roomy house, that is quite a favorite with traveling : men : " Park Hotel" by Ponce White. " Central House " by L. H. Campbell
Dry Goods: Z. T. Lillard ; S. S. Capen ; Burford Brothers ; H. Levi & Brother : J E. Hou'z & Co., and L. W. Cook.
Physicians : M. L. Reed, A. L. Norris, A. S. Norris, John Clouser, J. W. Woodward, J. D. Gardiner, L Loda.
Attorneys at Law: C. M. Welch, George W. Herrick.
Dealers in Hardware: J. H. Harrison & Sons; M. H. Kelly, Alder and Bro.
Druggist : Garver Bros, Austin Vanscoyoc
Groceries : Barnes & Kunler, L. W. Cook, William Young & Son, George Chisholm, J. T. Davidson, Burford Bros, S. S. Capen, Z. T. Lillard.
Harness and Saddlery: Henry Mitchell, Isaac Albright.
Livery Stable : F. P. Sangster.
Furniture : R. H. Seltzer, J. W. Moreland.
Blacksmiths : Allen Finch & Brother, John Gould, Thomas Bosler, George Taylor.
Undertakers : J. W. Moreland, John Stensler.
Wagon Makers : P. H. Wilson, B B Johnston & Son.
Agricultural Implements: Knox & Farmer, Lindsey & French, Robert Lord.
Boots and Shoes: A. M. Cumming, W. T. Bean, Z. T. Lil- lard.
Clothing : I. Stearn & Co., Epstein & Bach, H. Levy & Co.
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Milliners: Mrs. Sarah l'age, Mrs. Lucinda MeMurry, Lem- en Sisters.
Butchers : Weedman & Crang, F. Deibert & Son.
Insurance Agents: Walter S. Young, J. Jackson, W. S. Lewis.
Newspapers : "Journal," W. C. Devore, Editor, " Reaper," Robert Ewing, Editor.
Contractors and Builders : J. Johnston, Jefferson Wetzel, Charles Williams, Isaac Danner & Son.
Postmaster : W. C. McMurray.
Coal Operators : Mckinley & Webb, Knox & Farber.
Grain Buyers: W. W. Aller, M. Kent, L. Ludington.
Dealers in Lumber : Mathias Crum, M. Kent.
Merchant Tailor : G. S. Adolph.
Painters : Richard Rose, George D. Finch, I. D. Parker, J. McDonald.
Opera House : F. M. Bean, seating capacity for six hundred. Well arranged for concerts etc.
Flour and Feed: James Jackson.
Jewelers : M. Moore, E. Berman.
The Farmer City Union Agricultural Society was organized in 1872. For six years its exhibitions were large and interesting. Then owing to a variety of canses it was abandoned. The officers of the society were :
Hon. Jacoh Swigart, President.
.J. B. Ryburu, Vice President.
Chris. Garver, Secretary.
F. M. Bean, Treasurer,
Col. John Weedman, General Superintendent.
Z. C. Weedman, Murshal.
On August 21st, 1879, Farmer City was visited by a most disastrous fire which destroyed twenty three of her business houses. The buildings were occupied and owned as follows : W. B. Howard's grocery store, loss on stock and fixtures $1800. Building owned by F. M. Bean, Eppstein & Bach, clothing, loss $8000. Building owned hy F. M. Bean. Garver & Bro. drng- gists, loss $2200. Building owned by J. G. Watson. Murphy & Michael, saloon, Ioss $1200. Building owned by W. C. Rath- burn. E W. Sangster, groceries, loss, 82700. E. Berman, jew- eler, loss $500. Building owned by George Erler. John Long- mate, groceries and feed store, loss $500. Building owned by William Young. Harrison & Sons, hardware, loss $4300 William Young, groceries, loss $300. R. H. Seltzer, furniture. · loss $4000 Drs. A. S. & A. L. Norris, medicines and office furniture, loss $100. First National Bank, loss $4000. Vault and contents all saved. Reporter newspaper, loss $2000. Mr. Smith proprietor. John S. Wilson, bakery and restaurant, loss $400. Building owned by C. Buford. H. Levy & Co's, New York store, loss 813,000. Peter V. Cool, bakery and restaurant loss 81.000 Building owned by E. L. Waller. H. C. Porter, implement and seed store, loss $700. Lawman & Davidson, druggists, loss $2000. W. T. Bean, boots and shoes, loss $4400. Building owned by Mrs. N. Helmick, upper stories occupied by the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Good Templars, lower story unoccupied, loss 84000. McLean Hotel, at the time the largest building in the county. Owned by N. Helmick. Much damage was doue to other buildings, but the city recovered rapidly from this check to her prosperity and now most of the sites occupied before the fire are again the foundations for good substantial business houses.
SOCIETIES.
Farmer City Lodge, No. 70, A. F. and A. M was chartered October 8th, 1873, A. L. 5873, and was instituted hy J. H. Tyler, Special Deputy Grand Master, on the 20th of the same month. The charter was granted to William McMurray, Henry Funk, Alden S. Bissel, Andrew M Cumming, Albert F. Davidson, Isaac Allbright, F. S. Weedman, James H. Mckinley, Isaac F. Durbin, John Weedmau, Thompson Bosler, Jr. and Reuben Clearwater. The first officers were : William C. McMurray, W. M. ; Henry Funk, S. W .; Alden S Bissell, J. W .; A. M. Cumming, Treasurer ; A. F. Davidson, Secretary ; Isaac Allbright, Chaplain ; F. S. Weedman, S. D. ; Thompson Bosler, J. D .; Reuben Clearwater, Tyler The Lodge Hall was de- stroyed by fire August 22d, 1879. All the property of the order including a small Library was destroyed, except the charter and jewels. The members promptly came forward with contributions and built a hall 40x70, in which they held their first meeting in January, 1880. The cost of the Hall was about $1,600, which sum was all paid up within five months. The present officers are: Henry Funk, W. M ; Morris H. Kelly, S. W. ; Jacob Bach, J. W .; Audrew M Cumming, Treasurer ; Horace S Lowery, Secretary ; Thompson Bosler, S D ; Isaac Stern, J. D .; Isaac F. Honsmann, S. S .; Charles M. Welch, J. S .; Isaac Thomas, Tyler. The present membership is 65.
Mt. Pleasant Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was instituted in the spring of 1857, with E. Richards, J. W. Rogers, J. W. Wood- ward, A. M. Cumming, S. A. Chapin, P. Watson, J. H. Tyler, John Marsh, John Blouret and W. C. McMurray, as charter members. The Lodge was disbanded in 1870.
Farmer City Lodge, No. 37, Independent Order Good Temp- lars, was organized March 28th, 1878, by Jacob Beck, with a charter membership of forty-eight, officered as follows: Dr. D. H Rolton, W. C. T .; Miss R. A. White, W. V. T .; D. C. Wetzel, W. S .; Thomas MeBride, P. W. C. T. The present membership is forty. Its officers December 1st, 1881, are: J. W. Moreland, W. C. T .; Mrs. M. E. McDonald, W. V. T .; Mrs. Maggie Mitchell, W. S .; J. MeDonald, P. W. C. T. The order meets every Saturday evening in Slick's Hall.
Kenilworth Lodge, No. 60, Knights of Pythias, was instituted May 7th, 1875, with 17 members.
Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, of Clinton, Ills., assisted by Capi- tol Lodge, No. 14, of Springfield, Ills., and Damon Lodge, No. 10, of Bloomington, Ills., initiated the following charter mem- bers: Chris. Garver, Reuben Clearwater, F. M. Bean, Oscar Thomas, George Thomas, R. M. Rose, D. H. Gardner, R. A. Lemon, L. C. Glessner, O Lawman, Wm. Hammer, D. Ziegler, J. P. Ziegler, J. Lee Smith, Levi R. Murphy, J. A. Nateher, H. S. Weedman. The following officers were installed by Grand Chancellor S. J. Willett : Chris. Garver, P. C .; D. H. Gardner, C. C .; F. M. Bean, V. C .; J. P. Ziegler, P .; O. Thomas, M. of E .; O. Lawman, M. of F. ; Renben Clearwaters, K. of R. & S .; J. A. Natcher, M. of A .; D. Ziegler, I. G .; Wm. Hammer, O. G. ; Grand Lodge Representative, Chris. Garver, Grand Lodge Alt. Representative, D. H. Gardner. Lodges meet every Thurs- day night of each week. Nov. 28th, 1881, present number of members 42. Present officers: Chris. Garver, P. C .; J. M. Shaw, C. C .; M. L. Reed, V. C .: Philip Deibert, P .; A. Finch, M. of E. ; Wm. L. McIntosh, M. of F .; Reuben Clearwater, K. of R. & S .; J. D. Roy, M. of A. ; P. W. Mitchell, I. G .; Charles Swiney, O. G .; Grand Lodge Representative, Reuben Clearwater ; Grand Lodge Alt. Representative, R. M. Rose ; Special District Deputy, Chris Garver.
219
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
November 29th, 1881, Endowment Runk, No. 466, Kuights of Pythias, was instituted by F. M. Burroughs, P. C., with the fol- lowing Knights of Pythias: Chris. Garver, F. W. Haynie, Reuben Clearwaters, Charles Swiney, William L. McIntosh, J. Lee Smith, J. M. Shaw, H. B. Athey, H. W. Webb, W. F. Curtis, W. T. Bean, A. Finch. The following officers were in- stalled : F. W. Haynie, President ; J. Lee Smith, Vice Presi- dent ; J. M. Shaw, Chaplain ; Chris. Garver, Secretary and Treasurer ; H. B. Athey, Guide; Wm. L. McIntosh, Guard ; Alvin Finch, Sentiuel. Fraternally submitted, Chris. Garver.
Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 126, I. O. O. F. organized October 20th, 1853, charter members : Phineas Page, Thomas Gardiner, Jr., John McHugh, John Weedman, Jr , George Weedman, J. M. Davenport, C. G. Larnard, Peter Walton, John Hubbard, R. D. Webb, Joshua Dorris, James Lisenbey and Samuel Paytou. First officers : C. G. Larnard, P. G. ; Thomas Gardiner, Jr., N. G .; John McHugh, Secretary; Phineas Page, Treasurer. Present officers: Nathan Welch, N. G .: Isaac Stern, V. G. ; J. Y. Thew, P. Sec. ; Z. T. Lillard, R. Sec .; Fred. Deibert, Treasurer. This Lodge was organized in a school-house, where its first meetings were held, thence to Waller's Hall, thence to Lillard's Hall, and lastly to lodge room owned by the order. The cost of the present room was $1,100. The present active membership is sixty-two.
Santa Anna Towuship contained in 1860 a population of 833 ; in 1870, 1,276; in 1880, 2,166. Much of this growth was due to the thriving city within her limits. The assessment for pro- perty for 1881, shows in the township 485 horses ; 922 neat cattle ; 24 mules ; 328 sheep; 1,677 hogs; 7 fire proof hurglar safes ;
159 carriages and wagons; 50 watches and clocks; 200 sewing machines; 16 pianos; 26 organs and melodeons, and a total valuation of lands of $295,652 ; of lots, $85,189. Valuation of personal property, 8108,172.
The following supervisors have represented the township in the county board : R. R. Knight, elected in 1859; Isaac Monett, elected in 1860, and served two terms; H. P. Smith, elected in 1862, and served three terms, and as chairman during 1864; W. C. McMurray, elected in 1865, served two terms; S. S. Chapin, elected in 1867 ; W. Y. McCord, elected in 1868, served two terms, and was chairman of the board during the year 1869; David Kelly, elected in 1870, and served until 1875; served as chairman of the board during the years 1872, 1873 and 1874; Levi Rathbun, elected in 1875, and served until 1880; Mathias Crum, elected in 1880, and re-elected in 1881, and is the present incumbent.
Transportation Facilities. - What is known as the Gilman branch of the Illinois Central Railroad, was built in 1870-1. It enters the township on section 31, passes a north-easterly course leaving ou section 14. The Indianapolis, Bloomington and Warsaw Railroad enters on section 35, passes north-west leaving on section 18. These roads have nearly ten miles of track in this township, and offer excellent facilities for business.
In 1879, citizens put forth strenuous efforts to secure coal by sinking a shaft. After expending large sums of money the idea was abandoned, owing to the flooding of the shaft with water in such quantities as to prevent work. For results see chapter on geology.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
NATHAN CLEARWATERS.
MARY M. CLEARWATERS.
THE subject of the following biographical sketch is one of the pioneers of De Witt county, and the oldest settler now living in the township. He is a native of Green county, Tennessee, and was born May 7, 1807. Reuben Clearwaters, his father, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Jane Miller, was born on the south branch of the Potomac river, in Virginia. She came with her parents to Tennessee, and there married Reuben Clearwaters. The family removed to High- land connty, Ohio, in 1810, and in 1820 went to Indiana, and settled in Franklin county; then went to Monroe, and subse- quently to Putnam county ; and in 1930 came to Illinois, and settled in Vermillion conuty. Two years later he moved to Buckle's Grove in McLean county, and there remained until his death, which took place in 1866, at the advanced age of 85 years. His wife died in 1864, aged 72 years. Nathan remained in Vermillion connty until 1832, when he came to what is now known as Santa Anna township, then a part of McLean county. He squatted on a tract of land, on which the town of Farmer City now stands. When the lands came into market he purchased the forty and afterwards entered three other " fortys." He laid out the town, and his wife gave it the name of Mount Pleasant ; a name which it retained until a few years ago, when it was changed to Farmer City. When Mr. Clearwaters came to this part of the county there were bnt three families living here. The heads of the families are all gone, and he and his wife are
the only remaining settlers who came here in 1832. He married Mary M. Danner while he was living in Montgomery county, In- diana. The date of the marriage was Angu-t 7th, 1828. She was born in Harrison county, Indiana, November 29th, 1812. There were eleven children, the offspring of that marriage. The names of those living, in the order of their births, are Absalom, Melenda, who is the wife of John Griffith; America, wife of Hardy Shoemaker ; Reuben Allen Patton, Wesley. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Clear- waters is one of the six persons who helped to form the first class in Methodism in this part of the county in 1833. The others were Dennis Hurley and wife, Richard Kirby and wife, and Ju- lia McCord. Mr. Clearwaters is an original Jacksonian Demo- crat. He cast his first vote for the hero of New Orleans in 1828, and from that time to the present has given his allegiance to that political organization.
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