USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 75
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He was married Apr. 3, 1851, to Miss Permelia Alvord, born in Warren county, Pa., Aug. 3, 1832; youngest daughter of Rev. Samuel Alvord, of Oakwood.
John Gordon, father of the above, was born in Peterboro', N. H., Dec. 10, 1790; married Elizabeth Smith, Dec. 31, 1819; emi- grated to Hancock county, and settled in Montebello tp. in 1831. He died Apr. 3, 1839. aged 48. His widow died Aug. 12, 1845, aged 51. They had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters ; 3 died in
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infancy. They brought 2 sons with them; the eldest, Jonathan J., died March 27, 1879, aged 16.
The grandfather, also named John, was born in Ireland in 1732; emigrated to America prior to 1750, and settled in Massachusetts. Was a volunteer during the Revolution, with Washington on his retreat through the Jerseys. He emigrated to New Hampshire and settled in Peterboro' in 1780; died Dec. 2, 1818, aged 86.
Dr. H. P. Griswold was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., Oct. 1, 1814. Received a common-school education, and was entered at 16 at Fairfield Academy, and at 18 entered Union College, Sche- nectady, taking a scientific course, which he continued for two years. Studied medicine with Dr. Brown, of Salisbury, Herkimer county. In 1837 he emigrated to Hancock county and settled at Plymouth, at which place he resided and continued in the practice of medi- cine for thirteen years. In 1850 he purchased a farm in Wythe township, about six miles east of Warsaw, to which he removed, still continuing in the practice of medicine until the year 18- he removed to Hamilton, where he still resides.
About 1841 Dr. G. commenced the nursery business on a small scale at Plymouth, which he followed for five or six years. From his nursery most of the old orchards in St. Mary's and Round Prairies were supplied, and the general good character of their fruit attest the soundness of his judgment in the propagation of varieties. On his removal to Wythe township, he transplanted from his nursery a large orchard at his new home, which has borne much excellent fruit. It is now in possession of E. McCune, Esq.
In removing to Hamilton, Dr. G. retired from practice, prefer- ring to live at his ease in the enjoyment of a moderate fortune, and in the cultivation of fruits and flowers and the adornment of his home.
Charles Grubb was born in Lehigh Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine (Groff) Grubb, also natives of Penn- sylvania. He was married in 1844 to Miss Dinah Davison, by whom he has had 11 children; of these, 9 are living; viz., Wayne, Eras- mus, Garret, Lizzie, Ida, Kate, George, Louisa and Ellen. Mr. Grubb learned the blacksmith's trade when young, at which he worked five years. He came to this county in 1859, and purchased 100 acres of land on sec. 35, Montebello tp., where he still resides and is engaged in farming, stock raising. Himself and 5 brothers were in the war, and all returned without a wound.
Ephraim Grubb, deceased, brother of the preceding, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1824. He was reared on a farm, but at the age of 18 learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in after years. He emigrated to Adams county, Ill., in 1845, where he followed his trade until 1850. He then came to this county, settling on sec. 26, this tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, save the time he served in the late war. He, however, became disabled by sickness while in the service and was discharged for this reason before his time expired. He
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was married Jan. 7, 1849, to Miss Susan Grubb, daughter of Jonas and Sarah Grubb (dec.), who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Adams county, Ill., in 1839.
Mr. and Mrs. Grubb had 5 children, of whom but 2 are living; viz., Frances and Olive. Mr. Grubb was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church and had lived a devoted Christian life since quite young. He filled the office of Commissioner of Highways several times, and was always found upon the side of temperance and morality. He was always ready to assist the needy and lift up the down-fallen; in fact, he was a public benefactor, for no truly charitable enterprise ever passed by him unnoticed or unaided.
He died Sep. 21, 1866, loved and respected by all who knew him. The family lost a kind husband and father, and the community a valuable member of society in the death of Mr. Grubb.
William L. Guthrie, Assessor of Montebello tp .; P. O., Hamil- ton; was born in Kentucky July 1, 1832. His parents, John P. and Sarah Guthrie, were both natives of Kentucky, who came to this State in 1839 and settled near Quincy, and in 1857 he came to this county. W. L. has been Deputy Sheriff 12 years. In 1857 he was married to Amanda Breckbill. To them were born S children, 4 now living; viz., James P., William E., Laura A. and Ida M.
Edw. J. Hall was born June 12, 1836, in Baltimore, Md. He is a son of Robert G. Hall, M. D., who practiced medicine for 40 years in this State. He was reared and educated in Illinois. His voca- tion used to be druggist, in which he was engaged for about 25 years, until 1862, when he came to Hamilton, where he still resides. He is at present engaged in business with Daniel F. Tie- man (ex-Mayor) & Co., of New York city. Mr. H. was joined in marriage to Emily R. Kerr, of Jacksonville, this State.
B. F. Hambleton is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and was born April 23, 1826. His parents were James and Martha Hambleton, natives of Eastern Pennsylvania. They were members of the Society of Friends (or Quakers), and each lived to the age of 81 years. James Hambleton and two of his brothers, Benjamin and Charles, emigrated to Ohio in 1814, and located on Little Beaver Creek, in Columbiana county, where they engaged in milling, farming and mercantile business. This was carried on in partner- ship until 1838, when the firm dissolved. Our subject worked in a woolen factory in Ohio for three years, and in 1846 he helped drive a flock of sheep from Ohio to Mahaska county, Iowa. He returned to Ohio the same fall, and in 1851 moved to Iowa to make his home in the West. In 1854 he settled in Keokuk, where he engaged with Connable & Smith, wholesale grocers, for about three months. He then was employed with Moody & Thompson, whole- sale boot and shoe merchants. This firm dissolved and he remained in Mr. Moody's employ in the same house until 1863, when he became Mr. Moody's partner. In 1864 Mr. Moody's health failed, and Mr. Hambleton formed a partnership with H. C. Huiskamp, who remained in the business until 1873, when Mr. II. sold his
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interests to Huiskamp & Brother. Mr. Hambleton, however, had removed across the river to Illinois in 1871. He was married in 1853 to Miss Maria E. Thompson, daughter of Rev. Aaron F. Thomp- son, a Presbyterian minister, now of Winchester, Ill. This union has been blessed with 5 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Clarence, Cora, Arthur and Helen. Mr. H. now resides in a large stone dwelling, on a beautiful eminence overlooking the Mississippi river and a portion of the city of Keokuk. He owns the Imperial Flouring Mills, of Keokuk, and also a large interest in the whole- sale grocery store of Collier, Robertson & Hambleton, in Keokuk, besides farming and raising stock to some extent.
Daniel Hanson was born April 23, 1832, in Pickaway county, Ohio. He is a son of Daniel, Sr., and Barbara Hanson, natives of Virginia. He was brought to this county by his parents when young, and here he was reared to mature years. His educational advantages were limited, as he received but a common-school edu- cation. Mr. Hanson was married April 16, 1866, to Emma Hol- comb, by whom he has had 4 children; viz., Grace M., Minnie, De Witt Clinton and Freddie. Mr. Hanson's father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father was a soldier in the Revolution- ary war. Mr. H. is a farmer on sec. 25; P. O., Elvaston, Ill.
David Honce was born in Monmouth county, N. J., Sept. 10, 1822. His parents were Hendrick and Elizabeth (Rogers) Honce, the latter deceased. Mr. Honce was raised on a farm, and was engaged some years in the oyster traffic, a saloon and bakery. He was married in New Jersey, in 1857, to Miss Rachel Williams, by whom he had 7 children; of these, 5 are living: Orval, Oliver, Wm. H., Sarah E. and Georgia M. He came to this county in 1861, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 15, in this tp. His son William lives in Colorado.
William H. Honce, brother of the preceding, was born in Monmouth county, N. J., in July, 1820; was reared on a farm, educated in a common-school; was married Nov. 27, 1848, to Miss Sarah J. McBroom, daughter of Andrew and Jane McBroom. This union has been blessed with 7 children, of whom 6 are living; viz., Lydia J., Elizabeth, Alphia, Anna, Olive and William R. Mr. Honce removed to Adams county, Ill., in 1851, and to this county in 1854. He resides on sec. 9, Montebello tp., and is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising.
Harlow Hosford, sec. 10; P. O., Hamilton; was born in Brook- field, Ohio, March 26, 1824, and is a son of Truman and Elizabeth Hosford. He was reared on a farin, and received a common-school education. He came to this county in 1835. He was married in 1850, to Miss Mary Wright, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Harris T., Anna E., Isaac N., Edwin W., Harriet O. and Mary J. Mr. Hosford was a soldier in the Mormon war, as were also his father and brother, participating in the battle at Nauvoo. Mr. Hosford is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 10, and owns 475 acres of valuable land.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Henry Ikerd, deceased, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, Jan. 19, 1806. He was a son of John and Margaret Ikerd; was married Feb. 2, 1823, to Nancy Fish, by whom he has had 10 children; viz., David J., Sarah A., William V., Malinda C. (now Mrs. Head), Mary J. (now Mrs. Douglas), Margaret E. (now Mrs. Horton), Henry L., Logan H., Mary L. (now Mrs. Stumpp). Mr. and Mrs. Ikerd came to this county in 1855, where they settled and resided until the union was broken by his death, Oct. 5, 1866. His wife is yet living, at the advanced age of 70.
Aaron S. Kingsley, deceased, was born April 21, 1807, in Genesee county, N. Y., and was a son of Solomon Kingsley (dec.), of New York.
Solomon Kingsley was a farmer and a tanner, at both of which businesses our subject worked in early life. He received a com- mon-school education in New York. He went to Canada in 1834, where he became acquainted with Miss Cynthia M. Piggott, whom he married Dec. 24, 1838. She is a daughter of James Piggott, who removed from St. Louis, Mo., to Canada prior to the war of 1812. Mrs. Kingsley's grandfather, Captain James Piggott, of Revolutionary fame, was an early settler of St. Louis. He estab- lished a fort not far from the bluff in the American bottom, west of the present town of Columbia, in Monroe county, Ill., which was the largest fortification erected by the Americans in Illinois at that day; Captain Piggott was a native of Connecticut. His service in the Revolution was principally under Generals Wash- ington and St. Clair. IIe died in 1799. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley had S children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Virgil, Jennie (now Mrs. Augustus Bakeman), Anna (now Mrs. Geo. W. Richardson), Nellie (now Mrs. Geo. H. Edmondson) and Clara.
The Kingsley family removed to this county in 1846. Mr. Kingsley taught school for two years after arriving here, and then was in the mercantile business for the period of two years. He then engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 4, 1878. He was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the M. E. Church for about 45 years, but was not connected with it at all times.
Sarah D. Lawton, eldest daughter of Rev. John Lawton, was one of the first school ma'ms in the county. She came West with her father in 1834, and taught that year in Quincy; at Warsaw, 1835; at Montebello, 1835-'6; at Carthage, 1836, at Warsaw again, 1840-'1-'2, and at intervals thereafter, and at Hamilton, 1860. She was married to Mr. Gregg of the Carthagenian newspaper Nov. 10, 1836.
Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vt. He studied for the ministry while prin- cipal of an academy at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was afterward settled for ten years as Pastor of a Congregational Church at Wind- ham, Vt., and subsequently at Hillsboro' Center, N. H.
In 1834 Mr. L. was sent to supply destitute places in the West
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
by the Presbyterian Board of Missions. Located at Carthage, he for a number of years preached in that community and other sections of the county, and assisted in organizing several Churches. While here he was mainly instrumental in procuring the charter for the Carthage Female Seminary (see page 435), and was appointed by the trustees to procure aid for it in the East. Going East, he soon afterward died there in April, 1842, aged 62.
His other children are: Joanna C. (now Mrs. Ebenzer Rand) who preceded her father West, and taught school in Payson and at Venus in 1833; Abigail N. (the deceased wife of the late Frederic W. Symonds of Carthage), Jacob (now of Kansas), Harriet N. (Mrs. Lucius Parker, formerly of Carthage, now of Keokuk Junc- tion), John H. (of Plymouth), and Anne E. (wife of the murdered Lieut. F. E. Worrell, and widow of the late Dr. Hewitt, of Hanni- bal).
John A. Leas, foreman of the freight department of the T., P. & W. and W., St. L. & P. railroad, office at Keokuk, P. O., Hamilton, Ill., was born June 22, 1837, in Pennsylvania, a son of Francis and Sarah Leas. At 13 years of age he went out on the great theater of life to act for himself. . He spent most of his early manhood with a corps of civil engineers, assisting in the location of several railroads in Pennsylvania. In 1856 he came to Keokuk, and was for a while one of the city engineer corps, and afterward engaged in hotel business, in which he continued until 1866, when he came to Hamilton and re-engaged in engineering. Aug. 25, 1858, he married Lydia A. Tully, and they have had one child, Charles H. In 1876 Mr. Leas went to his native home in Pennsylvania, and also spent some time at the "world-renowned" Exposition (i. e., Centennial). He has one brother (Thomas H.), who is Quarter- master-General at West Point. His ancestors were long-lived people. His mother died in 1877, at $6, and his father some years ago, aged 62.
John Matice, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hamilton; is a son of Peter and Sarah Matice, and was born Jan. 1, 1834; was brought to this country by his parents in 1843. In 1859 he married Adelaide Allen. In Feb., 1865, he enlisted in the military service in Co. I, 156th Reg. Ill. Inf., and was discharged at the close of the war, having served eight months. He then returned home and resumed his former occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Matice were born 6 chil- dren. 3 sons and 3 daughters. His father-in-law, Dr. A. Allen, was an early pioneer of this county and built the first mill in the county at the mouth of Allen's or Golden's creek, and ground the first corn that was ground in the county. His father was a soldier, both in the Revolutionary war and war of 1812.
Wm. T. Mclellan was born April 16, 1835, in the town of Thomaston, Maine, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy Mclellan, who brought their family to this county about 30 years ago. He was married Oct. 15, 1858, to Miss Mary R. Debitt, daughter of Wm. and Rosetta Debitt. Of their 4 children 3 are living; viz.,
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Arthur H., Edward E. and Willie D. Mr. Mclellan is conductor on the Wabash Railroad.
Dr. D. C. Miller was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., inside' of the entrenchments of the battle-ground of Bemis Heights, Sept. 26, 1820. His parents were Newell and Matilda (Carter) Miller. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and Troy Academy, at Troy, N. Y. At the age of 23 years he studied medicine, but feeling it his duty to engage in the ministry he went to Wisconsin in 1846, where he labored as a missionary in the em- ploy of the Free-Will Baptist Home Mission Society several years. He then labored for some time without any aid from the mission- ary society. His labors while there were very great. He has ridden 50 miles and preached three sermons all in one day. He drove his team 5,582 miles in one year, besides traveling to some extent on cars and steamboat. He was married, June 17, 1847, to Miss Eliza Babcock, by whom he has had 9 children; of these 5 are living; viz., Eugene A., Alvin A., D. Gay, Effa and Harry T. Alvin and Eugene are married. Mr. Miller met with a severe accident in 1869, in this wise: While the train he was on was standing at a station about eight miles west of Madison, Wis., an extra (or "wild") train came up behind and ran into this one, causing a fearful wreck. The Doctor practiced medicine some prior to leaving the ministry, but as his disability rendered him unable to preach, he has since devoted his entire attention to the practice of medicine, and has attained a good patronage.
F. J. Potts, a native of New York, was born Aug. 23, 1816. When 16 years of age he entered the machine shops and spent five years in learning that trade. He came to this county in 1845, where he followed the same business. Mr. Potts was first married Feb. 15, 1840, to Mary J. Bredett, who died in 1843; he was again mar- ried in 1848 to Emily Bredett. She died in 1875. Mr. P. was married the third time Dec. 5, 1878, to Mary H. Smith.
Samuel F. Pray, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Hamilton; was born in New Hampshire; was principally reared in Massachusetts. He spent two years of his early manhood in clerking in a dry-goods store; in 1842 came to this county and settled near Carthage. There he lived until 1858. Three years of this time was spent as diver in the Mississippi river seeking for wrecked boats. In 1850 he went to California, and returned in 1851. He has resided near Hamilton since 185S. Mr. Pray has been a stock-dealer and shipper for about 23 years. He owns a farm of 800 acres and a fine residence. He took an active part against the Mormons, was appointed com- mander of the " Carthage Riflemen," and was at their head in the skirmish at Nauvoo, which lasted 2} hours: 14 of his men were wounded; but one proved fatal. Mr. Pray was married Nov. 26, 1849, to Frances J. Haggard. He is of English ancestry. His father had two brothers that fought in the Revolutionary war His progenitors were among the early settlers of America.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
A. Puntenny is a native of Adams county, O., where he was born Feb. 10, 1834; is a son of John and Araminta Puntenny, both natives of Ohio. He came to Keokuk, Ia., with his grand- father in 1846, and lived with him till he was of age. In Febru- ary, 1865, he enlisted in the army, Co. K, 156th Regiment, Ill. Inft., under Colonel A. F. Smith; was mustered 'out Sept. 15, 1865, and the 28th of the same month he was discharged and returned home. He was married Feb. 16, 1861, to Isabella Kerr. They have had 5 children, 4 are living-3 sons and 1 daughter. His occupation is farming; P. O., Elvaston.
Malachi Richardson was born in Bucks county, Pa., Jan. 28, 1802, and is a son of Clement and Catharine (Baker) Richardson (dec.). He was raised on a farm until 16 years old.
He engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in the town of Butler, Pa., for fifteen years; removed to Cincinnati, O., in 1839, where he engaged in silver-plating with a brother-in-law for about ten years. He then removed to Hamilton, O., and again engaged in the woolen business, which he carried on for about eight or nine years. He came to Keokuk, Ia., about the year 1855, and to this county in 1857.
While in Keokuk, he owned a farm near that place. He has been married three times, and is the father of 11 children. He was married to his first wife, Miss Sarah Patterson, Apr. 1, 1823, in Butler, Pa .; to his second wife, Miss Margaret Finney, Sept. 30, 1852; and to his present wife, Mary A. Campbell, Dec. 27, 1864. His children are, Elizabeth A., Catharine J., Sarah F., Mary A., Susan P., James C., Selina E., John N. (dec.), Wm. B., Malachi H. and Loyal C. The last named died while in the service during the late war.
James C. is President of the Halderman Paper Mills, of Cincin- nati, O .; Malachi is a member of the firm of Stephens & Co., gro- cers, on Fourth street, Cincinnati, O .; Wm. B. is Government Ganger of Liquors at Cincinnati, O .; Elizabeth is now Mrs. Rev. Henry Allen, of Jersey City, N. J .; Catharine is Mrs. David Combs, of Indiana; Sarah is Mrs. Robert French, of St. Louis, Mo .; Mary is Mrs. R. B. French, of Cincinnati, O .; Susan, widow Combs, of Clinton county, Ind .; Selina, Mrs. John Monroe, of Chicago, Ill. Our subject resides in section 24, Montebello.
Dr. E. B. Ringland was born in Washington county, Pa., Jan. 4, 1845. and is a son of Newton and Jane Ringland, also natives of Pennsylvania. He is a grandson of Colonel Thomas Ringland, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Pennsyl- vania Legislature two terms.
Our subject received a common-school education in his native county, and received a medical education in Dr. Trall's Hygeio- Theraputic College, near Philadelphia, Pa. He is also a graduate of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons.
He married Miss Sallie E. Weir, in May, 1869, and opened the Riverside Health Institution in 1871; since that time he spent
Lad Rhea
DURHAM, TP.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
two years with Dr. Paul Caster, of Ottumwa, Ia., using his cele- brated Swedish movements in Caster's establishment. He reopened the Riverside Institute in 1878, and has secured the ser- vices of Dr. Dodge, the noted magnetic physician. Hundreds of cases of paralysis, rheumatismn, deformities, epilepsy, etc., have been speedily eured at Riverside by the combined influences of his magnetic power, Dr. Ringland's Swedish movements, and the water cure. Dr. Ringland was two years and a half in the late war. He enlisted in the medical department, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Thomas Ruggles was born December 13, 1825, in Davis county, Indiana, and is a son of Jacob and Henrietta (McDonald) Ruggles, natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education in an old log school-house in his native State. He has since that time educated himself by his own exertions, and afterward became an attorney at law. He obtained law books of his uncle, David McDonald, who was afterward appointed U. S. District Judge by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Ruggles came to this county in 1848, where he engaged in farming a few years ; and then engaged in the mercantile business for several years, with a Mr. Allen. He has served as Justice of the Peace for 12 years, and was Supervisor several terms, and was one of the first Trustees of the town of Hamilton. IIe was married in 1849, to Miss Elizabetlı Waller, by whom he had 4 children ; only one is living; viz., Kate. Mrs. Ruggles died in 1857, and Mr. R. again married, in 1858, this time to Miss Hannah Q. Choate, by whom he had 6 children ; 4 of these are living; viz., Thomas G., Clara, Edmond and Leon. Mrs. R. died in 1872, and Mr. R. married his third wife in 1874, Mrs. Anna B. Mason. Mr. Ruggles came to Illinois alone and on horseback, being attracted here by the reports of Mormon troubles. He is now an attorney at law.
Stephen F. Safford and Louisa Hunt, the former born at New Ipswich, Mass., July 7, 1809, the latter at Peterborough, N.H., Oct. 11, 1812, were married May 17, 1836, settling in Quincy, Ill., where Mr. Safford had located when he emigrated to the West, in 1832. They resided in this county until the fall of 1856, when they re- moved to Hamilton, Hancock county, Ill. The first few years of their Western life were devoted to teaching school, after which they became the owners of a small farm, and from this beginning, by prudence, industry and perseverance, grew to become the owners of a comfortable estate free from any dishonorable stain. Always active in religious, philanthropic and educational work, they did much for the best interests of Hamilton, and the death of Mr. Safford, Jan. 7, 1860, deprived the community of an earnest worker and public-spirited citizen. The writer of his obituary says : " He was universally esteemed for his rectitude and strict integrity in his dealings and intercourse with his fellow-men. He had a deep and abiding reverence for the practical excellencies of the Christian religion, and ever seemed prompt to evince it by his ready
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succor of the needy and distressed, and kind and obliging conduct to all. Naturally of reflective mood and with a large share of practical sense. he attached more importance to the substance of things than the form. which made him, though not an ultraist in opinion, more than commonly liberal and tolerant. Though not obtrusive of his views, he was an independent thinker and spoke his convic- tions with freedom and decision."
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