USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 28
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This year a Presbyterian Sunday school was organized. Prof. T. W. Scott was the superintendent.
Other comers were: Edward and Julia (Gloss) Marvin; Frank D. and Jane (Plessinger) Kelley; Oscar W. and Mary (Dick) Hughes ; Calvin and Susan Koontz resided many years in Franklin Grove and vicinity.
The O'Neil family came in 1857. Barton, Sarah Jane, and Jonas O'Neil remained permanent citizens.
John D. Sitts was in the lumber business with Sitts, Thomas & Company until 1872 when he opened a grocery store, which he continued for many years. The Cyrus Thomas family were resi- dents of the village for many years.
On October 6, 1858, the Franklin Grove Lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., was organized. The charter members were: Louis M. Blaisdell, Daniel B. McKinney, Col. Nathan Whitney, A. Ran- dolph Whitney, William Forbes, Reuel Thorp, Conrad Durkes, John C. Black, George W. Hewitt, Alvah B. Fitch, Peter C. Rooney, Michael Decker. Isaac T. Forbes and Thomas Lewis Wood.
The price of real estate was increasing. On September 16, 1858. Samuel H. Beardsley sold his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 29 for $2,560. On July 19, 1858, Charles B. Bill and Catherine, his wife, sold lots 21 and 22 in Chaplain. for a con- sideration of $600.
The Gilbert family are numerous in China township, and are good farmers (1859).
In 1860. Henry I. Lincoln erected a large stone store on Elm street near the track. On June 3, 1860, a great tornado swept across the south end of China township, tearing up large trees and ruining crops. The roar of wind could be heard twenty-miles north of the path of the storm. The lightning was incessant and the darkness appalling.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
On January 1, 1861, the Presbyterian church was organized in Franklin Grove by Rev. W. W. Harsha, Rev. E. Erskine and Charles Crosby, a ruling elder. The church was affiliated with Rock River Presbytery.
Rev. Thomas J. Carney was pastor of the First Universalist Society, during the Civil war. His parsonage stood on the land now included in the north part of the schoolyard. He was an able man of fine presence and sterling character.
In 1861, Louis M. Blaisdell of Franklin Grove was elected one of three commissioners to expend the sum of $6,000 voted by Lee county, to "equip the volunteers of Lee county" enlisting to go to the front. Mr. Blaisdell was an able man and his exeentive ability was much needed at this time.
In 1861-1862 George W. Brayton was postmaster in Franklin Grove. The family consisted of Frank, Alice and Lucy.
THE "G" OF 1862
July 6, 1862, Abraham Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 men and Illinois was asked for 52,296.
The Company "G" was raised in China township. Every man who enlisted knew that it was a hard and deadly combat. The romance of the war was over. Twenty-seven men in Company G left unprotected wives at home. Joseph Williams and Robert L. Irwin did good service in organizing the company. Lincoln's hall rang with cheers, and the schoolhouse fairly trembled with stamp- ing, as the patriotie gatherings assembled night after night. The captain was Joseph Williams of Franklin Grove. The second lieutenant was Robert L. Irwin of China township. The sergeants were Manley E. Brown, Charles II. Twombly and William Vance. The corporals were C. Brinkerhoff, Joseph Winebremer. Walter Gilbert, Caleb Forbes. James Dysart. Of the privates from China were Jeremiah Christman, Clayton Chronister, Wallace East- wood, William D. Forbes, John Feaster, William E. Girton. Noah Nay, Geo. W. Pense, Daniel Spafford, Thomas Irwin, Andrew Timothy, John Wingert, William Watson. For nearly a month after being mustered they drilled, and on September 27th they joined the troops at Jeffersonville, Indiana. They became part of the Thirtieth Brigade. Ninth Division, Third Army Corps of the Army of the Ohio. On October 8th they met the enemy at Perry- ville and suffered a terrible loss. Charles H. Twombly fell and was reported "missing." William Loder Girton was shot on the
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
battlefield. Until the captain of the nation fell, and Abraham Lin- coln had joined the martyred dead, until peace was declared and "the grand review" in Washington had disbanded, the brave boys in China township sacrificed their all, and hailed again an undi- vided nation and an unsullied flag.
The Franklin Grove Cemetery Association dates from 1863. Isaac Twombly was president; Conrad Durkes, secretary ; Joseph Williams, George H. Taylor, William S. Thompson, trustees. It is one of the neatest and best kept cemeteries in the state. The location is beautiful; the view from the west with sinking vale and rising bluff being one of great beauty. Many fine monuments mark the last resting-places of the dead.
Mrs. Holly's was the first burial. Mrs. Cyrus R. Minor who died this year was interred near her home, and her remains not brought to the cemetery until later.
The Carl H. Lagerquist family conducted a general boot and shoe shop for nearly a half century in Franklin Grove. Carl H. Lagerquist died 1887, aged seventy-three years.
In 1864, as an insurance agent, William T. Pearl was well and favorably known.
Mr. Hussey, a Universalist minister, his wife, and two daugh- ters, resided some years in the village; left Franklin Grove for Oregon ; and then Wisconsin.
Dr. Christy had a large practice in the village before he moved away. His son, Bayard, was lost at sea.
In 1864, the village built up a number of sidewalks, fixed the crossings, graded the roads, and opened up the alleys.
In an attack on, Conrad Durkes, president of the village board by three men who wished a license to run a gambling den, Samuel Simmons was severely injured. No small praise is due to Mr. Durkes' memory for the noble and heroic stand he took in keep- ing a high moral standard in the community.
A large elevator was erected this year by the firm of Frost & Hanger, who did an extensive business.
The German Lutheran church was organized by Rev. William Uhl during 1864. In 1865, the society united with the Presby- terians in building the church which later they purchased, and in which they have since worshiped.
Daniel Moore Bradstreet was a patriotic orator during the Civil war, and Clarissa Dudley Todd was his wife. He was a fine Biblical scholar, a close historical student, a humble Christian and an old school gentleman.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Mary, fifth daughter and eleventh child of Major Daniel Moore Bradstreet and Clarissa Dudley (Todd) Bradstreet, was born in Ulysses, Tompkins county, New York, July 27, 1841. In 1844 she moved to Illinois; attended Mt. Morris Seminary; taught school in Ogle county ; assistant principal in High school, Polo, Illinois; hired as principal High school, Franklin Grove, Illinois; married June 27, 1866, Henry Charles Frederick Helmershausen, Jr.
The Don Campbell family were engaged in the millinery busi- ness for years in Franklin Grove. The John Coyle family resided many years in the village. Mrs. Roche, a widow, her son, and two daughters, Mary and Hannah Alice, resided some years in the village.
At a town meeting held March 1, 1865, seventy-nine votes were polled. The first election under a special charter occurred March 1, 1865. The new village board were: President, Conrad Durkes; clerk, Oscar W. Hughes; treasurer, William Clark Robinson : trustees, Josiah Hughes, J. J. Lichty, JJoseph Williams, Jonas Clisbee, George W. Brayton, George H. Taylor.
This year the German Lutheran and the Presbyterian Societies united in an effort to build a church to be occupied by both societies alternately. A substantial and commodious building was erected on Elm street, and services have been held in it until 1914. The church is a cherished landmark of the village.
Gabriel Miller conducted a dry goods store for many years. The W. N. and Julia Baldwin family were well known, Mr. Bald- win being in business many years. The Spafford family were patriotic and loyal. The father and three sons fought in the Civil war, Daniel Spafford, Sr., Joseph B. Spafford and Thaddeus Spaf- ford. A family with interesting recollections of Abraham Lincoln were the Silas Yingling and Hannah ( Reigle) Yingling family.
In 1865, Chillon Buck kept the flour and feed mill on Brad- ford street south of the schoolhouse, and was well and favorably known. He afterwards purchased a threshing engine and he and his sons threshed for the farmers in the vicinity. Harry Bratton has been well known in Franklin Grove as a furniture dealer, and undertaker. The Webb family came April 1. 1865. Jolm Webb was born April, 1827, and Mrs. John Webb, May, 1834. They were married November 11, 1851, in Tyrone township, Blair county, Pennsylvania.
In October. 1866, Baltus Lookingland, his wife and family, came to Naelisa township and from there to China township where he rented the farm claimed by John Durfee.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
During 1866, the church of the First Universalist Society was served by Rev. Mr. Hussey. His family consisted of his wife, and two daughters, and they are spoken of with respect and affection.
Among the enterprising farmers in the vicinity at this time were, Freeman Ellsworth, Levi Hostetler, Englehard Fennan, Philip Klinetob, Joseph Bruner, Henry Cosh and others.
The Secrist family came to the village of Franklin Grove in 1866 and were actively engaged in the social and business interests of the town. The Brewer family consisted of the parents and one son, Lorenzo, who married Anna Gans and moved to Chicago.
In 1867, William Henry Helmershausen and Samuel Dysart purchased thoroughbred cattle, red Durham shorthorns.
The only newspaper up to this time was "The Franklin Grove Gazette" which was printed on a Dixon press. When it stopped its issue, there was no paper at the grove.
Joseph Graff was born April 28, 1845, in France, of French and German parentage. The Graff family came to Tiffin, Ohio, and from there to Dixon.
November 28, 1868, Luther F. Ramsdell purchased the F. L. Fish farm of 160 aeres at $50 per acre.
William Crawford was well and favorably known as an under- taker for many years.
On October 9, 1868, the Nathan Whitney Chapter, No. 129. Royal Arch Masons, was organized. The charter members were: Col. Nathan Whitney. A. Randolph Whitney, Alvah B. Fitch, George W. Hewitt, Reuel Thorp, William Forbes, Jerry M. Forbes, M. Flint, Sammel Dysart. H. H. Glenn, W. H. Emerson, John L. Strock, Peter C. Rooney.
The Isaac T. and Naim B. Forbes family came to China town- ship in 1868.
"The Franklin Reporter," was started by Mr. John Blocher and published from 1868-1871; Dr. David H. Spickler from 1871-1875: Prof. Thomas W. Scott, 1875-1876: Rev. D. B. Senger, 1876-1886; E. E. Manning, 1886-1889; Prof. Scott again, 1889-1891: Singleton W. Reigle, 1891 as administrator: Prof. T. W. Tuttle, 1891-1894: George W. Gaver, 1894; C. A. Bancroft, E. P. Harrison, Simon D. Remley, J. C. Cooke, Bela R. IIalderman. This paper is the oldest weekly in the county.
The Lott family came to Lee county in 1869. Mrs. Kate Dumm came to Lee county March 28, 1865. In 1869, Curtis Dunn and Katherine Stransner were married.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In 1870, China had included township 21, and the south one- half of section 17 and 18 of township 22, north, range 10 east of the fourth principal meridian. During this year the west one-half was set off and named Nachusa, the Indian's name for John Dixon who had long white hair. China township then contained twenty-seven square miles, lying nine miles long and three miles wide.
After 1855, the town meetings were held in Bishop Hughes' hotel. At the election this year, 262 votes were polled out of 450 legal votes.
Sammel Dysart introduced the pedigreed Berkshire swine and succeeded well with them on his stock farm.
On October 11, 1870, Lodge No. 409, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized. The charter members were: Single- ton W. Reigle, George Fischbach, George Engel, William H. Bass- ler and Nelson Strong.
This year Warren Encampment, No. 122, was organized.
Among the enterprising farmers who rented land in this vicinity were William H. Myers, Conrad Steen, Charles Kerst, George Hoffman and others.
In 1871 Isaac Twombly and Henry A. Black built a double, two-story store north of the Robinson building.
On June 13, 1872, the Lady Franklin Chapter, No. 22, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized.
This year Richard Archibald Canterbury built the Canterbury block, which added materially to the appearance of the town street.
George W. Newcomer, born February 3, 1838, married Julia A. Walter of Polo, April 8, 1873, died August 24, 1906; was a well known pioneer.
In 1873, China township had ninety per cent less delinquent tax than any township in Lee. This same year, William Henry Helmershansen won premiums from the Rochelle fair on his eu tire exhibit.
The Lee County Old Settlers' Association was organized Au- gust 30, 1873, and for forty years the settlers of China township have attended its sessions and contributed to its success.
Jacob R. Group was a wagon-maker and carpenter, and a faith- ful workman.
In March, 1874. the Daughters of Rebekah, Astoria Lodge, No. 67, was organized.
The Abraham and Frances Troupe family consisted of Mar- garet M. and Frederick.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In 1874, the Band hall was built for the pleasure of the band boys and their friends.
In 1874, at an immense cost of over $13,000 a finely equipped wind gristmill was erected by John L. Strock, Joseph, John and David Lahman.
Rev. Johannes Heinrich Stauffenberg preached for thirty-five years in Franklin Grove, in China township. He served longer in his pulpit than any other minister in China township. Ile founded the congregation in Ashton and Dixon, preached in Rochelle and Rock Falls. Besides this he did much teaching of German.
During 1875, John D., Joseph C. Lahman and John L. Strock. organized the J. D. Lahman & Company, manufacturing firm. The output was the Great Western Seeder.
In 1875, the assessment value of horses, cattle, sheep and swine was set at $70,000, which gives an idea of how the progressive farm- ers of China township improved their stock.
This year the wind gristmill was built.
The year of the Centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1876, saw several citizens journeying to Phila- delphia.
The Franklin house was built and had a good patronage under C. L. Anthony. It was called the best hotel between Chicago and Iowa.
Alpheus Meredith and Barbara Middlekauff were married May 1. 1870. In February, 1878, they moved to Franklin Grove and conducted a bakery and ice cream parlor with success.
C. Walter Trostle was engaged in the sale of farm implements, wagon-making and blacksmithing.
In 1879, R. A. Canterbury began the hardware business in Franklin Grove. He was in a firm with Isaac Twombly.
P. O. Sproul started a newspaper called "The Enterprise" which was issued from June, 1879. It was a clean, newsy little sheet.
Outside of Franklin Grove the census of 1880 showed 681 set- tlers. At the election this year, 298 votes were polled. The census of 1880 showed a population of 730.
In November, 1880, "The Enterprise" ceased its publication.
In February, Warren Encampment, No. 122, was removed from our village to Amboy.
Through the efforts of Rev. Anthony Hasbrouck Schoonmaker. the Dixon District Camp Meeting Association was located on a
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
ten-acre strip west of the Methodist Episcopal church in Franklin Grove, July 12, 1881.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in August, 1882, and named the Frances E. Willard Union,
In April, 1884, August F. Kohl and Caroline F. A. Bettin, his wife, and their family, came from Schoenwerder, Germany to Franklin Grove. On March 22, 1913, they celebrated their golden wedding with forty-five descendants present.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the home of Mrs. Emma Caro- line Crawford in May, 1885, by Mrs. Adeline ( Bowman) Stuff, wife of the pastor, Rev. G. L. S. Stuff. Four of the charter mem- bers belonged in 1914, having a record of twenty-nine years' service.
In 1885, at the fourth commencement of the Franklin Grove High school, the following program was given June 12, 1885:
Music, Quartette.
Recitation, "The Relief of Lucknow," Cora Eick.
Essay, "Take Ye Away the Stone," Tillie A. Graff.
Recitation, "The Ride of Paul Venarez, " Clytie C. Dow.
Solo, "Ah, I have sighed to rest me"-Verdi-Minnie Ada Hughes.
Recitation, "The Bishop's Visit," William McGregor.
Essay, "The Why and the Whither." Maud Minnie Adella Helmershausen.
Recitation, "The Mountain Lamb, " Nettie Trottnow.
Duet, "There's a Sweet Wild Rose." Mrs. Flora (Taylor) Timothy and Ella E. Bill.
Recitation, " Little Steenie, " Vinnie Bick.
Essay and Valedictory, "Silent Workers," Gertrude Gifford Sitts.
Guitar Solo, "Home, Sweet Home, " Reuben E. Brackett.
Awarding of diplomas, John D. Sitts.
During 1887, the Presbyterian congregation and their friends, erected a church at a cost of nearly five thousand dollars. Since then a good pipe organ has been installed which adds to the beauty of the church. The building is symmetrical and in good propor- tion. thus adding to the appearance of the village.
Old Settlers' Day was held Angust, 1887, on the camp grounds at Franklin Grove.
The Franklin Grove Bank under the state law with a capital of $25,000 was organized in 1889.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
In 1890, the population of China township according to the census was 1,361. That of Franklin Grove was 736.
The Lee County Telephone Company was incorporated April 16, 1897.
In 1900, the population of China township according to the census was 1,315. That of Franklin Grove was 681.
On July 17, 1900, many citizens of China township attended the splendid exercises on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the new courthouse at Dixon.
On Saturday, August 16, 1902, Henry I. Lincoln was eighty years old.
June 18, 1902, Mary, second wife of Charles Henry Twombly, mother of Carrie and Sophronia Rebecca. second wife of Jerry M. Forbes, died in Concordia, Kansas.
The new Methodist church was erected at a cost of over eight thousand dollars, and dedicated October 6, 1902, with imposing and appropriate services.
In 1894, a fine brick school building was erected at a cost of $9,000. Later the trustees purchased several lots of Charles Helmershausen, Jr., and now have the entire frontage of the block for a school playground. The appearance of the building and the grounds is a credit to the town.
The first banquet of the Franklin Grove High School Ahmmi Association was held in the Assembly room of the school building, June 7, 1913.
Dr. Walter L. Moore, dentist in Franklin Grove, married Minetta Pauline Roe.
1843-1914
THE GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. Christian Lahman and his father-in-law. Rev. Joseph Emmert, were ministers in Pennsylvania, and maintained family worship after they moved to China township.
In 1844, the Jacob Riddlesbarger family came to the grove. As new settlers were added. a church building was erected in the Emmert cemetery. This was enlarged as the congregation in- creased. A large church building was erected north of the village and services alternate were held in the two buildings.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
FRANKLIN GROVE OF TODAY
It should be no trouble to write of this beautiful spot at any stage of its life. From earliest boyhood I have roamed around Franklin Grove. A few of the old settlers remain; that is, the third crop. One, Mr. Charles Hausen, of the first, remains, alone. For views and valuable assistance I am indebted deeply to Mr. Bela R. Halderman, of the Franklin Grove Reporter, one of the oldest and one of the best and most reliable institutions in Lee county. He loaned me cuts; hunted and obtained information and was my faithful friend and adviser. So, too, Mr. C. D. Hussey, the oldest business man in the village in point of business career.
The council is constituted as follows: Dr. F. M. Banker, presi- dent of the board and mayor; A. B. Wicker, village clerk: Wil- liam Bucher, village police; Samuel Herbst, A. J. Stewart, Dr. W. L. Moore, Simon D. Remley, Albert Carpenter, trustees.
The population is about 750. The main street is lighted by boulevard lamps. a group of three to each lamp. An all night service of electric lighting and power is supplied by the Illinois Northern Utilities Company: Glen Wright, manager.
Every inch of town lot frontage has a cement sidewalk. The early fathers of the place believed in tree planting, and now Frank- lin Grove is a grove indeed : a veritable forest of elms and maples, hard and soft. In that respect, this village is most beautifully ornamented.
The schools here have a splendid reputation. Superintendent Miller gives them great praise. Nine months schooling in the vear is given. The enrollment is 180.
High School 55
Grammar 32
Intermediate 49
Primary 44
Total 180
The salary account is $3,100 per annum, outside the janitor. Prof. H. G. Anderson is superintendent : Miss Beryl Skinner is principal ; Miss Ethel Holmgren teaches the grammar school: Miss Florence Wollensak, the intermediate ; and Miss Frances Vanghan the primary. The directors are Fred HI. Hausen, president : M. V. Peterman, clerk : and F. D. Lahman.
Some of the largest landholders of the county live around this place, and the land is very high priced. Among the number are
INTERIOR OF CAMPMEETING TABERNACLE
$6,44.
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EXTERIOR OF CAMPMEETING TABERNACLE
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Christian Gross. His relative, Henry W. Hillison, the first born Norwegian child, owns over one thousand acres of the best land in Lee county. He lives on his farm on Temperance Hill in the south end of the township. The Dysart brothers are very large land- owners; Fred H. Hausen; Ira J. Trostle; John Reinhart; Henry Reinhart; Marcus Wingert; Willis Riegle; Mrs. John Miller; Luther F. Ramsdell ; John Mong; John Buck; Earl Buck; Ira Buck ; Oliver Buck ; C. D. Hussey ; Charles Weighbright; Milton Crawford; A. W. Crawford; Mrs. Carrie W. Crawford; Mrs. August Petrie; Peter Brecunier; the David Miner estate and Thomas Gilbert are among the largest landholders in China town- ship, and most of them live in Franklin Grove. The community is very wealthy.
Franklin Grove from time immemorial has been dry territory. It is a church loving and church going community.
The Dunkards here are very mmerons, and theirs is the largest church in the village. costing $7,000. Rev. Cyrus Suters is the clergyman. The M. E. church cost $10,000. Rev. A. E. Ullrich is pastor. The Presbyterian cost $8,000. Rev. R. L. McWherter is the pastor. There is also a German Lutheran church here. All the church buildings are frame; but architecturally speaking, they all are beautiful.
The camp-meeting and assembly grounds here are features of great importance in church life. The grounds contain fifteen acres. Thereon are forty or fifty cottages permanently built. Annually large numbers bring their tents and families and make a summer outing here. To those who do not care to take the trouble. there is situated conveniently, a boarding hall with sleeping apart- ments above. The average attendance on Sundays at the camp- meetings is 750. On big Sundays as many as 10,000 people have been present. The camp-meeting occupies July : the Chautauqua. August. The assembly hall seats 2,000 comfortably. A. M. Newcomer of Mount Morris, is the superintendent; Andrew F. Dierdorff ; E. C. Page : I. R. Titus; Robert Adams : Fred D. Stone ; A. B. Peterbaugh: N. G. VanZandt, are directors: A. E. Ullrich. secy. and treas. J. M. Phelps is president, and W. B. Doble is vice president.
The grounds primarily were designed for camp-meeting pur- poses, and in earlier years, these meetings were attended by thou- sands of people. Noted preachers always have been present to preach, which in large measure carried the Chantauqua features.
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Far and wide Franklin Grove has been known for years, for its successful camp-meetings.
Rev. A. M. Schoonmaker was the founder of this successful institution. His faith was sublime. In 1883 he went ahead and built the buildings. He bought the ground and platted it into lots. It was an instant success. For twenty miles around the people flocked to the meetings. When the Chautauqua feature came west, these grounds so readily adapted themselves to its purposes, that after a seasonable period from the adjournment of the camp- meetings, Franklin Grove was placed in the circuit and its annual features are of the very highest quality.
The Franklin Grove Bank enjoys a remarkable record. Since it was organized in 1889, the original officers have been reelected annually, excepting only the rare cases of death. I believe the only death has been that of Conrad Durkes. It is a very rich bank, with deposits above $300,000.
Its officers are: John D. Lahman, president; W. C. Durkes. vice president ; S. A. Durkes, cashier ; Robert Johnson and Chris- tian Gross, besides the officers named, are directors.
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