USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 62
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 62
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JOHN GRIEVES.
Mr. Grieves comes from Selkirk, Scotland, where he was born in 1826, and obtained his education in the schools of the place. He was early put to work in the mil's and obtained a thorough knowledge of the woolen mannfacture in all its details. He set ont to master the details and fit himself for something better than a mere laborer, and succeeded. Finding there was little opportunity to rise in the profession in the overcrowded mann- facturing cities of the old world. he determined to emigrate, and came to the United States in 1848. finding emplov- ment in Lawrence, Mass. In 1851 he was offered the superintendency of a new mill at New Edinborough, Canada,
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remained till 1858, when he went to Utica in charge of a department in the celebrated Globe Mills. From there he went to West Troy and assumed charge of James Roy & Co.'s Shawl Mills, About this time the Lacon Woolen Manufacturing Co. was organized, in which Mr. Grieves became a stockholder, furnished the plans for the mill and purchased most of the machinery. He was its first superintendent, and continued there until about 1870, when he went to Beloit, Wis., and to Peoria in 1872, returning to Lacon in 1876, and assumed his present situation as su- perintendent and manager of the Lacon Woolen Manuf. Co. In 1848 he married Elizabeth Heart, and to them were given, George Isabella, Jessie, John, Oliver and Christine. He has two children by a former marriage-Eliza- beth and Mary. Two daughters are married and live in Peoria, and one-Jessie, who was a very promising young lady, is buried in the Lacon cemetery.
CLARISSA ILIFF.
Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois.
FRANK D. SHAFER.
Mr. Shafer is a farmer living on section 13, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, His father settled in Hopewell township in 1846. living in the old homestead, three miles above Lacon until the close of his life. He was a Jacksonan Democrat, inflexibly honest and wedded to his opinion. His son Frank came to Lacon in 1846, and wedded Amelia Cain, daughter of James Cain, of Richland. He hasa productive farm and a fine residence beau- tifully situated in a natural grove and surrounded with fruits, etc. They have fonr children. Mary E., James V., Henry B,, aud Benjamin F. He is a good farmer and stock raiser, loves a good horse, and when business permits enjoys himself in hunting, etc., but don't neglect business for any pleasure.
GEORGE AUTH.
Mr. Auth is a witchmaker and a jeweler located and doing business in Lacon. He was born in the city of Fulda Hesse, Germany, in 1824, where he received a thorough classical education. He spent several years in trav- eling in France, switzerland and England, and came to this conutry in 1852 and visited nearly all the states in the Union as a professor of languages. He is an accomplished artist in his trade, having been brought up to that art of delicate manipulation by his father, who was a finished artisan of wide celebrity in his native land. Mr. Auth has added largely to his rich store of knowledge acquired in early life by close observation during his varied travels, his finished education greatly facilitating his efforts in that direction.
EDWARD WELCH.
Mr. Welch is a locomotive engineer whose residence is in Lacon. He was born in Essex connty, New York, in 1843, In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 118th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, serving in the armies of the Potomac and the James under Gen. Butler. At the battle of Fair Oaks, Oct. 24th, 1864. he was captured, confined in the celebrated Libby Prison of excrable memory two weeks, and in Saulsbury, S. C., until March 2, 1865, when he was paroled and released, sent to Annapolis, Md , and thence to New York, where he lay sick several weeks and was finally mustered out at Plattsburg, N. Y., in June. 1865. December 15th, 1864, he was commissioned a lientenant, In 1872 be married Helen Logan, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. They have three children, Clarence, Edward and Edith E. Mr. Welch isa member of the Masonic order, and belongs to the brotherhood locomotive engineers.
F. C. GALE, Physician and Surgeon.
Dr. Gale was born in Windham county, Vermont, in 1840 and comes from an old family that has given many eminent men to the country. His father was a farmer, and gave him a good education, after which he studied medicine, and after receiving his diploma entered the United States navy as assistant surgeon, in 1861, serving on board the U. S. steamer Potowska, engaged in the blockade of southern ports and the pursuit of rebel cruisers, also in which capacity he visited the different West India Islands, the Caribbean Sea, crossed the Atlantic and entered the Mediterranean Sea, visiting most of the consular states on the way. He was in the expedition of Com. Goldsboro that captured Hilton Head, and the Carolina coast, also in Burnside's expedition, and in a great storm off Hatteras. Saw several vessels with all on board go down. The service was exciting and laborious, now chasing rebel armed cruisers, now capturing peaceful traders, and again having sharp encounters with rebel batteries and iron clads. Oc- casionally they would chase a noted rebel cruiser like the Florida, the Sumpter, the Nashville, and four times he was wonnded, but never seriously. At the close of the war he was mustered out and returned home. In 1865 he married Fannie Taft, daughter of the Hon. Greo. W. Tait, of Vermont. She died in 1870, leaving two children-George Taft and Orpha M. His present wife was Jennie Handwork, whom he married at Morris, Ill., February, 1874. He came to Lacon in 1875, and has built up a large and Incrative practice.
HENRY L. CRANE.
Mr. Crane was born in Crimtown, now Montclair, N. J., March 5, 1813, and moved at an early day to Ohio. He learned the trade of a brick mason, and followed it for many years. Here he joined the M. E. church, of which he was for 51 years an upright, consistent member. He was three times married, first to Elizabeth Martin, of New York city in 1834, to whom eight children were born as follows: Sarah. now Mr. W. W. Dean; Josiah Wesly, Henry J., Mary and William, all dead. Chales is married and living in Lacon, and Margaretta, now Mrs. A. Picherean. Mrs, Crane died in 1851. In 1836 Mr. Crane joined several of his neighbors, and came to Lacon, then Columbia, a not very promising town of five cabins and two frame houses. He was largely instrumental in organizing the M.
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E. Society, the first church formed in the place, and of the thirteen original members he was the last survivor but one. After the death of his wife he married Mrs. Eliza D. Ransley in New Jersey, in 1852. and by her had five chil dren, viz .. George M., a printer: Grecnberry F., Kate Celia, Henry L. and Nelly, at present living at home. Mrs. (Ransley ) Crane died in 1866, and in 1868 he wedded Mrs. Julia (Wolcott) Wilson, who survives him, born in Colum- bia county, New York. Mr. Crane died Feb. 17, 1880. after a long and well spent life. For thirty years he was a local preacher of the M. E. church, and always an active, influential member. In 1848 he was elected sheriff, filling the office as principal or depnty four terms; was U. S. storekeeper nine years, and served as supervisor, collector, assessor, etc .. for many years. Few men's lives were so long and so free from blemish, and he died regretted by all.
CAPT. HENRY FISHER.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Union connty, Pa. where he was born in 1833. Two years later his parents moved to Summit cuunty, Ohio, where he was raised, and in 1856 he came to Marshall county. In Febru- ary, 1862. he organized Co. C. 65th Ill. Vol. Inf., of which he was commissioned first lieutenant, being promoted to the captaincy in December following. He participated in the exciting Shanandoah Valley campaign of 1862, which culminated in the seige and capture by the rebels of Harper's Ferry, and was one of that 11, 500 brave men humil- iated by surrender through the gross incompetence and mismanagement of superior officers. Was paroled on the field, exchanged in the spring of 1863, participated in the Eastern Kentucky campaign and defeat of the rebel Gen. Humphrey Marshall. Was with Inrnside in the defense of Knoxville, where he was under seige 21 days, took part in the Atlanta campaign until the surrender of that city, and aided in administering that crushing defeat which Ifood snstained at Nashville at the hands of " old Pap" Thomas. At the expiration of his term of service ne re- turned to Lacon, went into the dry goods business in Sparland. where he continued five years, and then purchased his present hon:estead and settled down to bucolic pursuits. Angust 29, 1865, he married Mary Thompson, a native of this connty. They have three children-Georgie M., Jesse M., and Apley T., and one child, Cora E , bv a former marriage. Mrs Fisher is a member of the M. E. church.
JOHN LOCKETT.
Mr. Lockett is in the weaving department of the Lacon Woolen Manufacturing Co., and a thoroughly com- petent workman. He was born in Cheshire, England, in 1848, and came to the United States in 1855, locating,in Coventry, Conn. He began weaving in 1861, in Connecticut, moved to Wilbraham, Mass,, and then to Rhode Island, when after a brief stay he went back to Massachusetts, working in various places. He came to Lacon April 4, 1876, and was appointed to his present position. He married Emma Starts in 1873, who was born in Bondsville, Mass. They have one child-William. Mr. Lockett is a member of the I. O. O. F. in good standing.
GEO. F. BLACKSTONE.
Mr. Blackstone's home is in Lacon, though he has been employed for a number of years in Peoria as U. S. inspector and ganger. His fine education and skill in mathematics eminently qualify him for the position. He is a native of Portland, Maine, and the advanced ground he occupies politically is due to his early education and time. He opened the first hardware store in Lacon, in which he continued until appointed to his present position. In 1857 he married Elenora A, Bullman, born in Lacon, and to them have been born four children-Blanche B., August 26, 1861; Anne L .. May 26, 1868; Roy Lot, July 20, 1871, and George Raymond, March 27, 1874. Also one child deceased. Mrs. Blackstone is a daughter of Lot and Anne Bullman, among the first settlers in the county of Mar- shall. She is an ardent Christian, and an active worker in the cause of temperance.
OLNEY BURTON.
Mr. Burton is a retired farmer, born in Pomfret, Windham county, Conn., in 1810. He came to Illinois in 1855, settling in Maconpin county, where he lived nntil 1873, when he went to Missonri. The country there did not suit him. and after one season's trial he removed to Marshall connty, where a married danghter, Mrs. Weiderhold, was living. Here he has since remained. In 1833 he married Louisa Chandler, who became the mother of four children, viz .: Maria Burlingame, Mary E., Fanny and Anra J. He is well versed in national affairs, and likes to converse upon them.
ALFRED SCRUTON.
Mr. Scruton is a retired farmer who, having achieved a competence, wisely settles down to enjoy it. He was born in Stafford county, New Hampshire in 1818, moved to Gloucester City, New Jersey, in 1845, and in 1854 came to Illinois, locating in La Prairie township. He married Sylvia Young September 2, 1836, born in New Hampshire, and to them five children have been given-William H., Anna, Asenath Augusta, May Flora and Olive Estella. Are members of the Congregational church, Mr. Scruton has been a hard worker, and having carefully husbanded his means, can now sit beneath his own vine and fig tree and enjoy the fruits. He has held varions minor offices and been honored by his party with the nonination for treasurer of the county, a very responsible position.
MRS. EMILY K. DAVIS.
Mrs. Davis was wife of the late Dr. Davis, a leading physician of Lacon and most respected citizen, who died November 9, 1873. She was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and married June 17, 1856, in Fulton county, Ill. Dr. Davis was a brother of Dr. Charles Davis, of Henry, and born in Troy, New York. Few men were more entitled to respect and esteem of his neighbors. He was conscientious in the discharge of every duty, careful, respected the rights of others, lived within his means, and reared his family in the " nurture and admonition of
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the Lord. He was an excellent physician, and enjoyed a good practice when ont short by his untimely death. To him were born four surviving children-Charles Fremont, George Sheaff. Hattie Estelle, Franklin Silver, and one deceased, Mary Emma. Mrs. Davis' children take after their father, and stand well wherever known. Fremont has a good position in the Elgin Watch Factory, George is a farmer, and the younger children are with their mother, now Mrs. Turbitt, she having re-married April 13, 1875.
EDWARD GREEN.
This gentleman is a resident of Lacon and a dealer in boots, shoes, stationery and notions. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1834, and with his parente came to Marshall connty in 1837. In 1864 he married Miss Sarah Ellis, a native of Peoria connty, Ill. They have five children,-Julia E., Anna M., Albert E., Clara M. and Flor- ence P. Mr. Green has been in business for himself since 1858. and keeps constantly on hand a large stock of boots shoes, books, stationery and notions.
THOMAS LOWE, JR.
Marble Dealer, Lacon, Illinois.
R. C. NEWELL.
Mr. Newell is a native of Kentucky and was bronght up a farmer, When three years old his parents moved to Ohio. where he obtained his education, and thence to Indiana. He came to Lacon in 1869. In 1846 he married Charlotte F. Ham, born in Maryland, to whom four children have been born-John E., William C., Frank C. and Robert S. Frank is the western manager for C. H. McCormick, and two years ago was sent to Russia as his repre- sentative, Last year he visited Australia, was gone nine months and sold 1200 machines. Few yonng men un- aided have won in such brief time positions so responsible and lucrative. Mr. Newell is agent for the Halliday wind mill, and does an extensive business in the sale of pumps of all kinds. He is enterprising and reliable, and commands the esteom of all.
NELSON G. HENTHORN.
Mr. Henthorn was born in Fayette county, Pa., in 1810, and moved with his parents to Perry county, Ohio, in 1813, and to Marshall-then Putnam-county in 1835. His family were among the earliest settlers of Lacon, his brother-in-law, Gen. Babb, having been one of the prospectors of the place. His father was one of the founders of the M. E. church here, and its first leader. He was the second person interred in the Lacon cemetery. Mr. Hen- thorn married Elizabeth C. Moeller in 1835, and came to Lacon to live in 1848, following the trade of contractor and builder. Six children have been born to them-Charles O., living in Chicago, George, in Peoria, Maria, (Mrs. Clapp), Sarah and Laura, (teachers), and Lincoln living at home. Mr, Henthorn has served as circnit and connty clerk for several years, and filled various minor offices. He is an excellent penman, and each of his children inherit his skill. I'wo of his sons, Charles and George, served in the army during the rebellion.
EDWARD CORCORAN.
Mr. Corcoran was born in Connty Waterford, Ireland, in 1830, and emigrated to Wilbraham, Mass., in 1851, and from there to Illinois. He came to Lacon in 1855 and engaged to work for Jabez Fisher. His aptitnde to learn and willingness to make himself useful specially commended him to his employer, who placed him in charge of the ferry, which position he filled for seventeen years, retiring from it to take the position of city watchman, which he has since filled. In 1860 he married Catherine Carney, born in Ireland. They have six children living-Willie J., Eddie, Patrick, Henry, Maggie (deceased), Thomas and Mary, Mr. Corcoran has become thoroughly Americanized, and is a man of more than usual intelligence.
JACOB HOCHSTRASSER.
Mr. Hochstrasser is a brewer by profession, born in Wurtemberg, Prussia, in 1846, and has been a resident of this country since 1865. He first located in Dunkirk, N. Y., whence he moved to La Salle, Ill., in 1867. He came to Lacon in 1873, where he embarked in the brewing business under the firm name of Jacob Hochstrasser & Co. The works combine all the modern improvements and their beer is popular everywhere, finding large sale in pri- vate families as well as saloons. They have a capacity of 75 barrels per day, and supply all the towns aronnd, In 1869 he married Caroline Boers, a native of Prussia, and they have four children living-Augusta E., Louis W., Annie M. and Herman W. Two are dead. Mr. H. is a liberal German, honest in his transactions, and has a large circle of friends.
JOHN HUTCHINS.
Mr. Hutchins is a successful merchant of Lacon, who has followed the mercantile business many years. His native place was Worcester county, Mass,, where he was born in 1829 and lived nntil twenty years old, when he went sonth and followed steamboating on the Red River and the Mississippi until the spring of 1851, when he came to Lacon and embarked in the mercantile business. In 1860 he went south again and was appointed by Gen. Allen agent for the quartermaster's department of the U. S. army serving under Generals Curtis, Strong and others. He saw much millitary service, and was occasionally called npon to shoulder a musket to repel expected raids, but in the course of three years obtained a sufficiency of military glory, and in 1863 resigned his position and returned to Lacon. In 1857 he married Nellie E. Eckly, born in Columbus, Georgia, of an old and highly esteemed family,
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and to whom two surviving children have been given-Geo. W. and Lucy. In 1868 he formed a very successful part- nership with D. C. Wallace, the firm doing a large and prosperous business until Mr. W. retired, since when Mr. Hutchins has continued it alone. He is one of the best buyers iu the country, a careful manager, and carries a very large stock. He has filled various official positions of trust and responsibility, has been an active worker in church and Sabbath schools, and sympathizes with all the great reforms of the day.
DANIEL HEINRICH.
Mr. Heinrich was born in Alsace, formerly a province of France, but conquered and annexed to Germany in 1871. He was born in 1846. and came to the United States in 1868, remaining in New York city two years, and came to Lacou in 1870. He married Ida Boers Oct. 5th. 1873, a native of Prussia, and two children have been born to them-Bertha M. F. and Holdie S. He is a member of the German Workingmen's society, and an intelligent, nseful citizen. He has been in the saloon business since 1877,
JOSEPH THIEDOHR.
Mr. Theidohr was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1826 and came to this country in 1851, locating at Chicago. where he built np a flourishing business in merchant tailoring. The great fire in Chicago burued his establishment and in 1874, being offered liberal inducements, he came to Lacon. Iu 1856 he married Wilhelmina Dauiel, a country- woman of his, by whom he has five children living-Leo, Theodore, Robert, Annie and Adelbert, and five deceased. As a tailor Mr. Theidohr has no superiors, and with the assistance of his two sons, both prac tical workmen, turns ont a large amount of work. His large new shop is stocked with the finest cloths, etc., and he has a large number of orders constantly ahead. Mr. Thiedohr ia much attached to his family, and widely respected.
JOHN PIPER.
Mr. Piper comes from a long-lived ancestry, and was born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1816. He came to Lacon in 1852, and embarked in the lumber business the succeeding year. continuing in the business nutil 1873. In 1843 he married Nancy Pyle, in Pennsylvania. She died in 1851 leaving two children, Catherine and John. In 1856 he married Adda E. Espy, born in Cumberland county, Pa., bnt lived in Philadelphia since she was a child. Mr Piper has been long and prominently connected with the educational interests of Lacon, is a man of liberal views, large hearted, and takes a decided interest in whatever promotes the general interest.
MRS. NANCY DEVER.
Mrs. Dever lives in Lacon, and was born in the State of Delaware, in 1798. She came with her parents to Sciota county, Ohio in 1809, and from there moved to Marion county, Ohio, in 1826. She was married to Mr. Deaver Sept. 27, 1827, and located in Marshall county in 1833. Mr. D. died Jan. 3, 1845, leaving four children, one of whom has since died; James, William and Mary are still living. Her brother, Robert Barnes, settled in this county three years before she came, and her brother Thomas B., who died in 1862, was a practicing physician and surgeon in Whitefield township, Mrs. D. and family are members of the M. E. church.
LEONARD C. McMURTRIE, Att'y at Law and Insurance Agent. .
Mr McMurtrie was born in the city of Peoria, Dec. 2, 1848, and when an infant moved to Priuceville, coming to Lacon in 1854. His education was received at the Lacon high school, His family were decidedly above the aver- age in ability and intelligence, and all evince a high order of musical talent. His sisters have married well, and are iu good circumstances. His father died in 1878, aud his mother is still living. He read law with Burns & Barnes, in this place, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. Finding an opening for a strictly office lawyer he made that a specialty and soon worked into a Incrative business, giving over the active practice of the profession to others. He has been very successful in procuring pensions, aud does a large insurance business. Has served his township au supervisor aud collector several terms, is Master in Chancery and notary public, and is an estimable, public spirited citizen for whom the future has much in store.
J. L. MOHLER.
Mr, Mohler is a prosperons citizen long identified with the interests of Lacon, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1832. When two years old his parents moved to Stark county, Ohio, where his father was loug & popular hotel keeper and made mouey. In 1856 he married Caroline Agne, and two years later moved to Lacon and along with Henry Fisher embarked in the grocery trade. He is shrewd and enterprising in business and pros- pers in whatever he undertakes. After some years they dissolved their business counectiou. Mr. Fisher went into the army and Mr. Mohler built the fine brick store he now occupies aud embarked in the grain trade. He is princi- pal owner of the Lacon elevator, and does a large trade in grain, groceries aud farm machinery. They have one child, Olive, and an adopted danghter, Hattie B. Johnsou. Mr. Mohler has been successful beyoud most men, and deserves all his good fortune.
C. C. GAPEN, Postmaster.
Mr. Gapen was born in Geneva, Fayette county, Pa , July 17, 1808, and came west to Sciota county, Ohio, in 1830. He was married in 1832 to Sarah Fort, a native of Sciota county, Ohio, and to them four children were born- William T., Washington F., Mary A. aud Timothy E. In 1834 Mr. Gapeu came to Crow Creek, and was employed in Owen's Mill. The county was then new and sparsely populated and the people for fifty miles around were de- peudent upon this mill for their flour; and while nearly all the settlers suffered from the effects of ague, the locality
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abonnded in game and fish, and was literaly a "land flowing with milk, honey and venison." In 1834 Mr. G. moved to Stevenson county, Ill., at that time the third family in the county, remaining there eight years and then returned to Lacon, where he has since resided. He carried on the blacksmithing business here for several years and early in the late war was appointed superintendent of the blacksmith shops at Jackson and Memphis, Tenn., returning in 1863. He was in Washington at the time Lincoln was assasinated, and remained in that city nntil the close of the war. witnessing the grand review of the victorious army of the North. Mr. G. was appointed postmaster in Lacon in 1870.
WILLIAM R. FAIRBANKS. Lacon, Illinois.
SARAH E. D. COUTLETT.
Mrs. Coutlett was born in Sciota county, Ohio, March 21 1822. She came to this county with her parents in 1830. Her father, James Dever, was born in Virginia near Wheeling, July 20, 1791. He moved to Sciota connty, Ohio, with his parents when a young man, and married Mary Barnes, March 6, 1817. She was born in Maryland, Oct. 13. 1799. They had seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third, the two oldest having died in infancy. Her father died Dec, 26, 1834, and her mother is still living and enjoys fair health, although in her 81st year; her mind is as clear and bright as many not half her age. Mrs. C, married John D. Contlett April 16, 1839, in Marshall county. They had seven children, four of whom died while her husband lived. The other three children are still living-Robert B., Claannah L. and William H. Mr, Coutlett died Oct. 15, 1878. He was born in Lancaster Pa., Dec. 25, 1812, and moved to this state about 1833. When Mr. Dever came to Marshall county there were bnt few families, the Roberts and Col. Strawn's aud three other families residing on Ronnd Prairie, and two men who were working for Col. Strawn. The fort was built around Mr. Devers house, which was occupied by the settlers during the Indian wHr. Mr. Dever was a member of Capt. Barnes' company of volunteers. He was one of the soldiers in the war of 1812 who was surrendered by the treachery of Hull at Detroit, Mich. He was a temperate man in all matters, and although not, strictly speaking, a church member, he started the first Sabbath school in the county, at his own house, which has been continned down to the present day. Jesse Hale was the first circuit preacher permanently located in Marshall county, and made his home at Mr. Coutlett's father's honse when he held his meetings and preached for one year in 1833. Zadoc Hall was sent from conference in the fall of that year and preached at Mr. Dever's also until the fall of 1834, when he moved to another station. Mr. Dever having died that year, church service was soon after held in a large house which belonged to his uncle, John Dever. Mr. Dever was an active, energetic, thrifty man. and accumulated a competency, which he left his three danghters surviving him. He was a very successful farmer. Mr. Coutlett came to Lacon about 1836, and brought with him considera- ble means, which he loaned, and lost part of. The balance he invested in real estate which improved. Mr. Dever was a Jackson Democrat, and Mr. Contlett was a Whig and Republican. Mrs. O. lives at her pleasant home sur- ronnded by old friends and neighbors and sees without a regret the yearsgo by and the time approach when the Master shall call her.
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