USA > Indiana > Adams County > Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana : Containing portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each : a condensed history of the state of Indiana : portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Adams and Wells counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the counties and their cities and villages, pt. 1 > Part 54
USA > Indiana > Wells County > Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana : Containing portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each : a condensed history of the state of Indiana : portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Adams and Wells counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the counties and their cities and villages, pt. 1 > Part 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1862, to Catherine Amstutz, who was born in Switzerland, March 10, 1841. She died August 24, 1869, leaving two children-Di- nah, who was born March 15, 1864, and died June 1, 1884, and William J., who was born October 17, 1867. The doctor was again married December 28, 1871, to Miss Cather- ine Sprunger, a native of Adams County, In- diana, born November 3, 1853, and to this union have been born nine children-Bertha, born May 28, 1874; Reuben, born October 27, 1875; Ann E., born January 20, 1877, died November 11, 1879; Jeremiah, born August 9, 1878; Rosina, born November 27, 1879; Christina, born February 3, 1881; Jonas, born October 13, 1882; Ernest, born August 6, 1884, and Elmer, born September 30, 1886. The doctor and his family are members of the Mennonite church.
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OIN RUMPLE, deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Adams County, was born in Butler County, Ohio, the date of his birth being December 18, 1816. His parents, Jacob and Catherine Rumple, were both natives of South Carolina, and were among the first settlers of Butler Coun- ty, Ohio, loeating there in 1811, where they lived till their death. They had a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters, They were both members of the Presbyterian church. They were of German descent. John Rumple, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, his father being a fariner by occupation, and his educa- tion was such as could be obtained in the common schools of that early day. Ile re- mained on the home farm until attaining the age of twenty-four years, when he was mar- ried to Julia A. Yeakle, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 18, 1824,
her parents, John and Julia (Schaffer) Yea- kle, being natives of Pennsylvania, but early settlers of Butler County, where they spent their last days. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rumple two are living -- Sarah E., wife of George Cook, and Jacob, with whom the mother makes her home. Mr. Rumple came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, about the year 1849, when he settled on seetion 7, Jefferson Township, living there till his death, which ocenrred in December, 1875. In his religions views he was a Presbyterian, being a consistent mem- ber of that church. His wife is a member of the same denomination.
OHIN M. GIDEON, a farmer of Union Township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, November 21, 1848, and when he was seven years old his parents moved to Van Wert County, living there one year, then came to Root Township, this county, settling on a farm owned by his brother Frank, where the parents remained until their death. The father, Henry Gideon, was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was married in Erie County, to Miss Lydia Bevelheimer, then removed to Medina Connty, thence to Franklin County. He was reared a farmer and followed that occupation all his life. Ile died in 1868 at the age of forty-eight years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in Root Township, October, 1580, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Gideon's grand- parents were born and died in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Ilis paternal and maternal grandparents were of German origin. John M. was reared in this county, and his ednea- tion was obtained in the common schools. February 9, 1873, he was married to Miss Maria E. Steele, who was born in Ashland
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County, Ohio, January 31, 1857, and when a child her parents brought her to this county, where her mother is still living. ller father died June 3, 1886, aged sixty-nine years, and is buried at Union Bethel church cemetery. Mrs. Gideon died May 2, 1886, leaving three children-Leota, born September 29, 1873; John W., born April 19, 1876; Orpha, boru July 4, 1878. Mrs. Gideon is buried in Union Bethel cemetery. She was a member of the Church of God. Mr. Gideon is a Democrat.
AMUEL DELIIL, a prominent farmer of Kirkland Township, was born in the same township in Adams County, Indi- ana, the date of his birth being November 16, 1843. Ilis parents, William and Hannah (Billman) Deihl, were natives of Ohio, the father born in Trumbull County, of German descent, and the mother born near Harris- burgh, where she was reared and married. They came to Adams County, Indiana, in 1842, when they settled on the land in Kirk- land Township on which they have since re- sided, being old and honored pioneers of the county. Samuel Deihl, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's homestead in Kirkland Township, and re- ceived his education in the schools of his neighborhood. September 20, 1864, he was married in Kirkland Township, to Miss Lu- cinda Klinn, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Klinn. Mrs. Deill died in 1873, leaving five children-William, Franklin, Mary Ellen, Hannah Rosa and Amos. In 1865 he was married to Miss Clarissa A. Stultz, of Kirk- land Township, and to this union have been born seven children-Samuel, Martha, Adam and Lillie D., and three who died in infancy. Mr. Deihl has always followed farming in
Kirkland Township, in which he has been very successful. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as supervisor of his township for several years, and for a number of years was school direc- tor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Deihil are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Zion.
AMES J. LEE, farmer, section 13, Wa- bash Township, was born in Delaware County, Indiana, the date of his birth being June 27, 1852. His parents, Aly and Emeline (Shamley) Lee, were natives of Vir- ginia and among the early settlers of Delaware County, Ohio, the mother living in that county till her death, which occurred about the year 1857 or 1858. The father settled in Adams County, Indiana, during the war of the Rebellion, and died in Wabash Town- ship, April 27, 1877. He was three times married, and by his first wife had three chil- dren, two sons and one daughter, the subject of this sketch being the eldest child. For his second wife he married Lucinda Ausborn, who died in Delaware County, leaving one child. lle was again married to Rachel C. Reed, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters. She still survives her husband, and is residing in Delaware County. James J. Lee, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Delaware County and in Adams County, Indiana, receiving in his youth the benefits of the common schools, Ilis father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, which he has made his life-work. January 14, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. Johnson, who was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, September 25, 1854, a daughter of Benjamin S. Johnson, deceased, who was an old settler of Adams County. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have four chil-
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dren Carrie A., Lula B., Chancey D. and Clifford A. Mr. Lee has filled several local offices, serving in all to the best interests of his township. In polities he affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lee purchased his present farm in Wabash Township in January, 1886, which contains forty acres of choice land.
ILLIAM A. WETTER, fariner, see- tion 36, Root Township, owns forty aeres of land in that township. Ile was born in Switzerland, September 12, 1836, and was nineteen years of age when he came to America. He settled in Seneca County, Ohio, living there one year, took a tour through the Northwestern States, was absent two years, then returned to Switzerland. After six months' sojourn in his native coun- try he came back to America, accompanied by his father and two sisters, the mother being deceased, and purchased eighty aeres of land in Union Township. The farm is now owned by John Speeler and Andra Nib). lick. The father returned to Switzerland in 1860, and died there in 1869, aged about seventy-two years. The parents of our sub- jeet were Andrew and Mary (Myers) Wetter. The mother was born in Switzerland in 1795, and died in 1851. The two sisters who came to America were Elizabeth and Fanny. Eliza- beth was married in 1859 to Jacob K. Myer, and she died in California, whither they had removed soon after marriage. Fanny was married in 1859 to George Speeler; her hus- band died in hospital at Jeffersonville, Indi- ana, during the war. For a second husband she married Joseph Speeler, who is also de- ceased. William A. was first married to Anna E. Struby, October 6, 1858, who was
born in Switzerland in 1837, and came to America in 1855. She was married in Tiffin, Ohio, and died in Union Township January 9, 1879, leaving one child, Mary E., born March 20, 1871. Immediately after the death of his wife, Mr. Wetter went to California, taking his child with him. He remained there three years engaged in farming, and in 1882 returned to Adams County, leaving his daughter with Jacob K. Myers, who is a farmer there. September 12, 1882, he was married to Mrs. Anna Heiptley, widow of Rudolph Ileiptley, who was born in Biber- stein, Switzerland, December 31, 1838, and came to America when twenty years of age, settling in Attiea, Ohio, where he learned the trade of blacksmith. He was married January 30, 1866, and died September 23, 1877, in New Washington, Crawford County, Ohio, of consumption. He left one daughter, now the wife of Wesley Stults. Mrs. Wetter was born March 23, 1845, in Philadelphia, and when four years of age removed with her parents to Seneca County, Ohio, where she was reared and twice married. Her parents were Henry and Anna (Myers) Werder. Both parents were born in Switzerland, the father in 1812, and died in 1870. The mother came to America when nine years old, and died Feb- ruary 28, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Wetter have one child, Letta, born October 2, 1883. Both families are of German origin.
OIIN P. GASS, an old settler of Wash- ington Township, was born in France November 24, 1813, son of Catherine and Henry Gass. In 1828, with his parents, he immigrated to America, coming over iu a sailing vessel and being thirty-eight days on the ocean. They landed in New York City, and first located in Oswego County, New
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York, where they lived about nine years, then removed to Wayne County, Ohio, re- siding there nine years. Our subject was married in Wayne County in April, 1846, to Miss Catherine Moine, and they had three children, only one living-Mary C., wife of Michael Miller. In the fall of 1847 he came to this county and settled in the woods on section 33, Washington Township. Ile first built a log cabin, then began clearing his land. His first crop was five bushels of wheat. The next year he raised three aeres of wheat and three acres of buckwheat. This year's crop gave him a good start, as he had about forty bushels of wheat and thirty bushels of buckwheat. In later years he was quite prosperous and built his present residence, which gives his family a comfort- able home. Mrs. Gass died January 12, 1883. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Catholic church. He has served as road supervisor, and also as admin- istrator of estates. When he came to the county he had a team, wagon and $20 in money. All he has he has earned by hard work and good management. His daughter, Mrs. Miller, resides on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child-Bertha E. Both Mr. Gass and Mr. Miller are Demo- erats.
ANIEL HINES, farmer, section 17, Union Township, came to this county in the fall of 1839, and entered 160 acres of land on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 9, Union Township, which was then attached to Root Township. He was the first white settler in the township and made the second entry of land, the first having been made by James McCrumb, an Irishman, who never settled on his land. It was after-
ward sold to William May. Mr. Hines ent his own road from Mommonth to his land. Ile came with a two-horse team and covered wagon, accompanied by his wife and three children. The family camped at Sampson's while the father was building the round-log shanty. Mr. Hines hired William P. Rice to assist in building the shanty, and he was employed two months in building house, stable, and splitting rails and digging a well. HIe lived in that house until 1870, when he traded it for his present property, consisting of eighty aeres of land, and received $2,000 besides. Mr. Hines was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, January 9, 1804, where he was reared and educated. He was married in Fredericktown, Maryland, in 1826, to Sarah MeCimmey, who was also born in Loudoun County. Mr. and Mrs. Ilines lived in that county until four children were born, then removed to Harrison County, Ohio, near Cadiz, where Mr. Ilines bought eighty aeres of improved land. He lived there about one year, then sold and removed to Carroll County, where he purchased eighty acres of improved land within five miles of Centerville, the county seat, and lived there five years, when he sold and came to Adams County, where he has since resided. Ile eame with a good two-horse team and wagon, plenty of bed elothies, and 8700 in money. The family experienced all the toils, cares, and privations incident to pioneer life. Mr. Hines' father, Jolin Ilines, was born in Georgetown, Virginia, and died in Loudoun County, same State, past sixty years of age. Ile was a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother, Ilester (Wine) Hines, was born in Loudoun County, and died in Perry County, Ohio. His grandfather, Phillip Hines, was born and died in Georgetown, Virginia. Mrs. Hines died February 8, 1878, and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Miller, kept house
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for him until his second marriage, which occurred Angust 8, 1880, to Sarah J. Raner. She was born in Union Township, this coun- ty, April 1, 1854. They have one child, Catherine, who was born December 28, 1880. By his first marriage Mr. Hines had ten children-Rosanna, Mary C., Ann C., Sarah W., Elizabeth, Virginia, Lucinda L., Mar- garet F., Jane, who died at the age of two years, in Carroll County, Ohio, and Hester A., who died in 1882, after her marriage, leaving four children. Mrs. Ilines is a daughter of John G. and Catherine (Welty) Raner; the mother was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1828, and both are living in Union Township. The father was born near Canton, Ohio, in 1828. He served three years in the late war and now draws a pen- sion.
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OSEPH ANDERSON, an active and enterprising farmer of Wabash Town- ship, residing on section 21, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1826, a son of James and Sarah (Allison) Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania, the father of German and the mother of Irish origin. The parents of our subject removed with their family to Fairfield County, Ohio, and afterward went to Licking County, where the mother died. The father died in Franklin County, Ohio. They were the parents of thirteen children. The father being a farm- er, Joseph, our subjeet, was reared to the same avocation. As soon as he was old enough lie began working out on farins by the month, and after a time engaged in farm- ing on his own account. Ile was married in Adams County, Indiana, December 25, 1857, to Miss Jane Linton, a native of Darke Coun- ty, Ohio, born March 13, 1834, a daughter
of Samuel Linton, an old settler of Adams County. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson-Samuel II., James P. (deceased), Joseph II., William S. (deceased), John A. and Margaret E. Mr. Anderson has been a resident of Adams County sinee 1856, and September 1, 1884, settled on his pres- ent farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and among the respected citizens of Adams County.
ILLIAM VANCE, deceased, who was one of the pioneers, as well as a prominent man of Adams County, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, abont 1793, a son of William Vance, an early settler of Darke County, Ohio, where he lived till his death. His wife died in Wells County, Indiana. William, our subject, was reared to agricultural pursuits, his father having been a farmer by occupation, and in his youth he received a good common-school education. Ile was twice married, first to a Miss Mills, by whom he had a family of four sons and one daughter. For his second wife he married Miss Sarah Miller, in Darke County, Ohio, where she was born in 1803. To this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters. Mr. Vance came to Adams County, Indiana, in the spring of 1835, locating on section 17 of what is now Wabash Township. He came to Indiana a poor man, giving his coat to pay for moving his family. David Studabaker loaned him money to enter his first land, which consisted of thirty-three acres. Ile afterward entered 160 acres more, and by persevering industry and striet economy he was able to add to his original traet of land till at his death he owned 233 acres. In connection with his gen-
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eral farming he was quite extensively engaged in stock raising. In his political views he was a Whig and took an active interest in the politieal affairs of his township, and believed in a protective tariff. He was the first asses- sor of Adams County, and assessed the whole county. Ile represented several counties in the State Legislature, was also county eom- missioner for some time, and for many years served as school trustee. In his religious views he was a Universalist. ITis death ocenrred in 1848 or '49. His widow survived until January 4, 1864.
EFF LEIIMAN, secretary and treasurer of the Hoosier Roller Milling Company of Berne, Adams County, Indiana, was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, the date of his birth being June 8, 1860. Ilis parents, Peter S. and Verena (Sprunger) Leh- man, were natives of Switzerland, where they were reared and married, and to them were born one son and seven daughters. They came to America in the spring of 1852 and settled on section 32, Monroe Township, Adams County, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming. He remained on this land until April 1, 1868, when he sold out and removed to Hickory County, Mis- sonri, where he bought a farin on which he has since resided. He is a member of the Mennonite church, and has been in the min- istry about forty years, which calling he still follows. Jeff Lehman, whose name heads this sketeli, was eight years old when his parents removed to Missouri, and there lie grew to manhood on the home farm, receiv- ing his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1880 he came to Berne, Adams County, Indiana, and for one year found employment in the grain elevator
of J. J. Hirschy & Co. He then engaged in the general mercantile business in partner- ship with J. A. Sprunger, with whom he was associated until the spring of 1886, when he disposed of his interest to his partner. Mr. Leliman now represents the Continental In- suranee Company of New York, and also the Red Star Line steamship line to Europe, be- sides holding the position of secretary and treasurer of the Hoosier Roller Milling Com- pany. February 7, 1883, he was married to Elizabeth Neuenschwander, who was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, August 20, 1864, a danghter of Christian P. Neuen- schwander. They are the parents of two children-Rosa Mina, born April 3, 1884, and Gustav Adolph, born July 20, 1886. Both Mr. and Mrs. Leliman are members of the Mennonite church. In politics Mr. Leh- man is a Republican, and has filled several local offices. Hle is one of the self-made men of the county. On coming to Berne he was $10 in debt, but by persevering industry and good management he has become one of the well-to-do citizens of his town. He owns one of the muny fine residences of Berne, which he erected in the summer of 1885, at a cost of $1,600, the lot and house together costing §2,000.
OSES LOUTHIAN, an early settler of Adams County, and a prominent citizen of Monroe, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, August 14, 1817. He was reared in Wayne County, Ohio, after his sixth year, and there learned the blacksmith's trade from his father. IIe was married in Wayne County, August 9, 1838, to Mary Nieholas, a native of Laneas- ter County, Pennsylvania, born July 5, 1812, and to this union were born three children-
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George W., Reason B. (deceased), and Eliza J. After his marriage Mr. Lonthan removed to Greensburgh, Summit County, Ohio, and later settled in Stark County. In 1846 he came to Indiana, arriving at Fort Wayne Oc- tober 14. From there he went to Wells County, locating near Lancaster, and from there removed to Ossian, Wells County, where he engaged in blacksmithing until the fall of 1856. He then went to New Haven, Allen County, and in November, 1857, he eame to Decatur, Adams County, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade, remaining at that place until the spring of 1871. Ile then removed to Monroe Township, where he built a shop and worked at his trade, when he was elected constable, which ofliee he held for four years. Mr. Louthan lost his wife by death June 20, 1878, and Angust 17, 1879, he was married to Mrs. Sarah J. (Brande- berry) Kanabal, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, June 13, 1837, and to them has been born one child, named Iloward T. Mrs. Lonthan has been three times married. Iler first husband, Lawrence MeCune, died one month after his marriage. Iler second husband, Henry Kanabal, died in Washing- ton Township, Adams County, leaving four children-John A., Mary E., Edward II. and Effie M. In 1878 Mr. Lonthan went to Kan- sas, remaining one year, when he returned to Adams County, and has since resided in Mon- roe Township with the exception of one year spent at Fort Wayne, and is at present serving as constable of Monroe Township, being eleeted to fill that office in the spring of 1886. Mr. Louthan was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting February 14, 1864, in Company G, Twelfth Indiana Cav- alry, and soon after his enlistment was pro- moted to Sergeant, serving as such until his final discharge, September 6, 1865. He par- ticipated in several important engagements,
including Franklin, Tennessee, and the battle of Atlanta. He was placed on detached ser- vice doing provost duty six months. He re- ceived his final discharge at Indianapolis, and now draws a pension of $8 a month for disability contracted while in the army. Ile is now a comrade of Stun Henry Post, No. 63, G. A. R., at Decatur. He has been a member of the Masonie fraternity since 1857. Both Mr. and Mrs. Louthan are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
OHN CRAWFORD, of the mercantile firm of Nibliek, Crawford & Sons, was born in Waynesburg, the county seat of Greene County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1816, where he was reared in no particular calling. IIe was given an ordinary common- school education. During his boyhood he clerked for a time in his father's store, and at the age of twenty years was employed as clerk in the collection office of the Pennsyl- vania Canal Company at Allegheny City, and was so employed for one year; then during the year 1840 he was engaged clerking on the steamer Marion on the Ohio and Wabash rivers. In the fall of 1852 he came to Adams County, Indiana, and located on land that he had entered when on a previous visit in 1838, and engaged in raising and dealing in stock. In 1858, having discontinned the stoek business, he engaged in the mercantile business with John D. Nutman, under the firm name of Nutman & Crawford, the firm continuing until 1866, when Mr. Jesse Nib- liek beeame the suceessor of Mr. Nutman, and the firm was named Nibliek & Craw- ford. The firm has since been changed to Nibliek, Crawford & Sons, a son of each be- coming members of the firm. Politically he is Democratic. After holding numerous town-
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ship offices, he in 1851 was elected a Repre- sentative in the Indiana Legislature. This was during the session known as the long term, being the first term after the new State constitution was adopted. In 1852 he was elected treasurer of Adams County, and was re-elected in 1854 and served the full four years. Since then, with the exception of holding the position of school trustee for the village and eity of Decatur for some twenty- five years, he has devoted his time to his mercantile business. September 14, 1843, he was married in Wabash Township to Miss Mary A. Abnett, daughter of Jacob Abnett, one of the pioneers of Adams County. Her mother's parents were originally from Vir- ginia, where she was born, but reared in Ohio. She died in Decatur. They had eight children, four of whom are living- Caroline, wife of Miller Burns, in the har- ness business in Deeatur; Mary A. Congle- ton; Frank, a member of the firm of Niblick, Crawford & Sons, and William II., living in Decatur.
IDEON BROTHIERS .- Frank, John and Ilenry Gideon, farmers and millers, were born in Franklin County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1857 with their par- ents and other children, who settled on the farm where Frank now lives. The father, Henry Gideon, was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until twenty- four years of age, when he went to Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Mrs. Lydia Turner (maiden name Bevel- himer). They removed to Franklin County, Ohio, from there to Van Wert County, and from Van Wert to Adams County, Indiana, where they lived until their death. The father died December 17, 1868. Their
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