USA > Indiana > Boone County > Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana, giving an account of the early settlement of each locality, church histories, county and township officers from the first down to 1886 Biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and women. > Part 16
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in the county, some of whom are yet living here and are active and influential members ; others have gone to other parts of the country and have become members of other societies ; while others have gone to their reward, never to meet here again. Let us hope that in the final day those who have wor- shiped here in days gone by will worship in the church triumphant.
MOUNT TABOR BAPTIST CHURCH.
The above church is located one-half mile north of Far- ette in Perry Township. It was first constituted the third Saturday in July, 1835, when the following sister churches were represented : Eagle Creek Church, by George Dodson, Thomas Bradley and John Phillips; Thorntown Church, by John Turner and 'Squire Osburn ; Mt. Gilead Church, by Jacob Jones and Lewis Dewees; Union Church, by Thomas Heathen and Hampton Penington ; Big White Lick, by Par- sly Sherley, Ezekiel Shirly and Abraham Spekelman ; Little White Lick, by James Parsley and Caleb Sherley. We, the above representatives of the above churches, being convened at the house of William Turner, having examined into the propriety of organizing a church, and finding the articles of faith to be in accordance to our church, we find them duly qualified to keep house as a regular Baptist Church, with the following named brothers and sisters as constituted members thereof : Edmond Shirly, Benjamin Smith, Lewis Smith, Daniel Shirly, James Smith, William Smith, William Edwards. William Turner, Philadelphia Shirly, Susan Smith, Nancy Smith, Elizabeth Shirly, Nancy Smith, S. R. Franeis Nash. Matilda Turner, E. P. Harding. We therefore pronounce them a regular Baptist Church, and give them the right hand of fellowship, this the third Saturday in July, 1835.
ELDER GEORGE DODSON,
THOS. W. BRADLEY, Clerk. Moderator.
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The brothers and sisters, before the building of the present house, met at the private honses in the neighborhood. In 1857 or 1858, the church house was built at a cost of eight hundred dollars. It is a comfortable frame building, will seat about four hundred persons; well located on a high piece of ground, and near it a cemetery, where many of its former members are buried, on the land formerly owned by T. Stoker.
The following ministers have preached here from time to time: George Dodson, Joseph Payner, Benjamin Harris, Peter Keeny, who has been a laborer in the vineyard many years. Allen McDaniel and W. E. Hardin are the present ministers in charge. The society now numbers 160 members in good standing and in a good healthy standing. The fol- lowing are the trustees: Preston Smith, Lewis Shirly and Robert Pedigo.
The society built and occupied a log church soon after organizing, which served them for a number of years previous to building the present house. It was, perhaps, built in the year 1836 or 1837. We are indebted to Mr. Eli Smith for the above information.
MOUNT'S RUN CHURCH-BAPTIST.
BY J. P. STARK.
The history of the above church dates back to the year 1837, when the organization took place, with the following members: John Allen, Sarah Ruble, Sally Johnson, John Spencer, John Lane, Samuel Dooly, Liney Dooly, James Peters, Lucy Peters, J. B. Allen, James Allen. This was on the 7th day of October, 1837, Elder George Dodson acting as moderator, and John King and Samuel Lane, deacons. The society for a number of years met in a log building near where the present house now stands, up to the year 1878, when the brick house was erected at a cost of $2,200. This house is a credit to the church; and is in every way a good building ; will enund
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seat about 500 persons; 36x48 feet. The following pastors have preached here from time to time: George Dodson, Abraham Smock, Benj. Harris, John Kinder, John Hawkins, H. I. Salla, Willson Thompson, J. R., James Abston, Peter Keeney, J. L. Oliphant, L. W. Brandon, J. W. Sherley, Allen McDaniel. The first trustees were John Dulin, James Peters, 'Squire Dooly. The present ones are J. H. Peters, J. P. Stark, J. W. Abitt. The church is in a healthy condition- 132 members. The house is in Union Township, nine miles east of Lebanon, on the Noblesville road. A beautiful ceme- tery adjoins on the south, where many of the former members are sleeping.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, CALLED LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH.
BY B. F. WHITAKER.
The above church or society was organized December 11th, 1873, in the chapel of the school building, Rev. Bro. Melson acting as moderator. The following are the names composing the class at the organization : W. J. Devall, Rebecca Devall, Elizabeth Lane, George W. Beard, Peter Morris, May Morris, J. B. Crigler, Martha Crigler, J. A. Abbott, Laura Abbott, A. J. Adams and wife, Mollie Bruce, James F. Cline-four- teen members in all. Some of the above have passed away, among whom are Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Devall and Mrs. Crigler. Total number admitted since, 307 ; number deceased or moved away, $5; present membership, 236. The church building was purchased from the M. P. Presbyterians in 1874. It was remodeled in 1886 at a cost of $4,035. Dedicated September, 1886, by Elder Blackburn, of Lafayette. The following ministers have served this society : C. B. Allen, S. K. Fuson, J. F. Beeman, now (1887) preaching. Trustees : J. W. Devall, George Beard, Peter Morris; Clerk, D. H. Allen. The society is in a flourishing condition, with a well-organized
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Sabbath-school. The house is a good one, and will seat five hundred persons, and is every way worthy the society that built it.
BETHEL M. E. CHURCH, EAGLE TOWNSHIP.
In 1839 the above church was built on the Michigan road, between Clarktown and Eagle village, near where Little Eagle Creek crosses the Michigan road, and on the east side. The house was built out of hewed logs, and for the time was a very creditable building, situated on a high piece of ground, facing to the west. Around this old church cluster many pleasant reminiscences, for it was among the first societies formed in this part of the county. Among the first members were Will- iam Duzan and family, Resin Debruler and family, Jacob Lakin and wife. In the winter of 1842 a revival sprang up, when there was added quite a number of menibers, among whom were Allen Brock, John Lowe and wife, George Lowe, Eliza Lowe, William Bragg, Henderson Bragg, Isaac L. Dav- enport, Henry Davenport, Thomas Blake. The house was ded- icated in 1840, by Rev. J. C. Smith, who was at that time presiding elder. Among the first preachers were John Ed- wards, F. M. Richmond, Rev. Roll, J. W. Bradshaw, Wm. Duzan, George Bowman, George Dye, George W. Duzan, Rev. William Butt. The society flourished and was at one time one of the most popular preaching places in the county. Notwithstanding it was a log house the interior was quite well "fixed up." The house would seat some three hundred per- sons. About the year 1852 the society had lost many of its members by death and removals to such an extent that it went down, and the walls of " Bethel raug no more as in days of yore." The old building stood a few years later, when it was taken down, and there is not to-day a vestige of its former self. The writer, as early as 1845, attended meeting there, and listened to such men as Smith, Good, Bradshaw ; and to home ministers, as Bowman, Butt and Duzan (the younger).
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Have listened with interest to the prayers of the late Mrs. Debruler, who was gifted, and an earnest worker in her Mas- ter's cause. Her "bark "-as she often prayed-was landed on "Canaan's peaceful shores."
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE M. E. CHURCH AT THORNTOWN.
At the annual conference of the M. E. Church in 1832 Stephen R. Ball was appointed to travel on the Frankfort Circuit. During the fall of 1832 and in 1833 Mr. Ball preached several times, and at the annual conference in 1834 he was returned to the same circuit, and in the same year he organized a church of twenty members. Brother Phelps trav- eled on this circuit and preached regularly. In 1835 Ancel Beach was in charge on the circuit, and kept up the church with good success. In 1836 Eli Rogers was appointed, but from some cause unknown to the writer did not preach often at Thorntown. At the annual conference in 1837 Thomas J. Brown was appointed, but owing to lack of preaching and pastoral care the society was broken up, and when Mr. Brown came he found no society or organization. On the second Sabbath in May, 1838, he organized a society of eight mem- bers, viz .: Elias Tolbert and wife; Green Foster, wife and daughter ; Sarah, wife of Dr. Amos Davis ; a young man whose name the writer has forgotten. Oliver Craven was baptized and taken into full membership and made leader of the class. From that date the M. E. Church has kept up regular weekly meetings for prayer and class meeting, with preaching once in four weeks. The following preachers have served: Thomas J. Brown, Joseph White, George W. Stafford, Ancel Beach. John B. Dernott, William Wilson, Samuel Reid, John Ed- wards, Henry Wells, James H Newland, George W. Stafford. William Campbell, J. W. Bicketts, Wm. H. Smith, James B. Murshon, James Aldrich, Wm. Campbell, H. C. Wilton, Aaron Geerney, Thomas E. Will, John L. Smith, Charles A.
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MAJ. BENJAMIN M. GREGORY
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Beck, Wiley P. Watkins, George W. Warner, T. C. Hackney, Richard Hargrave, Luke Nebucar, F. M. Pavey, Jacob C. Reed, G. W. Bower, Leander C. Buckels, Thomas Meredith, John W. Harris and Isaac Dale. The board of trustees at this datc, February, 1887, are as follows: George E. Conrad, Jeffrey Horner, James Roberts, John C. Taylor, Wm. Miller, Wm. Curryer and Samuel Killaster. Total number of mem- bers at this date are 332. OLIVER CRAVEN.
THORNTOWN, IND., March 6, 1887.
BIG SPRINGS METHODIST CHURCH.
BIG SPRINGS, IND., March 23, 1887.
Messrs. Harden & Spahr :- By your request I try to give a brief history of the Big Springs Methodist Church and vicin- ity. I will first give a few names of settlers who came here prior to October, 1837: Isaac Srite, Rhesa Conley, Sampson Hartman, Jacob Johns, John Davis, Daniel Stevens, Joel Richardson, Wm. Laws, Smith Castor, Wm. Davis, J. F. Johnson, Jonathan Scott, John Hollenback, James Richardson, John Parr, Boler Humphrey, Caleb Richardson, Thomas Wooden, Moody Gillum, Wm. Parr, Jacob Parr, Sr., Henry Ross and Thomas Lindsey, Jr. and Sr.
My father, Jonathan Richardson, bought Issac Srite out, in April, 1837, and moved on the farm in October of the same year. This carries me back to early times when I was in my eleventh year. I was quite a small pioncer, if not an old one. I have nothing to go by but my memory, but I think I can relate the history of the church tolerably correctly. The first members were Caleb Richardson, John Parr, Jacob Parr, Sr., Wm. Parr, Joel Richardson, Rhesa Conley, and their wives. The first preachers who came among them were J. Baloat, in 1837, G. J. Brown, in 1838, G. W. Stafford, in 1839, J. White, in 1840, A. Beach, in 1841, J. Edwards, in 1842, H. Wells, in 1843, A. Koontz, in 1844, G. W. Smith, in 1845, J. W. 14
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Bradshaw, in 1846, F. M. Richmond, in 1847, and J. Colela- sier, Cozad, White and Gillum one or two years each, which takes me up to 1852, besides several local preachers who came among them. Their names were G. Bowman, Sr., Dr. Nel- son Duzan's father, James D. Sims, James H. Ross and Dr. George W. Duzan. Among the elders were Woods, Smith, Daniels, Marsee Good and Hargraves. Class leaders were Caleb Richardson, John Parr, Joel Richardson and Thomas Lindsey, Sr. In early times the church was in the Frankfort Circuit. They held meetings at Caleb Richardson's, John Parr's and Joel Richardson's houses until there was a school house built, which was done in 1838. There was preaching every two weeks. There would be a preacher in charge, and a young preacher. They would take it turn about. The names of the young preachers were Dorsey, DeMotte and Calvert. In early times meeting was held on week days, but that made no difference. They would quit their work and go, some a-foot, sometimes two on the same horse. Class meeting would be held on Sundays. They continued holding meetings this way from 1837 to 1841, in which time there was a great revival and quite a number of the younger class of people joined the church. Among them were Wm. Lane, Jesse Lane, Sylvester Turpen, Jacob Parr, Jr., Allen Pittman, Wm. Richardson, Jonathan Scott, and some of the Lindsey family. As a gen- eral thing where the men had wives, they also joined. In 1841 the church decided to build a meeting honse. It was a hewed log house, 30x40. It was raised in April, 1841, and was not completed until 1842. The cost of the building I know noth- ing about, as it was done by the members donating work until it was enclosed. The carpenter work was done by J. B. Hig- gins and Joel Richardson. I never learned what amount of money they got for their work.
In August, 1841, the ehureh decided to hold a camp meet- ing, and went to work accordingly. The spot of ground they selected was on my father's land near the big spring. There were several tents built. The tent holders were John Parr,
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Jacob Parr, Lane and Walker, Dr. W. N. Duzan, Joel and Caleb Richardson, H. Mower, Burrow and Parr, S. Smith, Cox and Parr, and several others. Camp meetings were held yearly for four or five years. Quite a number joined during these meetings. From that time on for several years they held protracted meetings, and at these meetings they increased in numbers till it became a very strong and popular church. The members, with few exceptions, were in peace and fellowship.
The old log house answered for a place of worship until 1866, when it was taken down and a frame was built on the same site. The cost of it, I think, was $1,600, but since that time there has been a belfry and bell put up which has added to the cost some two or three hundred dollars more. I do not know who were the trustees. The old log house was built at the time the Rev. John Edwards was on the circuit, and I think dedicated by him. It can be said of a truth that the first members of this society were of the best citizens in the county.
The above was written by Wm. Richardson, living near Big Springs.
M. E. CHURCH, JAMESTOWN.
This society, as far as Jamestown is concerned, does not date very early as a society, for many of the early Methodists in this locality held meetings and organized about three miles southeast, in the edge of Hendricks County. Among the first members were Mariah Walker, John Porter and wife, Jesse McMahan, Mariah McMahan, Elizabeth McMahan, John Okey and wife, Jesse Hendricks, Mary Hendricks, Henry and Martha Hendricks. The meetings were often held at private houses, John Okey's the most of the time. Among the first preachers were Enoch Wood, Rev. Utter, Jesse Hill. About the year 1838 the society was organized at Jamestown, where meetings were held in a joint meeting house used by all denominations, for school purposes, and the like. Among the first to meet here were Daniel Jesse, Samuel Perry, Lee
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Tucker, J. H. Camplin, J. Hudson, John Porter and wife, Dr. Orear, Samuel Jesse and wife, Mary Long, James Will- iams, Mrs. Galvin. The present house was built in 1871, and dedicated in August of that year by Bishop Bowman. It cost about $3,500 ; is a brick, and will seat about 500 persons. It is 45x65 feet, well located, and a credit to the society that built it. The membership is 175, and is in a prosperous con- dition. A Sabbath-school is kept up and maintained the year round, and is doing untold good in the town and vicinity. The following ministers have served this society from time to time: Joseph Marsee, Daniel F. Stright, Joseph White, John L. Smith ; the present minister is W. S. Lawhorn.
M. E. CHURCH, LEBANON.
Nearly as old as Lebanon itself is the above church or society. It seems the history of well-regulated neighborhoods to organize a church or society soon after a few -congenial minds are in accord with one another. So it was with a few in the little town of Lebanon in the winter of 1835-'36, where we find the following named persons forming themselves into . a society which has lived to this day, and is now in a flourish- ing condition, numbering near 400 persons or members: Josiah Lane and wife, Addison Lane and wife, Amelia Zion, V Rachael Bradshaw and Stephen Sims. Mrs. Zion is the only one now living. The first church building was erected south of where the present depot now stands, but it was never finished there, but removed, in 1844, to where the present splendid house now stands. This was a frame, and dedicated under the pastoral care of Rev. Koontz. This building stood until the year 1865, when it was taken down and a brick house erected -40x60 feet. It was duly dedicated by Rev. C. B. Mock, who was the pastor at that time. This house stood until the summer of 1886, when it was remodeled into the present grand building at a cost of $4,673, and was duly dedicated
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November 7th, 1886, by Rev. Dr. John, of Greencastle, from the text: " Watchman, what of the night?" on which occa- sion ample means were raised to pay all the cost of the build- ing. The history of this church is much that of all others ; had its days of prosperity and of gloom. There is here, as well as elsewhere, a faithful few that stand around to guard its best interest in the most trying times. And to-day the M. E. Church at Lebanon is one of the fixed institutions of the city. It has in connection a flourishing Sabbath-school, with over 300 members. The following ministers, in part, have preached here from time to time: Rev. Thompson, M. L. Green, Francis Cox, P. A. Cook, Joseph Foxworthy, E. W. Lawhorn, C. B. Mock, Webb. S. Godfrey, S. P. Calvin, H. A. Merrill, J. L. Smith, H. C. Neal, A. Lewis, F. M. Pavy.
MT. ZION M. P. CHURCH, JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Mt. Zion is located in the western part of the township on Raccoon Creek. The first house was a log one and built in 1841, one-half mile south of the present house and on the land of the late Simeon Emmert. Among the first members composing the class were the following: William Nieely ( class leader ), Nancy Cannada, Mary Walker, Peter Emmert, Susan White, Sarah Miller, Daniel New, Lurane New, Asbury Williamson, Mary Emmert, Simon Emmert, W'm. Emmert, Fanny Emmert, John Whiteman, Fanny Whiteman, Nancy Hubbell, Milly Hubbell, William White, Daniel New, Love Williamson, Hank Williamson, John Higgins, Foster New. The present house is a frame, built in 1870, called Mt. Zion. Levi Swazey, pastor. Trustees, Wm. Cannada, John Dunkin, David Airhart. Mt. Zion is in a healthy condition. The house will hold about five hundred persons. Its cost was one thousand dollars. WM. NICELY.
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CHRISTAIN CHURCH, ZIONSVILLE.
This society was first organized at Eagle Village about the year 1853, and the following year the house was built, which was afterwards, in 1858, moved to Zionsville, about one mile distant. It was taken down and moved by Franklin Imbler. Among the first members at Eagle Village were John Stinson, Joseph Tanner and wife, M. Elston and wife, Benjamin Dye, John Hardin, Lucinda Hardin, John Imbler and wife, Frank- lin Imbler and wife, Thomas Lothlin and wife, Joseph Lari- more. The church building cost about sixteen hundred dol- lars, a frame, 40 x 60 feet ; will seat five hundred persons. Among the elders who have preached here all along for thirty years we might mention Thomas Lockhardt, Hiram St. John Vandake, Samuel Overman, Joseph Tanner, Joseph Larimore, L. H. Jemison, John O'Kain. Many of the former members have either moved away or died, and but few now belong to the society above referred to, in fact, we might say none. But the church is kept up at Zionsville and has regular preach- ing. Elder Plunkett is the elder in charge at this writing (1887). Yes, they are nearly all gone to the church trium- phant, among whom are Elder Lockhart, Elston, Stinson, Mr. and Mrs. Hardin, Benjamin Dye, Joseph Larimore, Mrs. Elston, Frank Imbler and wife, John Imbler and wife. Elder Hiram St. John Vandake has also passed over the silent river. A few remain, among whom are Lothlin, Tanner and Jemison. Elder Lockhart the writer knew long and well, also the most of the above referred to he has known since boyhood; who worshiped with my father and mother for years. It won't be long until the remaining ones will pass away, and the founders of the Christian Church at Eagle Village will be known only in history and in the memory of the children of those who were associated with its history in the past.
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT WARD.
BY ELDER D. H. HECKATHORN.
This church is situated seven miles southwest of Lebanon, on the Lebanon and New Ross gravel road, in the southeastern part of Jackson township, Boone County, Ind.
The society was organized by Elder Joe Davis, of Thorn- town, and the writer, September 6, 1874, with seventeen mem- bers, as follows : . D. H. Heckathorn, Elder : Deacons Lemuel W. McMullin and Joseph Lee; Anderson Burris, Mary Gar- dener, Elizabeth Apple, Lydia Lee, Nancy Shepherd, Mary Landers, Mary Heckathorn, Martha Clark. Louisa McMul- len, Miss Clark, Margaret Burris, Miss S. E. Burris, John Batman, Margaret Batman.
The writer commenced preaching in an old school house, situated one-fourth mile south of the present site, Second Lord's day in June, 1872, and continued to preach once a month until October 1, 1876, and occasionally thereafter until October, 1878, the interruption being occasioned by the writer having been appointed to and accepting the office of county superintendent of schools.
During this time and sometime after Elder John Northcutt was pastor. Elder William Smith preached about four years, and very materially strengthened and built up the cause of Christ in the neighborhood. The preaching brethren who have preached for the church at different times are: Elders Van Cleave, Johnson. Stevens, Harney, Mills, Mckinsey, etc.
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In the latter part of the year 1875 the present site was secured, and the old school house purchased and removed to the site. The material prosperity of the brethren enabled them early in the year 1881 to plan the erection of a new house ; a plain but comfortable and substantial frame house, at a cost of $1,050, which was dedicated by Elder Henry R. Pritchard, of Indianapolis, second Lord's day in December, 1882. Officers of the church are : Elders D. H. Heckathorn,
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Lemuel W. MeMullin and James H. Fink ; Deacons Green- ville W. Dodd and David F. Budd. Clerk and treasurer, George A. Lecke. The present membership is about one hundred ; with the sympathy of the surrounding community promises to be a factor in the community for good.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, JAMESTOWN.
Among the first members of the above church were, in the year 1838, as follows : Charles Fullen, Sarah Fullen, William McLean, James Martin, Mark Porter, Mary Martin, William Martin, Mariah MeLean, Mrs. Mark Porter, Christopher Hart- man, Benj. Stevens, John Gibson and wife, John Stutsinan, Anna Stutsman. The society built a frame house about the year 1850, which was occupied by them for a number of years, when, in 1870, the present structure was built, and in Septem- ber of that year it was duly dedicated by Elder W. R. Jewell. The building is a brick, well located, 40 x 65, cost $3,500, will seat five hundred persons. Trustees are C. F. Martin, O. H. Lowry, F. M. Cuningham and Richard Miller. The follow- ing elders have preached here : John O. Kain, Simon Farlow, John Harris, Thomas Lockhart, Nathan Walters, James Slerins, Wm. Holt, Elder Frank, B. F. Treet, Henry R. Pritchard, who is now the elder in charge. Number of members, one hundred and seventy-five. Present elders are Levi Martin, Samuel Cook and Stephen Dale. There is a Sabbath-school in connection, which is kept up the entire year with a good membership.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT LEBANON.
BY D. B. BANTA.
Some faithful labor was done in Lebanon by Presbyterian clergymen previous to the state of organization. Rev. Moody Chase, from Danville, came here to visit a sick friend, Mr. Burns. He remained over Sabbath and preached in the old
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BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
log court house. This was probably the first sermon preached in Lebanon by a Presbyterian minister. In 1835, Rev. Clai- borne Young preached several times in the log court house. The records show that on January 3, 1840, the Lebanon Pres- byterian Church was organized by Rev. William Fergerson, D. D., with twelve members. The following is a list of the names of the original members: James Richey (elder), Jane Richey, Henry W. McAuley, Henry Hamilton, Mary Hamil- ton, Deborah Schoff, Polly Ann Stephenson, Auley McAuley (elder), William Richey, Nancy Richey, Elvina Jamison, Robert MeLaughey. Since then about 480 names have been added. - The number of names on the roll at the present time is 170.
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