USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana, together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 13
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At this election Thomas Blake for Congress received sixty-two votes, and Ratliff Boon, two votes; Josiah F. Polk for "Sennittor," thirteen, Calvin Fletcher, thirty-seven, and John W. Redden, thir- teen; Thomas J. Medlock (Matlock) for "Representive," forty- seven, John Syms, fifteen, and Isahia (Isaiah). Drury, two; John Dunn for Sheriff, thirty-eight, and Robert Cooper, twenty-three; William Faught for "Curener," forty-one; Preston Pennington, nine, and P. S. Dickens, one.
POLITICAL.
Two years later, at the presidential election of 1828, the number of voters liad increased four-fold, or to 252. Andrew Jackson re- ceived 166 votes, and ohn Quincy Adams eighty-eight; plurality for Jackson, seventy --. ght. The township has been first Whig and then Republican, continuously, except that it gave Jackson major- ities in 1828 and 1832, and in 1856 it gave .a majority of one for Buchanan. Following is the vote at each presidential election:
1828-Andrew Jackson ... 166
John Quincy Adams ... 88
1832-Andrew Jackson. 306
186
1836-Wm. Henry Harrison. . 231 61
Martin Van Buren ... .170
1 1841-Henry Clay. .376 27
James K. Polk. .349
78
1848-Zachary Taylor 147 30
Lewis Cass. .. 117
Martin Van Buren 26
1852-Winfield Scott. 174 28 Henry Clay .120
Franklin Pierce .146
Jobn P. Hale.
1856-James Buchanan. .306 John C. Fremont. .305
Millard Fillmore. 4
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HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
485
1860-Abraham Lincoln .. .. 302
Stephen A. Douglas 124
1876-Rutherford B. Hayes .. . 452 Samuel J. Tilden .... .. 288 Peter Cooper. 15
164 1860-John Breckenridge 55 John Bell .. 5
1864-Abraham Lincoln .. 457
454
1880-James A. Garfield ... ... 544 Winfield S. Hancock ... 272 James B. Weaver. 12
272
George B. Mcclellan 3
1SGS-Ulysses S. Grant. .399
210
1884-James G. Blaine .. .544
261
Horatio Seymour. 188
Grover Cleveland .. .283
1872-Ulysses S. Grant. 408
159
Benjamin F. Butler 15
Horace Greeley. 249
John P. St. John .. 10
178
During the late war the people of Danville and vicinity were very strong in their Union sentiments, and so wrought up were they in 1864 that methods were pursued in the political campaign that would find few defenders now, and which were palliated, not excused, by the peculiar conditions of the times. Returned sol- diers and other Unionists held the polls, and by one means and another kept the Democratic vote down to three, while +57 votes were given for the Union ticket. This and other incidents caused many of the Democratic citizens of the county to conceive a dislike for Danville which has lasted to this day, and which has had a per- manently injurious effect upon the business of what ought to be a more thriving town. The ill-feeling was such during the later years of the war that some Democrats threatened to come and burn the court-house, and for a time this structure was carefully guarded and the streets regularly patrolled by the patriotie Danvilleites.
STATISTICAL ..
The population of Center Township was in 1SS0 by the United States census 3,255, about half of this number being in Danville. The following statistics as to property and taxation, exclusive of Danville, are for the year 1885: Acres assessed, 28,593.05; value of same, $804,996; value of improvements, $128, 039; value of lots, $1,248; value of improvements, $785; value of personal property, $285,903; total taxables, $1,220,971; polls, 291; dogs, 224; State tax, $1,610.67; county tax, $3,526.58; township tax, $244.19; tuition tax, $2,026.31; special school tax, $2,011.76; road tax, $3,052.43; endowment tax, $61.05; bridge tax, $1,220.94; total taxation, $16,321.18; delinquent taxes, $350.14.
DANVILLE.
In the chapter on "early history" is recorded the establishment of the county seat, and beginning of the town of Danville. Daniel Clark, the first Justice of the Peace in Center Township, was the man who built the first cabin in Danville, in the year 1824. Sev- .
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486 HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
eral families at onee settled here, to grow up with the capital of the new county, and by the following winter the population was suffi- eient to support a school, the first session of which was taught by Wesley MeKinley. The first physician was Dr. Garrett. Levi Jessup, the first County Clerk, kept the pioneer hotel, and was suc- eeeded in that business in 1828 by Colonel Thomas Nichols, who came to Danville in that year and assumed the duties of Sheriff,
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PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, DANVILLE.
while he kept hotel and built houses as well. In 1829 he built the first brick school-house in the county, at Danville. The venerable Colonel is still living in the town, and though more than fourscore years of age, is active and .u possession of all his faculties uniin- paired. He is now Justice of the Peace, and one of the most gen- erally respected and popular citizens of the county. The first church of the township was a Regular Baptist, and was organized in Danville about the year 1828.
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487
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
Danville is the largest town in the county, and is situated a half mile from the depot of the Indianapolis, & St. Louis Railroad, on an elevated position on the west bank of the west fork of White Lick, and is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful country, pleas- antly diversified by hills and valleys, and farms and woodlands, covered with a rich carpet of blue grass. In addition to the county public buildings described elsewhere, Danville contains a commo- dions and elegant public school building, erected in 1873, at a cost of $25,000, the Central Normal College and Business Institute, and fine churches, some of which are very creditable structures. The business portions of the town are generally well built, and consist of substantial two and three story brick blocks. No town of its size in Indiana has a greater number of neat, cosy and con- fortable residences, some of which are deserving of being called" elegant. The citizens justly pride themselves on the educational and religious privileges of the place, and the high standard of morality which society here maintains.
There is not a saloon in the town, and indeed there has not been one in the county for a third of a century. Attempts have been made at various times to obtain licenses and sell liquor here, but in every case the parties have been prevented, in one way or another.
INCORPORATION.
Danville was incorporated early in its history, as is seen from the following record:
"We, the undersigned, President and Clerk of an election held at the court-house in the town of Danville, on the 24th day of Janu- ary, A. D. 1835, agrecably to an order of the Board of County Commissioners, within and for the county of Hendricks, at their January term, 1835, for the purpose of electing five Trustees to serve the corporation of said town of Danville, do certify that at the election aforesaid, we, the undersigned, President and Clerk as aforesaid, after being duly sworn according to law, did proceed to lay off the said town into five districts, as follows, to wit: District No. One is composed of Blocks Nos. 1, 2, 3, 14, 15 and 16; District No. Two, of Blocks Nos. 17, 18, 19, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34; Dis- trict No. Three, of Blocks Nos. 4, 13, 28 and 35; District No. Four, of Blocks Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; District No. Five, of Blocks Nos. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 36, 37, 3S and 39; and after the division of said town into districts, and the same being made known to the qualified voters thereof, who then procceded to elect
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488
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
one Trustee from each district, whereupon the following persons were duly elected, to wit: District No. One, Henry G. Todd; Dis- trict No. Two, Jubal Lee; District No. Three, Charles B. Naylor; District .No. Four, James M. Gregg; and District No. Five, Will- iam S. Crawford. The foregoing certificate given pursuant to the re- vised code for such case made and provided, together with an aet entitled ' An act amendatory of the act entitled an act for the in- coporation of towns,' approved Feb. 2, 1832. Given under our hands and scals, this 27th day of January, 1835.
"J. W. GREGG, President. "HENRY G. TODD, Clerk."
After some years, the town surrendered its corporate charter, but it was re-incorporated in 1859.
OFFICIAL. .
The officials now serving are as follows: Trustees, First Ward, W. T. Lawson; Second Ward, J. J. Bell; Third Ward, Thad. S. Adams; Fourth Ward, E. H. Hall ( President); Fifth Ward, James. L. Me Coun; Treasurer, L. D. Rawlings; Clerk, George C. Harvey; Marshal, George W. Long; Chief Fireman, J. J. Bell.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
That the business of Danville has grown to no mean proportions may be seen from the following business directory, compiled in the spring of 1855: Adams & Emmons, abstracts; J. J. Bell, harness; H. C. Bennett, barber; Biddle & Douglass, hardware; Black & Dooley, wagon and blacksmith shop; A. R. Brattin, jewelry; W. . W. Carrier, sewing machines; J. T. Clark & Co., meat market; J. W. Craddick, photographer; Thomas Dinwiddie, blacksmith; Dooley & McCoun, hardware; Zach. Dooley, grocer; Downard & Parker, abstracts; Thomas Dudley, barber; Martin Englehart, blacksmith; First National Bank; Gerlash & Hennings, bakers; Yancy Green, grocer; Hadley, Homan & Co., bankers; E. H. Hall, grocer; L B. Hawkins, sewing machines; Haynes Bros., flouring mill; W. W. Hicks, baker; B. F. Howell, grocer; Henry Howell, grocer; Hunt & Henry, maillinery and dressmaking; H. Huston, grocer; J. M. Jeffers, dry goods; Johnson Bros., barbers; Keeney & Son, feed and sale stable; Keeter & Co., grocers; Kelelier Bros., druggists; Will A. King, editor Guzette; James Lewis, dry goods; Manning Bros., music; Julius Marsh, druggist; McClelland & Thompson, undertakers; W. R. McClelland, furniture and wall pa-
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489
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
per; MeCoun & Co., dry goods; James T. McCurdy, carriage maker; W. H. McPhetridge, harness; John Mesler, grocer; Moore & Sons, restaurant; Charles Morris, tobacco and notions; Moffett & Riddle, editors Republican; Fred Neiger, wagon shop; Nichols Bros., druggists; H. A. Patterson, boots and shoes; A. P. Pounds, hardware; J. W. Prendergast, photographer; Mrs. H. H. Rader, jewelry; Rawlings Bros., dry goods; G. W. Reichard, druggist; John Rowe, livery stable; Charles Sanders, grocer; G. W. Scearce, boots and shoes; R. B. Sears, bakery and restaurant; Sherley, Sho- walter & Co., dry goods; I. M. Silvey, livery; Smith, Pearson & Co., saw-mill; C. W. Stewart, books; G. W. Tout, meat market; Towles & Son, druggists; Abraham Trueblood, coal; Vaught & Allen, grocers; W. A. Vawter, dry goods; Wade & Norton, furni- ture; G. W. Wayland, books; Ed. Weibel, barber; Alf. Welshans, merchant tailor; James A. Wilson, proprietor Mansion House.
BANKS.
The First National Bank was organized Sept. 23, 1863, by"Si- mon T. Hadley (President), Samnel P. Foote (Cashier), and twen- ty-five others, with a capital stock of $60,000. This was afterward increased to $165,000, and still later decreased to $82,500, the present amount. Simon T. Hadley was succeeded in the presi- dency by Allen Hess, Jesse R. Cope and John V. Hadley. The last named has been President since June, 1877. The present Cash- ier is Benjamin F. Thomas; Assistant Cashier, L. D. Rawlings; Directors, John V. Hadley, Benjamin F. Thomas, Jesse R. Cope, Samuel Little, James A. Bowen, Cyrus Osborn and Enos Hadley. The stockholders number about fifty.
The banking house of Hadley, Homan & Co., of Danville, was established in July, 1873, by Nicholas T. Hadley, Jehu Hadley, Joseph B. Homan, Isaac Piersol, Mordecai Hadley, William G. Hadley and Zeno Hadley. Business was at first carried on under the name of the Danville Banking Company, the capital stock be- ing $75,000. The business was thus conducted until Jan. 1, 1880, when all the stockholders withdrew, excepting Nicholas T. Had- ley and Joseph B. Homan, who constitute the present firm.
PROFESSIONAL.
The professions are well and ably represented in Danville. Those in the law are: Thad. S. Adams, L. A. Barnett, Richard B. Blake, George W. Brill, Leander M. Campbell, Thomas J. Cofer, James
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490 HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
A. Downard, Charles Foley, John V. Hadley, George C. Harvey, Enoch G. Hogate, Robert F. Hollowell, Murat W. Hopkins, Jo- seph F. Miller, Christian A. Nave, James O. Parker, Newton M. Taylor and James A. Wilson. The physicians in practice are: Bradley B. Bartholomew, Marshall F. Depew, C. E. Farabee, Will- iam J. Hoadley, Frank H. Huron (Hom.), Thomas W. Johnson (Hom.), Leroy H. Kennedy, W. T. Lawson, Madison G. Parker, and Charles A. White.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- Christianity is more than a creed, more than a philosophy. It has in it the vital significance which is the
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DANVILLE.
life of all creeds. It has a comprehensiveness which embraces everything that is permanent in all of the philosophies, yet beyond them, beyond feeling and beyond intellect, Christianity means living and being. Words may express something of emotion and thought, but Christian faith can only be exemplified in life itself. Life means development and growth. Christianity is most
491
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
thoroughly alive. The benediction which rested upon the few disciples that gathered around the Master when his farewell words were spoken to their sorrowing hearts, has become the power which to-day gives impulse to the civilization of the earth. The idea of "feeling and knowing " that "God's power was in the human heart," which, from the lips of the Moravian missionary, was dropped as a germ into the consciousness of John Wesley, has budded and blossomed and fruited until now it brings spiritual sustention and strength to 25,000,000 of human beings. What its influence has been unto those whose work is done, and whose re- ward has come, can only be computed by celestial mathematics.
Other churches follow in the wake of progress and civilization. Methodist came here with its potent influence strong upon those pioneers that first chopped down a few trees, and cleared away the underbrush to make room for the little patch of corn that should help out in sustaining life, until the cabin should be finished, and the clearing should be lengthened and broadened into the garden and farm. Its power gave strength and courage to them in their loneliness, when, between cabin and cabin, miles of forest and brush intervened, unmarked by roadway or path. In the dreary months and years of isolation, of sturdy, exhausting toil, of strong, stern endeavor, which is almost beyond our comprehension now, upon which has been founded the culture and refinement of suc- ceeding times, Methodism kept alive by its simple faith, courage to wait, to endure, and to do. Those who represented the Method- ist church in those times have done their work and passed to their reward, and they have left the earth fairer through their en- deavors, and they have added nobility and strength to the human spirit by their faith, their devotion, their constancy and their Christian lives.
In the winter of 1882-'3 there was the first Methodist preaching in this region at the house of Robert Wilson, near present Shiloh church, and a class was organized with Robert Wilson as Leader. This was the first class established in the county. Soon after pros- perons classes were organized at North Salein, Danville, Stilesville, Wesley Chapel and at or near Lizton. At the first quarterly meet- ing for White Lick Circuit, held at Robert Wilson's on Oct. 25, 1828, there were present John Strange, P. E .; Joseph Tarkington, A. P .; Peter Monicle, L. P., and Robert Wilson and Wesley Mon- icle, Leaders. At that meeting Aaron Homan, Gideon Wilson and Elisha Kise were appointed a committee to make an estimate of
492
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
the amount necessary to build a meeting-house near Robert Wil- son's. Early the next season the arrangements were perfected and the house built-the first Methodist meeting-house in Hendricks County. At that same meeting the receipts from the different classes were shown to be as follows: Martinsville, $4.31}; White Lick, $3.25; Moorsville, $1.50; Wilson's, $3.31}; Claypool's, $2.00; Talbot's, $2.12}; Collen's, $.432; George Monucal, $3.00; John Denny, $1.00; making a total of $19.932, out of which sum John Strange, P. E., received $3.312, and Joseph Tarkington $16.62}. These sums may seem small to us, but out of what they possessed they gave more than we do from our abundance, and more than that, it is by the work so well done by those that have passed away that the possibility is given us to enlarge the offer- ings they laid upon the altars of the church.
At the quarterly conference held in Danville, Ang. 4, 1838, it was ordered that P. S. Dicken, Daniel MeCreary, Hezekiah Smith, Asa Beck and Elijah M. Crawford be appointed a committee to divide the Danville Circuit into two circuits; also at the same time it was ordered that S. B. Caywood, R. C. Russel and H. Rammel be appointed a committee to form an estimate of the probable cost of building a church in Danville. At a subsequent conference Wm. Henton, R. C. Russel, Wm. C. Cline, James Logan and Samuel Brenton were elected Trustees for the Danville church, which was erected in 1840 on the same lot upon which is situated the present church. This church was occupied for public worship until 1865, when it was converted into a parsonage, and the chapel of the Dan- ville Academy was fitted up and used for church purposes.
Prior to this time the church society in Danville had taken the lead in educational . matters by organizing and building up the Danville Academy, which was operated under the auspices of this quarterly conference, furnishing thereby educational advantages of a high grade. This enterprise commenced in 1858 and lasted until 1868. Among the prominent educators who at different times had charge of this school were Profs. Tarr, Lummis, O. H. Smith, J. L. Rippetoe and James Scull. In this enterprise the Methodists of Danville spent abont $18,000. Much good work was done for the development of morals and intellect, and the.en- deavor was kept up until there was no longer a necessity for any denomination to lead in school matters, a systein of graded schools of high order having been established in the town. To the Meth . odists, more than to any other religious society, is due the credit
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493
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
for the educational advantages which have been possessed by Dan- ville in the past, and the high standard which exists now. In the spring of 1878 the society transferred, for a nominal consideration, all of the school property in which they had invested so much to the Central Normal College, and to-day the Methodists see with pleasure that the endeavors which they made thirty years ago are resulting now in this school, a pride to the town, and a blessing to its 800 pupils. The chapel of the Academy was used for church purposes until it was transferred to the Central Normal College in 1878. That year the present church edifice was begun and finished at a cost of $10,000, and on the 26th day of January, 1879, it was dedicated to the service of God. Milton Henton, Moses Keeny, Bloomfield White, B. N. Beale and N. T. Hadley were Trustees during the erection of the present church building, and too much praise cannot be awarded them for the management and care which has resulted in a church home so sightly, pleasant and commo- dious as is the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Danville.
Danville was organized into a station in 1853. Before that, among the preachers who followed each other in the circuit were J. Tarkington, Joseph White, Asa Beck, Israel Lewis, D. F. Streight, Hezekiah Smith, Frank Richmond, J. B. Demotte. After that came the following preachers in charge: C. S. Burgner, N. L. Brakeman, Samuel Godfrey, Allen Gurney, George Warner, Luther Taylor, D. F. Barnes, T. C. Workman, F. Taylor, Nelson Green, Thos. S. Webb, Francis M. Pavey, Samuel P. Colvin, George W. Bower, James H. Claypool, Joseph C. Reed, R. D. Utter, and the present ineumbent, Rev. J. H. Hull.
The following is the officiary of the church: Trustees, Milton Henton, Pres. ; E. G. Hogate, Sec .; Geo. W. Wayland, Treas .; I. N. Estep and Simeon Templin. Stewards, L. D. Rawlings, E. G. Hogate, W. R. MeClelland, Dr. F. H. Huron, Dr. T. W. John- son, Dr. C. E. Harlan, Rev. C. W. Stewart, J. M. Graham, Wmn. A. Vawter and J. M. Silvey.
The present condition of the church society is most encouraging, looking to present usefulness and future results. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Hull, was appointed to this station in August, 1884. Formerly he had been ?residing Elder for this district, and is well acquainted with the kind of work necessary to the . prosperity of the church and for the fullest evangelical results. The church parlors are so arranged as to be quickly made a part of the auditorium, and it is pleasant to state that the building is
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494
HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
. thus frequently filled to its utmost capacity, giving accommoda- tions to 700 people. We all feel that the church, with its 260 members, is in good condition, numerically, financially and spirit- nally, with a house of worship which can be a home for a great many years to come, and we are looking forward with hope and confidence to a'more perfeet work, to a much greater influence for. the diffusion of a knowledge of that " perfect love which casteth out fear."
The first Sunday-school organized by the Methodists in Dan- ville was opened in the old brick school-house, located on lot 1, block 23, with Henry Rammel as Leader. Father Rammel was at that time an ordained Elder in the church. He died about four years ago at the ripe age of ninety-five. After this organization had continued one year it disbanded, and then there was a union Sun- day-school, with John Baker as Superintendent. This school met in the old Presbyterian church on lot 1, block 15. This continued one year, when the Methodists withdrew from their support, and, as a society, were interested in no school until 1840, when they organized again into a Sunday-school, with John Green as Super- intendent. This school lasted two years and then disbanded.
At a political meeting in the old court-house on Saturday night, in the latter part of October, 1844, there happened to be in attend- ance Hezekiah S. McCormack, Milton Henton and Win. V. Bishop, who were good sterling Methodists. In a conversation then they three resolved that a Methodist Sunday-school should be started the next day week. During the service the next day notice was accordingly given out by the pastor, Rev. D. F. Streight, and on the day fixed this school started on its career with abont fifty pupils in attendance, and it has been increasing ever since, until now it unmbers over 400, officers, teachers and pupils. Of the three brethren who, even better than they knew, launched it on its onward and upward course, Brother Milton Henton is still with us, teacher of elass No. 1, and we are encouraged with the hope that many years may intervene before we are deprived of his efforts and his presence. Brother H. S. McCormack is still living and doing his Master's work. . Wm. V. Bishop worked with us until 1876, when he moved to Lebanon, Ind., where, in January, 1SS1, . he finished his course and passed to his reward. Levi Reynolds and H. S. McCormack had charge of this school the first year. In 1845 Levi Reynolds was chosen Superintendent and so served until April, 1846, when H. S. McCormack was elected. He continued
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HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.
in office until April, 1860, when he was succeeded by Dr. Levi Ritter. He was succeeded June 21, 1868, by Charles F. Hogate, who served until June, 1869, when Dr. Ritter was again elected, who served until June 12, 1870, when he was succeeded by D. M. Cox, who died while in office in September, 1870. The school was then conducted by the Assistant Superintendent, A. Cham- bers, until Oct. 9, 1870, when Wm. V. Bishop was chosen Super- intendent at a special election. He continued in office until June, 1873, when he was succeeded by E. G. Hogate, who discharged the duties of the office until June, 1876, when R. B. Blake was elected. He was succeeded by A. Chambers March 4, 1877, who had charge of the school until Sept. 30, 1877, when he resigned, and E. G. Hogate was elected to his place. In June, 1878, W. R. McClelland was made Superintendent, and under his able man- agement the school attained to unexampled prosperity, and school and church can but be under lasting obligations to him for his efforts and his devotion to their interests. In June, 1881, he was succeeded .by E. G. Hogate, who, in turn again, in June, 1882, was followed by Brother Mcclellan, who kept charge until June, 1884, when Conrad E. Harlan, present Superintendent, was elected to office.
The Secretaries of the school, as far as can be ascertained from the record, have been as follows: Edward Clark, Jolin G. Harding, Ollie Chambers, J. S. Ogden, E. G. Hogate, Otis Hadly, James McLean, Samuel Pierson, Mary Bishop, J. H. Pearson, Jennie Hancock, Jesse Cummins, Carrie Thornbro, James V. Cook. Laura Beckwith, Harry Waterons, Carrie Emmons, Elsie Stewart, Emma MeCurdy and Lanra McCurdy.
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