USA > Indiana > Henry County > History of Henry County, Indiana > Part 53
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
Washington, born June 28, 1825, died in 1850; Charles, born Feb. 26, 1829.
Jackson Smith, second son of Charles and Betsey (Noble) Smith, was born in Kentucky, May 22, 1820. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a beau- tiful home of 160 acres, eighty acres in Fayette County and eighty in Henry County. Dec. 4, 1845, he married Elizabeth Walters, a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born Dec. 21, 1828, a daughter of William and Permelia Walters. They have had four children- Jackson, born Dec. 3, 1846, was married Nov. 23, 1871, to Alice Scott; Elmira, born Aug. 25, 1848, was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Leander Starr, who died, and March 14, 1877, she married Edwin Reynolds; Susannah, born March 17, 1850, died Sept. 20, 1866; Mary Emma, born Oct. 24, 1862, was married Jan. 13, 1881, to John Gebhart. Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.
John Stiggleman, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Mont- gomery County, Va., born Jan. 28, 1817, a son of John and Frances (Wade) Stiggleman. His grandfather, Philip Stiggleman, emigrated from Germany in an early day and settled in Virginia. In 1819 his father left his native State, and with his family moved to Indiana, locating two miles north of Centreville, in Wayne County. He subsequently moved two miles north of his original place of settlement, where he cleared and cultivated a farm of 240 acres, residing there till his death, Aug. 18, 1866, aged seventy-nine years. His wife survived him seven years and died at the same age lacking five days. Our subject was reared and educated in Wayne County, remaining with his parents till manhood. April 19, 1838, he was married to Phobe Walters, a native of Virginia, born October, 1816, a daughter of William Walters, who came to Wayne County in 1833 or 1834. To them were born eight children; but three are living, the eldest and youngest two-Martin L., Melissa and Sarah Ellen. The de- ceased are Samantha J., Martha Ann, Francis, Elizabeth and Elijah W. Mrs. Stiggleman died Feb. 11, 1859. Feb. 21, 1860, Mr. Stiggleman married Clementina Scott, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Thomas Scott. To them have been born four chil- dren-Marcus Lafayette, Rebecca (deceased), Ida V. and Mary Etta. In the spring of 1844 Mr. Stiggleman came to Henry County and bought his present farm. He had but $400 when he came to the county, but has been successful, and has now one of
labor
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
the finest farms in the county. He has had to battle with ad- verse circumstances through life, and owes his success to perse- verance and an indomitable will, being determined to succeed although fate seemed against him. When but five months old his left hand was so badly burned as to render it almost useless, and when six years old his right hand was cut nearly off, thus making both hands weak and unfitted for hard work. Politically Mr. Stig- gleman is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.
Philip Stiggleman, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Mont- gomery County, Va., born March 22, 1819, a son of John and Frances (Wade) Stiggleman. He was an infant when his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and was there reared and educated. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and work- ing at the millwright's trade. He was married Dec. 16, 1841, to Jane Woody, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Woody, who were among the earliest settlers of Wayne County, from North Caro- lina. He worked at his trade two years after his marriage, and then moved to Alton, Ill., where he remained one season, when be returned to the old homestead in Wayne County. In April, 1846, he bought the farm in Henry County, where he has since resided. He has worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with carry- ing on his farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Stiggleman have been born five children-John served three years in the war of the Rebellion, and three months before his term of enlistment expired was shot in the knee at Kennesaw Mountain; Emily, now Mrs. W. Cartwright; Alfred; Solomon; Mary Ellen, now the wife of Dr. Oscar Guyer. Politically Mr. Stiggleman was a Democrat, but since 1858 has af- filiated with the Republican party.
John M. Swafford, one of the few pioneers who was identified with the early interests of the county, was born in Randolph County, N. C., Sept. 8, 1822, a sou of Jacob and Abigail (Hammer) Swafford, natives of North Carolina, of Scotch and Irish descent. In 1826 his parents came to Indiana and entered land in Dudley Township, built a small cabin and began making a farm. Jacob Swafford was one of the most prominent of the early settlers, and was honored with many local offices of trust. He was Magistrate for fifteen consecutive years, and for several years held the office of Town Assessor and Deputy County Assessor. Politically, he affiliated with the Whig party. He was an active member of the Christian church. He accumulated a large property, and when his
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
children grew to maturity was able to assist them to begin life for themselves. He died in 1857, aged nearly sixty years. His widow is still living, aged nearly eighty-nine years. John M. Swafford was reared on a frontier farm, receiving his education in the sub- scription schools. When nineteen years of age he began teaching. He was married March 24, 1842, to Mary A. Taylor, daughter of Rev. David and Susanna (Simpson) Taylor, of North Carolina, who came to Henry County in 1828, and entered land in Dudley Town- ship. After his marriage Mr. Swafford settled on forty acres of land on section 9, Dudley Township, which his father had previ- ously purchased. In 1853 he went to Iowa, but a year later re- turned to Indiana and located on the old homestead, where, with the exception of a year spent in Huntington County, he has since resided. He has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow- citizens, and has been honored with the office of Magistrate sixteen years. He was appointed Postmaster by President Lincoln, and filled the position ten years. He has, in connection with farming, dealt extensively in grain, and has also been agent at New Lisbon for the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Swafford have had nine children; but six are living-Cathe- rine, Nancy J., Henry C., Jacob M., David T. and John C. F. The deceased were-Ellen, Abigail and Albert L. Mr. Swafford is, politically, a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mrs. Swafford's parents removed to Iowa, where her mother died. Her father afterward moved to Missouri, and there spent the rest of his days, living to the age of nearly eighty-six years.
James L. Tweedy, son of Jonathan and Phoebe Tweedy, was born in North Carolina in 1830. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and the following year came to Dudley Township, Henry County, where he was reared and educated. He now resides on section 24, where he has a fine farm of 160 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He was married in 1852 to Sarah Bradway, a native of Union County, Ind., born in 1828, a daughter of Josiah and Alice Bradway. They have had four children-Albert, Mary, Alice B. (wife of William A. Smith) and Eddie, the two eldest deceased. Politically Mr. Tweedy is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school fifteen years.
n.f.
Shidler
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
- Jonathan Tweedy is a native of Perquimans County, N. C., born October, 1807, a son of James and Elizabeth (Elliott) Tweedy, natives of North Carolina, the father born in 1783, and the mother in 1785. He was married June 14, 1829, to Phebe Lacy, native of the same county, born Dec. 11, 1811. In 1832, with his father's family, he came to Indiana, and settled in what is now Dudley Township, Henry County, where his father entered eighty acres, and he sixty acres, on section 3. The country was heavily timbered; not a tree had been cut by a white man. His father spent the rest of his life in Henry County, and died at the age of eighty years. His mother survived her husband two years. Mr. Tweedy im- proved his land and has since added thirty acres to his original farm. He has been a resident of the township fifty-two years, and is one of its most enterprising citizens. His wife died Dec. 14, 1883, aged seventy-five years. Their children were nine in num- ber, three are deceased-William, Joseph and Aaron. Those living are-James L., Sarah E., Elizabeth, Anna, Rachel and Emily. Politically Mr. Tweedy is a Republican. He, as was his wife, is a member of the Christian church.
Cornelius C. Weaver, farmer and shoemaker, was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 3, 1832, the youngest of four children of Christopher and Sarah (Shidler) Weaver, natives of Ohio, of Ger- man descent. The father died before our subject's birth, and his mother soon after came to Indiana, and purchased eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, Wayne County. She was a woman of rare energy and business ability, and by the time her sons were old enough to assist her had her farm well cultivated. She subse- quently married Casper Bowen, by whom she had seven children. She died in 1880, aged seventy-three years. When Cornelius C. Weaver was fourteen years of age he began to work at the tanner and courier's trade and served an apprenticeship of five years. On account of his health he was obliged to abandon the trade, and then learned boot and shoe making, serving as an apprentice three years. He worked as a journeyman a time and then embarked in business in Cambridge City. A year later he went to Lawrence- burg, Ind., and worked three years, losing in that time only three days. In 1852 he went to Illinois. In 1861 he was among the first to enlist in the service of his country. He entered the ranks as a private soldier, but was elected by his companions First Lieu- tenant of Company B, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. After a year and a half of service as Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain of
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
the company, and served till the expiration of his term. He re- turned to Illinois, but soon after returned to his native county. He was married Jan. 2, 1866, to Louisa R., daughter of David and Mary Keller, of Maryland, who came to Indiana in 1856. In 1867 Mr. Weaver came to Henry County and settled in Dudley Town- ship, where, in connection with farming, he works at his trade in the winter. He also pays special attention to vegetable gardening and the culture of bees. Politically Mr. Weaver is a Republican. He has served as Justice of the Peace since 1874. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association. They have a family of five sons-Edward W., Charles E., Fred W., John W. and Frank.
Thomas Without
CHAPTER XV.
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FALL CREEK TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION. - GENERAL FEATURES .- ACCOUNT OF AN ELECTION IN 1830 .- FIRST LAND ENTRIES .- EARLY SETTLERS .- THE VIRGINIA SETTLEMENT. - EARLY MILLS .- POPULATION. - MIDDLETOWN. - FOUNDED IN 1829 .- ACCOUNT OF ITS INFANCY AND YOUTH .- GROWTH. - BUSINESS INTERESTS. - MECHANICSBURG. - HONEY CREEK .- CHURCHES .- SCHOOLS. - LODGES .- BIOGRAPHICAL.
Fall Creek Township was formed in August, 1829. It was then eight miles from north to south and seven miles from east to west. Two rows of sections on the east and two on the south have since became parts of Jefferson and Harrison townships respectively.
The township is drained by the stream from which it derives its name and the tributaries thereof. The surface is undulating though but little broken. The soil is of good quality and the farms and improvements as good as the average in the county. A large part of the present inhabitants are either Virginians or descendants of natives of that State. Fall Creek Township is situated in the northwestern part of the county and is crossed from southeast to northwest by the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. It contains the thriving town of Middletown and the villages of Mechanicsburg and Honey Creek.
Township elections were at first held at the house of Abraham Thomas, who was the first Justice in the township. In 1832 the voting place was changed to Middletown. At a township election held in August, 1830, thirty votes were polled, of which three were Whig tickets. The only person still a voter in the township who voted at the above-mentioned election is Asa Warnick.
Three persons only made entries of land in Fall Creek Township in 1822 : Benj. G. Bristol, James W. Weir and Reuben Bristol. They did not settle until later. The first settlements seem to have been made on Fall Creek. The Keesling neighborhood, near Me-
(577)
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
chanicsburg, was one of the first settlements. It began about 1824. In that vicinity lived Jacob, Peter, George, Daniel and John Keesling. William Stewart, John Hart, Jacob Koontz, Calvin Franklin, Abraham Thomas and John Swain came among the first settlers, about 1824 and 1825. Among those who settled in various parts of the township from 1824 to 1832 were David Davis, Absalom and Alexander Painter, Jacob Stanley, Asa Warnick, David C. Sherman, Wm. Berner, Joseph Bowman, Daniel and David Warner, the Fadelys,-John, Michael and Henry,-Abraham Showal er, Woodson and James Cummings, Jesse Clark, Hudson Hall, Andrew Barton, Abraham Devoye, Sr., Abraham Devoye, Jr., John Fessler and others.
Settlers began to arrive from Virginia about 1832 and the im- migration continued until the township was well peopled.
The first mill in the township was a small "corn cracker " erected south of Middletown, on Deer Creek. It was built about 1832 by Calvin Franklin and William Stewart. Later Calvin Franklin erected a grist-mill of a better type, and Benjamin Franklin, afterward a noted preacher, dug the mill-race. David C. Shawan settled two miles east of Middletown and built a grist- mill on Honey Creek quite early. John Swain, an early settler, built the first mill on Fall Creek about three miles below Middle- town. It now belongs to Isaac Adamson.
The early settlers of this township had to contend against mala- ria with all the other disadvantages of pioneer life. A few gave up the battle, and moved away on account of the unhealthfulness of the country. Now no part of the county is freer from malarious influences.
The township officers for 1884-'85 are : A. S. Miller, Trustee; Justices, L. C. Mills, Middletown; G. H. Whiteworth, Honey Creek ;- Woods, Mechanicsburg. Thos. Showalter is Town- ship Assessor. The population of the township was 2,054 in 1880, a gain of fifty from 1870.
MIDDLETOWN.
Middletown, an old, well-built and prosperous town, is situated near the northwestern corner of Henry County, on the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. The town was laid out in 1829 by Jacob Koontz, the first settler upon its site. The first sale of lots took place on Christmas day, 1829, at which time lots 4 x 20 rods in size brought from $3 to $20 each.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
Koontz, the proprietor of the town, lived in a cabin situated where Dr. Welsh's house now is. He sold out and moved away soon after the town was founded. A family of the name of Gard- ner and Eli L. Parker and family lived in the village in 1830, but did not remain long. 'Squire Burr was the first permanent set- tler.
The first store was started in 1831 by Joshua Willetts, from Milton, Wayne County. David Fleming soon after started a store. Joseph Bowman, Henry Pierce and Minesinger were also early merchants.
Elide Parker kept the first public house. William A. Hurley, Esq., afterward kept tavern until his death. He died of the dis- ease known as "milk sickness," which affected many of the early settlers in this locality.
Chauncy H. Burr came to Middletown in 1830. In 1835 he was elected a Justice of the Peace. He has held the office nearly continuously ever since. He secured the establishment of the postoffice, was the first Postmaster, and has otherwise advanced the interests of the town. 'Squire Burr followed the tanner and currier's trade for over forty years.
The postoffice was established in 1830. The Postmasters have been: C. H. Burr, Joshua Willetts, Henry Pierce, Joseph Yount, N. F. Trayer, J. D. Farrell, W. W. Cotteral, J. T. Moore and J. D. Farrell.
About 1832 a large immigration from Virginia poured into the surrounding country, and as the latter improved, the village grew. In 1840 Middletown was incorporated on the petition of fifteen of its citizens. The town has always been a good trading point, and its commercial importance is steadily growing.
The first physician in this place was Dr. Joseph Henry, a na- tive of Philadelphia, who came in 1832. He was a good physician and practiced here until his death. He was succeeded by Dr. G. H. Ballengall, Dr. John Home, Dr. John I. Guysinger, Dr. W. F. Boor, Dr. R. T. Summers, and others.
The business interests of Middletown in 1884 are as follows: General stores-Hedrick & Sanders; Shoemaker, Gray & Co .; Holman & Sheets. Groceries-I. N. Chenoweth, Marshall & Bar- rett, Brunk & Bratton. Bakery-Thomas Mowry. Drug stores -A. S. Miller, L. A. Hess. Hardware - W. L. Cummings. Furniture and undertaking - Frederick Tykle. Hotel - Tykle House, Richard Wisehart, proprietor. Livery stable-James Will-
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
iamson. Saddlery and harness-maker-G. W. Tarkleson. Flour ing-mill-J. C. Daniels. Saw-mills-Martin Rodecap,-Vantile. Lumber-yard-Willis Wisehart. Grain dealers-Shoemaker, Gray & Co., and Wilson Wisehart. Bank-Farmers'. Lawyer-G. L. Swain. Job printer - W. N. Showalter. Physicians - Doctors Robert Griffis, James H. Welsh, F. L. Thornburgh, Samuel Waters, allopathic ; G. W. Rodecap, homeopathic; Dr. James, physio-medical.
In 1850 Middletown had 188 inhabitants. In 1880 the popula- tion was 606. It is now about 800.
The Farmers' Bank, of Middletown, was organized in May, 1882, with the following Board of Directors: N. R. Elliott, Thomas Wilhoit, Geo. W. Tarkleson, R. A. Andes, Cyrus Van Matre, W. H. Keesling. N. R. Elliott was elected President; Thomas Wilhoit, Vice-President; E. L. Elliott, Cashier; and B. H. Davis, Assistant Cashier. There have been no changes in the officers of the bank since the organization. The capital stock is $30,000. The bank is transacting a prosperous business. It oc- cupies and owns a neat brick building, erected especially for its use.
MECHANICSBURG.
This village is situated in the southwestern part of Fall Creek Township. It began in 1850, when a man named Dunham, from New Castle, started a store here. He remained but a short time. N. R. Elliott came in 1851, and began the mercantile business, in which he is still engaged. The plot of the village was recorded in 1858, by Peter Keesling and others.
The vicinity of Mechanicsburg was noted in anti-slavery days as being one of the stations on the Underground Railroad. John Swan, from Tennessee, was the railroad agent and conductor, re- ceived the fugitives and cared for them until they could be sent on to Westfield, the next station. Others in the neighborhood were favorable toward the work.
The business interests of Mechanicsburg in 1884 are as follows: Elliott & Cooper, Mrs. N. A. Goodwin & Sons, general merchants; W. H. Keesling & Co., dealers in groceries, hardware and agricult- ural implements; Dr. John M. Moore, druggist; John Elliott, proprietor of steam saw-mill; W. R. Miller & Son and A. J. Weaver, cabinet-makers and undertakers. The physicians are Drs. Joseph Weeks, J. M. Moore and -- Pendleton, all of the
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
physio-medical school. Dr. Weeks has been practicing here about thirty years, and is one of the foremost physicians of his school.
The population of Mechanicsburg in 1880 was 168. It is now not far from 200. The village is not incorporated.
HONEY CREEK.
This is a village of nearly 200 inhabitants, situated in the east- ern part of Fall Creek Township, on the C., St. L. & P. Railroad. The first house in the place was built in 1858, by David Fadely, who is still a resident of the place. He at the same time started a blacksmith shop. William Tomlinson and James Powers erected a saw-mill about the same time, and town lots were laid off on the land of Tomlinson. Sedgwick Tomlinson kept the first store. Adam Evans began the mercantile business soon after. The pres- ent business interests are as follows: Dry-goods store, Showalter & Sanders; grocery and hardware store, Showalter & Sanders; drug stores, John Miller, David Aucker; saw-mill, Madison Shar- key; grocery, John Sharkey, railroad and express agent; jeweler, Solon Neff; physician, J. T. Anderson. There is also a black- smith and wagon shop in the village, and a hotel kept by David Fadely.
SCHOOLS.
A school was taught about 1830, in a cabin situated on land af- terward owned by James Cummins. An Englishman named Caldy Gardner came into the neighborhood in quest of employ- ment and was engaged to teach the school. A log school-house was erected soon after.
Another primitive educational institution was set up in the Keesling neighborhood at an early date. A rude log building was erected for a school-house, and Robert Price employed as teacher. Lewis Swaim afterward taught in the same house.
Both the towns and the country are now well supplied with school-houses, and the schools are generally well conducted.
The schools of Middletown are in a very good condition. Four teachers are employed. The school-house is a frame structure con- taining four rooms, and worth about $1,800. A new school-build- ing will be erected soon. The last enumeration showed 271 schol- ars. The average attendance is about 220.
CHURCHES.
Middleton M. E. Church was organized in 1838, by Rev. Hezekiah Smith. The first members were Benjamin and Mary
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Bristol, Levi and Margaret Trout, Mrs. Bowers, Joseph Moore and wife, James McCune and wife and Sophia Summers. Benja- min Bristol was the first Steward, and James McCune the Class- leader. The first services were held at the house of Benjamin Bristol. Among those who have served as pastors are the follow- ing: H. Smith, 2; C. G. Beeks, 1; James Bradford, 2; D. F. Stright, 4; E. Rammel, 4; M. P. Armstrong, 3; Benjamin Smith, 4; J. F. Pierce, 2; Willie Brown, 1; Wm. Anderson, 2; J. F. McMahon, 2; A. G. McCarter, 1; T. A. Fish, 2; T. Sells, 2; M. Wayman, 2; W. Peck, 1, J. W. Miller, 2. Several names are wanting to complete the list. The figures refer to the number of years served upon the circuit, often at different times. The meeting-house was built in 1858 at a cost of $1,500. The present church officers are: J. W. Miller, Pastor; G. W. Tarkle- son and J. C. Daniels, Stewards; A. S. Fisher, Clerk. The church has had 428 members in all. The present membership is sixty-six, and the society is in a good condition. A good Sabbath- school is maintained. G. W. Tarkleson is Superintendent. The enrollment is 160; average attendance, 128.
Fall Creek Christian Church .- The Christians, or "New Lights," organized a church about 1846. Among the early mem- bers were James Cummins and wife, Woodson Cummins and wife; Pfeifer and wife, J. Depboy and wife. The first meetings were held at the house of James Cummins. The church, situated west of Middletown, was built in 1860 at a cost of $1,500. Among the preachers have been Elder Wm. Hendricks, a pioneer preacher, who organized the church; Elders Miller, McDaniel, Depboy, Pfeifer, Dykes, Linn, Humphreys and others. Rev. Jas. P. Dykes preached here from 1858 until 1882. The present pastor is Elder Newhouse. The Deacons are Overton Cummins and Isaac Gustin. The membership is over 100.
Disciples' Church .- The Disciples' Church at Middletown was organized prior to 1850. Among the early ministers were Elders Benjamin Franklin, John O'Kean and Samuel K. Hoshour. Early members: Frank Murphey, Joseph Yount and wife, John Swope and wife, Daniel Franklin, Washington Franklin and wife, Enos Adamson and others. The first Elders were Joseph Yount, Jonas Shoemaker and John Swope. The church was erected about 1852. The congregation now has about 125 members. Elder Daniel Franklin is the present minister. The Elders are Polk Shoe- maker, Wm. Berner and Luther Mills.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
German Baptist .- Upper Fall Creek German Baptist church was organized in 1845 with about twenty-five members. Among the earliest members were the Millers, Hoovers, Snydmans, Van Matres and others. The church and its several branches have over 100 members. The meeting-house, known as the " old meeting house," on Honey Creek, was built about 1850. A branch meet ing was started in Middletown in 1882 and a brick meeting-house erected at a cost of $3,000. The present church officers are: George Hoover and Martin Rodecap, Bishops; David Teeter, David Hoover and Joseph Spitzer, Ministers.
Mechanicsburg Church .- The village of Mechanicsburg has but one church, which is free for all denominations, although deeded to the M. E. society. It was built in 1872 at a cost of $3,500. The Methodists and the Seventh Day Adventists have societies. The church is also used occasionally by the Disciples and the Uni- versalists. The people of Mechanicsburg have chosen wisely in building one church for all denominations rather than one for each sect. It is an example worthy of imitation.
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