USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 45
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The first item we find recorded in regard to restricting the open sale of intoxicating liquors, was " to post the names of those who were re- puted as 'drunkards,' or 'common tipplers,' in the houses of those that held licenses for retailing liquor," which duly devolved upon the select- men, as well as to forbid their selling to such persons.
486
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Previous to 1820 licenses were granted by the Court of Sessions in each county to a certain number in each town to sell liquor, subject to the approval of the "Fathers of. the Town." After that date they were granted by the county commissioners.
The first effort we find recorded of an attempt to stop the peddling of "ardent sperit " was October 8, 1800, when the parish, at a meeting held on that day, "voted that there be no peddlers of liquors and carts on the green, and that the parish committee see that the above order is complied with." This vote was passed for a special occasion-that of the ordination of Rev. Asa Meech, October 15, 1800.
Again September 23, 1812, the parish "voted that the parish com- mittee keep the green clear of carts and sellers of liquor," etc.
February 5, 1813, a society was formed in Boston under the name of " Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance," the object of which was to discontinue and suppress the too free use of ar - dent spirits and its kindred vices, profaneness and gaming, and to pro- mote temperance and general morality. This society labored hard against the tide of public opinion till 1825, when the subject began to be discussed so freely that a still more efficient method was proposed, and new means were taken to spread the fearful effects of intoxication before the people.
A meeting was held by a few individuals during the year, which re- sulted in the foundation of the American Temperance Society, whose grand principle was abstinence from strong drink, and its object, by light and love, to change the habits of the nation with regard to the use of intoxicating liquor. On February 13, 1826, the society was regularly organized, officers chosen and a constitution prepared.
The society employed agents to travel through the country preach- ing and delivering temperance lectures, arousing the people to the evil effects of liquor. Among those engaged in that calling were Rev. Nathaniel Hewett, Rev. Joshua Leavitt, and Daniel C. Axtell. These men came to this town and gave lectures to arouse the people of the town to a sense of their responsibility, and which had its effect.
In 1829 we find the following on the records of the town, in answer to a call for a town meeting, " to see what measures the town will take to prevent the too frequent use of ardent spirits."
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487
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
March 9, 1829, " voted to raise a committee of twenty persons, to prevent the improper use of ardent spirit." The following persons were chosen as that committee :
.
Joseph Sylvester, esq., Deacon Jonathan Perkins, Perez Crocker,
Darius Howard, Lieut. Ephraim Cole,
Jesse Perkins, esy.,
Isaac Keith,
Micah Shaw, Benjamin Ames,
Eliphalet Kingman,
Nathaniel Ames,
Edward Southworth,
Deacon Jacob Fuller,
Ensign Mark Perkins, David Cobb.
Lieut. Isaac Packard, Capt. Abel Kingman,
Caleb Howard, esq.,
Silas Packard, esq.,
Joseph Packard.
Again, Monday, April 6, 1829, " voted to direct the selectmen to post up the names of such persons as, in their judgment, drink too much ardent spirit."
Also, made choice ef the following persons, to constitute a committee, to give the selectmen information of such persons as above named ; namely,-
Edward Southworth, Micah Shaw,
Capt. Ziba Keith,
Thomas Wales, Isaac Curtis,
Turner Torrey,
Martin Cary, Capt. Thomas Thompson, Mark Perkins,
Lieut. Isaac Packard, Lieut. Ephraim Cole.
Again, February 26, 1830, an attempt was made to reduce the num- ber of persons licensed to sell liquor. The town " voted to leave the subject of license to the selectmen."
In 1840 the " Washingtonian Movement" commenced, which was started in Baltimore by a few individuals. At this time there was a complete overhauling of the temperance question. Speeches were made, picnics were frequent, and every effort was made to induce people to join in the enterpise. Societies were formed among the children, "cold water armies " were organized, who held meetings for mutual benefit and social intercourse.
Next came the " Maine Law," which originated in Portland, Me., by Neal Dow. This caused a new movement among the temperance people. Votes were passed at nearly every town meeting to prosecute and bring to the law those who violated the same, by using or selling liquor.
March 15, 1847, the town "voted that the selectmen be instructed to take effectual measures to suppress the sale of ardent spirits within the town."
488
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
There was another division of the Sons of Temperance in the town, called the Crystal Fount Division, in 1847, which is not in existence at the present time.
March 10, 1848, “ voted to choose seven persons to prosecute to con- viction, if practicable, those who deal in intoxicating drinks."
April 10, 1848, in town meeting, Messrs. George W. Bryant, esq., George B. Dunbar and Alpheus Holmes were chosen a committee to draft a set of by-laws for the action of that meeting, and who submitted the following report, namely :
WHEREAS, It appears to the inhabitants, in town-meeting assembled, that, in order to preserve the peace, good order, and internal police of the town, it has become necessary to avail ourselves of the advantage of making Town By-Laws for the suppression of intemperance agreeably to authority vested by the Legislature of Massachusetts.
Therefore be it enacted by the town of North Bridgewater, in legal meeting assembled :
SEC. 1. That no person within said town shall presume to be a retailer or seller of Cider, Strong Beer, Ale, Porter, or any other fermented liquors, in less quantities than twenty-eight gallons, and that delivered and carried away all at one time, under pain of forfeiting the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars for each offence.
SEC. 2. All forfeitures incurred under the foregoing shall be put to such use as the town shall from time to time direct.
March 19, 1849, a committee of seven were chosen to prosecute all violations of the liquor law with unlimited authority.
March 1I, 1850, at a meeting held this day it was " voted that any person who shall prosecute to conviction, any person guilty of the viola- tion of any law regulating the sale of spirituous or fermented liquors shall receive from the treasurer of the town the sum of twenty - five dollars for the expense attending said prosecutions, the same to be paid on ap- plication, after having been approved by the selectmen."
During the month of May, 1851, Rev. Henry Morgan came into town, and created no little enthusiasm throughout the town on the sub- ject of temperance. His cause was the theme of conversation in the parlor, workshop, and by the way. Parents, cousins and friends joined in the work with children and youth. The clergymen, also, rendered valuable aid; so that, when Mr. Morgan left town, it was with a cheerful heart, and a list of seventeen hundred signers to the pledge, which was more names, in proportion to the population, than he had obtained in any other town.
489
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
Among those who were especially entitled to credit for being active in the labor of procuring signers to the pledge, were Gardner J. Kingman, Joseph Vincent, Ellis .V. Lyon, Frederic Packard, Lucretia A. Drake, Alma F. Leach, Bradford E. Jones, Ellen A. Howard. Martha A. Packard, and Bethia Hayward.
The citizens of the town held a public meeting at Satucket Hall, September 10, 1851. The meeting was called to order by George B. Dunbar, and Dr. Henry Eddy chosen president, and the following reso- lution was passed :
Resolved, That the friends of temperance in this town are in favor of enforcing the law for the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks, now and always, by every means in their power, both legal and moral, and that, too, against the whims and moans of a conscienceless class of persons who are willing for a few dollars to scatter destruction among their fellow-citizens.
January 21, 1852, a mammoth petition, containing one hundred and twenty thousand names in favor of the " Maine Law," was presented to the Legislature of Massachusetts. Many friends (one hundred and twenty-six) of the temperance movement repaired to Boston from Brockton, to join in a procession that was formed at Tremont Temple, to accompany the roll to the State-House.
March 1, 1852, “ voted to instruct our town representative to vote for the bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks, as originally reported to the Senate by the committee, and that he also be instructed to oppose the sending of the bill to the people for their ratification."
A public temperance meeting was held at the vestry of the Methodist Church, August 9, 1852, Dr. Henry Eddy, president, at which a com- mittee of forty-two were chosen to inform of, and furnish evidence of, violations of the new and stringent law for the suppression of the sale of intoxicating liquors.
March 20, 1854. "voted to exclude alcoholic drinks from the fire department." Also, " voted that any member of the same that shall become intoxicated while on duty at a fire shall be excluded from the department."
SINCLAIR BAND OF HOPE .- Organized in 1858. This association was under the direction of the superintendent of the Porter Church
62
490
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Sabbath-school, the object of which was to encourage the young to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco, and profanity.
NORTH STAR DIVISION, NO. 88, SONS OF TEMPERANCE .- This division was instituted February 23, 1859, and was known by the above name. "The design of this association is to shield all classes from the evils of intemperance, afford mutual assistance in case of sickness, and elevate their characters as. men." The charter of this association was surrendered December 4, 1863.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS .- FRATERNAL LODGE No. 24 .- Many of the earliest efforts of the temperance cause were ac- cording to the methods of the Independent Order of Good Templars. Every representative of the Good Templar ideal is an apostle of temper- ance ideas and principles, and their influence is more widely felt than that of most any other order.
This lodge was constituted September 22, 1860, by the Grand Tem- ple of the Independent Order of Good Templars of the State of Massa- chusetts, who granted unto the following members to be a lodge, located at North Bridgewater ( now Brockton ) under the name of Fraternal Lodge No. 24 :
Charter Members .- Isaac T. Packard, George R. Whitney, Clement Ells, C. F. Sylvester, C. G. Keeney, Charles W. Gardner, H. F. Perkins, D. T. Soper, L. Preston Howard, John W. Porter, Robert Clifford, H. C. R. Sherman, Isaac Littlefield, Elizabeth F. Gardner, Catharine P. Cobb, Elizabeth Pierce, L. W. Harmon, A. P. Kingman, Charles N. Pierce, Ephraim Bailey, Hannah Bailey, Jennie Bryant, John Filoon.
Officers .- Isaac T. Packard, W. C. T .; Catharine P. Cobb, W. V. T .; H. C. R. Sherman, Chap .; C. F. Sylvester, Sec. ; Hannah Bailey, A. S. ; C. G. Kenney, F. S .; A. P. Kingman, Treas. ; Charles W. Gardner, Mar. ; Maria Fletcher, D. M .; Jennie Bryant, J. G. ; John W. Potter, O. G .; Lydia Fuller, R. H. S .; Hattie E. Dealing, L. H. S. ; George R. Whitney, P. W. C. T.
A new charter was granted and a new lodge constituted May 20, 1867, with the following membership: Rufus L. Thatcher, Alpheus Holmes, H. H. Filoon, Benjamin P. Lucas, Frank Hervey, N. W. Stod- dard, O. B. Hervey, R. L. Thatcher, jr., Pauline B. Whitney, Wealthy Packard, Catherine P. Cobb, George R. Whitney, Joseph M. Hyde,
191
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
Julia Hyde, Charles W. Gardner, Betsy Copeland, Abigail Holmes, Hannah Bailey, E. S. Fletcher, M. K. Hayward, George M. Copeland, Nelson Marble, Elizabeth F. Gardner, L. E. Packard, George B. Dun- bar, W. Lithgow, G. W. S .; E. S. Mitchell, G. W. C. T.
Officers for 1892 .- Walter Hayward, C. T .; Mrs. Jennie Holmes, V. T. ; Miss Minnie H. Chamberlain, Sec .; W. L. Hathaway, Fin. Sec .; Frank Richardson. Treas .; Howard Slocomb, M .; Alice Capen, A. S .; Mrs. L. K. Holmes, C .; Florence Page, G. ; E. B. Morse, Sen. ; John Parker, P. C. T .; Josie Luther, S. of J. T .; Hannah Bailey, D. G. C. T. Meetings are held in Good Templars' Hall, Bay State Block, No. 53 Centre street, every Friday evening.
TEMPLE LODGE, Campello, was instituted August 7, 1871. First offi- cers : William H. Rounds, W. C. T .; Elena Macoy, W. V. T. ; George H. Haven, W. C. ; S. Nellie Foss, W. S. E. C. ; Nathan H. Washburn, W. A. S .; Joseph R. Reach, W. F. S .; Edmund B. Fanning, W. Treas ; William H. Thayer, W. M .; Lydia C. Davenport, W. D. M. ; Emily C. Wood, W. I. G .; George C. Sawyer, W. O. G .; Mary G. Washburn. W. R. H. S .; Rebecca M. Davenport, W. L. H. S. ; George Churchill, P. W. C. T. ; George P. Hawkes, G. W. S .; George S. Ball, G. W. C. T.
Officers for 1892 .- Clifford Chase, C. T .; Florence Hayward, V. T. ; Lester Stetson, P. C. T. ; Alice Stewart, S. ; Amanda Perkins, Asst. S. ; Fred Tinkham, F. S. ; Josiah A. Perkins, J .; John Parkinson, M. ; Jen- nie King, D. M .; Alice Mullein, C .; Bessie Greenleaf, G .; Russ H. Gilbert, Sen. ; Lillian Shurtleff, S. J. of T. Number of members, 177. Meetings held Monday evenings at Good Templars' Hall, Bay State Block, 53 Centre street.
Another organization known as Eagle Wing Division No. 109, was instituted at Campello, January 1, 1861, which lived only a short time.
OLD COLONY DISTRICT TEMPERANCE UNION .- August 14, 1863, the State of Massachusetts was divided into thirty districts, and in each was formed a District Temperance Union. Such an one was formed, incuding North Bridgewater, now Brockton, East and West Bridge- water, Lakeville and Carver, and was known as the Old Colony District Temperance Union. George B. Dunbar was vice-president and Rev, William A. Start, secretary and treasurer.
492
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
BROCKTON TEMPERANCE UNION .- Rev. Samuel L. Beal, prest. ; Mrs. L. B. Willis, David Seabury, vice-pres. ; Mrs. W. W. Packard, sec. ; W. A. Broderick, treasurer; Eleazer Cole, marshal; George W. Easton, Lewis Ford, Mrs. F. E. Osborne, F. C. Gardner, Mrs. H. L. Collier, Alpheus Holmes, N. J. Spinney, executive committee ; Mrs. W. W. Packard, Mrs. F. E. Osborne, Mrs. G. V. Scott, Mrs F. L. Stone, Miss Mary Anna Gardner, G. V. Scott, Frank E. Johnson, N. J. Spinney, Frank Lincoln, entertainment committee.
This union was organized by Rev. C. M. Winchester, October 9, 1875, who was, by its constitution, made its perpetual president, and who, until February, 1877, managed its affairs. On the 17th of that month Rev. S. L. Beal was chosen president; Rev. C. M. Winchester, vice-president ; R. F. Eaton, Miss Eva M. Bates, Herbert L. Willis, secretaries ; Thomas Keith, organist. Music, readings, speeches, tem- perance discussions, and kindred exercises formed the basis of the meet- ings, which attracted a large number of young people, and the signa- tures to the pledge amounted to three hundred and fourteen, and a membership of two hundred and fifty-five was secured under and during Mr. Winchester's management.
On February 3, 1877, Mr. Winchester being about to leave town, re- signed, and on the 17th of the same month a committee consisting of Lewis Ford, Mrs. W. Packard, Mrs. L. B. Willis and C. F. Woodbury, were elected February 10, 1877, to revise the constitution. On the 17th a new constitution was adopted, among which are the following articles :
First. The object of the union shall be the reformation of any and all persons who sell or use intoxicating drinks, and to help each other to watch and guard against the encroachments of a common foe. We will diligently labor, using such lawful means and measures as may seem to us most effective in creating a healthful public sentiment which shall rout this monster enemy, Intemperance, from our firesides and social circles, the church and the State. And while we deem it important to guard against any par- tisan or sectarian feeling or discussion in our deliberations, we believe it the right and privilege of any one to proclaim against any and everything standing in the way of the onward march of the cause we have espoused. And we invoke the help of Almighty God that we may be enabled to attack the enemy whenever or wherever we may find him, without fear or compromise.
Second. Any person may become a member of the union by assenting to the con- stitution, taking the pledge, and paying the sum of twenty-five cents, each member contributing to the funds of the union from week to week, as his or her means will allow.
493
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
Third. Pledge : I solemnly promise, with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, that I will not make, buy, sell or use any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider as a bever- age. And I will use my best endeavors to induce all others to form and keep the same good resolution.
At this meeting the following officers were chosen : Rev. S. L. Beal, president ; William E. Houghton, Mrs. Fannie Winchester, Mrs. Clara Packard, C. F. Woodbury, treasurer ; H. L. Higgins, marshal.
For some reason the Union met at Concert Hall, November 30, 1879, when the Union was dissolved, as appears by the following resolution, which was adopted :
" Resolved, That in view of the present condition of the Temperance cause in our midst, and in view of the importance of concentrated effort, we, as a society, disband, hoping by oneness of action in the general movement already inaugurated in Brockton to effect the more speedy triumph of our cause."
A committee, consisting of W. A Broderick, Lewis Ford, and Mrs. W. W. Packard, were appointed to settle the affairs of the Union.
GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY .- This was an organization established October, 1876, in the interest of general reform work, particularly tem- perance, lectures, and entertainments, literary and musical ; a reading room was established, and regular club meetings were held in the read- ing room on Wednesday evenings. The different religious societies kindly co-operated in their efforts at reform work of every kind with this society. The society had the names of over six hundred on their pledge, very few of which have ever been violated.
A similar organization was established at Campello, doing the same kind of work, having the same object in view, viz., that of general re- form work, in which political or sectarian discussion is prohibited by their constitution.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION .- This association was organized February 28, 1878. The first meeting was held in the Methodist Church. The following were the officers : Mrs. E. Bailey, president ; Mrs. A. Gurney, secretary ; Mrs. Alden Gushee, Mrs. E. Bailey, Mrs. H. Merritt, Mrs. E. Holmes, vice-presidents.
Officers for 1892 :- Mrs. George W. Cobb, president ; Mrs. Ephraim Bailey, Mrs. G. A. Newhall, Mrs. Isam Mitchell, Mrs. Lysander Gurney, vice-presidents ; Mrs. Martha G. Weston, secretary ; Mrs. S. A. Saville,
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
treasurer ; Mrs. George E. Keith, Mrs. Jane P. Reed, Mrs. Aug. T. Jones, Mrs. Matson, executive committee.
"The chief object of this union shall be to inaugurate effective measures whereby the traffic in intoxicants shall be banished from among us."
Meetings are held every Friday in Joslyn's Hall, 26 Centre street.
CRYSTAL ROCK JUVENILE TEMPLARS .- Corrinne Holmes, C. T .; Herbert Dalton, V. T .; Ruth Lothrop, C .; Charles Fanning, S .; Min- nie De Neves, A. S .; Walter N. Foss, F. S .; William Moors, T .; Lina Macoy, W .; Walter Packard, D. M .; Sumner Cobb, R. H. S .; Her- man Davenport, L. H. S .; Leonard Stearns, P. C. T.
ST. PATRICK'S TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY .- This is the title of an organization formed in February, 1881, in the interests of the tem- perance cause and had about one hundred and twenty five members. The principal and leading spirit in this movement was Rev. Patrick H. Clark, an assistant curate in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, of which the Rev. Thomas B. McNulty was the pastor. His earnest efforts in this direction, and in promoting the welfare of the young peo- ple of Brockton, are well remembered by all those with whom he be- came acquainted The officers were Rev. Patrick H. Clark president ; Daniel Conelly, vice president ; John J. Morton, recording secretary ; Matthew Morris, financial secretary ; Patrick Kent, treasurer; Arthur Diamond, Charles L. McCann, Patrick Gilmore, Joseph Murphy, T. J. Smith, directors.
Officers for 1892 :
John J. Gallagher, president; Thomas Barry, vice-president ; James H. Drohan, recording secretary; Dennis Collins, financial secretary ; John C. Kelly, treasurer; Patrick Malarkey, Patrick McIntree, and William Leary, trustees ; Patrick Doyle, janitor.
Meetings held every Sunday at 4 o'clock, P. M., at S. P. T. A. S. Hall, 28 Ward street.
PEOPLE'S TEMPERANCE UNION .- Organized April 1, 1881. Officers for 1892; George W. Penniman, president; Russ H. Gilbert, recording secretary ; John Mandeville, financial secretary ; A. G. Tinkham, treasurer ; Edwin Sawtell, chaplain.
495
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
Meetings every Sunday at 5 P. M. at Ladies' Aid Hall, Crescent block, 7 Crescent street.
GOOD SAMARITAN DIVISION, No. 60, Sons of Temperance, organ- ized January 15, 1887. Officers for 1892: Mrs. George Nutting, P. WV. P. ; Mrs. Thomas Alexander, W. P .; George Nutting, W. A. ; H. H. Johnson, R. S .; Mrs. Jennie Tibbitts, Assist. R. S .; Lizzie G. Perry, F. S. ; Mrs. L. K. Holmes, treasurer ; Mrs. Sarah Bond, chap. ; Charles E. Goodwin, con. ; Mrs. H. H. Johnson, assist. con .; Charles Johnson, I. S .; William Johnson, O. S.
Meetings held in Good Templars' Hall, Bay State block, 53 Centre street.
HARRISON LODGE, No. 248, I. O. G. T .- Organized November 9, 1889. Officers for 1892 : Rufus Carr, P. C. T. ; Herbert W. Hall, G. T. ; Miss Ida Packard, V. T .; Henry Alger, financial secretary ; Miss Hattie Snow, secretary ; Miss Nettie M. Alger, assistant secretary ; Lester Packard, treasurer ; Miss Alice Leonard, chaplain; Frank L. Turner, marshal ; Miss Lena M. Snow, deputy marshal ; Mrs. Edward P. Bird, I. S .; Atwood W. Ford, O. S.
Meetings are held every Wednesday evening at Hancock engine house, Pearl street, Brockton Heights.
ST. PATRICK'S TOTAL ABSTINENCE CADETS is a collection of two hundred or more boys under fifteen years of age who signed the pledge to abstain from all intoxicating liquors until they arrive to the age of twenty-one years. They were organized on Sunday, May 15, 1881, by Father Doherty.
We have thus far seen that the movements of the temperance cause in Brockton are not unlike those in most other towns and cities. There have been at different times various temperance organizations, both among the adult population and the children. It is to be hoped that the efforts to restrain the free use of intoxicating liquors may still con- tinue as in time past, that the baneful effects of intoxication may not in- crease, but grow beautifully less.
496
HISTORY OF BROCKTON,
CHAPTER XXIII.
OFFICIAL HISTORY.
Selectmen-Town Clerks-Moderators of Town Meetings-Treasurers- Assessors- Engineers of the Fire Department-Representatives to the General Court-List from the City of Brockton-Councillors-Senators-Coroners-Justices of the Peace- Notaries Public-Commissioners to Qualify Civil Officers-Deputy Sheriffs-Com- missioners of Insolvency -- Masters in Chancery-Public Administrators-Registers in Pharmacy-District Attorneys-Commissioners on Health, Lunacy and Charity- Medical Examiners-Commissioners on Metropolitan Sewerage (Boston).
A LIST of those having held positions of trust and confidence can hardly fail to be of interest to us as showing the estimate in which they were held by their fellow-citizens. To be a Selectman or "Townsman," as they were sometimes called, was considered as being one of the "fathers of the town." The selectmen have nearly the control of the affairs of a town, and it is very common, even to this day, in town meetings "to refer the matter to the selectmen, with full powers," or to leave business at the discretion of the selectmen with suggestions from the town. Hence the value that should be placed upon such officers, and the reason why none but men of good judg- ment and integrity should be selected. Anything and everything, not otherwise provided by law, in regard to town affairs, falls by custom to the care of the selectmen ; and generally such men have been chosen.
SELECTMEN .- List of selectmen from the incorporation of the towns of North Bridgewater and Brockton, to its incorporation as a city :
Howard Cary, 1821, '22, '23, '24. Zachariah Gurney, 1821, '22, '23. Abel Kingman, 1821, '22, '23. Eliphalet Kingman, 1824, '25, '26, '27, '28. Ephraim Cole, jr., 1824, '25, '26, '27, '28. John Packard, 1824, '25. Robert Packard, 1824. Caleb Howard, 1824.
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