USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue county, including a sketch of the territory and state of Minnesota > Part 49
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Few of them had on their arrival anything to commence with but
469
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
faith and a strong arm. Many of them could not pay their own fare over the sea, but had, with their first earnings to pay back that outlay. When the older settlers get in better circumstances, they frequently send money to friends and relatives in Norway, with which to defray their expenses to this country.
As soon as they arrive, they commence working with a good will, and, almost universally, their exertions have been crowned with success. It is a fact, that hardly any immigrant with so small a beginning, do as well as the Norwegians. Wherever they have been settled for some time the country shows good cultivation, splendid barns and commodious habitations.
The kind of property the Norwegians value most is landed estate. The first settlers tried to stretch themselves over as much land as they could, occupying land for their relations and friends yet to come, besides what they claimed for themselves. New land seekers were frequently turned off with the information that all the surrounding land was taken. The boundaries were sometimes so extravagant that controversies ensued with later arrivals, which on one occasion, at least, degenerated into blows. This collision caused the " Club Law,"-estab- lished by some of the old settlers, for the retention of their extravagant claims-to be abolished.
A battle with clubs, axe handles, etc., was fought on sec. 30, Wana- mingo township, with damaging results to more pates than one.
As soon as the claim was secured, work commenced, preparing the ground for the seed, grubbing out the brush and breaking the soil. The lodgings were inferior, and for a long time confined to the primitive log hut, which, however, was solid and warm.
As the Norwegians care well for their domestic animals, the first improvements in the way of buildings, are good and substantial stables and farms. They do not, for immediate use, build a smaller and cheaper structure, but they wait until able to build at once, large and solid, and then, economical as they are, they do not shun the expense. "The best is the cheapest," is their motto.
As soon as the Norwegian has got a comfortable home, and often before, he looks around for more land, and buys of his neighbor, if he can ; thus the price of land rises in Norwegian neighborhoods. In the township of Wanamingo-which is the center of the Norwegian settle- ments-land has sold within a year for as high as $50 per acre, which is nearly one-fourth higher than the same quality of land will sell for in other parts of the county.
That part of the farmers who have been less successful in securing
470
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
for themselves lands or property, frequently sell out and remove to other parts of the country, where they can get equally good land for Iess money.
Neighbors of other nationalities, especially Americans, who have somewhat different ideas of life, particularly in regard to the social relations, generally leave the neighborhood if the, yet, to them, unfa- miliar Norwegians, who often can only express themselves in a foreign language, and remove to where they have their own countrymen for neighbors.
A difference in the national habits will also be seen in the way of settling. The Americans, like most other nationalities, are gregarious, and prefer to live together in villages in some places in this country. American villages, in otherwise Norwegian settlements, is the only American element for a long distance.
The Norwegians prefer to build each at a distance from the other. Everybody likes to have his own for himself and at a distance from his next neighbor, and to be as near as possible " Monarch of all he surveys, his rights none to dispute."
Wanamingo township was organized May 11, 1858, by the election of the following officers: supervisors, O. Hansen, chairman ; N. K. Fenne and J. G. Brown ; town clerk, J. T. Wright; justice of the peace, W. R. Brown; constable, Warren Illson; assessor, N. K. Fenne.
The following is a list of the officers serving :
Supervisors : 1859, Geo. W. Duffy, (ch'n .; ) Saave Knudson and Halver Olson ; 1860, T. J. Smith, (ch'n .; ) Halver Olson and Thor Einertson ; 1861, T. J. Smith, (ch'n .; ) Saave Knudson and Coelboern Nelson ; 1862, Hans H. Holtan, (ch'n .; ) J. T. Leet and Wm. Williamson ; 1863, Hans H. Holtan, (ch'n .; ) Coelbroen Nelson and I. C. Swift; 1864, A. P. Jack- son, (ch'n .; ) Knut Sanden and Hans M. Sande; 1865, A. P. Jackson, (ch'n .; ) Hans M. Sande and Knut Sanden ; 1866, A. P. Jackson, (ch'n .; ) Hans M. Sande and Knut Sanden; 1867, A. P. Jackson, (ch'n .; ) Hans M. Sande and Knut Sanden; 1868, A. P. Jackson, (ch'n .; ) O. J. Wing and N. K. Fenne ; 1869, Hans H. Holtan, (ch'n .; ) O. J. Wing and Chris. Sanden; this board served till 1873. O. J. Wing, (ch'n .; ) G. C. Gunder- son and Chas. Anderson ; 1874, G. C. Gunderson, (ch'n .; ) Chas. Ander- son and John Swenson; this board served till 1877. G. C. Gunderson, (ch'n. ; ) John Swenson and A. T. Rygh; this board is still serving.
Assessors : 1859, N. K. Fenne; 1860, Saare Knudson ; 1861 to 1863, Neri Halgeson; 1864, Charles Paulson; 1865, E. E. Sevareid ; 1866 to 1868, John Paulson ; 1869, Elef Olson ; 1870 and 1871, Hans M. Sande, 1872 and 1873, Ole O. Follingstad; 1874 to 1877, Hans M. Sande; 1878, Ole O. Huset.
471
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
Justices of the peace: 1859, W. R. Brown and George W. Duffy ; 1860, T. J. Smith; 1862, W. R. Brown; 1863, Charles Paulson ; 1864, J. P. Leet ; 1865, Charles Paulson ; 1866, J. P. Leet ; 1867, C. Paulson and W. R. Brown; 1868, A. P. Jackson and N. J. Ottun; 1869, W. R. Brown; 1870, A. P. Jackson ; 1871, W. R. Brown; 1872, N. J. Ottun ; 1873, Christ Hveem; 1874, N. J. Ottun and T. T. Cochran ; 1875, Hans M. Sande; 1876, N. J. Ottun; 1877, Hans M. Sande; 1878, Ole O. Huset.
Township clerks : 1859, O. Hansen; 1860 and 1861, W. R. Brown; 1862, A. P. Jackson ; 1863, Benj. Clark; 1864 and 1865, J. P. Leet ; 1866 to 1868, N. J. Ottun, who has been elected at each succeeding election to the present time.
Collector : 1858, Knut Sanden ; served two years.
Treasurer : 1860, Wm. Williamson ; 1862, W. R. Roulet ; 1864, G. C. Gunderson ; 1866, Chas. Paulson; 1868, J. Paulson; 1869, Thorsten Anderson ; 1870, E. E. Sevareid, who has served to the present time.
Constables : 1859, Ole Olson ; 1860, Ole Olson and S. Glaz; 1862, Lewis Throp; 1863, Wm. Miller and Wm. Johnson ; 1864, Wm. R. Boulet ; 1865, Wm. Miller; 1866, Wm. Johnson ; 1867, Wm. Johnson and Wm. Miller ; 1868, Charles Anderson ; 1869, Thron Julickson and Wm. Johnson ; 1870, Wm. Johnson ; 1871, Thron Julickson ; 1873, Erik Nelson ; 1875 and 1876, John Sevenson ; 1877, T. I. Laaven, who still serves.
Overseers of the poor: 1858, Torger O. Rygh ; 1859, John Wing; 1863, Kling Johnson; 1864 and 1865, Coelboern Nelson ; 1866, K. J. Naeset ; 1867, Hans H. Holtan ; 1868, Hans M. Sande ; 1869, Torger O. Rygh ; 1871, Lars Olson ; 1872 and 1873, Swent Johnson; 1875, Hans M. Sande. According to the township records, no officer has been elected since.
MINNEOLA.
The first claim in this township was made in May, 1855, by Christian Peterson, who made his selection on sec. 26, upon which he erected a rude habitation, consisting of brush, with which the land at that time was mostly covered. This shelter was improved in the fall of the year by a few boards, and such material as the unbroken wilderness afforded. These hardships were shared by John Mabee and A. C. Ernsted. These claims were made in June, 1855, Mabee locating his claim on sec. 35, where he lived until the spring of 1856, when he returned to Norway.
472
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
Ernsted made his claim on sec. 26, and in 1856 occupied the deserted claim of Mabee, where he has since made it his home. Here are to be seen the records of his advancement and prosperity, in the preserva- tion of the old pioneer hut, and some years later a larger and at that time commodious dwelling, which is now nearly obscured by a beauti- ful residence, which is but just completed at this date, October, 1878. The size of this building is 32 by 24 feet, with an addition 18 by 24. The exterior is painted white. On the west side is a portico, 32 feet long, surmounted by pillars of fine workmanship and design. To the front, facing the south, is a large bay window, through which the autumn sun warms into life the rare plants and flowers that adorn it. Above them creeps the ivy with its delicate foliage, kissing the wel- come sunshine.
The interior is finished in artistic style, and contains sixteen rooms, with all the modern conveniences. These are the living pioneers of this township. But while we write of the living, let us turn to one, at least, who participated in those hardships, and was called to a better home at a time when he had just began to reap the benefit of his toil. That man was Daniel Eames, who made his claim in 1855. He was a man of sterling worth, and died in 1859, honored and beloved by all who knew him.
Julius Peck arrived in 1856 with the first team of horses owned in the township. Same year Messrs. Nichols and Ford built a flouring mill on the north branch of the Zumbro, in the southeast portion of the town. Another mill was erected on the same stream, about six miles above this, located on the line between Minneola and Wanamingo, the Zumbro forming the boundary.
This mill was then owned by Nelson and Olson. There are four blacksmith shops in Minneola. The first being built by Bant Thompson, in 1859. These shops are all doing a prosperous business, the proprie- tors of which make it their exclusive business. The population of Minneola, is composed largely of Norwegians and Germans. In 1867, the Norwegians erected the first frame church in the southeast corner of the township, at a cost of $3,500. It is capable of accommodating 400 or 500 persons, and has a membership of 1,000.
The first minister was B. A. Mews. The pulpit is now occupied by John Yalversacker. Considerable attention is paid to educational interests, and there are a number of good school houses, in which schools are taught the greater portion of the year. Many of these school houses, as well as the better residences, were built by Hon. A. J. Gro- ver, architectural mechanic of the township. The first school taught
473
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
was sustained by private patronage, in 1856, there being at that time no school district organized. Charles Locke was the teacher.
Rev. Charles Shedd held church service as early as 1856, soon after his arrival. The following year a Sabbath School was organized with a fair number of pupils in attendance. In 1862, the school was re-organ- ized, and has since flourished. Eli Mendenhall was superintendent some four or five years. The Methodists organized a society in 1868, and hold divine service on the Sabbath in the school houses.
A company composed of Ezra Wilder, H. H. Palmer, T. P. Kellett and others, built a large cheese factory on section 36, within the limits of Zumbrota. The town of Minneola was first organized as a part of Zum- brota, but was set off with a distinct organization in 1860.
The German Methodists have a fine church edifice in the north por- tion of the township; also the German Lutheran farther to the west of the town.
The first birth in the township was Eddie Crowell, June, 1857. The first marriage was between George Rees and Harriet Wightman, June, 1858. The first death was Daniel Eames, October 4, 1859.
The first school was taught in the house of Julius Peck, by Charles W. Warlock, in the winter of 1857-8. Rev. Mr. Waldron preached the hrst sermon at the residence of Daniel Eames, in which the first public school was taught by Miss Mary Dickey.
In 1871, a school house was erected on section 23, and was first taught by John Aldrich. The present teacher is Endora E. Carver. The school has an average attendance of thirty scholars. The growth and development of this township has been rapid and permanent in mechanical, educational and all other interests pertaining to the sub- stantial prosperity of an agricultural people.
ZUMBROTA.
Township No. 110, ranges 15 and 16. Organized July 5, 1858. The first settler was William Fiske, who located a claim in the southeast part of the township, on Dry Run, in the spring of 1854. In early life he was a resident of Maine, and subsequently entered upon a seafaring life, which occupation he followed for some years. He was a bachelor and hermit in his way, which is demonstrated by the secluded spot he chose for a residence after coming to this county. He died in 1878, and was buried in the cemetery at Mazeppa, Wabasha county, Minn. John Cameron died December, 1856, which was the first death in the
474
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
township. William E. Winter was married in May, 1857, being the first marriage in the township.
In the fall of 1855 Rev. H. N. Gates, a missionary, who had been laboring in Iowa, returned to Stafford, Connecticut, where he had formerly lived, and proposed organizing an emigration company to establish a colony in the West. The first meeting was held in Stafford, at which time the company was organized, under the name of the "Stafford Western Emigration Company," with Albert Barrett, of Staf- ford, president, and Charles Ward, of Lowell, Mass., secretary. The fol- lowing members constituted the board: T. P. Kellett, Josiah Thomp- son, Joseph Bailey, D. B. Godard, Dr. Ira Perry, James Elwell, Milton Bonner, Samuel Chaffee, Ruben A. Smith and C. C. Webster. At a meeting held in Palmer, Mass., January, 1856, they adjourned to meet at Lowell, February, 1856.
One hundred and sixty persons had joined the association at the time of the adjourned meeting in Lowell, and the capital stock paid in at that time was $30,000. At this meeting Rev. H. N. Gates, Albert Barrett and Mr. Sherwood were appointed a committee to go to Iowa or Minnesota and purchase a township of land. The funds of the asso- ciation were placed at the disposal of Rev. H. N. Gates, chairman of the committee. The time this organization left for the West is not definitely given, but it is safe to say it was soon after this meeting. Nothing was heard from the committee after their departure until the latter part of May, 1866, when a call for a meeting was issued by secre- tary Charles Ward, and that the committee had returned and would report. Gates and Sherwood both made reports, but disagreed, and the company disbanded. A new company was formed soon after, changing the name to " Strafford Western Emigration Company." The members were Josiah Thompson, Ira Perry, Joseph Bailey, D. B. Godard, T. P. Kellett, and Samuel Shaffee.
In August, 1866, some of the members of this company came to this part of Minnesota, and after looking over the country in different local- ities, Samuel Shaffee, with Godard and Bailey, came across the Zumbro River Valley, with the intention of returning east via Red Wing. As they ascended the hill north of where Zumbrota now stands, Samuel Shaffee discovered the beauties of the valley, and to him belongs the honor of discovering the place where the company located. The follow- ing day they arrived in Red Wing, where Mr. Shaffee was taken ill, and died Aug. 9, 1856. He is buried in the cemetery in Red Wing. All honor to the memory of those who have passed away, and to the names of those who have been spared to see the wigwams and camp fires of the Indians give way to palatial dwellings.
475
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
There was quite a tide of immigration to Zumbrota, chiefly among those who belonged to the Strafford Emigration Company, in the fall of 1856 and spring of 1857.
Frink and Walker's stage route, from Dubuque to St. Paul, had previ- ously been established through the township, but the route was changed in March, 1857, and led through the village of Zumbrota. T. P. Kellett was the first postmaster.
For the above information we are indebted to C. C. Webster, Esq., one of the pioneers of those days.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
As will be seen, the following catalogue shows the township officers from its organization to the present time :
CHAIRMAN OF SUPERVISORS.
TOWN CLERK.
JUSTICES.
JUSTICES.
ASSESSOR.
TREASURER.
1858
I. C. Stearns, 1859
Charles Jewett, 1859
Charles Ward, 1859
R. G. Hawks, 1859
James Cram. H. Blanchard,
C. S. Spendly. James Cram.
J. A. Thacher,
I. C. Stearns, appointed July 1st, 1859.
1860
1860
I. W. Blake,
1860
T. P. Kellett, 1861
T. P. Kellett. J. A. Thacher.
1864
Thos. P. Kellett,
F. Pierson.
F. Pierson.
I. C. Stearns.
1865
J. A. Thacher,
1867
1867
S. C. Holland,
J. A. Thacher, 1867
1867
1869
1868
1868
1868
I. W. Blake,
1868
1869
1869
1869
1869
1869
1869
1870
1870
1870
1870
1870
1870
1871
M. H. Thorson,
1871
1871 1872
1872
1872
1874
Charles Ward, 1875
E. M. Woodbury, 1875
1874
1874
1874
1876
1876
1876
D. B. Scofield, 1876
1875
1875
S. C. Holland,
1877
1877
O. H. Parker, 1878
1877
1877 1878
D. B. Scofield. 1878
H. Pengilly. 1878
1878
H. Blanchard, appointed Nov. 23.1859.
1860 1861
A. W. Williamson. I. C. Stearns.
1861
1861
F. D. Hill,
1862
1I. Blanchard.
Charles Ward,
1863
1863
H. Blanchard.
I. C. Stearns, 1864
H. Blanchard, 1865 1866
1865
1865
Geo. M Allen, 1866
1871
1871
S. B. Barteau,
1872
E. W. Conant,
1873
O. H. Parker.
1873
H. Blanchard,
1873
1873
1875
1876
W. B. Dickey. 1877 1878
In the war days, the township raised the handsome sum of $5,500 for bounty purposes : a noble tribute to their loyalty and patriotism.
VILLAGE OF ZUMBROTA.
Aaron Doty entered the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of section 31, in 1856. The village was platted on this land by the Strafford Emigration Company, in September, 1856. Bailey and Thomp- son made an addition, which is called North Zumbrota in 1857. The west addition was made by Josiah Thompson, on section 36, Min- neola township. The first house was built by C. W. Smith. It was a log structure, 14x18, and built on the south bank of the Zumbrota
1866
1866
1866
1862
1862
476
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
River. It is still standing at this date, October, 1878. Smith being a land speculator, he could not pre-empt the land, so he got Aaron Doty to take the claim and live in the house he had built. In 1857, Smith moved away, and was last heard of in Bay City, Michigan. The first store building was erected in October, 1856, by Thomas P. Kellett, in which he kept the first store. Miss Lizzie Shedd taught the first school, in the fall of 1857. A public school building was erected in 1865, 30x42, and was burned in 1870. The present school building was built in 1870, and is a two-story frame structure partitioned into four rooms. The following teachers are now in charge: William A. Snook, principal ; Osmar H. Parker, first assistant; Persis E. Scofield, second assistant.
PRESS.
The "Zumbrota Independent," was established March 25, 1875, by E. A. Mitchell, the present editor and proprietor. In the beginning, it was a six column to the page folio sheet, then seven columns, eight columns, and it now speaks to the people a quarto sheet of forty col- umns. It is independent in politics, devoted to the interests of Goodhue county in general, and Zumbrota in particular. It has labored faithfully in behalf of the railroad interests of that section, enjoys a good circula- tion and is liberally supported.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
HERMAN LODGE NO. 41 .- A. F. AND A. M.
Received their charter Oct. 24, 1866, with William Bickford, as W. M. ; H. H. Palmer, S. W .; and James L. Scofield, J. W. The first meet- ings were held in a building owned by Mr. Blanchard, on Main street. After being located in different places, in 1873 they rented a hall of S. B. Barteau, where they have since held meetings. Present officers are C. B. Anderson, W. M .; D. B. Scofield, S. W. ; and B. C. Grover, J. W.
MOUNT CARMON CHAPTER NO. 23.
Charter granted June 25, 1874, with H. H. Palmer, H. P .; S. S. Worth- ing, K. ; O. H. Hall, S. The membership is now 50, with H. H. Palmer, H. P .; C. B. Anderson, K .; James Wilkinson, scribe.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR .- ESTHER CHAPTER NO. 4.
Charter granted June 9, 1874, with the following officers : Isaac W.
477
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
Blake, W. P .; Mrs. Climena Blake, W. M .; and Marion C. George, A. M.
I. O. G. T.
Zumbrota Lodge No. 154. Organized January 24, 1877, with twenty- four charter members. The charter officers were D. B. Scofield, W. C. T .; Amanda Dam, W. V. T .; Ed. Mitchell, secretary ; and Mrs. D. B. Scofield, treasurer.
The present membership is 127. Meet on Main street every Friday evening. Present officers are Mrs. Cooper, W. C. T .; Miss May Shedd, W. V. T .; George Elliott, secretary ; and Rose Buchholtz, treasurer.
CHURCHES.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
In August, 1856, a small number of persons held religious services every Sabbath, which was conducted by some of the members. The ensuing spring, after families of the settlers had arrived and some addi- tions were made to their number, steps were taken to organize a church. A temporary organization was formed in April, 1857, Rev. Charles Shedd as supply. June 28, 1857, the church was properly organized, with a membership of fourteen, Rev. Shedd continuing as supply until October, 1857.
At a meeting held September 4, 1857, the following officers were elected : Alpheus Hall, clerk ; Charles Ward, treasurer; Josiah Thomp- son, Charles Ward, and Joseph Bailey, committee. Albert Barrett and Charles Ward, deacons.
About this time they began holding services in a public hall over the store now occupied by Thomas P. Kellett, where they remained until 1862, when a church was built, 36x56, at a cost, including bell and furniture, of $3,000. It would be proper to state in this connection that the ladies of this church raised by subscription and otherwise $602, for the bell, fixtures and hanging. All honor to the ladies of the Congregational Church at Zumbrota. The membership of the church at the present writing is 148. Average attendance at Sabbath School, 150, with J. B. Lock, superintendent ; George Sanderson and J. C. Stearnes, deacons ; Charles Ward, clerk, and Bond Olson, treasurer.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Rev. Isaac Waldron, from Northfield, assisted by Rev. Mr. Shephard,
478
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
held services in a little board house owned by Joseph Cate, June, 1858. July 17, 1858, the church was organized with a membership of thirteen. Samuel Person was elected deacon. Their present church edifice was built in 1864, and is 24x36.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first services were held in Masonic Hall on Main street, in 1869, Rev. Boyd Phelps preaching, he having been sent by the Minnesota conference to preach regularly at this place. At this time the Metho- dists at this place only numbered about twelve. Their present church edifice was erected in the spring of 1874, at a cost of $1,200, including lots and church furniture. The building is 26x40, situated on part of lot 4, northeast qr. of sec. 36.
HOTELS.
ZUMBROTA HOUSE.
In October, 1856, the wing portion of this house was built and kept by Ezra Wilder. In 1864 he sold it to G. R. Slosson, and he to Fred. George, the present proprietor, in 1872; who in the spring of 1876 built a two-story front, 20x70. The wing which was built in 1856 is 20x60, two stories, and the whole house has thirty-one sleeping apartments.
MIDLAND HOUSE.
This house was built in June, 1877, by George W. Cunningham. The main building is 22x40, two stories, with wing, 18x60. He kept the house until March 1, 1878, at which time he leased it to J. R. Clark, its present proprietor.
MINNESOTA MIDLAND RAILROAD.
This road was surveyed from Wabasha to Zumbrota in October, 1877, and partially graded the same year, but was not completed until June 21, 1878. It is a narrow guage track, running sixty-two miles, the dis- tance between the two places, in five hours. This snug, little highway is a great convenience to the interior towns and the surrounding country.
FOREST MILLS.
This establishment was put up by Wm. S. Wells and H. H. Palmer in 1867-8. It is now operated under the firm name of Hubbard, Wells & Co. The capacity of the mill is 150,000 bushels yearly.
479
THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
MAZEPPA MILLS,
Built in 1875 by Wm. S. Wells, Gen. Hubbard, C. D. Ford and W. P. Brown. The capacity of the mill is 250,000 bushels a year. Mr. Wells gives the enterprise his personal supervision.
PINE ISLAND.
The first settler in the township of Pine Island was Josiah Haggard, a youth of nineteen or twenty summers, who located his claim near the present residence of Dr. Chas. Hill, in the spring of 1854. . This claim was jumped by a man named Howard, who came in soon after, when Haggard crossed the Zumbro and made the second claim, now occupied by the dwellings and business houses of this growing populace. Here he had partially established himself with a half-built log habitation, when Moses Jewell and son, Solomon, came in the fall of 1855, and secured this claim by pre-emption. They are, therefore, the oldest living settlers of this village. Jewell lived in a wagon, until he had erected a log shanty on the spot where the liberty pole now stands. Haggard then entered into co-partnership with Howard, and com- menced the erection of the saw mill-1856-now occupied by W. W. Cutshall. This building was not completed until 1856, and was first run by a man named Leroy and H. B. Powers. The latter was the first settler in this township. He selected a claim on section 31, and built his cabin, in which he lived until 1856, when he moved to Roscoe, where he still resides.
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