USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 7
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Jacob Swartz, dealer in books, periodicals and stationery; lo- cated in what was then the Mansion House, at one time Mrs. Badgley was proprietor ; located south of park; Mrs. Cloe Powell being the first in 1831.
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1857.
In early times passengers were carried to New York on sailing vessels, but abandoned them when steam vessels began running. Lumber, staves, pot-ash, pearl ash, furs, flour and grain con- stituted their cargoes on the trip down the river; the trip up con- sisted of household furniture, tools of all kinds and other mer- chandise for western merchants.
In 1840, Tippecanoe and Tyler too; log cabin and hard cider campaign; a log cabin was erected at the southeast corner of what is now First avenue and Thirteenth street; speeches in favor of the candidates and a hot canvass made; an enthusiastic demonstra- tion on the election of Harrison and Tyler ; residences throughout the village were illuminated by a tallow or a sperm candle show- ing at every pane of glass.
Early lumber firms: George Coffin, saw mill; Cammeron & Conant; Grant, Freeman & Church; Thomas Coleman; Campbell & Moody; timber, P. Dauchy & Company; J. W. Freeman & Company; F. S. Lamport; Herman Mather; timber, Alfred Mosher; E. W. Phelps; Francis Phelps; Albert Richards; saw mill, Jacob Platt; Robert Robinson; Rousseau, Eaton & Janes; Gillispie, Dean & Company; Smith & Craig.
1834, business men at this date, as licensed grocers: R. H. Hosford; P. Wallace, J. McCarty, Robert Dyer, J. McCune, T. O'Connor, J. Greencastle, William Collopy, Andrew Morrison, J. Morrison, William Mullen, C. Shorts, T. McCormick, Alfred Scoville, William Mackey, Thomas Kelly, P. Rogers, William Andrews and T. Evens & Son.
1858.
David I. Dutcher, first chief of the fire department, in 1838, died in 1845; funeral services were held in the Washington Street Church; the funeral cortege was composed of the different fire companies of the village, and business men; buried in the lower cemetery ; his loss was seriously felt among all classes.
James Roy, came to this country in 1835 ; commenced the woolen business in the old Satinnett factory, bought the land adjoining on the south and erected extensive buildings, and established the famous Roy shawl industry, giving employment to a large number of employees for years; he was a thorough business man, a good entertainer and ever interested in the prosperity of the village; his liberality was second to none, no society, company or individual was ever refused a donation when solicited if worthy; president of the village in 1858; the death of his son, James, Jr., just as he was entering into a business life created a heart-felt sorrow that he never overcame; his death occurred in 1878, and his loss was deeply regretted by the community.
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B. F. Knower was associated with Mr. Roy, as also were John F. and Peter A. Roy ; it is still in the hands of the Roy family, and known as the Roy Woolen Mill Company ; Charles P. Roy, president.
July 4, 1840; fireman's parade, Chief Engineer, G. B. Smith. Rip Van Winkle with their new engine, Protection No. 2; Con- queror Engine No. 3; Hercules Hose and Ladder Company, No. 1; Arsenal engine and military from Troy, and invited guests. Exer- cises at the North Reformed Church and a dinner served on the barge Erie, by W. and E. Jenks, of the Tremont, closed the day.
Samuel Sexton, to West Troy in 1858; tin smith and hardware merchant, established 1870; location 202 Twenty-third street; in connection with the general business the large demand by boat- men and others for pumps and signal lamps, compelled the addi- tion of that class of goods to his already large stock of merchandise ; a veteran member of the Engineering Corps, Army of the Cumber- land, General John E. Wool, Post G. A. R. and representative citizen.
1859.
Oswald Hose Company, No. 1; organized December 22, 1859. Nemo me Impune Lacessit.
Charter members: Charles Fort, John Perigom, Bernum Collins, Abram King, Henry Warner, Bernard Manning, George Hill, Augustine Smith, Lewis Smith, Charles Ducharm and Robert Wood.
Officers : 1859, Charles Ducharm; 1861, B. Manning; 1862, Augustine Smith; 1863, L. Smith; 1865, Joseph Holland; 1866, W. M. Stewart; 1868, R. H. Williams; 1871, S. V. Sturtevant; 1872, George Hill; 1873, F. F. Mosher; 1875, G. M. Wiswall; 1881, G. M. Wiswall; 1882, C. A. Mosher ; 1883, H. H. Warner ; 1884, Archie Nelson; 1888, F. M. Perigo; 1890, H. R. Alston; 1891, O. H. Mead; 1893, H. A. Nelson; 1894, F. W. Haswell; 1895, Archie Nelson; 1898, O. H. Mead; 1899, T. E. Winnie; 1901, William Helm; 1903, F. A. Mitchell; 1904, G. S. Bedell; 1905, J. T. Hulsapple; 1906-1910, Edward L. Wiswell.
The modus operandi as adopted by this company from its or- ganization, and the activity of its earlier members, have been closely followed; their first secretary, George Mott, a fine penman, in recording events as they occurred, has subscribed to a correct and well written one that no doubt has been continued. The com- pany is noted for its numerous and varied entertainment, excur- sions and receptions, some of them I recall to mind; reception of Cascade Engine Company, No. 2, Amsterdam, 1865; Oswald Social Club, organized 1863; dances held in Union Place Hall during the winter, thirty couples participating.
August 21, 1868, Oswald club excursion down the Hudson; com- mittee, Robert H. Williams; Joseph H. Holland; S. V. Sturte-
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vant; William M. Stewart; Blanch E. E. Williams, Robert P. Tunnard; John S. Robinson ; steamer Carrie and barge Baldwin ; Doring's full band; supper, Charles F. Lucas.
July 26, 1869, excursion down the Hudson; committee, R. H. Williams ; W. H. Stewart; J. H. Holland ; R. P. Tunnard; E. B. Abbott ; J. S. Robinson; F. F. Mosher; P. E. Thompson; music by Sullivan's full band; supper, Charles F. Lucas.
July 14, 1870, committee on excursion, R. H. Williams, S. V. Sturtevant, John S. Robinson, F. F. Mosher, Arthur B. Stewart, G. O. Hill, Charles H. Pierce, George L. Mosher; Doring's full band.
August 17, 1871, this committee differs some from the above; S. V. Sturtevant, John S. Robinson, J. H. Holland, F. E. Thomp- son, G. L. Mosher, A. B. Stewart, J. B. McGuyer, E. D. Scrafford, G. M. Wiswall; Doring's band; supper, Lucas; these excursions were repeated often.
The visit of Hose Company, No. 5, of Buffalo, Captain Toole and the reception and banquet held at Union Place Hall, on October 14, 1873, and the return visit of the company to Buffalo, are noted events of the company, those happening later, are within the memory of the present members of the company, and the gen- eral public. In 1872, the company added an educational feature to ad coptandum a discriminating publication in a course of lec- tures held at Union Place Hall, and opened November 25, with the noted lecturer, E. H. G. Clark; subject, Fisk, on the crimes of commerce.
December 9, Wallace Bruce; subject, legends of the Hudson. December 23, James E. Murdock ; subject, readings.
January 6, 1873, Moses Coit Tyler ; subject, a night and a day in Congress. January 20, Ingersoll Lockwood; subject, "brains."
February 3, 1874, Kate Field; subject, the British republic; or England as it is and will be.
William L. Oswald, after whom the company was named, and are indebted to him for his splendid gift, was a prominent and influential young man at that time, and would hold to a principle that he believed was just and right to the bitter end; the carriage was an elegant piece of workmanship, the flat surface of the reel showing the Scotch plaid and thistle in colors; in 1874 the com- pany run the cart over the Congress street bridge to prevent the trustees from seizing the same, claiming that the village owned it ; they did not, it was destroyed.
It was a wrong act; being a gift from their friend; William L. Oswald was president of the village in 1861; raised a company of volunteers, and as their captain went to the front, during the war; returned home, and elected member of Assembly from the Fourth district in 1863 and 1864, became interested in business in Nor- folk, Va., and died there.
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Lewis W. Smith, a charter member, chief engineer of the fire department from 1883, to date of death, 1905.
1860.
Allen Corey published the Albany County Democrat in the in- terest of the Democratic party. It had at times quite a large circu- lation but was discontinued in 1884.
A serious fire occurred on Ohio street, covering quite an exten- sive territory eastward toward the canal. It commenced in H. L. Dann's large warehouse for barrels and barrel staves. It de- stroyed a number of shops and residences. Among them were Reiley & Woodard's, Thomas Reardon's, H. J. Hastings's, H. Mc- Nulty's, Mrs. Gorton's, and George Gunnison's residences, and others. Mr. Dann was a very exacting employer, often called Boss Dann, and there was no doubt as to the cause of the fire, parties seeking revenge for some fancied wrong.
1860, Albany and West Troy Horse Railroad incorporated. It superseded Halstead's line of stages, established in the early 40's by the Jermains, Dunlop, J. M. Haswell and Halstead Bros., and others. A. C. Halstead, superintendent. Its terminus at first was at the Rock House, thence to what is now Twenty-fifth street. The stages were withdrawn. The stables and Mechanics' Hall in Troy were destroyed by fire in May, 1848.
Edward Wight in 1858 erected a block of buildings on the site of the old West Troy hotel (Twenty-third street), and established a large grocery business, connected with large stables in connec- tion with forwarding of grain interests. These buildings were partly burned in 1882 and the present block of brick buildings were erected.
Collins & Perkins (Isaac, J. T.), fruit store, Broadway and Twenty-third street, 1858. Closed same year.
James Collins, 1858, hotel, Foley's corner, went to Troy and opened the Alhambra. Closed it to accept a position at weighlock.
E. Dill, proprietor First Ward House in 1858.
N. H. Kirker, cooper, 1852, flour barrels being the principal business, mills in this section taking the output. Factory in Port Schuyler.
Isaac Hilton, silk fringe, cord, tassels, etc., located opposite A. T. Dunham's residence on what is now Third avenue, in 1855. Gone, like many other industries.
The old Exchange Hotel, known to-day as the Collins House. From 1838 under the management of Cloe Powell, it has received the patronage of the traveling public, its many different land- lords adding something to its attractiveness, thereby continuing its prestige, while the present owners and proprietors, John A. Patten's Sons, Joseph E. and Mark Patten, both young men edu-
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cated in all details connected with an up-to-date hotel, will no doubt distance former efforts of previous landlords, through their generous and liberal ideas as exemplified by their mode of doing business.
1861.
Michael Lettice resided on Temperance Hill, went South in 1860 when the South seceded. They pressed him into the Southern army. In 1863 he returned home. To-day he holds the office of county treasurer, Macon, Georgia.
New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Company installed their plant at the West Troy exchange. The outside world soon heard of the settlement.
Belgian pavement on Broadway was commenced in 1862. Through strikes and mismanagement brought about by incompetent superintendents of construction who insisted on heavy crowning, the contractors were over a year in its construction.
John H. Gladding, proprietor Exchange Hotel in 1860. A model landlord.
Auburn street canal bridge fell October 3, 1863. Cattle killed, one man injured.
New Side Cut bridge (Twenty-third street) built August 23, 1863, when part of the bracing irons parted entailing a $800 loss on W. H. Hutchison, the contractor.
The vertical wall of the canal from the side cut locks to lock 2 was commenced about the same year. Sage & Co., contractors.
George H. Swartwout, a young man connected with a noted family by that name, enlisted as a private in W. L. Oswald's company. Promoted to sergeant of company, then commissary of regiment, and later commissary of subsistence of First Brigade of Volunteers, Second Division of Second Army Corps, for bravery on the field during several engagements ..
Peter A. Swartwout, for years bookkeeper for Joseph M. Has- well (brother of William), moved to New York. Died there.
L. Eggers, proprietor of the famous novelty bone works, office and factory, Lock 4, Erie canal, West Troy. Established in 1860. The output of fertilizers, tallow and greases was large. Shipped to all sections, New York firms being the heaviest buyers. About 1880 the firm was L. Eggers & Son, Luhr, Jr., being admitted as a partner, and previous to his father's demise became manager, having acted as bookkeeper and correspondent for years and being well qualified and in a position to assume the responsible position. Later Luhr withdrew and the brothers became in possession of the business. Mr. Eggers was afterwards employed as bookkeeper, and in 1904 was appointed city clerk, and by re-appointment has held the office six years; a member of Laurel Lodge, I. O. O. F .;
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was elected to the office of treasurer twenty-five consecutive times ; also member of old James Roy Steamer Company. His record needs no comment.
Thirty-fourth Regiment, N. Y. S. V. Company A enrolled at West Troy May 18, 1861. Mustered in June 15, 1861. Captain, William L. Oswald; first lieutenant, Elijah R. Brown; second lieutenant, Benjamin H. Warford, promoted to captain; George H. Swartwout, quartermaster sergeant, then second lieutenant, later first lieutenant subsequent as captain and commissary of sub- sistence, U. S. V .; Armineas S. Rounds, corporal; John Oathout, first sergeant. Roster of company: John Oathout, appointed first lieutenant on field at Antietam ; Daniel C. Johnson, captured July 1st, 1862; Anthony Kelly, since dead; Joseph Kirk, captured Antietam, exchanged, promoted adjutant; Smith Knight, cap- tured, paroled, dead; David Lander, dead; William Langwell, dis- charged, disability; Henry Lorman, wounded; Edgar Lorman, discharged ; John Little, since dead; Martin Luckey, promoted corporal; Edward Maddock, captured, paroled; John McIntyre, corporal, dead; John Mullen, discharged; James H. Millers, transferred U. S. Cavalry ; John Morey, first sergeant Company A, first lieutenant Company G; Abram R. Murphy, dead ; John Murphy, killed, Antietam, 1862; Charles Nelson, dead; George Naylon, dead; George Porter, dead; H. W. Price, dead; Richard Rapps, dead; Nicholas Saunders, dead; Frank Thompson, since dead; Martin Troy, dead; Charles Traver, dead; Joseph An- drews, wounded, promoted to sergeant; John B. Amsden, dis- charged; Daniel M. Becker, quartermaster sergeant; James A. Brittan, dead; Martin Buck, killed, Antietam, 1862; Donald Cameron, wounded; David Carey, wounded, Antietam; Charles Carey, John Carlon, sergeant, dead; D. Cassidy, killed, White Oaks swamp; Thomas Comstock, dead; John Cunningham, dead ; John Daley, dead; Edwin Donohoe, dead; John Donohoe, dead; James Dugan, David Flanigan, dead; Martin Gorman, wounded, dead; Henry Gilman, wounded, dead; Alexander Hanna, wounded, dead; Robert H. Hartley, killed September 17, 1862, Antietam; Timothy Heenan, wounded; James Healy, Frank Heyden, wounded; James Hiccock, Luther A. Hill, wounded, first ser- geant, promoted sergeant-major, killed May 31, 1862, Fair Oaks ; Henry White, Riley C. Whitmarsh, David Zufeldi, J. McMullen. The regiment's battle record is: Antietam, Fair Oaks, Fredericks- burg, Malvern Hill, Seneca, Mills, White House, Hyler House and Glendale.
Joseph James, the pioneer ice dealer of the old village and one of the constables that knew and performed his duty.
A young man, Jonas Oothout, was carried over from the Lan- sing building to White building on the back of a tight rope walker.
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The man rolled a wheelbarrow across, cooked some eggs and per- formed other tricks without accident. His name was Blondin.
C. L. Yearsley, well-known young man throughout the village, enlisted August 13, 1862, in Thirteenth regiment, N. Y. Vol., killed in an engagement at the front, his body brought on. Buried in Rural cemetery. Funeral services held in Methodist church, Washington street, December 25, 1864.
1862.
Robert I. Getty, captain of gunboat Plate. Was attacked by rebel battery and during the action the Plate was struck by heavy explosives and set on fire. The vessel was saved by the timely arrival of one of Uncle Sam's gunboats and towed to a place of safety. Close call for Bob.
1863.
James Treanor established the Watervliet Journal in January, 1860. In 1884 bought out the Albany County Democrat. Con- solidated both papers under the title of Watervliet Journal and Democrat, and associated with him Terrence I. Hardin as part- ner. Treanor died in 1896.
Terrence I. Hardin, editor and journalist. Prominent as such in the State. Conversant with the history of the State and nation. A fluent speaker. Interested in all matters of public interest. A co-worker with the G. A. R. in all their movements to obtain bet- ter conditions for the old veterans yet living. Outspoken, friendly and popular with all classes. The paper is the official organ of the city of Watervliet. He was Democratic assemblyman from the Fourth District in 1885 and 1886.
Pike & Morgan, extensive stables, and C. P. Hutchinson's blacksmith shop, south of lower Side Cut, burned July 11, 1862.
1864.
James Roy Steamer Company No. 1 organized November 12, 1864. Named after James Roy, president of the village in 1858. Labor, omnia, vincet. Captain, Milo Marsh, later treasurer of the company, 1866-67; Charles D. Rousseau, 1868, 1869, 1870; Charles E. Tucker, 1871 and 1872; James T. Myers, 1873 and 1874; George H. Yearsley, 1875 to 1880; Reiley Hayford, when steamer went out of commission. It was the most powerful steamer owned by the village, and very heavy, yet from the first organiza- tion until it went out they had a record of fire duty performed second to none in this section, although the members were light weights, except generous, kind hearted veteran fireman James Phelps, and they responded through slush, mud and snow to all
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call for assistance, and got there. They are credited with some notable out-of-town excursions. They attended the Firemen's Con- vention and trial of engines at Hudson in 1871, and as against first class machines from New York city captured and brought home the first prize of $100 in gold. On returning home they were met by Washington Volunteer company, and by torchlight and display of fireworks were escorted to the village. Through invitation from the George Y. Learned Engine Company of Pitts- field they attended, December 30, 1874, their tenth annual con- cert and ball. Doring's Band and Germania Orchestra of Boston divided the honors. Their reception was most cordial and recorded as one of the company's most delightful visits abroad. One of the coldest nights in this vicinity occurred the Bishop residence fire in 1870. This company crossed the ice and carried hot coffee to the Troy Department. The pipemen were absolutely encased in ice, especially W. Vol. Co., and many are the courtesies extended by the Troy companies to old Roy. Their grand con- cert and fair, held in Union Place Hall in 1870, netted $400, and they furnished their parlors. Fifty dollars was received from James Roy for tickets, who distributed them to his employees, doubly benefitting the company. Also donated fifty dollars for a new silver jacket for the engine. Informal receptions to com- panies, visiting the arsenal, were frequent, short notice as they invariably were. The system of the company and the every ready assistance of the lady friends enabled them to produce an elaborate lunch always. In 1870 their celebrated weekly Saturday night lunches were inaugurated. January 6, 1871, they were again started, and continued many seasons during the winter months. The company's glee club, Charles Bortell, Charles Hoxie, Charles McOmber and Reuben Best constituted the club. Their songs enlivened the occasions, while visitors occasionally rendered selec- tions. Many a strolling band of musicians, with harp, violin and other instruments, have received remuneration from the boys sum- mer evenings for services in front of the house, a feature that was always very attractive.
1865.
Capitol Police Force organized. West Troy in Troy district. J. M. Landon, superintendent ; captain, Lansing Clute ; sergeant, Abraham M. Lansing; patrolmen, C. Spencer Loomis, Richard Crooks, James Smith, Martin V. B. Jones, C. H. Cary, John V. Decker, Patrick Rogers. Legislated out in 1870. W. A. Swart- wout resigned as last captain and J. Grace as sergeant. Friends of Captain Swartwout presented him with a gold badge as an ap- preciation of his services. James Jones, jeweler, made it.
West Troy Police Force organized April 27, 1870. Police com-
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missioners, Ebenezer Scoville, John I. Winne, William C. Durant, Isaac B. Getty ; captain, James O. Wood; sergeant, Sylvanus K. Jefferson ; patrolmen, Timothy Nelligan, William Griffin, Charles Furlong, John Sullivan, William Collopy, Patrick Boyle, Ed. Rogers, Patrick Rogers. James Boyland succeeded Captain Wood as captain on December 6, 1886 ; sergeant, James Coggins ; patrol- men, James K. Stewart, J. McGrath, William McCarty, M. Mc- Keon, M. Gunnen, J. Osterson, William Griffin, E. Fitzpatrick. John W. Collopy succeeded Captain Boyland as captain December 1, 1890 ; sergeant, Joseph A. Otterson. Captain Boyland died in 1908. The above act repealed March 1, 1895.
Police force of the city of Watervliet organized 1896. Com- missioners, J. D. Brown, William J. Fitzgerald, Charles Noller, Harry M. Hulsapple; captain, John W. Collopy; sergeant, Charles Noller; acting sergeant, W. J. Moreland; patrolmen, James H. Stewart, John McGrath, Thomas Maloney, J. McKen- zie, James Burk, Thomas Steel, F. Trimble, D. Murphy, died; M. S. Corbett appointed to fill vacancy. Captain Collopy's twenty years' continued service in the department is a guarantee of ap- preciation of same by the citizens.
William Hollands, member of Hercules Hook and Ladder Com- pany, at their annual election in 1865, presented their newly elected foreman, Alfred W. Richardson, with a trumpet seven feet long, made by Jules Catlin. Their annual banquet was afterwards enjoyed.
Corporation Hall, erected in 1864. Third floor, council room. Recorder's Court, same floor. Second floor, Oswald Hose Com- pany's parlors, city clerk's office. First floor, hose house and engine room.
October 22, 1865, the hotel that once stood opposite Menands road burned. Known as the Widow Dayton's. For years William Burnett was proprietor. Last proprietor Barney Mulligan.
October 30, 1865, the funeral of a young man well known in the village, murdered in Pot Hole City, Pa.
September 5, 1865, Ufford & Latham's mill, J. P. Wiswall building, Frank O'Brien building, F. Witbeck tenement, Brigham & Richardson, E. Wiswall's building, Robert Malone, Mrs. Sharp's saloon, Metcalf's blacksmith shop, Masonic Hall, Allen Corey's printing establishment entirely destroyed by fire.
In 1865 Eben Wiswall, Parker Wiswall and Thomas Rath each erected brick buildings west side of Broadway. Occupied by C. E. Tucker, Montgomery Witbeck, P. Kelly and Masonic Hall; also police station occupied it.
December 16, 1870, a large fire occurred in the Wiswall block, completely destroying the stock of C. T. Moore, newsdealer ; Allen Corey printing establishment, R. S. Lobdell, glass fixtures; J. J. Armstrong and others; also occupied by Evening Star Lodge, F. and A. M.
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William C. Durant & Co. (M. C. Bogue), iron foundry, Wil- liam street, corner Canal. In 1854 an industry that at one time gave employment to many citizens. Sales were large. In 1860 the firm was Brennen & Durant. Out of existence.
1866.
The tug boat Hayner; captain and owner, Charles Hayner; at- tempted to tow a heavy raft of timber against a heavy current, a high freshet in river, burst her boiler, killing the crew of four; Captain Hayner, William Walter Myers, Thomas Ryan and Wil- liam Ward, pilot; Thomas McDonald was on the raft; Michael McDonough, contractor, stepped from the tug as she pulled out, decided not to go out on it, and stood on the dock as the accident occurred; James Oliver locked the tug from the basin into the river ; the manhole plate was blown to River street, in front of the Troy House.
The next year, 1867, the tug boat Hart, met with a like fate as she lay at her dock in the river below the river lock.
Clute Hose Company, No. 1, organized; John Early, foreman; incident not recognized, and dropped out.
Alfred Christiansen, from Norway; graduated from colleges in his native country, employed by many firms in his adopted country, recognized as an expert in all mechanical work, and as master mechanic at the Watervliet Arsenal, where he was transferred in 1867, he demonstrated his ability in mastering the many difficult problems in connection with the assembling of the many parts of the largest gun that was ever constructed at the post; his death deprived the government of a valuable employee, his family of a kind husband and father, and the community of a worthy and respected citizen, occurring in 1906.
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