USA > New York > Ulster County > Marlborough > The history of the town of Marlborough, Ulster County, New York: from the first settlement in 1712, by Capt. Wm. Bond, to 1887 > Part 11
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On Sunday, May 2d, 1847, he was advanced to priests' order in St. George's church, Newburgh, by Bishop DeLan- cey, of Western New York, and soon after was made rector of the parish. His missionary labors were extended to Mil- ton and Lloyd ; afterwards to Stone Ridge and Ellenville, frequently journeying on foot from village to village. In 1850 he organized All Saints church, in Milton ; in 1853 St. Paul's church, Ellenville, and had charge of St. Peter's church, Stone Ridge, preaching at each place one Sunday in the month, and on the other Sundays supplying them with lay readers.
These arduous labors had gradually undermined his con- stitution ; his health was so much impaired that he was obliged to relinquish his duties and seek a change of air. He visited the sea shore and returned home somewhat im- proved in health, but without that buoyancy of spirits for
The History of Marlborough.
which he was noted. Before he had fully recovered his strength, he resumed his duties, assisted by a lay reader, he reading his sermons seated in a chair in the chancel. The following summer he was again confined to his bed. At the urgent request of his friends he consented to have a : physician called. It was then too late. After lingering a few days, he died on Sunday morning, Sept. 2d, 1855. It might not be incorrectly said that he was purely worn out in the service of his maker. An appropriate monument marks his grave, bearing the following inscription :
" REV. SAMUEL HAWKSLEY, PRESBYTER, Rector of Christ church, Marlborough, departed this life Sept. 2d, 1855, aged 41 years." " Even so saith the spirit, for they rest from their labors."
After Rev. Hawksley's death, the church service was sus- pended for two Sundays. At the request of the wardens Samuel M. Akerly officiated as a lay reader until the following May, when the Rev. James C. Richmond-then living in Poughkeepsie-offered his services. He officiated until the Ist of November, when the services were resumed by Mr. Akerly, who had become a candidate for holy orders. He was frequently assisted by the Rev. George B. Andrews, who at the stated seasons administered the Holy Communion.
On Christmas day, 1857, the Rev. William Walsh, of New- burgh, officiated and administered the Holy Communion to a large number of communicants. The day being very cold and windy, larger fires were made than usual and were carefully secured at the close of the service. About six o'clock on Sunday morning, the 27th, flames were discovered bursting out of the windows and roof. Before assistance could be obtained the church was totally destroyed. It was insured for eighteen hundred dollars.
The present structure was erected on the site of the old church, from plans furnished by Messrs. Richard Upjohn & Sons, of New York.
The History of Marlborough.
The foundation was commenced on the roth of May. The work was carried forward very energetically, and completed the 20th of October, 1858. The church is a gothic structure, known as the early English, built of brick with substantial hollow walls with brown stone trimmings. It is 29 feet front, 52 feet deep with a semi-octagon chancel of 18 feet deep. On the north side of the chancel is a robing room 10 feet square. The tower is on the southwest corner 1 feet square (intended for a spirc So leet high from the ground). The entrance is through the tower. The roof is covered with slate. A large window occupies the western end. This and the other windows are filled with enameled glass with stained glass borders. The chancel windows are smaller. The central one has a nicely finished copy of Sir Joshua Reynold's figure of Faith. The interior shows an open finished roof. The seats, pulpit, bishop's chair and altar are black walnut, oiled and polished. The floor, doors and trimmings are of Georgia pine. In the basement is the Sunday school room and in the cellar at the west end is the furnace, so carefully guarded that no danger may be appre- hended from it.
The church was consecrated on Tuesday, October 26, 1858, by Bishop Horatio Potter. There were present taking part in the service Rev. John Brown, D. D., of Newburgh ; Rev. Christopher B. Wyatt, of New Windsor ; Rev. John R. Livingston, of Fishkill; Rev. Joel Clapp, of Cold Spring ; Rev. George B. Andrews, of Wappingers Falls; Rev. Henry Anthon, D. D., and Rev. Theodore R. Eaton, of New York, Rev. Archibald M. Morrison, of Brooklyn, Rev. Samuel M. Akerly and Richard Upjohn, the architect, besides a large attendance of the people living in the village and vicinity. After the services were concluded the bishop and clergy and members of the congregation were hospitably entertain- ed at the house of John Buckley, the senior warden. The entire cost of the church including the furniture was six thousand five hundred dollars.
Samuel M. Akerly having been admitted to deacon's orders was appointed a missionary and requested to con-
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tinue his ministration. On the Ist day of December, 1859, he had the satisfaction of paying off the last and only obli- gation existing against the church, leaving it entirely free from all incumbrance. He was admitted to priest's orders by Bishop Potter July 21, 1861, after which the bishop confirmed seven persons. In the afternoon he preached in All Saints' church, Milton, and confirmed one person. On the 21st of September, 1861, the Rev. Samuel M. Akerly was unanimously chosen rector of the parish.
At a vestry meeting held December 3, 1861, a letter was received from Mrs. Hester Doyle, offering to give the rear part of a lot adjoining the church containing about half an acre on which to build a parsonage. The offer was accepted and the building commenced in the spring. It is a frame building 40x28 feet, two stories high. commanding a charm- ing view of the river and adjacent hills. It was completed in October, 1863. It cost about $2,600. The last obligation against it was paid November 25, 1865.
On the Ist of June, 1870, John Buckley, the senior warden, died in the 85th year of his age. He had taken a warm in- terest in the church from its organization, contributing lib- erally towards erecting the present church and parsonage and served as warden and vestryman for over thirty years.
At the Easter election, in 1875, Rev. Akerly gave notice of his intention of relinquishing his charge. At a vestry meet- ing, held the 22d of May, he sent in his resignation, to take effect on the 19th of June. Rev. Akerly's services in the parish commenced even before the death of Rev. Hawksley, for whom he frequently read the service, and from that time to the present he had faithfully served the church as lay reader, deacon and priest, and for seventeen years had been their faithful rector, leaving the parish entirely free from all pecuniary obligation. The resignation was accepted with a vote of thanks for his faithful ministration.
On Sunday afternoon, June 13th, 1875, he took leave of his congregation, many of whom were unable to restrain their tears. On Saturday, June 26th, he and his family sailed for Europe, intending to remain abroad several years.
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Rev. Geo. Waters, D. D., of Kingston, succeeded Rev. Akerly, entering on his duties the 5th of Sept., 1875. His family retaining their residence in Kingston, he was unable to devote his entire time to the parish. He resigned his charge, to take effect on the first of July, but consented to remain until the place could be supplied. The resignation was received with very great reluctance by every member of the vestry.
A vestry meeting held the 14th of October, 1876, unami- mously elected the Rev. John W. Buckmaster, of Elizabeth- town, N. J., rector of the parish. He entered on his duties Ist of November, 1877.
Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church, Benjamin Oddy, vestryman 1846 to '50. Died Marlborough, from the organization of the 1961. parish, February 26, 1837 to 1887.
Church Wardens-Edward Armstrong, Miles John Hepworth, vestryman 1849. Died 1853. John Hoffenden, Vestryman 1849 to '51.
Vestrymen-Thomas Fyfe, William Cushion, Andrew McElrath, vestryman. 1854 and '55. Dennis H. Doyle, Leonard S. Carpenter, David John W. Barrian, vestryman 1859 and '60. E. Fowler, Joseph Hepworth, Andrew Oddy, Nathaniel II. DuBois, vestryman 1854, 1876 Richard R. Fowler. to '78.
These gentlemen organized the parish and Ephenetus R. Woolsey, vestryman 1862. were the first vestry :
John L. Wygant, vestryman 1864 and '65.
Edward Armstrong, served as warden for 1837 John A. Hepworth, vestry man 1876 to $78. and '38. Died 1840.
Daniel Barnes, vestryman 1876 and '77.
Miles J. Fletcher, warden for 1837 and vestry- Gabriel Merritt, jr., vestryman 1849 to '53.
man from 1838.'41 to 1843 '56. Died 1870.
Thomas Fyte, vestryman from 1837 to '39, in- John W. Armstrong, vestryman 1854 to '63. clusive. Returned to England. Died 1867. Died 1870.
William Cushion, vestryman 1837 and '38. Re- Gouvenenr Armstrong, vestryman 1864 to "75. turned to England. William H. Armstrong, vestryman 1872 to '79, warden 1884 to '87.
Dennis H. Doyle, vestryman 1837 to '40. Died 1844.
D. Maitland Armstrong, vestryman 1878 and '87.
Leonard S. Carpenter, vestryman 1837. warden John Buckley, jr., vestryman 1850 to '59, 1876 1838 to '47; again warden from 1859 to '74. to '87. Died 1875. William F. Buckley, vestryman 1875.
David E. Fowler, vestryman from 1837 to '40, and '43 to '48. Died 1879.
Joseph Hepworth, vestryman 1837 and '38. Marcus D. Kelly, vestryman 1868 to 79, '87.
Warden 1839 to '56; again vestryman from James S. Knapp, M. D., vestryman 1852 to 79. 1866 to 1875. Died 1879.
Andrew Oddy, vestryman 1837 to 1856, warden Philip A. Passman, vestryman 1857 to 1871.
1857 and '58, vestryman '59. Removed to Christopher Champlin, vestryman 1859 to 1874. Connecticut. Isaac Conklin, vestryman 1839 to '48, 1860 to '66. Died.
Richard R. Fowler, vestryman 1837, again 1841 to 1845.
Wm. Smith Wright, vestryman,'60 to '65. Died'65
James Carpenter, vestryman 1838 to '41 '44 '49- William A. Insted, vestry man 1870 and 71, war- '51, 1856 to 1874, warden form 1875 to '87. den '72 to '75.
Dennis D. Pardy, vestryman 1839 to '42.
Rufus R, Skeel, Vestryman 1861 to 63.
Gabriel Merritt, vestryman 1840 to '47, warden Charles M. Pardy, vestryman 1863 to '67, 1875 1848 to '53. Died 1853. to '87.
Josiah W. Carpenter, vestrymen 1841 to '43. Edward Jackson, vestryman 1867 to '75, warden Died.
'76 to '79, vestryman '80 to '87.
Frederick Flagler, vestryman 1842, again '57-'58. Charles W Jackson, vestrymin 1879. 5.
Jolin Buckley, vestryman 1842 to '53, warden John Storer, vestryman 1879 to '85 '54 to 1870. Died 187(. George S. Clark, vestryman 1880 to 187.
Oct. 14, 1876, the present rector, Rev. John W. Buckmaster, of Elizabethtown, N. J., was chosen to the parish. He
Henry H. Holden, vestryman 1848 to '49.
J. Fletcher.
Samuel M. Akerly, vestryman 1855 to '58.
William Kelly, vestryman 1850 to 1861, Died 1861,
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officiates also at All Saints' Church, Milton. His ministra- tions have been productive of a great deal of good.
James Carpenter became a vestryman of the church in 1838, serving several terms. In 1875 he became a warden. He was also church treasurer for some years, serving the church in all about 44 years. He died the present summer, full of years and full of honor.
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, MILTON,
was organized in 1850 by Rev. Samuel Hawksley, of Christ Church, as previously stated. Rev. Dr. Brown, of Newburgh, officiated at the laying of the corner stone May 30, 1854, and Bishop Horatio Potter held the consecration service in Oc- tober, 1859. It has always been in the care of the rector at Marlborough. The first wardens were Wm. H. Gedney and Lec Ensign, the vestrymen Jacob Handley, David Sands, jr., James T. Knapp, Jacob Rowley, jr., Edgar D. Gillis, Smith Wood, jr., L. Harrison Smith and Rich'd Gee.
MARLBOROUGHI METHODIST CHURCH.
The history of Methodism in Marlborough has not been properly preserved. Away back in 1798 Luff Smith was a leader in the Marlborough class of the Newburgh circuit. Irregular gatherings were held here from that time to 1825, when the crection of a church building was agitated, and the old frame church on Main street subsequently built and used until 1867, when it was disposed of to the Catholic church in Marlborough, while the Methodists occupied the new church on Grand street, built by them in that year.
Two certificates of incorporation have been issued for this society, one in 1830, the other in 1860. The first one is dated Oct. 20. and the meeting was held in the village school house, James H. Longbotham and Barnabas M. Mapes being inspectors of the election of trustees, who were chosen as follows : Samuel Beebe, James H. Longbotham, Josiah Lock-
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wood, B. M. Mapes and Charles Merritt. The instrument was sworn to before Justice A. D. Soper. The second cer- tificate was executed June 11, 1860, before Justice Isaac Staples. L. W. Walsworth and Enoch Baxter were the inspectors, the trustees chosen being Morey Wygant, Enos Reynolds, John H. Baxter, Washburn Baxter, M. L. Masten, Daniel Decker, David L. Wygant, John C. Rose and Ben- jamin Rose.
Charles Merritt was the first superintendent of the Sunday school connected with this church, so far as can be ascer- tained. When the new building was completed, in 1867, Charles D. Brower was the first superintendent. Next came David L. Wygant, who had previously been assistant. George M. Bambart was the next superintendent in 1874. W. II. Reynolds in 1875, Rev. J. B. Hermance in 1876, A. M. Osborn in 1877, and James S. Carpenter in 1878 until the present time.
The church's first organ was procured in 1867, and the organists have been Nettie Osterhoudt, Addic White, Mar- tha Wygant, May Barnes and Hattie Kniffin.
The secretaries of the new church have been W. H. Purdy, James S. Carpenter, W. R. Greiner, W. S. Barnes and Wm. Palmer.
MILTON METHODIST CHURCH.
Nov. 16, 1812, the Milton M. E. Society was incorporated, the original trustees being Thomas Woolsey, Uriah Coffin, Richard I. Woolsey, Henry Woolsey and Jacob Dayton. The certificate was sworn to before Justice David Staples. The society was only a station in a large circuit until 1858, since which time the pastors have been : 1858-59, D. W. C. Van Gaasbeck; '6o. J. A. Edwards ; '61-62, J. W. Smith ; '63, N. Hunt ; '64-65, E. S. Osbon ; '66-67, J. Craft ; '68-69, D. Phillips; '70-72, P. C. Oakley ; '73-74, 11. Wood ; '75, F. D. Adams ; '76 77. C. Palmer: '78, E. H. Roys; '79, J. L. G. Mckown, died and year finished by Il. Jackson ; '80-82, C. C. Miller ; '83-85, C. F. Wixon ; '86-87, C. H. Snedeker.
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The officers of the church in 1887 are: Trustees, Jesse Lyons, J. M. Purdy. Jesse Lester, Jas. H. Crook, Isaac Conk- lin. Stewards, Jesse Lyons, Jesse Lester, Lewis Bloomer, J. H. Crook, Ethan Parrott, Griggs Rhoades, J. T. Marno, J. M. Purdy, James Clark. Sunday school superintendent, Earl Stone ; asst., Ensign Lyons.
Rev. P. C. Oakley, aged 87, has been spiritual father to the village for the past seventeen years, and still possesses full vigor of mind, keeping well abreast of all leading ques- tions of the time.
The church has 100 members, 25 probationers, and 130 Sunday school scholars.
The church building was put up at the time the society was organized in 1812. It has been enlarged and remodeled several times, and is undergoing improvements the present year.
Like the Marlborough church, this society obtained a second certificate of incorporation. It was executed March 18, 1845, the trustees chosen at that time being James A. Disbrow, Isaac L. Craft, James Blockledge, Jacob Il. Gillis, and Remos Woolsey.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN MARLBOROUGHI
AND MILTON.
There is no old history connected with the Roman Church in this town. The original settlers of the place were Pro- testants, and only during recent years has the Catholic body become established herc. Now there are two places of worship, at Marlborough village in the old Methodist structure on Main street, which has been rearranged and placed in neat condition ; and at Milton in a pretty little church. Alongside the latter is the parsonage, occupied by Rev. James F. Mee, who has charge of both churches. The Church flourishes and grows herc, and holds annual fairs and picnics, which are largely attended by all denominations.
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MILTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church of Milton was organized July 12tn, 1841, and the church building was erected during the same year. At the outset there were twenty members, of whom fifteen joined by letter from the church at Marlbor- ough. Rev. M. F. Liebenan was installed pastor of the churches of Lloyd and Milton Oct. 28th, 1841. He re- maincd two years and was succeeded by Rev. W. K. Platt, who also remained two years. The pulpit was supplied by several ministers (among whom was Rev. Sumner K. Mandeville, for twenty years pastor of the Presbyterian church of La Grange, Dutchess county) until March, 1849, when Rev. M. F. Liebenan returned and continued to preach until March 31st, 1867, thus ministering here more than twenty years in all.
He was succeeded by Rev. E. W. Clarke, who had es- tablished a boarding and day school in the village, and who preached until Rev. J. H. Myers, D. D., became the minister, April Ist, 1868, remaining until the winter of 1871. Rev. B. F. Wilde followed, remaining until 1876. After him Rev. Duncan C. Niven occupied the pulpit until the spring of 1884, when the church was again served by Rev. E. W. Clarke with others. In April, 1885, Rev. Wm. G. Wester- velt came to Milton. April 28th, 1886, he was installed pas- tor, being the first pastor to serve the Milton church cx- clusively. The church has enjoyed several seasons of revival, and steadily added to its membership. At present (1887) there are seventy-four members. Financially, for its size, the church has always been strong. During 1886-7, the interior has been redecorated and a fine parsonage prop- erty purchased, while the spiritual interests of the church have been greatly advanced.
THE MILTON SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.
The Society of Friends have held meetings at Milton for at least one hundred years. The meetings were first held at the house of Edward Hallock, a minister. In 1789 seven acres of land were bought on the west side of the main road,
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a short distance north of the school house, district No. 2. A meeting-house was built there and occupied for fifteen years, when it became too small, and in 1804 it was sold and a new lot bought on the same road further north. There a suitable large meeting house was built and occupied until 1828, when, differences of belief having crept in, the church divided. The Orthdox Friends being in the minority, left the meeting-house in possession of the Hicksite Friends.
The number of Friends being now very small, the meeting was held for two years at the house of Foster Hallock (now the property of E. W. Watson).
In 1830 the Friends bought a lot of land of Foster Hallock, and built a new meeting house, which, though it has been repaired and modified at different times, has done good service for fifty-seven years. It had become so much the worse for wear that in 1886 it was thought best to build new, and also to change the site nearer the village. A lot of land was purchased of James H. Barrett's estate, and a new meeting-house built, which looks very different from those erected years ago. It was opened on the 22d of 5th month, 1857, with appropriate dedicatory services.
Samuel and Anna Adams were ministers who resided in this vicinity in the early part of this century, and labored faithfully for the upbuilding of the church here, and also in many other places. Hannah P. Fry, a minister of more re- cent date, will be remembered by many as having served well her day and generation.
Stephen Taber, also a minister, has attended this meeting over forty years and is still zealous for the prosperity of the church.
During the past few years several ministers from other places have resided here for a short time, their service adding much to the interest and welfare of the meeting. Among these are George Wood, Jesse McPherson and P. Adelbert Wood, the latter being here at present. Of late years the Society of Friends have changed very much the mode of conducting their meeting. Singing has now a recognized place in their worship, and much zeal is shown by a large
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proportion of their members in carrying the " good news " . of the Gospel to those outside. Within the past fifteen years the number of Friends in Milton has increased more rapidly than at any time previous. There are now about one hun- dred members of this church, including children.
KNIGHTS OF PYTIHAS.
Guiding Star Lodge, No. 199, K. of P., of Marlborough, N. Y., was instituted in November, 1883, by John F. Van- nort, Grand Chancellor State of N. Y. HI. Scott Corwin was the first Chancellor Commander. The Lodge has grown steadily to the present time. For several years they have given annual picnics, which have become very popular. The members are united and harmonious. The present officers of the lodge (May, 1887) are C. E., J. W. Badner ; V. C, Harrison Berrian ; K. R. of S., W. W. Mackey ; P., Joseph Conklin; M. of F., H. S. Corwin : M. of E., F. A. Wright ; M. A., William Henderson ; 1. G., John Lent : O. G., Sher- wood Staples ; P. C.'s, H. S. Corwin, James Shaw, Wm. H. Newman, W. I. Staples. Geo. A. Badner. The other mem- bers are T. F. Kniffin, Moses McMullen, John Galaway, Ira Staples, Wm. McElrath, Wm. Wilklow, John Gladhill, H. 11. Baxter, C. W. Jackson, A. B. Masten, G. M. Phillips, John Morehead, J. W. Baxter, Wm. H. Mccullough, John Ander- son, D. J. Scott, A. Lyons, M. V. B. Morgan, C. DeGraff, Lyman W. DuBois, F. M. Cronk, J. O. Mackey, Henry H. Case, Wm. P. Drake, Ellsworth Berrian, Win. G. Penny, Edwin W. Barnes, I. S. Rhodes, G. B. Sheldon, P. A. Rion, Thomas Carroll. The lodge is recognized as one of the per- manent institutions of Marlborough, and is destined to con- tinue in existence many years.
ADVANCE LODGE OF ODD FELLOWS.
On the afternoon and evening of January 12, 1882, Advance Lodge, No. 490, 1. O. of (). F., was instituted in Marlborough, by D. D. G. M., Wm. Prull, of the Ulster and Delaware Dis-
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trict, acting as Grand Master, assisted by D. D. G. M., Schofield, of Dutchess District, acting as D. D. G. M .; Past Grand Van Bramer, of Kosciusko Lodge, of Kingston, as G. Sec .; Past Grand Farrar, of No. 18, as G. Treas .; Past Grand Morehouse, of No. 18, as G. Warden; Past Grand Walter Goring, of No. 18, as G. Marshal ; Past Grand Wm. Truesdall as G. Inner Guard. The original officers of the lodge, elected and installed on same date, were James Shaw, N. G .; L. McMullen, V. G .; C. W. Frost, R. S .; Clarence Bingham, P. S .; John Rusk, T. At the initiatory ceremon- ies, and conferring of white, blue, and scarlet degrees, the members of Acme Lodge, No. 469, of Newburgh, assisted.
This lodge which started out with only nine members now numbers over sixty, including many of the influential men of the town. Invitations to its public gatherings are eagerly sought after. The spirit of the membership is full of broth- erly kindness and fraternal feeling.
KETCHAM POST, NO. 495, G. A. R. -
In August, 1884, Ketcham Post was organized in Marlbor- ough, as a result of the efforts of Hon. C. M. Woolsey, J. C. Merritt, Rev. S. P. Gallaway, C. W. Frost, P. V. L. Purdy, George A. Donaldson, R. Osterhoudt, R. FI. Rose, Henry Scott, R. F. Coutant, A. B. Masten and others. The Post took its name from the brothers Edward H. and John T. Ketcham, sons of David Ketcham, who gave their lives for their country, one at Gettysburg, the other in the notorious Libby Prison.
Members of Pratt Post, of Kingston, and Le Fevre Post, of Highland, assisted in the organization of Ketcham Post, and the occasion was made a gala day by the people of Marlbor- ough. At least two thousand people assembled in and near the flag pole at the centre, to hear the speeches. A sub- scription of $100 was raised to feed the visitors.
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Hon. C. Meech Woolsey was the first commander of the Post, and Peter V. L. Purdy now fills that position. The Post annually takes charge of the work of decorating the graves of the deceased soldiers, fifteen of whom lie buried within the limits of the town. They also exercise a care over sick and unfortunate old soldiers, whether members of the Grand Army or not.
The Post holds its meetings each Thursday night, in Good Templars' hall. The membership is not large, and is made up of men from different sections and different companies, no company having been raised in Marlborough, although the town furnished about 175 soldiers for the late war. The Post often holds bean bakes and social gatherings, which are very popular.
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