USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 60
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 60
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 60
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 60
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 60
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Mr. Mills is a Republican and has served as school director for six years and a village trustee. He is affiliated with Turin Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 148, and holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.
Robert J. Baker, who is vice president of the McGillis Furniture Com- pany, is among the representative citizens of Ogdensburg, and has been closely allied with the business life of this city for many years. He was born here, April 6, 1862, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (McCrea) Baker.
Joseph Baker, a native of England, died in 1884. When four years of age he was brought to Canada by his parents who settled at Brookville, Ont. They later came to Ogdensburg, where he was educated. He be- came successful as a painting contractor and was thus engaged through- out his life. His wife was born at Lancaster, England, and died in 1888. Both are buried at Ogdensburg. He was a Republican and served as alder- man of the first ward for several years. He was a member of the Epis- copal Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker the following children were born: 1. Minnie E., retired school teacher. 2. Elizabeth E., married William H. Barker. 3. Lillian P., who died in 1918, was principal of the grade schools in Ogdensburg. 4. Robert J., the subject of this sketch. 5. Vinnie. 6. Hannah, the widow of Leslie Wells. 7. Rebacca, the widow of Robert Ives. All live at 107 Congress Street, Ogdensburg.
Robert J. Baker attended the public schools of Ogdensburg, where he has always lived. He was employed as a grocery clerk in the store of C.
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B. Herriman. Later he was connected with the establishment of D. O. McCrostie, and H. P. Howard. In 1889 he became identified with the Mc- Gillis Furniture Company as bookkeeper and clerk. Five years later he became a licensed embalmer and established the firm's undertaking de- partment, of which he has since been in charge. He became vice presi- dent of the company in 1910.
On Dec. 18, 1896, Mr. Baker married Miss Kate McGillis, of Water- town, who died Oct. 26, 1922. She was the daughter of Laughlin and Almira M. (Peters) McGillis. The former was born in Canada and died at Ogdensburg, Sept. 23, 1906. He was the founder of the McGillis Fur- niture Company, which was established by him about 1885. His wife died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have a son, Lockman Joseph, born April 26, 1903. He is a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and St. Lawrence University, and is now a medical student at McGill University, Montreal.
Mr. Baker is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias; B. P. O. Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Masonic Lodge.
John Hannan, who is president of the Brownlow-Hannan Corporation, is recognized as one of the able and highly successful business men of Ogdensburg, where he was born Nov. 1, 1889. He is the son of John and Margaret J. (Walsh) Hannan.
John Hannan, deceased, was a native of Ireland. He was brought to Quebec by his parents in 1849 and attended the public schools of Mon- treal. In early manhood he came to Ogdensburg, where he established a successful business as a wholesale and retail tobacco dealer. In later years he owned and operated a general coal and lumber business, being presi- dent and general manager of a concern at the time of his death on April 8, 1916. His wife was also born in Ireland and died Feb. 21, 1927. Both are buried at Ogdensburg. Mr. Hannan was a prominent Democrat and served as mayor of Ogdensburg in 1891, 1906 and 1907. He also was alderman. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hannan: 1. Mary C., married William L. McDougall, lives in Montreal. 2. Edward, who died in 1893. 3. Elizabeth E., married Henry McMullin, lives in Mon- treal. 4. Gertrude, who died in 1894. 5. John, the subject of this sketch.
After his graduation from Ogdensburg High School, John Hannan studied for two years at Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He became president of the Ogdensburg Coal Company in 1915 and was identified with that concern until 1918. He then became actively associated with the interests of the Hannan Realty Company, of which he is still president,
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and in 1928 he was one of the founders of the Brownlow-Hannan Cor- poration, real estate and insurance specialists, with offices at 335 State Street. Mr. Hannan is also vice president of the St. Lawrence Realty Company, Ltd., of Montreal.
On June 14, 1913, Mr. Hannan was united in marriage with Miss Helen Murphy, of Ogdensburg, the daughter of James T. and Alice (Normand) Murphy. They were born in this city and live at 422 Ford Street. Mr. Murphy was identified with the business of James Murphy & Son until his retirement in 1923. He is a Democrat and has served as alderman and member of the state prison commission. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. To Mr. and Mrs. Hannan have been born five children: Patricia, John, Jr., Helen, Jay Paul, and Fredericka.
In politics Mr. Hannan is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and holds membership in B. P. 0. Elks, Century Club, Ogdensburg Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Clarence E. Putnam, who is supervisor of Croghan, is representative of the successful dairy farmer of Lewis County. He was born at Croghan, Aug. 31, 1860, the son of Aaron J. D. and Margaret (Smith) Putnam.
Aaron J. D. Putnam was a native of Johnstown, Montgomery County, N. Y. He was reared and educated there and become a carpenter and mill wright. He followed these trades for many years and in later life was interested in dairy farming at Indian River, N. Y., where he died in 1871. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. His wife was born at Croghan and died in 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Putnam were born two children: 1. Althea M., married Charles Spencer, lives at Cohoes, N. Y. 2. Clarence E., the subject of this sketch. The second hus- band of Margaret Smith was Levi Edwards, who died at Lowville in 1919. Their children were: 1. Andrew J., who died in 1907. 2. Nancy, deceased, was the wife of Squire Wilcox. 3. Sarah, who died in 1900, was the wife of Henry Hammond. 4. Adam, who died in 1890. 5. Elizabeth P., who died in 1921, was the wife of M. Scott. 6. Mary S., who died in 1894, was the wife of William Gibbons. 7. Sarah M., married Chester Putnam, lives at Buffalo, N. Y.
After his graduation from the public schools of Croghan, Clarence E. Putnam remained on the homestead with his mother. He learned the carpenter trade while in the employ of Theodore Brandt, with whom he remained for two years. In 1890 he became general woods foreman for the Beaver River Lumber Company of Croghan, and was located in Lewis
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and Herkimer counties. In 1897 he became foreman in the factory of Francis Monnet, sash and blind manufacturer. Later he accepted the position of foreman with the Carthage Lumber Company, and in 1908 he became interested in dairy farming. In April, 1909, Mr. Putnam was ap- pointed county superintendent of highways and served in that capacity until 1921. From 1900 until 1909 he was also supervisor of Croghan, and in 1929 was again elected to that office. He became sub-district president of the Jefferson and Lewis County Dairymen's League Co-Operative Asso- ciation, which office he held until 1928. He has since lived on a dairy farm near Croghan on the Harrisville Road.
Mr. Putnam married (first) April 2, 1882, Miss Emma L. Strader, of Martinsburg, who died in 1885, being survived by a son, Clinton S. He is identified with the Onondaga County highway department and lives at Syracuse, N. Y. On Nov. 6, 1888, Mr. Putnam married (second) Anna P. (Snyder) Williams, a native of Germany, the daughter of Christopher and Magdalene (Kirschner) Snyder. The former died in 1905 and the latter in 1919. To Clarence E. and Anna P. (Snyder) Putnam were born two daughters: 1. Ada M., married Jacob Took, lives at Carthage. 2. Naomi K., married Thomas Kelley, lives at Beaver Falls, N. Y.
Mr. Putnam is a Republican and is a member of St. Anthony's Cath- olic Church of Carthage.
Wilfred L. Forsyth .- President of The Victoria Paper Mills Company, Mr. Forsyth, outstanding among the successful business men of Fulton, was born at Milwaukee, Wis., May 3, 1883, the son of Wilfred L. and Carrie (Howe) Forsyth.
At the age of 13 years Mr. Forsyth came to Fulton with his parents and completed his education here. In 1898 he became identified with The Victoria Paper Mills Company. In 1915 he was elected secretary and a director of the company, and in 1924 was elected president, succeeding the late E. R. Redhead.
Mr. Forsyth is a director of the Citizens National Bank & Trust Com- pany of Fulton and of the Utica Mutual Insurance Company of Utica, N. Y. He is also a director of the New York State Economic Council and a member of the Board of Governors of the Lee Memorial Hospital. Mr. Forsyth is a member of the Citizens Club, Rotary Club and the Oswego Country Club. He has also been active in Chamber of Commerce work and was president of the Chamber for two terms.
On Feb. 18, 1909, Mr. Forsyth was married to Miss Janet F. Kelley, the daughter of Dr. Edward F. and Janet English Kelley. Dr. and Mrs.
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Kelley came to Oswego County from Alexandria, Va., in 1875. Dr. Kelley was a prominent physician and surgeon practicing in Pulaski and Syra- cuse, N. Y. He died in 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth have two children, Janet E., now attending Westhampton College University of Richmond, Va., and George Lewis.
George E. Van Kennen is highly esteemed throughout the North Country as one of Ogdensburg's most prominent attorneys. He was born at Norfolk, St. Lawrence County, and received his early education there. As a young man he became a member of the firm of Spratt & Van Kennen, which was formerly Spratt & Magone. Upon the death of Mr. Spratt the son of George E. Van Kennen, John D., became his associate and since 1926 the firm of Van Kennen & Van Kennen has ranked among the lead- ing law firms of the city. The elder Mr. Van Kennen is also a director of the Ogdensburg Trust Company and has been attorney for the New York Central Railroad in this district and the St. Lawrence County Utilities Company. The firm also serves at attorneys for the Rutland Railroad Company and the George Hall Corporation ..
Mr. Van Kennen has been mayor of Ogdensburg and city judge, as well as alderman from the Third Ward. He was the first chairman of the New York State Conservation Commission, and for several years acted as special deputy attorney general of New York State in charge of water power matters, a subject upon which he is recognized as an authority. Mr. Van Kennen is a Democrat.
Mr. Van Kennen married Miss Harriet Houston, a native of Ogdens- burg. Their children are: 1. Harold H., a graduate of Cornell Univer- sity, class of 1915, consulting engineer, lives at Brookville, Pa. 2. Marion L., lives at Ogdensburg. 3. John D., mention of whom is made below.
Mr. Van Kennen is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
John D. Van Kennen is recognized as one of the thoroughly capable young lawyers of Ogdensburg. He was born in this city, May 20, 1898. After his graduation from Ogdensburg Free Academy, he attended Wor- cester (Mass.) Academy, and in 1921 was graduated from Hamilton Col- lege. He then spent two years at Columbia Law School, and in 1924 be- came associated with the firm of Spratt & Van Kennen. He was admitted to the bar in 1925, and upon the death of Mr. Spratt, as mentioned above, he became a member of the firm with his father.
In January, 1918, Mr. Van Kennen enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Dallas, Texas, with the Aero Corps. He studied at the School of Aeronautics at the University of Texas, and for a time was
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located at Fort Sill, Okla., with the rank of second lieutenant. He is now a member of the Officers Reserve Corps, Aero branch, U. S. Army.
Politically Mr. Van Kennen is a Democrat. He is chairman of the 31st Congressional District Democratic Committee, and secretary of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee. During 1924-26 he was justice of the peace of Oswegatchie and during 1926-28 was supervisor of the Third Ward of Ogdensburg. He is a member of Acacian Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 705; Ogdensburg Chapter, R. A. M. No. 630; Ogdensburg Com- mandery, K. T. No. 54; Media Temple of Watertown; Knights of Pythias; B. P. O. Elks; Kiwanis Club; Ogdensburg Country Club; Ogdensburg Sportmen's Association; American Legion; and Chimney Island Boat Club. He also belongs to Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and Phi Delta Phi Honorary fraternity. Mr. Van Kennen is a member of the Presby- terian Church.
William J. Coyle .- Associated with the Ogdensburg Underwriters In- corporated, with offices at 317 State Street, Mr. Coyle is recognized as one of the leading business executives of St. Lawrence County. He was born at Watertown, Sept. 21, 1888, the son of William J. and Sarah (Elder) Coyle.
William J. Coyle was born in Ireland and died in Watertown in 1906. His wife, also a native of Ireland, died in 1919. At the age of 28 years he went to Canada and settled in Quebec, where he remained for four years. He then came to Watertown and spent the rest of his life there as a land- scape gardener. Both Mr. and Mrs. Coyle were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Their children were: 1. Rose, deceased, was the wife of W. H. Madill, of Watertown. 2. Mary Jane, who died, was the wife of H. J. Webb. 3. Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Ernest E. Adams, of Watertown. 4. Sarah, married J. F. Lande, lives at Buffalo, N. Y. 5. Loretta, deceased. 6. Agnes, married John H. Ellsweilder, lives at Milwaukee, Wis. 7. William J., the subject of this sketch. 8. Gwen- dolyn, deceased. 9. Albert J., identified with the Pearl W. Diffendorf Cor- poration, of Watertown. 10. Claire, married Fred Barclay, lives at Wash- ington, D. C.
William J. Coyle received his education in the public schools of Water- town. He served as an apprentice tailor for one year in the shop of J. R. Miller, of Watertown, and then spent four years as a member of the firm of Coyle & Flaws. In 1909 Mr. Coyle came to Ogdensburg and opened a tailoring establishment on Isabella Street, which he successfully managed for three years. He later sold his interests to the Model Clothing Com- pany, and at that time became interested in the general insurance busi-
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ness. He took over the holdings of the agency of T. F. Dana, and in 1924 removed to his present location on State Street.
On Sept. 26, 1914, Mr. Coyle married Miss Ruth A. Hackett, of Og- densburg, who died Oct. 23, 1927. She was the daughter of William H. and Agnes L. (Mills) Hackett. The former died in 1926 and the latter lives in Ogdensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Coyle were born two daughters: 1. Sallie Agnes, born June 9, 1916, attends Ogdensburg Free Academy. 2. Ruth Hackett, born Oct. 22, 1919.
Politically, Mr. Coyle is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Century Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Ogdensburg Sportsmen's Association, and Ogdensburg Country Club.
Jesse R. Patton, M. D .- As director of St. John's Hospital, Ogdens- burg, Doctor Patton is prominent in medical circles throughout the North Country, and is recognized as an authority on the treatment of tuber- culosis. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France with the rank of first lieutenant, Medical Corps, U. S. Army. Doctor Patton was born at Florence, Ala., April 2, 1891, the son of Rush and Pocahontas (Cluff) Patton.
Rush Patton was born at Asbury Park, N. J., as was his wife. He followed the trade of mason throughout his life and became a successful contractor. He is now retired. Mr. Patton is a Republican and holds the office of justice of the peace. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Patton's only child is Jesse R., the subject of this sketch.
After his graduation from the public schools of Florence, Ala., Jesse R. Patton entered Bellevue Hospital College, New York University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1917. He was an interne in the U. S. Marine Hospital at Stapleton, Staten Island, and was then identified with the U. S. Public Health Service in the Barge Office, New York City. On June 8, 1918, Doctor Patton entered the service of the Medical Corps, and went to France. He was stationed in base hos- pitals at Chateau Thierry and later at the Argonne front. Upon his re- turn to this country he again entered the public health service, and for a year was attached to the U. S. Veterans Hospital. He spent two years as a member of the staff of Sea View Hospital, Staten Island, and from 1925 until 1930 was identified with the U. S. Veterans Bureau at Tupper Lake, N. Y. He has held his present post at St. John's Hospital in Ogdensburg since 1930. Doctor Patton is identified with the St. Lawrence County, New York State and American Medical Associations, and is a member of
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the National Tuberculosis Association. He is a visiting physician on the staff of St. Lawrence County Hospital.
Doctor Patton was married on May 14, 1919, to Miss Alnetta Hove- land, in New York City. She is the daughter of James and Eva (Top- ping) Hoveland. The former lives at Shark River, N. J., and the latter died in 1900. Doctor and Mrs. Patton have no children.
In politics Doctor Patton is independent. He is affiliated with Tupper Lake Lodge F. & A. M., and Ogdensburg Chapter, R. A. M. He also be- longs to the Kiwanis Club, and Lake Placid Club.
Arthur J. Patmore, who is general manager of the St. Lawrence Ma- rine Repair Dock Corporation, Ogdensburg, is a native of England, born at Hull, Jan. 14, 1877. He is the son of Harry and Isabella (Chapman) Patmore.
Harry Patmore was born in London, Eng. As a young man he was employed in the shipyards of England and came to the United States at the time of the introduction of iron boats on the Great Lakes. He was engaged in this important work and was one of the prominent ship build- ers of this section. He later located at Wyandotte, Mich., where he spent many years with the Detroit Shipbuilding Corporation. He died there in 1929. His wife died during the same year. Both are buried at Wyandotte They were members of the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Pat- more were born seven children: 1. Joseph, deceased. 2. Harry G., de- ceased. 3. Arthur J., the subject of this sketch. 4. James M., deceased. 5. Emma, married Bert Mountcastle, lives at Cleveland, Ohio. 6. Albert, deceased. 7. Louise, married George Niefert, lives at Wyandotte, Mich.
Arthur J. Patmore came to the United States with his parents when he was three years of age. He was educated in the public schools of Wyan- dotte and attended Port Huron Business College. He served seven years as an apprentice ship builder on the Great Lakes. He was then employed by the Cramps Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, in the building of battleships, and for seven years was located on the Atlantic coast. He then returned to Port Huron, Mich., with the Jenks Shipbuilding Com- pany as boat foreman for four years. During the following four years he served as superintendent of the Chicago Shipbuilding Company, and for several years was connected with the Detroit Shipbuilding Company and the American Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland, Ohio, remaining in the latter's employ for eight years as superintendent. Mr. Patmore accepted his present position as general manager with the St. Lawrence Marine Repair Dock Corporation on Nov. 10, 1923.
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In the national contest which was conducted by the U. S. Government following the World War, a set of books, "History of the World War," was awarded to the superintendent of any shipyard whose boats per building berth was the greatest in one year. Mr. Patmore's record of 14 ships on three building berths was awarded first place. He is a member of the Marine Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and is an hon- orary member of the Shipmasters Association.
On Oct. 9, 1901, Mr. Patmore was married at Port Huron, Mich., to Miss Lillian Moss, of Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Jeremiah and Jane (Brothers) Moss. Mr. Moss was born at Dudley, England, and died April 19, 1929. His wife was a native of New York and died Oct. 14, 1929. Both are buried at Mt. Clemens, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Patmore have an adopted daughter, Fern Moss Patmore, who attends Ogdensburg Free Academy.
Mr. Patmore is a Republican and is serving as alderman from the Third Ward. His lodge affiliations are: Cleveland Lodge, F. & A. M .; Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine; B. P. O. Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He also belongs to the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
The Victoria Paper Mills, Inc., one of the leading industries of Fulton, and an enterprise which has largely contributed to the advertising of the city to a national extent, was founded March 20, 1880. It was established by Forest G. Weeks, Charles S. Eggleston, and Edwin R. Redhead, who were its first officers and directors. The original mill, a building erected in 1850, was the only one operated at that period. In 1881 a vacant flour- ing mill site to the south of this was purchased and a pulp mill was erected.
In 1885 Mr. Weeks and Mr. Redhead bought and developed the power at the east end of the Oswego Falls dam, and in 1886 organized the Os- wego Falls Pulp & Paper Company. In 1888 the Patterson mill site was acquired, which adjoined the original Victoria mill on the north and a second paper machine was installed there. Two other mills were pur- chased from William Barber and the Cataract Paper Company, which be- came part of the Victoria group.
Fifty-two years of progress is the record of this company. They operate today four modern paper machines and a large toilet paper con- verting department. Their products are recognized standards of quality and are distributed throughout the country.
The present officers are: W. L. Forsyth, president; B. I. Reider, vice president ; H. A. Wilson, treasurer; and J. K. Carroll, secretary.
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Thomas Pettibone Kingsford .- A member of one of Oswego's best known families, Mr. Kingsford has gained the reputation of a successful business executive and is ably following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, the late Thomson Kingsford.
Thomas Pettibone Kingsford was born in Oswego, Dec. 24, 1858, and received his early education in the public schools here. In 1876 he entered Madison University, now Colgate, from which he was graduated in 1880. He was immediately called into the business of the Oswego Starch Fac- tory, and has since worked in harmony with the policy that has always governed the conduct of the several branches of manufacture and trade founded by his grandfather and father. He has succeeded in maintaining the high character of their products and in that fairness and liberality toward the employees which he has inherited from his ancestors. He was elected to the office of vice president of the Oswego Starch Factory in June, 1894, and at the time he became connected with the Starch Factory he also assumed the management of the Kingsford Foundry and Machine Works, which his father had founded.
In February, 1882, Mr. Kingsford was united in marriage with Miss Jennie E. Schuyler, the daughter of Harvey Schuyler, of Little Falls, N. Y. They have two children: 1. Thomson, born July 27, 1888, lives at Oswego, where he is manager of the Kingsford Foundry & Machine Works. 2. Katharine Schuyler, born in 1896. She was married on Dec. 27, 1923, to Willard J. Hall, and they live on the Kingsford Farms, near Oswego.
Mr. Kingsford has always been a Republican.
Thomson Kingsford was for many years the head of the firm of T. Kingsford & Son, was born at Headcorn, Kent, England, April 4, 1828, and died in Oswego in 1900. He was one of a family of four children, whose ancestry is traceable to the days of the early English kings. His early life was spent in his native land, where his parents conducted a private school. In 1831 his father sailed for America to seek opportunity for bettering his own financial condition and to educate his children. He obtained employment in a starch factory at Harsimus, Bergen County, N. J., owned by William Colgate & Company. During the following year he sent to England for his family. At the age of 14 years his son, Thom- son, began an apprenticeship as a machinist and draftsman, and during his first year he constructed a perfect working steam engine of six horse- power, which was the first power used by his father in the then newly discovered process of extracting starch from ripe Indian corn. At the age of 18 years the American Institute had awarded him a diploma for the best mechanical drawing submitted. In 1846 the father severed his
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