USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 2 > Part 21
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The Indian Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1810 three miles above Reily, at the house of John Mor- ris or John Burks. The land on which the house stand -. and the ground where the graveyard is, consisting of three acres, was bought of Valentine Chase for nine dollars. It is situated in the south-east quarter of Sec- tion 5. The first house was log, ereeted in 1812. The deed for the land was made the same year. When this Church was organized there were twenty two members. Among them were Abraham Lee and wife, John Morris, Sen., John Durwese and wife, John Burke. Nicholas Jones, Joseph Brady, Lot Abrams, aud Abram Jones and wife. This Church was the result of a strong influence brought
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to bear upon the people by the Rev. Mr. Tyner, of | Brookville, who preached here in 1809. Tyner was very illiterate. During the ministry of some of the early preachers the membership increased very fast. About one hundred accessions were made to the Church in eighteen months, under the preaching of Messrs. Tyner, Thomas, and Thompson. The most that united in one day were fourteen. Abraham, Thurston, and Sparks were pioneer ministers; the latter claimed " that which a man loved was his God."
Benjamin Martin, who belonged to what was called the Two-seed Baptists, was a powerful preacher here in early times. Samuel Billings was another pioneer minister; so also was Moses Hornaday, from near Harrison, Ham- ilton County. Judas Shirk, Daniel Roberson, Mr. Old- ham, Mr. Childers, Daniel Briant, Joseph Flynn, and John Brady were all men of character, who held services here when the society was in a flourishing condition. There have been other preachers here, men of all grades and ages, who lived in other localities and who made it convenient to be here on stated occasions.
Sinee 1860 there have been no regular services in the church, at which date the Reily Village Baptist Church was erected. The old hewed-log house was torn down about 1830, when the second church, a briek, thirty by fifty feet, took its place the same year. The Reily Church had twenty-two members in 1860: John Smith and wife, Joseph Brady, John Durwese and wife, Fanny Roll, Maria Roll, Almira Crubaugh, Rachel Barnum, and others. This point of worship has preaching with considerable regularity ; the Church is ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Bevis, of Kentucky.
From the old cemetery we have:
Ephraim Tucker, died August 1, 1844; aged 74. Joseph Brady, who was an early member of the Church, died De- cember 17, 1860; aged 80. Sarah, wife of Joseph Brady, died August 10, 1847; aged 62. Nicholas Jones, died April 24, 1853; aged 73. Mary, wife of Nicholas Jones, died Sep- fer ibor 29, 1855; aged 70. Mary Cole, died January 9, 1831; aged 99. Samuel Thurston, died March 23, 1825; aged 57. Hannah Thurston, died July 23, 1840; aged 68. Josiah Dungan, who was drowned in Indian Creek, June, 1821; aged 21. Philetus Munson, died February 26, 1851; aged 63. Re- becca, wife of Philetus Munson, died February 5, 1869; aged 76. Abraham Jones, born May 20, 1783; died July 2, 1863. Sarah, wife of Abraham Jones, died March 2, 1856; aged 66. Abraham Lee, died April 29, 1853; aged 79. Eunice, wife of Abraham Lee, died February 25, 1861; aged 78. David Wing, died November 17, 1857; aged 86. Marey, wife of David Wing, died April 17, 1844; aged 75. Matthew Riggs, died February 25, 1836; aged 62. Mary, wife of Matthew Riggs, died March 14, 1565; aged 76. . Susanna E., wife of James Urinston, born March 22, 1799; died August 7, 1837. Jonathan Urmston, died Angust 24, 1840; aged 50. Gideon Wilkinson, departed this life January 26, 1812; aged 70. Abigail, wife of citron Wilkinson, who departed this life December 30, 1842; aged 64. Thomas Boone, born August 21, 1759; died February 6, 1831. Mr. Boone was a relative of Colonel Daniel Boone, the Kentuckian. Susanna Boone,
born April 12, 1756; died February 6, 1830. Reuben Staton, died March 4, 1818; aged 42. Martha, wife of Reuben Staton, died January 15, 1834; in the 60th year of her age.
In the north-west corner of the yard are some of the first burials in the townships, as:
Valentine Chase, Sen., died August 20, 1815; aged 31. William Burch, died May 16, 1857; aged 68. In memory of George Misner, who died January 13, 1835; aged 30.
In the Indian Creek Cemetery there are, perhaps, one hundred and seventy-five burials, mostly in the north- east corner of the yard, on the high ground. The old- est grave in the ground is undoubtedly that of the Chase child.
VILLAGES.
AUBURN, better known, perhaps, as Gandertown, is located in the corners of Ross, Morgan, Reily, and Han- over Townships. This village was never platted. It took the latter name because, when the first citizens lived here, there were a great many geese raised, and it is said that, like Bunker Hill, a furious quarrel took place over some wild gander, who strayed from one farm-house to the other and disturbed the docility of the average goose. Of late years, however, the maps call the village Auburn, a name which is quite appropriate. There were some well-known citizens here in early times, as witness these: Maxwell Ross, in Hanover Township; James Salisbury and James Bridge, in Reily Township ; James Salisbury and John Bloomfield, in Morgan Town- ship; John B. Williams and Michael Bowerman, in Ross Township, -- all land-owners. The first establishment of a public nature was an upright steam saw-mill, built by John W. Ownes about 1850. The old mill was after- wards sold to James Williams, who moved it to Millville and converted it into a still-house. Mr. Ownes built the present pump-factory as a mill some ten years later. These mills stood in Reily Township, on a branch of Double Lick, of Indian Creek. Ownes is a native of Wales, a wheelwright by trade.
The first school-building in this vicinity was a leg house in Morgan Township, two hundred yards frout the corner, up the creek. Alexander Martin was one, if not the only, teaelier bere. He is now a man sixty-five years of age. Another school-house oreupied a site on the corner, in the township of Hanover. This house was here in 1830; the school was taught by a woman. A school was once kept in Ross Township, in a log-house, taught by James Boyd.
Enoch Bond was the first storekeeper in the village, in a log-house on the Ross Township corner. Bond was from the East. The only store-house ever built on the south-west corner was owned by David Davis, twenty-five years ago. Daniel Clevinger, James Simmons, Join Balser, Isaac Woods, William Pearson, John W. Ovoes. David Rothermel, were all storekeepers in a house on the Ross Township corner, except Clevinger, who kept in the Bond property. Mr. Woods created a store house
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some thirty-five years ago, which is now standing. Will- iam Shultz carried on the saloon business, about fifteen years ago, in the brick house where James McCloskey now lives. John Straub followed in the same house.
James Bridge was the first blacksmith in Auburn, in an old log shop which stood on the Hanover Township corner. Henry Garner came next in the same shop, which was moved where it stands now. Then came Thomas Applegate, on the same corner, but in a new shop. After Applegate there was William Roberts and Frederic Zillyox, the latter of whom is the present smith. Auburn has a population of about fifty souls.
WOODS' STATION is a village of about one hundred people, named by Hiram Pierson, a man of many fine parts, after John Woods, the first president of the railroad. The place was never laid out. It is on the south-west corner of the north-west quarter of section twelve, and many years ago the locality was known as Rogersville.
David Jones entered the land on which the village stands. Jonas Jones, who assisted in locating the Hani- ilton Road to Brookville, was an early settler; so also was Jacob Swank, a Pennsylvania Dutchman. Isaac Lindley was here also quite early. William Coonce, from Pennsylvania, lived south of the village, half a mile. Mr. Clem, from Kentucky, lived close by in the north-west. John Hancock, from Kentucky, lived a short distance in the south-east. Hiram Pierson bought the land on which the village rests, in 1856, of Jonas Jones, son of David Jones. The railroad was built in 1858. The station was established as soon as the rail- road was built. The first citizen in the town proper was Hiram Pierson, who was also the second storekeeper. L. D. Hancock was the first man who dealt oat dry- goods and groceries to this people. George Gardner fol- lowed Pierson; then Taylor Salisbury and Silas Bald- win, the latter of whom, with Gardner, is here at pres- ent. The first blacksmith was Jacob Lemmons, followed by Thomas Love, Thomas Applegate, and Henry Jones, the latter the present smith. There are abou : fifty citi- zens in the village.
OGLETON is a station in section two. Its name came from Alexander Ogle, an early settler in this part of Reily. This place has no significance except as a shipping point.
REILY was laid out by Pierson Conkling, Joseph M. Conkling, and Samuel Gray, October 25, 1848. This village was situated, when first platted, in the south-west and south-east corners of sections fifteen and sixteen. From its natural surroundings it has always been of con- siderable importance in the county and township. Many years before the town was platted, there gathered here many of the early settlers to cast their votes and receive their mail. In 1830 Lewis Enyart owned land in the south-west quarter of scetiou fifteen, and the north-east quarter of section twenty-one. Section sixteen was set aside for school purposes, and until within the last forty years was not owned by any person in particular. An
early land-holder on section twenty-two was Thomas Burke. As the village now is, it is mostly in sections twenty-one and twenty-two -- principally the latter. The north-east quarter of section No. 17 was entered by John Morris, of Virginia, in 1799. He settled here in 1801 or 1802, where he died in July, 1840. Section No. 8, south-east quarter, was entered by a Mr. Crook. Another man by the name of Boyer settled here very early. He was a furniture maker by trade, and did much of the work for the settlers. James Stephens and Samuel Tucker built the stone house, known as the Mor- ris homestead, in 1816 or 1817, which is now standing. Reily was begun on the east side of Indian Creek, where Colonel William Stephens cut the first timber in this vicinity preparatory to erecting cabins.
About this time David Dick built a grist and saw mill, where the present mill stands, and soon after added a carding machine. This mill, and the south-west quar- ter of section fifteen, was afterwards sold to Lewis Eu- yart who, about 1830, built a still-house, which stood a few rods north of the present post-office. Enyart rented his still-house to several persons, who divided the profits in proportion to the labor performed by each. In 1855 Enyart sold his mill to Sayres & Egnew; the stil !- house . had in the meantime gone down. The mill passed from the above firm to William J. Salmon, who, in 1860, sold thirty-seven acres of land and the mill to J. P. Heidly and Thompson Gray, the latter coming into full passes- sion in September, 1867. David Dick must have built this mill about 1810 or 1812, since which time it has been constantly running, though often receiving repairs. The flouring department is run by an overshot wheel : the saw mill by an undershot wheel.
Another early settler was Ferdinand Everhardt, who was here in 1837 as a wagon-maker in the house where S. P. Riker lives. He carried on his business here until a few years ago, when he died.
Felix Conkling was here in 1833 engaged in tanning, in the west end, in a house now occupied by John Wat- kins. A German followed Mr. Watkins in the same house, but did not do as large a business as his prede- cessor. This tannery ran for twenty odd years.
E. H. Gaston came here in the spring of 1833, walk- ing from Cincinnati. He began business by clerking for his brother, A. L., in a store which he owned here at that time, remaining several years. Afterwards he opened a, store for himself. He was then chosen a justice of the peace, which office he filled for twelve years ; was cleeted county treasurer for two terme, and was a member of the Legislature. He died in February, 1876.
John Harper was here fifty years ago in a log-house in the upper cad of Reily on the old road. He died in the West. His brothers, Joseph, Thomas, and James, were men of considerable note. The most interesting bit of history connected with them, is that they killed five half-breed Indians on Fall Creek, Tudiana, about 1818.
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Some of the Harpers had previously been massaered by the Indians, and they took this means of avenging their brethren. After the Indians were killed the civil author- ities offered a reward for the capture of the Harpers, and one of the Ridges, who gave his assistance, but they fled to Virginia. Here they were taken prisoner, but in time gained their liberty.
John Burke was another early resident in this vicin- ity. He owned a grist-mill one mile below town, which he ran for several years. He died in Dunlapsville, In- diana.
M. B. and F. P. Applegate were here in 1849 as wagon and buggy makers. They stayed for ten or fifteen years. The former is dead; the latter lives near Greens- burg, Indiana.
The Rev. A. B. Gilliland was a cabinet-maker here fifty years ago. He is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and is abont ninety years of age. Gilliland was also one of the early residents of Venice, and was a pastor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church, living in the parsonage.
Many years before the village was laid out Samuel Davis kept tavern at the head of Main Street. Reily was then a great stopping-place for hog drivers, one of the most prominent being John Murphy, who lived near Harrisburg, Indiana. James Larison, a cooper by trade, kept tavern for five or six years, about 1844, where Henry Schwarm now lives. Samnel Davis, a black- smith, followed in the same house. After him came T. B. Smith, Mr. Small, John W. Fiske, Mr. Gilliland, John Dingfelder, W. O. Pierson, Charles Silverlake, and Frederic Horsfield, the latter of whom is here at present.
Harness-makers in Reily since 1840 have been, Mr. Barrot, on the corner near the bridge, John Linch, Thomas H. Smith, yet a resident, and L. C. Addison. who came here in 1847, and who still works at his trade.
The oldest frame house in the village stands just be- low Thompson Gray's residence, on the Millville Pike. It formerly stood on the south-west corner, opposite Ad- dison's harness shop, and was built by Mr. Burke. A. L. Gaston built the store-house which stood by its side in 1835. Samuel Gray removed the building to another part of his lot, and now uses it for various purposes in his business. The belief is that the first log-house in Reily stood near the Gaston store property.
Early physicians who visited this part of the country came from Hamilton, Dr. Daniel Millikin and Dr. Greenleaf being among the number. Dr. Corey, of Mill- ville, was a practitioner in this vicinity far back in the '20's and '80's. Dr. Andrew King, from Ireland, was the first practicing physician in the north-western corner of the township. He lived and died on a farm now owned by his son Samuel. Dr. Kerr was a resident of Reily forty years ago. He afterwards removed to the West. He was followed by Dr. Gilchrist (who studied medicine with Dr. James, of Indiana, above Scipio),
who practiced here for fifteen years. Dr. Gilchrist re- moved to Oxford, where he died. Dr. Hamer came next; he went from here to New London and then to Venice. He is now a resident of Denver, Colorado, en- gaged as a real estate agent. Dr. James N. Roberson came here in 1866, since which time he has remained. He had for his partner J. W. Bell, a son of 'Squire Bell, of Morgan Township, who, after remaining fom years, removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1880. Dr. Dill is now with Dr. Roberson, who came here in 1881. Dr. Borger came here in 1876 from Prince William's Village, Carroll County, Indiana. Previcus to locating in Reily he had practiced eight years. Dr. John Trem- bly, who lives two miles east of the village, was an early physician in this section. He now does little with his profession except in very urgent cases. Reily has three resident physicians.
The mechanic arts in Reily have always been carried on successfully. In 1830 John Miller was here in a log blacksmith shop opposite the tavern. Sammel Davis was here in 1835 in a shop above the hotel on the side hill, which land he owned at that time. James Bridge car- ried on blacksmithing in 18-40 near the Presbyterian Church. Thompson Gray took up his residence in Reily, in May, 1843. He began as a blacksmith in a shop built by Davis on the bank of Indian Creek. He has now been here thirty-nine years. In the meantime there have been Hugh Roll, who learned his trade with Davis, George Huber, and William Sasher-the latter here in 1882.
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A. L. Gaston was the first storekeeper in the village. His store was on the east side of Indian Creek one hun- dred yards above Dick's mill. He was here in 1828 or 1830. The frame house is now gone. Moses Burke carried on the same business at the Gaston store for two or three years. A. G. Smith was here from 1838-13 ile a house where the tavern now stands. The old store- house is now between the tavern and the stable. Gas- ton, Pierson & Clark were store-keepers here in the Smith property for some time ; followed by Gaston & T. B. Smith. After Samnel Gray, on the corner near the bridge, came Amos Smith aud Arthur Gray. The store- keepers at present are John A. Lesley, King Carson, N. Urmston & Son.
Saloon-keepers are Frank Horsfield and John Baker, the latter also having a meat-store. There are two shoe- makers, John Gable and John Wunder. There is one tailor, J. W. Frazce ; and one undertaker. S. P. Riker. A wood-working shop is kept by William Lutes. Two siw-mills are here, one kept by Van Ausdall, Wynes. copp, Little & Bros., on the west side of the creek, and J. P. Heidley has another in connection with his gris ;- mill. There is also a portable saw-mill below the school- house owned by Deneen & Stiman.
The first school-house in the vicinity of Reily stood on the west of the pike leading to the State line. in the
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upper end of the village, on a piece of land now in a pasture-field. Some remnants of the old house are yet to be seen. This house was there more than seventy years ago; it was used for some time. The first school- house in the village proper was erected in 1839, on land sold to the authorities by Pierson and Joseph M. Conk- ling and wives. The front part of the house was built first. It is briek, and stands opposite Frazee's tailor- shop. After a number of years of use the house was found to be too small; benee, in 1860 or thereabouts, an addition was made to it. James B. King was a director at this time, and took much interest in the affair. King had previously been a member of the Legislature. On the 10th of November, 1877, school opened in the new building, which eost about three thousand dollars. The one aere of land, on part of which the house stands, was bought of Samuel Gray. There are two rooms in the new school-building.
Some of the persons who have taught school in Reily are: A. W. Mustin, Thomas W. Lawrence, the latter here in 1853; W. Burget, Joseph C. Snow, in 1857, who also was an excellent preceptor; W. Bartlow, Mr. Sheely, D. Bassett, Mr. Snow, in 1859, a brother of J. C. Snow; William Salmon, in 1854, who afterwards went to Cali- fornia, and who had Emily O. Cumback for assistant ; Alexander King in 1855; Doetor J. M. Trembly in 1857; F. A. Coleman in 1855; besides Mary Ann Howels, daughter of Rev. M. Howels; Lucretia Jones, and others.
Among the scholars of Thomas W. Lawrence, in 1853, were John Dingfellow, Albert, John, and Lafayette Sweatman, Alonzo Kerr, David Rees, James Oxley, Francis Gilliland, Hannah Little, Sarah E. Davis, Harriet Gaston, Lucy Smith, Mary Burke, and Martha King. In 1853 there was an enrollment of eighty-two scholars.
The Reily Presbyterian Church was organized in April, 1836, with thirty-six members. It was a seion from Bethel, the most powerful religious organization of its faith in this part of the county. The house, made of brick, in which the congregation now worship, was built in 1840. Forty-six years after its organization the mem- bership numbers one hundred. Among the ministers have been A. B. Gilliland, J. S. Weaver, E. Howell, T. E. Hughes, C. H. Raymond, J. De Lamater, and D. H. Green. This Church, since its organization, has been in a prosperous state. There is a neat parsonage near the church. A good Sunday-school is maintained and well supported.
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Reily Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 332, was instituted November 12, 1857, at St. Charles. Some of the charter members were John and Silas Stewart, brothers, and George W. Roberts. This lodge continued at St. Charles until 1876 or 1877, when, on account of the inconvenience to members, it was brought to Reily. The society built a lodge here in 1876, and the next year it burned down. This hall cost about seven hundred dollars, and was over Benjamin F. Sayres's store-room. After the loss ocea-
sioned by the fire the lodge bought the lot on which the store stood, and erected the present frame, costing about one thousand dollars. There are now about fifty active members. No. 332 was instituted by Willian: Chidsey, of Cincinnati, now grand secretary of Ohio.
The Knights of Honor Lodge was instituted Mareh 30, 1881, with the following members: B. F. Sayres, John Mansod, Doetor D. D. Borger, J. T. Little, J. N. Car- son, J. A. Lasley, J. P. Van Ausdall, George Feighter, John Gable, H. E. Wyneeopp, Frederic Horsfield, Henry Schwarm, Morris Hamer, George Huber, Walter DeCamp, W. G. Everson, William Thompson, W. G. Ragsdill, Amos C. Vanle, Calvin E. Deneen, A. W. Deneen, Noah S. Sayres, Gideon Stroud, William M. Sasher, I'. J. B. Welliver, John Vanness, Charles Urm- ston, J. W. Whitehill and J. T. Bartlow. Mr. B. F. Sayres met his death by accident November 15, 1881. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows' hall the sceond and fourth Wednesdays of every month. The first offi- eers of this lodge were Doctor D. D. Borger, P. D .; W. G. Everson, D .; Walter DeCamp, V. D .; W. J. Ragsdill, assistant D. ; J. P. Van Ausdall, representative; P. J. V. Welliver, F. R. ; F. Horsfield, treasurer. This society has thirty odd members, and is in a flourishing condition.
There was a Grange society organized in Reily several years ago. It is now dead.
The Reily Cemetery gives these inscriptions :
Elder Jonas Roberson, born January 27, 1800; died May 11. 1874. Nancy, his wife, born November 28, 1804; died March 16, 1870. Hannah, wife of B. F. Sayres, died May 28, 1877; aged 52. George Bowman, died March 6, 1876; aged 64. Elias Sayres, died October 6, 1867; aged 66. Amanda, wife of John F. Ward, born June 25, 1829; died September 13, 1877. Sarah J. Ward, born April 5, 1839; died February 4, 1856. George W. Van Ansdall, born November 17, 1803; died August 15, 1876. Matthew Welliver, died January 6, 1879; aged 69. Aaron H. Davis, died February 14, 1872; aged 57. Sarah Ann, wife of Aaron H. Davis, died April 20, 1879; aged 59. Cynthia 1 .; wife of W lliam Stephens, born June S, 1806; died October 12, 1864. A fine monument marks the resting-place of Joseph Smith, who was born January 20, 1806, and died January 1, 1881. Abigail Smith, his wife, was born October 5, 1812. Another very fine monument says: Elizabeth, wife of John Abbott, died March 18, 1$57; aged 47. Also, Margaret, wife of John Abbott, who died July 27. 1880; aged 71. Elizabeth, wife of William Smith, died June 18, 1859; aged 90. James Johnson, born December 1, 1808; died February 4, 1875. From a handsome monument: J. D. Smith, died April 20, 1877; aged 75. Susan, wife of J. D. Smith, died October 2. 1837 ;: aged 35. Elizabeth, wife of J. D. Smith, died August 1, 1877; aged 58.
This burying-ground is comparatively new, and there are but few old burials in it. Every thing about the yard is neat and orderly.
In early times the townships of Reily, Hanover, and Oxford-the uplands near the heads of the creeks-were covered by large ponds of water. There were hundreds of acres entirely useless, except that large quantities of wild
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geese and ducks made these grounds their resort. The excessive timber prevented the water from running off. There were immense thickets of wild gooseberry bushes, patches of briars which covered three or four acres, and plenty of wild currants. Above the Baptist Church, on Indian Creek one mile and a half, there were twenty acres of wild black currants, " which were muell better," so the old settlers say, " than our common white eurrants." Crab apples abounded ; also wild onions. Colonel Will- iam Stevens says an "oak tree, seven feet in diameter, above his father's house, turned out fifteen 'coons at a single catch." Foxes, ground-hogs, opossums, and squir- rels abounded. Game was always fat. Sugar making was carried on very extensively by the settlers. Camps were opened wherever a good opportunity presented- itself, regardless, in many cases, of its location. The general price for sugar previous to the war of 1812, was about tlirce cents per pound. After the war, the price rose to twelve and a half eents per pound, many of the pioneers making handsome profits thereby. The last bear seen in Reily Township was in the north-east corner of seetion six, in 1809. In 1815 Brumfield Boone killed one of the largest panthers ever seen in Butler County, on a farm then owned by John Boone, his father. The farm is now owned by the Vanness heirs. The animal meas- ured seven feet from tip to tip. People came from all directions to see it, and its skin was kept a good while in the neighborhood. There were dozens of cooper-shops in Reily Township at an early day. One of the oldest dwelling houses in Reily Township is on section four, north of the road fifteen rods, running through the eenter of the section. It was built by David Wing, in 1810. It is now occupied and owned by Rodney Don- ham, who was born August 30, 1806, on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He came with his father's family to the south side of seetion six, this town- ship, in 1809, on the 22d of June.
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