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 30
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Emanuel Vantrees. Each had a front on the river, something quite essential in those days of flat-boats and still-houses. Mr. Butterfield obtained eight hundred arres, partly in Butler and partly in Hamilton Counties. He fixed his residence near where Venice is now located.
The Masonic society of Venice was instituted as early as 1832. Among the charter members were William Turner, now of Harrison, Ohio, engaged as a tailor ; Ephraim Buell, father of D. C. Buell, a prominent citi- zen of New Haven, Hamilton County ; Sherebinh But- terfield, now living near Dayton ; and William Cone, now living on the Miami below the town, near the'an- cient site of Crosby village. In 1839, or thereabouts, the charter was revoked on account of the decrease in the membership. Some twenty-five years ago it was re- turned, since which time the lodge has been in a pros- perous condition. The first place of holding meetings was in a house rented of Ephraim Buell, which stood on the pike leading to the bridge. About 1853 the society erected their present ball, a frame building two stories high, valued at about $600.
Venice has had many temperance societies. In 1848 an organization was formed known as the Sons of Tem- perance. Their meetings were held in the Masonic ball. This ball is now occupied by the Widow Fesel as a dwelling-house. The most prominent members were William Cone, Adam Cummings, A. H. Cone, Isaac Frost, and John Hutchinson. Venice is now favored with three saloons, and there are yet many opportunities for temperance work.
Venice Odd Fellows' Lodge was organized in July, 1871. The charter dates the 15th of the same month, and was received a few days before the hall was con- pleted. This society was organized at the house of John Hutchinson. The hall was completed the same year the lodge was organized, costing 8800, being an addition over a room now occupied by T. Joyce as a wagon- miker's shop. The first officers of this lodge were John Hu chinson, N. G. ; Dr. F. B. Morris, V. G. ; Thomas Pottenger, Treas. ; J. Moore, P. Scet. ; J. Bevington, Sect. The other members were A. Strubel and S. Bey- ington.
Venice Cemetery had its beginning in 1817, when Dr. Clark gave one aere of land immediately north of the Odd Fellows' hall, but which was soon exchanged, by a proposition from the members of the Bethel Pres- byterian Church, for one aere on the south side of the present cemetery. This exchange was made because the original site was thought less favorable for berial par- pores. The intention was that deeds should be given by both parties, but after twenty-one years of occupancy the Clark heiss claimed and received the intended orig- iual ground. The gere on the hill bad an addition of three acres within a few years. There are now live aeres in the ground. Every thing is in keeping with taste and durability. We take these inscriptions from
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the tombstones; they will serve to open up many fickls of biographical history:
John Van Ausdali departed this life April 4, 1835; aged 29. Margaret, wife of David Van Ausdall, departed this life April 24, 1837; aged 29. Permelia, wife of Daniel Brown, died August 10, 1834; aged 31. Doctor Benjamin Clark, died June 22, 1826; aged 57. Elizabeth. wife of Doetor Benjamin Clark, died February 15, 186 !; aged 77. 'Alvira, daughter of Doctor Clark, born October 15, 1824; died March 7, 1868. Nicholas Demoret, died April 22, 1826; aged 65. Lydia, wife of King De Armond, formerly wife of Nicholas Demoret, died February 2, 1867 ; aged 93. In memory of Silence Ben- net, who died February 28, 1830; aged 81. John Shaw, died January 26, 1834; aged 58. Lemmel Hungerford, died Fel .- ruary 21, 1846, in the $5th year of his age. Abigail Hunger- ford, died January 27, 1842; aged 81. Martin Busseur, died July 15, 1834; aged 51. Mary Patton, wife of John Brown, departed this life April 24, 1846; aged 90. Sacred to the memory of Rer. Thomas Thomas, who departed this life October 9, 1551 ; aged 51. Rev. Mr. Thomas was the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Venice, organized in 1828. He came from New London. Rebecca Maria, wife of C. W. Prather, M. D., and daughter of A. and R. Brickhead, of Virginia, departed this life February 26, 1840; aged 19. William S. Van Dyke departed this life December 21, 1836; aged 20. Peter Timberman, a man of well-known family, died October 22, 1856, in the 57th year of his age. Joseph R. Coryell, died October 11, 1843; aged 42. Charity Coryell, died March 24, 1839; aged CS. Sacred to the memory of George Coryell, who died April 22, 1836; aged 72. David MeCleery, born December 12, 1776: died November 11, 1833. Isabella MeCleery, born January 21, 1789; died March 2i, 1830. Mary, wife of Fergus Anderson, born October 5, 1800; died October 4, 1859. N. Wade, born August 19, 1798; died July 24, 1879. Jane, wife of Nehemiah Wade, born August 6, 1791; died November 25, 1865. Horace Willey, born Feb- ruary 13, 1792; died March 3, 1880. Anna, wife of Horaee Willey, born June 16, 1792; died January 7, 1879. Bradbury Cilley, born May 16, 1798; died Jaly 19, 1874. Mr. Cilley was one of the wealthiest citizens of Colerain Township at the time of his death.
From the Butterfield private burying-ground, ove- quarter of a mile below Venice, on the New Haven road, we take:
Sarah B., wife of Jonathan Patterson, who died February 26, 1826: aged 21. Mary, wife of Jeremiah Butterfieldt, died June 27, 1853; aged 77. Nathaniel Butterfield, died October 11, 1857; aged 44. Mary, wife of S. A. Butterfickt, died December 20, 1872; aged 66.
VENICE SCHOOLS.
About the year 1814, the Butterfields, Shaws. Willeys, and others gatherel in the woods to build a school-house on the lot now occupied by I. R. Anderson's dwelling. The house, a log building, was twenty by twenty feet, with puncheon floor, stone fire-place, board door, and wooden hinges, writing desks made by placing bing boards on slanting pins pat in the logs, siab seats, win- daws which extended the whole length of the house .. and other fixtures common with early educational insti- tatious. The logs of the house were round hackberry.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Anderson, one of the first teachers, was a strict disciplinarian. Many stories of his eccentricities are told by his scholars, a few of whom are still living. The Rev. Mr. Goble, a New Light minister, preached a num- ber of times to the early residents of Venice and vicin- ity in this old log building. In 1820 Mr. Swain tanght a high school in a little house which stood on the lot now owned by Thomas Joyce. This school was gener- ally known as the Advanced School, grammar, arith- metic, and some higher branches being taught. Abont six or seven years after the first house was built it was destroyed by fire. The school was then taken to a log cabin on the lot now occupied by Andrew Voigt's house.
In 1824 a society was chartered for religious and literary purposes, to which Isaac Lutes deeded one acre of land where the Presbyterian church now stands. This lot extended to the Hamilton and Cincinnati road, and was only given with the consideration that Dr. Frank Clark should deed a like amount for burial purposes where Thomas Joyce's wagon shop now is. About this time it appears that a small brick church was built on a small triangular lot, a short distance south-east of the Presbyterian church.
In the erection of the second school-house, in 1825, a great deal of dissatisfaction was experienced in conse- quence of the grants of land which had been made by Lutes and Shaw. John Shaw, an old bachelor, gave as an addition to Mr. Lutes's lot, one half acre more. This house, a one-story brick, with raised floors on each side and sunken middle for classes, stood on the lot now oc- cupied by Thomas Boal's residence. The second school- house, proper, was considered a model in its day. It was twenty-five by thirty fect, four windows on each side, one in the front end, and with two large fire-places. A double door, which swung on iron hinges, in the south-east corner of the room, furnished the means of entrance. School was held in this house until 1850; there were also frequently religious meetings in it.
When the old house began to grow too small for school purposes, the directors began to cast about for a new building. To avoid any trouble about the title of the land upon which the house was to stand, an addi- tional lot was bought of Mr. Patton, who gave a deed of it to the school board. This lot was in the rear of the old building, and the new house erected partly upon it is still standing behind Thomas Boal's residence. The house is thirty by forty-five feet, one-story, two rooms, two doors fronting on the Hamilton Pike, with play- ground in front. The lot is claimed by the Union Religious Society.
In the fourth building (counting the log-cabin one, after the first house was destroyed by fire) school was held until 1875, when the Union school-house was built.
"The district was growing too large for two rooms, and the Venice district proposed to the district north to consolidate the two under un independent high school
district." The vote was in favor of consolidating, but not to be independent. A site for the new building next engaged the attention of the directors and those interested in the enterprise. This became a serious ques- tion. One faction wanted to use the old lot, but the same old objection was urged. It was finally decided to sell the old lot, the purchaser to take risks as to title. The lot sold for four hundred and fifty dollars, and the church and school joined in making the deed good. A site was subsequently selected one-halt mile north, where two acres had been bought, one acre cach from Judge Wade and Jeremiah Morgan, at two hundred dollars per aere. The township board of education granted eight thousand dollars for the erection of the building, and thus, in 1875, under the efforts of George W. Dick, Major Robert Joyce, and William Clark the new house was completed, and is one of the best in the county.
The school opened in the new building under the supervision of Samuel McClelland, who tanght for seven months, every room being full to overflowing. He was followed by Mr. Dayton for seven months, and at the close of his terra there was a considerable amount of distrust in the minds of the people as to the success of the enterprise. Alfred Joyce, a young inan of many parts, consolidated the intermediate and high school de- partments, and completed the school year of Mr. Dayton, and giving evidence of talent, was employed for the suc- ceeding year. S. A. Gossett was also employed as prin- cipal and superintendent, who at once introduced a curric- ulum of study and a code of rules for the government of the school. Under this control the school progressed rapidly, and within two years afterwards twelve scholars held certificates as teachers. Many of these young boys and girls are now among the successful educators in the surrounding country. Mr. Joyce, after teaching the intermediate department for five years, was called to Millville as principal of the high school at that place. Among those who have risen rapidly in their chosen profession, who have been Mr. Gossett's scholars, is Miss Anna M. Willey, a young lady well and favorably known, both in Hamilton and Butler Counties, in educational circles.
The Venice High School is still progressive, and Mir. Gossett is yet to see many years of pleasure and profit in the hamlet which our forefathers called "Venus."
The Venice Presbyterian Church was organized in the Fall of 1828 hy the Presbytery of Cincinnati. It was an outgrowth of the Bethel Church above Millville. Roger Sargent, David Gibson, and Nehemiah Wade were the first elders. At a subsequent time the Church came into connection with the Oxford Presbytery, and after the union of the two Presbyterian bodies, was added to the Presbytery of Dayton. In October, 1874, it was transferred to the Cincinnati Presbytery. The present church editive was erected in the year 1856. The ste- cession of its ministers is as follows: Thomas Thomas,
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from 1828 to 1831; Samuel Smith, from: 1831 to 1855; Peter Golliday, from 1835 to 1839; A. A. Gilliland, from 1839 to 1859; I. M. Hughes, from 1859 to 1870; J. B. Morton, from 1870 to 1872; John Daniels, from 1872 to 1873; David R. Moore, from 1873 to 1877; John Haigbt, from 1878 to 1881. The present member- ship of this Church is about one hundred and sixty per- sons. In 1876 the elders of the Church were Judge Nehemiah Wade, Thomas Burns, I. A. Boal, all of whom are alead ; William Sims, who has removed to a different neighborhood ; George W. Dick, I. W. Inderson, H. W. Scott, N. Wade, Jr., and N. C. Wade, all living. Trus- tees of the Church for the same year were Thomas Boal, I. R. Anderson, George W. Dick, and N. Wade, Jr., who are also the present officers. The Rev. Thomas E. Thomas, D. D., united with the Venice Presbyterian Church April 2, 1831, and died February 3, 1875, at Walnut Hills, Ohio. The Sabbath-school connected with the Church is in a healthy condition. The officers in 1876 were James R. Hemphill, superintendent; George C. Marsh, secretary; and Thomas Boal, treasurer. Cou- nected with the Church is a woman's benevolent society, officered in 1876 as follows: Mrs. D. R. Moore, presi- dent; Mrs. George W. Dick, vice-president ; Mrs. Julia S. Wade, secretary; Miss Sarah Reese, treasurer. The minister in charge at present is Rev. W. Macmillan, who fills the position as stated supply.
We give the names of some who have been and are the most prominent members : Fergus Anderson, Syl- vania Anderson, S. D. Anderson, Israel Athertou, Jane Atherton, Thomas Burns, I. A. and Thomas Boal, Asa Burch, Asa H. Cone, James Carr, Charles and Joseph Cone, George W. Dick, Miss Mary F. Dick, C. K. Gil- liland, John Knox, George Kay, Elizabeth Lutes, George C. Marsh, Hannah Marsh, Henderson W. Scott, John E. Sater, Amelia Willey, Robert C. Wade, and R. W. Wade. All those who have been mentioned in any way as connected with the Sunday-school are members.
In 1826 the Rev. D. D. Davison and the Rev. R. O. Spenser organized the Venice Methodist Episcopal Church. They preached at first in the district school-house. In 1831 the Presbyterians gave permission to the Method- ists to hold meeting in their church, and the preacher in charge, Rev. John Stewart, commenced in the work. A powerful revival was soon under headway. In this society was a zealous sister by the name of Hotchkiss, who in 1832, without the aid of even one man, em- barked in the enterprise of building the first clureb. After obtaining a sufficient amount of money by sub- seription, and promised labor, with also the donation of a lot, she went to Peter Youmans and asked his assist- entre. He hemediately became a partner in the under- taking and secured the title to the lot. The same year the house was completed and dedicated. In 1862 an effort was made to build a new house on the okl site. Rev. Isaac Neff was the preacher in charge, und zealousty
entered into the enterprise. Subscriptions to a consider- able amount were raised. At this time there arese sonk. dissensions in the Church on account of the Rebellion and the location of the new edifice. Mrs. Sarah An- drews, of the Miamitown Methodist Episcopal Society, came to their assistance by a bequest of $1,000. The church was erected and named Andrews Chapel. Mrs. Andrews also bequeathed 8100 to the society for the support of the ministers, paid annually in tendollar in- stallments. So far as can be seen Methodism must have been a failure in Venice but for the help of woman. The society is mary the weakest on the circuit. The pres- ent house was completed in 1865, and dedicared by Dr. J. M. Reid, then the editor of the Western Christian Advocate.
On the 1st of December, 1849, at a quarterly confer- ence at New Haven, a resolution was offered by Rev. B. P. Wheat, that the Venice circuit purchase or build a parsonage house. The motion was carried and a board of trustees created, consisting of Messrs. Marsh, Bryan, Shaw, Yeager, De Camp, Stewart, and Bartlett. At a. second quarterly conference at Harrison, February 16, 1850, the trustees reported Washington, Harrison, New Haven, and Venice as favorable sites for the location of the parsonage. It was decided at this meeting to build the house at Washington. After some delay by im. or three sets of trustees, in May, 1851, it was ordered that the "house now almost finished in the town of Venice be purchased for $750, the amount the owner agrees to take for it." The house was undoubtedly purchased the same year. In 1856 and 1857 the stable, carriage-house, and shed were built, during the pastorate of the Rev. A. W. Tibbitts. Perhaps every family that has occupied the house has done something to beautify the premises, but up to 1860 Mrs. W. N. Williams probably did more than any other person. The parsonage is now (1882) neatly kept by the Rev. E. A. Easton and wife.
In 1819 Oxford circuit was formed, embracing the country between the Miami River and the State line. The following are the names of the pastors and presiding elders who served on this circuit from its organization until 1837: 1819, John Sale, P. E., and Rassel Bige- low, P. C .; 1820, Walter Griffith, P. E., and Allen Willey, P. C., assisted by B. F. Crouch ; 1821, rame presiding elder, aud Samuel Baker, P. C., assisted by William H. Raper; 1822, A. Cummings, F. E., and Moses Crume, P. C., with Richard Brandriff, assistant ; 1823, same prosiding eller, with James Jones for pastor in charge, and Levi White, A. P. ; 1821, John Strange, P. E., and Biter Stephens, P. C., assisted by Jamies Jones; 1825 John Collins, P. E., with Daniel D. Davi- son, P. C., and J. Baughman assistant ; 1826, samo P. E., P. C., and R. O. Spenser for assistant: 1827, same presiding older, J. C. Brook, P. C., with .J. C. Hunter assistant pastor ; 1828, Greenbury R. Jones, P. F., J. P. Taylor, P. C., with B. Lawrence A. P. : 1829, 1850,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1831, Greenburg R. Jones, P. E. Elijah H. Field and R. O. Spenser were in charge for 1829; R. O. Spenser and E. H. Field were in charge in 1830; John Stewart and A. D. Beasley were in charge in 1831. James B. Finley, P. E., with John Stewart and J. F. Davison in charge in 1832. In 1833 Oxford was embraced in the Cincinnati circuit, where it remained until 1837. In 1838 James B. Finley was presiding elder, and J. W. Clark, P. C., with J. W. Finley assistant pastor. In 1834 Thomas A. Morris was presiding elder, and Charles W. Swain and J. Waterman in charge. In 1835 Leroy Swormstedt was presiding elder, and Burnis Westlake, P. C., assisted by Lneien W. Berry, J. A. Waterman, supernumerary. Leroy Swormstedt was presiding elder in 1836, Burnis Westlake P. C., assisted by D. Poe.
In 1837 the Oxford circuit was divided, and the New Haven circuit formed, which was embraced in the Leba- non district. As near as can be ascertained, the circuit
consisted of fifteen appointments: New Haven, Harrison, Washington, Venice, Zion, Ebenezer, Miamitown, Blae- rock, Layhigh, Youmans, Marsh's, Scoggin's, Mofford's, Olive Branch, and Stephens's Becch Woods. The locali- ties of some of these places are now forgotten.
From the organization of the New Haven circuit to 1846 the following ministers served as presiding elders and pastors: 1837, William B. Christie, P. E. and Asa M. Stroud, with Martin Wolf as assistant; 1838, James B. Finley, P. E., with John W. Steel and William H. Fyffe as assistant ; 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842, George W. Walker, as presi:ling elder; Levi P. Miller, assisted by J. A. Waterman, served the circuit in 1840; Arthur W. Elliott and David Kemper in 1841; Joseph Gasner and Peter Holtzinger in 1842. In 1843, 1844, and 1845, Zachariah Connell was the presiding elder, Charles R. Lovell and Levi Cunningham were in charge; in 1844, Charles R. Lovell and Isaac N. Mark were in charge; 1845, Joseph Brooks and O. E. Peebles were in charge. Nathaniel L. Conrey was appointed the same year, vice Joseph Brooks, resigned. Asa B. Stroud, the first pastor in charge of the New Haven circuit, received a salary of $260, and on traveling expenses $127. The circuit paid his house rent. Mirtin Wolf, assistant pastor, received a little above seventy-five dollars on salary, and six dollars on traveling expenses. Mr. Lovell received 8309.42 for his salary. Isaac N. Mark the same year received ninety-three dollars and fifteen cents.
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In 1846 the name of the circuit was changed to that of Venice, which name it still bears. There were thir- teen appointments at this time, as follows: Venice, Washington, Ebenezer. Walker, Zion, Bunker Hill, Lay- high, Youmans, Marsh's, Poe's School-house, Miamitown, New Haven, and Harrison. The first presiding elder, Z. Connell, was allowed forty-eight dollars for his salary, but only received forty-three dollars, a custom which was often knowu previously. N. Westerman received for
his salary as the first pastor in charge, $327.14. The presiding elders and ministers in charge since 1848 have been given in the order of appointment > first the presil- ing elders, then the pastors and assistant pastors : 1848, William I. Ellsworth, Daniel D. Davison, and J. B. Fish; 1849, William I. Ellsworth, Benjamin P. Wheat, and Thomas M. Thralls; 1850, William I. Ellsworth, Beu- jamin P. Wheat, and Benjamin Glasscock; 1851, Au- gustus Eddy, William M. Smith, Benjamin F. Morris, the latter serving nine months, and his place being supplied by J. E. Thompson.
In 1852, the Cincinnati Annual Conference was formed, and Venice circuit was included within its boundaries. Salem came into the circuit the same year. In 1852 Augustus Eddy, M. Kauffman, and William M. Smith were in charge of the Venice circuit; 1853, Augustus Eldy, M. Kauffman, George B. Owens. Thomas Dann, supernumerary ; 1854, Augustus Eldy, George B. Owens, John Shinn; 1855, David Reed, A. W. Tibbitts, D. C. Benjamin ; 1856, David Reed, A. W. Tibbitts, Alfred W. Keeling, supernumerary; 1857, David Reed, Michael Bitler, Daniel Griffis; 1858, David Reed, Andrew M. Murphey, Michael Bitler; 1859, Michael Marlay, John Fitch and George W. Kelley; 1860, Michael Marlay, J. P. Waterhouse, Evan P. James; 1861, Michael Marlay, Isaac Neff, and Sullivan W. Edmiston.
In 1862 the circuit was embraced in the Hamilton district, William H. Lauder, J. Neff, and S. W. Edmis- ton in charge; 1863 the circuit was included in the West Cincinnati' district, William H. Lauder, George W. Fee, and A. W. Keeling in charge; 1864, 1865, and 1866 William H. Lauder was presiding elder; William N. Williams was preacher in charge in 1865, 1866, and 1867, assisted in 1865 by N. C. Parrish, and in 1866 by Charles R. Gowdy as supernumerary. In 1867 and 1868 James F. Chalfant was presiding elder. Nathaniel C. Parrish and Jacob R. Hunter were pastors in charge in 1868; iu 1869, 1870, and 1871 Mr. Chalfant was the presiding elder ; in 1871, L. F. Van Cleve; in 1872 and 1873, Asbury Lowrey. William A: Robinson was preacher in charge in 1869, assisted by N. C. Prince; in 1870. W. A. Robinson, assisted by A. J. Hanna and A. W. Keeling; in 1871, George J. Conner ; in 1872, Fletcher Hypes, assisted by John W. Sutherland; 1873, Fletcher Hypes, with G. M. Hammel as assistant preacher; and J. R. Hunter for three years and E. A. Eastou for two years, both pastors in charge.
The Church property in 1877 on the Venice circuit was valued at seven thousand dollars.
Four or five years ago the appointments of New Haven, Venice, Washington, and Okeana were placed in Que circuit. All the other places of worship which have been mentioned as Methodist appointments, now belong to the Oxford circuit. Although beginning late, this Church is now the most prosperous in the county.
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MILLVILLE.
On the 23d of May, 1815, Joseph Van Horne laid off the town of Millville. Van Horne had been here for some time previous, engaged in milling in the same build- ing which is now standing. The village is ahnost wholly in Section 4, and mostly in Ross Township. Indian ('reek divides the place into halves, the western side or half being situated on a hill, which slopes gradually towards the creek. The eastern side of the village is level, and has the greater part of the population. Among some of the early settlers were Joel Williams, who was here in 1805; George Thomas, William Van Horne, the Hills, the Beatys, H. R. Coleman, Samuel Proud, David Montfort, Daniel Brosier, Charles Spinnings, and others.
From the earliest times Millville has occupied a proud position in her country's history. When the State was subjecting her citizens to a system of military training, such men as ex-Governor Bebb, Colonel Halstead, and Judges Anderson and Wade met here to drill. These gatherings were after the fashion of town meetings, and called together all kinds of men. Besides, the mill was always a very necessary part of frontier machinery, and hence brought farmers to town through necessity. This mill was built in 1805 by Joel Williams, a mill-wright from the East. Williams, in 1821, sold the mill, includ- ing thirty acres of land, to William Cochran, who was born in New Jersey, but who was living at that time with his family in what is now Glendale, Hamilton County, Ohio. Mr. Cochran soon added one hundred acres more to his property, and on the 13th of August, 1825, purchased eighty acres adjoining of William Cobb aud wife. One of the most remarkable facts connected with the erection of this mill is that the stone were hauled from Bank Lick, a stream iu Hamilton County, at the mouth of which Williams had or quite soon there- after erceted a similar establishment. The Millville mill has remained in the family of William Cochran since 1821, the fourth owner being James W. Cochran, who died recently. For about ten years C. F. Thomin has had the oversight of this mill, receiving for his services one-half of the net proceeds.
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