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 44
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After various changes in management, the Hill broth- ers-Charles, who was eighteen, and Hewitt, who was sixteen-became proprietors in 1877. These two young men at once began to build up the paper. They have since established a paper at Liberty, known as the Union County Democrat, which has a circulation of nearly one thousand subscribers. The Citizen is an independent journal, and is popular with the people.
In 1869 Thomas MeCullough and J. S. Smiley began the Citizens' Bank of Oxford as a private institution. These men continued until March, 1872, when Mr. Smi- ley bought out Mr. Mccullough's interest, continuing in the business himself until 1878, when he died. The heirs of the Smiley estate are now the proprietors, with W. L. Lane as president. Mr. Jewett E. Ricker, the present efficient cashier, has been connected with the institution ever since it first opened its doors to the business public.
Murphy & Fry began the Oxford Bank in 1870 -- also a private depesitory. These persons continued for a few months, when Mr. J. J. Fry, one of the original owners, bought Mr. Murphy's interest, in which business he continued alone for one year. The firmn then became known as Fry & Munns, who will have been partners eleven years in December, 1882. The capital stock in- vested was $20,000; business for each year amounts to $80,000. This firm own the first and second story of the Bank Block.
Many of the younger as well as the okler citizens of Oxford will remember the earding-mill which stood in the south half of the town. This fulling-mill, for it was such, was built by Alanson Roots, who was from New England, in 1840, or about that date. His sons, who were in partnership with their father, established a simi- lar concern at Connersville at the same time. The Ox- ford carding and falling mill was a frame building, two stories high, and forty by sixty feet. At the death of Mr. Roots, in 1851, the enterprise was abandoned, and from that time to 1877 was used for various purposes. . At the latter date the building took fire and was destroyed.
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OXFORD.
Twenty years after Oxford was laid out the village was incorporated. The incorporation papers are dated February 23, 1830. Isaiah Leigh was the first presi- dent. Russell Haseltine was the clerk and recorder for the same year. On the 12th of March, 1832, the elec- tion for borough officers was held, which resulted as fol- lows: Edward Foster, president ; Peter Sutton, recorder ; Jennes P. Hughes, Joseph Woodruff, and John MeGon- igle, trustees. On the 19th of the same month the town council met and appointed these officers for the ensuing year : Treasurer, Isaiah Leigh ; marshal, Warren W. Wetherby ; market-master, S. S. Gleason; assessor, Russell Haseltine. The old market-house stood on the public square. It was a frame building two stories high, about thirty-two hy fifty feet, ard had a hall above, where the mayor's court was held for many years, meat stalls below or on the ground-floor, which were rented, and other fixtures, such as lamps, peanut stands, and so ou. The present town hall is a handsome briek build- ing, combined with the fire-engine rooms, mayor's office, and other conveniences. The necessity for a market- house passed away with the old frame.
Among the curious relics of ancient Oxford, we find an ordinance concerning marble playing :
"SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the town council of the town of Oxford, that from and after the 4th day of July next, any person or persons of three years old or upwards, found playing at marbles on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public ground within the bounds of the lots of the town, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty-five cents for the first offense; fifty cents for the second, and one dollar for each subsequent offense; to be collected on the complaint made to the president or any of the citizens thereof, and by him paid over to the treasurer for the use of the corporation. "PETER SUTTON, Recorder.
"EDWARD FOSTER, President.
"OXFORD, O., August 30. 1833."
- Mr. Foster filled the office of president from 1832 to 1842. Reuben E. Hills was recorder in 1837; Watkin Wiliams from 1839 to 1842. From 1842 to 1844 Will- iam H. Smith was president. From 1842 to 1844 C. W. HI. Crawford was town recorder. Philip D. Matson was president in 1845; S. R. Mollyucaux, in 1847; Peter Sutton, from 1849 to 1855, six terms. From 1845 to 1852 James Crawford was recorder. Hiram Osborn served as recorder from 1853 to 1855. The town officers for the year 1855 were Peter Sutton, mayor; Hiram Osborn, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; S. M. Skin- uer, marshal; David Oliver, G. W. Keely, J. M. Stern, Thomas Mccullough, trustees. From 1856 to 1859, H. A. Smith filled the office as recorder. On the 4th of April, 1859, the election was hekl. The result was Peter Sutton, mayor; C. A. Burgoyne, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; S. M. Skinner, marshal; W. Higgins, P. D. Matson, and E. A. Smith, fire wardens; Benjamin Wright, J. M. Stern, P. H. Cone, G. W. Keely, and James E. Newton, trustees. For 1861 HI. B. Mayo was
president or mayor, and C. A. Burgoyne, clerk. James Crawford was mayor in 1867, and A. H. Webb, clerk. Crawford was also mayor in 1868. The present mayor is B. B. Davis, who has held the office continuously since 1869, with the exception of a few months. Samue! Richey was elected reeorder iu 1868, and served four years. James Kennedy has held the office continuously for ten years-since 1872.
Oxford seems to have early considered the question of having a fire company. The first mention we find in the records of such an organization is under date of De- cember 7, 1833, when the office of fire warden was ere- ated, with power to examine all chimneys, and in other ways prevent the spreading of fire. This resulted in the first meeting, on the 19th of the above month, at the house of- L. Weller, and on the 20th a hook and ladder company was formed. Officers were also elected, and the time fixed that their offices should last.
The first meeting to establish a cemetery was held March 22, 1855. There are thirty-two aeres in the ground. It is a portion of sixty acres which was bought as a farm at fifty dollars per acre. For the first trustees the association had Thomas Mccullough, J. D. Ring- wood, James Smiley, G. W. Keely, Elias Kumler, Peter Sutton, Robert Ratliff. The first clerk was H. A. Smith. Some of the prime movers in the matter were: G. W. Keely, P. D. Matson, W. A. Irwin, J. W. Cooper, S. R. Mollyneaux, Alexander Porter, Samuel Gath, Sen., J. E. Newton, G. G. White, Joseph Hills, R. R. McClung. Mrs. Elizabeth Collius, who was born in 1779, and who died August 1, 1855, was the first person buried in the ground ; Mrs. Eliza Me Veigh was the sec- ond ; and Mrs. Phebe Russell, the third. Dr. G. W. Keely planted the first evergreens in the yard on the grave of Mrs. Collins, wife of Captain Joel Collins.
Many of these inscriptions will convey to the reader the briefest sketch of many of the leading citizens of Ox- ford and the township:
Catharine McGregor, wife of John Ferguson, born in Campbelltown, Scotland, 1812; died 1869. Orlando Finch, born May 13, 1804; died Angust 9, 1573. Eliza, wife of Or- lando Finch, born August 6, 1818. George Merridirb, born March 5, 1805; died May 3, 1867. Robert Ratliff, died Jant- uary 30, 1881 ; aged 66. Incinda Lee, wife of Robert Ratlitt, died January 9, 1879; aged 61. Michael Shafer, born Augast 15, 1804; died March 5, 1846. Mary, wife of Michael Shafer, born February 18. 1812; died November 20, 1848. Eliza, wife of Daniel Shafer, boin March 5, 1838; died February 20, 1863. John Duke, died February 7, 1872; aged 82. Samuel Lintner, born April 17, 1803; died June 11, 1574. Matilda, wife of Samuel Lintner, died September 18, 1869; aged 64. Mary, wife of the Rev. D. K. Flickinger, died Sp- tember 30, 1851; aged 25. John Lintner, died Septentber 11, 1862; aged 28, William Lintner, member of the 4th: O. V. C., died at Nashville, Tenn .. April 10. 1862; aged 22. Peter Lintner, died January 31, 1836; aged 75. Mary, wife of Peter Lintner, died December 13, 1531; aged 69. Joel Col- lins, born September 16. 1772; died November 15, ISco. Henry Noland, died October 3, 1879; aged 73. The Mar-
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tindell and Douglass family vault was built in 1856. It is faced with white marble and has several recepta- cles for the dead. James Gage, Sen., a native of Cole- rain, Ireland, died November 7, 1847 ; aged 82. Mary, wife of James Gage, Sen., died March 26, 1840; aged 60. In memory of Samuel Mollyneaux, who departed this life August 7, 1823; aged 64. Sarah, his wife, died August 5, 1823; aged 54. Abraham Knowlton, died October 23, 1843 ; aged 59. Lney, his wife, died December 3, 1857 ; aged 73. Sarah Sadler, born April 5, 1806; died August 7, 1872. Theda White, died March 25, 1871 ; aged 73. Isaac H. Har- mor., died March 25, 1855; aged 51. William K. Sadler, surgeon of the Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteers, killed at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1864 ; aged 31. From General Order, No. 27, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1861: "Surgeon Sadler was untiring in bis profession, thorough and accurate as a staff officer, an accomplished gentleman. a noble and generous man. Few officers ef this command were as generally known-none more universally loved. Without an enemy in the world, he fell a victim to the blind revenge intended for another." Alexander Wal- lace, born June 19, 1800; died April 28, 1865. Mary, wife of William Gray, died March 6, 1863; aged 76. Rindelt Maria Glaszen, wife of J. B. Jellies, born April 5, 1801; died December 22, 1869. Rev. Seth Howell, born in Wales, June 4, 1804; died at Oxford, Ohio, February 18, 185S. Thomas Coulter, died May 5, 1872; aged 86. Isabella, wife of "Thomas Coulter, died April 16, 1805; aged 79. Ellen, wife of James C. Moffat, of the Miami University, died July 15, 1849; in the 28th year of her age. Caroline A. Neal, assist- ant principal in the Oxford Female Institute, died June 16, 1853. Her father, John A. Neal, was born at Bristol, Eng- land, October 25, 1774; died at Oxford, Ohio, November 28, 1854. Sylvester Lyons, died February 3, 1820; aged 68. Elizabeth, wife of Sylvester Lyons, died January 13, 1837 ; aged 66. Major James Montgomery, a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, died at Oxford, Ohio, August 18, 1844, in the 67th year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Major James Montgomery, born April 24, 1782; died December 16, 1862. Sarah Morrison, wife of John Huston, died January 18, 1854, in the 77th year of her age. Francis Finkbine, died September 16, 1865, in the 71st year of his age. Mrs. Ann Davis, died November 20, 1856, in the 1st year of her age. Jane Montgomery, wife of Dr. R. C. Huston, born February 26. 1813; died December 23, 1871. Henry Alexander, born June 1, 1809; died June 7, 1875. Michael Yeakle, died May 22, 1862; aged 59. This gentleman was a prominent citizen of Hanover Township. Patrick Smiley, died March 28, 1855 ; aged 78. Mary, his wife, died March 4, 1855 ; aged 76. Chrisey, wife of S. L. MeDonald, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1808; died February 14, 1854. Rebecca Amelia Dunn, wife of John G. Langstroth, born at Chestertown, Maryland, February 2, 1783; died October 12, 1860. Anna Mary Theker, wife of Rev. I. G. Langstroth, born at Rowley, Massachusetts, March 3, 1813; died January 23, 1873. Samuel Stewart, died July 18, 1866; aged 76. Jane Cathcart Newman, died March 17, 1880; aged 82. Asa Newton, born January 6, 1789; died May 27, 1833. Eliza- beth, wife of William Cathcart, formerly consort of Asa Newton, born October 14, 1795; died October 29. 1859. David W. Leach, born September 25, 1839. He enlisted in Company F, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Sep- tinber, 1861 ; was killed in the attack on Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863, while nobly performing his duty as a soldier in the army of his country. John Burris, born at
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Wilmington, Delaware, January 14, 1792; died June 22. ISSO. Albina Pentacoast, wife of John Burris, born in Lou- don County, Virginia, May 25, 1794; died September 4 1854. Elijah Chamberlain, died October 10, 1827 ; aged 66. William White died April 12, 1821. Ruth Green, consort of William White, died September 1, 1838. Harriet, wife of Dr. R. Morris, died at the Western Female Seminary, Octo -- ber 9, 1858; aged 37. Mary, wife of Rev. David Tenny, born July 29, 1822; died August 28, 1866. Emmor Moore, died August 23, 1834; aged. 50 years -- a native of Pennsylvania. Sarah W. Moore, died November 6, 1867; aged 76 years. Willie Pearce, born April 4, 1861. Lost by the colliding of the steamers United States and America, December 4, ISCS. Thomas C. Munns, died April 14, 1868; aged 57. Mary 1. Lowes. born September 2, 1802; died February 6, 1842. Cynthia C., daughter of the Rev. J. A. Waterman ; wife of Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, born August 19, 1820; died January 14, 1871. Elizabeth B., wife of Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, boru March 13, 1804; died September 4, 1878. John H. Douglass. born June 15, 1867; died January 17, 187S. Margaret K. Douglass, born February 26, 1SOS; died June 26, 1872. Amos Hoag, a native of Oxford, Ohio, died Febinary 19, 1873; aged 60. Rhoda Brace, boru February 25, 1773; died March 3, 1862. James M. Brace, born May 6, 1803; died July 16, 1865. Oliver J. Stork, killed at the battle of Gettys- burg, July 2, 1863. Hugh Gilchrist, M. D., born in Kilmar- nock, Scotland, February 5, 1816; died August 30, 1878. Elisha S. Burk, born July 2, 1809; died October S. 1880. Almira S., wife of Elisha S. Burk, born October 24, 1820; died June 7, 1877. John Roll, born March 22, 1801 ; died May 26, 1851. Andrew Dodds, died July 31, 1825; aged 70. Margaret, his wife, died August 25, 1826; aged 65. Another private vault in this cemetery is the Freeman, which is of modern build and quite handsome. In memory of James R. Hughes, for fourteen years a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, who died August 8, 1830; aged 46. Phobe, wife of Dr. J. R. Hughes, born March 31, 1801; died December 24, 1833.
Following are inscriptions from the old burying- ground, which was given for this purpose by the trustees of the Miami University :
Mariette Sophia, wife of the Rev. Thomas Goodwin, died April 23, 1843; aged 25. Mary A., wife of the Rev. John A. Waterman, died December 14, 1837; aged 45. Rev. John A. Waterman, born in Concord, New Hampshire; died Angast 6, 1837; aged 47. Saered to the memory of Susan, wife of Dr. J. A. Waterman, and daughter of Luther and Grace Duna. She died at Oxford, Ohio, November 9, 1839. in the 25th year of her age. Rachel McDonald, wife of Martin McDonald, died May 13, 1844: aged 77. Samuel Brown, born in the County of Londonderry, Ireland, died January 25, 1835; aged 75. Sarah, wife of Samuel Brown, boru in Londonderry, Ireland; died July 29, 1844: aged 22. Thomas Barr, a native of Ireland, died September 11, 1845; aged 27. John Martin, a native of Ireland, died August 7. 1847; aged 23. David Ratthay, born in Paisley, Scotland, November 18, 1792; died March 3, 1851. Silas Osgood, diod May 16, 1840, in the 7Sth year of his age. Sarah Ann, con- sort of Rev. John W. Clark, died February 14, 1533, in the 24th year of her age. West Bonney departed this life ou the 20th of September, 18i3, in the 221 year of his age. Catharine, wife of Seth Webb, died August 20. 18ts : aged 100 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Henry Webb died Octo- ber 6, 1857; aged 72. Townsend D. Peyton, died August
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25; 1852; aged 77. Sarah, his wife, died August 11, 1864; | Mr. Crume, with great faithfulness, continued to minis- nged 77. Dr. Freeman Perry, of Fair Haven, Massachusetts, ter to the infant Church, planted by his own hand, for a number of years. His appointments were for every sixth Sabbath. This band continued to prosper until the little log-house became too small for their accommodation. In 1813 Mr. Crume was appointed to the Oxford Circait. He was succeeded in 1814 by the eloquent John Strange. died in Franklin County, Indiana, after a few days' illness with typhus fever, aged 62. He was born July 27, 1825. Rev. J. J. Tiffany graduated in the Miami University, and was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Died December 29, 1857; aged 31. Nancy, wife of Joseph Tiffany, afterward wife of Samuel Pollard, died August 26, 1853; aged 78. Sacred to the memory of Ebenezer Howe, a native of Boston, Massachusetts; born on the 13th of July, 1763, and died at Oxford, Ohio, July 10, 1830. Died on the morning of the 16th of October, 1534, at bis residence in Oxford, Ohio, Colonel Isaiah Leigh, aged 51. Colonel Leigh was the first Mayor of Oxford. Anthony Butler, a native of Massachusetts, died March 13, 1847, in the S0th year of his age. Rachel Smith, born in Boston, Massa- chusetts, died' June 13, 1834; aged 66. Isaac Harker, died April 25, 1849, in the 56th year of his age. In memory of Ashel Murdock, a Revolutioner of '76, who died January 23, 1837, in the 82d year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Ashel Murdock, dicd May 25, 1834, in the 74th year of her age. Abraham Booth, a native of the West Riding, Yorkshire, England, died June 21, 1852, in the 56th year of his age. Isaiah Hall, born November 26, 1761; died June 20, 1831. Phebe Dutton Hall, born March 12, 1768; died October 21, 1827.
The earliest appearance of a Methodist itinerant near Oxford was early in the Spring of 1805. A portly, dig- nified man, of intellectual appearance, was seen astridle of a large, black horse, at the crossing of Four-Mile Creek, near Mr. De Witt's farm. He quietly inquired the nearest route to a certain Indian village, located in the vicinity of Connersville, Indiana. Having gained the information desired, he pushed his course rapidly through the wild, trackless woods skirting the stream, and was soon lost to view. This traveler gave his name as Moses Crume, and the object of his visitation to the wild coun- try was as a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, sent out by the authorities of that society to the Indians. Mr. Crume died April 1, 1839, aged seventy- three years. In 1787 he became a Christian, and began to preach in 1791. His remains, marked by a plain monument, lie in the old burial-ground in Oxford. Anna, wife of the Rev. Moses Crume (the second wife), died June 5, 1853, aged sixty-seven years and some days. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1810, and the following year embraced religion. She was married in 1829 to Mr. Crume, Sarah, Mr Crume's first wife, died May 10, 1829, aged fifty-seven years, four mouths, and twenty-four days. Mr. Crume lived in Oxford with his family many years.
Soon after the settlement of the township Mr. Crume made his appearance in Oxford, and left an appointment for preaching. The place of worship was in a log school- house directly opposite and worth of the present school building. This house was used by all religious seets for worship, and by the publie generally for holding meet- ings for many years. These appointments were eontin- ved irregularly by the Methodists until 1818 or 1819.
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In 1818 the society selected a site for the new house. Father Weston says that, "at this time, this land was covered with the primeval forest, where, in his youth, he had often hunted squirrels and chopped eord-wood at twenty-five cents a cord." In the Fall of 1818, mate- rial was collected for the building. The leading spirit in this work was John Keely, father of the Rev. John W. Keely, of Indianapolis, and Dr. G. W. Keely, of Ox- ford. The house was begun in the Spring of 1819, its dimensions being thirty by forty-two feet. The building had progressed favorably, when, in the latter part of June, a fearful hurricane blew down the east wall. A large maple-tree was also thrown across the building, so as to crush in one of the side walls. This disaster caused a delay for one year. By the continued effort of Mr. Keely the house was completed in the Fall of 1820, but he came out of the enterprise financially a rained man. Even his house was given up, and at last his cow and garden-patch were surrendered to liquidate the debt ..
In addition to John Kecly and his wife Ann, the members of the Church were Laban Holland, Elias Wil- son, Sen., Peter Sampson, Thomas Dollahan, Skillman Alger, Charles Robinson, who was an exhorter; John Strickland, Daniel Dickinson, Samuel Bush, John Grif- fith, James Ratliff, John Demoss, the Rev. Mr. Crom- well, who was a local preacher ; the Rev. Mr. Crockwell, a local preacher. George Howard, Mr. Wilcox, William Henry, Benjamin Sutton, Joseph Kitchen, the Rev. Elisha Stout, local preacher, and William Crume, were all early members. G. G. White, familiarly known as "Deacon White," came into Oxford as a citizen a year or two after the formal opening of the Church. Many of these brethren had families, and their wives and some of their children were members.
The house stood unplastered for a number of years, as the society was too poor and depressed in spirit to finish it.
Among the most eloquent and logical of the early preachers were Russel Bigelow, Sammuel Brown, Allen Wiley, B. F. Craneh, Samuel Baker, Win. IL. Raper, and Levi White. During a part of this time the vener- able Deacon White used the house during intervals of worship as a cabinet-maker's salesroom, and some deelare as his workshop also. Deacon White was an excellent singer, and much of his time was given to worshiping God in this manner.
The Church pressed forward with varying success until December, 1837, when a committee was appointed to take into consideration the propriety of selling the old house and building a new one. In February, 1838, the
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
committee made a verbal report, and recommended a new house fifty by sixty feet, with basement, for $2,000. The quarterly conference decided to build if $1,500 could be raised in addition to the assessed value of the old house and lot. Some time afterwards the old house was im- proved by additions, which made it double its original length. The building thus enlarged was completed in the Fall of 1839. In the east wall of the addition Dea- con White had inclosed a jug filled with various docu- ments and other artieles of value and interest, but npon tearing down the wall for the improvements they were found to have moldered to dust. Two or three pieces of metal only were found, which were afterwards deposited in the box of the corner-stone.
By this last improvement the house was made a very neat and commodious building. A heavy debt was in- curred, which in time was paid off. A great many have joined the Church since 1839. Among the pastors have been D. D. Davison, John A. Baughman, Robert O. Spencer, John C. Brooks, Elijah H. Fields, John Stew- art, James W. Finley, Charles W. Swain, John A. Waterman, B. Westlake, A. W. Musgrave, Granville Moody, M. Dustin, Clinton W. Sears, J. F. Conrey, and J. F. Marlay.
On the 30th of March, 1872, it was decided to build a new house of worship, but not until the old house had become too small to accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation. The. following persons were appointed a canvassing committee : P. D. Matson, D. M. Magie, John Shera, George C. Munns, and James Shera. The name of John J. Goff was afterward substituted for James Shera. The canvassing committee was also inade the building committec. P. D. Matson was made chairman. Joel Stover was architect for the new building; Walter Joncs superintendent of stone and brick work, and John and William Craig superintendents of the carpenter work.
The old house was torn down the first weck in May, 1872. Exeavations were begun on the 13th of the same month for the foundations. The corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, in the presence of a large concourse of people, with the Rev. Thomas J. Harris as pastor. Prayer by the Rev. W. C. Rogers, of Oxford, Ohio. Reading of Scripture by the Rev. James W. McGregor, of Minneapolis, Minn., and the reading of a historical sketch of the rise and progress of Methodism in Oxford, by the pastor. The Rev. Granville Moody, D. D., preached the sermon. A collection was taken which amounted to over $500, and the corner-stone was laid by Mr. Moody. During the interval be- tween April, 1872, and January, 1873, the society miet at the New School Presbyterian Church. The first meet- ing of a religious nature held in the new house was on the first Sabbath in January, 1873.
On the 6th of July, 1873, the first story or Sunday- school rooms were completed. The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. S. F. Gillett, D. D., of Greens-
burg, Indiana. At the close of the services $2,300 was the amount of the indebtedness found to be existing. The pastor then asked for $7,000 to complete the andito- rium, which was raised, with an excess of $200. More than one-half of the money was obtained by subscriptions of fifty dollars and under.
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