USA > Ohio > Knox County > A history of Knox county, Ohio, from 1779 to 1862 inclusive > Part 13
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"To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed ' this life since the commencement of this suit) and to their heirs and representatives, the full record of this case-while it may re- call some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise and its calam- itous results, will also remind them of many incidents, and profit- able lessons in the school of experience, and be, for all time to
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come, the veritable history of 'The Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Ver- non.' "
Such is, in brief, the history-more particularly the legal history-of the Owl Creek Bank; an in- stitution which, in part from its outre name, has acquired more notoriety than any other that has ever existed in America-if not in the world ! The fame of the "United States Bank" was not more widely extended. Its failure created no greater dismay. Nations civilized and tribes say- age have seen and handled its money. In its brief life, yet protracted existence, it has been cursed most by those whom it befriended, and wronged most by those who professed to be its friends.
The evil day came upon it-even in its early youth ; before it had become full grown, the keen frosts nipped it. Its crest fell and its petals closed in, because too much light struck in on it suddenly. Its head wilted ; it fell; and great was the fall thereof. Its sunshine friends deserted when the cloud portended the coming storm-some who had received its money and upon whom it had shower- ed benefits, and some who had lent their credit and volunteered their names to the infant, deserted its cause, and attempted to plead infancy and lim- itation in bar. As with the human kind, when life is almost extinct, doctors are often called in only to attend upon the corpse ; so, in this instance, lawyers were brought in at the eleventh hour to the wake. In the last pangs opiates were sought to be administered, and the sleep of forgetfulness was invoked by a few; but to their credit be it said, that less than a half dozen of all the defen-
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dants in Knox county invoked the aid of the act of January 25th, 1810-pleading, accordingly, the statute of limitations ; or that other plea, in bar, of like character-that the partnership or association they had formed, to make themselves rich, was contrary to an act to prohibit the issuing and cir- culation of unauthorized bank paper.
To their honor be it said that the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon-the hardy old pioncers-the Darlings and Youngs and Mitch- ells and others, who knew so well how to fell the forest; to hunt the wolves, deer and bear ; to till the soil; to clear off the wilderness, and so little of banking ås not to be classed as experts by finan- ciers of more modern date, yet came up "to the scratch," and redeemed "the promises to pay" of their bank officers.
It is true, that the arbitrament and final settle- ment of its affairs went to law; but, under the cir- cumstances, it was a matter of necessity that the equities should be adjusted by the courts. Almost every one of the parties were willing to pay their proportion of the debts at the first; but cach thought it but right to pay his own proportion and no more. Hence the ablest of the men learned in the law at that time accessible, were " called" to take a hand in the Owl Creek Bank case. Among the number thus employed were Thomas Ewing, Henry Stanbery, H. H. Hunter and W. W. Irwin, of Lancaster; C. B. Goddard, C. C. Converse, C. W. Searle, Wyllis Silliman and Geo. James, of Zanes- ville ; David Spangler, of Coshocton ; Judge Orris Parish, of Columbus; W. Stanbery, G. B. Smythe
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and I. Dille, of Newark ; Jacob Parker, of Mans- field ; Benjamin S. Brown, R. C. Hurd, J. C. Hall, C. Delano, H. Curtis, J. K. Miller, W. Dunbar and M. H. Mitchell.
Of the entire number of parties defendant named in these pages, but five, so far as known, survive, to wit : our venerable townsmen, Aaron Hill and Eli Miller ; our noted countymen, John Troutman and Nicholas Riley ; and H. Curtis, Esq., now re- siding in Keokuk, Iowa. And of the 24 attorneys engaged in the case, but 13 are now living.
Of the Judges who have heard this great cause at different stages of its progress, Calvin Pease, Joshua Collett, Peter Hitchcock, Jno. C. Wright and N. C. Read, are dead.
Finally, after thirty years in the courts, this case, noted as that famous one of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, was brought to a close, the last dollar of its issue presented redeemed, and, forty-three years after its birth, "all that was of earth and earthy" of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, was con- signed to its final resting-place-the Great Book of Records.
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CHAPTER XVI.
INCIDENTS AND EVENTS OF 1816.
THE FIRST PAPER AT MOUNT VERNON .- GLEANINGS FROM THE OHIO REGIS- TER .- SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BUSINESS MEN OF THAT TIME .- OF THE MAR- RIAGES, INCREASE OF POPULATION, ETC .- SOME OF THE DEATHIS .- AD- DRESSES OF CANDIDATES .- KING CAUCUS APPEARS .- ELECTIONS. ~ PRICE OF SALT, ETC.
ON Sunday evening, April 28th, the people were thrown into great consternation by " A Phenome- non .- A dark place appeared on the north part of the Sun ; it appeared gradually to move towards the centre. What wonderful event this is the forerun- ner of is yet unknown, whether it be the fall of empires, kingdoms, or of more important events." This appeared on the evening of the 4th day after the first paper was issued at Mt. Vernon. Won- derful circumstance !
Rattlesnakes were quite common, and their bites frequent about these times-hence the Ohio Register publishes, May 8th, an efficacious remedy for the bite. An application of kali preparation to the wound, and a lump the size of a hazel nut dissolved in vinegar to be swallowed during effervescence every twenty-five or thirty minutes.
"COLD WEATHER FOR THE SEASON." "5 DOLLARS REWARD ?"- Taken from the OHIO HOTEL, in Mt. Vernon, on or about the 15th of April last, (either intentionally or through mistake) a dark colo- red GREAT COAT, with a cape somewhat larger than ordinary, and
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the collar lined with snuff-colored velvet. If said Great Coat was taken through design, the subscriber will exchange small clothes for it if returned to him by the person who took it away; or the above reward will be given to any other person who will deliver it to J. Brown, in Mt. Vernon, or to
May 15, 1816.
JOHN FRANK.
Samuel H. Smith gives notice, April 23, 1816, that he has for sale 7,800 acres which he has just " subdivided into LOTS, from 100 to 300 acres to accommodate actual settlers."
" John Wilson, with the greatest respect, would inform his cus- tomers and the public in general, that he has just received a fresh supply of NEW GOODS, consisting of Morocco slippers, &c., all of which he will dispose of on the most moderate terms for cash or approved country produce." On the 24th of July he advertises himself " west of the court house and next door south of Mr. An- thony Bannings, where he will sell salt by the barrel at $2 per bushel, or $2.25 by the single bushel," &c.
" Dr. Robert D. Moore, engaged in the practice of Medicine. from his medical attainments, hopes to render general satisfaction."
As showing the wild nature of our county seat, at that time, and the difficulties of raising children in a new country, we insert the following obituary notice as we find it in McArdle's style of publish- ing-the first article under the editorial head, May 22d, 1816 :
" SUDDEN DEATH .- Departed this life on Friday afternoon, the 17th inst., Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eve Zimmer- man, of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twenty-nine days. His death was in consequence of eating a small portion of the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was short, but pains excruciating, which terminated his end in about 40 minutes-leaving behind him an affectionate father, tender and loving mother, two brothers and three sisters, who greatly lament the irreparable loss of a dutiful son and brother.
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In youth's bloom day I'm called away, My parents are behind; Of this fine boy who would have been their joy, Had he been spared to live.
But God in mercy called me liome, Ilis wisdom to fulfill, He gave me birth and gave me breath, And blessed be his will.
O ! look on me and you will see A youth knip'd in the bud, Here I can't stay, I must away To appear before my God.
My Pappy and Mamma I fear will fret At loosing of their Son ; But dry up your tears, appease your fears, My time was fully come.
An accident it seemed to be, Which brought about my end ; But God does all things for our good, And Christ is our sure friend.
Then why should I fear death's stern looks, Since Christ for me did die ; For all in Mount Vernon, old and young, The force of death must try."
Bryant and Burr, under date of May 1st, 1816, give notice that they "have just received a fresh supply of new goods, consisting in part of fine and coarse cloths, cassimers, velvets and cords, vesting, bombarzets, factory muslins, silk for dresses and bonnets, silk and cotton shawls, silk and Madrass handkerchiefs, cotton and worsted hose, a few fash- ionable bonnets, &c., &c., all of which will be sold cheap for wheat, rye, oats, sugar, bacon, homemade linen, rags, furs and CASH. Ready for trade and barter-sell is the word!"
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Having formed this arrangement, another part- nership is about this time entered into, which con- tinued for life. It is thus published in the Ohio Register of May 8th :
" HYMENIAL.
"Lovers, you well may envy them, Whom such fair joys adorn ; His hand receives a Diadem, And she has lost a Thorn.
" Married .- On Sunday last, (May 5th, 1816,) in this town, by the Rev. James Smith, DOCTOR TIMOTHY BURR to MISS RACHEL THRIFT, daughter of the Rev. Win. Thrift of this county."
" Married, June 2d, 1814, by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr. Daniel Conger, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts. 'And God said unto them, Be fruitful, and mutiply and replenish the earth.'"
John Garrison, having laid off the town of Ed- winburg on an elevated spot of ground, six and a half miles west of Mansfield, on the State road, offers lots for sale May Sth, 1816, and advertises the public that a large spring of water is in the center of the town. Poor Edwinburg! alas, death stole gently upon the innocent, and not a mark of the place is now visible upon any map !
The following specimen from the Ohio Register of June 12th, 1816, is the first effusion of a love- sick swain on Owl Creek's stormy banks. It is to be hoped that the "youth" was "relieved:"
" MR. M'ARDLE-By inserting the following Acrostic, you will particularly oblige your friend and well wisher,
ALPHONSO.
"TO MISS M- S ----.
"M ay Heaven on thee her choicest gifts bestow ; In thy dear breast may every virtue glow : S edate and modest, wise, kind, and free- S uch may thy character forever be.
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"Most charming fair, the loveliest of your kind, A nd most accomplished, both in form and mind, Receive this humble tribute to your fame, Y et far beneath what your just merits claim.
"S uch winning sweetness decks your beauteous face, N o other maid possesses half such grace;
Y our unaffected beauty, free from art,
Delights and captivates each youthful heart ;
Engaging fair, then let thy pitying breast
R elieve a youth whom love has robb'd of rest."
"Miss Mary Fulton respectfully informs the inhabitants of Mount Vernon and its vicinity, that she has opened a MILLINERS SHOP at H. Curtis', Esq., second door Sow West of the Court House on High street, where she intends keeping on hands an elegant assort- ment of fashionable bonnets, caps, &c. Plain sow- ing done in the neatest manner and on the shortest notice. May 22d, 1816."
" A gentleman who arrived at Xenia, O., about the 15th of April, from Vincennes, states that seven soldiers belonging to Fort Har- rison, had been killed by the Indians. It was unknown to what tribe they belonged."
"On the 1Sthi of April last, the Steamboat Maria, Captain Lovell, arrived at Cincinnati from Marietta, bound to Boston, Mass., with a cargo of pork, flour and lard."
Another store is opened at Mount Vernon by A. & T. Gormly, from Pittsburgh, in May, 1816. They advertise "an assortment of the manufactures of Pittsburgh, to wit : two stills, iron in the bar, &c., &c."
At about this time the principal travel was to Zanesville. J. Reeve advertises that he keeps tavern at the sign of the BEAR, formerly occupied by Col. J. Perry, on Main street, Zanesville, and closes with the following notice :
"N. B .- Travellers will be supplied with a Way Bill, giving an account of the Roads and Distances to the principal towns in the United States."
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KNOX COUNTY.
At this time John Hamm, Marshal of the Dis- trict of Ohio at Zanesville, paid Invalid Pension- ers of the United States at his office in that place.
William Kattle, living in Clinton township, near Charles Cooper's one mile West of Clinton, lost "one pretty good chunck of a grey horse, and a chesnut sorrel with a Roman nose and a white strip inclining down one of his nostrils."
In July, John Sawyer and Adney Coleman com- menced butchering in Mount Vernon, and keeping beef at their slaughter-house every Tuesday and Friday morning at reduced price.
Thomas Irvine also advertises as a butcher, and wants to purchase hides and fat cattle.
Alexander Elliott found, on Saturday morning, Sept. 21st, on Market street, six dollars in bank bills, which he advertised as wanting an owner.
James Moor, acting Sheriff of Richland county, Sept. 25th, 1816, proclaims through the Ohio Reg- ister that the people of Jefferson township are ex- pected to vote at the house of Mr. Bell, on the Clear Fork on the second Tuesday of October next.
Six cents reward is offered, September 16th, by J. & S. Selby for George Huntsbery, an apprentice to the hatting business (through the persuasions of some intriguing persons) induced to run away; but no charges paid for returning said boy.
Andrew Thompson & Co. carry on the WOOLEN AND COVERLET WEAVING at Henry Oldacre's, near James Dunlap's, on Licking Creek.
The firm of A. & T. Gormly is dissolved Septem- ber 11th, and Thomas Gorily continues the busi- ness.
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In September, B. Bentley opened for Jos. S. Newell an extensive assortment of goods, which were for sale or exchange for butter, beeswax, linen, grain, rags, bags, or feathers.
" To substantial citizens a credit will be given without any enhancement of prices."
" TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN .- You are hereby notified that a petition will be presented to the next Court of Common Pleas, for the county of Knox to vacate a certain part of the town of Mount Vernon, viz : Lots No. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, the property of L. S. Silliman, together with the streets and alleys adjoining."
Nathaniel Herron wants immediately two or three Journeymen Carpenters ; also one or two apprentices.
Alexander Enos has for sale one first rate and one second rate wagon.
The members of the Mount Vernon Polemic So- ciety met at the court house October 17th, at 6 o'clock, P. M.
On the 23d of November Wm. Y. Farquhar, Clerk, exposed to sale, at 12 o'clock, "sundry works and repairs to be done to the court house," by order of the Commissioners.
Huron and Wayne, Coshocton and Richland county advertisements are inserted in the Ohio Register.
Jonathan & Eli Miller, Nov. 27th, advertise that they are receiving new goods from Philadelphia : groceries, imported liquors, morocco leather shoes, queensware, &c.
J. & S. Selby, hatters, on the 7th September, at public vendue, disposed of all their traps. Among
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the articles enumerated were a two wheeled pleasure carriage ; also a handsome sleigh, a rifle gun, a num- ber of first quality hats, &c .; and the following choice tit bit for our carly citizens : " Epicures, here is something for you !- A PET CUB BEAR Will also be sold to the highest bidder! You seldom meet with such a chance as this."
George Dickenson, in November, offered a re- ward of one cent for the return of a runaway apprentice boy, named Michael Fairchild, between 18 and 19 years of age, short thick set, light com- plexion, cunning and rogueish.
John Greer, Collector for Knox county, on the 7th December, at Major Joseph Brown's tavern, offered for sale 47 lots for taxes, amounts due rang- ing from 4 cents to $1.50.
Samuel H. Smith, August 7th, advertises as just finished a lot of LEATHER-sole and upper, kip and calf, for sale wholesale or retail, at Clinton.
James Miller, August 21st, opens a new store in Mount Vernon, in the room lately occupied by Mr. John Wilson.
Hugh McMahon carries on a tanyard at Clinton, and he warns people against purchasing leather of Samuel H. Smith, as he has a claim on it. Whereupon Samuel comes back upon him in the following unique style :
" Mr. MCARDLE-Sir : In your paper I observe a caution to the public, by Hugh Mc Mahon, forewarning them from meddling with his property. I would ask Mr. McMahon how far his claims ex- tend ? Does he still hold a claim to the store of goods in the town of Delaware, into which he entered by the window, in the night , in the absence of the store kepeer ? Or has he relinquished his
1
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claim to the goods in hopes of having better success with Leather? I would advise said McMahon to go to work and endeavor to obtain a livelihood by honest industry, and shun the counsel of the man who would advise him to thieving or perjury in order to gratify his revengeful passion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
S. H. SMITH."
A meeting of citizens of Richland county was held at the house of Samuel Williams, Esq., in the town of Mansfield. John Garrison, Esq., was called to the Chair, and C. R. Pollock appointed Secre- tary; and they resolved to support Thomas Worth- ington for re-election as Governor, Peter Hitch- cock, Esq., for Representative in Congress, and Joseph Brown, Esq., for Senator, to represent Knox, Richland and Licking counties. The proceedings were ordered to be published in the Trump of Fame, in Trumbull county, and the Ohio Register.
" Was found, on the Main street, Mt. Vernon, a calico dress pattern. The owner, by giving an accurate description thereof, and paying for this advertisement, may have it again. Enquire of the printer.
Mt. Vernon, July 10, 1816."
From a song of these times we extract the follow- ing hits at members of Congress for voting to in- crease their pay, which, since the passage of the great tax bill of June, 1862, will be read with a lively interest :
Our stills you tax most dev'lish high, You promised that it should die When wars were o'er one year gone by That you'd relieve us ; But here you told a thumping lie, A thing most grievous.
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Ye tax our whisky day by day, That you may riot, sport and play- Perhaps on Sunday ye do pray To make amends ; Whether or not, ye are on the way To have no friends.
-
We're told you sport and drink and game, If true, dear sirs, do blush with shame- If true or false ye have the name, And more's the pity ; Rise quick, and tell us who's to blame, In some committee.
There are many verses, but the above will suffice as showing the spirit in resistance to the tax on spirits, &c.
About this time, Nov., 1816, aristocratic notions entered the heads of some of our citizens, and an advertisement appears-
" A BARBER WANTED .- A Barber will, probably, meet withi good encouragement in this place (Mount Vernon.) It would make it an object well worth the attention of any one who could devote part of his time to any other business."
Population in the county began to increase quite rapidly by immigration, and in the natural way. As showing something of the stock in those times, we take from the Register a statement in regard to David Wilson, Sept., 1816, in his seventy-eighth year, who " has had four wives and by them forty- two children. His oldest child is but sixteen years younger than himself. His second wife had five children, at two births, in eleven months. Mr. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania-drinks grog freely-converses with case and affability-and sup-
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ports his family by labor. He has worn a hat twenty-two years, which is still passably decent."
Old Captain Wilson was well known to his neigh- bors as one of the liveliest old pioneers. Some of his stock yet survive in old Knox.
That there was unexampled fecundity at this time among our people, we may still further note the fact that, on the 9th of December, a petition from the west was presented to Congress, by Mr. McCoy, from an honest couple, who represented that they had been united in wedlock's happy bonds for 27 years-in which time they have added to our popu- lation 20 children, 19 of whom are living, and whom they have maintained by the product of their manual labor. On that score they pray Congress for a donation of public lands to make their decli- ning years more easy. The Journals show its ref- crence to the committee on Public Lands.
We still further find by the Ohio Register, Vol. 2, No. 11, that a "Mrs. Contzeu was delivered of four children-three boys and one girl, all likely to do well."
From the publication of Marriages, by McArdle, we take the following of parties well known to the citizens of the county :
" July 30th, 1816, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. John Frank to ,the amiable and accomplished Miss Sarah Hickman.
" July 4th, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. Isaac Williams, of Rich- land county, to Miss Sally Bartlett, of this county.
"October 26th, by Jacob Hanger, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel Davis to Miss Patsey Doty.
" October 26th, by Benjamin Barney, Esq., Mr. William Wager to Miss Margaret Bixler.
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KNOX COUNTY.
" December 4th, by James Smith, Esq., Mr. John Strain to Miss Maria Craig.
In the issue of August 14th, 1816 :
"HYMENIAL.
'The laws enacted by our God, Peremptorily bind Man to unite in silken ties, With lovely womankind.'
"MARRIED-On Sunday evening last, by the Rev. James Smith, Mr. DANIEL S. NORTON, of Connelsville, Pa., to Miss SARAH BANNING, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town."
" Though Heaven had made him such another world Of one entire and perfect Chrysolite,
He would not exchange her for it."-Shakspeare.
"Married-On the 26th of December, by John Young, Esq., Mr. James Harris to Miss Mary Logan ; also Capt. John Stiltz to Miss Margaret Mc Culloch.
" On the 12th December, by Rev. Henry George, Mr. William Bryant to Miss Elizabeth Norton.
"At Frederick, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. George Ayres to Miss Jane Garrison.
" At Mansfield, Mr. Henry Ayres to Miss Jane Hoy, daughter of Capt. Wm. Hoy, of Richland county.
Samuel Mott, candidate for Senator, Sept. 11th, sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and Richland, the first printed address we have been able to find. He says, among other things, that he has " been induced to become a candidate from the encouragement of many substantial and respecta- ble citizens in the district."
In the Register, of Sept. 11th, we find tickets announced as the choice of Chester, Morris, Morgan and Miller townships.
There were many aspirants for political promo- tion. Among the number we find, for Governor-
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HISTORY OF
Thomas Worthington, Ethan A. Brown, James Dunlap.
For Congress-Peter Hitchcock, John G. Young, David Clendenan.
For Senato-William Stanbery, Esq., William Gavitt, Esq., Major Joseph Brown, Samuel Mott, Esq., Benjamin Martin, Esq., Waitstill Hastings, Henry Smith, Mordecai Bartley.
For House of Representatives-Jonathan Miller, William Mitchell, Munson Pond, John Warden, Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Rich- land county, William W. Farquhar.
The Ohio Register, of August 28th, having con- tained this notice :
" There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his servi- ces as Representative in the State Legislature; he is extremely modest, though very popular ; he, therefore, believes that it will amply suffice, at this time, to make public the initial letters, only, of his name. They are " R. B."
Expectation, on tip-toe, was gratified by the fol- lowing explanatory card :
"September 5th, 1816.
Mr. Mc Ardle : After my respects to you, as you have been so good as to insert the two first letters of my name, (I presume it has been from the solicitations of my friends) I wish you to insert my name in full, as I am a candidate, and determined to oppose Wm. Mitchell; and forward your bill to me, and you will much oblige yours, &c.
J. P. MCARDLE."
ROBERT BUTLER.
Col. John Greer, about this time, felt the impor- tance of his military commission, and issued an order to the commandants of companies in the county of Knox to send two men from each com-
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pany to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable per- sons to represent the counties of Knox, Licking and Richland. Whereupon there appeared, on the 13th September, the following persons :
From Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong and David Shaw. From Captain Cook's company, Capt. John Cook and Isaac N. Richardson. From Captain John Venom's company, Josiah B. Day and John Trimble. From Captain A. Emmet's company, William Berans and Benjamin Warner. From Captain Cooper's company, Jacob Hanger and Jonathan Burch. From Captain Squire's com- pany, James Miller and John J. Tullos.
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