USA > Ohio > Scioto County > A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record > Part 5
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The June term of the Court of Common Pleas for 1817 was in session six days.
32
HISTORY OF SCIOTO COUNTY.
On December 27th, 1817. Nathan Wheeler, collector of residents' tax ac- counted for $1141.55. His commission was $68.46. The defalcations were $188.07 and he paid over $879.601/2.
His bond as Sheriff given January 1st, 1817, was $4000.00.
December 17th, 1817, John Smith was coroner. He gave bond in $400.00. On June 11th, 1819, Nathan Wheeler reported the County duplicate at $994.54, his commission $97.25. Amount collected $875.34. delinquent $119.20.
On June 17th, 1819, John Noel, a very important citizen of his time, was allowed $9.00 for listing in Wayne Township, which then extended two-thirds of the way to Lucasville and very near to Sciotoville.
October 5th. 1819, the commissioners sat for 9 days. They were then al- lowed $2.25 per day. In these times the commissioners met in March, Decem- ber and June, three times each year, and scarcely ever at other times.
On January 9th. 1820, Nathan Wheeler. County Collector settled. He re- ported the duplicate $1085.5212, his commission $83.31 and he collected $962.581/2.
Robert Reynolds was allowed for the care of the Court House for one year $50.00.
William Kendall was allowed $9.00 for surveying several lots of school land.
On May 4th, 1820, the allowance of the Commissioners from December 2nd to this date was entered, and it was as follows: David Jones. $13.50; Jacob Noel, $13.50; Samuel B. Burt, five days, $11.25.
"Happy people were they of those times, who had such light burdens, and when the public expense was so insignificant!"
On June 4th, 1821, Dr. Jacob Offnere was appointed treasurer. His
bond was only $4000.00.
On December 5th, 1821, the commissioners allowed Robert Reynolds $40.00 per year for taking care of the Court House. This was a reduction of $10.00 per year from the two preceding years.
At this time Samuel M. Tracy appears on the records as Prosecuting At- forney, which office he held continuously till January, 1850. He received his first allowance on June 21st of this year, at the rate of $100.00 per year. He began in May term 1821.
N. K. Clough received his last allowance December 28th, 1821.
On June 3rd, 1822, Simon DeLong began his long career as a public func- tionary. He was allowed $6.00 as lister for Wayne Township, and William I amb was allowed $4.00 as lister tor Green.
The allowance for wolf scalps was fixed at $1.00 for those under 6 months and $2.00 for those over that age.
Horses to be assessed at 25 cents on each $100 value, and cattle above three years at 10 cents. Houses in towns were to be assessed 50 cents on each $100.00 valuation.
On June 12th 1822, Jeremiah Patton was allowed $2.00 for one wolf scalp. John Noel. collector reported the duplicate as follows:
Land tax, $1223.97; state tax, $910.02; road tax, $313.91; county levies, $1112.97.
On March 3rd 1823 Simon De Long was allowed $30.00 for taking care of the Court House from Dec. 28th 1821 to March 4th 1823.
On March 5th 1823 the Commissioners had a fit of economy and ordered that hereafter only $20.00, payable quarterly. be allowed for cleaning the Court House for one year. Simon De Long was given the job, and he was to be responsible for all damages occasioned by his neglect.
At the same session David Gharky was allowed $130.00 for his services as Auditor. These allowances to the Auditor were usually made at the March, June and December sessions of the Commissioners.
April 1st, 1823, John Noel as County Collector, reported the total County levies $1112.97, delinquent tax in Portsmouth $22.48, in the County $18.20, his compensation $107.22.
On June 2nd, 1823, Ph. Boldman, for listing Union Township, was allowed $6.30.
On August 4th 1823, the state and road tax was $1383.98, County levies $1399.97.
David Gharky ordered to procure a blank road record and have it made up.
33
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS.
David Gharky, Auditor, was allowed for 651/2 days services as such, front June 7th to December 3rd, 1823, at $1.50 per day, $97.871/2.
On Dec. 8th 1823, Charles Rand was allowed $1.75 for repairs to the jail and dungeon.
On February 28th, 1824, Paul Stewart was allowed $4.00 for making a coffin for Thomas Gibson, murdered in Brush Creek Township.
On March 3rd 1824 David Gharky, Auditor, was allowed from Dec. 4th 1823 to March 4th, 1829, for services as Auditor, 39 days, and $1.50 postage, $40.50.
William Carey and James Linn were paid $1.50 for transporting A. Compton. a horse thief, to Chillicothe.
Simon De Long seems to have been jailer at this time, as he was al- lowed at this session $22.75 for boarding this horse thief 89 days, and washing 50 cents. The board was 25 cents per day.
April 1st, 1824, Jesse Cockerill was allowed $2.00 for killing a wolf. On May 29th, 1824, John Dawson was allowed $4.00 for killing four wolves. On June 5th, 1824, John Noel, Sheriff, was allowed $5.00 for the horse thief, A. Compton, whose washing in 89 days had only been 50 cents.
He was also allowed $128.11, as County Collector, for collecting $1281.11. Samuel Dole for one cord of wood for the Court House, was allowed $1.50.
David Gharky, Auditor was allowed $107.811/2 for making up the roal record ordered.
On June 10th 1824 John Peebles was appointed to keep the Standard Measures for the County.
Lawson Drury, late Associate Judge, was ordered to refund $3.75 im- properly drawn by him for his services.
June 25th 1824 Simon De Long, for attending the Commissioners at their June session, was allowed $1.25. On the 16th of July 1823, ne was al- lowed $6.00 for Court Constable at the July term 1824.
John Noel was allowed $1.6212 for washing out the Court House, and for 11 lbs. of candles 1812 cents.
August 10th, 1824, Samuel Atkinson and Samuel F. Vinton, for assisting the Prosecuting Attorney at July term 1824, were allowed $25.00.
The amount of state tax that year was $842.90 and road tax $349.76.
Here is one item for the printers to read. On September 7th 1824, John and James Carnahan were each allowed for advertising the county receipts and disbursements for 1823, $7.87.
John R. Turner, Clerk, for stationery at July term 1823, was allowed $1.00 On November 1st 1824, Uriah Barber was back in the Coroner's office.
On March 8th 1825, David Gharky, Auditor, was allowed from Dec. 6th 1824 to March 8th 1825, $118.04.
On April 23rd 1825, Old Peter Weaver, the colored man appears on the scene. A sketch of him and his wife appears under the Pioneers of Scioto County. His faculty was "Waiting on de Co't", and he was allowed for it April term 1825, $3.00.
On May 23rd 1825, William Carey, as Sheriff, was allowed for six months services to May 6th 1825, $25.00.
On June 4th 1825, George Washington Clingman, Collector, reported: Total County levies, $1374.61; delinquencies, $115.08; balance, $1264.52.
June 6th, 1825, John Squires, lister of Green Township, was allowed $6.00. Thomas Patton, house appraiser, $1.50.
John Peebles, as house appraiser, was allowed $3.75.
William Kendall, for making a map of Scioto County, was allowed $17.50; 11 maps for each township, $33.00; plats of the towns of Portsmouth, Alexandria., Lucasville and Concord, each, $2.00-$8.00.
On June 7th, 1825, Morgan Township was established, and on July 4th, it first, elected officers.
June 8th, 1825, Jacob Clingman, Treasurer, settled with the County Com- missioners. The duplicate was $2824.841/2, and his per centum was, $100.00. His bond was $4,000.00.
At this session in 1825, horses were taxed at 30 cents, cattle above three years at 10 cents; and other property at one-half of 1 per cent of value.
34
HISTORY OF SCIOTO COUNTY.
On June 9th, 1825. David Gharky, as Auditor, was allowed $64.86 for services from March to June session.
On June 9th, 1825, James W. Huston was employed to repair the Court House. The cupola and railings around it were repaired and painted white, the roof was painted Spanish brown. The door and frames were painted white, and the Venetian blinds were painted green. The bid was $78.871/2 and $39.00 was advanced the contractor.
Ezra Osborn and Eben Corwine were sureties in the contract.
On August 1st, 1825, the tax duplicate was stated as follows:
State tax, $1056.94; road tax, $363.37; total land tax, $1420.31; county lev- ies, $1352.25.
August 6th, 1825, Simon DeLong was allowed for attending Court. He was employed about the Court House most of the time till about 1834 when it is said he died. At any rate, he disappeared from the public records about that time.
Peter Weaver was allowed $6.00 for attending the Supreme Court for six days. No one could wait on the Court like old Peter, and he had the job as long as he could attend to it, but the Commissioners had an extra helper in August, 1825, in Samuel G. Jones, who also attended the Court at that time.
October 15th, 1825, William Kendall finished assessing the County. He was engaged 57 days at $2.00 per day. His bill was $114.00 for himself and $2.00 paid a hand to assist him in comparing lists. 3 quires of paper at 75 cents and team 75 cents were used.
At the same time, David Gharky, Auditor, was allowed $84.10 for ser- vices from June to October, and $1.50 for paper and sundries.
James McBride, for killing a wolf, was allowed $2.00.
It seems that at this time Robin Hood was a guest of the Scioto County Jail, and had been from October 3rd to the 20th, for which Samuel G. Jones, who was jailer, was allowed $4.50 and $1.00 witness fee in the case of the State against Robert Hood.
On October 24th, 1825, Samuel G. Jones was allowed $1.8712 for keeping five criminals on bread and water for three days.
At the same session William Lodwick & Co. were allowed $4.50 for a ream of writing paper furnished John Turner, Clerk, and $1.75 for 6 yards of linen at the jail.
On December 6th, 1825, James Lodwick took his seat as Commissioner. His associates were Daniel Mckinney and Charles Crull.
Samuel M. Tracy was appointed Attorney for the Commissioners until further order. The further order never came until January 1850, and in all this period not one official act was performed by a County officer unless Samuel M. Tracy had advised it, and said it was legal. The County officers and the general public had the most complete confidence in the legal ability of Mr. Tracy. When he advised anything it was done, and if advised against any. thing that thing was dropped. Many of the wags of that day said a County officer would not turn around unless he had Samuel Tracy's permission beforc hand. There was more truth than romance in this remark.
On December 6th, 1825, there is a solemn entry in the journal that Si- mon DeLong was appointed to take care of the Court House, to keep it clean, to attend the Commissioners at their regular and extra sessions, to fur- nish them with water, and to keep the doors and windows closed when Court was not in session. The appointment was for one year at $4.40 per quarter.
The generation of low priced janitors died with DeLong. None of theni have come down to this time.
Peter Noel furnished 9 chairs to the Commissioners for the court for $9.00. Samuel G. Jones was jailer at this time. He had a gift for doing any- thing required, and was employed to put a lock on the dungeon door of the jail. William Lodwick was paid $6.75 for the lock.
On January 4th, 1826, Jeremiah Rice, for killing three grown wolves in 1816, was allowed $3.00.
Evidently the wolf killing industry needed stimulation. when the Com- missioners had to hunt up a bill eleven years old, and pay it.
March 7th. 1826, David Gharky, as Auditor. was allowed from December 4th, 1825, to March 4th, 1826, $21.92 for his regular services, and $12.00 for ex- tra services.
35
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS.
On May 22nd, 1826, Humphry Wheaton was allowed, for killing seven wolves, $7.00.
On June 1st, 1826, George Washington Clingman, Collector, made settle- inent.
The whole duplicate was $1352.25; delinquent, $128.24; his compensation, $73.74.
On June 5th, 1826, the Commissioners, Auditor and Assessor met as a Board of Equalization and concluded the business in one day. This is to be read by the present County Board as a suggestion.
The part of Lawrence County attached to Scioto was placed in Bloom Township.
On June 7th, 1826, Clay Township was set off from Wayne.
The Auditor reported the expenditures for one year $1878.92.
The Treasurer reported the duplicate collected $1792.02. His commission $69.35.
Jacob Clingman was appointed County Treasurer and his bond fixed at $6000.00.
On June 8th, 1826, the Auditor, was ordered to contract for three tables, two for the Court and one for the Commissioners and to sell the old bar table.
John R. Turner was ordered to move the postoffice out of the Court House. Charles Crull, one of the Commissioners, dissented from this order.
On June 24th, 1826, John Cockerill, for killing three wolves, was allowed $3.00.
On the same day Gen. William S. Murphy, of Chillicothe, for defending Andrew Compton, was allowed by the Court $10.00. This was the first allow- ance for defending an indigent criminal made in Scioto County
On June 27th, 1826, Thomas Harris, a colored man, for attending the Court 5 days, was allowed $2.50. Samuel Kellerson, for killing a wolf, was allowed $2.00.
On July 24th, 1826, Samuel G. Jones, for making 2 tables for the Court was allowed $6.75, and he credited the bill $1.00 for old bar table.
On August 6th, 1826, William Carey, collector, reported, state tax,, $1336.87.8; county tax, $2673.73.6; school tax, $333.98: total, $4344.61.5.
On October 11th, 1826, Moses Gregory was appointed Collector in place of William Carey, deceased. At this point Moses Gregory began that long period of office holding which only ended with his life. He gave bond with James Lodwick, John McDonald and Murtaugh Kehoe sureties. This was Col. John M. McDonald, author of McDonald's sketches, published in 1838, who at that time was a resident of Portsmouth.
On October 26th, 1826, Maria Lewis of Bloom Township, adjudged insane, was placed in the care of Isaac Hull to keep her for $50.00 per year, payable quarterly.
In October 1826, Peter Weaver was himself again. He was at the old job of "Waiting on de Co't", and received his stipend. Samuel G. Jones and Joseph B. Andrews were Court constables at the same time.
On November 15th, 1826, N. R. Clough, for defending state versus David Vaughn in 1824, was allowed $8.00. He waited a long time for his pay.
On Dec. 5th, 1826, David Gharky, for services as Auditor, June to Decem- ber, was allowed $199.4234.
On January 12th, 1827, Moses Gregory settled as Collector.
He accounted for $4344.61, and his fees were $177.12. At that time the Kentucky idea prevailed and the Sheriff was Collector of Taxes.
March 7th, 1827, the Commissioners ordered a petition to be circulated to raise funds to build a bridge at the mouth of the Little Scioto. Evidently they felt the county would not undertake it.
Col. John McDonald was appointed Assessor for 1827. He gave bond in $2000, with Samuel Gunn and Murtaugh Kehoe as sureties.
The Auditors bond at that time was $2000. From December 1826 to March 1827, David Gharky, Auditor, was allowed $40.601/2 for his services.
On April 20th, 1827, the Commissioners were at the mouth of the Little Scioto to take subscriptions for the bridge. Col. John McDonald was there on the part of the County to receive them.
On May 29th, 1827, Abraham McDowell, for killing nine wolves, was al- lowed $9.00. He killed a whole litter.
1
36
HISTORY OF SCIOTO COUNTY.
William Carey, the Sheriff of the County, died in office, October 4th, 1826, and Uriah Barber, Coroner, acted as Sheriff from October 15th to November 15th, 1826.
On May 29th, 1827, Zanthus Kennedy, for killing eight wolves, was al- lowed $8.00. He found a litter.
June 4th, 1827, David Gharky. Auditor, allowed from March 3rd to June 3rd, 1827, $32.1634.
On June 5th, 1827, the Auditor reported the amount of expenditures for the preceding year $1706.571/2.
On the same day Joseph Woodring was relieved trom payment of any taxes. The Treasurer settled from June 26th and reported receipts, $2861.18; compensation, $114.44.
Here is an item for the publishers of the newspapers of the present time to read, and then fall on their knees and thank God they did not live then.
On July 2nd, 1827, Julius A. Bingham, publisher of the Western Times, was allowed $6.00 for publishing the receipts and disbursements of the county. On June 30th, 1827, Jacob Clingman, County Treasurer, reported state tax, $2816.59; county school tax, $2887.81; total, $5704.49; delinquencies, $20.1134.
On August 15th, 1827, Samuel G. Jones made a writing desk for the Com- missioners' office, and was allowed $8.00 for it.
Here is another item to make the editors of the county printing be thankful they did not live then.
Julius A. Bingham was allowed. tor publishing the delinquent lands in the Western Times, 37 squares. $55.80.
On December 4th, 1827, Moses Gregory, Sheriff, was allowed his yearly salary, $30.54.
On December 5th, 1827, James Linn purchased two brass candlesticks for the Court, and one pair of snuffers for $21.81.
17th, Jacob Clingman reported: state tax. On December 1827, $1891.94; county tax, $2177.25; school tax, $377.05; total, $4406.25.
On March 3rd, 1828, the Commissioners ordered a necessary built on the gil lot for the convenience of the public, six feet square, 7 feet high, one seat board with three seats, weather boarded and covered with joint shingles with one door hung and tastened. On the same day, the one pair of andirons or- dered were paid for, $1.25 to William Lodwick, and the two pair to James Lod- wick at $3.00.
On March 11th, 1828, Moses Gregory was paid for wood at the Court House, $1.621/2.
On March 27th, 1828, the commissioners met at the jail to consider the situation of Allen Moore, adjudged as an insane person. The Board investi- gated his state of mind, and were unanimous that a physician would be of no service, and that from the letter of the law he did not come under their no- tice. They charged up $2.00 each and went about their business.
On April 29th, 1828, Isaac White, for killing a full grown wolt was al- Iowed $2.00.
On May 14th. 1829, Humphrey Wheaton was allower $9.00 for nine wolf scalps.
On June 2nd, 1828, the Commissioners ordered that when the public weil was repaired, a good and sufficient pump be placed in it, the pump stock well banded, and the spout banded and strapped with iron, the County would pay $10.00 towards the repairs.
On June 4th, 1828, John Cockerill was paid $2.00 for killing two young wolves.
On June 19th, 1829, Moses Gregory. Sheriff, was allowed $30.00 to cover cost in cases where the state tailed. This allowance had been customary for several years.
On July 11th, 1828. James Waddle for the necessary, was allowed $10.00. On August 2nd, 1828, the duplicate was turned over to Havillah Gunn, Treasurer. It was $4701.45.
On September 13, 1828, Simon De Long, for fetching water and making fires at the Court House for six days. was allowed $3.00. William Lucas, John H. Thompson and Hugh Cook were Court Constables at the September term of Court.
JOSEPH WINOUX DEVACHT. Father of Joseph W. Devacht, Sr. [PAGE 1262.]
-
MRS. C. R. MENAGER. [PAGE 1268.]
JOSEPH W. DEVACHT, SR. [PAGE 1262.]
MRS JOSEPH W. DEVACHT, SR. [PAGE 1262.]
37
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS.
January 10th, 1829, in the duplicates of $4701.45 turned over to him, Havillah Gunn collected $4087.33.
On March 2nd 1829, David Gharky, qualified as Auditor for two years. His bond was $2000, with James Lodwick and Col. John McDonald as sureties. On May 9th, 1829, Samuel Wall was allowed $9.00 for nine wolf scalps.
On May 16th, 1829, Humphrey Wheaton was allowed for four scalps.
On June 2nd, 1829, Havillah Gunn, Treasurer, settled and accounted for $3782.03.
On June 4th, 1829, Charles O. Tracy was appointed agent of the Commis- sioners to obtain grounds for the Public Building. This was the first move to- wards the new Court House which did not materialize till 1837, eight years later. July 2nd, 1829, Julius A, Bingham was allowed $14.00 for publishing the receipts and expenditures of the Court.
On July 31st, 1829, Havillah Gunn, Treasurer, settled. The duplicate was $5449.61.
On June 16th, 1830, the Common Council of Portsmouth was granted a room in the Court House on condition they did not disturb the Court.
On February 7th, 1830, the Public well was fixed, and Bliss & Cutter paid $10.00.
On March 6th, 1830, David Gharky resigned as Auditor and Charles O. Tracy was appointed in his place.
On March 18th, 1830, Thomas Moore, for attending the Court at March term, with fire and water, was allowed $3.00.
Simon Del.ong. Court Constable for six days, was allowed $4.50.
On June 8th, 1830, the Lawyers and Doctors were assessed for the first time, though the law passed in 1828. There were only five lawyers assessed, N. K. Clough, Samuel M. Tracy, Charles Tracy, Edward Hamilton, and Wil- liam V. Peck. Clough and Samuel Tracy were assessed at $500.00 each and the tax on each was $4.00. The others were assessed at $300.00 each and paid $2.40 each tax. This tax was a good one, as a Registry tax, although it real-
ized only $15.20 that year. It continued each year until 1851 when the last assessment was made. The tax was never complained of. If too high it was worth the tax as an advertisement. If too low, the lawyer got off easily.
The same was true of the Doctors. There were six taxed in the County in 1830. Three of them were in Portsmouth, N. W. Andrews, G. S. B. Hemp- stead and Allen Farquhar. Their incomes ranged from $300 to $600. The tax on them was $21.33.
On August 16th, 1830, Julius A. Bingham, for publishing the delinquent list, was allowed $18.00.
From July 21st to December 6th, 1830, Charles Crull served as Commis- sioner to fill a vacancy caused by the removal of Samuel B. Burt.
On December 6th, 1830, Edward Cranston took his place He was a man of the strongest will of any one who ever held the office. He ruled the Board and all in contact with him and did it well.
On December 25th, 1830, the Commissioners held a session. This fact ought to be explained, and the only explanation is that on that day they em- ployed Simon De Long to keep Mahala Murphy, an insane person, at $5.00 per week, (an enormous sum then) until the Auditor could find some one to do it cheaper. However, she did not trouble the public long, for on December 30th, following, old Peter Weaver was paid $1.00 by the County for digging ner grave. On January 4th, 1831, Peter Noel, the Second, and Nathan Hall were each paid $2.00 for killing a grown wolf.
On March 7th, 1831, Moses Gregory became Auditor and held the office for 10 years, He exercised more influence in County affairs than any Auditor before or since, and demonstrated the fact that that office is the most import- ant in the County.
Charles O. Tracy in retiring from the office was allowed $44.84 for his services, and an extra compensation of $2.00 per day for 17 days, $34.00, be- cause the statute did not fix a fair compensation.
On March 9th, 1831, a bridge was ordered built over the Little Scioto at its mouth and Seymore Pixley directed to circulate a petition therefor.
The bridging of this stream at this point caused the Board more trouble, required more attention than any public business the Commissioners ever had on hand.
38
HISTORY OF SCIOTO COUNTY.
COURT HOUSES. The First Court House
was built in 1816 in Portsmouth by John Young. The Commissioners' Journal of June 4, 1815 shows he was allowed $300.00 for work done in the inside of the Court House. On January 31, 1817, he was allowed $300.00 on building and $400 on joiner's work. General Kendall was allowed $25.95 he had loaned toward the erection of the Court House. On June 3, 1817 the new Court House was received from John Young. This is all we find in the Commisioners' record as to its cost. It had a foundation of stone and its walls were brick. It was forty feet square. The foundation came two feet above the ground. It was two stories high and had a tin roof. It had a cupola 12 feet high with a figure of the Angel Gabriel cut in wood on the spire. The entrance was on the south side only. It had four windows below in front and five above. On the east and west, it had four windows below and four above on each side. It had two fire places on the north on each side of the judge's desk. This was three feet above the floor. The Clerk's desks were in front of the Judges', 18 inches above the floor. It had a prisoner's box 3 feet above the floor. It had two seats, one for the guard and one for the prisoner. The bar was eighten feet square. On the east and west were three tiers of seats. The first was fifteen inches above the floor and each tier was 15 inches above the other. The fronts of the seats had panel work. There were rough seats between the door and bar enclosure. The prisoner's box was at the south side of the bar. The stairway was in the southwest corner. The lower room was nine feet high and the upper ten feet. The floor of the court room was paved with brick eight inches square. On the second floor, the Clerk's office was in the northwest corner and the Sheriff's office was south of it. The east part had petit and grand jury rooms. This building stood until 1837, when it was torn down. Before its erection, the courts were held in Gharky's cabinet shop near the Point. After- wards in the Hamilton Hotel, on the site where B. Augustine now re- sides, and then in the McDowell building, corner of Market and Front Streets. It is said this first Court House cost, all told, $3,265. The bids for it were received as early as June 7, 1814, but it was not built until 1816. In 1823 John R. Turner had charge of the Court House. Sunday or day schools were forbidden to be held in it. Religious so- cieties were allowed to use it by leaving it as clean as they found it. This Court House was sold October 15, 1836 for $325.00 on 90 days time, the buyer to furnish free a place to hold court, November, 1836, and the first Court in 1837. In 1821 the corporation election was held inthe Court House, as we presume it was before and after. On December 3, 1827, an inventory of furniture in the first Court House was taken and placed in charge of Simon Delong. Here are the items : I writing desk, 2 square tables, I set windsor chairs, I set split bottom chairs, 5 split bottomed chairs painted red, 4 brass candle sticks, I pair
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