USA > Ohio > Henry County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 85
USA > Ohio > Fulton County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 85
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Scribner, David C., Washington, Liberty p. o., was born in Washington township, Henry county, in 1844, and was a son of the early pioneers, Edward and Lucinda (Bucklin) Scribner. Edwin settled in Washington county with his parents in 1817. He was a son of Judge Elisha and Nancy Scribner, who came to Ohio from Otsego county, N. Y., where Edwin was born in 1808. Judge Elisha died in Henry county in 1875, leaving four sons and three daughters, of whom Edwin is the only one 'now living. Edwin was married in 1829 to Lucinda Bucklin, who was born in Vermont. David C. Scribner was married in 1873 to Nellie May Austin, who was born in Belgrade, Kennebeck county, Me., in 1846. They have had a family of three sons : Frank L., Harry C., and Ralph Clark. Nellie was a daughter of Leonard and Charlotte Austin. Nellie was a teacher for several terms. David C. was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in Liberty, and also in Missouri, and settled on his farm in Washington township, in 1875.
Senter, Harper, Harrison, Grelton p. o., one of the leading farmers of Henry county, was born in New Hampshire in 1812, and was a son of Leonard and Lucy (Palmer) Senter, who set- tled in Muskingum county in 1818, where Lucy died. Harper was bound out to Asa Crockett, and at the age of twenty-one years, commenced his business life as a farmer. He was married in 1835 to Irene Emery, who was born in 1815. They have had two children : Caroline was mar- ried in 1858 to Alden C. Emery. They have had one son, Vernon J., and Asa C., who was married in 1878 to Ellen E. Emery. He enlisted in the Ist Brigade, 3d Division, 10th Army Corps, in 1864, and served to the end of his term of enlistment. He settled in Harrison in 1847, on his present homestead of 160 acres, which was then covered with a heavy growth of timber, put up a log house, and gave accommodations to a family of ten persons during the winter. He has now one of the finest improved farms in the county. Mrs. Senter was a daughter of Tristam and Lydia (Whitmarsh) Emery, who settled in Seneca county in 1833.
Sergent, Seymour, Gorham, Ritters p. o., was born in Gorham in 1852, and was married in 1875 to L. Conrad, of Medina township. They have one child, Ernest, born November 3, 1878. Mrs. Sergent was born in Medina township, April 16, 1858, and was a daughter of John and Jane Conrad Seymour. He was the tenth child of a family of fourteen children, all of whom are now living. Thirteen are married. Seymour was a son of Ephraim and Belle Sergent. Phebe was born in Saratoga county, N. Y. They were married in 1847, had a family of seven chil- dren : Alma Ann, born 1849; Martha, born in 1851; Seymour, born 1852; Mary, born in 1854 ; Helen, born 1857; Sarah, born 1859; and Elizabeth, 1860. Ephraim's first wife was Huldah Collins, who was born in Elbridge, Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1808. They were married in 1829, and had a family of seven children : Charles, born 1829; Warren, 1831; Cynthia, born in 1833; Roxie, born 1836; Oscar, born in 1838; John born in 1840, and Cortlandt, born in 1843. Huldah died in 1845. Ephraim was born in Rutland county, Vt., in 1808, and was a son of Ephraim and Hannah (Wood) Sergent. Hannah died in 1818, in Pittsfield, N. Y., and Ephraim and his father settled in what is now Gorham township, but what was then Lucas county in 1833. He purchased his homestead farm of 80 acres in 1836, for which he paid $250. He has cleared and improved his farm, and liberally educated his fourteen children. He has now four- teen grandchildren.
Serrick, Effinger, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., was born in Limerick, Montgomery county, Pa., in 1830, and was a son of John and Mary (Miller) Serrick, who were born and married in Berks county, Pa. They came to Henry county, O., and settled in Liberty township in 1836, where Mary died in 1838, leaving a family of seven children : Mary, Catharine, William, Levy, Effin- ger, Augustus, and Franklin. John died in Michigan in 1866, at the age of seventy-one years. Effinger Serrick was married in 1870 to Nancy Ann Andrews, of Fulton county. They have had two children, Lillie and Jennie. Mr. Serrick is engaged in farming, of which he has made a success, and now owns a fine farm of 190 acres. He being an early settler, is quite familiar with the changes that have taken place in the county in the past few years, and the youth of to-day could hardly credit his stories of the Indians and the abundance of game.
Serrick, William, Clinton, Wauseon p. o., a retired farmer, was born in Berks county. Pa., in 1822 and was a son of John and Mary (Miller) Serrick, who were born and married in Penn- sylvania and settled in Marion county, O., in 1834 and in 1836 settled in Liberty township where
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Mary died in 1838, leaving a family of six children : Mary, Catharine, William, Levy, Effinger, Augustus and Franklin. John died in Michigan in 1866 at the age of seventy-one years. Wil- liam Serrick was married in 1852 to Lucinda Edgar, who was born in Ireland, in 1824. They were married in 1852. Lucinda was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Edgar who came to Amer- ica from Ireland and settled in Henry county, O., in 1853. They had a family of ten children, six of whom are now living. Mary and her brother came to Henry county in 1851. Mr. Ser- rick settled in Clinton, Fulton, county, in 1840.
Shadle, Jacob, Dover township, Ottokee, p. o., one of the first settlers of this township, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., August 16, 1815, and was a son of Phillip and Mary Shadle, who had long been upon the soil of Pennsylvania. Joseph Shadle was married October 17, 1833, to Jane Burk, who was the danghter of Joseph and Rebecca Burk and was born February 29, 1812. In 1836 himself and young wife left Lebanon county, Pa., and settled in Wayne county, O. Here for several years he worked a farm upon shares and made a few dollars ahead. He then came to Fulton county and with his past few years earnings purchased 160 acres of land upon section two, town seven north, range six east, paying therefor the sum of $400, and the Novem- ber following, 13, 1845, himself and family came to Dover township, Fulton county, and settled upon his purchase and immediately erected a log cabin. He afterwards added to his first pur- chase several times, until at one time he was the owner of 600 acres of land, the major por- tion of which he has cleared and built thereon and established his sons with homes to begin life. He has always been able to provide enough for his family to eat and wear since he has been here and occasionally a share to the more unfortunate. He has had a family of ten children, all of whom are now living: Hosea, Richard B., Rebecca, Wm. Allen, Mary A. Ferdinand, Luther, Emeline, Harvey and Florence. Himself and wife have lived to see all their children properly settled in the race for life and he still retains a hold upon 120 acres of land for their declining years. He is one of the successful farmers of Dover township. He had four sons who enlisted in the volunteers and served the Union cause in the great rebellion. Hosea enlisted in the 67th Ohio Voluneter Infantry, Richard in the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Wm. Allen in the 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Ferdinand in the 10th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and all were honorably discharged. Joseph Shadle has many times been honored by his township with the office of trustee and constable, and once with the office of land appraiser and later with the office of justice of the peace, but for this did not qualify. He has twice been honored with the office of county commissioner and served his people six years, and in this time was instrumental in establishing a county infirmary for Fulton county. Mr. Shadle has always, since 1845, been active in assisting in all the improvments in his township, including schools, churches and church societies, and the development of the county in every particular. He has given liberally of his means and donated bountifully of his labor for roads, etc. He has been prominent as a great harmonizer among his towsnmen in the differences which have dis- turbed business life, and always a friend of the unfortnate in sickness, poverty and despair. He was originally a Democrat but later a strong and active Republican, but at present an untiring worker in the cause of temperance and a strong defender of the home against the saloon, and to-day he is thankful that he has lived to see his township grow from a wilderness to a garden, settled up with intelligent and worthy people, nearly all of whom are in comfortable circum- stances, the saloon banished and not a place in his township where it is permitted to be sold.
Shaff, Joseph, Napoleon, was born at Nassau, Germany, in 1846 and settled in Crawford county, O., in 1854, with his parents, Phillip and Appolina Shaff. His father died in 1859, after which his mother, with four children settled in Henry county. The mother died in 1882. Jo- seph was apprenticed to learn the carriage and wagon business and commenced his present busi- ness in 1870 as a manufacturer of carriages, wagons, sleds and cutters. He was married in 1876 to Kate Lenhard.
Sharpe, Doctor J. W., Damascus, McClure p. o., a physician and surgeon of McClure, Dam- ascus township, was born in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, in 1858. He read medicine and was grad- uated from the Toronto University in 1879 and settled in Ridgeville, and in 1870 came to Dam- ascus and settled here in the practice of his profession. He erected his office and stocked it with medicine and drugs for the especial use of his patients and his large practice. He is a son of William and Anna Sharpe, who have a family of four children : William James, Thomas, Hel- len M. and Doctor J. W. William James is a physician and surgeon at Toledo, O., was a grad- aute of McGill University at Montreal.
Shaw, Nathan, Gorham, Fayette, p. o., a pioneer settler of Gorham township, O., coming here in 1838, was born in Hampshire county, Mass., in 1820 and was a son of John and Polly (Whitmarsh) Shaw who died in Massahcusetts in 1826 leaving a family of three children : Sile- na M., Lyanda and Nathan. Lyanda came to Lenawee county, Mich., in 1832 and Silena M. and Nathan also removed to Michigan in 1833. Silena M., married N. D. Warner, and died leaving one son, Almon Warner. He enlisted and served through the war, was wounded at the
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HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
battle of Gettysburg and died in 1886. Lyanda married Alonzo Mitchell in 1832 and moved to Michigan the same year. Nathan was fitted for and taught school for several terms. He was married in Gorham, Ohio, in 1844, to Anna B. Ford, who was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in 1824. She died in 1877. They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living: Charles A., John F., Ernest A. and L. A. C. A. is deceased. Mr. Shaw has been one of the rep- resentative men of his town; has been justice of the peace, township treasurer, town clerk and a member of the school board for over thirty years, was notary public in 1880, 83 and 86, and is still commissioner, expires 1890. He retired from his farm life in 1878. He purchased his farm in 1844 which consists of 80 acres, for $300. Afterwards, in 1854, he traded his farm for the one on which he lives. He has lived to see the wilderness cleared and to bud and blos- som as the rose, a country inhabited by the red men when he first settled there and now settled by civilized men and dotted over with school houses and churches.
Shepard, Daniel L., Damascus, McClure p. o., was born in York, Adams county, O., in De- cember, 1822 and was a son of N. L. and Nancy (Nanna) Shephard, who were natives of Vir- ginia, and married in Adams county, O., in 1821. Nancy died in Adams county in 1840 leav- ing a family of nine children, six of whom are now living. N. L. settled in Henry county in 1847 where he died in 1883 at the age of ninety-three years. In early life he was a carpenter, but later in life became engaged in farming, and located in section seventeen. David L., en- listed in the United States army in May, 1846, served under General George W. Morgan, of Ohio in the Mexican war, as sergeant and was discharged at New Orleans in July, 1847, at the close of the war and the battle of victory. He entered a farm of eighty acres for his land war- rant, which he received from the government, and now owns a fine improved farm of 120 acres. From 1849 to 1852 he made some improvements on the farm and also built his log house, and in 1852 married Maria Hockman, who was born in Fairfield county, and was a daughter of Joseph and Polly Hockman who settled here in 1846. They had eleven children, nine of whom are now living : J. B., Mary E., F. N., Rebecca A., M. W., Florence E., Huldah J., Austin and Ed- ward. Mr. Shepard erected his present fine residence and farm buildings in 1883.
Sherman, Joseph, Freedom, Napoleon p. o., a successful and leading farmer of his town, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1834, and was a son of Jacob and Mary (Waltz) Sherman. They had family of five children : Antona, Frederick, Joseph and Carly. Joseph emigrated to America in May, 1854, and settled in Napoleon, O., and became engaged in farming and lum- bering. He enlisted in Company C, 124th Volunteers, in August, 1863, under Colonel Payne, of Cleveland, and was promoted to second sergeant. He was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 9, 1865. He was married in August, 1865, to Christina Miller, who was born in Baden, Germany. January 2, 1841. They have had a family of seven children : John, Joseph, August, Charles, Olesius, Mary and Sophronia. Christina was a daughter of Lawrence and Jane B. Mill- er, who came from Baden to Henry county in 1854, with a family of six children. Joseph pur- chased his present farm of 72 1-3 acres, in 1865. He now owns a farm of 160 acres of highly improved land.
Shilling, John jr., Franklin, West Unity p. o., was born in Columbiana county in 1825 and was a son of John and Catharine Shilling, who were born in Wurtemburg, Germany and mar- ried in Mahoning county, O., about 1820. They died in Columbiana county at advanced ages. They have had a family of five children : George, John, Hannah (Mrs. Strawhecker), Caroline (Mrs. Deemer), Solomon S. John, jr., was married October 25, 1849, to Anna Hoffmesteir, who was born July 17, 1831. They have had a family of ten children eight of whom are now living : William H., Matilda, Curtis E., Leander S., Clara A., Rachel C., Mary E. and John Frank- lin. Mr. Shilling settled in Franklin, Fulton county, O., in 1864, and purchased his homestead of 160 acres for which he paid $6,000. He now owns a farm of 178 acres. He and his sons erected a steam saw and feed-mill and became engaged in the manufacture of lumber and laths in 1883. Mr. Shilling has been an active man in all public affairs. He was a trustee for sev- eral years and was active in organizing the Brady Farmers' Fire Insurance Company in 1875, and was president of the same for two years. He has held an office in said company ever since. In early life he learned the miller's trade and became an expert in the business. For fourteen years he has been a successful agent for a large mower and reaper firm.
Shoner, F. T., Napoleon, saddle and harness manufacturer of Napoleon, was born in Bavaria in 1841 and emigrated to America in 1856 and settled in Napoleon in 1861, where he became engaged in his present business. He now carries a full line of goods pertaining to the saddlery business and in connection carries on a large repair trade.
Showman, Charles M., Washington, Liberty Centre p. o., was born in Fairfield county, July 5, 1854, and was married in 1881 to Delia Young, of Liberty. They have had a family of three children : Cloise M., Melville B., and Meme. Charles M. Showman is engaged in general farming. He was a son of John F. and Lavina (Hammond) Showman. Lavina was born in Washington county, Md., in 1816, and John F. was born in Kentucky in 1812. They were married in Mary-
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land in 1836, and settled from Fairfield county in Henry, in 1837, with a family of eight chil- dren. They first settled on the Judge Corey farm of 285 acres, which they purchased in 1875. John died in 1877. The children are Robert W. (born in 1836), John H., Annie L., William R., Vardinique, Frank M., Charles M., Sarah E., and two who died in infancy. David P., Joseph B., Robert W., and William B., enlisted and served in the War of the Rebellion.
Showman, F. W., Washington, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Fairfield county in 1850, and was a son of John and Lovina (Hammond) Showman. She was born in Washington county, Md., in 1816, and her husband, John, was born in Kentucky, in 1812. They were married in Washington county, Maryland in 1836, and had a family of ten children, seven of whom are now living: Robert W., John H., Annie L., William B., Frank M., Charles M., and Sarah C. Robert W., enlisted in Co. D, 14th Ohio, John H. and William B. in the 128th Regiment. Will- iam B. now receives a pension. John Showman settled in Henry county in 1857, on the Judge Corey farm of 285 acres and purchased the same in 1865. John died in 1877, leaving a widow and eight children. F. M. Showman now resides on the old homestead.
Showman, Robert W., Washington, Texas p. o., was born in Washington county, Md., near Harpers Ferry, in 1836, and was married in December, 1866, to Martha Edwards, who was born in Washington township, O., in 1836. They have had four children: Blair C., born in 1867; Cynthia C., born 1869; Lillie M., born 1872; Fanny F., born 1874; Robert W., enlisted in Au- gust, 1861, in Co. D., 14th Ohio Regiment, commanded by Colonel Steadman, and which was attached to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 14th Corps. He was discharged at Atlanta, September 12, 1864. His wife, Martha, was a daughter of David and Cynthia Ann (Meek) Edwards. Cyn- thia was born in Clark county, O., in 1804, and her husband, David, was born in Virginia, in 1797. They were married in 1824, and settled in 1834 in Henry connty, on the Maumee River, on his farm which he had purchased in 1832. They had a family of nine children. David died in 1873, and his wife in 1858. Mrs. Martha Showman is the only one of the family now living. Robert W., was a son of John F. and Lavina (Hammond) Showman.
Shudel, Ulrich, Franklin, Fayette p. o., brick and tile manufacturer, was born in Switzerland in 1821, and emigrated to America, and settled in Franklin township in 1865. He was married in 1846 to Anna Weaver. They have six children now living. He became engaged in the manufacture of brick on settlement here, and in 1872 added to this enterprise the production of tile, which is considered of superior quality.
Smith, Abraham, Liberty Centre, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1816, and was a son of Henry Smith. Abraham was married in January, 1838, to Rebecca Bergstresa, of Yates county, N. Y. They have had eleven sons and one daughter; seven are now living as follows: Catharine, Henry, George, William, Charles, Albert and Edward. One son, Isaac, enlisted in Co. G, Ohio Vols., on February 15, 1864, and died July 13, 1864, from wounds received while in service. Nelson died leaving a widow and one son, Werdna. Mr. Smith settled in Seneca county in 1840, coming there from New York, and in 1863 settled in Henry county, and then became en- gaged in farming.
Smith, Conrad, Clinton, Pettisville p. o., an early pioneer of Fulton county. O., was born in Bronswick, Germany, September 25, 1825, and was a son of Henry Smith. He emigrated to America and settled in Jefferson county, O., in 1851, and in 1855 came to Clinton township Fulton county, O., where he purchased his present homestead of 80 acres, at $3 per acre. He cleared a space and erected his first log cabin. He was married in 1853 to Hannah Feltman, of Germany. They had a family of four children. His wife, Hannah, died in 1882 at the age of forty-nine years, leaving three children : Albert, Minnie and Henry. Minnie married Anthony Fluhart; Albert married Miss Hattie Horton, and Henry was married in 1883 to Lizzie Linin- ger. They have had two children. Mr. Smith had one brother, who died in Germany.
Smith, Francis W., Washington, Liberty p. o., was born in Wayne county O., in 1833, and was a son of Daniel C., and Elizabeth (McLaren) Smith, who were born and married in Penn- sylvania. They settled in Wayne county, O., in 1820, and in 1833 came to Damascus, Henry county, where they died ; he in 1840, and his wife in 1842. They had a family of eleven chil- dren, but two of whom are now living: James M. and Francis W. Francis W. enlisted in Co. D., 68th Ohio Volunteers, on November 11, 1861, under Colonel R. K. Scott, was mustered out at Savannah, December 19, 1864, as corporal. He was married in 1865 to Lavonia Buchanan. They have had a family of five children : Lillie, Carrie, Scott, Gertrude, and Frank. Lavonia was a daughter of Matthew and Rachel M. (Scott) Buchanan, who were married January 28, 1830. Rachel was born in 1816, and died in 1850. Her husband was born in 1806, and died June 25, 1887. They had a family of three children: Joanna J., Elizabeth M., and Lavonia. Matthew settled in Henry county in 1854, where he now resides. He retired from business and has trav- elled for some years.
Smith, John, Flat Rock, Holgate p. o., one of the extensive and successful farmers of Henry county, was born in Marion county, O., in 1836. He was a son of Philip and Nancy Smith.
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HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
John was married in 1859 to Susan Curren, of Marion county. They have had a family of seven children : William M., Mary E., Martha A., James E., Philip Sheridan, Nancy E., and Rosetta. The father, Philip, was born in France, in 1800, and his wife, Nancy, was born in Pennsylvania in 1810. They were married in Pennsylvania, and settled in Marion county in 1832. They have had a family of twelve children, seven of whom are now living: John, Philip, Mary, Eliza, Magdalena, Rebecca, Hannah, and Catharine. Susan was a daughter of John and Margaret Curren. Mr. Smith settled in Flat Rock in 1861, and purchased his homestead of 40 acres in 1863, and now owns a farm of 260 acres. He is engaged largely in the buying and selling of stock.
Smith, John, jr., Gorham, Fayette p. o., an early settler in Chesterfield, who came there in 1849, was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 1915, and was a son of John and Rosine (Broker) Smith, who emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Detroit, Mich., and became engaged in farming. They had four sons and three daughters. John, jr., was married in 1840 to Eliza- beth Peiren. She was born in Berne, Switzerland. They have a family of four children: Ja- cob P., Alonzo, Elizabeth and Mary. John, jr., settled in Chesterfield township, Fulton county, in 1849, and purchased a farm which he sold in 1875, and settled in Gorham township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, for which he paid $8,800. He retired from active life in 1884, and now resides with his son at Handy Corners. One of his sons, John, enlisted in December, 1861, in Co. A, 67th Ohio Regiment, and lost his life at Fort Waggoner, with others of his com- pany.
Smellie, Gavin, jr., Dover, Tedrow p. o., was born in Cuyahoga county, O., in 1833, and was a son of Gavin and Amanda (Norris) Smellie. Amanda was born in New Jersey, and Gavin was born near Glasgow, in Scotland, in 1801. They were married at Cleveland, O., and had a family of ten children, four of whom are now living: John, Gavin, Susan and W. R. (the pub- lisher of the - -- at Cleveland). Five of the sons, John, Gavin, jr., Charles, Emerson and William enlisted. Two were killed while in the service, Emerson and Charles. Gavin, jr., en- listed in Co. K, 30th Illinois, September, 1861, under Colonel Fouk, served three years, and was discharged at Springfield, Ill., in 1864. He was married in 1857 to Julia A. Whittecar, of Madi- son county. O. They have had five children: Alice A., Charles H., Harry B., Emma J., and Herman G. They settled in Fulton county, on their present homestead farm of 74 acres in 1869. Mr. Smellie was trustee for two years, and is at present treasurer of the township.
Sohn, W. H., Wauseon, Wanseon p. o., the manufacturer and dealer in marble and granite monuments of Wauseon, settled here in August, 1877, where he has established a fine business by square and honorable dealing. He was married in 1880 to Harriet A. Brigham. They have one child, Howard B., born March 29, 1886. Harriet was a daughter of pioneer Joel and Bet- sey (Lyon) Brigham, of Fulton county, born February 28, 1854. W. H. Sohn, was a son of Will- iam and Caroline (Swauder) Sohn, who were natives of Pennsylvania. But emigrated to Tiffin, Seneca county, O., in 1833, where he was born June 29, 1851. Was elected a concilman of Wauseon, in the spring of 1886.
Spafford, Americus M., Harrison, Napoleon p. o., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1819, and was a son of Abner and Betsey (Leach) Spafford. Abner was born in Jeffrey, N. H. They settled in Tecumseh, Mich., in 1824, where Betsey died leaving a family of eight children, three of whom are now living: Mrs. H. M. Webster, Cynthia M. Tilton, and Americus. Abner died in Wisconsin. Americus M. purchased his time from his father, paying therefor by a note of $50. At the age of nineteen years he became engaged in driving stage, and in 1844 settled in Ohio, and became an employee of the Toledo and Wabash packet. He settled in Napoleon in 1845, and in 1847 married Maria Glass, a sister of Jeremiah Glass. She was born in Trumbull county, in 1829. They had a family of five children, three of whom are now living: Francis C., born 1853, married Alice Omwake in 1877, had two children, one living; Harriet L., born 1855, and Lester V., born 1863. Harriet married William C. Nibel in 1876. They have had four children. Mr. Spafford has been treasurer, trustee and supervisor of his town. He purchased his present homestead of sixty acres in 1858. The Spaffords are descendants of one of the oldest families of England, and were early settlers in America. First settled in George- town, Mass., in 1638.
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