Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 200

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018


USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 200


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John Kapp, father of George J., was born at New- manstown, Pa., Nov. 24, 1809, and died Aug. 7, 1892, aged eighty-two years, eight months, thirteen days, being buried at Newmanstown. He was a lifelong farmer, having an excellent property of 125 acres in Millcreek township, Lebanon county, and was a man of wide acquaintance among the agriculturists of his John was made manager, but he died while still a


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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA


young man, and his brother Harry W. was then given Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fred- the place. Since his father's death, H. W. Otto has continued to conduct the business in the interest of of his army service Mr. Keehn is an honored member the estate.


Jacob Otto was married at the age of twenty-four years to Miss Katherine Kiruse, and five children were born to them: Emma, Mrs. Charles Leymaster, of , Reading; John, who died at the age of thirty-two; Kate, wife of David E. Gring, of Reading; Minnie, who was born in 1873, and died in 1890; and Harry W. Mr. Otto belonged both to the Odd Fellows and the Masons, being a member, in the latter order, of Teu- tonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M. A man of many estimable qualities he was esteemed by everyone that knew him, and bore . a deservedly high reputation among Reading's business men.


HARRY W. OTTO was born June 21, 1880, and was educated in the public schools of Reading. In 1896 he was taken into his father's employ and has been connected with the business ever since. Since as- suming the sole responsibility he has proven him- self to be capable in business, and is very successful in his management. Socially he is a Mason, a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227; and also of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; the Order of Buzzards; the Ivy Leaf Association and the Cadet Band.


PETER B. KEEHN, for fifty-two years a resident of Mt. Penn, but now living retired at No. 314 Seven- teenth and one-half street, Reading, comes of an old of Reading. family of this part of Berks county. He was born Sept. 29, 1838, in Exeter township, near Schwartz- Charles and Maria (Biedeman) Keehn, moved into Lower Alsace township soon after his birth.


Jacob Keehn, grandfather of Peter B. Keehn; was a resident of Exeter township and a farmer by occupa- tion. He died in middle life, but his wife, whose maiden name was Brahm, attained a good old age.


wald Church, from which neighborhood his parents, zen of Cumru township, and a survivor of the great


Charles Keehn was born in Exeter township in the year 1810, and died in 1868. Like his father he fol- lowed farming, and he was a substantial citizen, a worthy member of the Reformed Church, and a Defno- crat in political faith. He married Maria Biedeman, a native of Amity township, this county, daughter of John and Margaret (Hartranft) Biedeman, and nine children were born to this union, namely: Matilda. widow of Henry Allenbaugh; Orlando, an engineer, of Reading; Peter B .; Daniel B., a laboring man, of Mt. Penn; John, 'a hatter, of Mt. Penn; Almaretta, de- ceased wife of Peter Helfrich; Elizabeth, widow of Levi Marks, of Reading; Charles, a conductor, of Read- ing; and Margaret, deceased. '


Peter B. Keehn grew to manhood in Alsace town- ship, and there he received his education in the public schools. While still a little boy he entered the Brum- bach's woolen mills, at St. Lawrence, in which he worked up to the position of weaver and spinner. He m. Solomon Ash; Susan m. Ezra Bush; Hettie. m. continued in that work until 1897, in May of which year John Buthroyed; Elias m. Elizabeth Ruffner; and Sarah m. Henry Hill. his right side became paralyzed and he was incapaci- tated for active, work from that time. Since that time he has lived retired, making his home at the corner of Perkiomen avenue and Twenty-third street, Mt. Penn, where he built in 1885, until March, 1909, when he sold his home, and purchased his present res- idence in Reading. During his active years Mr. Keehn was much interested in local public affairs, and he gave excellent service as school director in Lower Al- sace, which office he held for six years, and as bor- ough inspector. He is a Democrat in political affilia- tion.


On June 4, 1861, Mr. Keehn enlisted in Company D, 3d Pa. V. C., being one of the first three-years men, and entered the United States service at Camp McCall, D. C .; July 28, 1861, serving until June, 1864. He took part in the following important engagements: Me- chanicsville, Gaines' Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, years served as township supervisor, then resigning.


ericksburg. He was promoted to corporal. By virtue of the G. A. R., belonging to McLean Post, No. 16, of Reading.


On Sept. 17, 1864, Mr. Keehn married at Reading, Miss Martha Wesner, who was born March 6, 1845, danghter of James and Maria (Kemp) Wesner. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keehn, viz .: Car- rie Dora, wife of Franklin Hafer, of Madison avenue, Reading; Katie Octavia, deceased; Harvey Peter, a weaver at the woolen mill, who married Catharine Faust and resides at Mt. Penn; and Jennie Estella, who is at home.


James Wesner, father of Mrs. Keehn, was a char- coal burner by occupation. He died in Reading about 1877, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife died in 1885, reaching the age of seventy-eight years. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wesner had a family of ten children, namely: Matilda, deceased, was the wife of Samuel Hawkins; Henry, who died in Illinois, married Fannie Diffen- baugh; Barbara Ann married James Schull, and both are deceased; Harriet, deceased, was the wife of George Jones; Lucinda, deceased, was the wife of Ezra Rom- ich; Nathaniel died in infancy; James lives in Varna, Ill .; Ephraim, who married Clara Shupe, lives in Ma- quoketa, Iowa; Martha is the wife of Peter B. Keehn; Adaline, deceased, was the wife of Samuel Schealer,


JOSEPH GRATE SCHNABEL, a venerable citi- Civil war, was born Jan. 22, 1831, in that township, son of John and Susanna (Grate) Schnabel, and grand- son of Jacob Schnabel, and he died Feb. 9, 1908, in the seventy-eighth year of his age.


Jacob Schnabel came to America from Germany, on the ship "Priscilla," arriving at Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1749, and some years after that date became a farmer in Cumru township, Berks county, where he owned considerable land, part of which was in later years owned by his son, John. He was a Catholic in relig- ious belief, and was buried in consecrated ground in Reading. Jacob Schnabel was the father of the follow- ing children :. Jacob; Joseph; Benjamin; William; Kate m. Lewis Eckenroth; Betzy m. Harry Grate; Polly m. Patrick Odier; and Sally m. a Mr. Hartman.


John Schnabel, father of Joseph, was born in 1785, near Yocom's Church in Cumru township, and died in 1860, being buried at the Catholic cemetery in Read- ing. He was a life-long farmer, and owned a tract of eighty-three acres, now the property of Andrew Blank- enhorn. . Mr. Schnabel married Susanna Grate, who died in 1856. in her eightieth year, and to them were born ten children, as follows: Jacob; Barbara m. Sam- uel Freeman; Andrew; Joseph Grate; John; Catherine


Joseph Grate Schnabel was reared in Cumru town- ship, and there he spent all his life. For many years he was employed in the iron mines, but in 1896 he retired from active life, erected a comfortable little home, where he lived with his daughter, Clara, Mrs. John S. Sonnon, until death claimed him. On Oct. 27, 1862, Mr. Schnabel enlisted under the name of Jos- eph Snable, in Company C, 167th Pa. V. I., serving with the. Army of the Potomac until Aug. 12, 1863, when he received his honorable discharge at Read- ing. He was a faithful and efficient soldier, and dur- ing his service to his country bore his share of the hardships of army life bravely and cheerfully. Mr. Schnabel was a member of Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R .; and the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 91, Angelica. In political matters he was a Republican, and for six


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BIOGRAPHICAL


With his family he belonged to the Reformed congre- have long since passed away and are interred at gation at Yocom's Union Church. Womelsdorf. They had the following children: Frank,


On May 4, 1854, Mr. Schnabel married Catherine who was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, while White, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Mengel) fighting in defense of his country; Charles, who lives at White, and to this union were born four children: . Garrett, Ind .; Joseph, who is assistant foreman at the James, born Nov. 12, 1855; Clara, May 30, 1858 (m. Dec. 31, 1887, John S. Sonnon); John W., March 12, 1860 (died March 21, 1860); and a son died in infancy unnamed.


JAMES SPEARS, an aged citizen of Robesonia, Berks Co., Pa., was born near Glasgow, Scotland, Sept. 15, 1833, a son of William and Christie (Kirk- wood) Spears.


William Spears was born near Glasgow, about 1793, and died in 1843 surviving his wife by some few years. He was a weaver by trade. They had seven child- ren : William, James, Alexander, Christie, Jennie, Mary and Ellen. With the exception of Alexander all the children emigrated to America. James came alone, the five others having preceded him by one year. They all lived at Moselem, in Berks county. William was taken prisoner and died in the Civil war. Jennie married Jacob Warner, of Womelsdorf, and still sur- vives. Christie. married James McCallen and they lived at Fritztown, Berks county, where she died. Mary married Horatio Hillesley and lives at Manay- unk, Pa. Ellen lives at Philadelphia.


James Spears learned weaving with his father, in his native land, where he followed the trade for a short time before coming to America. This was in 1853, during the administration of President Franklin Pierce. He settled in Berks county and began to work in the mines at Moselem, where he lived for four years. In the spring of 1859 he came to Robe- sonia and began working at the Robesonia Iron Com- pany's plant, where he continued until his retirement in 1901, since then he has occupied his pleasant home on Elm street. During his long connection with the iron works he was variously employed in almost every department, being a good mechanic and a regu- lar handy man.


Mr. Spears is a veteran of the Civil war. He en- listed at Reading, in February, 1865, in Company A, 99th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged after four months of service.


On Aug. 16, 1862, Mr. Spears was married to Eliza- beth Yonson, born March 16, 1838, in Heidelberg township, Berks county, daughter of Henry and Cath- erine (Mayer) Yonson. Mr. and Mrs. Spears have two children, Leah and William. The daughter mar- ried Joseph Putt and they reside at Robesonia; they have one son, James H. S. The son married Priscilla Putt, and they have two children, Jennie and James.


GEORGE PUTT, foreman of the 'ore roasters at the Robesonia Iron Company's plant, was born near Robesonia, in Heidelberg township, Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 1862, son of Joseph and Catherine (Brigel) Putt.


Jacob Putt, his grandfather, was a native of Ger- many, and came to Berks county when he was fifteen years of age. He worked as a teamster, hauling char- coal and iron ore for many years, and all of his sons followed the same business. He lies buried at St. Daniel's (Corner) Church. His sons were: Joseph, George, Thomas, Jacob, Henry, Franklin, Levi and Frederick. His daughters were: Sophia married Adam Deppen; Susan married (first) Elijah Hassler and (second) John Leninger; Peggy married a Mr. Heckler; Sarah died unmarried.


Joseph Putt, father of George, resided in the house in which the latter was born, in Heidelberg township, for nearly fifty years. He followed teaming as a busi- ness. He married Catherine Brigel, daughter of Adam and Barbara (Weinhold) Brigel. Mr. and Mrs. Putt


Robesonia Iron Company; Jacob, a farmer residing near Garrett, Ind .; William, who is in the employ of the Robesonia Iron Company; Sarah, who was accidentally burned to death in childhood; Ellen I., married to Charles P. Mayer, who is stove tender for the Robeson- ia Iron Company; and George.


George Putt left school at a very early age in order to commence work at the furnace, beginning to be self-supporting in 1878, and has continued with the Robesonia Iron Company. He has proved himself such a reliable, steady and efficient employe that he has had substantial recognition of his usefulness at various times, and in 1887 he was appointed foreman of the ore roasters, having a gang of twenty-six men under his charge. In politics he is a Republican, and although he lives in a strong Democratic district he was elected school director in the spring of 1902, in which office he served for three years. He has filled other positions, having been township committeeman for two years, and on different occasions has been chosen a delegate to county conventions. He is a member of Washington Camp, No. 67, P. O. S. of A., of Womelsdorf, and of Lodge No. 119, Knights of Pythias, of Robesonia.


In 1886 Mr. Putt was married to Fianna Achenbach, born April 6, 1864, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Putt) Achenbach, the former of whom is a stone-mason in Mill Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Putt have three children. Jennie .M .; Maggie M., who married Howard Flickinger, a clerk at Robesonia; and Irwin. Mr. Putt and his family reside in their own home on Main street, Robesonia, which he bought in 1900. With his family he belongs to St. Paul's Reformed Church, in which he is a deacon. He was a liberal contributor to the erection of this handsome church edifice in 1903.


JOSEPH PUTT, foreman of the laborers at the Rob- esonia Iron Company's plant at Robesonia, was born Oct. 25, 1852, in his father's house in Heidelberg town- ship. He is a son of Joseph Putt. He obtained his education at the Furnace school-house in his native township, but was only ten years old when he began work at the Robesonia Furnace, and he has been work- ing regularly in the same employ ever since, being one of the company's oldest and most reliable employes. He has charge of the labor force of fifty men, a position he has filled since 1904. He is a Republican in politics, and on different occasions has been a delegate to county conventions.


On Ang. 13, 1887, he was married to Leah Spears, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Yonson) Spears, and they have one son, James H. S., who is a young man of fine educational attainments. He was educated in the township schools, graduated from the Robesonia high school, later attended two spring sessions at the West Chester Normal School and still later graduated from the Inter-State Commercial College, Reading. Mr. Putt resides in his own home on Elm street, Rob- esonia, which he purchased in the spring of 1902. Fra- ternally he belongs to Washington Camp, No. 37, P. O. S. of A., of Robesonia, of which he has been a trustee since 1899; and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 119, of which he is past chancellor commander. He is a Reformed member of Zion's Church of Womelsdorf. Mrs. Putt was reared in the Presbyterian faith, her parents belonging to the First Presbyterian Church. She is connected with St. Daniel's (Corner) Church.


GEORGE K. HOLLENBACH. Among the success- ful business men of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned George K. Hollenbach, who is engaged in painting and paper-hanging, and in the sale of wall paper, paints and picture and room mouldings at No. 325 Elm street,


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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA


Mr. Hollenbach was born Oct. 6, 1855, at Centreport, Maurice Greenawalt, of Bernville, deceased; John died Berks Co., Pa., son of John G. and Esther (Kline) Hollenbach.


George Hollenbach, grandfather of George K., was a descendant, possibly a son, of Johan George Hollen- bach, who was one of the ancestors of this German Palatinate family in America. He emigrated to this country in the ship "Neptune," which arrived at Phila- delphia Sept. 24, 1754, on the same ship being one Michael Hollenbach, who, says tradition, was his broth- er and had settled in Albany township, Berks county, prior to 1759, in which 'year he was a taxable of that district. Johan George Hollenbach had a son, Hein- rich, who lived and died in Windsor (now Perry) town- ship, and who married Elizabeth Moyer, by whom he had these children: Daniel (1781-1866); John; Hein- rich (1791-1874); Elizabeth (1798-1883); Jacob (1807- 1871), married Rebecca Kistler, and had children, Hen- ry, Johannes, Nicholas, Caroline, Rebecca, Lydia, Amelia, Mesitta and Jacob (ex-poor director of Berks county) ; Maria; Eva (1811-1871), and Catherine married Samuel Ruth.


George Hollenbach, the grandfather, was a resident of Mahantango township, Schuylkill county, where in 1802 he was assessed as the owner of property. The name of his wife is not known, but it is known that he had four children, one of his sons being John G. Hollenbach, the latter of whom was an uncle of Frank Hollenbach, of Mantz, Schuylkill county, who died in February, 1907, aged about sixty years. Frank Hollen- bach married Catherine Kressley, who died in Septem- ber, 1907, aged fifty-six years, and they had seven chil- dren, as follows: William, Barney, Ida, Tillie, Katie, Mame and Minnie.


John G. Hollenbach, father of George K., was born Sept. 8, 1827, in Schuylkill county, and when three years of age was brought to Berks county by his par- ents. He was a carpenter by trade, an occupation which he followed for many years. In later life he resided at West Reading with his son-in-law, Charles Feather, and there he died Jan. 23, 1909, aged eighty- one years. He was a member of Kissinger's Lutheran Church, where he and his wife are buried. Mr. Hol- lenbach married Esther Kline, born in 1830, who died aged fifty-three years, and to them were born four children, as follows: Franklin died in infancy; Men- ton died in 1901, aged forty-seven years; George K .; and Catherine married Charles Feather, of West Read- ing.


George K. Hollenbach was reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he learned the painter's trade from F. R. Kirst, at Bernville, now at Reading, for whom he worked for two years, the next twelve years being spent in the employ of John G. Rhein, of Reading. In 1888, Mr. Hollenbach formed a partnership with his employer, a connection that continued successfully for four years, and in 1892 he engaged in business on his own account. He carries a full and up-to-date line of everything pertaining to the painting and wall papering trades, and employs from ten to fifteen men.


Mr. Hollenbach is a Republican in politics, and takes a great deal of interest in public affairs. He and his family were members of St. Thomas Lutheran Evan- gelical Church, at Bernville, Pa., at which place the family resided for twenty-seven years. Mr. Hollenbach was a deacon in this church. He and his family are now members of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Reading. Mr. Hollenbach belongs to Bernville Camp, No. 113, P. O. S. of A .; the I. O. O. F., No. 122, of Bernville; Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 4, of Reading; and the Royal and Ridgely Protective Association.


at the age of eight years; William H .; Charles C .; Em- ma L., and Lizzie M.


FREDERICK ROW, residing at No. 168 Clymer street, Reading, belongs to a family that has been settled in Berks county for a century. His grandfather came to Reading from Germany, and the two succeed- ing generations have continued to make their home in that city where the founder of he family settled and died.


John Row, father of Frederick, was a native of Read- ing, born June 4, 1819. He became a shoemaker and followed that trade during the winter months, while in the summer he made bricks, working up to the last twelve years of his life. The house in which his son for- merly lived is constructed of bricks made by the father, and was built in 1869. During the Civil war John Row served from Oct. 23, 1862 to Aug. 12, 1863, in Company B. 167th Pa. V. I., under Capt. Melcher, but during his term of service was only in one large engagement, that at Stillwater, Va., where the colonel of his regiment was killed. Mr. Row married Miss Sarah Maurer, who outlived her husband many years, passing away June 5, 1903, while he died in April, 1887. Their children were as follows: Susan, Mrs. Alexander Printz; William H., in the grocery business, and married to Miss Sally Bradagan; John D., a plumber; Elizabeth, Mrs. N. L. Ehrgood; Frederick; Mary, widow of T. R. Darlington; and Sallie, wife of Jacob Rhoad. All are residents of Reading.


Frederick Row was born in Reading, Oct. 4, 1862. He attended the public schools of the city, and was graduat- ed from the high school with the class of 1882. He learned the trade of a machinist, and worked at that for over four years, but at the end of that time he turned his attention to electricity, and has been engaged in that ever since. He spent a year and a half with W. G. Sands, and then in 1889, went into business as an electrician on his own account, having his shop in his residence. He is a skilled workman and has built up a large pat- ronage, having up to the present wired 1,000 houses for the West Reading Building and Loan Association, alone, besides doing all the work for the well-known contractor, J. R. Bechtel. He is thoroughly established in his line of work, and is one of the prosperous bus- iness men of Reading.


On June 14, 1904, Mr. Row married Miss Sallie M. Landis, daughter of Joel and Catherine (Willman) Lan- dis, of Reading. Mr. Row has by no means confined his attention to business alone, but is a prominent figure in local politics and in fraternal circles. A strong Re- publican, he is now serving as judge of elections for the Sixteenth ward, First precinct, and had been the regular assessor of the Third precinct, Third ward, for eight years. Since 1898 he has been a member of the Board of Trade. A lifelong member and director of the Alumni Association, he is now president of its board of directors, and also served one year as president and two years as treasurer. As a Mason Mr. Row has attained the 32d degree, and is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549; Reading Chapter; DeMolay Com- mandery, and Rajah Temple, and is engineer and arch- itect of the Lodge of Perfection, and has taken an active part in the Sons of Veterans, in which for six years he was assistant to the State adjutant, for one year assist- ant State treasurer, and one year State treasurer. A man of active mind and broad interests, Mr. Row has been a great traveler and has not only made himself familiar with the greater part of his own country but has also seen much of Europe.


On Feb. 26, 1876, Mr. Hollenbach was married at Bernville, to Isabella H. Faust, daughter of Jared and Leah (Stoudt) Faust, and granddaughter of John and Sarah (Klopp) Faust, of Western Berks county, Eight ROBERT W. SPANG, a veteran of the Civil war, who was one of the first to respond to his country's children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbach, namely: Mary L. m. Thomas C. Naftzinger, of Bethel call in 1861, is a native of Reading, born Sept. 15, 1845, township; Laura A. died in childhood; Sallie m. son of Daniel and Mary (Young) Spang.


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BIOGRAPHICAL


Daniel Spang was a son of George, who resided in four years he was employed in a silk dye house in Amity township, Berks county. There were five chil- Philadelphia, and has had many years of valuable ex- perience. He does work for the leading firms of Read- ing and vicinity and also for several large Philadelphia firms. He employs from thirty-five to forty hands during the season, and his daily output is from six to seven thousand pounds of dyed goods. The plant is 152 x 100 feet in dimensions, and is equipped with the most modern machinery known in the business. It is run by steam, and the dye works proper is a one-story building 40 x 152 feet, while the printing department is a two-story and basement, 32 x 152. dren, George, William, John, Daniel and Catherine. Daniel in his earlier years was a manufacturer of mill stones in Reading, later ran a chair factory, and finally engaged in the china and toy business, being located at No. 627 Penn street. He was very successful finan- cially, and was a prominent man in Reading. He married Mary, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Young. Her father was a pioneer of Reading, and was well known there, a cabinet maker by trade. His father bought property at No. 627-629 Penn street, where most of the family reside, from the Penns, and the old house Mr. Schulze is very prominent in Masonry, a mem- is one of the landmarks of the city. Daniel Spang died ber of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M .; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M .; DeMolay Commandery, K. T .; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.


when only forty-eight years of age, but his wife lived to be seventy-eight. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, widow of H. D. Van Horn, a wholesale shoe dealer in Philadelphia, who now makes her home in CORNELIUS T. ANDERSON, who was for many the old family place on Penn street; Mary, deceased; years a prominent manufacturer of jewelry in Reading, H. W., engaged in the electrical business in New York City; Robert W .; Emma, Mrs. Holtman; Daniel, Jr., who died March 18, 1907; Sallie, also at the old home; and Isaac, formerly cashier of the Reading National David B. Anderson was born in Chester county, and came to Berks county when a boy, receiving his educa- Pa., was born in 1851, in that city, and died June 28, 1901, in Redlands, Cal., son of David B. and Susan T. (Long) Anderson. Bank, who married Miss Emma Hendel. Daniel Spang was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a Republi- tion in the schools of the latter county. He learned the can in politics, and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him.




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