History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers, Part 71

Author: Munsell, W.W., & Co., New York
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: New York, W.W. Munsell & co.
Number of Pages: 900


USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 71
USA > Pennsylvania > Wyoming County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 71


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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The first road built was the one along the river, which was cut out by the earliest settlers.


The first frame house was built by Martin Harter, about 1797, on the lands now owned by the heirs of Ab- salom Heller. Philip Fenstermacher built the only brick house about 1822. This house is now owned by A. K. Harter. In 1829 George Fenstermacher built a stone house on the site where Martin Harter's house had stood. A frame addition was afterward built to this


31


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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.


house, and a tavern kept here for several years. The first tavern and store were kept by Philip Fenstermacher, beginning in 1805 and continuing only a few years. John Heller kept a store in 1836. The first blacksmith was Jacob Romick, whose shop stood on the site of the stone house. Peter Mauer learned the trade of Mr. Romick and succeeded him. The first grist-mill was built by a widow lady named Lewis, from Philadelphia. It stood just above the site of the present mill of Samuel Heller on Wapwallopen creek. The deed conveying the lands to Frances Lewis, widow, bears the date of 1806, and the mill must have been built about that time. This mill was followed by a stone mill three stories high, which was finished about 1825 by two brothers named McPherson, who operated the mill under a lease for five years. Samuel Heller moved from Salem in 1836 and built the present mill, and he continues to operate it. Philip Fenstermacher built the first saw-mill in 1811, on a small stream near where A. Boyd now lives. John Fenstermacher had a distillery near the blacksmith shop of Jacob Romick. The first school was taught by a preacher named Kroll in a small building belonging to Martin Harter, about 1808, and was taught in German. This building is now used as a pig-sty by A. K. Harter. The first English school was taught in an old house be- longing to Michael Weiss, in 1811. The first school- house was erected on the site of the church in 1813. In 1878 there were four schools in the township, with an av- erage total attendance during the year of 85 pupils, and $1,652.43 was expended for educational purposes.


WAPWALLOPEN.


Wapwallopen signifies " the place where the messen- gers were murdered," and the place is situated on the first tract of land patented in the township, a tract called Campania, being on both sides of the creek, having been granted to Daniel Grant in 1769, and patented by George Campbell in 1773. This is the same land which passed through the hands of the widow Lewis, and finally to John Heller, by whom it was divided and sold to differ- ent parties. The village contains three stores, a post- office, a hotel, a blacksmith shop and two millinery shops.


THE MOCANAQUA COAL COMPANY.


Operations were begun on the property in 1837, under the superintendence of Henry Colt. A small quantity of coal was mined during the winter months. The prop- erty was sold to Carey & Hart, who operated the works during the winter months until 1856, when Jedediah Irish organized the Mocanaqua Coal Company and purchased the works, which he operated up to 1865. Dupont Bro- thers, of Wilmington, Del., then purchased the property and increased the number of acres to 1,900. They worked the mines until 1872, when the men struck for higher wages and were all discharged. The works were closed and have not been started since. The engine in the breaker was 100 horse-power, and the breaker has a capacity of 1,000 tons daily. The works were of the most complete kind. The company had their own ma-


chine and repair shops. The coal was mined about one mile from the breaker, which was on the east bank of the river, opposite Shickshinny. They employed about 5co men, and owned thirty tenant houses.


REFORMED CHURCH.


The Reformed congregation in Conyngham began its history in 1820. In July, 1820, the Rev. John N. Zeizer visited this and adjoining townships, preaching trial ser- mons with a view of becoming pastor. He preached one year as a licentiate, and was ordained by the Synod of Reading in September, 1821. The congregation was im- mediately organized, and remained under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Zeizer for nineteen years. Near the close of the year 1839 he died and was buried in the churchyard where lie nearly all of the early settlers of Conyngham. He was followed by the Rev. Isaac Shell- hammer, who began his ministry in 1840 and continued until 1858. Mr. Shellhammer died in Black Creek town- ship, February 22nd, 1873. Rev. Henry Hoffman became pastor in the fall of 1858, and remained until 1871. About the beginning of his pastorate the change was made from German to English, all preaching having been in German. In 1871 the congregation was connected with the North Susquehanna charge, Rev. A. R. Hotten- stein pastor. The present pastor, Rev. Tilgham Derr, took charge of the congregation in the fall of 1876. The congregation, in conjunction with the Lutherans, built a good brick church in 1833, previous to which time both societies had worshiped in the school-house.


During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Derr the church has been repaired. Both societies continue to use it. The present officers of the church are: Joseph Hess and Philip Weiss, elders; M. J. Harter and A. D. Brader deacons. There are 115 communicants.


The history of the Lutheran congregation is identical with that of the Reformed congregation, except that each congregation had its own ininister.


ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH.


The society bearing this name has always been under the charge of the pastors located in Hollenback town- ship, and was organized about the same time. Meetings were held in the school-house until 1867, when a church was built. There are now 55 communicants.


DALLAS TOWNSHIP.


DALLAS township was formed from Kingston in 1817, and embraces a portion of one of the " certified townships," called Bedford. It was named in honor of Alexander J. Dal- las, of Philadelphia.


Ephraim McCoy, a Revolutionary soldier, erected the first log house near or on the pres- ent site of Dallas borough, in 1797. A small log cabin


Flouring Mill


MRS. SAMUEL HELLER.


SAMUEL HELLER.


DEDEN


RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL HELLER, WAPWALLOPEN, LUZERNE CO., PA.


ET


RES. OF ALFRED MC MURTRIE, SUGAR LOAF TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE CO., PA Sugar Loaf Mountain.


RESIDENCE OF DR F.M. BRUNDAGE, CONYNGHAM, LUZERNE CO., PA.


RES. OF SAMUEL BENNER, CONYNGHAM, LUZERNE CO., PA.


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DALLAS TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH.


had been previously erected, which was supposed to have been a hunter's cabin, without floors, and showing evi- dences of having been standing for several years. The second residence was built soon after McCoy's, by Wil- liam Briggs.


Daniel Spencer, John Wort and John Kelley, Revolu- tionary soldiers, Elam Spencer, J. Mears, John and John Honeywell, jr., William Honeywell, Isaac Montanye and two Ayers brothers were among the first settlers. In 1808 William Honeywell came from New Jersey, bought five hundred acres of land and completed a log house upon it which had been partly built, and in the following year built a frame addition to it, the first frame building erected in Dallas. R. M. Duffy did the carpenter work.


The first saw-mill in Dallas was built in 1813 by Judge Baldwin, on a branch of Toby's creek. The second one was built in 1818, on Toby's creek, by Christian Rice; the ruins of it are yet to be seen on lands owned by his son, Capt. Jacob Rice, in Dallas borough. This mill was in use until 1875.


Among the pioneer preachers were Marmaduke Pierce (now a Doctor of Divinity in the M. E. Church) and Benjamin Bidlack, a Revolutionary soldier, who was at the siege of Yorktown. Religious meetings were held in the rude residences until the school-houses were built, after which services were held in them.


The first school-house was erected in Dallas (now Dal- las borough) in 1816, of hewn logs, by William Honey- well, Philip Shaver (who gave the site), William Hunt and John Honeywell.


Peter B. Roushey built the first tavern in Dallas, at the fork of the village, and sold grog. Other taverns were kept by Miles C. Orr and Jacob Miers.


Almond Goss built and conducted the first store, about 1840. Charles Harris and his father made the first clear- ing in Dallas. They came from the adjoining section, found a desirable tract, chopped one day and returned home. They were never able to find the place again; this was soon after the Wyoming massacre.


Henry Hagaman was the first post-rider through Dal- las. He carried the mail from Wilkes-Barre to Bow- man's creek.


Among the early marriages were those of Abram S. Honeywell to Miss Lydia Hawk, and Joseph Montanye to a Miss Spencer, both on the same day in 1820. The former is now a resident of Wyoming, aged eighty-eight years. Demon Spencer was the first white child born in Dallas. Among the first deaths were those of the wife of John Honeywell and a Mr. Hunt.


Peter Ryman was the first and only pettifogger in Dallas, and proved his ability by his many successes.


The first justice of the peace was Thomas Irwin.


Jacob Rice owned the first painted house, in 1843. He purchased the first spring buggy owned in Dallas in 1837. Abram S. Honeywell owned the first cast-iron plow, and William J. Honeywell the first patent wagon brake in Dallas.


The first tannery was built by Edgar Marsh in 1848. It was burned and a new one erected, owned by John


Lawler, who manufactured large quantities of leather annually.


There are two post-offices in the township. Kunkle was named for J. Wesley Kunkle, who was appointed the first postmaster. Ketchum post-office was named for Hon. W. W. Ketchum, judge of the supreme court and member of Congress. Sanford Morse was the first and is the present postmaster.


The early records having been destroyed, no account of the first township meeting, or of other interesting mat- ter concerning its organization and much of its subse- quent history, can be obtained. The present board of officers is constituted as follows: Justice, Samuel Hess; judge of elections, A. B. Shaver; inspectors of elections, S. Warden, A. Ayers; constable, W. J. Riley; assessor, G. P. Anderson ; supervisors, Samuel Vanscoy, J. B. Honeywell, John Spencer, Joseph Hoover, Theodore Major, Jacob Nulton; auditors, Harrison Honeywell, S. A. Spencer; treasurer, W. K. Goss; overseers of poor, R. B. Wilson, T. A. Kriedler; school directors, W. P. John- son, Robert Halley: clerk, T. M. Lazo.


The area of Dallas is twenty-one square miles, the much larger portion of which is cleared and cultivated. Farming and lumbering are the principal occupations of the citizens. There are eight saw mills in operation, which manufacture large quantities of lumber annually for the Pittston and Wilkes-Barre markets. Smith & Garrahan and Ryman & Sons are among the most ex- tensive lumber merchants. Pittston . and Wilkes-Barre are also the markets for grain, cattle, leather and other products. The population of the township is 879.


DALLAS BOROUGH.


HE organization of Dallas borough was effected for the purpose of protecting the interests of the high school. The charter was granted April 21st, 1879, and on the 13th of May the following officers were chosen at a special election held at Raub's Hotel: Dwight Wolcott, burgess; Parkerson Perrego, high constable; Wil- liam Snyder and John Ferguson, inspectors; Barney Stroud, judge of election; school directors, Leonard Ma- chell and James Garrahan, for three years, Chester White and J. B. Williamson for two years, Barney Stroud and Parkerson Perrego for one year; auditors, William J. Honeywell for three years, Doctor C. A. Spencer for two years, Thomas Garrahan for one year; assessors, William J. Honeywell and John Ferguson; council, Capt. Jacob Rice, Ira D. Shaver, Theodore F. Ryman, William Snyder, Charles Henderson, and Philip T. Raub. Charles H. Cook was appointed justice of the peace. At the first annual election, held February 17th, 1880, the same officers were elected except one auditor and one inspector, viz: Smith Perrego, in place of Thomas


246


HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.


Garrahan resigned, and Adney Snyder in place of William Snyder. The borough's population is 272.


BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.


Dallas is connected by telephone with Wilkes-Barre and Harvey's Lake. In 1878 a company was formed and the line built at a cost of about $Soo. The company consists of the following named gentlemen, and is called the " Dallas Telephone Company:" H. S. Rutter, E. P. Darling, William J. Honeywell. W. P. Ryman, T. F. and J. J. Ryman, G. M. Lewis, and Dr. C. A. Spencer.


A daily mail arrives from Wilkes-Barre by a stage, which also carries passengers, express matter, etc.


There is but one hotel in Dallas, Andrew Raub pro- prietor, and this is the only place where intoxicating liquors are sold.


The dry goods and grocery trade is represented by Ryman & Sons, Smith & Garrahan, and Ira D. Shaver.


C. H. Hall is proprietor of the first and only drug store in town.


C. A. Spencer, M. D., and James G. Laing, M. D., represent the medical profession.


William Brickle carries on undertaking and cabinet making.


The post-office in the borough was instituted in 1825, and Joseph Shunk was appointed postmaster. The pres- ent postmaster is C. H. Hall.


THE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL


was founded in 1879, by the following liberal minded gentlemen: Leonard Machell, William J. Honeywell, James Garrahan, Esq., J. G. Laing, M. D., William Sny- der, William P. Kirkendall, Joseph Atherholt, Andrew Raub, Joseph Shaver, Capt. Jacob Rice, Ira D. Shaver, Chester White, Theodore F. Ryman, C. A. Spencer, M. D., G. W. Kirkendall, J. J. Ryman.


In 1878 the beautiful and well arranged high school building was erected at a cost of about $3,500, including site. It is situated on an eminence with a commanding view, with grounds beautiful and spacious, nicely shaded with maples, and offering a fine opportunity to students for healthful exercise.


The founders have kindly given the use of the building to the school directors of Dallas borough for the ad- vancement of the school interest in the borough. This school furnishes instruction in all those branches of edu- cation which legitimately belong to an institution of the kind. In selecting the subjects for study, two objects have been kept in view: the thorough and symmetrical discipline of the mental powers and the acquisition of knowledge.


The following departments of study are provided: common English, higher English, ancient languages, modern languages, commercial department.


The first principal of the school was Prof. John T. Fuller, a graduate of Lafayette College and a young man of high culture, sterling character and moral worth. He died on the 21st of January, 1880, deeply mourned by patrons and students and all with whom he mingled. He was assisted by Miss Lettie Kitchen, of Dallas.


The present principal is Prof. W. P. Taylor, a gradu- ate of Lafayette College and a teacher of large experi- ence and signal success in his profession. He is assisted by Miss Lydia A. Seward, of New Columbus. The high school of Dallas has attained a degree of success and importance highly satisfactory to its founders and the public, and is receiving a liberal patronage at home and from abroad. The efforts of the directors are being put forth to make this school second to none of its class, and the utmost care is observed by the faculty in promo- ting the moral, intellectual and physical welfare of stu- dents.


RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.


In 1854 the M. E. church edifice was erected, at a cost of $1,000. It was built on contract by Almond Goss, of Dallas.


The following named gentlemen were the trustees at that time: William J. Honeywell, Abraham Ryman, Simeon Spencer, Richard S. Ryman, William C. Roushey, Christian Rice, Jacob Rice, 2nd. Rev. F. A. King is the present pastor.


There are several branch societies in the township which use the school-houses for religious services. Their present pastor is F. A. King.


LODGES.


Oneida Lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F. was organized at Huntsville, August 20th, 1849, by G. D. Wolcott, repre- rentative of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with 20 charter members. It was removed to Dallas and held its first meeting there April 14th, 1860.


The following is the list of officers at the time of re- moval: Henry Space, N. G .; George W. Kirkendall, V. G .; P. H. Delong, S .; A. S. Orr, A. S .; James Honey- well, T. The present board of officers are: W. G. Riley, N. G .; H. M. Hagaman, V. G .; George P. Anderson, S .; George Wilson, A. S .; Ira D. Shaver, T. The following have been the past grands since the lodge was instituted:


T. D. Harris, J. T. Miers, Amos Brown, A. Baldwin, S. C. Mandeville, S. P. Ide, J. W. Fuller, W. M. Houser, J. O. Ide, David Ide, J. S. Ide, Nelson Miers, Joseph Sweitzer, William Major, A. Brown, Henry Space. G. W. Kirkendall, A. S. Orr, P. II. Delong, Jacob Johnson, James Honey- well, Thomas Irwin, J. B. Williamson, R. A. Whiteman, James M. Donley, Jameson Meeker, James Sweezy, Samuel Miers, L. R. Shaver, W. P. Kirkendall, Henry Randall, J. B. Willis, T. J. Miers, W. H. Lowe, J. Wesley Spencer, Dwight Wolcott, Lyman Harris, Ira S. Gordon, O. L. Fisher, Jolin H. Lowe, A. N. Ide, E. W. Lathrop, W. P. Shaver, Thomas Kreidler, L. M. Rice, James E. Durland, George P. Anderson, Thomas Garrahan, Parkerson Perrego, Harrison Honeywell.


The lodge has a membership of 56.


George M. Dallas Lodge, No. 531, F. and A. M. was organized under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania, by E. P. Kingsbury, D. D. G. M., March Ist, 1875, with the following charter members: Asa B. Shaver, Ira D. Shaver, William Bennet, Joseph M. Shaver, Theodore F. Ryman, Philip T. Raub, James Garrahan. The first officers were: Asa B. Shaver, W. M .; Theodore F. Ryman, S. W .; James Garrahan, J. W .; Philip T. Raub, Sec .; J. D. Shaver, Treas. Present offi- cers: Philip T. Raub, W. M .; Ziba B. Rice, S. W .; Lewis R. Shaver, J. W .; Theodore F. Ryman, Treas .; Charles H. Cook, Sec. The past masters are Asa B. Shaver,


247


SOLDIERS OF DALLAS BOROUGH-DENISON TOWNSHIP.


Theodore F. Ryman, James Garrahan, Joseph M. Shaver, Ira D. Shaver. The membership is increasing in nun- ber and influence, and includes some of the best citizens of Dallas.


THE MILITARY.


Some of the early residents of Dallas had been sol- diers of the Revolution. Among these were Benjamin Bidlack, Daniel Spencer, John Wort, John Kelley and Ephraim McCoy.


Dallas furnished its complete quota for the civil war. From its pine crowned hills went sturdy yeomen with willing hearts to sustain the flag their fathers bore to honorable and successful battle for liberty and the right. Company F of the 53d Pennsylvania volunteers was or- ganized in Dallas, under the direction of Capt. Rice, of Dallas, and consisted of one hundred men, a portion of whom enlisted from neighboring townships. This com- pany performed well its part in the war, and returned laden with honors, though greatly reduced in numbers. Other citizens of Dallas enlisted in various commands, this being the only organization with its rendezvous in Dallas township.


Captain Rice is the representative military man of Dallas. He was commissioned first lieutenant in the 115th Pennsylvania militia, May 6th, 1839; captain of the Dallas rifle company, August 20th, 1849; captain of the Dallas artillery, November 15th, 1857; lieutenant colonel of the Rhodes regiment in 1859; quartermaster of the 15th Pennsylvania volunteers May Ist, 1861, for three months, and of the 53d October 12th, 1861; re- ceived recommendations from line officers of his regi- ment to General Hancock, commanding the 2nd corps, and to General Ingalls, chief quartermaster of the U. S. army, for the appointment of captain and quartermaster in his brigade; but he did not present his recommenda- tions to the Secretary of War on account of the pressing need of his presence at home.


Myron Strickland enlisted in Dallas September Ist, 1861, with Captain Rice, of the 53d. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3d, 1863, by a minie ball, which penetrated his clothing and lodged in a New Tes- tament which he carried in his left side pocket. The shock was a severe one and he has never entirely recov- ered. He was again wounded at Gettysburg, July 2nd, 1863. He was a prisoner seven months, at Libby, Salis- bury and Belle Isle.


DENISON TOWNSHIP.


HIS township was taken from Hanover in No- vember, 1839. November 15th, 1855, Foster was taken off, and Bear Creek April 7th, 1856. Justices of the peace from Denison have been chosen as follows: Abiathar Tuttle, 1840; Joseph H. Taylor, 1840; Lucins Blakeslee, 1845; Thomas Morrison, 1845, 1850, 1855; Harvey Lloyd, 1853; George Wharen, 1867, 1872; Henry H. Wood,


1873, 1878. The township was named in honor of Colo- nel Nathan Denison, of Wyoming battle fame.


While the forests remained to furnish the supply, lum- bering was the only business. Nearly the whole popula- tion of the township is centered in the southeast corner along the Lehigh river, between the borough of White Haven and the mouth of Wright's creek.


The first settler in this township of any enterprise was Israel Inman. He followed the Nescopeck creek through what is now the townships of Black Creek, Sugar- loaf and Butler, and three quarters of the way across this township, and located about half a mile below where the Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad crosses the Nesco- peck west of the tunnel. This is up among the head waters of the Nescopeck, and was at that time a dense wilderness. Here Mr. Inman built a rude log house and a saw-mill, the first of their kind in the township. This was in 1833. He also built a forge or triphammer shop, and "Inman's Works" soon became known throughout the southeastern portion of Luzerne county. He was also the owner of a large tract of land in the immediate vicinity of his shop and mill. For several years he was the successful business man of his part of the township, but at length trade was drawn to the Lehigh, and the mildew of time has hidden every vestige of the place once so well known as "Inman's Works."


Soon after Inman came others followed, and in a short time there were several saw-mills along the Nescopeck, all of which have either gone to decay or are suffering for want of business.


The southeast corner of the township was next settled, and in 1835 the first house was built there by A. P. Childs. Later in the same year John Lines, jr., built another house. In 1838 this place was called Middle- burg, and a post-office of that name was established. The neighborhood, being just above the upper dam on the Lehigh and adjoining White Haven, was soon aban- doned as a business point, and the post-office was abol- ished as soon as White Haven was made a town, Middle. burg being only a continuation up stream of the larger village.


The first tavern at Middleburg was built in 1850, and kept by John and Frank Lynch. It is still standing, on the upper side of the road. There were several stores and shops at this place, all of which have been aban- doned.


The first road of any importance in or through this township was the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre road, cut out and partially built by the Lehigh Navigation and Coal Company in 1837. It ran diagonally across the township, in a northwesterly direction, from the southeast corner of the township, adjoining White Haven. It crosses the Nescopeck creek about a mile below where Inman's works were located. Until the railroad was built this was the only route between Wilkes-Barre and Mauch Chunk. By leaving Wilkes-Barre in the morning by this route, and taking the swift sailing packet " Washington" at White Haven, one would arrive at Mauch Chunk in time for supper, if not particular about eating early in the


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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.


evening. The great freshet of 1862 ruined the canal, and in 1863 the Lehigh Valley Company commenced building their road between Mauch Chunk and Wilkes- Barre. Passenger trains began running in 1865, super- seding all travel by stage coach through Denison. The Lehigh Navigation and Coal Company ran a parallel road between the two places, also crossing the town- ship.


The present business of the township is confined to one steam saw-mill at Middleburg in the southeast corner of the township, Braden & Brown's steam mill on Crissy creek, two mills on the Nescopeck creek and the Luzerne ochre works at Moosehead, where is a sta- tion on the Lehigh Valley Railroad and a post-office; Mr. Bell post-master. Denison's population is 976.


DORRANCE TOWNSHIP.


EW JERSEY furnished the early settlers of Dorrance, who located along the creeks. Among the pioneers in the south part of the township were the families of Eroh, White- bread, Heller, Werner, Rhineheimer, Ei- shenbrout, Woodring and Balliett; in the north half, the families of Myers, Bleim, Vandemark, Engler, Lutz, Stuart and Heimbach. The numerous de- scendants of these families chiefly make up the present population of the township, which is 639.


In the early days the land was covered with a dense forest, affording ample material for the manufacture of lumber at the various saw-mills which were soon built. As late as 1873, there were no less than nine saw-mills in the township, one of which was a steam mill built by E. Gruver on the west side of the township. The only tan- nery is the one built by F. K. Miller and brother in the southwest corner of the township. There are two grist- mills, one on the Big Wapwallopen south of Dorrance corners, and the other on the Little Wapwallopen in the northwest corner of the township.




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