USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 112
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During a great revival in the year 1843 he, with more than one hundred others, united with the First Presbyterian Church of Norristown, under the pas- torate of Rev. Samuel M. Gould, and at onee took an active part in church-work, particularly that of the Sabbath-school. A scholarship was secured for him to receive a college education at Easton, but his health did not admit of the necessary application. In June, 1855, he was elected and entered upon his duties as superintendent of the Sabbath-school of the First
Church. A division taking place, the same year he joined most heartily with those who left that church and subsequently organized the Central Presbyterian Church of Norristown. In the year 1855 he was elected an elder of this church, and still retains that office, now being the senior elder. In this capa- vity he has almost yearly attended the Presbytery or Synod as representative, and in 1881 was delegate from the Philadelphia Presbytery North to the General Assembly meeting that year at Buffalo. He remained superintendent of the Central Sab- bath-school until 1873, the year of his removal to Conshohocken, where he was chosen the superinten- cent of the school of the Presbyterian Church at that place, which position he still holds. He was also clerk of the Session of the Central until he left Norristown. As a temperance man he has frequently been delegated to conventions in connection with the cause.
Although never possessing a vigorous constitution, Mr. MeDermott's life has been a most active one, compelled to it from the necessity of the ease and the struggle for " bread." After these years of toil it is well to know that necessity is often a valuable stimu- lant and that with the blessing of Heaven and the prayers and benedictions of a Christian father and pious and affectionate mother we may all fill our niche in life usefully.
THE TRADESMEN'S NATIONAL BANK OF CONSIO- HOCKEY was organized February 1, 1882, with a capital stock of $100,000 and a surplus fund of $10,500. The institution commenced business May 20, 1882, with the following officers : President, John Wood; Vice-President and Cashier, William Henry C'resson. The present Directors are: John Wood, William Henry Cresson, John A. Righter, B. Brooke Adams, Jawood Lukens, George Corson, George W. Wood, Franklin Dundore, Daniel H. Kent. The present capital is $100,000; surplus fund, $10,500; deposits, $172,887.58; loans and discounts, $228,- 850.32; and the value of bank property, 89000.
THE JENKINTOWN NATIONAL BANK OF JENKIN- TOWN was chartered April 17, 1875, with a capital of $50,000, increased July 11, 1876, by the amount of $20,000, and upon March 13, 1884, by $30,000, mak- ing the total present capital 8100,000.
The first officers were: President, Samuel W. Noble; Cashier, Andrew H. Baker; Directors, Samuel W. Noble, Charles F. Wilson, Thomas Williams, Jeremiah B. Larzelere, Joseph W. Hallowell, George D. Heist, Joseph Bosler, Charles Hewit, Jacob P. Tyson, Thomas T. Mather, John J. C. Harvey.
The deposits at the close of the first year were 847,301.46; discounts, 870,598.88.
The first building occupied was the Masonic Hall building. The bank was removed into the present building March 13, 1880.
The deposits September 30. 1884, were 8141,285.68; loans and discounts. $185,364.13; surplus fund,
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
$11,000; and the value of real estate, furniture and fixtures, $15,000.
The present officers are: President, Samuel W. Noble; Cashier, Andrew H. Baker; Directors, Samuel W. Noble, Charles F. Wilson, Thomas Williams, Jeremiah B. Larzelere, Joseph W. Hal- lowell, George D. Heist, Joseph Bosler, Johu Thom- son, Hutchinson Smith, Edward Mather, Joseph A. Shoemaker. C. Mather has acted as notary public for this bank.
SAMUEL W. NOBLE .- William Noble and his wife, Frances, the progenitors of the Noble family, were residents of Bristol, England, and suffered persecution for their religious faith, that of the Society of Friends. Their son Abel, in 1684, when not yet twenty-one years of age, came to America and settled in Phila- delphia, where he was apprenticed to the trade of a cooper. He subsequently acquired an extensive tract of land in Bucks County, on the borders of Mont- gomery County, Pa. Among his children was Joseph, the great-grandfather of the subject of this biography, who married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Lovett Smith, the former having been one of four brothers who, on their emigration from England, set- tled in Burlington County, N. J., and founded the city of Burlington. They are known as the "Bur- lington Smiths," and were owners of the ground on which the city stands, as also of much valuable prop- erty lying adjacent. The two surviving children of Joseph and Mary Noble were Samuel and Mary (Mrs. Samuel Wetherell), of Burlington. Samuel married Lydia, daughter of Isaac Cooper, of New Jersey, in 1746. Their children were eight in number, the sur- vivors being Hannah (Mrs. William Norton), Samuel and Richard. Samuel was born October 4, 1766, and married, in 1792, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Tomp- kins, of Philadelphia. Their surviving children are Joseph, born in 1799, who died in 1854; Charles, M.D., born in 1801, whose death occurred in 1873; and Lydia (Mrs, Thomas Longstreth), who was born in 1803 and died in 1876. Samuel Noble married a second time, in 1817, Sarah, daughter of Samuel Web- ster, of New Jersey, whose children are Samuel W. and Richard. Samuel W. was born on the 15th of August, 1818, in Philadelphia, his father having been at that time engaged in that city in the business of tanning and currying. Here he resided until seven- teen years of age, meanwhile attending school and ac- quiring a substantial English education. Having developed an early fondness for the pursuits of an agriculturist, he removed to a farm in the suburbs, and acquired a practical knowledge of the various branches of farm labor, removing in 1839 to the farm, in Abington township, now his home, which his father had purchased. He was, on the 30th of Octo- ber, 1844, married to Elizabeth H., daughter of John and Martha P. Mather, of Cheltenham township. Their children are Henry A .. born in 1845, now a resident of Philadelphia; Sarah, deceased ; John M.,
born in 1848, deceased; Samuel, born in 1849, who resides in Abington ; Clara, deceased; Howard, born in 1852, also of Abington; Lydia L., deccased ; Franklin, whose birth occurred in 1855, now of Phil- adelphia; Thomas L., born in 1857, of Abington ; Charles M., born in 1859, also of Abington ; Mary T., born in 1861; Anna, in 1862; and Elizabeth, deceased. Samuel W. Noble has engaged in no other pursuits than those pertaining to farming and horticulture during his active life. He has devoted much attention to the study of the latter, and filled for many years the office of vice-president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He held the same official relation to the Pennsylvania State Horticultural Society, formerly known as the Fruit- Growers' Society of Eastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Noble was, in 1875, elected president of the Jenkintown National Bank, of which he was one of the incorpora- tors, and has thus far been the only incumbent of that office. He is secretary and treasurer of the Cheltenham and Willow Grove Turnpike Company, and was formerly president of the Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montgomery County, of which he is now a director. He has been for forty years treasurer of the Abington Library, an institution that has enjoyed a successful career since its organi- zation, in 1804. In nearly every enterprise tending to advance the best interests of the township and the moral and material good of its citizens Mr. Noble has been an influential factor. His political sentiments are those of the Republican party, though he has in- variably declined to hold official relations with the party. The family connection with the Society of Friends as birthright members may be traced through six generations, his immediate family being identi- fied with the Abington Meeting.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMBLER .- The credit of organizing this institution is mainly due to its presi- dent, Benjamin I'. Wertsner, and William M. Singerly, as both gentlemen firmly believed in the necessity of such an institution to aid the future growth of Ambler and relicve the vicinity from the inconvenience of traveling several miles to do its banking business.
The bank was organized July II, 1884, having a subscription list of sixty-six stockholders, with capital stock amounting to $55,000.
The bank first started business in the Misses Knight's school-room, on August 2, 1884, with $42,910 paid on account of the capital stock, and at the close of the first day's business the depositors' accounts showed a balance of $2648.98.
The bank building, now nearly completed, will cost about $5500.
The officers and directors are as follows:
President, Benjamin P. Wertsner; Vice-President, George K. Knight; Cashier, John J. Houghton ; Di- rectors, David J. Ambler, Joseph Haywood, William C. Potts, Thomas Atkinson, Adam Hoover, George K. Knight, Benjamin P. Wertsner, Allen Berkhimer,
Juin " If Sible
BANKS AND BANKING.
485
Aaron Styer, T. B. Geatrell, Samuel Van Winkle. H. C. Biddle, Benjamin K. Johnson.
On November 10, 1884, the capital stock paid in amounted to $53,530, the loans and discounts to $29,- 430.24, the circulation outstanding to $27,000, and the individual deposits subject to check $39,458.09.
thoroughly cultivated fields that have been by his skillful management transformed from a wilderness waste to the beauty and richness of a delicately and artistically cultivated garden spot. The horticul- tural department of the farm has been carefully at- tended to by Mr. Wertsner, who has with his own hands planted and grafted a large variety of the choicest fruits.
BENJAMIN P. WERTSNER, son of George and Hester Wertsner, was born in Norristown, Montgom- ery Co., Pa., September 21, 1829. In 1833 his father The large and commodious farm barn was erected in 1845, and the farm-house, if it might be dignified by that title, gave place in 1879 to the present pala- removed from Norristown to Whitpain township, and occupied what was known as the Weston grist-mill, and in 1845 purchased eighty-five acres of land then i tial mansion, in which are all the modern conven-
.
almost a wilderness, and known at that time as part of Dawsfield farm, now owned and occupied by his son, Benjamin P. Wertsner.
At the age of seventeen years young Wertsner was placed upon the plantation to look after, care for , Farm."
and manage the cultivation of crops, and to have an ' oversight of the farming business generally, he hav- ing a natural as well as an acquired taste for agricul- tural pursuits, the care of stock and the disbursing of funds received from the proceeds of the farm. How well he has thus far managed the affairs of the old wilderness plantation is seen in the well laid out and
iences requisite to make home beautiful, pleasant and comfortable, making one of the most beautiful and attractive residences to be found in Montgomery County. The place is now known as "Evergreen
Mr. Wertsner's father, George Wertsner, was one of the active, honest, upright citizens of his day, and while he lived was highly honored by his fellow-citi- zens, and as a mark of their respect for his many virtues elected him a member of the State Legisla- ture, where he served in the sessions of 1846-47. He died several years since, respected by all who knew
.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
him. His widow still survives at the ripe old age of eighty-four, and is a resident of Norristown.
Benjamin P. Wertsner was married to Mary, second daughter of General John E. Gross, of Trappe, Pa. The result of this reunion has been one daughter, Bertha, now a finely-educated young lady, residing with her parents.
The father of Mrs. Wertsner, General Gross, took an active part in the war of 1812, and was an officer of the American army, and subsequently a member of the State Legislature. He died in 1870, leaving a widow, who still survives the weight of fourscore years and more. Mrs. Wertsner's grandfather was a member of the Continental Congress.
Since Mr. Wertsner has been in active business life he has been honored by his fellow-citizens with vari- ous positions of honor and responsibility, among which may be mentioned guardian and trustee of several estates; treasurer of the Ambler Building and Loan Association since its organization, in 1874; treasurer of the Plymouth Valley Creamery Associa- tion since its organization in 1881; treasurer of Whitpain Library Company ; treasurer of Cold Point Grange since its organization in 1875; and on July 15, 1884, at the organization, of the First National Bank of Ambler, was elected president of that insti- tution, which position he still occupies with honor to himself and profit to the stockholders and patrons.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LANSDALE .- This bank was organized April 6, 1864, with a capital of $50,000, and began business on June 16th, the same year. The officers were: President, John Y. Jenkins; Cashier, Charles Y. Jenkins; Directors, John S. Jenkins, James Price, George S. Reiff, John M. Harley, Owen Hughes, Elias K. Freed, John Kindig, Dr. D. Levering Heist, James Rob- erts.
The bank now has a capital of $100,000 and property valued at $10,000. The discounts on Oc- tober 1, 1884, amounted to $185,881.05 and the deposits to $192,553.51, while the surplus fund was $35,000.
The present officers are : President, Elias K. Freed ; Vice-President, A. C. Godshall; Cashier, C. S. Jenkins; Teller, O. M. Evans; Clerks, Sylvester Jenkins, Horace E. Jenkins; Directors, Elias K. Freed, A. C. Godshall, Jacob R. Clemens, Andrew Anders, J. C. Hendricks, David Cassel, Joseph Swartley.
THE NATIONAL BANK OF SCHWENKSVILLE was organized April 14, 1874, with $50,000 capital, the officers being : President, Jacob G. Schwenk ; Cashier, John G. Prizer ; Directors, Jacob G. Schwenk, George W. Steiner, Esq., H. W. Kratz, Esq., Albert Bromer, Isaac H. Johnson, Benjamin S. Alderfer, Philip Prizor, J. Warren Walt, James H. Price, Isaac L. Bauman.
At the present time (November 1, 1884) the capital
is $100,000; deposits, $263,521.46; loans and dis- counts, $270,935.04; and surplus fund, $34,000.
Following are the present officers: President, Jacob G. Schwenk; Cashier, John G. Prizer: Direc- tors, Jacob G. Schwenk, H. W. Kratz, Esq., George W. Steiner, Esq., Isaac H. Johnson, Benjamin S. Alderfer, George D. Alderfer, Esq., Jacob S. Wagner, Abraham D. Alderfer, Noah D. Frank.
THE HATBORO' NATIONAL BANK at the time of organization, May 4, 1875, had a capital of $65,000, and the value of bank property was $9000. The officers were: President, I. Newton Evans ; Cashier, S. Carey Ball; Directors, I. N. Evans, (. . I. Mitchell, J. P. Hellings, Joseph Barnsley, S. S. Thompson, C. S. Rorer, George S. Teas, Comly Hampton, F. L. Worthington.
At the present time (Nov. 1, 1884) the capital is $52,000 ; deposits, $180,534.72; discounts, $127,007.63 ; surplus and undivided profits, $12,884.48; value of bank property, $8500. The present officers are I. Newton Evans, president ; James Van Horn, cashier; Directors, I. Newton Evans, G. J. Mitchell, Joseph Barnsley, George S. Teas, I. P. Hellings, S. S. Thomp- son, Charles S. Rorer, Comly Hampton, William C. Newport.
THE PERKIOMEN NATIONAL BANK (East Green- ville), at the time of organization (September 27, 1875) had a capital of $100,000. The first officers were : President, Michael Alderfer; Cashier, John N. Jacobs; Directors, Michael Alderfer, John N. Jacobs, John G. Hillegass, S. K. Barndt, Jacob Van Buskirk, M. A. Kratz, J. N. Klein, Daniel Clewell, Isaac L. Bauman, David G. Clemmer, Henry Kulp, Levi Fetterman.
November 1, 1884, the deposits were $324,782.17; discounts, $443,496.93; value of banking-house and fixtures, $10,000.
Following are the officers now holding place : Michael Alderl'er, president ; John N. Jacobs, cashier. Directors, Michael Alderfer, Lederachville, Pa. ; John N. Jacobs, East Greenville, Pa. ; David G. Clemmer, Clayton, Pa .; John G. Hillegass, Pennsburg, Pa .; Jacob Van Buskirk, Stiensburg, Pa .; Isaac L. Bau- man, Balley, Pa .; Jacob W. Klein, Kleins, Pa .; Solomon K. Barndt, Alburtis, Pa .; Levi Fetterman, Vera Cruz, Pa .; Jacob K. Harley, Harleysville, Pa .; Michael A. Kratz, Green Lane, Pa. ; Irwin M. Stetler, Frederick, Pa.
THE FARMERS' NATIONAL BANK OF PENNSBURG Was organized May 6, 1876, with a capital of $50,000. The officers first holding place were : President, William F. Reed; Cashier, A. F. Day ; Directors, William F. Reed, Richard Markley, Jonathan P. Hillegass, Jesse Gery, Charles T. Waage, M.D., Daniel C. Stauffer, Tobias S. Reiff, George Deisher, William C. Randenbush.
At the present time (1884) the capital is $75,000; deposits, $80,311.56; discounts, $141,603.85; and value of bank property, $2500. The present officers are : President, Edwin M. Benner; Cashier, James M.
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BANKS AND BANKING.
Slifer; Teller, William T. Day ; Directors, E. M. Benner, J. P. Hillegass, Richard Markley, Jesse Gery, T. S. Reiff, A. S. Wagner, D. C. Stauffer, Thomas Berndt. B. F. Leidy succeeded James M. Slifer as cashier December 6, 1884.
THE UNION NATIONAL BANK OF SOUDERTON at the time of organization, May 12, 1876, had a capital of $90,000. The first officers were: President, Isaac G. Gerhart ; Cashier, J. C. Landes ; Directors, Isaac G. Gerhart, 11. K. Godshall, G. H. Swartz, Abraham Sorver, Henry Ruth, Charles Loch, Augustus Thomas, Charles Godshall, M. B. Bergey, John S. Moyer.
On November 1, 1884, the amount of capital was $90,000 ; deposits, $118,424.69; discounts, $168.570.22; value of bank property, $4600; amount of surplus fund, $19,000.
The present officers are: President, Isaac G. Ger- hart; Cashier, J. C. Landes, Directors, 1. G. Ger- hart, Abraham Sorver, James S. Ruth, E. Il. Souder, I. H. Moyer, J. B. Moyer, I. G. Metz, Augustus Thomas, Charles Souder.
to the member, who can generally borrow from the association the par value of his stock and with it purchase real estate, the value of which is deemed sufficient, when mortgaged, to amply secure the asso- ciation for the loan. Under this system of utilizing the earnings of well-paid skilled labor over the actual cost of living, hundreds and thousands of comfortable homes have been bought and paid for, habits of econ- omy and frugality have been fostered and the con- dition of the working-classes greatly improved. If
the stock value of these fifty-two associations be as stated, ten million four hundred thousand dollars, and this morry has gone into improved real estate, it would nave a purchasing power equal to six thousand nine hundred and thirty-three homes, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars cach. These are substantial dividends, and contribute more permanently to the taxable wealth of the county than those paid upon bank, railroad and other corporation stocks. The business of these associations is conducted by a board of direc- tors and officers, who are elected annually by the stockholders, and it is due to them to say that these corporations have been managed with excellent judg- ment and great fidelity. The annexed list of associa- tions will serve to show the date of their institution in the county and their distribution in centres of population :
Conshohocken, Sept. 29, 1851.
Fort Washington, May 18, 1869. Laborers', Nov. 8, 18G !.
Merion, Nov. 8, 1869.
Perseverance, Nov. 9, 1869.
Fame, May 16, 1870.
Weldon, Ang. 15, 1870.
Building and Loan Associations .- No review of Workingmen's, May 15, 1>54. Abington, Nov. 14, 1870. The Mechanics', May 21, 1855. Elge Hill, Nov. 14, 1870. Cheltenham, Ang. 30, 1859. Washington, May 21, 1861. Huntingdon Perpetual, Ang. 21, Harmony, No. 2, Ang. 17, 1864. Iron-workers', Feb. 27, 186G. Flourtown, Nov. 13, 1871. The National, May 21, 1866. Enterprise, May 20, 1867. Third National, Nov. 13, 1871. Lansdale, May 20, 1867. Lower Merion, May 20, 1872. Enterprise, May 20, 1x72. North Wales, May 20, 1867. the financial institutions of the county would approxi- mate completeness without reference to the operations of building and loan associations, or, as they are now 1×71. Mutual, Ang. 21, 1871. called, saving-fund, building and loan associations. Although of comparatively recent origin, they have been, and are now, important factors in accumulating the surplus earnings of the industrial classes. Within Gulf Mutual, May 28, 1872. Hatboro', May 21, 1867. Excelsior, Ang. 19, 1872. the last forty years fifty-two associations have been chartered in this county. The maximum capital ac- First National, May 22, 1×67. Madison, Feb. 21, 1873. Prospectville, Ang. 18, 1873. Peucoyd, Nov. 11, 186 ;. Telford, May 20, 1873. cumulated for final distribution among the stock- Penn, Feb. 24, 1×68. holders of each of these associations, upon the basis Union, May 21, 1868. Spring Mill, Ang. 18, IN73. of their chartered privileges, would be four hundred Upper and Lower Providence, Ang. Second National, Aug. 19, INGS. 17, 1808. thousand dollars, or two thousand shares at a par First National, Vet. 2, 1874. Ilarmony, April 15, 1876. Wm. B. Rambo, Sept. 21, 1878. vale of two hundred dollars each. It is probable, William Penn, Nov. 9, 1868. Rising Sun, Sept. 17, 1878. however, that all have not reached their greatest pos- Horsham, May 17, 1869. Star Loan, April 26, 1880. Geo. McFarland, April 17, 1881. sible usefulness. We assume that cach has sold Gwynedd, May 18, 1869. one thousand shares at a par value of two hundred Insurance .- Following is a list of the mutual fire and storm insurance companies incorporated and doing business in Montgomery County :1 The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montgomery County, chartered March 1, 1841 ; Line Lexington Fire Insur- ance Company, chartered April 3, 1863; Union Mutual dollars per share, representing an aggregate of surplus earnings amonnting to ten million four hundred thou- sand dollars. These associations are largely composed of persons of limited means, with no other resources than their daily labor. Monthly payments of one dollar per share on their stock forms a certain fund | Fire and Storm Insurance Company, chartered March for investment, which is at the disposal of the men- ; bers. Payments made with punctuality for a few
years give value to the stock and substantial credit . Perkiomen Mutual Fire Insurance Company, char-
30, 1866; the Schuylkill Valley Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Norristown, chartered April 11, 1866; tered May 30, 1871; North Penn Fire Insurance Company, chartered May 20, 1873; New Hanover Mutual Fire Insurance Company, chartered January 30, 1882; Berks and Montgomery Mutual Storm and Insurance Company, chartered January 30, 1882. The estimated value of property insured by the foregoing companies is sixty million dollars.
1 A very large amount of property in Montgomery County is insured in perpetual and foreign insurance companies.
Montgomery, May 13, 1852. Norristown, May 20, 1852.
Mechanics', Nov. 8, 1852.
Union, May 16, 1853. Harmony, No. 1, May 16, 1853.
488
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS.
Masonic .- There is a tradition that a Masonic lodge was in existence within the lines of the Continental army occupying Valley Forge, and that it was pre- sided over by Washington.
CHARITY LODGE, No. 190, F. AND A. M .- The first lodge of Masons organized in Montgomery County of which any positive information can be obtained is Charity Lodge, No. 190, F. and A. M., of Norristown, the charter for which was granted August 2, 1823, and the lodge constituted October 23d, the same year. By the last published report it has two hundred and twelve members.
The present offieers are: Thomas J. Baker, W. M .; William F. Slingluff, S. W .; James A. Welsh, J. W. ; John Slingluff, Treas .; George R. Kite, Sec.
Of Past Masters now living are Charles L. Corn- man, Edmund A. Kite, Samuel Brown, Jr., Edward D. Johnson, William B. Roberts, Florence Sullivan, Benjamin F. Solley, William E. Moyer, John Sling- luff, R. G. L., George A. Lenzi, D. G. Sherman, John C. Richardson, Abraham S. Hallman, Benjamin Thomas, Joseph H. Bodey, Jacob Custer, Henry A. Derr, Alexander Hooven, Thaddeus S. Adle, John W. Bickel, Joseph R. Ebert.
STICHTER LODGE, No. 254, OF POTTSTOWN .- The charter for this lodge was granted March 3, 1851. It now has one hundred and forty-nine members, with the following officers : George R. Harrison, W. M .; R. S. Malsberger, S. W .; J. H. Morris, J. W .; M. S. Longaker, Treas .; Alexander Malsberger, Sec.
The Past Masters now living are S. A. Stout, H. C. Feger, A. Malsberger, Samuel R. Ellis, Charles Moore, W. C. Rutter, J. H. Hobart, T. W. Ludwig, Dr. MI. Aug. Withers, William M. Gordon, J. Harry Hobart, Mont. S. Longaker, John Scheetz, William Auchenbach, E. B. McCauley, N. F. Dotterer, J. M. Cunningham, M. A. Campbell, J. H. Smith, Hiram Coller, Lloyd C. Keim.
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