USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > History of Perry County, Pennsylvania, including descriptions of Indians and pioneer life from the time of earliest settlement, sketches of its noted men and women and many professional men > Part 52
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JOHN A. MAGEE, Founder of "The Perry County Democrat."
Several other county seat editors long stood out prominent in the annals of Perry County. Two of them, John A. Magee and John H. Sheibley, were born in the same year, 1827, and through- out their long lives were close friends, although they represented opposing political parties. John A. Magee was a son of Alexander Magee, editor of Perry County's first paper, The Forester, and Sarah (Crever) Magee. His common school education was sup- plemented by a course at the Bloomfield Academy. In 1854 he
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entered the office of George Stroop, then editor of the Perry County Democrat, to learn the printing trade. He then followed printing elsewhere, after completing his trade, and taught school for a short time. He was working as a journeyman in Washing- ton, D. C., in 1853, and when George Stroop died in 1854, he and George Stroop, Jr., purchased the Democrat, Mr. Magec later (in 1858) securing entire control. He served in the Pennsylvania Legislature during the session of 1862-63 as assemblyman. In 1872 he was elected to Congress from the district composed of Perry, Cumberland and York Counties. He conducted the Demo-
JOHN H. SHEIBLEY, Founder of "The Advocate and Press."
crat until his death, November 18, 1903. The Democrat under John A. Magee was noted for its strong and able support of democracy and all public policies.
John H. Sheibley was born in Landisburg, November 17, 1827, the son of Bernhard and Mary (Holman) Sheibley. He was edu- cated in the common schools and learned printing in the office of the Reformed Messenger, at Chambersburg. He attended an academy at Madison Courthouse, Virginia, in 1849, and during
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HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
the next three years worked in the Johnson Type Foundry at Philadelphia, as a journeyman printer. In 1853, with others, he formed a stock company and became the first editor of The Pco- ples' Advocate and Press, shortly thereafter securing entire con- trol. In that capacity he served until his death, which occurred December 1, 1900. A staunch Republican, his masterly pen was ever busy in advancing that cause, as well as those things which tend to community betterment.
Another of these prominent older editors was Frank Mortimer, of The Times. Born in Franklin, Massachusetts, March 14, 1829. he was educated in the common schools of his native state. He was admitted to the New York bar in 1853, having read law there with his brother, Samuel Mortimer, but he never practiced. He entered the Sectional War as a captain of Company L, Ninth New York Militia. He was later captured and confined in a Confed- erate prison, but escaped while being removed to another prison, and found his way to the Union lines. In 1864 he came to Perry County and engaged in the mercantile business at Green Park, removing to New Bloomfield the next year, where he was in busi- ness until 1889, only selling his store then so as to devote his entire time to The Times, which had grown from a small advertising medium. He sold his office August 1, 1904, and removed from the county.
Francis Allen Fry was connected with the Newport News as editor and proprietor for almost four decades. He was the eldest son of William Allen and Mary Louise ( Price) Fry, and was born at Ickesburg, September 15, 1852. Bereft of a father, who died in Harwood Hospital, Washington, D. C., while in the service of his country, on November 2, 1863, as a member of Company .1. Twelfth "Pennsylvania Reserves, he entered the McAlisterville Soldiers' Orphans' School, May 12, 1865, remaining four years. HIe then became a member of the family of Col. George McFarland, State Superintendent of Soldiers' Orphans' Schools, where he learned the rudiments of the newspaper business, as Col. McFar- land was then publisher of the Temperance Vindicator. His first connection with the News was on December 2, 1876, and from then on he never left it, becoming its editor in January, 1800. In that capacity he remained until his death, October 18, 1918. Mr. Fry's personality shone through his columns, which were ever open to the advancement of his town and county.
George Shrom, once connected with the Newport News as edi- tor, and for over three decades editor of the Newport Ledger, was born at Carlisle, February 4, 1841. In his fifth year, a gun in the hands of a twelve-year-old boy, destroyed the sight of one of his eyes, the other also being blind for seven weeks. He was edu- cated in the Carlisle public schools, and then learned printing in the
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office of the Carlisle American. He worked at his trade until 1869, when he purchased the Newport News, which he published until 1874. In May, 1875, he started the Millerstown Ledger. Eighteen months later he removed the plant to Newport, changing the name to the Newport Ledger, which he published until his death, No- vember 14, 1907. His son, Harry Kenower Shrom, then assumed the editorship, but within a year he too passed away. With the other papers Mr. Shrom's columns were ever open to the better- ment of his community.
The amount of space available in this book bars anything bio- graphical in reference to the many others who have been connected with the press, those mentioned standing out either as pioneers or as having had almost a lifetime connection in that field.
The making of a country weekly newspaper requires the assist- ance of a thoroughly trained force of correspondents or reporters. There have been and still are some correspondents of the press of Perry County who deserve especial mention. Of those who have passed away are Wm. A. Holland, "the Inkstand Man," of Dun- cannon, who was a philosopher; George W. Gehr, of Elliottsburg, who, along with his news also contributed many historical and de- scriptive articles ; G. Cary Tharp, of Liverpool, noted for his abil- ity as a correspondent as well as a writer of poems; Chas. S. Losh, of Lebo, a versatile writer; W. W. Welker, of Liverpool; J. B. Jackson, of New Buffalo, and E. P. Titzel, of Millerstown. Among those still living, but who have left the county, were C. Deane Eppley, who as a mere lad started to correspond, and who helped build the Panama Canal, and still holds a responsible posi- tion there; S. Nevil Gutshall, now of the Lewistown Daily; Dr. O. L. Latchford, now practicing in Philadelphia, and George H. Zinn, now residing in Lancaster County. Of those still living within the county, many of them "still on the job," are John A. Bartruff, whose "Chaff From Wheatfield" marks him also as a philosopher ; H. H. Sieg, of Duncannon, long an interesting regu- lar ; Ilarry B. Kell, of Blain, who has no superior in the state ; John W. Bernheisel, of Loysville, who laid down his pen about a year ago owing to age, after a continuous service of about forty years; Miss Anna McCaskey (now Mrs. R. E. Flickinger), of Shermansdale; W. Scott Fritz, of Saville; Miss Mary E. Sheib- ley, of Landisburg; Cloyd A. Wolf, of Southwest Saville; Fred Hamilton, of Marysville; Samuel M. Kistler, of near Mannsville. who has seldom missed a week in twenty years; R. C. Foltz, of Landisburg, and former Associate Judge J. B. Garber, of Ander- sonburg. Doubtless there are others worthy of mention, but these are outstanding figures.
CHAPTER XXIX.
BANKS AND CORPORATIONS.
A LTHOUGH Perry is a comparatively small county and the population of its largest town is but about two thousand, although no large manufacturing establishments are within its borders and its soil-generally speaking-is not so fertile as those of some other counties, yet within its confines are to be found an exact dozen of banks, financed practically altogether by Perry Countians, whose stability is shown by their statements. In a number of instances their stock, when it occasionally reaches the market at all, sells at many times its par value. Of the banks now in existence, the Duncannon National Bank is the oldest na- tional bank, although the First National Bank of Newport was in business longer, but under the name of the People's Bank, and not as a national bank. The Duncannon National Bank building was also the first building to be exclusively devoted to banking to be built in the county, having been erected in 1889. P. K. Brandt, of the First National Bank of Newport, served as cashier, 1876 to 1922, and P. F. Duncan, of the Duncannon National Bank, has been the only cashier of that bank since it began business, Janu- ary 2, 1890. Prior to the establishment of banks the larger stores and business firms did more or less of a banking business, there being then little checking, as few had accounts in banks at other points. The south side of the county banked at Carlisle, and the river section at Harrisburg. The Duncannon Iron Company acted in the capacity of banker for the Duncannon section, while in other sections merchants, warehouse men, etc., filled the need.
Before banks were so numerous, and before Duncannon had a bank, the safe of the Duncannon Iron Company was used for the storage of large sums of cash, which were despatched to and from the Harrisburg banks as commerce demanded. Naturally this at- tracted the attention of yeggmen, and during the night of February 12, 1867, the vault and safe were blown open, the noise being covered by a passing train and the attendant noises of the big iron mill, so that it was not discovered until morning. The burglars carried away ten thousand dollars in currency and six thousand dollars in bonds. They had come and gone unseen, except that John Dudley, an Iron Company employe, had noticed a character known as "Jimmie Hope," get off the afternoon train on the side opposite the station. "Hope" had a criminal record, and months afterwards Mr. Dudley met him in Philadelphia and caused his
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BANKS AND CORPORATIONS
arrest. He was tried, convicted, and served three years in the Eastern penitentiary at Philadelphia, known as "Cherry Hill." Another one was captured later, but failed to be convicted.
The banking business in Perry County dates back only to 1866, in which year two banks were established. The first one to open its doors was the Perry County Bank, started at New Bloomfield by Sponsler, Junkin & Company, September 20, 1866, and con- tinning until 1894. It opened for business in the office of the Perry County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, where it remained until the spring of 1868, when the building now occupied by the First National Bank of New Bloomfield was completed for its occu- paney, and for residential purposes.
The second bank to be formed that year was the Newport De- posit Bank. It began business on December 12, 1866, in the pres- ent Butz building (then known as the Wright building), where Miss Sara Adams now (1920) conducts a millinery store. Perry Kreamer was president; Isaac Wright, cashier, and Charles A. Wright, teller. It reorganized March 23, 1867, with John Wright as president, and Isaac Wright as cashier, who remained in office Imtil 1872, when another reorganization took place. Thomas H. Milligan then became president ; Isaac Wright, cashier, and J. M. Wright, teller. In 1876, J. HI. Irwin became cashier, remaining until it quit business in 1895. In 1877 it was moved from the Butz building to the location now occupied by the Citizens' Bank.
The Juniata Valley Bank, of Mifflintown, opened a branch bank in the Minich building, on Market Street, Newport, in September, 1873, with J. H. Irwin as cashier, and continued business until 1876, when Mr. Irwin was elected as cashier of the Newport De- posit Bank, and it discontinued business. The Farmers' Bank, of Liverpool, was organized in July, 1871, with M. B. Holman as president, and J. C. Weirick, cashier. It continued in business until 1879. The Farmers' Bank, of Millerstown, was organized December 21, 1872, by electing Perry Kreamer president, and Wil- liam S. Rickabaugh, cashier. Samuel Clever and T. J. Kreamer were later cashiers. Its capital stock was fixed at $50,000. It quit business December 21, 1878. It conducted a branch bank at New- port in 1873 and later. Of these first five banks none are in busi- ness.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NEWPORT.
This bank started in business on August 19, 1875, as the Peo- ple's Bank, of Newport, with a capital of only $15,000. Dr. J. E. Singer was its first president, and W. S. Rickabaugh, its first cashier. Its first board of directors was composed of P. M. Kep- ner, H. C. Lewis, John Bair, Jerome Hetrick, Charles K. Smith, and James B. Leiby. Dr. Singer died in 1881, and John. Bair
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HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
became president, and so remained until 1893. when it was reor- ganized and became the First National Bank of Newport, with Dr. James B. Eby, president ; William C. Pomeroy, vice-president, and William Wertz, secretary. The directors other than the officers were: George T. Kepner, S. W. Seibert, Joseph W. Stimmel, and C. K. Smith. Presidents since then have been Rev. S. W. Seibert, beginning with January, 1911 ; Wm. Emenheiser, January, 1913, who served until his death in February, 1916, when A. W. Kough succeeded him. The new bank building was erected in 1893, the year of the First National's organization. * P. K. Brandt, the cashier, has served in that capacity since 1876. The present board of directors ( 1920) is composed of A. W. Kough, T. H. Butturf, J. Emory Fleisher, Singer Smith, James E. Smith, Amos L. Gel- nett, and Frank M. Snyder. In 1921 W. R. Bosserman was selected to fill the vacancy on the board caused by the death of Singer J. Smith. July 1, 1920, its statement showed undivided profits of $12,000, and surplus fund of $125,000. The time de- posits amounted to $186,347, and individual deposits subject to check, $182,887. Its capital stock is $50,000.
CITIZENS' NATIONAL BANK OF NEWPORT.
The Citizens' National Bank of Newport dates from April 28, 1905, James E. Wilson, a resident of Duncannon, becoming its cashier, and still occupying that position. Its first officers were John Fleisher, president ; W. H. Gantt, vice-president ; Chas. A. Rippman, Chas. W. Smith, Horace Beard, and Dr. J. F. Thomp- son, of Liverpool, directors. Its present officers and directors (1920) are: Dr. J. H. McCullogh, president ; C. L. Bair, vice- president ; C. W. Smith, J. C. Swartz, C. E. Noll, and Dr. L. A. Carl. During 1916 this bank purchased the Graham Hotel prop- erty, at the corner of Market and Second Streets, and turned the building into a business block and apartments. July 1, 1920, its statement showed undivided profits of $14,502, and a surplus fund of $40,000. The time deposits amounted to $216,631, and the deposits subject to check to $154,333. The capital stock is $50,000.
THE DUNCANNON NATIONAL BANK.
The oldest national bank in Perry County is the Duncannon National Bank, opened January 1, 1890, in a new building, the first in the county to be built exclusively for banking purposes. Its first officers were John Wister, president ; Jos. M. Hawley. vice-president, and P. F. Duncan, cashier. The first board of directors were John Wister, Win. Rotch Wister, Jos. M. Hawley, Samuel Sheller, George Pennell, Dr. T. L. Johnston, G. C. Snyder,
*P. K. Brandt retired January, 1922, and was succeeded by G. H. Frank.
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BANKS AND CORPORATIONS
W. H. Richter, S. H. Moses and John Winter. Mr. Frank Pennell was long connected with this bank, but met death in an automobile accident in 1920. The present officers are George Pennell, presi- dent ; P. F. Duncan, cashier, and W. Stewart Duncan, assistant cashier. The directors are George Pennell, William Wills, J. D. Snyder, J. M. Baer, N. J. Briner, G. B. Noss, S. A. E. Rife and P. F. Duncan. Mr. Duncan, in point of service exceeds any other
THE DUNCANNON NATIONAL, BANK BUILDING, First Building in the County to be Built Exclusively for Banking Purposes.
banker in the county. Of the original directors Mr. Pennell is the only one on the board. July 1, 1920, the undivided profits were $22,500, and the surplus, $80,000. The time deposits were $350,- 000, and the individual deposits, $157,000. The capital stock is $65,000.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NEW BLOOMFIELD.
The First National Bank of New Bloomfield was organized in ' 1898, opening for business on August 9th, occupying the old bank
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HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
building formerly in use by Sponsler, Junkin & Co. Its first offi- cers were: W. C. Pomeroy, president; L. E. Atkinson, vice- president ; J. T. Alter, cashier. The first board of directors were W. C. Pomeroy, L. E. Atkinson, Wm. Swartz, George T. Kepner, John H. Sheibley, and S. S. Willard. Its present officers are James W. Shull, president ; C. M. Bower, vice- president ; J. T. Alter, cashier ; D. Boyd Alter, teller. The di- rectors are James W. Shull, William Swartz, H. E. Sheib- ley, C. M. Bower, E. E. Briner, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, NEW BLOOMFIELD. Chas. L. Darlington, and F. H. Bernheisel. According to the statement of June 30, 1920, it had $110,200 as surplus and undivided profits, with $799,924.17 on deposit. The capital stock is $50,000.
THE BANK OF LANDISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
The Bank of Landisburg opened for business on October 19, 1903, with D. B. Milliken, D. H. Sheibley, John A. Bower, J. C. Waggoner, Robert Jones, William H. Loy, John A. Bentsel, and James R. Wilson, on the board of directors. During the first year D. B. Milliken was president ; D. H. Sheibley, vice-president, and S. B. Hetrick, cashier. At the expiration of the first year's busi- ness D. H. Sheibley was elected president ; Wmn. H. Loy, vice- president, and James R. Wilson, cashier. Mr. Sheibley continued as president until his death, September 1, 1913, when he was suc- ceeded by W. H. Loy. J. C. Waggoner was then made vice- president. The directors ( 1921) are: W. H. Loy, James M. Moose, John A. Bentsel, N. K. Bistline, J. R. Wilson, D. K. Lightner, Dr. F. A. Gutshall, Jos. C. Waggoner, Robert Jones, A. B. Dum, J. L. Sheibley, and Ward R. Milligan. During 1919 a handsome new brick banking building, modernly equipped, was erected. June 30, 1920, the surplus and undivided profits amounted to $72,842.35. The deposits then were $650,402.77. The capital stock is $50,000.
THE BANK OF, BLAIN, PENNSYLVANIA.
The Bank of Blain, Pennsylvania, is a branch of the Bank of Landisburg, just described, and was opened for business, Novem- ber 14, 1904. It has the same president, vice-president and board of directors. H. V. Black was the first cashier, being succeeded by the present cashier, Creigh Patterson, March 1, 1906. The sur-
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BANKS AND CORPORATIONS
plus and profits, June 30, 1920, were $21,676.26, and the deposits, $248.758.82.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MARYSVILLE.
The First National Bank of Marysville was chartered Angust 6, 1904. The original officers were: J. W. Place, president ; J. Har- per Seidel, and J. W. Beers, vice-presidents, and James E. Wilson, cashier. The directors were: J. Harper Seidel, J. W. Beers, J. W. Taubert, H. J. Deckard, E. Walt Snyder, C. S. Wise, J. S. Bitner, J. W. Place, and A. B. Patterson. In 1905, F. W. Geib succeeded J. E. Wilson as cashier. The present board of directors and officers are: J. W. Beers, president; E. B. Leiby and H. J. Deckard, vice-presidents ; F. W. Geib, cashier ; H. E. Hess, Z. T. Collier, and E. Walt Snyder. June 30, 1920, the undivided profits were $14,482.34, and the surplus fund, $15,000. The deposits amounted to $288,736.68. The capital stock is $50,000. This bank occupies its own brick building, erected exclusively for bank- ing purposes.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MILLERSTOWN.
The First National Bank of Millerstown was chartered April 4. 1904, with Charles H. Rippman, president. At the end of three months Mr. Rippman resigned, and A. H. Ulsh has been president since that time. James Rounsley has been the vice-president since its organization. The first cashier was James E. Rounsley, who served from the date of organization, April 4, 1904, to the time of his death, November 5, 1918. T. Clair Karchner, of Juniata County, has since filled the position. The first board of directors was composed of C. A. Rippman, James Rounsley, J. G. H. Ripp- man, C. A. Rippman, Samuel L. Beaver, George W. Fry. John G. Ludwick, and A. H. Ulsh. The present board consists of A. H. Ulsh. James Rounsley, D. A. Lahr, T. P. Cathcart, L. A. Dimm, and George W. Fry. June 30, 1920, the surplus and profits were $30,894.25, and the deposits, $282,176.82. Its new stone banking building faces the public square. The capital stock is $25.000.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LIVERPOOL.
The First National Bank of Liverpool was chartered for busi- ness August, 13, 1906, and opened October 15, 1906. The first officers were Chas. H. Snyder, president ; John D. Snyder, vice- president, and H. A. S. Shuler, cashier. The directors were Chas. H. Snyder, John D. Snyder, George W. Snyder, G. A. Gale, and John H. Weirick. The present officers are: Wm. L. Lenhart, president ; J. D. Snyder, vice-president, and H. A. S. Shuler, cashier. The board of directors consists of W. L. Lenhart, J. D. Snyder, Lafayette Grubb, George W. Snyder, and H. A. S. Shuler.
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HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
The bank occupies its own brick building. An effort was made to burglarize it by yeggmen in 1921, but its improved safeguards made their efforts futile. June 30, 1920, its surplus was $12.500, and its undivided profits, $2,017.55. Its deposits amounted to $190,280.43.
PEOPLE'S NATIONAL BANK OF DUNCANNON.
The People's National Bank of Duncannon was organized July 5, 1907, with Chas. S. Boll, president ; Emanuel Jenkyn, vice- president, and Geo. O. Matter, cashier, the officers also being direc- tors. The other directors were: Dr. B. F. Beale, Chas. A. Dis- brow. Chas. L. Harling, S. W. Lehman, Dr. H. W. Mckenzie, Allen D. Michener, I. L. Phillips, Adelaide Schiller, Sylvester S. Sheller, Enos Smith, Allen R. Thompson, and Mcclellan Woods. The present officers are: Sylvester S. Sheller, president; Dr. B. F. Beale, vice-president ; M. N. Lightner, cashier, the former two also being directors. The other directors are: S. B. Sheller, Miss A. Schiller. E. S. Glass, Geo. M. Zerfing. J. James Dowdrick, Charles Harling, J. W. Mumper, and G. A. Hemperly. The capi- tal is $25,000, and the deposits in a recent statement were $145,000.
THE ICKESBURG STATE BANK.
The Ickesburg State Bank was first organized on October 30, 1917, but did not open for business until August 15, 1918. It occupies a new stone banking building erected for that purpose. Its first officers were: C. A. Meiser, president ; Elmer Rice, vice- president, and J. F. Rumbaugh, cashier. The first directors were : C. A. Meiser, Eher Rice, S. G. Beaver, E. L. Ernest, John Diven W. G. Hench and W. B. Shull. The present board of directors and officers are the same, save that A. W. Shelly takes the place of Mr. Meiser as president and on the board of directors. The capital is $25,000. During the night of March 28, 1922, the bank was burglarized. $3,800 being taken from safety deposit boxes of its patrons, which loss the bank assumed.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LOYSVILLE.
The First National Bank of Loysville was chartered November 28, 1919, and opened for business January 2, 1920. Its first offi- cers were: Wm. T. Morrow, president; H. O. Ritter, vice-presi- dent, and B. Stiles Duncan, cashier. The first board of directors was composed of B. Stiles Duncan, Dr. Win. T. Morrow, HI. O. Ritter, E. G. Briner, J. E. Garber, L. R. McMillen, and Theorns Bernheisel. In 1921 James Rhinesmith and John H. Shumaker were added to the board. The officers then were B. Stiles Dun- can, president : Dr. Wm. T. Morrow, vice-president, and W. H. Soule, cashier. June 30, 1920, six months after its opening, its surplus and undivided profits were $5,486.90, and its deposits, $27.798.48. Its capital stock is $25,000.
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NoTE .--- At Newport during the period between 1895, after the room was vacated by the People's Bank, and 1905, when it was again occupied by the Citizens' Bank, a bank was established known as the Perry County Na- tional Bank, its existence having been but a few years.
THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO.
The Farmers' and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized in August, 1872, with George Hoobaugh, president ; William W. McClure, secretary, and Jacob Sheibley, treasurer. The directors were Henry Cooper, James A. Gray, David Clark, John Kochenderfer, and Bryan Gibney. Mr. Hoobaugh and Mr. MeClure filled the positions of president and secretary for twenty- three consecutive years. June 28, 1879, this company absorbed the risks of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Madison, Jackson and Toboyne Townships, which had its headquarters at Blain. From its organization until December 31, 1920, the company paid claims of $130,246.21. The salaries that year totaled only $1,150, while the insurance in force totaled $4,607,391. The losses during that year were only $5,650.06.
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