USA > Pennsylvania > Tioga County > History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania > Part 65
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Henry E. Smith opened a shoe shop here in 1839, and has since been uninter- ruptedly engaged in business. He was born in 1811, is one of the oldest citizens, and the oldest business man in the county. In January, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the sixty-second anniversary of their marriage. This unusual event was rendered all the more remarkable from the fact that during the entire sixty-two years there has not been a death in their family, all their children being alive. Dr. H. H. Borden came here as a carpenter in 1840. He studied medicine under Dr. Abel Humphrey, and was admitted to practice in 1847. He soon afterwards opened a drug store, which, with but a brief interruption, he carried on until his death in July, 1894. Philo Tuller came here as a cabinet maker in 1841, and worked at his trade until the breaking out of the war, when he entered the construction depart- ment of the government service. In 1866 he embarked in the drug business, which he still carries on. P. S. Tuttle, recently deceased, went into business in the fall of 1840, and continued until about 1880, when he was compelled to retire by reason of impaired eyesight. Maj. Seth Daggett removed here from Jackson township
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in 1842. His son, Lewis Daggett, was in business here for several years. W. T. Urell came in 1848, was employed for several years as a clerk, and in 1857 embarked in business for himself.
The foregoing embrace the principal merchants, manufacturers and tradesmen who located in Tioga previous to its incorporation as a borough. As a rule, they were earnest, honest and sincere men, who came here in their young manhood, with but little capital other than willing hands, tireless energy and active brains. The obstacles they overcame, the discouragements, hardships and privations they ex- perienced and endured, tested patience and fortitude, made them strong, sturdy and self-reliant, and developed in each of them a distinctive individuality, sometimes unique, sometimes eccentric, but always earnest and interesting.
EARLY PHYSICIANS AND LAWYERS.
Among those who did an important work in forwarding the growth and develop- ment of Tioga were the early physicians and lawyers. By reason of being, as a rule, more liberally educated than the average citizen of the place, they usually took a leading part in all matters of public concern. Dr. William Willard, the first phy- sician, kept public house and practiced his profession for a number of years. Mention is made of a Dr. Beard, who was also here during the first decade of the present century. Dr. Simeon Power came here about 1808 from Knoxville, where he had settled in 1805. He removed to Lawrenceville about 1821, where he resided until his death. His brother, Dr. Pliny Power, came here from Canoe Camp. He mar- ried Brittania Gordon, and remained as a resident physician until 1835. Dr. F. H. White, who lived to be over one hundred years of age, and died a few years ago in Rutland township, was an early physician. Dr. H. Roberts is credited with being here in 1826, but it is not known how long he remained. Thomas J. Huston was a physician here previous to 1835. Dr. Cyrus Pratt, editor and proprietor of the Tioga Democrat, came here in 1835, but appears to have paid more attention to moulding public opinion than to practicing medicine. Dr. Abel Humphrey located here in 1836, and continued in practice until ill health compelled him to retire. Dr. H. H. Borden, who studied medicine under Dr. Humphrey, was admitted to prac- tice in 1847. He continued to practice until his death in July, 1894. Dr. T. B. Warner was a partner of Dr. Borden for several years, as was also Dr. Charles B. Borden, a son of the latter, and now a prominent physician of Marion, Indiana. Dr. O. P. Barden, a representative of the Homeopathic school, located here in 1868, and continued to practice until shortly before his death, January 25, 1892. The profession is now represented by Dr. Robert B. Smith and Dr. S. P. Hakes, of the regular school, and Dr. L. C. Brown, homeopathist.
M. T. Leavenworth, attorney-at-law, was admitted to practice in the courts of Tioga county May 27, 1826. He appears, however, to have had but a transient resi- dence. Thomas DePui was also one of the earliest lawyers to practice here. William Garretson, who moved from Wellsboro, in January, 1827, is generally regarded as the first lawyer to locate here permanently. He continued as a resident lawyer until 1869, when he was appointed a law clerk in the internal revenue department at Washington, D. C., where he died in 1872. John C. Knox, an early editor and merchant, and afterwards associate justice of the State Supreme
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Court, read law under Garretson and practiced for several years in Tioga, whence he removed to Wellsboro. John W. Maynard practiced here from 1833 to 1840, when he removed to Williamsport. W. H. Higgins came about the same time, but made a brief stay. John W. Guernsey practiced here from 1835 until within a few years of his death, November 29, 1882. Charles H. Seymour comes next in the order of time. He read law under John W. Guernsey, was admitted to the bar in 1847, and continued in active practice until a few years preceding his death, which occurred June 6, 1882. Frederick E. Smith was a contemporary and partner of Seymour for several years. He, too, was a student in Guernsey's office, was admitted to practice in 1849, and was one of the prominent members of the Tioga county bar up to his death, October 8, 1889. Lauren H. Tuttle opened an office in Tioga in 1874 and practiced here a few years. The present resident attorneys are Fred B. Smith, J. H. Putnam and H. L. Baldwin.
EARLY AND LATER HOTELS.
The first public house in Tioga was that of Benajah Ives, erected in 1794 or- 1795, near the ford, at the southern end of the "Island." In 1796 Thomas Berry became the proprietor. He carried on the house until his death in April, 1807, from. which time until 1838, when she retired, it was carried on by his widow.
The Willard House, erected in 1798, by Dr. William Willard, on the ground now occupied by Philo Tuller's drug store, was a square log house, with two rooms on the first floor, and a sleeping loft or chamber above. It was rebuilt in 1809 or 1810, the new edifice being a two-story, clap-boarded frame, with a dancing hall in the second story. Dr. Willard was the first landlord and was very popular with the traveling public. Among his successors were Henry H. Potter, Buel Smith, and Lyman H. Smith, his son, who enlarged it in 1855. About 1860 the property was purchased by Col. H. S. Johnston. A year or two later the new part was moved to the lot just west of the Park Hotel and the old part to the lot. now occupied by the residence of Mrs. R. P. Inscho.
The Goodrich House was built by Allen Daniel Caulking in 1813, on the lot, now vacant, south of the Wickham block. In 1819 Capt. James Goodrich became landlord and continued, save for a period of about ten years, when it was in charge of his lesees, until 1859. It was destroyed in the fire of February 9, 1871, the landlord, at the time, being George W. Hazelett.
The Smith House was in a sense the successor of the Willard, the new part of which was moved in 1862 to the ground just west of the Park Hotel, by Lyman H. Smith. He carried it on up to November, 1868, when he sold it to Elias M. Smith, who conducted it until it was burned, February 9, 1871.
The Park Hotel, a four-story brick, with mansard roof, was built by a stock company at a cost of over $30,000. It was opened to the public July 1, 1876, with Elias M. Smith as landlord. S. O. Daggett purchased the property in 1892, carried it on up to April, 1896, and then sold it to his father and brother, who leased the hotel to Pettibone & Joseph, the present proprietors.
BOROUGH ORGANIZATION AND OFFICIALS.
Tioga was incorporated as a borough in February, 1860. The first election for borough officers took place July 3, 1860, at the house of Lyman H. Smith.
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At this election the following officers were chosen: John W. Guernsey, burgess; Jabin S. Bush, Thomas L. Baldwin, Henry E. Smith, Charles O. Etz and Frederick E. Smith, councilmen; Levi Bigelow, justice of the peace; Stewart M. Geer, high consible \ Carpenter H. Place, assessor; O. B. Lowell, judge of election; R. P. H. McAllister and Charles J. Wheeler, inspectors of election; Vine DePui and Leroy Tabor, overseers of the poor.
The first meeting of the council was held July 9, 1860. F. E. Smith was chosen secretary and treasurer of the borough; Stewart M. Geer, poundmaster, and Silas B. Hathaway, street commissioner. This completed the borough organization.
The names of the burgesses elected from 1861 to 1897, inclusive, are as follows: John W. Guernsey, 1861-63; C. H. Seymour, 1864-66; T. L. Baldwin, 1867; John W. Guernsey, 1868-69; Joseph Fish, acting burgess, 1870; W. O. Farr, 1871; Joseph Fish, 1872; C. H. Seymour, 1873; O. B. Lowell, 1874-76; Dr. Robert B. Smith, 1877-78; Dr. O. P. Barden, 1879-81; E. A. Smead, 1882; James Dewey, 1883-84; S. M. Geer, 1885-86; C. B. Farr, 1887-88; Dr. C. B. Borden, 1889; C. B. Farr, 1890-91; E. A. Smead, 1892-96, and Philo Tuller, elected in 1897.
F. E. Smith served as secretary of the borough from July, 1860, to February, 1865, and from February, 1867, to February, 1884. John I. Mitchell served in 1865; A. M. Bennett, 1866; Walter T. Merrick from February, 1884, to October, 1885; J. H. Putman from October, 1885, to March, 1890, when F. B. Smith, the present secretary, was chosen. F. E. Smith was treasurer of the borough from July, 1860, to March, 1884; E. A. Smead, until March, 1887; Philo Tuller in 1888, and E. A. Smead in 1889. H. L. Baldwin, the present treasurer, has held the office since March, 1890.
The following have been elected and commissioned justices of the peace for the borough: Levi Bigelow, 1860; William Garretson, 1863; H. H. Borden, 1865; re-elected, 1876 and 1890; Joseph Fish, 1866; re-elected, 1871 and 1881; Philo Tuller, 1867; J. Van Osten, 1869; John W. Guernsey, 1872; re-elected, 1883; L. H. Tuttle, 1877; re-elected, 1882; H. L. Baldwin, 1883; re-elected, 1888 and 1893; J. H. Putnam, 1885, and F. W. Shappee, 1895.
The Tioga postoffice, established January 1, 1805, is the oldest in the county. Following is a list of the names of the postmasters of the village and borough from that date to the present: Uriah Spencer, 1805-09; Dr. William Willard, 1809-15; William Willard, Jr., 1815-19; John Berry, 1819-21; Capt. James Goodrich, 1821-35; Uriah Spencer, 1835-38; A. C. Bush, 1838-45; Edwin C. Goodrich, 1845-46; William Lowell, 1846-48; Albinus Hunt, 1848-51; Lewis Daggett, 1851-53; H. H. Goodrich, 1853-55; C. G. Dennison, 1855-57; William T. Urell, 1857-61; Lewis Daggett, 1861-65; Mrs. Sarah M. Etz, 1865-68; Philo Tuller, 1868-85; William T. Urell, 1885-90; James T. Davis, February 10, 1890, to February 10, 1893, when David C. McAllister, the present incumbent, was appointed.
VILLAGE AND BOROUGH NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper established in Tioga county was the Tioga Pioneer, which made its appearance at Wellsboro, December 3, 1825. Its publishers were
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Rankin Lewis & Company. In January, 1827, the place of publication was changed to Tioga. In 1828 Rev. Elisha Booth became proprietor, with William Garretson as associate editor. He changed its name to the Northern Banner. In 1831 or 1832, J. B. Shurtliff became owner, and changed the name to the Tioga Democrat. He conducted it about four years and sold it to Dr. Cyrus Pratt, who disposed of it in the spring of 1838 to the late William Adams, of Mansfield. In August, 1840, the office was moved to Lawrenceville, Mr. Adams having dis- posed of a half interest in it to John C. Knox and others, and the name of the paper was changed to the Lawrence Sentinel. Two years later it was sold to Asa H. Carey, who moved it, so it is said, to Troy, Pennsylvania.
In 1863, the plant of the Wellsboro Banner was purchased and moved to Tioga, by several gentlemen anxious to have a paper established here. Before, however, they succeeded in getting out an issue, the plant was re-purchased by the Democratic county committee and taken back to Wellsboro.
The publication of a little four-page sheet was begun March 21, 1872, by Samuel J. Mccullough, Jr., and conducted by him until April, 1873, when it was superceded by the Tioga County Express, an eight-column folio, edited and man- aged by O. S. Webster and Azro Lumbard. On September 3, 1875, it passed into the hands of A. H. Bunnell. In March, 1879, he changed its name to the Tioga Express. It ceased publication in September, 1880, Mr. Bunnell removing the plant to Canisteo, New York. February 2, 1882, E. M. Bixby began the pub- lication of a paper under the old name of Tioga Express. He died in 1883, and his widow carried it on for a time, with the assistance of Joseph H. Geer, who afterwards acquired control of it. It went out of existence in 1886. For some- time after this, the Lawrenceville Herald published a supplement sheet with a Tioga date and heading. In December, 1889, F. G. Babcock revived the Tioga Express, which he published until January, 1891, when he sold it to J. R. Bower, who ran it about a year, when the office was purchased by the Wellsboro Agitator.
On July 22, 1892, Fred. L. Graves began the publication of the Tioga Argus, a six-column quarto. This paper, which is still in existence, has met with a liberal support, and gives promise of permanence. It is devoted to local news and to the interests of the borough and township. In politics it is inde- pendent.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Tioga borough was taught about the beginning of the present century by Benjamin Roberts, in his father's log house, near the foot of the present Park street. Benjamin Roberts also taught in a house which stood near the site of the barn on the A. C. Bush place. About 1812 or 1813 a building was erected for school purposes, on the T. J. Berry place, below the borough. Among those who taught here were Miss Jemima Hotchkiss, Levi Vail, A. M. Betts, Andrew Pickard, Dennis Hawes, A. M. Traw, John W. Guernsey and others. In 1836 a school building was erected by Hobart B. Graves, on the ground now occupied by the Catholic church, and used for school purposes until 1889, when the present building on Broad street was erected. It
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Robl-B Smith
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is a two-story frame, with two rooms in the first, and one in the second, story, and cost nearly $2,000. With the erection of this building a graded-school course was adopted. Among those who have filled the position of principal are H. L. Baldwin, Elias Horton, J. C. Doane, J. E. Hazelett and W. E. Blair, the present incumbent, who has proved himself a capable and competent educator.
CHURCHES.
The First Baptist Church of Tioga, incorporated, March 17, 1842, is the oldest regularly organized church in the county. Its history dates to a meeting held April 24, 1813, at the residence of Benjamin Bentley, near Mitchell's Creek, when a conference was constituted embracing the following persons: David Short, Richard Mitchell, Nathan Seely, Titus Ives, Charles Blanchard, Benjamin Bentley, Simeon Power, Timothy Ives, Mary Bentley, Ruth Ingersole, Abigail Mitchell, Sally Short and Ruby Mitchell. A covenant and articles of faith and practice were adopted February 26, 1814, and on June 18, 1814, the place of meeting was changed from the house of Benjamin Bentley to the house of Richard Mitchell, at Mitchell's Creek, and continued there until December, 1816. The church was formally organized June 20, 1816. The following named per- sons constituted the original members: David Short, James Mitchell, F. Keeney, Elisha Tucker, John Maine, Samuel Warriner, Charles Blanchard, Ruby Mitchell, Anna Keeney, Hannah Welch, Nancy Maine, Catharine Matteson, Sally Short and Abigail Mitchell. From 1816 to 1844, the place of meeting was the school house on the Bentley farm, near Mitchell's Creek. In the latter year the present house of worship in Tioga borough was erected and dedicated. The lot on which it stands was the gift of Elijah DePui, who also gave $250 in money. Labor and material to the amount of about $3,000 were contributed by the other members. The building was erected by S. M. Broakman. The following per- sons have served the church as deacons: Charles Blanchard, Thomas Keeney, Asaph Ellis, Isaac Adams, John Drew, A. C. Keeney, E. T. Bentley, S. S. Mckinney and G. W. Dibble. The names of the pastors, in the order of their succession, are as follows: Revs. David Short, Elisha Tucker, Samuel Bigelow, Elisha Booth, Daniel Platt, T. S. Sheardown, W. A. Smith, James R. Burdick, Jeremiah Weatherby, Tobias Pinkham, G. L. Stevens, B. R. Swick, Jacob Kennedy, A. M. Brown, Levi Stone, J. L. Smith, G. P. Watrous, D. R. Mc- Dearmond, 1865-67; A. B. Chase, 1868-71; H. F. Hill, 1872; Ross Matthews, 1873; S. D. Merrick, 1875-85; S. Z. Batten, 1886-87; Allen Peckham, 1888; Fisher Wilson, 1889-91; S. A. Field, 1892-93; S. G. Brundage, 1895, and C. H. Crowl, 1896.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Tioga dates its beginning in June, 1826, when a fund was raised by subscription for the purpose of erecting a house of worship. On June 24, of that year, a meeting was held at the house of James Goodrich, in Willardsburg, at which it was resolved to collect the subscriptions and proceed to build. William Willard, Jr., Elisha Booth and Jacob Prutsman were elected trustees to superintendent the building. On October 16, 1826, the subscribers were notified to "furnish the amount of their subscriptions." April 7, 1827, the contract for carpenter and joiner work was let, and the frame of the
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building put up. It remained in that condition until 1842, when it was inclosed. In 1844 a charter for the First Methodist Episcopal church of Tioga, was ob- tained. It was united with the church at Lawrenceville, in one charge, until 1873, since which time the following pastors have served the Tioga church: Rev. Harvey Lamkin, appointed in 1873; C. J. Bradbury, 1876; G. W. How- land, 1877; Harvey Lamkin, 1879; J. W. Gamble, 1881; J. D. Requa, 1883; R. E. Thomas, 1885; T. A. Peterson, 1886; W. A. Linaberry, 1888; C. M. Gardner, 1890; D. O. Chamberlayne, 1891; L. P. Thurston, 1893; Uri Mulford, 1895, and D. E. Stiles, the present pastor, who took charge in October, 1896. The first church building stood fronting Meeting House alley. It was destroyed by fire on the night of February 9, 1871. The new building, dedicated in 1872, stands further east, and fronts on Main street. It is constructed of brick, with freestone trimmings, and cost about $7,000. The lot on which it stands was the gift of William Willard, Jr., and wife, the deed bearing date March 11, 1834. This church and the church in Farmington are under one charge. The membership of the church in Tioga is 125. T. D. Rouse is the superintendent of the Sunday- school, which numbers about ninety students and teachers.
St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church dates the beginning of its history to 1840, in which year an occasional service was held in Tioga by Rev. Charles Breck, rector of St. Paul's church, of Wellsboro. He organized a parish under the name of Christ Church, which, however, failed to secure a charter. Rev. George Hopkins, of Lawrenceville, next supplied the parish, and was followed by Rev. A. A. Marple, of Wellsboro, who held monthly services until September, 1860, when Rev. Thomas H. Cullen took charge. In May, 1861, the parish was ad- mitted into union with the Diocese of Pennsylvania, under the name of St. Andrew's Parish. The charter members of the vestry were John W. Guernsey, J. S. Bush, P. S. Tuttle, S. M. Geer, F. E. Smith, T. L. Baldwin, H. H. Borden and O. B. Lowell. In January, 1863, Rev. Mr. Cullen resigned, and the parish remained without a rector until 1867, when Rev. J. Hobart DeMille was called. He remained about a year. In June, 1869, the corner-stone of a frame church building was laid by Rev. Thomas H. Cullen. This building was opened for ser- vice St. Andrew's Day, November 30, 1869. On the night of February 9, 1871, the church and rectory were destroyed by fire. In the following month a temporary chapel was erected. In May, 1871, Rev. John H. Babcock took charge, but soon resigned. In June, 1872, Rev. Thomas H. Cullen was recalled, and it was largely through his efforts that the present handsome house of worship was erected, the corner-stone of which was laid by him, August 13, 1872. The build- ing was opened for service on the evening of May 14, 1874. The church is of gothic design, and is built of Elkhorn stone, trimmed with light-colored freestone from the Corning quarries. It cost about $12,000. There are four memorial windows, as follows: One on the south side, in memory of Mrs. James Goodrich, given by her children; one on the north side, in memory of S. Morris Waln, of Philadelphia, given by his sister, and two in front, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Bigelow, donated by their children. A beautiful stone font is the gift of Mrs. Edwin A. Meade, of New York, and Mrs. S. S. Caldwell, of Omaha, Ne- braska, in memory of their children, Bertie Meade and Annie Caldwell. The
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chancel rail was presented by Mrs. Thomas H. Cullen. Kneeling stools were given by Miss Rachel Morris, and book racks by Mrs. A. C. Bush and Mrs. F. E. Smith. The gilt cross surmounting the spire is the gift of Mrs. John W. Guernsey. The building was consecrated Tuesday, May 22, 1877, by Rt. Rev. M. A. DeWolfe Howe, D. D., bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. The successors of Mr. Cullen have been Revs. John London, Percy Clinton Webber, Percy J. Robottom, W. G. Wells, William DuHamel and F. Southgate Hipkins. Rev. L. B. Thomas, the present rector, took charge in November, 1894.
The Presbyterian Church of Tioga was organized Wednesday, January 25, 1852, by Rev. J. S. Mccullough, with nine members, as follows: Mrs. Eunice Aiken, Miss Abigail Preston, Mrs. Amelia Wellington, Cyrus B. and Mrs. Eliza B. Hathaway, Miss Anna Maria Wickham, Mrs. Emeline Guernsey, Mrs. Emily L. Mccullough, and the pastor, Rev. J. S. Mccullough. Through the per- sonal efforts and financial aid of Mr. Mccullough, B. C. Wickham, Joseph and David L. Aiken, J. B. Steele, Mr. Slocum and others, the present church building on Broad street was erected in 1851, at a cost of over $2,000. Mr. Mccullough served the church as pastor from its organization until 1868. His successors have been Revs. D. Otis Fletcher, 1868 to 1871; R. H. Shumway, 1871 to 1872; William Baldwin, May 1, 1872, to March 9, 1885; Albert Bacon, supply from May 17, to August 9, 1885; W. L. Woodruff, supply, August 9, 1885, to No- vember 9, 1885; F. S. Houser, December 13, 1885, to May 29, 1887; W. H. Tussing, supply, June 5, 1887, to September 11, 1887; S. D. Merrick, (Baptist), supply, time not stated; J. I. Campbell, April 7, 1891, to March 6, 1892; J. H. Elliott, from latter date to March 8, 1895, when the pulpit became vacant. The church was incorporated September 4, 1869, and now consists of over seventy members. Robert Bishop is the superintendent of the Sunday-school.
St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized in 1861, in which year the old village school building was purchased and used as a house of worship. The price paid was $550, and it was dedicated under the pastorship of Rev. Father Gogan. Among the original members were the following named persons and their families: John Kinney, John Rouen, Peter Burns, Edward Rogers, Charles Hickey, James Kelly, John Gleason and John O'Neal. In 1880 the old building was sold to E. A. Smead, who removed it to the rear of his hardware store, and a new church building was erected on the lot at a cost of nearly $3,000. The building was dam- aged by the flood of June, 1889, but was repaired and greatly improved by the addition of a handsome new altar in 1892. Services are held twice a month by the pastor of St. Peter's church, Wellsboro. The Sunday-school is in charge of Miss Jennie Norton.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Willardsburg Lodge was the name of the first Masonic society organized in Tioga. The lodge room was in the second story of Dr. Willard's residence, and among its members were Dr. William Willard, his sons, William and Henry; Col. Ambrose Millard and Harris Hotchkiss. During the excitement, in 1829 and 1830, attendant upon the disappearance of William Morgan, Colonel Millard, and a
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few other members of this lodge, used to meet in the woods, in order to keep its charter from lapsing. The lodge, however, went out of existence soon afterward.
Tioga Lodge, No. 373, F. & A. M., was chartered October 16, 1866. Previous to its organization a number of the resident Masons of Tioga were members of Painted Post Lodge, at Corning, New York. They became either charter or early members of the lodge here, which elected the following officers and perfected its organization July 11, 1867: H. S. Johnson, W. M .; T. R. Warren, S. W .; Calvin Hammond, J. W .; J. S. Bush, T .; F. H. Adams, S .; Philo Tuller, S. D. The lodge now numbers sixty-six members, and is in a flourishing condition.
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