USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Bristol > Sketches of old Bristol > Part 31
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Mr. Rockwell was twice married. In 1879 he married Martha Briggs Skerry of Plymouth, a descendant of Myles Standish. They were married in Brooklyn by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, one of the noted clergymen of the time. Mrs. Rockwell died in 1915. His second wife was Sarah Nelson Guerin of Sterling, N. J.
Mr. Rockwell passed away in New York City on the 10th of May, 1929, in his 8 Ist year.
Charles B. Rockwell will be missed by friends and associates alike; the town of Bristol has lost a true friend; one that will be hard to replace.
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
WILLIAM FREDERICK WILLIAMS, M.D., 1859-1931
DR. WILLIAM FREDERICK WILLIAMS died suddenly early Wednesday morning, October 28, 1931, at his residence on Hope street, in his 72nd year. The news of his death was re- ceived with great sorrow by his hosts of friends by whom he was held in greatest respect because of his unswerving loyalty and devotion to the best interests of the town and its people.
Dr. Williams was born in New York City, December 23, 1859, the son of Isaac Frazee and Mary Elizabeth (Weed) Williams. His father came to this town in the year 1864 to take charge of the old National Rubber Co., of which he was superintendent from the time it was started up to the time of his death in 1892, a period of nearly 30 years.
Dr. Williams acquired his early education in the public schools of this town; and later entered Brown University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1883. In 1886 he entered Harvard Medical School, from which he received his M.D. degree in 1889. For a time he practiced in New York City and then re- turned to this town where he has practiced up to 15 years ago when he retired.
He was a member of the R. I. State Board of Health and chair- man of that body for many years. He was also medical examiner for this district from 1892 to 1916.
He was a charter member of the old Neptune Boat Club which was organized in 1877, retaining his membership up to the time of his death in its successor, the Bristol Yacht Club. He was a charter member of the Naval Reserve Torpedo Company and its commanding officer from 1896 to 1899.
Dr. Williams was a Republican in politics and represented this town in the General Assembly from 1903 to 1905. He was elected senator for the year 1906.
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From 1894 to 1913 he was a member of the school committee. For several years he was a member of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. and also on the board of managers of the Bristol Branch of the Industrial Trust Co.
Throughout his life Dr. Williams' connection with St. Mi- chael's Church was very active. For the past 49 years he was a member of the vestry and for the past 22 years senior warden.
He was a member of the R. I: Medical Society and also of the R. I. Historical Society.
On January 20, 1891, he was married to Mildred Lewis Wil- liams of this town. Mrs. Williams died in 1928.
PHILO V. CADY, 1856-1933
PHILO V. CADY, Sheriff of Bristol County since 1891, passed away at his home on High street, September 5, 1933, in the 78th year of his age.
Sheriff Cady was a man of most genial disposition; a man much respected throughout the community, he will be missed for some time to come. That he held the office of sheriff for 42 consecutive years is evident proof of his integrity and efficiency.
He was born in Barrington, R. I., May 23, 1856, the son of James J. and Experience (Smith) Cady. His father was a ship- builder, and after receiving his education in the public schools of Barrington and Warren, the son spent a year working in his father's shipyard. Following this he went to Boston where he learned the trade of cigar-making.
In 1877 he was attracted by the gold in the Black Hills of South Dakota and spent two years in the Dakotas, Wyoming and Colorado. He returned East in 1880 and accepted a position as foreman in the cigar-making factory of Geo. H. Slade Co. in Chelsea, Mass.
In 188 1 he came to Bristol and established himself in the cigar- making business. For 1 5 years he carried on the business, retiring in 1896.
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Appointed in 1891 to the office of sheriff of Bristol County, he held that office up to the time of his death. Always a staunch Republican, he was for many years a member of the executive board of the State Central Committee of this party.
Sheriff Cady has always maintained a very keen interest in all that concerned the welfare of the town. He was one of the oldest members of Burnside Lodge No. 34, K. of P., of this town. He was married in 1875 to Elizabeth McCormick, who died in 1889. In 1893 he was married to Florence May Maxwell of Warren.
ALFRED M. MERRIMAN, M.D., 1868-1939
BRISTOLIANS of every walk of life were grieved to learn of the death of Dr. Alfred Mitchell Merriman, Monday morning, January 9, 1939, following an illness of three weeks duration. His death removes a man who has long been a prominent figure in the life of this town, not only as a physician and surgeon, but as a man closely identified with the civic, social and charitable activ- ities of the community.
Dr. Merriman was born in Harpswell, Maine, May 1, 1868, a son of the late Capt. Walter and Lavina Merriman. He at- tended the public schools of Harpswell and then was graduated from the high school in Brunswick, Maine.
In 1892 he received his A.B. degree from Bowdoin College. The following year he began the study of medicine at Bowdoin Medical College and did sufficient original chemistry to obtain his A.M. degree at the end of his first year. Besides his medical studies he found time to work as an assistant in the Chemistry Department and also taught in the public evening school. Dur- ing his last year of graduate study he worked as an assistant to Dr. Weeks, the surgeon, and in 1895 was awarded his degree as Doctor of Medicine. His internship was spent at the State Insti- tutions at Howard, R. I.
He came to Bristol in 1896, a young man of 28 years, after having a thorough training in the science of medicine and sur-
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gery. Since he became established here he has had a very suc- cessful medical career, confining himself to general practice and minor surgery.
For thirty years he was surgeon at the Rhode Island Soldiers' Home. He also served in this capacity at the local plant of the United States Rubber Co., the Herreshoff Manufacturing Com- pany and the Cranston Worsted Mill.
He was elected to the school committee in 1898, serving for six years, during four of which he was chairman of the executive committee. Later he was made school medical inspector, a posi- tion he held for six years. During the World War, among his many other endeavors, he started a tuberculosis clinic which was later taken over by the State Tuberculosis Society.
In 1926, in accordance with the policy of the American Red Cross, he organized a Relief Unit in this town.
In 1936 he served as chairman of the Fourth of July Com- mittee especially appointed to hold office during the year of the 1 50th anniversary of the signing of the Federal Constitution. Big as Bristol celebrations usually are on the Fourth, this one was even more so.
Ever since his election in 1927 as Colonel in command of the Bristol Train of Artillery, he has given to this time-honored organization countless hours of time and effort.
His interest in the B. T. A. Band is very well known. Nothing suited him better than to attend the rehearsals of this musical group and follow its constant and steady improvement.
He was greatly interested in the B. T. A. Entertainment Asso- ciation and through it he accomplished much in the promotion of local amateur musical and dramatic talent.
He was a member of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. for 25 years, and president of that organization for 15 years.
He was a past president of the Men's Union of the Congrega- tional Church, a past master of St. Alban's Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M., a member of the Bristol Rotary Club, the Bristol Yacht Club, the Providence and Rhode Island State Medical Societies, and of the American Medical Association.
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Dr. Merriman was married in 1898 to Fannie R. Perry, daughter of Major Raymond H. Perry, an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. She died in 1908. In 1911 he married Cordelia L. Allen.
THE OLD HERRESHOFF FAMILY
THE old Herreshoff family, noted for inventive and scientific accomplishment, has resided in this country since Revolutionary times. The paternal line had its origin in Germany, descending from Carl Friedrich Herreschoff, of Minden, Prussia, a member of the famous Guard of Frederick the Great, which it will be re- membered was made up of men chosen because of their great stature. Carl married Agnes Muhler, a woman of great beauty and highly cultured, from whom many of the attainments of their descendants have been inherited. They had one child, Carl Friedrich Herreschoff, jr., or Charles Frederick Herreshoff, as he later spelled his name. He was born December 27, 1763, in the town of Minden, Prussia. (Died Dec. 19, 1819.)
In 1783 he emigrated to America, coming to New York City where he started in business. In 1792 he came to Rhode Island on a business trip and at that time made the personal acquaintance of the wealthy Providence merchant, John Brown.
This meeting finally led to a marriage between young Herre- shoff and Mr. Brown's daughter, Sarah. (Died in Bristol, R. I., Aug. 2, 1846.) They were married in July, 1801, and a few months later the young couple were established in the farm on Poppasquash belonging to the bride's father. This estate was formerly owned by William Vassall, a wealthy Tory who, at the outbreak of the War of the Revolution, fled to England. His property was confiscated by the Rhode Island Assembly and sold in 1781-after its occupation as a hospital by the French troops of Rochambeau-to John Brown of Providence.
Of this union there were born six children; Charles Frederick Herreshoff, III, the fifth child, was born July 26, 1809, in
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
Providence, R. I. (Died in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 8, 1888.) He attended Brown University, graduating with the class of 1828.
He was married on May 15, 1833, to Julia Ann Lewis, of Boston. (Born March 20, 1811. Died at Bristol, R. I., Feb. 19, 1901.) They were the parents of nine children, all of whom were born at the old family homestead, "Point Pleasant Farm", on Poppasquash.
Born
Died
James Brown
Mar. 18, 1834
Dec. 5, 1930
Caroline Louisa
Feb. 27, 1837
June 21, 1924
Charles Frederick
Feb. 26, 1839
Sept. 10, 1917
John Brown
April 24, 1841
July 20, 1915
Lewis
Feb.
3, 1844
Feb. 15, 1926
Sally Brown
Dec. 1, 1845
Feb. 19, 1917
Nathanael Greene
Mar. 18, 1848
June 2, 1938
John Brown Francis
Feb. 7, 1850
Jan. 30, 1932
Julian Lewis
July 29, 1854
Feb. 10, 1919
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
1838
1838
'76
SIXTY SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
The Committee of Arrangements for celebrating the Sixty-Second Anniversary of our National Independence, propose the following as the
ORDER OF THE DAY:
Salutes will be fired at Sunrise, at Noon, and at Sunset.
A procession will be formed in front of Pearce's Hotel, State street, at 10 o'clock, A. M., in the following order, under the direction of
Col. NATHANIEL FALES.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
1. Bristol Artillery-Col. W. R. Taylor.
2. Committee of Arrangements
3 Officiating Clergymen
4. Orator of the Day, and Reader of the Declaration of Independence.
5. Past Orators of the Anniversary.
6. Clergymen of the Town.
7. Members of the Town Council.
8. Town Clerk and Town Treasurer.
9. School Committee.
10. Commissioners of the Asylum.
11. Members of the State Legislature.
12. Judges of the County Court and Clerk. .
13. Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution.
14. Officers of the United States Army and Navy.
15. Militia Officers-General, Regimen- tal and Staff.
16. Officers of the Customs and Post Office.
17. Citizens and Strangers.
The procession will proceed up State street to High street, down High street to Consti- tution street, down Constitution street to Hope street, up Hope street to the Catholic Congregational Meeting House, where will be performed the following
EXERCISES: MUSIC PRAYER
Reading of the Declaration of Independence. MUSIC
ORATION, MUSIC BENEDICTION
After the exercises, the procession will form and proceed to Pearce's Hotel and dismiss.
The wall pews on the floor and front seats in the galleries will be reserved for the ladies. The committee respectfully ask the co-opera- tion of their fellow citizens to carry the above arrangements into effect, in order that the day may be celebrated in a becoming manner.
GEO. H. REYNOLDS, Commit- tee of ar-
GEO. H. PEARCE,
J. M. GOODING, range- ments.
J. H. WARDWELL,
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
SOME CHOICE ADS AND NOTICES OF THE LONG AGO
THE ads of the olden days are always interesting; they give a pretty good idea of what the people at the different periods were using in their daily lives; they tell us what these people were paying for the various commodities; and also give us the oppor- tunity to make comparisons with present day prices. Many things which were in daily use years ago have long since disappeared from the storekeeper's shelves; if you asked one today about them, he probably wouldn't know what you were talking about.
The merchants of the olden days surely believed in spreading throughout the community the news of the arrival of new stocks of goods, and also in letting folks know what they had on their shelves. Some of the old ads were brief and to the point; others were lengthy and covered about everything that was on the shelves; however, they are all interesting and worthy of study.
A few taken at random from the old files of the Bristol Phenix: 1833-
BRASS FOUNDER AND COPPERSMITH
Charles H. Bush respectfully informs the public that he has taken a shop a few rods south of Mr. Spooner's Candle Works, where he intends to conduct the above business, and will manu- facture the following articles:
Academy, Factory and Ship BELLS
Composition Rudder Joints,
Bolts, Ruffs, and Saucers,
Dovetails and Spikes,
Deck, Sheathing and Coppering NAILS
Sail Thimbles; Well, Cistern, Oil and Beer Pumps. Coolers, Ladles, Piggins, Dippers and Scoops.
Funnels and Funnel Noses,
Brass and Copper Kettles, of all Sizes.
Jamb Hooks and Stove Trimmings.
Brass and Copper Wash Basins.
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Factory Castings of every description, will be promptly and neatly executed. All orders addressed to the subscriber, will have immediate attention. Cash given for Old Copper, Pewter and Lead.
1836 -
-TO LET -
The pleasant and convenient House on the Northwest corner of Hope and State streets. Rent moderate.
W. and N. Coggeshall
This was the block owned by Frederick A. Easterbrooks which was destroyed by fire March 14, 1899. In 1836 the Coggeshalls had a store in this old building, on the ground floor, letting the upper floor as a tenement. Back in the year 1833, Sylvia Griswold D'Wolf mentions this old store in a letter to her husband, Prof. John D'Wolf: "Mr. N. Coggeshall is going to fit up his stores immediately-he will have three fronting the south, none the east side, you will hardly know the place when you return." The store was directly across from Sylvia's house, which in those days stood on the southwest corner of Hope and State streets, flush with the street.
1836-
$20 REWARD
Whereas several young persons have been in the habit of gathering themselves in and about the old Methodist Chapel and Lecture Room and frequently disturbing the congregation in the hours of worship, and whereas on Sunday night last some one of them grossly insulted the preacher-this is to give notice that thereafter all such persons will be dealt with according to law.
Benjamin Tilley Wm. Pearse, 2nd Marshall Waldron
About this time the editor of the local paper was complaining about the rowdies hanging out on the street corners and passing insulting remarks at the young misses of the village as they were passing by. He went on to say that "For years the N. W. corner
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
of Hope and State streets has been known as 'loafers' corner'. It has been the regular hanging-out place of the gang for years. Why the constables do not do something about it-break up the gang," the editor could not understand.
Here is what a young soldier in camp somewhere in the South, back in the year 1861, had to say about it: "Down here we do not hear as much profane talk as is heard every night on the corner of State street, and also no ardent spirits are used."
From the Bristol Gazette of April 9, 1836. This little piece of news is certainly unique. The old editor was original if nothing else.
BIRTHS.
On Thursday morning last, the lady of Parker Borden, Esq. of this town, presented him with two fine sons.
1838-
FOR SALE -
Mansion House, S.E. corner of Hope and Church streets, belonging to Capt. Isaac Blye. At one time a Tavern. Also large building di- rectly East formerly occupied by Capt. Blye as a cooperage.
1838 --
I would inform you, one and all That I shave clean at the Golden Ball, I'll cut your hair in a stile that's nice And charge but half the usual price. J. W. Smith
1839-
THE OLD TIN SHOP Repairing all kinds of Tin and Sheet Iron Ware, etc. Amos T. Gorham
The old tinsmith was "Wash" Gorham's father. Old Wash used to tell that when he was a boy, he and his father would walk to Newport every day. He was helping his father copper the bottom of a ship that was hauled out down there. They would walk down to the Ferry every morning and take the ferry-boat across, returning at sundown.
385
SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
Wash was born in 1838 and died in 1925; he was the youngest of a family of eleven children. The old records of 1820 mention Wash's father, a tinsmith in the village in those days.
1841 -
LOOK HERE! The person who borrowed my Book. containing 5000 receipts for Cooking, will do me a great favor by returning it immediately.
Chas. Spooner
Chas. H. Spooner, son of the old baker, kept a bake-shop on State street for over 50 years, up to about the year 1902.
Back in the year 1850 his bake-shop was located on Thames street at head of Steamboat wharf. The quaint little brick shop where he baked brown-bread, beans and the most delicious Indian puddings one ever tasted, is still standing on the south side of State street. The old brick oven which was in back is gone. As a youngster, it was always a great treat to watch "Uncle Charles" push the long-handle wooden paddle (called a peel) loaded with small pots of beans and Indian puddings (all to be baked overnight) deep down into the back of the long oven where a tiny fire of coke was doing its best to heat the cavern-like interior. An old map of the year 1846 shows the Town Clerk's office as located in this old building.
1841-
Job M. Barrus Barber and Shoemaker, Takes this method of informing his old friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Shop on State street, next door to Ephraim Gifford, where he will patiently wait for calls of those who may please to favor him with their custom. He will serve his customers from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, body not included.
Job was a very versatile sort of individual, for the old records back in the year 1820 tell about him as one of the four-piece band which accompanied the military of those days on their parades and at "trainins".
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
1841 -
HAIR TRUNKS BONNET RIBBONS FUR CAPS FLANNELS! FLANNELS ! Red Flannels All Wool 25 cts. per yd.
RICH SHAWLS French Cashmere $ 15 COWHIDE BOOTS at $2.25 per pair
1842 -
SPECTACLES-at 25 cents All who are less than 100 years old can find spectacles at 55 Hope Street. All over 100 may go to the Long Room in Warren. J. Gooding
1842-
FOR SALE Brass Eight Day Clock The homeliest clock that ever was, is for sale and warranted to be a time keeper, if one can judge from what it has done for the last 113 years- Price $10. Its case is of the coffin pattern. J. Gooding & Co.
1843 -*
FIRE BUCKETS
At a town meeting held on 13th day of June, John Peckham, Jr. and Bennett J. Munro were appointed a Committee to examine every dwell- ing house in the compact part of the town, to ascertain who have and who have not fire buck- ets in conformity to law.
Wm. Throop Town Clerk
"In those days the law required every householder to have two fire buckets, with his name on them, hung in the front entry of his house. Many of the old families in town still have these old leather buckets with the initials of the original owner painted on them. These old relics of the past now displayed in front hall- ways are indisputable evidence that the owners came from some of the early Bristol families."
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
1844-
ROPE WALK for SALE
The subscriber offers for sale his Ropewalk on Wood street, with all the necessary apparatus for making Cordage, with a good horse machine, and a horse well trained for the business. The Walk is well calculated for a large business as there is no other Walk in town calculated for making cordage; it offers a rare opportunity to any one who may wish to embark in the business. Benjamin Tilley.
1845- 1847-
Carpet Bags.
"Will exchange drygoods for onions @ 25 cents bush."
H. Wardwell
1848-
Parasolettes and Sun Shades
1848-
Halpa Rosa, a new article for the hair, also Bears Oil and Ox Marrow. Drs. Briggs and Drury.
1850 - From the Phenix
WANTED A WIFE
The undersigned citizen of Rhode Island of the age of about 55 years, in sound health and comfortable circumstances, wishes to form a matrimonial connection with a woman of re- spectable character and kindly affections. She must not be over 50 years old, must know how to bake a jonny cake, cook a beefsteak, wash and mend shirts, and darn stockings, and perform other household duties. To such a woman the undersigned offers himself. None others need apply.
1851 -
John Dennis
Furniture and Coffin Wareroom! No. 40 Bradford St. Furniture and Coffins of every description. Constantly on hand or made to order. George Munro, 2nd
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SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
Kossuth Hats
Melodeons $45-$100 Henry P. Pierce
White Beaver Hats
Daguerreotypes J. C. Richardson No. 79 Thames St.
Ready Made Coffins John S. Weeden No. 52 Church St. Opposite the Common
1855-
Shaving-Hair Cutting-Curling. Hair and Whiskers Dyed a beautiful Black or Brown, and warranted not to change color. Dan Tanner No. 6 State St.
Snuff and Tobacco
House Pumps
"Those that like a warm bed in a cold night, are informed that we have on hand some nice comforters."
1856-
"A few more of those Shirt-Bosoms at 121/2 cts. -worth 25 cents."
1859-
Notice Pew to Let Pew No. 42 in the Cong. Church inquire of Josiah Gladding or the Saxon
1864-
Josephus Gooding, dealer in Clocks, Watches and Jewelry ยท Fancy Goods, Blank Books, Stationery and Musical Instruments corner of Hope and State sts., Bristol
389
1851- 1851 -
1855- 1855-
1855-
1856- 1856- 1856-
SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
1879- 1
Bristol English and Classical School Wilfred H. Munro, A.M.
Principal
(Rev. Harry Howe Bogert writes: "I attended this school in 1879")
Here are a few that appeared in our local paper 77 years ago; the time was 1865, and the Civil War had just ended.
LONG WHARF STORE
CONSTANTLY on hand and to be sold at the lowest market prices - Choice Oolong Tea, Japan do, N. Y. Factory Cheese, Connecticut do, Havana White and Brown Sugar by lb, bbl or box, Muscovado Sugar, Refined do, Extra No. I loose ground Coffee, No. I loose do do, Java Coffee in papers, W. India do do, Mocha do, Stickney and Poore's do, Challenge do, Rye Cof- fee, Bolted Meal, Rye Meal, Wheaten grits, Farina, Corn Starch, Choice Muscovado Mo- lasses, Honey in Jars and Cans, Kendall's Olive Soap, French Laundry do, B. T. Babbitts do, Number one do, Woman's friend do, Jackson's extra no I do, Phila. Detersive do, Lincoln's Pearl do, Castile do, Toilet do, Fish lines, hooks and sinkers, Lamp Wicks, Excelsior Flour, Rich- land do, Empire State do, Wamsutta do, for sale by lb. bag or bbl, Oswego Starch, Dried Apples, Soda Crackers, Raised do, Wine do, Pic-nic do, Hard Bread, Dried Currants, Preserved Citron, Raisins, Prunes, White Beans, Pickles, Sugar Cured Hams, Dried Beef, Pure Lard, Firkin Butter, Farm Butter, Wash Tubs various sizes, Chopping Trays, Water Pails, Wire Sieves, Rolling Pins, Clothes Pins, Floor Brushes, Clothes do, Stove do, Shoe do, Corn Brooms, Hand Brooms, Cocoanut dippers, Clear pork, salt pork, Salt beef, Candles, Codfish, Kerosene oil, Friction matches, Bag Salt, Cider Vinegar, Pepper sauce, Cream Tartar, Ground Mustard, do Cinnamon, do B. Pepper, do Cloves, do All- spice, do Ginger, do Mace, do Nutmegs, Eureaka Saleratus, G. M. do, Fresh hops, Shoe Blacking, Stove Polish, best plug Tobacco, Solace do, O. K. Chewing do, Yellow Bank do, Killikinick do, Domestic Cigars, Havana do, Wooden pipes, Clay do, Porcelain do, Liquid
390
SKETCHES OF OLD BRISTOL
bluing, Essences all kinds, Eggs and Milk, Patent Medicenes, Balm Gilead, Pain Killer, Armington's Bitters, Soothing Syrup, etc. In fact every article to be found in a first class Grocery and Provision Store.
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