USA > South Dakota > History of southeastern Dakota, its settlement and growth, geological and physical features--countries, cities, towns and villages--incidents of pioneer life--biographical sketches of the pioneers and business men, with a brief outline history of the territory in general > Part 20
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VERMILLION.
day night, and were caught there by the rising waters. They were subsequently rescued.
Towards night, the solid ice in front of the city moved out, and gorged down below the island, and in an incredibly short space of time, the ice had packed the river channel full, back to the ferry landing at Douglas Mill.
Friday, April 1st, the water remained about the same as on Thursday, except that it rose a few inches during the day, and carried away several buildings. The inhabitants busied themselves, meanwhile, saving all the property that could possibly be rescued from the general destruction.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, the water lowered a few inches. and from Depot street east to the gorged ice in the bed of the river, ran like a mill-race. The work of saving property continued, and hundreds gathered on the bluffs, and watched the whirling, eddying waters. Wednesday, April 6th, the water com- menced rising, about ten o'clock, and by eleven, the ice commenced moving. The alarm was given, and the boats engaged in saving property pulled speedily to the shore. By 12 o'clock, the build- ings commenced moving out, mostly to the current in the Ver- million, some six or seven being in the stream at the same time. The water continued rising, until it was at least a foot higher than the highest point previously reached. Fifty-six buildings were carried down, and smashed to pieces against the gorged ice below -among them being the St. Nicholas Hotel, the railroad depot, the Congregational Church, Shafer's large store building, and other large buildings. The water carried the Chandler House about fifteen feet, the north end was knocked ont, and the building was badly wrecked. Masonic and Odd Fellows' Hall building was car- ried off its foundation, and the lower story smashed. Carr's build- ings, south of Masonic Hall, were also badly wrenched. Every residence on the bottom. except a half-dozen, was either carried away or badly damaged, while many of the wooden business build- ings were greatly damaged, or moved from their foundations. When the water was at the highest, at least twenty buildings were floating off at the same time.
During the rise, the channel was constantly filled with great bodies of floating ice, which broke down everything it came in contact with. It packed up against the gorged ice in the channel of the river, and by the time the water went down, had filled the
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
entire space below Depot street: and west of the railroad track. it had packed the entire distance to Van Meter's grove; so that peo- ple could walk upon it without difficulty.
Thursday morning. April 5th, the Vermillion River had again ent a channel through the gorged ice to the center of the Missouri, and a strong current carried away the back-water which had run up to Vermillion. At the place where the Vermillion enters the Missouri, a large hole was worn in the ice, and an eddy formed, in which large quantities of broken timbers and immense cakes of ice were constantly floating around. The main channel of the Missouri, together with the sand bar, and the channel south of the island. packed full of huge cakes of ice from the bend, five and one-half miles below the city, up to Douglas' Landing, and the water that came through the Vermillion, ran over the bank east of Judge Kidder's residence, passing along the bluff to the Big Sioux River-the water, at one time, on the track north of Elk Point, being three or four feet deep.
The river, above Douglas' Landing, as far as could be seen with a field-glass, was clear of ice. The bottom between Vermillion and Meckling was covered with ice from six to twenty feet thick. The city bridge, at the mouth of the Vermillion, the Government bridge at Miles Russell's, the railroad bridge, Lee & Prentis' bridge, and Bond's bridge were swept away.
April 14th, the snow commenced thawing, and weakened the ice in the river in front of the city, so that the Vermillion broke through the icy barrier to the narrow, open channel along the north of the island. This allowed the water, which covered the city to the depth of from three to ten feet, to drain off, leaving the ice from one to six feet in the streets. By Saturday morning, the water had all drained off from that part of the city south of the railroad track, and east of Depot street.
The scene from the bluffs presented a sickening spectacle. The remaining wooden buildings were, most of them, badly twisted and wrecked, and others carried off their foundations, while the streets were covered with the debris of the wrecked buildings, strewu around upon the slimy, muddy ice. In the upper part of the city, where the buildings were mostly swept away, nothing could be seen but water and ice. the latter being packed up to the roofs of some of the remaining buildings, and half-way up the windows of others.
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VERMILLION.
The terrible calamity which drowned and crushed Vermillion seemed insufficient to satisfy the fates, and it was left to the Ver- million River, swollen to the proportions of the Missouri at high water, to complete the work of destruction. The deluge and ice left a good many buildings in Vermillion, but the river "stepped in" and took about sixteen of these. The first house to go was Cal. Shaw's, on Sunday, April 17th. Others followed in succes- sion, the water falling just in time to save the Chandler House, Col. Jolley's house and Copeland's house from a like fate. Ver- million and the farmers on the bottom lands in Clay County, were probably the greatest sufferers by the overflow in Dakota. The tract of country lying between Vermillion and Gayville, between the bluffs on each side of the river, was swept clean of everything, with an occasional exception. Houses, barns, fences, cattle, horses, hogs and sheep, were destroyed, leaving the farmers and their fam- ilies little else than the clothes upon their backs, and the bare lands, without a team, a plow, or a grain of seed, to commence farming operations with. Their condition appealed loudly to the charitable in more favored parts of the country, and this appeal, happily, did not go unheeded, as is elsewhere duly recorded.
Three-fourths of Vermillion was destroyed. One hundred and thirty-two buildings were totally destroyed, and many others wrecked. The total value of buildings and other property des- troyed in Vermillion, as closely estimated by Mr. G. H. Wheeler, who devoted some time to obtaining the necessary information, was $142,260.
The rapidity with which Vermillion has recovered from this dreadful catastrophe; the astonishing spirit of enterprise mani- fested in immediately building anew-on higher land, beyond the reach of future depredations by floods-a city superior in all respects to the one destroyed-is in itself sufficient comment on the tireless energy and indomitable pluck of western communities.
Vermillion's business houses are of a substantial, thrifty charac- ter, and the large volume of trade which pours into the town from various quarters, is rapidly adding to the general prosperity. Its hotels are excellent, the Chandler House, particularly, having no superior in Southeastern Dakota. The Vermillion Republican, owned and edited by F. N. Burdick, is a newspaper with all that the term implies.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
The Methodist Episcopal Society first met in the old log school house. and afterwards in the Adelphi Hall, as far back as 1871. The first minister was Rev. McEndrie Stewart, who was succeeded by Elder Kane, who died recently at Elk Point. The Society built a church in 1873, at a cost of about $2,000. Rev. H. D. Brown was the pastor at the time. Mr. Brown was succeeded by Rev. H. T. Curl, after whom came S. T. Moore, T. W. Owen, H. W. Jones, John Webb, O. S. Bryan, D. W. Chamberlain and A. Amburn. Aaron Carpenter, R. R. Briggs and A. Pickett were appointed Trustees at the time of the organization of the Society.
The Congregational Society was organized September 11th, 1870, at a meeting conducted by the Rev. Stewart Sheldon, of Yankton. The following named persons participated in the organ- ization: C. E. Prentis, A. E. Lee, F. McKercher, Sarah J. Mc- Kercher, Hattie J. Ufford, E. Mathews, Pauline Mathews. C. . E Prentis was elected Deacon, F. McKercher, Clerk. The Society erected a church edifice in 1872. at a cost of $1,200, and a parson- age. at a cost of $1,000. Services were held, before the erection of the church. in Lee & Prentis' Hall. Rev. Mr. Sheldon was suc- ceeded by Revs. J. N. McLoney, W. E. Walker and G. S. Bas- com. The church was dedicated in 1873. the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. A. L. Briggs. of the Santee Agency Mission. The Society lost very heavily by reason of the floods of 1881.
The organization of the Baptist Society dates from 1871, and was effected under the leadership of Deacon T. K. Hovey. who was the General Missionary at that time. The church edifice erected by this Society was built at a cost of $2.500. A parsonage is now (1881) in process of erection. Rev. E. H. Hurlbutt. of Jef- ferson City, Mo .. was the first pastor. and was succeeded by Rev. T. H. Judson, under whose pastorate the church membership largely increased. The Society was obliged by the flood to move the church building to the hill, which with other expenses consequently incurred. will involve an expenditure of $1,500. The church mem- bership is large, and the attendance npon the Sabbath School is about one hundred pupils.
In 1874, the Scandinavian Lutheran Society was organized by Rev. G. L. Graven and George Norbeck. Their church building, which was erected at a cost of $1,000, was dedicated in the autumn of 1874. Rev. G. L. Graven preached the dedicatory sermon. Mr.
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VERMILLION.
Graven is still pastor of this Society. The use of the building has been freely granted to the Baptists, Methodists and other denom- inations. The Society will move its building back upon the hill.
An old log hut, which now stands in the hollow at Vermillion, was the first school building erected in the Territory. It was built by a military company in 1864 or '65, of logs, with a sod roof. The building was also used for church purposes, all denom- inations being privileged to enjoy its benefits. The first church building was also a log house, built before the old school house, Rev. Mr. Martin, whose memory is still green in the minds of old settlers, used to preach his characteristic sermons in this building. The first teachers, in the order named, were: Amos Shaw, Miss Josephine Moleaud and Hon. John L. Jolley.
The present public school building was erected in 1873, at a cost of about $3,000, which was paid by taxation, Capt. Miner donat- ing the grounds. The schools have three departments, involving a twelve-years' course of study. Present corps of teachers: S. H. Seccombe, Principal, Mrs. Seccombe, Assistant; Miss Frederis Miner, Primary Department.
Incense Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M .- Charter granted in 1872 This Lodge was under the Iowa dispensation four or five years be- fore the present charter was granted. Meetings were first held in Snyder & Bergman's building, which was destroyed by the flood. The Lodge had, however, previously moved to Macomber's building, which being destroyed by fire, occasioned the loss of a great por- tion of their paraphernalia. The Lodge next moved into Salmer's building, where the first session of the Grand Lodge of Dakota was held. Thence the Order moved to Odd Fellows' Hall, which was totally destroyed by the flood, the Lodge at this time losing all of its effects; since when it has had no place of meeting. Pres- ent officers: Judson Graves, W. M .; Andrew Amundson, S. W .; A. E. Lee, J. W .; H. B Chaffee, Secretary; W. D. Gould, Treas- urer. Charter members: A. G. Fuller, W. M .; J. C. Duman, S. W .; H. J. Austin, J. W .- and others.
Vermillion Lodge No. 3, I. O. O. F., was instituted August, 21st, 1872. Meetings were first held in Snyder & Bergman's build- ing; thence the Lodge moved to Macomber's building, losing all their effects when that property was destroyed by fire, in 1874. The Lodge then moved into Lewison's Hall, and in 1879 erected Odd Fellows' Hall at a cost of $1,200. As mentioned above, this
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
hall was destroyed by the flood, and the Lodge again lost nearly all of its effects. They have at present no place of meeting. Char- ter members and first officers: Finlay McKercher, N. G .; C. B. Valentine, V.G. Jared Runyon, Sec'y: George L. Bellows, Treasurer.
The Vermillion Cornet Band consists of the following officers and members: T. A. Robinson, President and Leader; C. F. Oak- ley, Secretary; G. W. Williams, Treasurer; L. W. Bell, G. W. Ash- ard, A. M. Anderson. E. J. Hoffman, W. A. Williams, Ed. Moulin, G. L. Beckett, Frank Beckett.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor-F. N. Burdick.
Aldermen-1st Ward, S. J. Lewis.
.. 2d Ward, W. W. Demming.
3d Ward, G. G. Porter.
4th Ward, A. E. Lee.
66 5th Ward, Nick Hansen.
6th Ward, W. G. Bower.
Clerk-C. F. Oakley.
Treasurer-Martin L. Lewis.
Marshal-Charles Mills.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys -- J. L. Jolley, S. J. Lewis, H. A. Copeland, G. B. Bigelow.
Boots and Shoes-S. Hayward & Son, W. F. Earls.
Blacksmiths-H. T. Comes, Vaughn Brothers. A. J. Charrlin.
Bankers-D. N. Inman & Co.
Barber-G. H. Wheeler.
Butter und Egg Dealers-Smith & Farr, Lee & Prentis.
Confectioners-W. A. Paul, J. T. White.
Druggists-A Helgeson, C. C. Eves, G. T. Salmer.
Dentists-C. A. Maxson.
Furniture -- C. Snyder.
Flouring Mill-Stanley & Lowrie.
General Merchandise-Lee and Prentis, B. F. Reeve, H. J. H. Lunde. J. W. Grange.
Grocer-C. F. Miller.
Hardware-K. B. Finley, Barron and Ireeson, Quarnberg and Norelias.
Hotels-Chandler House. W. C. Chandler: Sylvan House, C. C. Bridgman.
Insurance-S. J. Lewis.
Jewelers -- Bridgman & Lotze.
Livery --- Hart Brothers, W. W. Demming.
Lumber --- A. H. Lathrop, M. D. Thompson.
Milliners and Dress Makers-Mrs. A. S. Oakley, Miss M. Knight, Miss Emma Maxson.
Meat Markets --- G. W. Bower, Hunn and Lowrie, E. Lackons.
Newspaper --- Vermillion Republican. F. N. Burdick, Editor and Proprietor. Photographer --- Mr. Butler.
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DAVISON COUNTY.
Physicians-F. N. Burdick, C. Call, G. S. Agersbery.
Postmaster- C. G. Shaw.
Stationery-Bridgman and Lotze.
Stock Dealers-Hansen & Dailey, M. D. Thompson, Lee & Prentis.
DAVISON COUNTY.
South of Miner and east of McCook, is Davison County, not more remarkable by reason of the fertility of its soil, and the beauty of its landscapes-characteristics of the noted James River Valley throughout-than for the fact that it contains, as its County Seat, the growing town of Mitchell-a city of great expectations that are being rapidly realized.
The first settlements of Davison County date from about the year, 1872. John Head came in this year, and built the first frame house in the county. H. C. Green, Israel Green and Joseph Platt came in 1873; Luke Lowell, John Lowell and Mr. Norton, in 1874; Martin Blakesly. Peter Smith, R. F. Allerton, A. S. Curtis and A. J. Curtis, in 1875.
The officers appointed in pursuance of the organization of Davi- son County, were: Commissioners-John Head, Levi Hain, Luke W. Lowell. Sheriff-I. M. Tyrrell. Clerk and Register- Parkhurst. Treasurer and Judge of Probate-John Lowell. Sur- veyor-I. Green.
The first election occurred in 1878, at which the following offi- cers were elected : Commissioners-A. J. Curtis, Thomas Watson, H. C. Green. Sheriff -- A. S. Curtis. Clerk and Register-R. F. Allerton. Treasurer-John Morris. Surveyor-Israel Green.
Present officers: Commissioners-Thomas Watson, A. J. Cur- tis, Carl Eilers. Sheriff -- T. H. Wilson. Treasurer-H. C. Apple- gate. Assessor-Charles Huntington. Clerk and Register-J. K. Smith. Superintendent of Schools-Rev. E. C. Downs. Judge of Probate-L. W. Warren. Surveyor-Israel Green.
The remarks elsewhere concerning other localities of the James River Valley are equally pertinent to Davison County, to enter into a detailed description of whose soil, and its characteristics, would therefore be needless repetition.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
MITCHELL.
The James River Valley in Dakota, in which the thriving town of Mitchell is located, has been settled for a number of years by a few people who were attracted to this section, then remote from railroads, by the great fertility of the soil and the extent aud ex- ceedingly nutritious quality of the native grasses. Before the com- ng of the C., M. & St. Paul R. R .. Davison and other counties in the James River Valley were organized; while the population was yet sparse, the people being largely engaged in stock-raising, which was then, and still is very profitable.
During the winter of 1879. it was understood that the C., M. & St. P. Railway Company would, during the following season, ex- tend the Black Hills branch of its road to the James River in D. T. and it was evident that. wherever this road crossed the river. there a town of considerable proportions was destined to spring up, Many believed that Rockport, 15 miles south of Mitchell, was to be the favored point, and consequently located there, inaugurating a period of anxious waiting for the expected crossing to be made. It is unnecessary to add that these were disappointed. The Com- pany decided to make their crossing at Firesteel. and about this time, M. H. Rowley visited this section, and located the townsite of Mitchell, which was named for the Hon. Alexander Mitchell, President of the great railway corporation.
About the 1st of May, 1880. the first train of cars reached Mitch- ell, at that time only a few months old. The cars brought build- ing material, merchandise and settlers, and the new town, being pleasantly located, commenced to grow rapidly. All kinds of trade were soon represented, and a lively business commenced, which has steadily continued to improve. until a pleasant village of twelve hundred people has sprung up, with a fair prospect of a splendid town.
Among the first settlers of Mitchell were: John L. Bowman, Smith & Farrow, Wills & Co., R. A. Ketchum, Mary Green, John Head, John Lowell. Mr. Manning, Fred. Kappos, Bates & Co., J. M. Adams. Johnson Bros., Mr. Hewitt, J. W. Walsh, and others.
The first family to locate in Mitchell was Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Cox, and next came M. F. Dunham and family. The postoffice was established December 15th, 1879, with J. W. Walsh as Post- master. The Mitchell Exchange Bank was established in 1880. Wm. Van Eps established the first store in December, 1879. The
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MITCHELL.
first marriage ceremony to take place in Mitchell, was that of C. G. Wass to Jennie Gibbens. at the Mitchell House, January 24th, 1880, Rev. Mr. Mitchell officiating. The first death was that of a son of Mr. J. K. Smith, in July, 1880; the first birth, a daughter, born near Firesteel, August 18th, 1879, to Mrs. Smith Crippen.
The quality of well water at Mitchell is excellent and easily obtained. Some unfailing wells of good water are found at a depth of twelve feet, but in other places wells are sunk to the depth of thirty feet before a sufficient supply of water is obtained.
Most of the buildings erected in Mitchell. as in other rapidly growing western towns, are constructed of wood. Lumber is fur- nished at low figures by the extensive lumber companies doing business here and elsewhere along the line of the railroad.
The town is located on the west half of section 21, and east half of section 22, township 103, range 60.
Mitchell was incorporated in April, 1881, and the following named officers elected: Trustees-J. J. Devy. James S. Foster, P. T. McGovern, J. L. Davenport and A. J. La Barre. Treasurer- F. E. Moses. Clerk-C. W. Taylor. Marshal-Geo. A. Clark. Assessor- J. H. Green.
The railroad facilities of Mitchell are good now, with a prospect of better in the near future. That great and liberal corporation, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, is gridiron- ing Dakota with railroads to meet the wants of this rapidly devel- oping section, and extending its main line westward from Mitchell toward the Black Hills, crossing the Missouri River at Chamber- lain, seventy miles west of the James river. Mitehell is the end of a division on the road, and the Milwaukee Company's round- house, machine shops, and car repair shops are located here. A line of road is to be built at an early day by this company from Yankton to Mitchell, and thence up the river to the Northern Pacific. The C. & N. W. Railway Company are now engaged in the survey of a line, which will run from Sioux City, via Mitchell, to Huron.
The "Alex. Mitchell" Hotel is a product of the enterprise of the present year, and has been built at a total cost of $25,000, the building alone costing $15,300. There are seventy sleeping apart- ments. The dimensions of this building are 112 by 873 feet; it is three stories high. has a dining room 30 by 56 feet, and an "L" 16 by 30 feet.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA
P. F. Kennard, of Sioux Falls, established a brick-yard at Mitchell during the present year.
Schofield. White & Co. erected during the past season, a Hlouring mill at Mitchell, at a cost of $10,000. It is a three-story frame building, with one run of stone, but two additional run of stone will shortly be made. The mill is situated three and one-half miles east of town. It is run by water-power, and has all the modern machinery for making the patent flour.
A United States Land Office was established at Mitchell in 1880, and does an amount of business probably surpassed by no Land Office in the country. Col. B. F. Campbell and Maj. J. M. Wash- burn were its first officers. Its present officers are: Hon. William Letcher. Register; Ilon. Hiram Barber, Jr .. Receiver.
The first newspaper published in Davison County was the Da- kota Mail, which was started at Rockport, with J. W. Walsh as the editor. After its removal to Mitchell, the name of the paper was changed to the Mitchell Capital. Messrs. Stockwell & Has- kell purchased it in July, 1880, and converted it into a six-column quarto. Its publication was continued until March, 1881. when S. W. Rathbun, of Marion. Iowa, purchased Stockwell's interest. and shortly afterwards, Mr. Haskell's interest, also. Mr. Rathbun is now the editor and sole proprietor.
The Mitchell Republican was established in 1880, with Rec. Stanbery as editor and proprietor. It is a seven-column quarto, published every Saturday. Its circulation is about 800, and it is the official paper of the county. When first started. it was pub- lished as the Western Bugle.
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
The first terms of school at Mitchell were tanght in the winter of 1879-80, with H. S. Herrick as teacher, in the building known as the Presbyterian Chapel. The present building was erected in 1880, and cost $7,000. It is a frame building, and has four depart- ments. As yet, but two teachers are employed, viz: Mrs. C. W. Taylor and Miss Carrie Johnson. The school grounds were donat- ed by the Railroad Company.
The Free Methodist Society was organized by Rev. J. W. Sharp in July, 1881. Services are, for the present, held in Wills & Co.'s Hall. The Society will shortly build an edifice on lots number 1, 2, 3, and 4. in block 14. There are about twelve members. The cost of the proposed building will be about $1.000. Rev. Mr.
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MITCHELL.
Sharp is the pastor. The officers of the Society are: Trustees -- George Johnson, Sr., J. W. Sharp, L. W. Taylor. Stewards-J. W. Downs, G. Johnson, A. S. Smith. Class Leader-G. Johnson.
The Presbyterian Society was organized by Rev. A. K. Baird, of Iowa, in October, 1879. Services are held in the Presbyterian Chapel. The Society has a building in course of erection, which will cost about $3,000. The first pastor was Rev. M. E. Chapin, who was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Taylor, the present pastor. The membership is about twenty-five. First Board of Trustees: S. F. Goodykoontz, J. C. Christman, M. H. Rowley. Present Board: S. F. Goodykoontz, C. W. Taylor, John Helwig.
The Congregational Society was organized August 18th, 1881, by Jay Willman. James S. Foster and J. M. Crary. Services are, for the present, held in the school house. ' Their church edifice was expected to be completed by Christmas of 1881, and will cost about $2,000. Church officers: Trustees-Jay Willman, James S. Foster, J. M. Crary. Clerk-Mrs. Dr. Tatman. Treasurer- Rev. J. R. Reitzell.
The Episcopal Society was organized in September, 1880, by Bishop Clarkson, of Omaha. The Society was originally institut- ed at Firesteel, and was known as St. Mary's Mission. It was transferred to Mitehell shortly after the beginning of the town. Their church building in Mitchell was completed in August, 1881, and cost $2,000. Rev. D. A. Sanford, the first pastor, continues in charge of the Society. Church officers: Warden-O. R. Betts. Secretary-H. C. Green. Treasurer-Dr. F. Andros.
The Catholic Church Society was organized in 1880. Services are held in a building, which the Society uses temporarily, until the erection of an edifice in the near future, which is to be built at a cost of $3,000. First Board of Trustees-John Gleason, P. T. McGovern, J. L. Davenport. Present Board: John Gleason, P. T. MeGovern, - Koch. Rev. M. M. McCarter was the first pastor, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Tobin.
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