USA > Tennessee > Bedford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
USA > Tennessee > Marshall County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
USA > Tennessee > Wilson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
USA > Tennessee > Maury County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
USA > Tennessee > Williamson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
USA > Tennessee > Rutherford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 84
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JOHN JACKSON COMER. Samuel Comer was a native of England and came to the United States with his wife (formerly a Miss Randolph), a short time before the Revolutionary war and settled in Virginia. He served in the war against the mother country, and was subsequently killed by the Tories. Renben D. Comer, son of Samuel Comer, was raised by a man named Abner Lea, of Johnson County. N. C. He married a daughter of Thomas Wright, who came from England to South Carolina. Her parents died when she was an infant, and she was raised by Col. Elliott Lee. After her marriage
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with Mr. Comer they came to Wilson County. Tenn., and became the parents of five sous and two daughters. John Jackson Comer, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth of their children and was reared on a farm and had charge of his father's mill and cotton - gin. His early education was limited. never having attended school after attaining his fif- teenth year. About this time he professed religion. A short time after he began learning the blacksmith business of the Rev. D. B. Moore, with whom he lived three years. His father at this time moved to Warren County. Tenn .. and there our subject worked at his trade. He was happily married to Miss Martha P. Parker. In 1845 he was licensed to preach, and in 1853 was received into the Tennessee Annual Conference. and he has fol- lowed his calling in Hickory Creek, Bedford, Smith Fork, Mill Creek, Harpeth, Wesley and Carthage. He was appointed presiding elder of the following districts: Carthage, McMinnville, Savannah and Centerville. At the last conference he was appointed to the Unionville Circuit. In 1880 Mrs. Comer died, and after living a lonely life two years, Rev. Comer married Miss Ella Lacre. His first marriage resulted in four children: Sophironia A. (Mrs. J. P. Walton), Nannie .J. (Mrs. Prof. S. V. Wall), John B., Moltie P. (died in 1880, wife of J. S. Keton). Rev. Comer is now past sixty years of age, but hopes to continue his good work many years. He is much loved and respected by all who know him and is an influential man where he resides.
J. B. COOPER. EsQ .. was born January 25. 1831, in Bedford County. son of George and Sallie (Rutlege) Cooper. The father was born about 1796. and the mother about 1798. They both died when our subject was an infant and he was reared by his aunt, Matilda Rutlege, whom he assisted on the farm until her death, which occurred about 1871. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. In 1970 he was elected to the office of magistrate and filled that position in an able and efficient manner. He then began the study of law, and about 1876 the county court granted him license to practice law before the county court and before magistrate courts. He has been quite successful and has made quite a reputation as a lawyer. May 15. 1856, he wedded Rebecca F. Landers, of this county, and this union resulted in the birth of thirteen children: Cicero W., Alice A. (deceased). Lula S., Ella L., Callie T. (deceased), Maggie MI .. Eddie A. (deceased). Rebecca J., Algie B., America L., Johnnie E., Lattie B. and William E. Mr. Cooper received a common district school education in his early days, but having cultivated a taste for good reading while young, he acquired the major part of his education from the perusal of good books after having grown to maturity. In politics Mr. Cooper is a Democrat.
ALEXANDER A. COOPER was born January 12, 1832, in Rutherford County, Tenn .. son of Micajah T. and Sarah (Vincent) Cooper. The father was a native of Rowan County, N. C., born December 28, 1806. When nine years of age he moved with his par- ents to Cannon County, this State, and in 1829 he was married. To this union were born twelve children. our subject being the second. The father of our subject died Feb- ruary 16, 1874, and the mother in May, 1864. Our subject was educated in the country schools and at Union University at Murfreesboro. After reaching his majority he followed various occupations, such as teacher, merchant and trader up to the late war, when he was appointed by the commissary-general and permanently detailed by the Secretary of War as general purchasing agent of the commissary department for the Confederate Army. which position he held during the war. He then returned home and resumed merchan- dising at Wartrace, which he continued for two years. He then located on the farm where he now lives. He also served as deputy clerk of the county court of this county for ten years. He has held several minor offices and has been magistrate of his civil district six years. October, 1862, he married Miss Mary E. Singleton, daughter of Dr. Robert L. Singleton, of Fairfield. now deceased. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Robert S., Henry V., Constance. Alexander A. and Sarah A., all living. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders, and owns a farm of 100 acres near Fairfield on the Wartrace & Becch Grove Turnpike. He is a member of the board. of trustees of the Duck River Academy, and takes an active part in educational matters.
REV. G. W. COOK was born near Shelbyville, Tenn., November 14. 1833, son of
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William and Nancy (Lentz) Cook, who were born in 1802 and 1810, in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The father died of cholera in June, 1854. Our subject is the third of eight children. At the age of twenty years he became overseer for Thomas Shearren and then began farming for himself. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when a boy, and when about twenty-six years old was licensed to preach. In 1870 he was ordained deacon at Pulaski. Tenn., and in 1874 he was ordained elder. He has had regu- lar work since 1870, and has conscientiously fulfilled the duties of his calling. He was married December 20, 1855 to Mary E. Pickle, daughter of Major and Catharine Pickle. Rev. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of eleven children, four of whom are dead: William T. S., a minister of the gospel; Mary E. (Mrs. C. M. Spruce), Emily M. (Mrs. William Darnell), Rosanna (Mrs. E. Stalling), Henry C., Eliza and Nora A. Our subject acquired the most of his education by dint of hard study after acquiring his growth. He is a Democrat, but up to the date of the late war was an old-line Whig.
J. P. COTHRAN. a successful farmer, was born in Person County, N. C., July 8, 1828, son of Samuel and Polly (Burton) Cothran, who immigrated to Tennessee in 1844, and settled in Williamson County. Our subject was the fourth child born to his parents. His educational advantages were limited, but notwithstanding this fact he has always mani- fested a willingness and a desire to aid in any enterprise pertaining to the advancement of education. December 18, 1851, he was united in marriage to Mary R. Cothran, of Will- iamson County. The fruits of this union were eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Mr. Cothran is a self-made man, having accumulated his property by his own exertions. Politically he is a Republican, but up to the late war was a Democrat.
DR. ROBERT W. COUCH was born March 13, 1834, in Bedford County, Tenn., and is the son of Joseph and Catharine Patton Couch. (For further particulars of parents see sketch of R. C. Couch.) Our subject received a practical education in the Duck River Academy at Fairfield. in this county, and his medical education at the University of Naslı- ville, from which institution he graduated in 1855. He then began the practice of his pro- fession, and was surgeon of the Tennessee Iron Works in Wayne County until the begin- ning of the late war. He then joined the Ninth Tennessee Confederate Cavalry as a lieu- tenant, and was afterward appointed surgeon of the regiment. He was captured at Fort Donelson and held as a prisoner until May, 1862, when he made his escape from Mound City, Ill., and walked to Corinth, Miss., and from there to his relatives in the county. Since that time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. May, 1860, he married - Miss Lucy Tucker, a native of Rutherford County, and daughter of Maj. Lewis and Har- riet Tucker. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Robert, John R., Kittie, William, Lizzie and Mary, all living but John R. Mr. Couch owns a farm of 315 acres in District No. 2, all well cultivated and in a flourishing condition. He is an Inde- pendent Democrat in politics, a Mason, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
HON. REUBEN C. COUCH. farmer, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., January 13, 1830, son of Joseph and Catherine (Patton) Couch, and of Scotch Irish descent. The father was born in South Carolina October 9. 1787, and the mother in Buncomb County. N. C., July 10, 1796. They were married in 1813, and to them were born twelve children. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812 under Gen. Jackson. He was a farmer by oc- cupation, and died March 19, 1861. The mother followed March 10, 1886. Our subject's maternal grandmother was a daughter of Rhoda Cunningham, who came from Ireland. She is living in Bedford County, Tenn., and is in her ninety-third year. She has at this time 306 living descendants, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even to the fourth generation. What is most consoling to the declining years of this most venerable matron, is that out of this long line of descendants none have yet done anght to detract from the character of an honest family. Our subject received his education in the common schools, and followed farming up to the time of the war. He enlisted with the boys in blue in the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry. He was commissioned as lieutenant, and afterward promoted to captain, in which capacity he served through the war. He participated in
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
the battle of Stone River, and various skirmishes. After the war he was elected clerk of the county court, and served several years in the revenue department. He- was a member of the lower house of the Thirty-eighth General Assembly. November 23, 1865, he wedded Miss Mary J. Dyer, daughter of William HI. Dyer, and to them were born three children: Ruben C., Lester and Emily G. James Patton, our subject's maternal grandfather, was one of the pioneers of Tennessee. He reared a family of twelve children-eleven daughters and one son. All lived to be married. Among the daughters there were seven living at one time, all widows, and the youngest over seventy years of age. The mother of our subject, just before her death, had descendants to the number of 266, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchil- dren. Mr. Couch is a Republican, a Mason, and he and wife and daughters are members. of the Baptist Church. He has a fine farm of 275 acres in a fine state of cultivation.
OLIVER COWAN & CO .. dealers in hardware and farming implements, is com- posed of Oliver and Robert Cowan, brothers. Oliver Cowan was born February 13, 1831, in Londonderry, Ireland. The father, Alexander Cowan, died in Ireland, having been a farmer. The mother and six childrea came to Shelbyville in 1851, and the mother died in 1868. There are five of the lamily now living. Oliver being the youngest. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in an agricultural college in Ireland .. Upon. coming to Shelbyville he engaged as clerk in the dry goods trade for three years. He then entered a dry goods business with a brother, and continued successfully till 1874, when he sold out that business and entered the hardware business with his brother, Rob- ert. The firm carries about a $10,000 stock, and transacts about a $20,000 business annu- ally. Mr. Cowan was married, in 1869, to Miss Sarah Bryson, of Lincoln County, daugh- ter of the Rev. Henry Bryson. He has a family of two sons and two daughters, viz .: Henry B., William G., Jennie and Olive. Himself, his wife and two sons are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Knight Templar Mason. Politically he adheres to no. party rigidly, but supports the man who he thinks is best qualified to fill public office. Robert Cowan was born September 24, 1813, in Londonderry, Ireland. He came from his native land to this county in 1851. He clerked in a store till 1874, at which time he en- tered the firm of Oliver Cowan & Co. In Ireland he followed farming. He was married, in 1836, to Miss Esther Buchanan, who bore him two sons, viz .: Alexander, who was killed in the Confederate Army in 1863, and William B., who is now a farmer of this- county. Mr. Cowan has for many years lived a widower, his wife having died in Ireland in 1841. He is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of Shelbyville's oldest and most highly respected citizens.
DR. THOMAS CHAPMAN MCCRORY, an eminent physician, was born in Bedford County, November 13, 1834, and is the son of John and Annie (Wilson) McCrory. He is of Scotch-Irish extraction. The father was born in Mechlenburg County, N. C., February 5, 1788, and the mother in Georgia, October 11, 1791. They were married in Marshall County, Tenn., and were the parents of twelve children. The father died October 15, 1974, and the mother January 22, 1864. Our subject had the advantage of a good common school education, and afterward read medicine with Dr. Smith Bowlin. He then attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati and completed his studies, receiving his diploma from the Medical University at Nashville, from which institution he graduated in 1867. He- enlisted in Company D), Second Tennessee Regiment, Confederate States Army, and served as lieutenant of the regiment under Col. (now Gov.) Bate. Dr. MeCrory was made assistant surgeon, but preferred a more active part and took his place in the regiment. He participated in the battle of the first Manassas, Murfreesboro, Shiloh, Chickamauga and the various battles between Chattanooga and Atlanta. He was captured during Hood's advance in Tennessee, and taken a prisoner to Fort Delaware, where he remained until Lee's surrender. Since the war he has followed his chosen profession, and has at this time a very large and lucrative practice. February 28, 1860, he wedded Miss Sallie J. Knott, daughter of Iverson Knott. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, only three of whom are living: Thomas F., Eugene and Alva. The Doctor is a Democrat and a Mason. Mrs. McCrory is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
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BEDFORD COUNTY.
J. M. CROWEL was born November 5, 1847, in Bedford County, Tenn., and is the .. son of Benjamin and Margaret (Anderson) Crowel. The father was born in the year 1815. in Bedford County, and diedfin the year 1865. The mother was born in North Carolina about 1817. and died September. 1885. Our subject was the youngest child and only son of his parents. He passed his youthful days on the farm, and after reaching the years of manhood began farming for himself. November 16. 1873, he wedded Susan A. Molder, of this county, who was born in 1857. The fruits of this union were three children: Thomas L., Jennie L., and Edwin Harper. Mr. Crowel is a self-made man, and is now worth about $5,000, which he has made in the last twelve years. He was never sued or had a lawsuit in his life. He is upright, honest and law abiding. His educational advan- tages were rather limited, but sufficient for all practical purposes. In politics he is a Dem - ocrat.
CYRUS W. CUNNINGHAM, dealer in books, stationery, wall paper, jewelry. etc., was born in Bedford County, January 28, 1850, being one of five children of Joseph A. and Elizabeth W. (Williams) Cunningham. The father was a native of Bedford County, his father having come here from North Carolina in the very early settlement of the coun- ty. The father was a farmer; his death occurred in 1880. The mother is a descendant of Virginia parentage, is a native of this county, and is now living. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm to the age of twenty-three, receiving a common school edu- cation. He taught school and clerked in a store for two years before leaving home. He then came to Shelbyville, and purchased a one-third interest in a book store, and in 1875 became sole proprietor. In 1876 he failed, but has paid out fully, and now does a thriving business, and owns a desirable and beautiful home in Shelbyville. He now holds the appointment of deputy internal revenue collector of the Fifth Revenue District of Tennes- see. He was married, March 9, 1875, to Miss Susan A. Cannon. grandniece of Gov. Newton Cannon. This union has been blessed in the birth of four children, viz: Kate T., Eliza- beth, Jennie C. and Mary J. Mr. Cunningham and wife are members of the Presbyterian. Church. He is a member of the K. of H. and R. A., being a member of the Grand Lodge of the K. of H. He is a Democrat in politics, and an enterprising citizen of the county.
J. M. CUNNINGHAM, M. D .. is a native of Marshall County. Tenn., born June 17, 1849, and is the second of six children of S. D. and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Cunning- ham, who are now living in Marshall County. Our subject spent his early days in tilling his father's farm. remaining until eighteen years old, at which time he entered the high school at Lewisburg, then under the supervision of Calvin Dornal, and paid his own way for about three years, his father refusing to pay bis tuition. He entered the Medical Col- lege of Nashville in 1871, and during the vacation in the summer of 1972 he taught school to enable him to take the course of lectures in the fall. which he did. and graduated in the. spring of 1873. He began practicing his profession in April of that year at Bedford postoffice, seven miles west of Shelbyville, where he has successfully continued up to the present date. June 14. 1876, he married Lizzie T. Lock, daughter of James Lock. This union has re- sulted in six children: Vera C., Clare G. (deceased), Ewing B., Hattie S., Lillie R. (de- ceased) and Horace L. Dr. Cunningham is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
B. M. CURTISS is a native of Bedford County, born July 7, 1859. His father, J. H. Curtiss, was born November 12, 1503. in Connecticut, and died in August. 1866. The mother was Teressa (Moseley) Curtiss, who was born November 22, 1824, in Georgia. She is yet living. Our subject aided his mother until he was twenty-two years of age. and since that time has followed agricultural pursuits for himself, and is a prosperous farmer. In connection with his farming he carried on merchandising about three years. November 17, 18:2, he wedded Sallie E. Dysart, who was born July 6, 1859, and is the mother of seven children: Alex, Nola T., R. Dennie, James R .. Fannie. Polk and Tint. Mrs. Curtiss. died June 3, 1886, an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject was elected magistrate of his district in August, 1882, and has served as such up to the present date. He is a well educated man, and one who supports all enterprises for the public welfare. He is a Democrat politically.
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
I. S. DAVIDSON, M. D., was born near Fairfield, Bedford Co., Tenn., April 25, 1816, son of Andrew D. and Sarah (Muse) Davidson, who were natives of Wales, England. The paternal grandparents of our subject were born in the " Emerald Isle." Andrew D. and his first wife came to America at an early day. During his absence from home at one time the Indians, which were very numerous at that time. seized his wife and two chil- dren, and a young man and woman living with them, and made their escape to their camp. After a long and seemingly fruitless search he found his wife, but his children were both dead, and his wife shortly afterward died from fright and exposure. Our sub- ject assisted his father in clearing their farm, and labored under many disadvantages. His education was limited, owing to poor school facilities, at that time, but after he began earning his own living he attended school several sessions, and in this manner acquired a very good education. For over two years he was a medical student of Dr. Barkesdal, of Shelbyville, and attended lectures at Louisville, Ky., in 1841-42. March 27, 1843, he located at Richmond, Tenn., where he successfully practiced his profession up to the present time. May 16. 1844, he wedded Martha R. Smith. daughter of Reason and Sarah Smith. To Dr. and Mrs. Davidson were born eight children, two dying in infancy and one (Barkes- dal) was killed in the late war. Those living are John R., George H., Sarah A .. Alice, Mary A. and Maud. Dr. Davidson has accumulated all his property since he began his practice, and deserves much credit for the same, as he started in life for himself with noth- ing. The family are church members. The Doctor is a Democrat, and previous to the war was an old-line Whig.
ELNATHAN G. DAVIS, farmer and trader in live-stock, was born in Bedford Coun- ty. Tenn., on the farm where he is now living. December 29. 1825. His father, Elnathan Davis, was born in South Carolina in 1795, and in 1817 was married to Rebecca (Sivley) Davis, who was born in Tennessee in 1797. Of this union there were eight children reared to maturity. The father died August 12, 1856, in Bedford County, Tenn., and the mother November 6, 1885. Our subject received a practical education in the common schools, and has followed farming as his chief occupation. He has been married twice, the first time February 20, 1851, to Miss Mary E. Wilson, of Marshall County, Tenn. The fruits of this union were two children: John W. and Cleopatra. January 13. 1870, he took for his second wife Miss Jeffie E. Norton, daughter of H. W. Norton. To this union was born one child, Eugene G. Our subject, from physical disability, was exempt from the army, but the Davis family was represented by other members. Mr. Davis is an old-line Dem- ocrat. and a member of the I. O. O. F. He has 300 acres of as fine land as the country affords, all well cultivated, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
WILLIAM G. DAVIS, farmer, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., November 12, 1837, son of Elnathan and Rebecca (Sivley) Davis, and of Irish-German descent. (For further particulars of parents see sketch of Elnathan G. Davis.) Our subject was reared on the farm and received a rudimentary education in the common schools. He subse- quently attended Fairfield College, at Fairfield, Tenn., and October 28, 1858, he wedded Miss Mollie J. Norvell, daughter of Dr. A. S. Norvell, of Coffee County, Tenn. The fruits of this union were five children: Charles E .. born October 1, 1861; Willie J., born February 13, 1864; Frank P., born July 8, 1867; Emma Smith, born November 18, 1869, and Lena Bell, born October 28, 1871. Mrs. Davis was born in Shelbyville, Bedford Co., Tenn., March 22, 1842. Her father, Dr. A. S. Norvell, was born June 8, 1813, and her mother was born July 13, 1819. The former died in Coffee County, Tenn., February 2), 1876, and the latter died in the same county April 28, 1886. They were married in the year 1839. Mr. Davis has a farm of 140 acres in a fine state of cultivation. He is a Dem- ocrat in politics, and he and wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
J. B. DICKENS is a son of Daniel and Matilda (Putnam) Dickens, who were born in 1814. The father died October 13, 1874. The mother was drowned June 20, 1870, while crossing Duck River in a canoe. Our subject was the youngest of their eight children.
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BEDFORD COUNTY.
He was born in Bedford County, Tenn., October 13, 1852. The names of the children are Jasper N .. Andrew J., Nellie F., William C., Nancy J., Elizabeth C., Newton and our subject, who was married December 12, 1872, to Jeunic Foster, who was born November 21, 1852. To them were born a family of four children: Malcolm A., born in 1873; Clara A., born in 1876: Matilda F., born in 1880. and Sarah G., born in 1884. The mother was the youngest of seven children, their names being Eliza J., Almira M., Malcolm A., Sarah G., Caldonia T., Mary A. and Jennie. Our subject has been a fairly successful financier, and is one of the few men who have made their property through their own exertions. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and he is a Republican.
HENRY C. DICKERSON was born June 13, 1854, in Bedford County, Tenn. His father, Capt. James W. Dickerson. a native also of Bedford County, was born October 15, 1815. He married Miss Nancy Young. a native also of Bedford County, born in 1822. To this union were born nine children, of whom our subject is the sixth. Capt. James W. Dickerson, our subject's father, held several county offices, and since the war has followed agricultural pursuits, and now lives near Wartrace. The mother died October 12, 1871. Our subject was educated in the country schools, and lived with and assisted his parents on the farm until he reached his majority, when he was elected to the office of constable of his civil district, and served four years. In 1884 he was the Democratic nominee for sheriff of his county, but was defeated by a very few votes. July 11, 1885, he was ap- pointed deputy internal revenue collector by Col. John T. Hillsman for the Fifth Collec- tion District of Tennessee, which office he now holds. On December 30, 1885, he married Miss Mary E. Shofner, a native of Bedford County, and a daughter of P. W. and Nancy Shofner, horn January 1, 1860 He is a member of Shelbyville Lodge of F & 1. M His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has two brothers, William J., a prominent business man of Union City, Obion Co., Tenn., and John W. Dickerson, a prominent farmer of this county. This is one of the prominent families of Bedford County.
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