USA > Texas > Henderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
USA > Texas > Freestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
USA > Texas > Leon County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
USA > Texas > Anderson County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
USA > Texas > Limestone County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
USA > Texas > Navarro County > A memorial and biographical history of Navarro, Henderson, Anderson, Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties, Texas from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 77
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Mr. Brooks was married, in 1865, to Miss Rebecca Watson (see sketch of W. A. Watson). Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had nine children, namely: Virginia A., wife of H. Hast, of Limestone county; Francis A., wife of M. L. Hodges, of Clay county; Addie A., wife of J. M. Baron, of Lime- stone county; Nathaniel B., Bonie B., Hugh F., Richard P., Efford A. and Roy L. are all at home.
In politics Mr. Brooks is a Democrat of the reform type; has served as Constable for four years. He is a member of the K. of H., No. 2315, Thornton Lodge, also a member of the Farmers' Alliance, of which he is the secretary. Both he and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and, although Mr. Brooks has been a resident of this county bnt a few years, he is regarded as one of the most substan- tial men within its borders.
TUDGE L. B. PRENDERGAST, de- ceased,formerly a well-known citizen of Limestone county, was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, November 25, 1808; a son of Jolin B. Prendergast, a native of Caswell county, North Carolina. He moved to Tennessee at an early day, and later resided in Giles and Franklin coun- ties, where our subject was mainly reared.
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The latter was married December 13, 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Love, of Madison county, Tennessee. In 1839 they came to Franklin, Robertson county, Texas; three years later to Brazos county, and in 1846 to Limestone county. He was one of the first settlers in the county, as he was for many years one of its best citizens. He came overland to this State, through woods, over prairies, without roads or bridges, when the country was new and unsettled. He held a number of local offices in the county, among them being that of Chief Justice, from which his title of Judge was derived. Mr. Prendergast's homestead, located by John Karner and William Love, is located four miles southeast of the present town of Mexia, and was the first place settled in that locality. There the Judge lived the remainder of his life, from 1846 to March 3, 1885, the date of his death. He was actively engaged in farming, and originally bought 400 acres of land, but added to this by the purchase of 400 acres more; was in a prosperous condition before the war; was for many years a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and was a pious, exem- plary Christian. He was too old for service in the late war, but served on the frontier many years in an early day; was a member of a minute company, and took an active part in expeditions against the Indians. Mr. Prendergast was the father of nine children, viz .: Harry Davis, who, after serving in the late war, settled at Calvert, Texas, and was engaged in the practice of law at Austin until his death, which occurred in 1887; Martha, wife of Solomon Scruggs, of Limestone county ;
Elizabeth, wife of W. D. Marney, of Mexia; Joseph Basnr, who was killed at Murfrees- borough, Tennessee, while serving in the Confederate army in the late war; Thomas, a resident of Greer county; William, of Limestone county; Finis, of Marshall, this State; Ida, wife of J. M. Parker, of Lime- stone county; and Rhoda, widow of Dr. W. E. Hicks, of this county.
Mrs. Prendergast, now one of the oldest settlers of Limestone county, and a mem- ber of a distinguished Texas family, was born in Williamson county, Tennessee, in September, 1813, and was reared there to the age of thirteen. She was then taken by her parents to west Tennessee, where, in Madison county, December 13, 1832, she was married. She accompanied her husband to Texas in 1837, and shared his fortunes here until the date of his death. She still survives, and lives on the old homestead, an intelligent and well-pre- served old lady. Her father, Joseph Love, was a native of Kentucky, but reared near Nashville, Tennessee, where his father set- tled at an early day. The Loves, Wilsons and Whites, all relatives of Mrs. Prender- gast, were pioneers of the vicinity of Nashville, and were distinguished people. Joseph Love made two visits to Texas prior to his removing here permanently in 1839. He was then somewhat advanced in years, and passed his remaining days among his children, all of whom then liv- ing were residents of Texas. He had five sons, all well known in this State: James M., who settled at Tehuacana, Limestone county ; William, near Richmond, Navarro county: David, at field, Fair Freestone county; Andrew, in the same county, and
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Gilbert, in Robertson county. Two sons, John W. and Joseph B., died in Tennessee before the removal of the family to Texas. Mr. Love had only two daughters: Eliza- beth, who became the wife of L. B. Pren- dergast; and Mary D., who married a man named Weble in Tennessee, and died be- fore the family came to Texas. The five living sons, already mentioned, were all noted Indian fighters.
EORGE M. MARTIN, one of the leading stock men of Navarro county, was born in North Carolina in 1849, a son of William and Mary M. (Young) Martin, natives also of that State. The father, a farmer by occupation, died in 1870, and his wife in 1880. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew to years of maturity: Harriett, wife of L. T. Reed, of this county; George W., our subject; R. L., deceased; Caroline was the next in order of birthi; Basley, a resi- dent of this State; Joseph, of Greer county; Belle, wife of Richard Highnote, of this county.
George M. Martin was educated in the subscription schools of Tennessee, where his father had moved when he was five years of age. He began life for himself at the age of twenty years, and in 1874 came overland to Texas. He rented land in Navarro county seven years, and in 1880 purchased 100 acres of his present farm, then raw land, paying $5 per acre. He has added to his original purchase until he now owns 300 acres of fine land, with 150 acres cultivated, and the re- mainder in pasture. Until 1890 Mr.
Martin gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, but since that time he has been engaged in breeding and trading in fine driving horses. He has three animals that can make a mile in less than three minutes, and his stallion is a bay trotter, a noted horse. He keeps the best standard-bred stock in the county, and is also one of its most successful farmers.
Mr. Martin was married in 1870 to Miss Martha Cunningham, a native of Tennessee. They have had ten children, viz .: Elizabeth, deceased; William J., a resident of this county; Nora and Dora at home; Elijah, George, John, Doctor J. and Elbert R. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and our subject affiliates with the A. F. & A. M. and Farmers' Alliance. His first vote was cast for a Democratic president, and since that time he has always been active in that party.
EV. MAT BEASLEY, of Navarro county, Texas, is a son of Jesse Beas- ley, who was born in Wilson county, Tennessee, in 1805, a son of Wiley and Lucy (Parker) Beasley, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. Wiley Beasley
was a son of Ephraim and . - (Harris) Beasley, natives of Virginia. The family have been identified with the Baptist Church and the Democratic party for many years. Jesse .Beasley removed with his parents to Bedford county, Tennessee, at the age of about two years, twelve years later went by wagon to Greene county, Alabama, was there married, and then be- gan farming in Fayette county. In 1833
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
he began the same occupation in Choctaw county, Mississippi, where he was among the pioneer settlers; then went to Chicka- saw county, same State; and in 1848 came by wagon to Texas, having spent thirteen days in the Mississippi bottoms on account of high water. He first settled two miles east of onr subject's home, but in 1880 sold his land to H. H. Burk and then began the cattle business in Throckmorton county. He died at his son's home Feb- rnary 3, 1892. Politically he identified himself with the Democratic party, and while a resident of Fayette county served as Justice of the Peace. He united with the Missionary Baptist Church at the age of sixty-nine years. Our subject's mother, nee Elizabeth W. Roberts, was born in Tennessee, a daughter of Nathan and Abi- gal (Bishop) Roberts, natives of North Carolina. Nathan Robert's father was killed by the Indians at the time of the Revolutionary war. The Roberts family is of Irish and the Bishops of Dutch de- scent. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Beasley were married in 1828, and were the parents of fourteen children, viz: Wiley, a physician in Mills county, Texas; W. S., deceased in 1890; Mat, our subject; Martha A., wife of Ben Bragg; Samuel B., of Na- varro county; William P., of Iowa Park, Wichita county; Sarah M., wife of J. M. Frazier, of Navarro county; Joseph A. was the next in order of birth; Bettie, wife of C. L. Warren; Elijah, deceased; John T., who died in the Confederate army; James T., deceased; Luca A., de- ceased, was the wife of J. O. Evans, of Jack county, Texas; Jesse D., who was killed at the second battle of Manassas.
Rev. Mat Beasley, the subject of this sketch, was born in Choctaw connty, Mis- sissippi, in 1834, and in 1849 came with his parents to Texas. He remained at home until thirty-one years of age, but began work for himself when nineteen years old. In 1855 he began farmning and raising corn for what is now Fort Griffin, which he continued until 1859, and in that year returned home. In 1861 he began teaching, but the same spring en- listed in the Confederate service as Or- derly Sergeant of Company I, Fourth Texas Infantry; was promoted to Second Lieutenant, then First Lieutenant, and later as Captain, which position he held until sent home to gather up the absentees. He was wounded at Gaines' Mill during the seven days' fight around Richmond, and also shot and disabled at Chicka- mauga. After the close of the struggle, Mr. Beasley settled where he now resides. Our subject began life for himself with only 100 acres of land and about $700 in money, and has acquired what he now has by his own exertions. When thirty years of age he became a member of the Church, and while in the army at Zollicoffer, Ten- Dessee, was baptized by I. R. Vick. He was ordained to the ministry of the Bap- tist Church at Post Oak church in 1875, since which time he has been actively en- gaged in church work, and now has charge of forr different organizations. He has been at Post Oak since 1876, Betty's Chapel sixteen years, Chatfield six years, and Trinity Church one year. In politics Mr. Beasley is a Democrat and an anti- Prohibitionist. From 1888 to 1890 he served as County Treasurer.
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LIMESTONE, FREESTONE AND LEON COUNTIES.
Our subject was married January 13, 1865, to Eliza Conner, a native of Illinois, and a daugliter of Thomas and Ruth (Den- son) Conner. Mrs. Beasley was a member of the Baptist Church, and her death oc- curred November 3, 1889. Although Mr. Beasley has no children of his own, he has raised and provided for two, William Bell and Bessie L. Evans.
R. JOHN A. McGEE, a prominent physician and extensive land-owner of Rice, Navarro county, Texas, is a son of Dr. Josepli J. and Eliza Ann (Tem- pleton) McGee. His father was born in Will- iamson county, Tennessee, September 6, 1819, and was a son of Abraham and Sarah (Morris) McGee, natives of North Carolina. Abraham was the youngest of nine broth- ers and two sisters, was a successful farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, and was a pioneer settler of Henderson county, west- ern Tennessee, where lie (Abraham) raised a family of five sons and six daughters, four of whom yet live near the old home- stead, which is now Chester county, Ten- nessee. One son and five families of grand- children live in Texas. Abraham's father, Joseph (Sr.), was one of three brothers who came from Scotland prior to the Revolu- tionary war; in that struggle they enlisted, during which he was separated from the other two brothers and never knew of them afterward. He settled in North Carolina and raised a large family, a majority of whose descendants now live in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. His namesake, the father of the subject of this
sketch, received his literary training in Lexington, Tennessee, and his medical edu- cation at the University of Louisville, Ken- tucky, at which he graduated in 1842. He removed to Arkansas and began the prac- tice of his profession near the present site of Clarendon. In 1842 he removed to Texas, first settling, in December, 1846, at Mt. Enterprise, Rusk county, where he remained two years. He then went to Upshur county, and was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession near Longview until failing health obliged him to abandon it in 1854, after which he was extensively interested in the mercan- tile and sawmill business at Winnsbor- ough, Wood county. Politically, he affil- iated with the Whig party and later with the Democratic party. Socially, he was a Royal Arch Mason and was secretary of the Winnsborough Lodge No. 146 for many years. He was a self-made man of exemplary habits and was Ruling Elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years prior to his death, which occurred January 30, 1863. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born, reared and married on what is still known as the old Templeton Farm, in Chester, formerly Henderson, county, Tennessee, and now resides with her son, whose name heads this biography. Her parents, John and Sophia (Wilson) Templeton, were natives of the Old North State and liad four children: Margaret J., born June 14, 1819; Thomas W., born June 24, 1821; Ellen J., born December 12, 1823; and Eliza A., born March 21, 1826. The lat- ter and Thomas W. are the only ones now living. The father was a son of John and
39
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
Jane (White) Templeton, natives of Ire- land, who came to America about 1765 and settled in North Carolina. The maternal great-grandmother of the subject of this sketch was an aunt of Hugh L. White, a candidate for president of the United States in 1836. John Templeton was a prosperous farmer of Henderson county, Tennessee. His danghter, Eliza, was married to Dr. Joseph J. McGee Sep- tember 20, 1842, and they had four chil- dren: John A., the subject of this sketch, born November 8, 1844; Joseph T, born March 4, 1848, now a farmer and stock- raiser of Jones connty, Texas; Wilson T. and Willie V., twins, born July 14, 1859; the former died April 22, 1866. The lat- ter is a graduate of Trinity University at Tehuacana, Texas, also of the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee. He became a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and went to Oregon, where he married Miss Hattie Veatch, and they have one daughter, Willie. In 1891, he returned from Oregon and was first placed in charge of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church at Abilene, and later at Ladonia and Wolfe City, Texas, living at Ladonia.
Dr. John A McGee, whose name heads this brief notice, was born in Monroe county, Arkansas, in 1844, as previously stated, and accompanied his parents to the Lone Star State in 1846. When thirteen years of age, he became a clerk in his father's store at Winnsborough, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war. Feeling that he ought to lend his aid to the Confederate cause, he enlisted in Company A, Tenth Texas Cavalry, Captain
David McKnight, of Quitman, command- ing. He first served under General Ben McCulloch, in Arkansas; then under Gen- eral Hogg, father of the present Governor, who died at Corinth, Mississippi; subse- quently under General Cabel and after- ward under General Ector of the famous "Ector Brigade." After General Beaure- gard's retreat from Corinth, he was discharged at Tupelo, Mississippi, being under age, and returned home. In 1863 after his father's death, he re-enlisted in Company A, Second Texas Cavalry, Parti- san Rangers, Jolin W. Wilson, as Captain and Warren B. Stone, Colonel. They served as a cavalry command in Lonisiana and Arkansas under General Walter P. Lane, and in this command Mr. McGee remained until the close of the struggle. He then returned home and completed his educa- tion. The war left his father's estate a financial ruin, but his mother still owned the sawmill, with a heavy incumbrance. He took charge of the sawmill, and at the end of two years and a half he had cleared that property of all indebtedness and became its owner. He began the study of medicine under Dr. T. J. Linch, of Winnsborougli, later continuing under the instruction of Dr. E. P. Becton, of Sul- phur Springs, Texas. He then entered ' the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, the same institu - tion at which his father had graduated. Dr. McGee graduated at this institution in 1876, and at once began the practice of nedicine at Carrollton, Hopkins county, Texas, in partnership with Dr. T. J. Linch, his former preceptor. In 1877, Dr. McGee settled in Rice, where he has since
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been engaged in a successful and lucrative practice. In January, 1889, Dr. McGee formed a partnership with Dr. H. Sloan. Dr. McGee was thrown upon his own re- sources when eighteen years of age, and without assistance has accumulated a handsome competence. He now owns 1,068 acres of land, 600 of which is in Na- varro and Ellis counties near Rice, 400 be- ing under a fine state of cultivation. He is also interested with his brother, J. T., in a horse ranch in Jones county. The firm of Drs. McGee & Sloan do an annual busi- ness of $6,000. In 1876, the Doctor took the entire course in the Polyclinic Insti- tute of New York, and has identified him- self with everything that would aid him in his profession. He is a member of the American, Ellis County and State Medical Associations. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party. Socially, he be- longs to the Masonic order, of Rice Lodge, No. 577, Corsicana Chapter, and the Knights of Honor, No. 3,432. He be- longs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he has been a Ruling Elder for fourteen years. Mrs. McGee is a worthy member of the Methodist Church.
Dr. McGee was married January 24, 1878, to Miss Laura P. Sessions, a native of Navarro county, Texas, born July 25, 1856, and a daughter of Isaac B. and Minerva (Hammond) Sessions, a sketch of whose lives are embodied in this volume. They have five children: Edwin S., born November 12, 1878; Lyda, December 22, 1880: Roxie, February 6, 1885; Abe, April 13, 1888; and Laura, October 28, 1891.
Thus is exemplified the force of energy and perseverance, intelligently directed, and a perusal of the Doctor's career would furnish one of the best incentives to young men similarly situated, who aspire to be- come independent and honored.
DWIN R. HERRING, a respectable resident of the State of Texas, came to this State in 1855. He was born in Montgomery county, Tennessee, March 10, 1834. He was reared on a farm, and remained under the paternal roof until he reached his majority. His parents are Benjamin and Rachel (Whitfield) Herring, of North Carolina and Tennessee, respect- ively. The father served in the war of 1812, under General Jackson, at New Or- leans, and was a prominent planter and slave-owner. His death occurred in 1860. His wife, Rachel Whitfield, was a daughter of Bryant Whitfield, a prominent farmer and miller of Tennessee. The subject of this sketch is the youngest of eight chil- dren born to these parents, two of whom, besides himself, came to Texas.
In 1855 our subject made his way to Texas, leaving behind him a young wife, to whom he had been married but a few months. In the following year he brought his family to Texas with him. His first settlement was in Falls county, where he remained two years, and then removed to old Springfield, where he carried on the saddle and harness business, and also en- gaged in stock-raising.
In 1862 he closed up his business and enlisted in Sweet's regiment and served in
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HISTORY OF NAVARRO, HENDERSON, ANDERSON,
Louisiana and Arkansas with Captain Tyers, Fifteenth Texas Cavalry, which was 80011 afterward dismounted. The regiment served in Arkansas and Louisiana, and he was in some battles in Arkansas. Part of the command was captured, but our sub- ject, being sick at the time, escaped cap- ture and returned home. After his re- covery he returned to the seat of conflict, and served under Colonel Sweet. During his service he was Brigade Quartermaster, and when he entered Colonel Sweet's regi- ment he was made Regimental Quarter- master. Previons to being made Brigade Quartermaster, he served as Second Lieu- tenant, having risen to that office from the rank of private. At the close of the war he returned home and engaged in stock- raising and looking after his numerous in- terests. Here he remained until 1865, when he removed to his present location, where he bought a tract of 900 acres of land, on which was a small log cabin, and a small portion of which was under fence. He continued in the stock business until 1868; now, however, he engages in the raising of horses, having about 150 head. About 150 acres of his farm is cultivated, and on this land he raises cotton, corn, oats and farm produce. When he has more of the latter product than he can use, he markets it at Mexia.
Mr. Herring's first marriage was to Miss Susan H. Killebrew, daughter of Edwin and Mary Killebrew, the father a farmer and brick manufacturer. By this marriage Mr. Herring had four children, two of whom died when young. The two re- maining are: Edwin K., married, living at Marlin, in the drug business; and Will-
iam B., yet at home. The wife and mother died in 1869, and the same year, in the fall, Mr. Herring married again, this time Miss Laura Wylie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Wylie, of Tennessee, who came to Texas in 1858. The father was a farmer, and died in this county in 1886. By this last marriage four children have been born, namely: Brooks, Noble O., Sam B. and Frank T., all at home. The wife and mother was born February 15, 1847.
Mr. Herring is a member of I. O. O. F., and himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Formerly, our subject affiliated with the Democratic party, but has now espoused the platform of the third party, claiming it to contain the principles of pure Democracy.
J. OLIVER, a successful farmer of Hornhill, Limestone county, was born in Shelby county, Texas, Feb- ruary 3, 1848, a son of Malachi and Betsie (Powdrell) Oliver. The father, a native of North Carolina, came to Texas about 1840, locating in Shelby county. Shortly afterward he married Betsie Powdrell, a native of Mississippi and a daughter of Thomas Powdrell. The latter was born in England, and was a pioneer settler of Texas. Mr. Oliver passed the most of his life in Shelby county, dying there in July, 1879, aged over seventy years. He was a farmer by occupation, a man of small means, but industrious, and was highly re- spected. His wife also died in Shelby county, in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver had
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six sons: Thomas, a resident of Shelby county; A. J., our subject; William, de- ceased in Leon county; Samnel A., a resi- dent of McLennan county; Albert, of Shelby county, and George, in this county.
A. J. Oliver came from Falls county, Texas, to Limestone county, January 1, 1876, and took up his residence on Horn- hill, in the vicinity of which he has since lived. In 1879 he purchased 106 acres of land of Philpott & Karner, in the Murry survey, located west of Hornhill. In 1882 he bought 106 acres more adjoining, later 207 acres, then 200 acres, and after- ward sixty-one and a half acres, owning in all 680 acres. He now has over 300 acres of his land under a fine state of cultiva- tion, all under fence; erected a comfortable dwelling, at a cost of $1,200, and has a fine orchard. Mr. Oliver owns consider- ยท able stock, and raises an abundance of Texas' chief products-cotton and corn. His land is fine black soil, and his farmn is one of the best improved and most desir- able places in the vicinity of Hornhill. When he made his first purchase of land he had only $30 in money, four head of horses and twenty head of cattle, and with this as a start he has inade what he now owns.
Our subject was married November 16, 1878, to Florie Ann McGee, a native of Scott county, Mississippi, but reared in Newton county, that State, and a daughter of John McGee. Her parents came to Limestone county, Texas, in 1873, where the mother died August 2, 1890, aged seventy years. The father still resides in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McGee were the parents of fourteen children, eleven of
whom grew to years of maturity, viz .: William Thomas; Perry Felix; Arthur; John; Lorrin; Carrie, wife of Jolin Dia- mond; Rosa, wife of William Jones; Ma- tilda, widow of Daniel Barnett; Florie Ann, wife of our subject; Ada, now Mrs. C. V. Talkett; and Lou, wife of G. W. Posey. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have had four children: Lou Etta, Mary, Andrew Jackson and George Edward. Our subject and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are industrious and highly respected citizens. ,
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