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Class F537
Book 1313
Copyright N.º.
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT
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Robert M. Dessureau
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY WISCONSIN
From U. S. Government Survey To Present Time, With Biographical Sketches
By ROBERT M. DESSUREAU
Member of Wisconsin State Historical Society Wisconsin Archeological Society Langlade County Historical Society
ILLUSTRATED
COPYRIGHTED 1922 (Robert M. Dessureau)
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BERNER BROS. PUBLISHING CO. ANTIGO, WISCONSIN
=587 ._ 3 1 :
CCIA 692832
DEC 15 1922
Dediratimt
On the rugged pioneer whose uncomputerable spirit braurd the trials and dangers of the New North that posterity might benefit, this work is respectfully dediratri.
SQUIRE 1. TAYLOR The Founder of Langlade County. Born, 1506. Died, Feb. 22, 1902.
PREFACE
It should be stated that the primary motive of the writer has not been to pre- sage the future development of the county, but to set down, without personal inter- pretation, to the best of his ability, the story of the Langlade County pioneer, who blazed the trail for those who followed.
Time passes swiftly. There is approaching that hour when the last pioneer will pass to his reward, and with this thought as his inspiring motive, the writer began the task of setting down, while yet there are a few from whose lips the story can be told, the deeds, trials, tribulations and monumental efforts of that vanguard of mor- tal souls who first trod the soil of Langlade County.
If the Wisconsin Geographical Society, organized in the village of Antigo in 1883, had followed ont its purpose as its leaders intended it should, the achievements of the early settlers of Langlade County would be as fresh as if occurrences of yester- day and an accurate and complete link between the past and present could easily be obtained. But such was not done. The golden opportunity has passed. Complete records of early county and township affairs are in many instances not properly in- dexed or not to be found. Nevertheless the writer is indebted to school district, township, city of Antigo and County officials, a host of pioneers, the State Histori- cal Society, the Wisconsin Archeological Society, the press and others for invalu- able assistance rendered.
Where data was not obtained through creditable records statements of pioneers have been relied on: where they have differed as to facts a reconciliation of differ- ences has been made according to the preponderance of evidence.
Space has been devoted to recent history and attention has been given to recent industrial and social progress.
Rather than fuse the entire manuscript into one conglomerated mass the writer has divided the work into four sections: 1-Langlade County as a unit; 2-The City of Antigo; 3-the Townships distinctly apart from the County as a unit, with school district subdivisions; and, lastly, 4-the Biographical element.
The progress of the county and its institutions is given in a narration of those leading historical events selected because of their outstanding importance after a lapse of almost a half century. If this humble and unassuming compilation of those events shall give any pleasure to pioneers still living or to posterity, the writer will have attained all it should be his privilege to anticipate.
Inaccuracies and omissions may have crept in. Lack of records, the inexperi- ence of the writer or the fact that no one living were associated with certain events would be the reason for such. Therefore the writer meekly asks the indulgence of the reader for while it is human to err it is divine to forgive.
The writer does not feel satisfied that this volume adequately expresses the per- iod of expansion in Langlade County since 1853 to date. However, it is hoped that the charitable reader and critic will recognize, at least, this first attempt made to de- pict intelligently the leading occurrences that have during less than a half century laid the immovable foundation upon which progressive Langlade County builds for a greater tomorrow.
MAY, 1922.
Robert M. Dessureau
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I THE INDIAN-EPITOME OF WISCONSIN HISTORY
Aborigines-Mound Builders-Habitat-Missionaries-Wisconsin Ter- ritory-The Badger State 1
CHAPTER II SIEUR CHARLES DE LANGLADE
Augustin De Langlade-Birth of Charles - Prestige over Ottawas- His Life and Death 5
CHAPTER III GEOGRAPHY
Location of Langlade County-Boundary-Population-Area 6
CHAPTER IV THE PIONEER
Hardships - Life - Hospitality -Their Homes-Christian Charity .... 9
CHAPTER V ORGANIZATION OF LANGLADE COUNTY
Rule of Four Nations-Territorial Government-Land Districts-New County - S. A. Taylor - Langlade County Created - Boundary Error - County of Keeps - Matt Carpenter County - Terri- torial Changes 12
CHAPTER VI FINANCIAL AND OFFICIAL
Early County Finances-Comparative Financial Statements - County Officials, 1881-1922 16
CHAPTER VII TAVERNS, OLD STOPPING PLACES, HOTELS
Famous Log Cabins-Ranches on Lake Superior Trail-Old Dutch Frank's-Military Road Stopping Places-Early Antigo Hotels- Present Antigo Hotels 18
CHAPTER VIII INDIAN TRAILS, ROADS, TRANSPORTATION Lake Superior Trail-Military Road-Tote Roads-Wholesale Land Grants-Pioneer Life on Military Road - Road Petitions - Rail- roads-Trunk Lines-Commissioners. 21
CHAPTER IX
PIONEER LUMBERING ON WOLF AND EAU CLAIRE RIVERS Improvement Concerns - Great Log Drives - Early Lumbermen- Dams on Rivers-Maine Timbermen in Langlade. 30
CHAPTER X COUNTY POLITICS AND PARTIES Political Parties-Old Leaders-Personal Politics-Political Wigwam - Women in Politics - Breaking of Ties - County Presidential Vote, 1884-1920
33
CHAPTER XI SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
Ordinance of 1787-First County School - Pioneer Methods-Antigo Schools-Antigo Superintendents-Historical Society - Graduates of Antigo High School and County Normal 37
CHAPTER XII INDUSTRIES, 1873-1922
First Saw Mill in County-Antigo's First Mill - Review of Industries Since 50
CHAPTER XIII BANKS AND FINANCES, LANGLADE COUNTY
Early Charters - Banking Laws - National Bank Act - First County Bank-First National Bank-Antigo Banks-County Banks 55
CHAPTER XIV COURTS, LAWS, LAWYERS
First Circuit Court-Judges-Jury Trials-Murder Cases - Municipal Court Act-Grand Jury 57
CHAPTER XV MILITARY HISTORY
De Langlade Recruits Indians-Civil War Veterans-Spanish-Ameri- can War-Fred Springstead-The World War 61
CHAPTER XVI TEMPERANCE, PROHIBITION
Dry Regime in Antigo, 1878 - 1885-The Fight of 1886-Blind Pigs- Good Templars-Anti-Saloon League in Antigo-County Prohibi- tionists-The Campaign of 1884-W. C. T. U .- Moonshine-Law and Order 82
CHAPTER XVII METEOROLOGY
Coldest Season-Dryest-Warm Years-Meteoric Phenomena-Fires -Cyclones 84
CHAPTER XVIII AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING
First Farm in County - Difficulties and Impediments-Homesteaders -County Fairs, Dairying and Breeders' Associations
88
CHAPTER XIX MEDICINE, DOCTORS, CHIROPRACTORS
First Hospital-Writings of Hypocrates-Medical Societies-First Doc- tor-Present Physicians-Dentists-Chiropractors 92
CHAPTER XX SOIL FORMATION IN LANGLADE COUNTY
General Character of Surface - Glacial Drifts - Ledges - Elevation Above Sea Level 95
CHAPTER XXI ANTIGO, THE COUNTY SEAT
Surroundings-F. A. Deleglise's Plans - Population - Village - City -The Fight to Incorporate 98
CHAPTER XXII HON. FRANCIS A. DELEGLISE
Birthplace - Early Life - Parentage - Military and Public Career -
Marriage - His Death 103
CHAPTER XXIII CITY OF ANTIGO OFFICIALS
First Mayor - City Clerks - Treasurers - Engineers - Health Of- ficers - Attorneys - Aldermen - Chiefs of Fire and Police De- partments 105
CHAPTER XXIV ORIGINAL CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ANTIGO
Wards - First Election - Power of Council - Ordinances - Char- ter of 1905 109
CHAPTER XXV CITY ADMINISTRATIONS, 1885 - 1922
Mayor Thomas W. Lynch - M. M. Ross Administration - Adminis- trations of Every Mayor, Including Mayor Charles J. Hanzel 128
CHAPTER XXVI NEWSPAPERS OF NEW AND LANGLADE COUNTIES
New County Republican - Langlade Republican - Woodland Homes Weekly News Item - The Special - The Forward - Herold - Antigo Republican - Antigo Daily Journal - Antigo Herald Antigo Banner - Press Meetings 144
CHAPTER XXVII THE ANTIGO POSTOFFICE
First Established Antigo Postoffice - Niels Anderson - Rural Routes - Old Locations - New Postoffice - Postmasters 147
CHAPTER XXVIII ANTIGO CHURCHES
Congregational - Methodist - Catholic - Adventist - Unity Evan- gelical - Peace Evangelical - Baptist - Episcopal - Zion - Christian Science - Kahaal Adaas Yesiu 149
CHAPTER XXIX LITERATURE, ART, MUSIC
Unwritten Literature of the Pioneer - Antigo's First Singing Mas- ter - Neighborhood Entertainment - Early Bands - Antigo City Band 155
CHAPTER XXX COMMERCIAL ANTIGO
Business Firms of Today - Location - Association of Commerce 158
CHAPTER XXXI PIONEER MERCHANTS AND BUILDINGS
Merchants of 1879 - Fifth Avenue a Wilderness - Real Estate Of- fices - Business Conditions - Old Opera House - The Approach of a New Era 163
CHAPTER XXXII PUBLIC UTILITIES
Volunteer and Paid Fire Departments - Telephone Industry - Elec- tric Systems - Antigo Water Department - Police - City Fi- nances 165
CHAPTER XXXIII ANTIGO LODGES, CLUBS, SOCIETIES
Odd Fellows - Masonic - K. of C. - K. of P. - Labor Organizations - Beavers - Eagles - Moose - M. W. A. - Others 169
CHAPTER XXXIV U. S. GOVERNMENT SURVEY OF LANGLADE COUNTY Rolling Surveyed in 1854 - Other Civil Divisions Surveyed 174
CHAPTER XXXV ACKLEY TOWNSHIPS No. 31 N., R. 9-10 E. Area- Organization- Location- School Districts- Early Settlers .. 176
CHAPTER XXXVI AINSWORTH TOWNSHIPS No. 33-34 N., R. 12 E. U. S. Survey - Organization - Cleveland Township - Officials. 184
CHAPTER XXXVII ANTIGO TOWNSHIP No. 31, N., R. 11 E.
Town of Springbrook - Early Roads- Districts - Settlers - Schools 188
CHAPTER XXXVIII ELCHO TOWNSHIPS No. 34, N., R. 10-11 E. Lakes - Timber Belt - Village of Elcho - First Election - Early In- dustries - Districts 195
CHAPTER XXXIX ELTON TOWNSHIPS 31, 32, 33, N., R. 14 E., Etc.
Largest Civil Division - Area - First Town Meeting - Langlade Fights Elton - Langlade, White Lake, Markton Called Dobbs- ton - Hollister 200
CHAPTER XL EVERGREEN TOWNSHIP No. 31 N., R. 13 E.
Wolf River Township - Village of Elton - Districts of Evergreen 206
CHAPTER XLI LANGLADE TOWNSHIPS No. 32-33, N., R. 13 E.
The Famous Lost Nation - Organization of Langlade - History of Pickerel, Elm Grove and Kent Districts 209
CHAPTER XLII NEVA TOWNSHIP No. 32, N., R. 11 E.
Derivation of Name - Early Settlers - Officials - Districts - Indus- tries - Schools - Churches - Agriculture 214
CHAPTER XLIII NORWOOD TOWNSHIP No. 30, N., R. 12 E.
Phlox Settlers - Organization of Districts- Riverside- Maple Grove Apple Grove - Sugar Bush - Mayking. 220
CHAPTER XLIV PECK TOWNSHIP No. 32 N., R. 10 E.
Location - Area - Organization - First Officials - Survey of 1860 - Ormsby - Badger District - Friebel, Blue Bell, Rose Dale Re- gions 226
CHAPTER XLV POLAR TOWNSHIP No. 31 N., R. 12 E.
Survey of 1857 - H. B. Polar, Indian Trader and Pioneer - Detach- ments from Original Polar - Districts - Industries 231
CHAPTER XLVI PRICE TOWNSHIP No. 32 N., R. 12 E.
Congressman W. T. Price - Town of Eagle - Davis Mill Ticket - Officials of Price - Malcolm - Bryant Village 235
CHAPTER XLVII ROLLING TOWNSHIP No. 30 N. R. 11 E.
Pioneer Settlers - Organization - Industries - Milltown - School Districts - Elmhurst Village 240
CHAPTER XLVIII SUMMIT TOWNSHIPS No. 33-34 N., R. 9 E.
Survey of 1860 and 1864 - Timber Belt - Summit Lake - Parrish Township - Sleepy Hollow - Sunny Slope - Rocky Glen - Call- sen - Parrish Village 247
CHAPTER XLIX UPHAM TOWNSHIP No. 33 N., R. 10-11 E.
Early Assemblage of Pioneers - Organization - Industries - Schools - Districts of Upham 252
CHAPTER L VILAS TOWNSHIP No. 32 N., R. 9 E.
Government Survey of 1860 - Township Organization - School Dis- tricts - Pioneers - Industries 257
CHAPTER LI HISTORICAL NOTES
Chairmen of County Board - Vacated Townships - S. A. Taylor, Booster of a New County - How Larzelere Paved the Way - Miscellaneous 261
CHAPTER LII COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Importance of Biography - The Life of W. L. Ackley, First Settler in Langlade County - Sketches of Pioneers and Present Settlers. 266
History of Langlade County
CHAPTER I. The Indian Epitome of Wisconsin History
Aborigines in Wisconsin-Mound Builders-Habitat-Custom-Post Lake-The Wolf River-Wis- consin and Fox River Valleys-Missionaries-The Badger Territory from Nicolet to 1848- Wisconsin As A State-Wisconsin In The World War.
While it is the purpose of confining this work ex- clusively to Langlade County, yet the reader may be in- terested in a brief sketch of our state from the time when the Indian roamed at will to date.
When the first Europeans settled on American soil they found the Indians occupying the country. It was then the prevailing opinion that the Indian was of one common family, possessing similar habits and speaking
the conclusive opinion among anthropologists that the various people inhabiting the American continent sprang from one common stock, the Mongolian, in Eastern Asia.
The Indian possessed marked peculiarities of fea- tures, high cheek bones, long straight black hair, a red or copper colored skin, black eyes and was erect in stature.
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CHIPPEWA INDIANS AND THEIR WIGWAM.
These Indians of the famous Algonquin Tribe, are restless and nomadic. This group was encamped near Otter Lake, Elcho township. Note the skins, construction of the wigwam and the birch bark canoes-"We-ka-see-gee-mon." The high powered rifle in the hands of the "Chief" is a striking con- trast to the weapons used by those savage warriors shown in the picture of De Langlade's battle with the English under General Braddock.
identically the same tongue. This error was soon dis- pelled with a more extended observation and intimate relations with these people in different sections of the country. Slowly it was disclosed that there were many tribes and combinations of tribes or nations, so to speak, differing radically in language, habit, custom and degree of civilization. As time passed it became
The villages of the Red Men were composed of very rude huts or wigwams made of poles driven into the ground and then tied at the top with buckskin lacing. Except to exhibit as trophies or to torture to death, few prisoners were taken in battle. The Indian was haugh- ty and taciturn. He disliked a coward and it was fortunate for the Whites, if when Indians visited their
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
cabins, they did not show any evidence of fear. The Indian was quick to admire those Whites, who were bold and defiant.
The belief of old that there was not a good Indian but a dead one is erroneous and is one of the wrongs the Red Men have suffered at the hands of the invad- ing Whites. Greed and lust for land and power may account for the remainder. That the Indian was sav- age and cruel, crafty and often treacherous is doubtless a fact; but the truth is our ancestors wanted the val- leys of the Rock, the Fox, the Chippewa and the Mis- sissippi rivers for their exploitation. It was neces- sary to dethrone the original owners and this was often accomplished, not by honorable purpose of treaties, but by superior forces, skill and the flint-lock. We can learn little of our first inhabitants from the few left within our borders, for the Indians are a people of legend and tradition, handed down from gen- eration to generation, and not of recorded his- tory. We must go to the records of the French Missionaries, who first lived among them to acquaint ourselves with their lives, manners, customs and beliefs. From the journals of these men we learn that Wisconsin was once the home of differ- ent nations of three great Indian tribes-Iroquois, Sioux and Algonquins. We have only to cite the fact that Powhatan, King Philip, Tecumseh, Pontiac and the famous Black Hawk, were all leaders of these na- tions. The Pottawattomies on Green Bay Island were the most restless of the Algonquin tribes. The Sacs, Fox, and Outagamies lived first in the Fox River Val- ley, but later were pushed west and their trails and vil- lages cover the valley of the Wisconsin.
The Mound Builders of Wisconsin are known by rea- son of the remains they have left. As the scientists of today study the relics and bones of a vanished peo- ple they find the presence of numerous mounds, chief- ly in southern Wisconsin. These Mounds were locat- ed usually on natural lines of travel and the places where groups of them have been found, indicates an early occupation by considerable number of people. The mounds are of all sizes and shapes and we sup- pose they were classified according to purpose. Man has faithfully searched and contrived in his desire to answer these questions.
THE INDIAN IN LANGLADE COUNTY.
There is no question that before the settlement of Langlade County missionaries and Indian traders utiliz- ed the old Indian trails, the Lake Superior Trail and parts of the Wolf River for transportation. Their canoes and bateaux, small and light, were propelled by oars. Only small articles could be carried. Post
Lake was once a trading post between French and Indians. Large trees have grown up about the ruins of an old trading post there, thus establishing abundant proof of its existence. Settlers residing at Upper Post Lake can recall olden days when the east bank of the lake was dotted with the wigwams of the Potta- wattomies. David Edick, pioneer Wolf river settler, has identified a Jesuit missionary ring bearing the in-
signia, "I. H. S." and a small cross found on the east shore of the lake.
But a few years ago the main street of Antigo was visited by many Indian braves and their squaws, who went among the merchants and residents selling blue- berries, maple sugar, black cherry bark, wild ginseng or shipping bales of evergreen. They still come to Antigo from the Indian reservation, but only to sell baskets
Langlade County had among its early settlers many adventurers and prospectors, the most of whom were industrious settlers. They moved into the wilder- ness, erecting cabins or shacks near a creek or river, and in their trading with the passing Indians often met and married young Indian maidens who proved faithful and devoted wives. These men are some- times called "Squaw Men."
MISSIONARIES AND EXPLORERS.
A half century before Philadelphia was settled by white men, Jean Nicolet, professional French inter- preter and explorer, was dispatched from Quebec by Samuel de Champlain. Nicolet no doubt landed on the shore of Green Bay, negotiated with the Indians, made explorations and returned to Canada. In 1655 Pierre Espirit Raddison and Medard Chourrt des Gro- selliers, fur traders, went down the Fox River as far as the present site of Portage and crossed over the Wisconsin river. Reinforced by a band of Huron Indians these same roving fur traders explored the south shore of Lake Superior and built a crude water- side fort between the present sites of Ashland and Washburn.
In 1661 Father Pierre Menard, Jesuit Missionary came to Kewaunee Bay and while descending the Wis- consin river was lost and probably perished in the wild- erness or met death at the hands of the Indians. Four years later Father Claude Allouex was sent here to re-open a mission at Chequamegon Bay, which place he named "La Pointe Du Saint Espirit," (The point of the Holy Ghost.) In 1669 he was relieved by a younger Jesuit, Father Jacques Marquette. Nicholas Perrot, prominent adventure and fur trader, vis- ited Wisconsin in 1666 and dealt with the Indians at Green Bay. In 1763 by the treaty of Paris, Wiscon- sin came under the control of England and after the Revolution was attached to the United States.
During the Revolutionary War, the Indians and French in Wisconsin were hostile. In the War of 1812 the Indians actually participated against the United States. After the Black Hawk War and the discovery of lead mines in Southern Wisconsin, there was a great influx of immigrants. The state was in succession a part of Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, finally the Wiscon- sin territory in 1836. Wisconsin was admitted into the
Union May 29th, 1848. Among the chief historical events in its earlier history as a state were the whole- sale granting of lands to railroad companies, the politi- cal gathering at Ripon leading toward the organization of the Republican party and the part Wisconsin took in the Civil War, where it raised more than its quota
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
of men and money. Wisconsin has been a strong Re- publican state politically.
After the Civil War the state grew rapidly in pop- ulation. Its soil by far its greatest natural resource became the field of intense cultivation and today the products of Wisconsin exceed $250,000,000 in value annually.
When the United States entered the World War, Wisconsin National Guards won praise everywhere. The 32nd Division, Wisconsin and Michigan troops, were designated "Les Terribles" by General Mangin, French Commander. The people at home maintained a spirit not seldom exhibited, gave their general and hearty support in all Liberty Loan and other drives. Red blooded Americans left their business, their homes and those dear to them to don the uniform, thus dem- onstrating as War Governor Emanuel L. Phillip said, "The love of country and flag is strong among the people." In another section n we discuss the part Langlade County played in the World War.
The financial expenditure in the World War daily was approximately $117,000,000. At that rate the total cost of the entire war was $183,339,000,000. Taxation, international credits, floating of foreign and domestic loans was the means whereby such vast sums of money were raised. The reader can turn to the chapter on military history of Langlade County to find what amount the citizens raised in the various bond loans during the great conflict. When the first Liber- ty Loan was offered for subscription May 14, 1917, reports poured into general headquarters at Washing- ton, D. C., from every section of the country. The is- sue, amounting to $2,000,000,000 was raised success- fully. 4,000,000 more than the necessary number of subscribers came forth to assist Uncle Sam.
Six months elapsed and on October 1, 1917, the sec- ond Liberty Loan was launched. It met with popular favor. The issue was over-subscribed in one of the greatest national campaigns ever held in the United States. 9,500,000 citizens subscribed to the issue, which called for $3,000,000,000.
April 6, 1918-the anniversary day of America's en- try into the war-was celebrated by the Third Liberty Loan in which $3,000,000,000 was offered. The drive was one of the memorable events connected with the war. May 4, 1918, it was closed with an over sub- scription of $1,176,516,850.
Twenty-two million American citizens subscribed for Liberty Bonds in the Fourth Loan launched Sep- tember 28, 1918, and ending October 19, 1918. The appeal was for $6,000,000,000 and was over-subscrib- ed. This was the greatest financial undertaking ever recorded.
The last drive-the Fifth Liberty Loan was launch- ed April, 1919, and ended May 10, 1919. Amid pa- triotic fervor seldom exhibited America sent the Vic- tory Loan over the top and made the ultimate defeat of the enemy possible sooner.
In these financial drives Wisconsin played its part admirably, subscribing a total of $333,633,800 in the
five drives. Langlade County subscribed a total of $1,678,150 in all Liberty Loan drives.
But Wisconsin accomplished many other notable achievements besides backing up the Liberty Loan drives. The Red Cross, The Y. M. C. A., the Knights of Columbus, the United War Work drives, soldier's aid, soldier's dependents aid, the four minute men, the states man power, enlisted men and drafted men, the state public service reserve, the community labor boards, federal employment offices, food and fuel ad- ministration, the non-war construction organizations, the county councils of defense, the Wisconsin draft administration, the legal advisory boards, the district and local Boards of Exemption, the war savings and thrift stamp campaigns, the activities of the public and parochial schools,-these and others were vital factors in the winning of the great war.
The raising of the National Army in Wisconsin was one of the outstanding feats in state history. Provost Marshal Crowder, the head of the Selective Service Department in Washington, D. C., in this connection said: "It remains the ultimate test and proof of the intrinsic political idea upon which American institu- tions of Democracy and local self-government are bas- ed." He was not mistaken in what the outcome would be. Major E. A. Fitzpatrick, state draft administra- tor, received the following message from General Crowder, when the armistice was signed' November 11, 1918: "I take this opportunity to convey my con- gratulations upon the vigorous and systematic man- ner in which the whole administration of the Selective Service System has been conducted in the State of Wisconsin." And these words from General Crowder are a testimonial as to the efficiency of all war organ- izations in each county-for without a sense of cour- age and responsibility and cooperation by all organi- zations the success of the Selective Service Law would have been imperiled.
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