History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 81

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Pierce, Eben Douglas
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago Winona : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1318


USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 81


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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1


MR. AND MRS. OLE GRANRUD-JACOB PEDERSON (HOMESTAD) AND FAMILY


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ship. Emil is on the old homestead and Karen is a student in the Osseo High School. The family are members of the Norwegian church. Since Mr. Pederson's death Mrs. Pederson has still further enlarged the size of the farm, having purchased 120 acres more, of which 80 lie in section 9 and 40 in section 10. The farm contains 360 acres, over 40 of which lie in Sumner Township. The estate is a valuable one, highly improved and well taken care of, so as to reach the highest point of productiveness.


Ole Granrud, a pioneer of Trempealeau County in 1868, was a native of Norway, where he married Karen Anderson. In 1866 he came with his wife and family to the United States, locating first in Fillmore County, Minnesota, whence he soon came to Trempealeau County, taking a home- stead of 120 acres in section 4, Hale Township, he being the first settler in the South Branch District. He and his family began life here in true pioneer style, living the first summer in a dug-out with lumber roof, the lumber for which was obtained at Hamburg. In the fall Mr. Granrud built a larger dug-out, with lumber, hay and sod roof, in which he and his family resided until 1874, when, his circumstances having improved, he built a fine house. In 1893 he sold the farm and for the next three years he and his wife resided with their daughter, Mrs. Jacob Pederson. At the end of that time he bought a farm in Sumner Township, onto which he moved, and which he operated for about seven years. He then returned to his daugh- ter's home, where he died in 1900. His wife survived him but a short time, dying in 1902. Their children were: Elle, now deceased; Andrew, deceased; Anne, wife of Jacob Pederson, and Ole, now living in Tacoma, Wash.


Anton W. Liver, a member of the firm of Liver & Torgerson, hardware dealers in Independence, was born in the village of Sarn, Canton of Grau- buenden, Switzerland, Feb. 3, 1857, son of Anton and Clara (Wazau) Liver. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in Switzerland in 1867, and two years later, or in 1869, his wife also passed away. Young Anton, thus left an orphan at the age of 12 years, was reared by his father's sister, Mrs. Ursula Masueger. In 1874, when only 17 years old, he came to the United States, locating first in Milwaukee, where he found employment and remained a year. He then removed to Buffalo County, Wis., and learned the tinner's trade at Alma, working at it there for some two years. Sub- sequently he followed it in Independence until 1881, in which year he opened a hardware store for himself in the village, conducting it until 1888. He then purchased the interest of Ferd Horst in the hardware firm of Danuser & Horst, the style of the firm being changed to Danuser & Liver. In 1894 Christ Torgerson bought the interest of Mr. Danuser, since which time the business has been carried on under the style of Liver & Torgerson. The firm has an up-to-date store, keeping a good and complete stock, and enjoys a large and profitable patronage. Mr. Liver is a stockholder in the State Bank of Independence, and for some time has taken a more or less active part in local government matters. His service in this connection includes nine years as clerk of the school board, two years as a member of the village council and the same length of time as its president, and six years as a member of the county board of supervisors. He is a member, trustee


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and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Liver was married, April 28, 1880, to Mary Russell, of Burnside Township, whose father, William, a farmer born in Scotland, settled in Trempealeau County in 1875 and resided there until his death in 1886. Her mother, whose maiden name was Eliza- beth Muir, died in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Liver have had five children: Clara, who married Alven Elstad, of Independence, and died at the age of 30 years ; William, who died at the age of 18 months ; Pearl, who died at the age of 15 months ; Iva and Bessie, who are residing at home with their parents.


William K. Levis, a pioneer, was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1814, and there married Mary Blanchard, who was born in 1823. He came to Black River Falls, this State, in 1846, and operated a sawmill there until 1860. Then he moved to Alma Center, in Jackson County. From there in 1867 he came to Trempealeau, and settled on a farm some two miles north of the village of Osseo. After a long and useful life on the farm he moved to the village in 1890, and here died in 1898, his wife surviving until 1907.


Clark M. Levis, meat dealer at Osseo, was born in Black River Falls, Wis., June 8, 1859, son of William K. and Mary (Blanchard) Levis. He spent his early boyhood in his native town, and at Alma Center, Jackson County, this State. In 1867, while still a youth, he was brought to Osseo, and was reared on a farm some two miles away. He worked with his father for a while, purchased 80 acres of the farm in 1883, and the remainder in 1899, and there remained until 1904, when he came to Osseo and established his present business. A public-spirited man, he has served on the village council six years, and as county supervisor one year. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Levis was married, June 1, 1884, to Della Sawyer, daughter of John and Caroline (Chase) Sawyer, of Eau Claire County, and they have one daughter, Gladys C., born July 26, 1896.


Andrew C. Hagestad, proprietor of the Hagestad Stock Farm, which embraces the old Hagestad homestead in section 19, Ettrick Township, is one of the best-known agriculturists in this county. He has a wide reputa- tion as a breeder of Holstein-Fresian cattle, he has been an important factor in many farmers' organizations, and he has been very active indeed in church, school and township affairs. Like his father before him, he is energetic and progressive, and is recognized as one of the most useful citizens in the community. A native of this county, he was born on the place where he now lives, Jan. 23, 1876, son of Knut K. and Astri (Knutson) Hagestad, the early settlers. He was reared to farm pursuits, attended the public schools, and in the winters of 1896-97 he attended the College of Agriculture at the State University, receiving his diploma in the spring of 1897, thereafter became his father's partner in conducting the farm, acquir- ing a half interest in the place. In the winter of 1917, before his father's death, he secured the other half interest and is now the sole owner. On this place he successfully conducts agricultural operations along the latest approved lines. In connection with his breeding of Holstein-Fresian cattle, he owns the noted sire, "Prince Korndyke," No. 177,392, whose dam,


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MRS. K. K. HAGESTAD-A. C. HAGESTAD AND FAMILY-K. K. HAGESTAD


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Princess De Kol Echo, has a world-wide reputation for having in a stated tested period given 98 pounds of milk a day and produced over 28 pounds of butterfat in a week. The farm is also known for its Berkshire swine and Single-comb White Leghorn poultry. Aside from his farm holdings, Mr. Hagestad has extensive business interests, including stock in the Ettrick Creamery, of which he is vice-president; in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company, of which he is a director, and in the Ettrick Lumber Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company at Ettrick. In church and public life he has been no less prominent, he is a member of the Lutheran church, and has held an office of trustee for eight years, has been director of the school district for the past nine years and township treasurer for the past five years. As a believer in agricultural progress he has affiliated himself with the Wisconsin Experiment Association, with headquarters at Madison. In advertising his farm, Mr. Hagestad makes use of an inter- esting device of his own invention. The device consists of two large wings, connected by a circle. The left wing bears the word "Quality," the right wing the word "Quantity," the top of the circle the word "Production," and the bottom of the circle the word "First," thus giving the slogan: "First in Production, First in Quality and First in Quantity." In the center of the circle is a picture of the famous Prince Korndyke. Mr. Hagestad was mar- ried Jan. 25, 1901, to Martha Christianson, of Ettrick, daughter of Hans Christianson, and this union has been blessed with five children: Victor R., born June 13, 1902; Evelyn C., born June 19, 1904, and died Dec. 27, 1904; Kenneth H., born Jan. 22, 1906; Elsie M., born June 4, 1910; and Ruth C., born April 3, 1914.


Tom Lomsdahl, of Osseo, dealer in hardware, farm implements, agricul- tural machinery and automobiles, was born in Söndre Land, Norway, Aug. 6, 1874, son of Peter and Maren (Andreasdotter) Lomsdahl. And in 1893 the mother and her son Tom came to America, where she later married E. C. Hagen, of Bruce Valley, Hale Township. The subject of this sketch was employed as a farm hand for several years. Then for nearly ten years he operated a farm near Osseo. In 1910 he moved to the village and pur- chased the business of Fields & Olson. In 1912 he bought out the interest of Gilbert Lewis, in the firm of Lewis & Hokland. With Frederick N. Hok- land as a partner, under the firm name of Tom Lomsdahl & Co., he carried on the business for five years, when he purchased the interest of his part- ner, Mr. Hokland, Feb. 5, 1917, and now carries on a large and constantly increasing business alone. For three years he was secretary and manager of the Farmers' Telephone Company, in which he is still a director. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Osseo. His services for four years as a member of the village council have been highly valued, and he did equally good work as a member of the town board of Sumner Township for two years. He is one of the directors of the Osseo Farmers' Produce Company. His religious faith is that of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran church, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Beavers. Mr. Lomsdahl was married Nov. 12, 1898, to Mary Gunnem, of Bruce Valley, daughter of Thom and Carrie (Osldotter) Gunnem, natives of Norway, who came to America in the early '70s, and spent the remainder of their lives in Trempealeau County, the


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former dying in 1907 and the latter in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Lomsdahl have a daughter, Lillian May, born Sept. 25, 1906.


Sim E. Lee, manager of the Osseo Feed Mill, from which mill the electric current of the village is supplied, was born in Burnside Township, this county, April 26, 1881, son of Joseph N. and Belle (Simonson) Lee. Joseph N. Lee was born in Norway, Aug. 5, 1849, and came to America as a young man. After the death of his first wife, Belle Simonson, he married Lena Olson. Sim E. Lee was reared on the home farm and educated in the com- mon schools. In 1904 he became manager of the Osseo Feed Mill. On Jan. 28, 1914, he installed therein an electric light plant, which furnishes elec- tricity for street, business and residential lighting. In this capacity the plant has won wide favor, and its manager is held in high esteem. Mr. Lee is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Osseo, and also has other business holdings. Mr. Lee was married June 16, 1907, to Martha Pederson, who was born in Hale Township, July 1, 1882, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Grandrud) Pederson. This union has been blessed with two children : Adrine, born Dec. 6, 1908; and Abner, born June 19, 1911.


John Konz, Jr., blacksmith, garage owner and opera house manager, of Osseo, was born in Dane County, Wis., April 3, 1870, son of John and Frances (Krisch) Konz. The second of a large family of 10 children, he remained at home until he was 24 years of age. Then he farmed near Osseo for a number of years. In 1907 he came to Osseo, and purchased the black- smith shop of J. M. Anderson, which he now conducts. He also engaged in the sale of farm implements. In 1909 he enlarged and remodeled his building, and established an opera house on the upper floor. As a stock- holder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank and as a director and stockholder in the Osseo Telephone Company he has taken his part in the financial and business development of the village and community. His fraternal affili- ations are with the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Konz was married Feb. 1, 1898, to Elizabeth Andrus, of Sumner Township, daughter of Alvah and Angelia (Lane) Andrus, and descended from an old New York family. The father makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Konz, while the mother died in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Konz have four children: Ardys, Raymond, Margaret and Maurice. William died at the age of 6 weeks. John Konz, Sr., father of John Konz, Jr., was born in Germany, came to America in 1860, located on a farm seven miles south of Augusta, in Eau Claire County, Wis., in 1873, farmed there until 1911, and then moved to Augusta, where he is now the proprietor of the Augusta Hotel, one of the leading hostelries of that place.


J. Reese Jones, attorney at Osseo, was born in Dodge County, this State, July 15, 1882, son of Jonah and Margaret (Williams) Jones. Jonah Jones was born in Wales, and came to America in 1843 with his parents, living in New York for a while, and subsequently locating in Wisconsin, where he farmed for the remainder of his life. He died in 1913 at the age of 76, and his wife is now living in Columbus, Wis. In the family there are six children: Mamye, wife of W. J. Roberts, of Columbus; Hannah, of Colum- bus ; Kathryn, now Mrs. Richard Griffith, of Columbus; Marjorie, now Mrs. Griff. Jones, of Vallejo, Cal., where her husband is employed in the navy


MR. AND MRS. K. A. KNUDTSON AND DAUGHTER


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yards as a machinist; William O., a farmer of Columbus, and J. Reese. Evelyn died at the age of 2 years. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm pursuits and received his early education in the schools of his neigh- borhood. In 1907 he graduated from the Stevens Point Normal School, and then, after teaching school for a year, entered the College of Law of the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1911. Immedi- ately upon graduation, he opened an office in Friendship, in thisState. In the fall of 1915 he came to Trempealeau County, bought out the practice of G. O. Linderman, at Osseo, and has since maintained his office here. He is one of the successful young lawyers of the county, and his friends predict for him a brilliant future. Mr. Jones is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank, of Osseo. His fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic order.


Knut A. Knudtson, a retired farmer of Whitehall, and owner of the Overland Farm of 160 acres in section 28, and the Ada Stock Farm of 240 acres in sections 4 and 9, all in Pigeon Township, was born in Telemaarken, Norway, June 24, 1852, son of Andrew and Margaret (Halvorson) Knudtson, born in Norway in 1827 and 1832, respectively, who came to America in 1869, and located in Preston Township, this County, where they died, the father in 1909 and the mother in 1886. After coming to this country, Knut A. worked about among the farmers of the neighborhood until 1874, when he bought the Overland Farm on Fly Creek. This farm he operated about 30 years. In 1903 he took up his residence in Whitehall. But he still longed for farm life, so in the fall of 1909 he purchased the Ada Stock Farm, on which he lived until 1912, when he again took up his home in Whitehall. For three years he served on the town board and for 15 years on the school board. He is a stockholder in the Whitehall Creamery, the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company, the People's State Bank and the Whitehall Hospital. Mr. Knudtson was married Nov. 6, 1874, to Julia Knudtson, daughter of Aslak and Hannah (Hendrickson) Knudtson, of Pigeon Town- ship. This union has been blessed with 10 children: Amanda, Ida, Han- nah, Ella, Tina, Clara and Grace, living, and Ada, Adolph and Clara deceased. Amanda is the wife of Ira Thompson, a farmer of Preston Township. Ida married Patrick Murphy, a stonecutter of Waterbury, Vt. Hannah mar- ried E. E. Deppe, a real estate man of Duluth, Minn. Ella married Theo. Stendahl, a farmer of Pigeon Township. Tina married Luther Quacken- bush, of Whitehall. Clara and Grace are at home. Ada died at the age of 2 years, Adolph at the age of 18 years, and Clara at the age of 11 years. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.


Gust G. Johnson, a farmer operating 120 acres of land in section 25, Sumner Township, was born at Black Earth, Dane County, Wis., Dec. 15, 1861. He is a son of Gunerus C. Johnson, who was born at Soler, Norway, Oct. 5, 1833, and who, after coming to the United States, participated in the Civil War as a member of the Forty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He married Syverine Christianson, who was born in Hedemarken, Norway, in 1836, and who died May 12, 1893. His death occurred Nov. 6, 1898. Gunerus C. Johnson came to the United States in 1854, locating in Detroit, Mich. From there he subsequently removed to Iowa County, Wis., where


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he was married in 1855. In 1870 he and his family came to Trempealeau County, homesteading land in section 36, Sumner Township, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. They had a large family of 12 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. Gust G. Johnson resided on the home farm until his marriage, which united him, May 14, 1883, to Martha Erickson, who was born in Iowa County, Wis., July 2, 1867. Her parents were Peter and Christina (Olson) Erickson, the former being now a retired farmer residing in Osseo, whose eighty-second birthday occurred Jan. 31, 1917. Mrs. Johnson's mother, who was born in Norway, Sept. 22, 1839, died March 3, 1901. After his marriage Mr. Johnson rented a farm in section 25, Sumner Township, and cultivated it 12 years, removing to his present farm in the same section in 1895, having bought it in 1891. He has served as township treasurer since 1912, was township supervisor two years, and has been treasurer of the school district since it was organized in 1890. He is also a director of the Golden Valley Cheese Factory, the valley in which the factory is located having been named by him. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children: Swerin, who died at the age of 16 years in 1901; Adelia, residing at home; Philip, who is engaged in farming in Sumner Township, and Clifford, Dewey, Lawrence, Viola and Orlando. In addition to the busi- ness interests named above, with which Mr. Johnson is connected, he is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Osseo. Both as farmer and business man he has been successful, and is recognized as one of the reliable and substantial citizens of his township.


David Isom came to Trempealeau County in 1882 and purchased a farm in section 19, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1907, when he sold it to his son, George J., and moved to Osseo, where he now resides. He was born in Leicestershire, England, May 27, 1843, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Hoe) Isom, the former of whom, of German descent, was born in 1801 and died in 1878, and the latter of whom, of English descent, was born in 1814 and died in 1864. Coming to America in 1862, the subject of this sketch visited Quebec and Montreal, and lived in Door and Dane Coun- ties, this state, before coming to Trempealeau County. Mr. Isom was married Dec. 1, 1868, to Emma Jane Elwood, who was born in England, April 13, 1851. This union has been blessed with seven children: Ada E., Frank W., George J., Alvah E., James, Clarence and Lura Maria Rosella. Ada E. died of diptheria at the age of eight years. Frank W. is in the land business in Los Angeles. George J. owns and operates the home farm. He was married April 25, 1900, to Jennie Nichols, born in Eau Claire County, this state, daughter of Caleb F. and Anna (Olson) Nichols, retired farmers of Osseo, and this union has been blessed with five children: Eunice Adele, born Nov. 30, 1901; Grace Elizabeth, born Nov. 21, 1902; Ernest Francis, born July 11, 1904; Vera Anna, born Sept. 21, 1906, and Harold William, born Aug. 27, 1910. James was drowned at the age of two years. Alvah E. farms in Sumner Township. He was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, daughter of John Ring, of Ossoe, and they have three children: Eugene Willard, born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford Roy, born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard Kent, born Sept. 13, 1911. Clarence died at the age of six months. Lura


CHESTER BESWICK, SR .- CHESTER BESWICK, JR .- MRS. CHESTER BESWICK, SR.


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Maria Rosella was married April 13, 1902, to Sidney Carter, who operates a garage at Cadotte, Wis., and they have four children: Walter Isom, born July 17, 1906 ; Dorothy May, born Aug. 5, 1908; Frank Elroy, born Aug. 6, 1913, and Elwood David, born Sept. 1, 1915.


Alva E. Isom, a successful and well-known farmer living on 160 acres of well-improved land in section 17, Sumner Township, is a native of this state, having been born at Black Earth, Oct. 17, 1880, son of David and Emma (Elwood) Isom. He was educated in the schools of his neighbor- hood, was reared to farm pursuits by his father, and remained with his parents until 1903, when he purchased his present place. In public life he has been town supervisor for two years and school clerk for seven years. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Osseo and the Farmers Exchange Bank of Osseo. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is an officer. Mr. Isom was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, born in Sumner Township, May 24, 1880, daughter of John and Alberta (Dighton) Ring, and this union has been blessed with three children: Eugene W., born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford R., born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard K., born Sept. 13, 1911.


Chester Beswick, Jr., a retired farmer residing in section 17, Preston Township, was born at Bolton, Warren County, N. Y., Dec. 24, 1834, son of Chester Beswick, Sr., and Polly Ann (Rice) Beswick. The father was born in Warren County, New York, Sept. 22, 1810, and in 1849 migrated west to Beaver Dam, Wis., residing there six years. He then came to Trempealeau County and pre-empted 120 acres of land in section 17, Preston Township. The rest of his life was spent in the cultivation and improve- ment of his farm, his death occurring Feb. 13, 1895. His wife, Polly Ann Rice, was born in Warren County, New York, June 3, 1815, and died Nov. 29, 1905. Her parents, with their family, removed from New York state to Kenosha, Wis., where the father died at the age of 95 years. Mrs. Rice, with her son Simon, came to Trempealeau County so as to be near her daughter, Mrs. Chester Beswick, Sr., and with whom she made her home until her death, March 31, 1888. She was born in New York state Feb. 25, 1796. Her son Simon was afterwards a well known farmer of Preston Township. Chester Beswick, Jr., came to Wisconsin with his parents, but in the spring of 1859 he went to Texas and engaged in sheep herding in the valley of the Brazos River. At the outbreak of the Civil war he and four companions started home on horseback. While on the way they were arrested by Confederate troops as spies and were thrown into prison, where they remained for a month. Then, in order to gain their freedom, they enlisted in the Confederate army, but soon afterwards deserted. They were retaken, however, by a band of Osage Indians, who were in the Confederate service, and were again imprisoned and sentenced to be shot. The day before the date set for their execution they again escaped, but were once more recaptured. In an effort to learn the truth from them their captors put ropes around their necks and made ready to hang them, but were finally dissuaded from doing so by some members of their own band. At another time the Indians had them lined up to be shot, and on still another occasion had prepared a fire to burn them, but this time they were saved by their


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interpreter. It was in December, 1862, when Mr. Beswick finally made his way in safety to his Wisconsin home, and resumed industrial life in a safer locality. He was married July 4, 1877, to Anjenette Thurston, of Blair, whose father, Ebenezer Thurston, was the first postmaster of that village, which was then called South Bend. He kept the post office in his old home in section 16, on the farm now owned by Paul Thompson. Mr. Thurston was born Dec. 30, 1805, and died May 13, 1880. He married Mary Eveline Haywood, who was born June 10, 1811, and died Dec. 15, 1881. Chester Beswick, Jr., lived most of his life on the old farm taken by his father in 1855, except for a period of 20 years, when he was engaged in farming four miles north of Independence. He is now healthy and active at 82 years of age, being able to read without glasses. He resides with his son-in-law, Henry M. Hanson. His wife, Anjenette Thurston Beswick, who was born April 28, 1844, died Sept. 10, 1901. Their children were: Alice, born May 17, 1870, who married Palmer Back, a farmer of Preston Township; Harriet, born Nov. 23, 1872, who died Oct. 10, 1873 ; Charles, born April 3, 1874, who died Aug. 20, 1877, and Susan E., born Jan. 9, 1876, and now wife of Henry M. Hanson, the owner of Mr. Beswick's old farm. Alice (Mrs. Palmer Back) has had seven children, whose names, with dates of birth and death, are as follows: Hazel Charlotte, born Aug. 4, 1892; Willis Irvin, May 18, 1894, died Sept. 26, 1909; Charles Chester, Aug. 10, 1901; Myrtle Adine, July 1, 1903; Dorris Evelyn, April 23, 1906; Florence Irene, Feb. 25, 1911, and Wyllis Margarite, Aug. 30, 1912.




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