History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 60

Author: Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 998


USA > Wisconsin > Walworth County > History of Walworth County, Wisconsin > Part 60


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Mustered out July 3, 1865.


Avery H. Stone ....


Darien. ...


Dec. 13, 1862 .. 2d Cav .....


K First Lieut


Resigned June 30, 1864.


Edwin Sturtevant ..


Delavan


March 4, 1864 .. 35th Inf ...


A


Second Lient. Resigned January 14.


1866.


James B. Taylor ...


Sugar Creek ... Feb. 10, 1864 ... 36th Inf ...


Second Lieut ..


Resigned March 30, 1864.


Wm. R. Taylor.


La Grange ..


Feb. 24, 1865 .... 49th Inf ...


Second Lieut.


Mustered out Novem- ber 8, 1865.


Otis Titus


East Troy. Aug. 31, 1864. 3d Cav ..... ...


= Second Lieut ..


Mustered out Feb. 17, 1865.


Chesley B. Tuller ..


East Troy ... Aug. 3, 1865 ... 28th Inf ...


B Second Lieut ..


Mustered out August 23, 1865.


Sidney B. Tuller ...


East Troy ... Nov. 14, 1861 .. 16th Inf ...


B First Lieut ..


Discharged July 21, 1862.


J. M. Vanderhoof ..


Darien . .. Feb. 23, 1865. 2d Cav. K


Second Lieut ..


Resigned August 12, 1865.


Peter S. Van Nest Geneva. ... July 22, 1864 .. 36th Inf.


Chaplain ..


Discharged January 6, 1865.


Henry 11. Watts ...


Whitewater Feb. 26, 1863 .. 28th Inf ... D


Second Lieut.


Mustered out August


A. J. Weatherwax Geneva ..


4th Cav .....


F


Second Lieut ..


Resigned January 8, 1862.


Jacob Weyrough


Bloomfield . July 20, 1864 .. 1st Inf .....


C Second Lieut ..


John F. Whalen ....


Geneva June 17, 1865 .. 17th Inf ... F Second Lieut ..


First Lieut. June 18, 1865.


Mustered out July 14, 1865.


Edson Williams.


Darien ..... Feb. 17. 1862 .. 2d Cav ..... K First Lieut ..


Resigned October 26, 1862.


James E. Williams Whitewater May 19, 1862 .. 4th Cav ... A Second Lieut ..


First Lieut ..... Oct. 26, 1863 ... Killed March 8, 1864.


Rich'd M. Williams Delavan March 11, 1864 22d Inf ... D Second Lieur .. Resigned March 30, 1865.


Reuben Wilson ... Sharon. May 8, 1863 ... 8th Inf ..


See. Ass. Surg


Resigued August 22, 1864.


George W. Wylie Elkhorn Aug. 30, 1862 .. 28th Inf ...


Quartermaster


Discharged February 1, 1864.


TROOPS AND MONEY FURNISHED.


No county in the State responded to the constantly recurring calls for troops with more promptness than Walworth, and in none was the proportion of volunteers to drafted men lar- ger. Few of those drafted went unwillingly to the field. as substitutes were furnished for all such as, from any circumstances (such as families dependent on them for support, or other good canse) were unable to enter the service. For such as volunteered, their dependent families were provided for during their absence. The amount of money raised by the several towns for war purposes was as follows:


Elkhorn-For families of volunteers, $1,600; for bounties to furnish her quota. $8.280; total, $9,880.


Bloomfield By tax and subscription (largely by tax), $20,000.


Sharon-For widows, $300; for bounties to furnish men, $2,000; for volunteers re-enlist - ing, $1,150; total, $3.450.


4th Cav.


37th Inf.


Ass. Surgeon .. Surgeon ..


May 7, 1864


First Lieut ... June 13, 1865 ..


ber 8, 1865.


First Lieut ..... Feb. 26, 1863. Resigned July 15, 1865


First Lieut ... Sept. 14, 1864 ..


1865.


Captain Aug. 31, 1865.


Captain ... .. Aug. 3, 1865.


....


First Lieut ..... Aug. 7, 1865


23,1865.


395


HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.


Geneva -- For soldiers' families, $3,500; for bounties, $16,600; total, $20,100.


Whitewater- For all purposes. $43,000. Of this sum, the town, as a corporate body, raised $23,000.


Richmond-Say $6,000, estimated. The records do not show.


Darien- For all war purposes, $14,209.


Walworth For soldiers' families, $2,500; for bounties, $7,600; total. $10,100.


Delavan-For bounties, volunteers and aid to soldiers' families: August 25, 1862, $4,000; December 22, 1863. $6,000; February 13, 1864, $3,798; total, $13,798; also large sums by sub- scription.


Sugar Creek- For bounties and volunteers, $17,000.


La Grange-For all war purposes, $17,250.


Troy -- For bounties and soldiers' families, $12,500; from soldiers' aid fund, $159; total, $12.659.


La Fayette- For soldiers' families, $300; for bounties, $10,000; total, $11,300.


Linn- For all purposes, $10,400.


Lyons -For all purposes, $5,400.


Spring Prairie-For all purposes, $23,664.


East Troy-For all purposes, $10,221.40.


The aggregate raised in the several towns of the county for war purposes was not less than a quarter of a million dollars.


The number of citizens subject to military duty at the beginning of the war was 3,196. From that number were furnished during the war 1,625. Not all were drawn personally from the resident population, but the quota required was forthcoming. Either the boys went, or the money was furnished for a substitute. It is believed that over the required number did per- sonal service, but as many enlisted at Milwaukee, and at recruiting points outside the county, their names do not appear in the records of Walworth County soldiers. It is to be regretted that local records were not kept, from which to enroll the list of Walworth County soldiers. Perhaps it may yet be done from the town records. The following table shows the enrollment in October, 1862. The succeeding table shows better than pages of print how well Walworth County responded to the call of the country for help:


Subsequent adjustments modified the credits to the county, but the final result is shown in the following table:


TOWNS.


Enrolled.


Exempt.


Liable to Draft.


Already Volun- teered.


Quota.


Darien.


298


61


237


99


97


Elkhorn


169


33


136


75


66


Sugar Creek


181


68


113


66


70


Linn ....


142


49


93


61


62


Hudson.


180


51


139


68


82


La Fayette


155


51


104


71


69


Richmond.


162


36


126


53


63


East Troy


247


63


184


96


105


Troy .


168


15


153


75


77


Walworth .


280


53


227


104


86


Sharon


314


64


250


117


103


Bloomfield


184


61


123


82


70


La Grange


193


24


169


74


77


Geneva ..


297


82


215


142


140


Delavan


394


98


296


193


149


Spring Prairie


182


54


128


71


81


Whitewater


527


24


503


245


229


Totals


4073


887


3196


1692


1626


The whole quota of the county, under all requisitions from the Government, was 1,606. The whole number of soldiers furnished was 1,625-an excess of 19.


396


HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.


The number furnished by the several towns were as below stated:


TOWNS.


Drafted.


Recruited.


Total Furnished.


Full Quota.


Excess.


Deficit.


Elkhorn


11


55


66


59


7


Geneva ..


15


123


138


141


3


Hudson


14


52


66


65


1


La Fayette.


12


50


62


60


2


LA Grange.


13


61


74


72


2


.....


Linn ...


15


40


55


54


1


.....


Richmond.


8


65


73


72


1


......


Sbaron


19


89


108


107


1


...


Spring Prairie


9


97


106


106


Sugar Creek


4


69


73


76


3


Troy


9


68


77


77


Walworth.


14


76


90


85


5


Whitewater


44


196


240


221


19


Bloomfield


8


60


68


69


Darien.


15


88


103


192


1


...


Delavan


26


123


149


144


5


East Troy


24


53


77


96


19


Totals


260


1365


1625


1696


45


26


...


1


( DECEASED )


TILDEN .


)NS


CHAPTER IV.


WALWORTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.


EARLY ORGANIZATIONS-FIRST COUNTY FAIR-FAIR GROUNDS- OFFICERS -CONSTITUTION-ONE OF THE EARLY FAIRS-A CONTRAST-AGENCIES OF SUCCESS.


EARLY ORGANIZATIONS.


A GRICULTURAL societies are now prominent institutions throughout. the country where husbandry is the leading avocation of the inhabitants. All through New England and New York, the "cattle show" fifty years ago constituted one of the three big gatherings of the year; the other two being the celebration of the 4th of July, and the annual muster of militia.


The early settlers of Walworth County were mostly from the Eastern States, and brought with them the traditionary habits of their ancestors, not only as to industry and thrift, but also as to religious observances and popular sources of recreation. The 4th of July was celebrated s of yore, but the cattle show and muster came not. So quite early it was determined by a few o supply the want by inaugurating this beloved institution on the Western prairies. Accord- ingly, through the preliminary work of Seymour and Homer Brooks, S. B. Edwards, the Bur- git brothers, Emery Thayer, John Fearnly, A. M. Perry, Augustns Smith, J. Pike West, S. G. West, S. M. Rockwood, Edward Elderkin, P. G. Harrington and others, a fair or cattle show, the first ever held in the county, was held at East Troy October 16, 1850. In comparison with the annual county fairs of later years, it would not be considered a success, but, as it was the be- ginning and the starting-point of the present society, its importance cannot be measured by its magnitude or magnificence. The following report of it was given in the Wisconsin and Iowa Farmer, an agricultural monthly, then published in Racine, by Mark Miller, who edited the paper, assisted by F. K. Phoenix in the horticultural department:


The first annual fair of the Walworth County Agricultural Society was held on Wednesday, October 16, in the village of East Troy. The pleasure of the day was marred by frequent showers. Notwithstanding, the interest on the occasion was such as to call forth a large attendance of people.


The exhibition of stock was not over large, but of a superior quality. A very fine show of horses of all kinds, working oxen, steers, cows and calves of improved breeds, reflect great credit upon the Walworth farmers. Two extra fine Durham bulls, imported by Josiah F. Brooks, of East Troy, would compare favorably with the best Eastern breeds, are especially worthy of notice. Mr. Brooks also imported a number of choice Bucks of the French and Pauler-Merino and Staple Saxon breeds, which will be of inch importance to our wool-growers, and show in after fairs.


The number of swine was small, but quality good. Dairy products limited, but highly spoken of by the inspectors. The show room was well filled by household manufactures, such as carpets, caps, bonnets and fancy work. A very fine article of figured gloves was shown by Mrs. John A. Larkin, of East Troy, reflecting great credit on the manufacturer.


The Horticultural products were extraordinary for Wisconsin. Some twenty-five varieties of apples by r. Phoenix, of Delavan, together with pumpkins, squashes, tomatoes and other vegetables made a display rt hy of our climate and soil.


The show in the mechanical line was well represented by sowing machines (seeders), drills, plows, bug- gies, cabinet-ware, ready-made clothing, etc.


The following is the list of premiums awarded:


Stallions-First, Emory Thayer, East Troy; Second, Mr. Norton, Burlington; Third, John Fearnly, La Grange.


Matched Horses-First, Jacob Burgit, East Troy; Second, Hiram Cross, La Grange.


Hogs, brood sow-First, Charles Hillard, East Troy; Second, brood sow-no competition.


Plowing Match for Horses-First, John Olds; Second, Increase Child; Third, Walter A. Taylor. Single Carriage Horse-First, Emery Thayer, East Troy; Second, R. H. Mallary. East Troy. Brood Mares and Colts-First, William Lum, Troy; Second, no competition.


Two Year Old Colts-First, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Second, Cephas JEurlburt, East Troy. One Year Old Colts-First, Hiram Brewster, Troy; Second, S. D. Edgerton, Troy.


Bull of any Age-First. Josialı F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy. Year Old Bull-First, James Lauderdale, La Grange ; Second, Francis Baker, Spring Prairie. Spring Calf-First, Homer Brooks, East Troy; Second, Gorham Bunker, East Troy.


F


400


HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.


Milch Cow-First. Homer Brooks; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy.


Yearling Heifer-First, Homer Brooks, East Troy; Second. S. H. Tibbets. Sugar Creek.


Working Oxen-First, Cephas Hurlburt, East Troy ; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy; Third, Mr. Holmes, East Troy.


Three Year Old Steers-First, Michael O' Reagan, East Trov.


Sheep, premium on pen of five-Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Mr. Smedley, Hudson.


On Ram, for fleece-First, Mr. Smedley, Uhudson; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy.


On Ram, for carcass-First, Mr. Booker, East Troy; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy.


On pen of five Sheep, for carcass-Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy. Cattle-First, Paris Pettit.


Butter-First, Joel Pond; Second. William Child.


Cheese-First, Augustus Smith.


The Committee on Miscellaneous Articles awarded to F. K. Phoenix, of Delavan, for several varieties of apples raised by him $1.50; to Mr. McNair, for flannel sheets, $1.90; to E. Pound, for garden vegetables, 50 cents; to W. Taylor and Calvin, for garden vegetables, 50 cents each; to Alfred Payne, for paintings, $1; to James F. Willson, for flower-baskets, 50 cents; to C. W. Powers, for coat and pants, $1: to C. Bull, for cabi- net work, $1; to William Bates, for buggy, $1; to Mrs. J. A. Larkin, for fringed gloves, $1; to William Child, for carpet, $1; to Samuel Gilliard, for garden vegetables, 50 cents.


The plowing match was deferred until October 25, in consequence of the copious showers in the after part of the day. The competitors were not numerous, but very spirited, and showed how the "Badger Boys" can handle the plow when excited by a proper spirit of rivalry.


The time occupied in plowing a quarter of an acre, varied from fifty-three minutes to one hour and four minutes. One yoke of cattle, used and owned by Mr. Pettit, made their time in one hour and two minutes; work done in a superior manner. All passed off in good feeling, and a lively interest was manifested.


After the plowing was disposed of, the sale of two Durham bulls took place. Bull, Herod, seven years old, imported by Josiah F. Brooks, from Western New York, was sold to Jacob Burgit, of East Troy. for $210; buHl, Defiance, five years old. to Stephen Koshon, of Rockford, Il., for $150.


The members then proceeded to elect their officers for the ensuing year. The vote stood: For President, William Child; Vice President, Robert K. Potier; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and Seymour Brooks ; Treasurer, S. M. Rockwood ; Managers, T. Mower, Jr., William Hollinshead, Jacob Burgit.


Resolved, That we publish our proceedings in the Wisconsin Farmer, and procure two hundred copies for distribution.


EAST TROY, October 25, 1850.


AUGUSTUS SMITH, President. SEYMOUR BROOKS, Secretary.


No records of the receipts of this fair are to be found. What money was disbursed for pre- miums was subscribed by those instrumental in getting it up, and much of it came back to them in premiums, as they were the principal exhibitors. Although it was, as will be seen by scanning the premium list, virtually an East Troy exposition, it brought some competitors from other towns and awakened an interest throughout the county, and it was at that time resolved by those present to complete the organization of the society, and thereafter hold an annual fair which should represent the agricultural interests and resources of the entire county.


The first meeting looking to the completion of the organization of a county society was held at Elkhorn April 25, 1851, at which Robert K. Potter, of La Fayette, presided. It does not appear that any constitution was adopted at that meeting. It was, however, resolved " to enlarge the scope" of the society, so that it should embrace the whole county, and premiums were offered for the best, second-best and third-best acre of wheat, and the best, second-best and third-best cultivated farm in the county. A committee was appointed to view the competing acres and the competing farms, and, as appears in the awards at the ensning fair, the committee made an award on the best and second-best acre of winter wheat. No awards were made on the best cul- tivated farms.


THE FIRST COUNTY FAIR.


It was held in Elkhorn October 14 and 15, 1851. The exhibition of stock was held on the lot now ocenpied as a residence by H. Bradley. In addition to the stock exhibit, the ladies made their show of household industries at the court house. It was, as compared with the magnificent exhibition of later years, quite meager, consisting of quilts, bed-spreads, rag-carpets, woolen blankets, bonnets, bread, butter and cheese. A full list of those who bore off the prizes at this pioneer contest so many years ago, appears elsewhere, in contrast with the premium list of 1881. Mrs. H. J. Starin was awarded the prize, $3, as the best bread-maker; Mrs. J. W. Newton received $2 for the best cheese; Mrs. Crosier received $1 for the best bed-quilt; Mrs. N. Beckwith, 50 cents for the best bonnet: Mrs. G. Bunker, $1 for the best rag-carpet. and Mrs. C. D. Long. 50 cents for the best woolen blanket.


At this meeting the present agricultural society was organized. A constitution (which ap- pears elsewhere) was adopted and the first officers elected. They were: President, David Will-


401


HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.


iams, Geneva: Vice President, Angustus Smith, Troy; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn: Seymour Brooks, East Troy: Treasurer, Edwin Hodges, Elkhorn; Managers, M. R. Brittain, Spring Prairie; William Hollinshead, Delavan: H. J. Starin, Whitewater. The total amount of premiums paid were $133.75. The receipts for membership were $45. The deficit was made up by private subscriptions.


There was no immediate effort made to perpetuate the society by the purchase of grounds, thereby giving it an individuality and a local habitation, as well as a name. It consequently, for a few years succeeding its organization, led a vagrant, peripatetic sort of life, depending en- tirply upon the weather and the whims of the people for a continuation of its existence. During these years of infancy. it held fairs as follows: 1852, at Elkhorn; receipts for membership, $45; 1853, Delavan; receipts not stated; 1854. Elkhorn; receipts for membership, $65.


Up to this time the society had struggled along with only success sufficient to prolong its existence. Its real life and vigor, which has developed it into the most successful institution of its kind in the State, dates from 1855. At that time the first purchase of land was made, which, by subsequent additions, has grown into the extensive and well-appointed fair grounds now owned by the society in Elkhorn. It consisted of six acres of ground, which was purchased by the society from Edward Elderkin, for $100 per acre, on ten years' time at 10 per cent interest. The energetic President, Otis Preston, backed by the Executive Committee, stipulated to fence the lot and make the other improvements necessary, looking to the receipts of the coming fair, the success of which depended on the weather and a hundred other contingencies for his re-imbursement. Fortunately for Mr. Preston and the future of the society, the weather was superb and the crowds that attended were unprecedentedly large, sufficiently so to place the society for the first time on a sound financial basis. The imperfect records of the Treasurer show receipts of nearly $1,100, and a balance on hand at the close of the fiscal year of $648. Annually, since that time the county fair has been held on the grounds, and the society has continued to grow in strength and numbers. It is to-day the foremost county agricultural society in the State, and has done more to develop the husbandry interests of the county to their present high grade of excellence than all other agencies combined, and to the spirit of emulation it begets, the mutual exchange of in- dividual experiences it enables, and the yearly exhibit of improvement made and new inventions tried and approved or condemned-though there are many other advantageous means, all center- ing around, or having their inception in the society, Walworth County has become the banner county, with a more diversified and a more profitable showing of agricultural results than can be shown elsewhere in the State. Fair week has now become the gala week of the year, and is the unmistakable index of the prosperity, refiuement and contentment of a people, than which, none more thrifty or prosperous dwells upon the earth.


THE FAIR GROUNDS.


They now embrace a tract of 23.51 acres inside the inclosure, besides a small traet outside the main entrance, bought of Robert Richmond August 21, 1868. The grounds are located north- east of the center of Elkhorn Village, on the southwest quarter of Section 31, Town 3, Range 17 -- a part of the La Fayette Township, prior to the defining of the limits of the present town of Elkhorn. In shape, the plat is irregular. It has five sides of unequal length. The south line runs due east and west from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad-Eagle Branch-to the land of Virgil Cobb; thenee due north to the intersection of the old plank road; thence northeast, on the line of the plank road, to the land of J. H. Snyder; thence southeasterly to the line of the railroad before mentioned, that road being the eastern boundary of the grounds. Al- though a five-sided polygon in shape, it is, for practical purposes, a square, varying but little in its extreme length and extreme breadth.


The land was purchased at different times as follows: Six aeres, under contract and bond. from Edward Elderkin, in August, 1855: five and seventy-eight one hundredths acres, from Mr. Elderkin, in 1859, at which time the first bond was canceled and the society received a war- rantee deed from E. Elderkin for both tracts, 11.73 aeres in consideration of $1,173; February 10, 1870, the society purchased 11.78 acres of adjoining land from Mr. Elderkin for $824.60. August 21, 1868, the society bought from Robert Richmond a small triangular piece, outside the inclosure, at the intersection of the western boundary line with the plank road, at the entrance


402


HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.


where the tieket office now stands, for the sum of $5. The purchase eost of the grounds. 23.51 acres, with entrance, was $2.002.60.


Few of the old improvements remain. The old fenee and speaker's stand, with the booths, pens and other buildings first put up. have been repaired or replaced by more substantial struct- ures. The speaker's stand was a large raised platform, capable of seating two or three hundred persons. It ocenpied the site of the present floral hall. It was, on fair days, gay with bunting, and demonstrative in big-lettered mottoes, evineing the big pride and unfettered hopes that in- spired the society. Of the mottoes, these are remembered: "Walworth County-Her Sons and Danghters Will Vindieate the Dignity of Labor;" "Agriculture and Mechanical Arts-Their In- terests Rest not upon the Mudsills of an Indolent Aristocracy, but upon the Solid Granite of an E Incated Dem prasy." The stand was, during the earlier years, the grand center of attraction. Orations, concerts, declamations, competitive readings, announcements of awards and a hundred other incidents will be remembered in connection with the old stand. It is gone, but in the memories of the earlier members of the society and attendants of the fair, it still remains the central figure whenever they recall the fairs of Auld Lang Syne.


The grounds to-day, as has been stated, comprise nearly twenty-four acres. They are in- closed by a substantial board fence. The entrance is on the west side from the plank road. A small building for office business and the selling of tickets during exhibitions, stands at the en- trance. Permanent sheds and pens line the south and west sides of the ground. The principal buildings are floral and agricultural halls, both standing southeast of the entrance. They are adjacent, and. when connected, give an exhibiting area of 350x30 feet under one roof. In ad- dition. the society own a canvas pavilion, which, when erected, covers half the space of the lalls. There is a fine half mile track on the grounds, with stand and terrace seats. There are several wells, the deepest being bored to the depth of 128 feet, with windmill and pumping apparatus. Altogether, it is as finely appointed a fair ground as is owned by any county organization in the State. The property, with improvements, cost not less than $7,000, and would sell above that valuation.


OFFICERS.


The officers of the preliminary East Troy Society, as well as those chosen in 1851, after the constitution was adopted and the society fully organized have been already mentioned. Below is a full list of officers from that date to the present year:


1852-President, H. J. Starin, Whitewater; Vice President, William Hollinshead. Delavan; Secretaries, H. Latham, Elkhorn; D. Williams, Geneva; Treasurer, Peter Golder, Elkhorn; Man- agers, William Child, George W. Paul, Samuel Pratt, Seymour Brooks, Lyman H. Seaver.


1853-President, J. C. Mills, La Fayette: Vice President, John Williams, Darien; Secre- taries. H. Latham and P. Golder, Elkhorn: Treasurer, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Managers, H. J. Starin, Hiram Cross, O. W. Carter, Orra Martin and David Williams.


1854-President, Hiram Cross, La Grange; Vice President, S. B. Edwards, East Troy: Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and Hollis Latham. Elkhorn: Treasurer, E. Hodges, Elkhorn; Managers, Emory Thayer, Charles Martin, O. Armstrong, Abial Manning and Charles Wales.


1855-President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice Presidents, H. J. Starin, Whitewater; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; P. S. Carver, Delavan; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and H. S. Winsor, Elkhorn; Treasurer, S. Mallory, Elkhorn; Managers, Emery Thayer, O. Armstrong, Abial Mann- ing, P. G. Harrington, R. T. Seymour, H. M. Ray, Charles Martin, Abram Bloodgood, A. M. Perry. This year, by amendment of the constitution, the Board of Managers was increased to nine.




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