USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and early history of the Northwest > Part 27
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Wm. Tritt
Michael O'Reiley
M. O'Reiley
M. O'Reiley
Thomas Mettam
kushford
A. Matteson
A. Matteson ...
D R, Besu
H. H. G. Bradt
A S. Trow.
Utics
A. Pickett.
Evan L. Jonee
Evan L. Jones
Frank Leach
Frank Leach.
Vinland.
Rufus Robie
Rufus Robie
C. C. Vosburg
C. C Vosburg
C. C. Vosburg
J. H. Merrill. .
J. D Rush.
John Annunson
J. Hofberger
Chas. Hahn
Charles Hahn.
A E. Bater
Thos. Mitchell
3d
4th
1st
Neenah
John B. Russell
H P. Leavens
A. W. Patten
M. E. Sorley
3d
Ist
44
4.
Jesse Scott
J. F. Gruenhagen
MI Strong.
C. S Weston
C 8. Weston
Ira Grithn.
M. Kremer
4th
F M. Powers
L. M. Miller
C. M. Miller
L. M. Miller.
L. M. Miller
H. C. Purell.
H. C. Jewell
H. t. Jewell
H. C. Jewell
6th
=
Algoma
Win. C. Hubbard
T. C. Little
R. C. Wood.
C. Whiting.
Robinson Henry
Black Wolf.
Charlee Morgan
Carles Morgan
Charles Morgan
Charles Morgan
Chas. Rauer.
Clayton
M. R. Babcock
C. F. Brown
C. F. Brown
Jacob Howard.
Jacob Howard
Menasha
A. Fredrickson
A. Fredrickson
Phillip Verbeck
P. Verbeck
P. Verbeck
Neensh
Joshua Kurtz.
G. P. Vining
F. S. Tullar.
F. S. Tullar
Geo. Harlow
Milan Ford
Nepenskun
J. W. Fridd
George Slingsby.
Oshkosh
C. L. Rich
C. L. Rich
C. L. Rich
Kli Stilson.
C. W. Bushnell
C. H. Marshall
C. H. Marshall.
J. M. Beals
J. M. Beale
Poygan ..
M. G. Reiley
Rushford
A. S. Trow
D. R. Bean
Alson Wood.
Alson Wood
Alson Wood.
Uties
T. A. Lockhart
T. A. Lockhart
T. J. Bowles
T. J. Bowles
T. J. Bowles.
Rufus Robie.
1. 0. Vosburg
Anthony Bowers
Wolf River
Joseph Hildebrand
J. Hofberger
J. Hofberger
JOB. Hotberger
Winchester
Jobn Annuneon
JEB. H. Jones
Jas. H. Joues Jolin Scott
J. D. Rush
Ist Ward, Menasha.
2d
3d
16
Tyler Phillips
John Harbeck
Curtis Reed
Silas Bullard.
Henry Fitzgibbon
Silas Rullard
1st
Neenah
J. B. Hamilton
Stephen Bowron
J. B. Hamilton H. E. Gustavus
W'm. Krueger
J. B. Hamilton
2d
H. E. Gustavus
M. E. Sorley
Geo. Schmith
D. C. VauOstrand
20
M. Strong ..
3₫
J. H. Osborn
4th
W'm. Wagner
5th
=
H. C. Jewell
1870
Algoma
James Caldwell
H. P. Lesvens.
D. L. Kimberly
G. P. Vining
G. P. Vining
Village
Nekimi
E. F. Davis
E. F. Davis
A. J. Decker.
J. H. Merrill
E. M. Harney
Winneconne ..
Village.
John Annune
Wesley Mott herles Hebn
J. H. Jones
= Winchester Wolf River lst Ward, Menasha 2d
L. D. Phillipe ..
I. W. Fisber
A. H. F. Krueger
MI. J. O'Brien
E. M. Danforth
E. M. Danforth
D. L. Libby
D. L. Libby ..
Orville Beach
Ira Grithn
Ira Griffin
Ira Griffin
J. H. Osborn 1876
L. E. Knapp 1877
L. E. Knapp 1878
L E. Knapp 1879
Nekimi
William Simmons.
Win. Simmons J. W. Fridd
Richard Bennett J. W. Fridd
Omro
Village
E. D. Henry
H. W. Webeter.
II. W. Webster. Wm. Tritt ..
Platt M. Wright
Michael Morris
M. O. Reiley
Thos. Mettam
J. D. Rush.
G. W. Trask H. T. Henton
J. D. Rush R. M. Scott Thos. Mitchell
T. S. Wood.
Silas Bullard.
R. M. Scott
R. M. Scott
C. P. Northrop.
Phil. Sensenbrenner
Philo Hine.
M. C. Fisher John Harbeck
P. V. Lawson, Jr.
L. C. Shepard
4th
Curtis Reed
Vinland.
J. M. Emmons.
J. M. Emmons Jos. Hofberger
W'enly Mott
Winneconne
Village
James H. Jones J. H. Merrill J. D. Rush
G. S. Barnum
M. (. Fisher
5th
-
H. C. Jewell
1875
Wesley Mott Charlee Hahn
Joseph Bowron Peter Samphier
Village
Poygan
J. Annunson.
Wolf River
Joseph Hofberger
Menasha Village
Charles Doty
Neensh Village.
Charles Packard
Omro Village
J. B. Taylor
Winneconne Village ..
A. McIntyre.
Ist Ward, Oshkosh
D. L. Libby
C. A. Weisbrod.
John Fitzgerald
W. L. Williams
Theo. Sehintz
5th 46
James H. Jones.
James H. Joner
Ismes H. Jones.
John Blust
John Annunson
4th
G. W. Washburn. J. F. Mills ..
Joseph Jackson.
S. M. Hay
S. M. Hay
B. S. Henning.
Omro Village Winneconne Village
CHANGE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COUNTY BOARDS.
By an act approved March 8th, 1861, it was provided that Boards of County Supervisors should consist of three Supervisors in each County, except where there are three or more Aseem- bly Districts in esch County, when one Supervisor shall be elected from each Assembly District. Under this law the following were elected:
BIENNIAL ELECTION. 1862. Eli Stileon, Ist district ; Edward Smith, 2d district; Samuel Stanchift, 3d district.
1864.
1866.
Winchester
Village
Samuel Atkins
A. J Decker
46
Oshkosh
2d
Milan Ford.
T. P. Chappel. Eli Stilson.
Wm. Tritt.
Chas. A. Weisbrod
129
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1850-60.]
LIST OF COUNTY SUPERVISORS - CONCLUDED.
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
3d Ward, Neenah
Wm. Hewitt.
C. N. Herrick
John Roberts.
G. H. Albee
Jas. W. Brown.
4th “
16
J. W. Tobey
Jerome Bailey
W. H. Dudry
J. Bailey
E. B. Ranney.
1st
Oshkosh
O. Beach
(. Beach.
G. H. Gile
G. H. Gile
G. H. Gile
2d
C. S. Weston.
C. S. Westou
F. A. Mueller
H. Morley.
Pat. Kelley ..
3d
66
1ra Griffin
Theo. Daum
Theo. Daum.
Geo. H. Buckstaff
Geo. H. Buckstaff
4th “
66
L. M. Miller
L. M. Miller.
Jas. Gillingham
L. M. Miller .
L. M. Miller
5th “
H. C. Jewell
H. C. Jewell
H. C. Jewell
C. Kahler
M. Prock
6th "
L. E. Knapp
Moutrose Morgan
Montrose Morgan.
A. Gebauer.
A. Gebauer.
City of Oshkosh.
CHAPTER XL.
The Period from 1850 to 1860 - The Cheapness and Abund- ance of Building Material Greatly Facilitates the Construc- lion of Buildings - Breaking up Land- Fertility of the Soil and Large Crops -- Prices for Farm Produce - Market Report for 1858- The Big Crop of 1860 - Improved Methods of Farming - The Cultivation of Tame Grasses - County Agricultural Society - Stock Growers' Association - The Growth of Native Timber that has Sprung Up Since the Settlement of the County - First Effort at Fruit Raising - Improvement of Roads.
S will be seen by preceeding pages, the county was, in 1850, making rapid progress in improvement and popula- tion. The cheapness of building material greatly facilitated the erec- tion of comfortable farm buildings, and a better class of farm houses began to take the place of the primitive log'structures. The breaking of new lands and fencing in the same, was one of the chief occupations of the pioneer farmer, and this work went on in every direc- tion. The breaking was generally done in the months of June and July.
The land was very productive and abundant crops rewarded the labor of the farmer; good wheat soil yielding from twenty-five to thirty bushels of spring wheat per acre; large crops of corn and oats were also raised. The pre- vailing varieties of wheat for some years was the Canada Club and Hedgerow. Upto 1858, small grain was principally cut with a cradle. Farm machinery was gradually introduced until the reaper and mower very generally took the place of cradle and scythe.
The price of wheat was from fifty to sixty cents per bushel. The market report for April, 1858, gives the following prices at Oshkosh: Wheat, 45@52 cents; oats, 18@20 cents; pota- toes, 18@20; beans, 50@75 cents; butter, 16@20 cents.
Occasionally an enlarged foreign demand raised the price of wheat, but the general price price, for some years, was fifty to seventy cents.
In 1849, the large immigration created a demand beyond the supply of home produc- tion, and wheat was $1.00 per bushel; flour, $4.06@$5.00; pork, $5.00 per cwt, and beef, $4.00; but the large area that was soon brought under cultivation, reduced the prices of farm products.
A. Habeu, Mayor.
S. M. Beckwith, Mayor. H. B. Dale, Mayor
THE BIG CROP OF 1860.
In 1860, an immense crop was raised. In some instances, ten acre fields yielded fifty bushels per acre of number one wheat. Oats was also a very large crop. Wheat made such a growth that much of it lodged; but even the lodged grain gave a good yield. The season was a peculiar one; the spring very early, and wheat nearly all sown in March. Timely rains occurred all through the growing season, and the weather was moderately cool, nearly up to the time of the ripening of the grain.
In the earlier years in this country, the tame grasses were very generally a failure; herds grass killed out badly, and the native grasses were the principal resource for hay; but of later years, timothy has been more successfully raised, and with red clover has become a very important crop; red top, too, on the moist land, mixed with timothy, now grows luxuriantly.
In the earlier times, wheat formed a much larger proportion of the farm products of the county, than at the present, and the straw accumulated in such large quantities, that the practice prevailed of burning it. The more provident system of converting it into manure, is now practiced, and no farmer is anxious to get rid of his straw. A system of mixed farm- ing has been gradually introduced, and stock raising has been more largely engaged in. White and red clover does well and affords good pasturage. Wool has become one of the staples of the county, and cheesemaking one of the leading agricultural industries; cheese factories on an extensive scale, are found in many of the towns. Those of George Rogers, of Oshkosh, and James Pickett, of Utica, are famous for their choice productions. John Ryf, of Oshkosh, has a large factory, in which Swiss cheese is exclusively made. The pro- ducts of this factory stand high in the market, and there is a good demand for it for foreign shipment.
Hop raising was, a few years ago, largely engaged in with expectations of great profit, but the supply soon so largely exceeded the demand, that prices became ruinously low, and occasioncd great loss to those engaged in its cultivation.
17
130
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1850-60.]
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
A County Agricultural Society was formed in 1856, and held the first fair in the county on the tenth and eleventh of October of that vear at Oshkosh; and afterwards, fairs were held yearly at that place, until the organization of the Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association, which took their place. The exhibitions at these county fairs were highly creditable to the county in the fine display of fruits, vegetables, grain and live stock.
STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION.
A Stock Growers Association was formed, which purchased a large tract of land adjoin- ing the City of Oshkosh and fitted up the same for exhibitions, with a fine mile track for races. The grounds are now appropriated to the use of the Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Theraising of blooded stock has received much attention, and there are several fine herds in the county.
THE GROWTH OF NATIVE "TIMBER."
In the early day, the prairie and openings portion of the county was more open even, than at present. The annual fires kept down the young growth. Since they have been stopped a native growth has sprung up on the unculti- vated ground, and especially in the towns of Utica and Nepeuskun that used to be con- sidered prairie towns, large groves of good sized trees have grown up within the past twenty-five years. The writer has seen many places that were but little more than mere cop- ses of hazel brush and grubs through which a wagon could be driven, that are now covered with a dense growth of trees which, in many instances, have attained a heighth of from thirty to forty feet, composed principally of oak and poplar with an occasional hickory. The tim- ber growsso rapidly that twenty acres, formerly grub land, furnishes a farm with an ample sup- ply of fire-wood.
FRUIT RAISING.
In the earlier years of the settlement of this county the apple trees that were planted were generally the old favorite varieties of the East, and the method of culture the same as of that section. The orchards that were planted very generally proved failures, and a belief generally prevailed that it was "a poor fruit country," and the fact greatly deplored. It was soon ascertained by the more observing that the richness of the soil occasioning too rank a growth, and the bright, clear, dry air causing a rapid evaporation, were among the circum- stances inimical to the health of the apple tree. Persistent investigation and effort to produce
slower growing and harder wooded varieties, soon discovered kinds better adapted to the rich soil and climatic conditions of the North- west, and ascertained more judicious methods of culture. The consequence was, that the cul- ture of the apple tree was more successfully conducted, and several varieties producing a fine quality of fruit have become very popular. Before the year 1860 a large portion of the farms had bearing orchards; many of them small, it is true, and in many instances in a poor condition, but in the aggregate produc- ing quite a large yield of apples and making a a very promising show of fine fruit at the County Fair.
Small fruits, from the first, have been culti- vated with the highest success; strawberries, currants and especially grapes of the choicest quality have been grown in profusion
ROADS.
In the early day the roads in the timbered portions of the county were, in rainy periods, almost impassable; and many of the small streams had, in the absence of bridges, to be forded; but the roads were rapidly improved, streams bridged, and, by the year 1860, the roads throughout the county were compara- tively good. During the last ten years, great progress has been made in the improvement of roads; and this county can now boast of as good roads as can be found in the West.
Gravel beds are found throughout the county at short intervals, which furnish an abundance of bank gravel, which has proved an excellent material for road-making. This has been largely utilized, and in every direc- tion is found excellent, hard-surfaced roads, extending from one extreme of the county to the other. This bank-gravel cements into a hard surface, and makes most enduring roads, over which it is a great pleasure to drive, and view the beautiful lake and river scenery.
THE GROWTH OF CITIES AND VILLAGES IN THE COUNTY.
In 1853, Oshkosh had attained sufficient size to be incorporated as a city, and in 1855 had a population of 4,118. Her manufacto- ries, in 1856, consisted of fifteen saw, shingle, planing mills, and sash and door factories. The aggregate of lumber manufactured during the year was about thirty million feet. There were two grist mills, a machine shop, two plow fac- tories, two steam boiler factories, and a large number of mechanic shops.
The village of Nccnah, in 1856, had about twenty-five stores, four flouring mills, and another in process of construction. Three saw mills, a planing mill, sash and door fac-
الأممدع
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RESIDENCE OF W. S. CATLIN, Sec. 21 TOWN OF UTICA.
131
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1850-60.]
tory, barrel factory, machine shop, two furni- ture factories.
The population in 1855 was 1,074.
The village of Menasha, in 1856 had four dry good stores, one hardware store, two clothing stores, two drug stores, five grocery stores, a tub and pail factory -an extensive establishment, three saw mills, two flouring mills, three furniture factories, two sash and blind factories, a pottery, one turning shop, and a number of mechanic shops. The Gov- ernment Land Office was in this place. Its population was 1,700.
The village of Omro, in 1856, had nine stores, three saw mills, one planing mill, one flouring mill, and mechanic shops.
The village of Winneconne, in 1855, con- tained five stores, a saw mill, and several mechanic shops.
The village of Buttes des Morts had two or three stores and shops.
The village of Waukan had, in 1855, three country stores, a flouring mill, and several mechanic shops; and had a population of five hundred.
In 1856, Eureka had one store, two steam mills and mechanic shops.
In 1855, the population of the county had reached 17,439.
GREAT FIRE OF 1859.
In 1859, May 10, occurred the first great fire in Oshkosh, which destroyed almost the entire business portion of the city. For the particulars of this, see history of Oshkosh in this work.
During the same year the Chicago & North- Western Railroad reached this county in the course of its construction, and the first through passenger train arrived at Oshkosh.
This was an event hailed with much joy, and the county now, for the first time, had railroad connection, and a new outlet for the products of its farms and manufactories.
CHAPTER XLI.
War Times-Business Prosperity After the Close of the War- Prices of Commodities-Manufacturing Stimulated by an Increased Demand-The Progress in Improvements in all Parts of the County-New Factories and Mills Constructed -New Railroad Lines through the County-The Great Fire in Oshkosh in 1874 and 1875-Big Crops in 1875.
HE war which broke out between the North and the South, in 1861, con- vulsed this county with the excitement common to all other sections of the country.
On the first call for troops, the county
promptly responded, and companies were formed and assigned to various regiments, which marched to the scene of action. The first company formed in Oshkosh became a part of the famous Second Wisconsin, which acted so distinguished a part in the campaigns of the Iron Brigade.
In 1862 a regiment was in camp here. Its quarters were in the old fair ground, and the place had a very martial appearance.
The bodies of armed men passing through here, from other points, to the seat of war, the new companies forming, the soldiers home from time to time on furlough, the return of the wounded, and sometimes the remains of those who had perished in battle, gave evidence of the trying scenes through which the country was passing.
In 1862 the prices of all kinds of commodi- ties had advanced fifty per cent., and more, and continued to advance, until calicoes and sheetings, that formerly sold for eight and ten cents, brought twenty-five to forty cents. Woolen goods doubled in price. Boots that used to be sold for five dollars, advanced to ten dollars. Groceries, in common with every thing else, went up to high figures, and farm products also took an upward bound.
During the first year of the war, times were dull, but after that, improved. Mechanics' wages were three dollars a day, and laborers' wages two dollars.
The close of the war ushered in a long period of business prosperity. The vast expenditures stimulated business; the exten- sion of railroad lines opened up new sections of country to settlement, and the lumber busi- ness received great impetus from foreign and local demand. Farm products, of all kinds, commanded good prices, and all branches of industry flourished.
The manufactories of Oshkosh, Neenah and Menasha, and the villages in the county, were in the full tide of prosperity. There was an enlarged demand for their products, money was plenty, and in rapid circulation; trade brisk, and business of all kinds good.
The progress in improvement, in all local- ities, was rapid. New farm buildings and barns sprung up in every direction; while in the cities and villages, handsome structures were erected by the hundreds. At Neenah, new mammoth paper and flouring mills were constructed. At Menasha new works erected and old manufactories enlarged. At Oshkosh, new mills were built on an enlarged scale. The capacity of sash and door factories increased, and new ones were constructed. New branches of manufacture were also established,
132
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1850-79.
and businesss blocks and costly residences were rapidly added, increasing the comely appearance of the city.
The Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad extended its lines to this county as far as Win- neconne, giving the county another railroad connection. This gave a great impetus to the growth of Omro and Winneconne; and new manufacturing establishments sprang up in those towns.
In 1871, the Wisconsin Central completed its line to Stevens Point, passing through the northern portion of the county, and gave Nee- nah and Menasha another railroad outlet.
In 1871 the Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad was constructed as far as Ripon, and the road let to the Milwaukee & St. Paul, which imme- diately put on the rolling stock, and thus extened its lines to Oshkosh. The first reg- ular passenger train from Milwaukee reached Oshkosh December 14, 1871.
The city of Oshkosh has, this year (1879), issued its bonds to the amount of seventy-five thousand dollars, in aid of the construction of a Northern railroad. This will be one of the lines of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and West- ern Railroad, from Milwaukee to Lake Supe- rior. It is expected that this road will be com- pleted next winter, giving the county another direct connection with Lake Superior.
GREAT FIRES.
Among the notable events of the county were the great Oshkosh fires of 1874 and 1875, the particulars of which are given in the history of Oshkosh, in this work.
The fire of July 14, 1874, destroyed all the compactly built portion of Main Street above the Beckwith House, and, spreading from there, burnt nearly every building in its course for a distance of more than a mile from the point of its origin.
During this year, between six and seven hundred structures were erected in Oshkosh.
The fire of April 28, 1875, was a still greater disaster. This fire destroyed the business center of the city, and, spreading from there, extended for over half a mile through the Sec- ond Ward, burning every thing in its track, but the court house and one dwelling, in a tract over a quarter of a mile in width.
This fire was followed by the immediate rebuilding of the city.
REBUILDING OF OSHKOSH.
The enterprise and vigor which characterized the rebuilding of Oshkosh, added to the fame of the city, and was a matter of favorable comment by the newspapers of the country. Oshkosh astonished the outside world by the
wonderful recuperative force she exhibited. Her courage and enterprise under such dis- heartening circumstances excited universal admiration.
AGRICULTURAL PROSPERITY IN 1875.
[From the Oshkosh Northwestern.]
The year 1875 was a bounteous one to the farmer, and sel- dom, if ever, in the history of this section of country, have the harvests yielded so plentifully. The spring set in rather later than usual, the snow not melting away until the second of May. The excellent summer weather, especially propitious for grain and vegetables, quickly repaid with interest the back- wardness of the season, and the harvest rounded up with the fullest store. The early frosts in August nipped and stinted the corn crop, which, however, is of but secondary import_ ance in this section, and the crop was exceedingly light, and almost a failure in some places. Everything else developed and yielded to its fullest measure. The wheat and oat crops were never better, and reports at threshing time came in thick and fast from every locality, of immense yields, which were considered astonishing. It was a common occurrence to find wheat turning out thirty to forty bushels to the acre, and in some instances fifty bushels to the acre has been claimed. The oat, barley and rye crops were proportionately up to the wheat.
The vegetable crop surpassed anything in the history of the country. The exhibition of vegetables at the Northern State Fair, held in this city in October, was the the theme of remark and wonderment by all who visited it. The crop of potatoes, which had been destroyed each season for several years previ. ous by the potato bug, came through without a scratch, and with an enormous yield. Potato vines that season were entirely relieved from the usual pest; where for several years before potatoes had sold at an average price of one dollar per bushel, the ruling price since the crop of 1875, is thirty cents.
CROPS.
There was raised in Winnebago county, in 1875, the follow- ing cereals, according to the best estimates :
Bushels.
Wheat
1,500,650
Oats .
600,000
Corn, poor in quality . 400,000
Barley .
27,900
LIVE STOCK.
According to the assessment returns of 1875, there was in the county of Winnebago the following live stock.
Horses 8,119
Neat Cattle
18,533
Sheep
36,885
Swine .
6,4 18
Mules and Asses
122
THE COUNTY IN 1879.
The navigable water courses traversing this county, with its beautiful lakes, are one of its most attractive features. They also give it great commercial advantages, in affording steamboat communication with Lake Michigan on the one hand, and the Mississippi on the other; but above all, the Wolf River, flowing from the pineries, affording the best of facilities for floating their products to this county, has, from the beginning, been largely tributary to
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133
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
its prosperity. For the last twenty years, from one hundred to two hundred million feet of pine logs, per annum have been got out in these pineries, and floated down the Wolf, and the great portion of it manufactured at that point into lumber, shingles, sash and doors. The magnitude of these manufactures may be comprehended, when it is stated, that the products of the Oshkosh mills and facto- ries, have, in some seasons, loaded fifteen thousand railroad cars.
A large force of men have found employ- ment in this business. In the fall, supplies are first hauled to the camps, and, on the first fall of snow, hundreds of men take their departure for the woods. In the spring the logs come down, and the boom, which is situated about twenty miles from Oshkosh, where the logs are rafted is a scene of great activity. Here, large crowds of men are seen in every direc- tion, engaged in sorting and rafting the logs, which, when formed into fleets, are towed by tugs to Oshkosh, and other points. The stir and bustle at Boom Bay, which is a lively place in the rafting season, isfurther increased by the noisy little steam tugs, coming and going, and by the passenger steamers, arriv- ing and departing daily.
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