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Welcome To Greene County, Indiana
Circa 1890's Photo Enhanced by: Robert Manson |
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Towns, Churchs, School Houses History etc.Greene county Indiana Towns, places, schools, churchs, and villages of Yesteryear and today; also the Townships I have tried to list all that I have found thus far. Often our ancestors tagged their location to the school and church nearest them, thus knowing the names of the schools , churches, landmarks and even the ridges and hills etc. Hopefully this will help locate the ancestor and data on them. Even the local news columns of yesterdays newspapers carried these names. Any in put on this will be very welcome and any entries I have not thought of or found would be most welcome. Cemeteries of Greene county are listed under a seperate page. If you have anything to add to what is listed below please contact me. Allens Mill Settlement (Richland twp) – See Baltimore Antioch (Wright twp.) Antioch Church (Taylor twp.) - Ashcraft Chapel Church (Jackson twp.) – Baltimore (Richland twp.) - Community that’s been passed on by word of mouth. Said to have had a Post Office but no official records has been found. It also had a tannery, blacksmith, grist mill and other businesses. Site of Allen’s Mill, it is said that was what it was to be named but the post office department would not accept it Barnes spring )wright township) - spring is near the Clay County line and about 100 yards West of Meridian Street at Jasonville. Beech Creek twp. - When county was formed it was part of Burlingame Township. In May, 1829, Beech Creek was created as it now is except the two western tiers of sections, and extended south to the center of the present Center Township. The boundary of Beech Creek was changed in May, 1835. Beeshunter (Washington & Grant twp) - marsh lands Bethany Church (Washington twp.) Bethel (Jackson twp) – Bethel Baptist (Stafford twp.) – Big Sycamore Tree (Highland twp.) – in 1915 it was estimated to be about the age of 500 years and it was a height to 150 ft.; a spread of 100 ft. and in circumference 1 ft off the ground was 45 ft & 3". At about 15 ft. above ground it forked into 2 branches. The east branch being 27 ft. 8" and the west branch being 23 ft. & 8". In the fall of 1924 the tree split apart in a wind storm. Black Ankle - neighborhood - Black Creek township - In August, 1829 Black Creek twp. was created from part of Dixson Township - which was created in May, 1828, when all west of the river (now Fairplay, Grant and Stockton) were constituted Dixon Township. In August, 1829, the township of Dixon was divided into Fairplay and Black Creek Townships, the latter comprising the present Townships of Grant and Stockton. In January, 1830, the name was changed to Stockton Township Bloomfield (Richland twp) – became the county seat and the town was laid out on May 11, 1824, and named by Dr. Hallet B. Dean for his birthplace, Bloomfield New Jersey. A local legend reported that early settlers named the town Bloomfield because they saw blooming fields here. A post office was established on May 28, 1925. Established 1821, incorporated 1921. Population 2,500. Zip code 47424. Bristle Ridge - neighborhood - Burlingame twp. - One of the original 5 twps. ; non existent as of _?? Area original included what is now Beech Creek, Center and Jackson twps. Burlington - was laid out in 1821 as the county seat of Greene county, Indiana; was 2 miles north of Bloomfield. It only lasted 3 years as the well there did not supply enough water.. No longer exists. Burris Chapel (Stafford twp) – Bushrod (Washington Twp.) - Buzzard Roost - neighborhood Calvertville (Highland twp) - Camp Cavalier (Jefferson twp) - was the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression Era. August 1, 1935 Worthington was chossen for a CCC Camp. which was Camp #1539 and was named Camp Cavalier the Worthington High Scchol offered the school gorunds north of the School on Main street and 10 barracks were built. The camp closed on June 18, 1942 and all but one building was loced down it served as the headquarters for the Greene, Clay and Owen Counties Soil Conservation Office. The tools were given to the Worthington School. The army personnel were set to various Army Training Camps. Cass twp. - In June, 1849, Cass was created ; it was a part of Plummer Twp. Cattle Flat - neighborhood - Center twp. In November, 1841, Center Township was created with its present boundaries. Cincinnati (Center twp.) - founded about 1840, the village was named for Cincinnati, Ohio. According to a legend, the community sprang up around an inn located along an old cattle trail in 1840. The inn was a favorite stopping place for cattle drivers and was often frequented by cattle buyers from throughout the middle west. On night, during the first year of its existence, a drunken cattle buyer jokingly remarked that the place reminded him of his home town, Cincinnati, Ohio, on account of the high hills and abundance of good whiskey. The suggestion seemed to take well with the owner and cattlemen present, so the name was adopted and has remained Cliffy Creek (Richland twp) – had its beginning as Bridge creek that goes underground in the American bottoms merging east of Walnut Grove Church in a cave like hole, In. the middle of the 1800’s the village of Baltimore (no longer in existence ) was established near this opening Concord Church – Devils Ridge - neighborhood - Dixon Station- Dixon - was named after Daniel G. Dixon it’s proprietor. Dixon twp. -In May, 1828, all of of Richland Township west of White River was constituted Dixson Township (thus called for the family of that name). It included the present Stockton, Grant and Fairpiay. In August, 1829 Fairplay & Balck Creek twps were created doing away entirely with Dixson Township. Doans (Taylor twp.) - Located in Snake Hallow Dog Island - neighborhood - south of Lyons the Church and cemetery there was Was known as Mt. Zion untill the flood of Aug. 1875 was the highest ground in the area and the residents and dogs alike took refuge there; it is said when noses were counted there were more dogs than people thus the name. Doolittle Hill (Wright township) - Dresden (Jackson twp) - est. abt 1846 was so named in memory of the native town in Ohio from which some of the first settlers had emigrated It was laid out by Isaac Johnson a noted colored citizen. East Lynn (Stockton twp.) - Eastern Heights (Center twp) - Eel River - (Jefferson & Wright Twonship) - The Delaware Indians called what we know as the Eel River "Shakamak", meaning "The Waters of the Long Fish". Eel River Twp - May/June 1828 all of Greene County in the forks of White and Eel Rivers was organized as Eel River Township. Nov 1881 a petition presented by John V. Morre was made to abolish the township it was approved December 8, 1881 and became a part of Jefferson twp. Had at least 4 township schools. Ellis (Stockton twp) - built in 1872; burned 1910 & rebuilt burned in 1920/30 & rebuilt discontinued 1951 Elliston (Fairplay twp.) - Fairplay (Fairplay twp) - Solomon Dixon was owner of the town site; was founded in 1819 two years before Greene county was formed. It was laid out and recorded by Hugh L. Livingston. In July 1835 into a total of 288 lots. After 1869 it gradually died. The town had thought it would become the county seat in 1821 and in 1823 but lost out both times. Fairplay Township - was divided off of Richland and Dixon twps; when all west of the river (now Fairplay, Grant and Stockton) were constituted Dixon Township. In August, 1829, the township of Dixon was divided into Fairplay and Black Creek Townships. In 1828 was named by Solomon Dixon the county’s 1st representative in the legislature, the leading man of the neighborhood as to wealth and influence, owner of valuable fast horse, a trainer and racer whose motto was "fair play". Farmer’s Ferry - the point where the ferry crossed the White River between Highland twp. And Jefferson twp. It was orginally started in 1865 at a town called Farmers, in Owen County, about 1/2 mile north of its present location where it was moved to in 1918. In 1930 the wooden ferry barge was replaced by a steel one. While owned by the county it was open year round except when the river froze. The public rode for free. In July 1989 after 124 years in was sold to Carter M. Fortune and is now in private hands, because of insurance cost. Faucetts (Richland twp.) - Fellows Mills (Richland & Taylor twp. Line)- See Mineral City Four Mile (Grant twp.) - Marsh lands Furnace (Richland twp.) – Organized in 1832 by Andrew Downing. No longer exists. Iron ore was mined, smelted and Iron products made here. Gilmour (Wright twp.) - Golden Knobs (Wright township) - Goosepond (Stafford twp.) - Marsh lands Grant twp. - was part of Richland, Old Dixon and Stockton twps. became a separate township in 1869 as a result of Switz becoming a town. In March, 1869, Grant Township was created out of Stockton, about as it is at present. In 1879 it was covered by three principal marshes – Bee Hunters, Four Mile and Latta’s Creek. Half-way Hose (Smith twp.) - Operated by the Dayhoff's on Terre Haute Rd. rest stop for waggoners and others Hamilton – Burg School (Stockton twp.) – 187-‘s, discontinued and students went to Bolten School Hardscrabble - neighborhood- Hart's trace - the old trail from Smith's Ferry on White River, extending across Stockton Township to the old Shaker settlement near Carlisle Hash Town (Richland twp.) - Heaton (Center twp.) - see Ridgeport ; in 1889 a petition for a Post Office was made and established on 21 June 1899 and discontinued on 26 Jun 1906 Hedrick School (Stafford twp.) – Hendricksville Potery - (Beech Creek twp.) - Pottery made in Henricksville by the Hendrick family. Known date of establishment is unknow but known to date before 1850 as pieces have been found in existence that did not have Salt Glazing. In 1901 an auction tool place and Charles Hendricks and family moved to Alsea, Oregon. Hendricksville (Beech Creek twp.) - named after Phillip Hendricks; abt 1831 Post Office was established Hicks Church (Washington twp.) Highland twp. - One of the original 5 twps. Whites Crossing - Hobbieville (Center twp.) – originally was called Jonesboro Illinois Central Trestle or Viaduct - Illinois Central Train Crossing Viaduct Northeast of Broomfield near Tulip. It stretches from hill to hill across the Richland Creek. Built in 1906 the structure is 157 feet high and 2,295 feet long. Construction was completed in 1908 at a cost of $1,000. Laborers were paid 15 cents an hour and steel workers 30 cents an hour. Its high supporting towers classified it a viaduct, one of the longest in the United States. In 1989 was owned by the Indiana Railroad Company and still in operation today (2003). Ilene (Washington twp.)- Jackson twp. - May, 1829, Burlingame Township was divided by the line three miles north of the present northern boundary of Jackson Township, into the two townships of Beech Creek and Jackson Jasonville (Wright twp.) - according to a version of a local legend, about 1855/8 Billy Buckalew coming to Jason Roger’s store to exchange butter and eggs for groceries. While loafing outside the store, Billy dipped a paddle into a tar bucket hanging on his wagon and scrawled "Jasonville" on the side the store, and this prank gave the city its name. Established 1855/1858. Population 2,300. Zip code 47438 Jefferson twp - formed Aug 1849 by petition Joseph Huey etal to divided Smith twp. In 1828, all west of White River was called Smith Township, The division approved on 4 September 1849 - the description of the new township was: "Beginning of line dividing Owen and Greene Counties at northwest corber of Section One, township 8 north, range 6 west, thence south to section line of said township to White River, thence up White RIver to mouth of Eel River to place of begining." On December 8, 1881 Eel RIver township was added to Jerrson thus making the township located in Township 8 north rages 5 and 6 west. Jim Ray Cave (Center twp.) - near Ridgeport and one of the most outstanding caves in Indiana. It is on private property and not open to the public. Johnson Hollow (Wright Township) - Johnson's Grist Mill (Center twp.) - on Big Creek due South of Old Sylvania Church, as crow flies. A Buhr grist mill. Became Dobson's mill mid 1920's when the buhr's were bought and moved by the Dobson's Johnstown (Jefferson twp.) - Jonesboro (Center twp.) - became Hobbieville as another town in Indiana located in Grant county was called by that name. Kentucky Ridge Church (Taylor twp.) - also known as Pleasant Ridge the church was first organized on Sept. 25, 18443; it split and on Nov. 16, 1843 the Regular Baptist church was formed. No official records have been found where it was changed from ‘Pleasant Ridge’ to Kentucky Ridge as it is called which has become the common usage because of all the Kentuckians who settled there Koleen (Jackson twp.) - platted in 1853 by Elijah Mitchell and apparently named by railroad officials because kaolin clay, used in making pottery, was mined here. A local legend offers another explanation of the name " The name Collen, maiden name of the wife of a merchant, was sent to Washington as a name for the village when the post office was established, but the officials made a mistake and the named established was "Koleen". The community is sometimes called Robinson. Latta"s Creek (Wright Township) - The first white habitation in Greene County was a log cabin built by John Latta in 1816. Hence the name Latta's Creek Lebanon Church (Wright twp.) - Liberty Church – Lick SKillet - Neighborhood- Lime Kiln (Richland twp.) - Located on the east end od Devil's Backbone Ridge. Pioneers processed lime for domestic use. Linton (Stockton twp.) - settled around 1816, the community was first called New Jersusalem. A post office established on Jan. 2, 1883, as New Jerusalem was changed to Linton on Nov. 1919. The name honors Col. William C. Linton, congressional candidate from Terre Haute, who is said to have given the first speech there . Linton was once called Pittsburgh of the West because of the many coal field in the area. Established 1831. Population 6,500. First federal post office was established here in 1935. Zip Code 47441 Lone Tree or Lone Tree Prairie (Smith & Wright Twp. Line) - the came from a large Red Oak tree in the middle of a clearing on the prairie; was a vast open prairie and that a single tree standing near the cross roads was the only one for quite a distance in either direction, hence the name, "Lone Tree Corner". Lynn (Stockton twp.) – Lyons or Lyons Station (washington twp.) - was Mudsock before it was plotted in 1869 and named for Squire Joe Lyon, Bloomfield resident who held several county offices, including treasurer and auditor. Established 1868, Population 850. Zip Code 47443 Marco or Old Marco (Stafford twp.) - settled around 1816, 1st entry of land was by Allen Reaves in. According to local traditions, the name was coined from the named of two early residents March and Coker, though some say the name is for Marco Polo, and others say that the name was chosen by the Post Office Department in 1868/9 it was plated out into 100 lots and moved to the west bank of Black Creek. Mc Ville (Beech Creek twp.) - named after Henry Mc Ville Midland (Wright twp) - a post office was established in 1884. It is generally thought that the name comes from the village’s location midway between Sullivan and Worthington a old mail route, though the name may come from the Midland Coal Company. Mineral City (Richland & Taylor twp. Line) - this village earlier was called Fellows Mill, but the post office name was changed to Mineral on March 7, 1895; it is said it was named by the railroad authorities because there is coal in the vicinity and the post office was closed on November 30, 1950 Mount Vernon Church (Jefferson twp.) – Mt. Nebo Church (Taylor twp.) Mt. Zion Church (Washington twp.) – Dub "Dog Island after the flood of Aug. 1875 was the highest ground in the area and the residents and dogs alike took refuge there; it is said when noses were counted there were more dogs than people thus the name. Mudsock (Washington twp.)- was Lyons before 1868 and named because mud was knee deep on legs of the horses Nicholsonville (Wright twp.)- New Jerusalem (Stockton twp) - existed under this name until 1830 See Linton Newberry (Cass twp) - a Post office called Slinkard Mills, with Frederick Slinkard as postmaster was established on July 12, 1823. On August 15, 1849, the post office name was changed to Newberry. The town first was laid out in 1822, though surveyed and platted again on May 6, 1830, and named for Newburry, South Carolina, however, local history says the town was located laid out in 1842 by M. Newberry, and named for him it is also said that John O’Neal started the town of Newberry in 1822. Established 1822. Population 207. ZIp code 47449 Newark (Beech Creek twp.) - started in 1859 by John and Nancy Edwards and was named after the town in Ohio. Oak Ridge (Jackson twp.)- see Owensburg Old Nellie - also known as "Little Nellie" The train that ran on the Monon between Bedford and Switz City. It stopped at Springville, Owensburg, Blooomfield. Olive Branch Church (Stockton twp.) – Ore Branch – Owensburg (Jackson twp.) - this village was platted on March 10, 1848, and named for the local Owens family. Lilbern Owens opened as blacksmith shop here in 1842. A post office established as Oak Ridge on May 15, 1844 was changed to Owensburg on May 1, 1851. Park (Richland Twp.) - originally called Parker, the community was named for the local Parker family, early settlers. A post office was established in 1866; closed in 1908. A Ghost town now. All that remains in the hewed stone which covers the well where the water was obtained for the school Parker - see Park Parks School (Wright) - discontinued 1941 Paw Paw Bend - neighborhood - Paw Paw Bend (Washington twp.) - Where the White river makes an S curve Persimmon Ridge - Pinhook - neighborhood - Pleasant Ridge - also known as Kentucky Ridge Plummer - Was was named for Thomas Plummer Sr. Plummer Creek - Was named for Thomas Plummer Plummer twp. - Was one of the original 5 twps. and was named after Thomas Plummer Sr. Was divided into Cass and Taylor twp. in June, 1849, Plummer thus Township disappeared Puckett Prairie (Wright township) - Point Commerce (Jefferson twp) - was laid out by J. M. H. Allison and his brother John F. Allison were in business at Spencer, Owen County and they accordingly came to the mouth of Eel River, bought a tract of land, and on the 22d of April, 1836, laid out thirty five lots on fractional Section 21, Township 8 north, Range 5 west, and named the town thus begun Point Commerce and was so named because of their intention of buying and shipping produce down the river. Prairie Chapel Church (Washington twp) – Red Ruff - (Wright township) - A dense red oak thicket about two miles East of Jasonville was named by Thomas Puckett Richland Covered Bridge (Richland Twp.) - Also known as the Plummer Creek Covered Bridge, this one-lane tin-roofed bridge is 119 foot long, single span Burr Arch truss bridge, crosses Plummer Creek and was built in 1883 by A. M. Kennedy and Sons, the county commissioners were M. Crockett, J. Miller and R. T. Mckee. This bridge was closed in 1957 and restored by J. L. Wilson Construction with G. M. Hays as engineer and was opened in 1967 after foundation and roof rehabilitation. Closed again in 1990, and in 1997 was renovated at a cost of close to or over $300,000 by F. E. Gates and John Kindler as project manager. A plaque found on the bridge during restoration shows that the bridge had been lightning proofed by Robbins Lightning Protective Co. of Maryville, Missouri. It was reopened in 1998 following extensive structural renovation and replacement of timbers. This structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and is located 2 miles south of Bloomfield, Greene County on the Old Scotland Road. Richland twp. - was on of the original 5 twps. In May, 1828, Richland Township west of White River was constituted Dixson Township. In the year 1821, when the county was organized by the Board of Commissioners, the township of Richland was created, and then comprised the present townships of Richland, Fairplay, Grant and Stockton; but in 1828, all that portion west of White River was constituted Dixon Township (thus called for the family of that name), since which time Richland Township has had its present boundaries with some slight changes Ridgeport (Center twp.) - named for its location on a ridge. A post office called Heaton for the Heaton family, was established in June 1889, closed in July 1906. Wallace Heaton was a local store keeper, and David W. Heaton was the first postmaster. Robinson (Jackson twp.) - see Koleen was named by the railroad authorities Rock House (Richland twp.) - a large rock overhang along Cliffy Creek, used as a refuge during storms as it was always dry regardless how much it had rained Rock Wood Rockford - (Ruth’s-ford) was also named my the railroad authorities Ruth School (Taylor twp.) – was discontinued about 1926 Salt Peter Cave (Richland twp.) - on the west end of Devils Backbone Ridge high above Cliffy Creek. The pioneers collected the salt peter to cure their meats. Samaria Church (Stockton twp.) Scaffold Prairie - Named for the Scaffold family Scotland (Taylor twp.)- In August of 1835, Thomas Barker, Sr., and O. T. Barker employed Peter B. Lester, County Surveyor, and laid out twenty-four lots on Section 36, Township 6 north, Range 5 west, and named the town thus begun Scotland and and another says the village was platted in 1837 named by Scots David Wallace and Jimmy Haig for their homeland. Families from Scotland settled near one another. A post office was established in 1837. Screamersville (Center twp.) - the first election precinct of Jonesboro Shake-rag - Neighborhood - Shiloh Baptist Church (Washington twp.) – Shiloh School (Washington twp.) – known as School District #4 built in 1915 and burned in 1924 and students were transferred to Lyons. Teachers were: Harvey L. Blume, Icid Hunter & Wilda Edwards. Shiloh Church (Stafford twp.) – Simpson Chapel Church (Taylor twp.) – Skillet Lick - neighborhood - Slinkard Mills (cass twp.) - See Newberry Smith twp. - named for Thomas Smith. In May, 1828, it was Highland Township west of White River (the present Jefferson, Smith and Wright) constituted Smith Township. May, 1828, the County Board divided Highland Township, and created all of the present townships of Jefferson, Smith and Wright into a new township, to be known and designated by the name of Smith; but about a week later, all of the county lying in the forks of White and Eel Rivers was in turn separated from Smith, and named Eel River Township, to which a separate organization was given. This left Smith Township with the present territory of Wright, Smith and Jefferson, except the portion lately known as Eel River Township. January, 1838, the County Board again divided Smith Township as follows: Beginning at Township 8 north, Range 6 west, on the line dividing Sections 4 and 5 in said township, the said line dividing the counties of Greene and Clay, running thence south to the south line of said Smith Township, said line dividing the townships of Smith and Stockton. All of Smith Township west of that line was created as Wright Township Snake Hallow (Taylor Twp) - neighborhood - was named for the great number of snakes found there, especially in the spring of the year. In this hollow was a brackish spring, which was frequented by the deer Snake Ray - neighborhood - Solsberry (Beech Creek twp.) - formed abt 1850 according to one local legend, the village was first called Sol’s Berry Patch, but "Patch" was dropped from the name. A likely origin is that Solsberry is a phonetic spelling of Salisbury, an English town name. Another local belief was that the community was named for Solomon Wilkerson, village organizer and builder of the first house. It was laid out March 1848 by L. Owens and Emanuel Hatfield; Post office est. abt 1851 Sponsler (Stafford & Stockton twp. Line)- Founded in 1889 and named for William Sponsler who owned land here when a railroad stop was established Stafford twp. - The Stafford family lent their name to this twp. And one of the original 5 twps. part of Washington twp was formed from this twp. also Stockton twp - In January, 1830, the name was changed to Stockton Township from Black Creek twp. Named by Wickliff Wines because of its great place for grass and stock range Summit (Stockton Twp.) - Swayback - neighborhood - Switz City (Fairplay & Grant twp. line) - a post office , named for the local Switz family, was established in 1869 John Switz was a local landowner. It was incorporated in 1920. Lays in both Grant & Fairplay twps. Rail town with 3 main branches: Pennsylvania, Mono & Illinois Central. Post office said to been est. 1877. Population 280. Zip code 47465. Sylvania – Tail Hoot/Holt - neighborhood - Tanner (Center twp.) - Taylor twp. – Formed from part of Plummer twp. in June, 1849. Has the Old Saltpeter caves and Alum Cave. Was named in honor of General Zachary Taylor Thacker Neck - neighborhood) Tulip (Highland & Richland twp. Line) - according to local legend, "The main flower that grew around here was the tulip, and that’s why the town was called "Tulip". The original village around Tulip was located a short distance from this site and was called ‘Old Tulip" after the post office was moved. Tunnel Hill (Jackson twp.) – A 1, 382 foot tunnel through a hill north of Owensburg for the Bedford, Springville, Owensburg & Bloomfield Railroad Co. Union Valley (Highland twp.) VanSlkye Bottoms - Vicksburg (Wright twp.) - Walnut Grove Church/Cemetery (Richland twp.) – Walnut Grove School (Richland twp. ) - Washington twp. - In November, 1830, Washington Township, with its present boundaries, was organized out of Stafford Township. White’s Crossing (Stockton twp.) – Wild Cat - neighborhood - Wilson Station (?Jefferson twp.) – Worthington (Jefferson twp) - the town was laid out in April 1849 by Mr. Andrews & Mr. Barrackman and named for Worthington, Ohio, former home of one of the founders. A post office was established on July 16, 1850 was incorporated in 1870. Population 1,500 Zip code 47471. State Road 67 to Switz City was paved in 1929. First rural free mail delivery began in Worthington in 1917 Worthington Jefferson Consolidated Schools (Jefferson twp.) – was built in 1955. In 1988 became a part of White River Valley School Corporation. Wright twp. - 1821, the territory was divided into four townships, one of them being Highland, which comprised the present townships of Highland, Jefferson, Smith and Wright. In May, 1828, all west of the river was constituted Smith Township. From the Richard Wright. a Justice of the Peace residing in this section of Smith Township, carried a petition and presented it to the county commissioners requesting that a new township be created by dividing Smith. In 1838 this petition was granted and a new township was formed by removing a tract six miles square from Smith extending West to the Sullivan County line. The commissioners named the new township "Wright" in honor of the man who carried and presented the petition. In addition to his holding office as Justice of the Peace, he was a preacher, farmer and blacksmith. He met his death while working at the forge by the accidental discharge of a muzzle loading rifle. |
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