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"The value of a blacksmith to early settlers, farmers and merchants cannot be
understated in the growth and development of our state and counties. They served
as makers and repairmen for a multitude of items used by pioneers as they sought
to survive the harshness of early life in Putnam County and thrive. As the land was
cleared for farming; as stone quarries and brick kilns were developed for
construction materials; as water- and horse-powered mills were built in multiple
locations; and as sawmills utilized the bounty of vast forests, blacksmiths were
essential. (...)"