Sharing from The "Medina County Gazette" - "Paul LaRue speaks to Friends of the Cemetery" - September 8, 2025 by Patrick Rhonemus

Excerpt:

"LaRue is president of the State Board of Education of Ohio and serves as the co-chair for the America 250 Ohio K-12 Education Committee.
He taught high school history for 30 years at Washington Court House High School." “Folks sometimes think that cemeteries are weird or creepy or scary,” he said. “But, my students really grew to love being out there because it gave them a frame of reference for things.” *****
"Friends of the Cemetery is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and beautifying two of Medina’s historic cemeteries, Spring Grove Cemetery and Old Town Graveyard.

Organization President Teresa Merkle said they try to host presentations from people who focus on preservation and history.
She said the organization is involved in preserving headstones in the cemetery."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Friends of the Cemetery" - Medina's Spring Grove Cemetery Annual Meeting presents Mr. Paul LaRue as its featured speaker - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 2:00p.m. at Spring Grove Cemetery , Medina - Grove Street Entrance - The public is invited to attend.

 

Friends of Medina's Spring Grove Cemetery

Members' Meeting

Paul LaRue

Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina on Find a Grave

Friends of the Cemetery - Facebook Page

"The Friends of the Cemetery Annual Members’ Meeting will be held at the Spring Grove Chapel on Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m."

"We are pleased and honored to welcome Mr. Paul LaRue, a retired social studies teacher from Washington Court House City Schools, as our guest speaker. He has received numerous state and national teaching awards, including the Ohio DAR American History Teacher of the Year, the American Legion Ohio Educator of the Year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ohio Teacher of the Year, the History Channel’s First Place in Innovation in History Education, Time Warner’s National Teacher Award, and the African American Civil War Memorial Teacher of the Year. Paul served on the Ohio Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and the Ohio World War 1 Centennial Committee. Currently, Paul serves as co-chair of the America 250-Ohio K-12 Education Committee and is President of the State of Ohio Board of Education.

Paul will talk to us about the significance of preserving historic cemeteries, the importance of recounting our connection to the Underground Railroad, and ways to educate our children about both. He will also discuss how we can engage our community in the America 250 commemoration and the necessity of teaching our children about it.

Be sure to note this significant and timely meeting on your calendar, as it is one you will not want to miss!"

Google Map showing location of the Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina.

Reminder:

This is a public meeting and those who are interested are invited to attend.

"Honoring the Birth of Education in America" - Free program presented by Mr. Paul LaRue - Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 10:30a.m. - Start Westward Monument in East Muskingum Park, 319 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio, 45750

 "238th Anniversary of the Northwest Territory Ordinance of 1787 Celebration" 

Muskingum Park, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Honoring the Birth of Education in America"

The 238th Anniversary of the Ordinance of 1787 Celebration Committee wishes to invite the public to our free program at 10:30am, Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the Start Westward Monument in East Muskingum Park, 319 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio, 45750.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Paul LaRue, President of the Ohio State Board of Education & Retired Teacher, will delve into the profound impact of Article #3 of the Northwest Ordinance and its lasting legacy on public education in America.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Land Ordinance of 1785 provided the land, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided the framework and encouragement for the establishment of education in the Northwest Territory, with Marietta and the Ohio Company playing a vital role in the practical implementation of this policy. These ordinances are the first instances of Congress providing support to education in the United States of America!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It's fascinating to consider that these foundational steps towards promoting education were taken before the Constitution and Bill of Rights were established.  The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was passed unanimously by the Congress of the Confederation, July 13, 1787!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Join us on July 9th to commemorate this pivotal moment in American history!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Note: From 10-10:30am - Guests are invited to join in at the monument with music and refreshments! At the First Congregational Church, the “Church of the Pioneers” bell ringing of the carillon will be performed with various patriotic tunes. Guests are invited to climb the steps into the bell tower to watch as Sean Lofty operates the wooden levers to engage the chimes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Note: This is an outdoor event under the temporary protective shelter covering the monument, in case of rain, the First Congregational Church at 318 Front Street, Marietta, OH 45750
(For additional program information, contact jean.yost@gmail.com or 740-336-8060)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Program Support: City of Marietta; Museum of the Northwest Territory - Campus Martius; First Congregational Church; Marietta Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; Washington County Public Library; Washington County Veterans Service Office; The Multicultural Genealogical Center; the Marietta Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution; Civil War Roundtable of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the America 250-Ohio Commission.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Background Materials: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is one of the world’s great state papers. Arguably the greatest achievement of the Confederation Congress, the Ordinance provided the blueprint for the growth of the new American republic and set the course for forming a more perfect union; most of all by excluding slavery from new territory.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 played a pivotal role in promoting education in the United States, even before the Constitution was ratified.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here's a breakdown of how they supported education:

Land Ordinance of 1785: This ordinance established a systematic way to survey and divide the Western territories (the Northwest Territory). Crucially, it mandated the setting aside of one section of land in each new township for the support of public schools. This was a groundbreaking move, as it recognized the importance of education and provided a tangible way to fund it.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787: This ordinance built upon the Land Ordinance of 1785 by providing a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and a process for admitting new states to the Union. It also included a crucial article (Article 3) that directly addressed the importance of education: "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged". The authors of the Northwest Ordinance believed that educated citizens were essential for successful self-government.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Role of Marietta and the Ohio Company: The Ohio Company of Associates, established in 1786, specifically aimed to found an institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory. When the Northwest Ordinance was passed, one of its future founders, Manasseh Cutler, composed the clause that emphasized the encouragement of education. Ohio University, established in 1804, was a direct consequence of the Northwest Ordinance and became the country's first land-grant university.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Significance:

These ordinances demonstrated a commitment from the Confederation Congress to support public education.

They laid the foundation for public education systems across the country by allocating land for schools.

The emphasis on "religion, morality, and knowledge" reflected the founders' belief that these were essential for good government and the well-being of the populace. 

It's fascinating to consider that these foundational steps towards promoting education were taken before the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were fully established. This highlights the importance that early American leaders placed on education for the new nation.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
This event is a tribute to the Continental Congress and all Patriots of the American Revolution, and focuses on the history of the founding of the Northwest Territory under the Ordinance of 1787. Many historians describe the Ordinance as one of the top three “Human Rights” documents in the world. Author David McCullough described the Ordinance best on page 30 of his new book, The Pioneers; “the great Northwest Ordinance of 1787 stands alongside the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence as a bold assertion of the rights of the individual.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Paul LaRue Bio: 

In 1985, Paul LaRue entered the classroom as a high school social studies teacher at Washington Court House High School where he remained until his retirement. Paul has been the recipient of numerous state and national teaching awards, including American Legion Ohio Educator of the Year, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ohio Teacher of the Year, and Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher of the Year. Nationally recognized, Paul received Time Warner’s National Teacher Award, the History Channel’s First Place “Innovation in History Education,” and the African American Civil War Memorial Teacher of the Year.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Since retiring, Paul has continued to work with social studies teachers and created educational content for the Ohio World War I Centennial, The Black History Bulletin, and the National Park Service. He currently serves as Co-Chair for the America 250 Ohio K-12 Education Committee.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dates in history: July 13, 1787, the day the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is adopted; July 9, 1788, the date Territorial Governor Arthur St. Clair arrived at Marietta; July 15, 1788 the day Gov. St Clair opened Territorial government for business.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Celebration Committee Co-Chairs: Marietta Mayor, Josh Schlicher; former Ohio Governor Nancy Hollister; Dr. Sharon Barnett, Board Member of The Multicultural Genealogical Center; Patty Ullman, Marietta Daughters of the American Revolution; Jean Yost, Marietta Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
HISTORIC BACKGROUND: Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, is the site of the first organized settlement and Capital of the Northwest Territory.  After the Revolutionary War, many New England officers and enlisted men formed the Ohio Company and left their homes for life on the frontier.  Landing at the mouth of the Muskingum (site of Fort Harmar and the 1stAmerican Regiment of the U.S. Army) on 7 April 1788, a group of 48 patriots led by General Rufus Putnam, founded Marietta and started the western expansion of the United States.  Over the next several years, a great many soldiers, sailors, and/or their families came to live here in a county named for their leader, General George Washington. These men who had fought for their country’s independence in the American Revolution had lobbied with the new Congress for land as payment for their service.  One result of the efforts of these men was the creation of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 which established territories North of the Ohio River to Canada and East of the Mississippi River, abolished slavery (Article VI) and served as the model for the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution. The Northwest Ordinance was unanimously passed on 13 July 1787 as one of the first significant pieces of legislation passed by the Continental Congress after the war.  On 17 September 1787, almost 2 months to the day of the passing of the Northwest Ordinance, Congress slightly modified that Ordinance and adopted it as our U.S. Constitution.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING: 9:30am to 5:00pm – The Museum of the Northwest Territory - Campus Martius, tour the General Rufus Putnam House, constructed in 1788 as part of the Campus Martius fortification. (Regular admission rates) Note: Territorial Governor Arthur St Clair and other officials conducted official business at the first Capital of the Northwest Territory, Campus Martius. Check out the exhibit “Celebrating the Pioneers,” based on the book The Pioneers by David McCullough, and explore the lives and personal objects owned by some of the individuals mentioned in the book.

SATURDAY, July 12th, 10am to 3pm- “HISTORY IN THE PARK” – History exhibits and Reenactors in Muskingum Park!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For additional info: https://www.cwrtmov.org/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

From the "Record Herald" - "Explore Fayette County's Past in Bloomingburg Cemetery Tour" - Monday - June 16 2025 - 6:30pm with Mr. Paul LaRue

 

Mr. Paul LaRue left.:

**************

"BLOOMINGBURG, Ohio — Historian and educator Paul LaRue will lead a program called “A Walk in the Bloomingburg Cemetery” on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., giving a tour of prominent gravesites from Fayette County. The Bloomingburg Cemetery is located on State Route 38 in Bloomingburg."

"The “cemetery walk” is open to the public. LaRue’s tours provide history and genealogical facts about prominent people of Fayette County, and this tour will focus on Bloomingburg.

A former history teacher and researcher, LaRue’s tours are educational and informative. He thanked the Bloomingburg Cemetery Board “for allowing this tour to take place.”

The Fayette County Genealogical Society is sponsoring the tour. All are welcome to attend and learn from history, LaRue said."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Bloomingburg Cemetery on Find a Grave.

REMINDER: Mr. Paul LaRue Presenter - Monday, March 17, 2025 - Fayette County Genealogical Society's first meeting of 2025 - "The Feeble Minded Institute Cemetery"

Here is a reminder from the Fayette County "Record Herald" in Washington Court House, Ohio.:

Paul LaRue is the guest presenter for the first meeting of the Fayette County Genealogical Society.:  

"The Feeble Minded Institute Cemetery - One of Ohio's Most Interesting Cemeteries." 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Fayette County Genealogical Society - Chapter of O.G.S. - Presents - Mr. Paul LaRue, Educator and Historian - "The Feeble Minded Institute Cemetery: One of Ohio's Most Unique Cemeteries" - Monday, March 17, 2025 - 7:00p.m. - 101 E. East Street, Washington Court House, Ohio - Evelyn Pentzer Meeting Room

Sharing from: 

The Fayette County Genealogical Society - Chapter of O.G.S. : 

Presents 

Mr. Paul LaRue, Educator and Historian 

"The Feeble Minded Institute Cemetery: One of Ohio's Most Unique Cemeteries"
Monday, March 17, 2025 - 7:00p.m.
101 E. East Street, Washington Court House, Ohio - Evelyn Pentzer Meeting Room

***This event is free and open to the Public***

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Orient Feeble Minded Institute Cemetery on Find a Grave.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mr. Paul LaRue

Also:

Additional biographical links for Mr. Paul LaRue:

https://doughboy.org/paul-larue-leads-st-colman-cemetery-tour-in-fayette-county-oh/

*****

https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/ohio-in-ww1-reading-resources.html

*****

https://news.va.gov/76872/preserving-legacy-veterans-buried-unmarked-graves/

*****

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/military/2016/05/30/veterans-unmarked-graves-get-new/23617459007/

*****

https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2024/01/using-the-veterans-history-project-for-holocaust-education/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Announcing from the Fayette County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society - Monday, June 17, 2024 - 6:30PM - "A Walk in St. Colman's Cemetery" - Mr. Paul LaRue is the tour guide.

Sharing from the Fayette County Genealogical Society.:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For further reference.:

Saint Colman's Cemetery on Find a Grave

Sharing news of an upcoming presentation to be given by Mr. Paul LaRue - Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00p.m. entitled.: "Sam Lucas and Uncle Tom's Cabin" - 101 E. East Street Evelyn Pentzer Meeting Room (Center for Economic Opportunity Building) Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio

This presentation is being hosted by the Fayette County Genealogical Society - a Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Please see the details provided in the poster below for the program's details.: 

Sam Lucas

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sam Lucas on Find a Grave

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mr. Paul LaRue is well known for his long career teaching at the high school in Washington Court House providing detailed programs that have brought about a greater awareness to the African American Civil War soldiers who were buried in Fayette County, Ohio.  

Mr. LaRue has taken his classes on numerous field trips that include the marking of soldiers' graves.  

Below are links that offer further information about Mr. LaRue and his work.:

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

*****

https://doughboy.org/ohios-black-world-war-i-sailors-forgotten-u-s-servicemen/

*****

https://www.ohiohistory.org/teaching-ohios-forgotten-heroes/

*****

Sharing an announcement from Paul LaRue - "A Walk in the Old Washington Cemetery" - Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio - Monday, June 19, 2023 - 6:30p.m.

 Sharing this announcement from Mr. Paul LaRue and the Fayette County Genealogical Society - Fayette County, Ohio.:    

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Old Washington Cemetery on Find A Grave

Sharing news of an upcoming presentation by Mr. Paul LaRue - Monday, March 20, 2023 - 7:00p.m. - 101 E. East St - Washington Court House (Fayette County) Ohio - "The World War I Burial Project"

Sharing this news of an upcoming event to be hosted by the Fayette County Genealogical Society on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:00p.m.  

***************

This will be a presentation given by Mr. Paul LaRue entitled.:  

"Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice:  The World War I Burial Project".  

See the image of the flyer below for the particulars.  

This is a free and open to the public event to be held at the Economic Development Building located at 101 E. East Street in Washington Court House, (county seat of Fayette County), in the downstairs meeting room. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Paul LaRue

Excerpt:
"Paul has been the recipient of numerous state and national teaching awards, including American Legion Ohio Educator of the Year, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ohio Teacher of the Year, and Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher of the Year. Nationally recognized, Paul received Time Warner’s National Teacher Award, the History Channel’s First Place “Innovation in History Education,” and the African American Civil War Memorial Teacher of the Year."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Learning about our history" from Mr. Paul LaRue - Washington Court House, Fayette County, OHIo.

"LaRue speaks at cemetery walk about prominent black citizens"

By Cathy Massie White - Fayette Co. Genealogical Society

Here is the link to this wonderful story!

"Learning about our history"

Announcement: Paul LaRue Presentation - "Washington Cemetery's Prominent Early Black Citizens" - Monday, June 20, 2022 - at the Washington Cemetery in Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio - beginning at 6:30p.m.

There will be a free and open to the public presentation scheduled for Monday, June 20, 2022 at 6:30p.m. by renown educator and historian Mr. Paul LaRue at the historic Washington Cemetery in Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio.  

The presentation is sponsored by the Fayette County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. 

The meeting will be near the fountain in the cemetery (see flyer below).: 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Fayette County Genealogical Society - Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Washington Cemetery on Find A Grave

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Google Map for the Washington Cemetery

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sharing burial information for The Gist Settlement Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio - a research project of the 2006 class of Washington Court House taught by Social Studies teacher Mr. Paul LaRue.

Thanking now retired Washington Court House High School Social Studies teacher, Mr. Paul LaRue, for so kindly sharing the burial listing and burial map for the Gist Settlement Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio that was compiled by the students who participated in his 2006 Research History Class Project.: 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Additional References: 

This important study became a multi-year project conducted in collaboration with the Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sharing this link to a downloadable PDF document about the "Gist Settlement Cemetery Project" posted online by the Ohio Local History Alliance.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Also,

The Gist Settlement Cemetery as posted on the website: "Find A Grave".

Preserve the Past, Build for the Future - Preserving African American Bu...

Sharing this video about preserving African American Burial Sites.  

~*~*~*~*~*~

Paul LaRue is among the presenters with his program about The Gist Settlement Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio.

"From The Grave To The Cradle: Restoring African American History" -

It is my pleasure to share this announcement of two upcoming presentations. 

Please see details below for further information of day, time, and location for each.:

"From The Grave To The Cradle:  Restoring African American History in Cincinnati"

"Please join us for a very special afternoon of history and conversation as two local historians present From the Grave to The Cradle: Restoring African American History in Cincinnati. Presenters Carl Westmoreland, Senior Historian at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Chris Hanlin, retired architect-turned-history researcher, will discuss both the historical actions and current impact of those interred at Union Baptist Church‘s cemeteries.

Founded in 1864, Union Baptist is the oldest in situ cemetery in Hamilton County purchased, maintained, and still managed by the historic Union Baptist Church. Since its inception, it has been one of the only places that African Americans could be buried in the city of Cincinnati, and as such, serves as the final resting place for many notable historic figures including two descendants of Thomas Jefferson, five Union Baptist ministers, a female abolitionist, dozens of American veterans including a Civil War era Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, an Ohio legislator, a founder of a national church denomination, and a prominent woman educator.

1:30 pm reception/2 pm program

Free event and open to the public. Reservations requested via ticketing, or by calling 513-621-0717, or emailing reservations@mercantilelibrary.com

Union Baptist Church will continue the conversation the following day, Sunday, March 1 at Union Baptist Church, 405 West Seventh Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203.  

The Sunday, March 1 program will begin at 2:00 PM;  speakers for March 1 will be Dr.  Paul LaRue and Arzell Nelson."

This program is made possible, in part, by Ohio "Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities"

The Union Foundation
About the Union Baptist and United American Cemeteries 

Union Baptist Cemetery on
 "Find A Grave"

"107 names added to Cleveland’s iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument"

The above link is to the WKYC-TV Channel 3 station in Cleveland and their report covering the event today of the addition of 107 names added to the Soliders' and Sailors' monument in downtown Cleveland. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

From the media press release about this event.:

"The Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which commemorates the Civil War and honors the citizens of Cuyahoga County who fought and worked for the Union will hold a special ceremony on Wednesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. 

At that time, the Monument Commission will announce the addition of 107 names of United States Colored Troop Veterans to the Monument’s Roll of Honor to the 9,000 names already enshrined. All 107 were from, or enlisted, in Cuyahoga County and more than 100 of these were African-American veterans. The name of each newly added honoree will be read aloud at the ceremony. 

The date June 19 was specifically chosen as it is also known as Juneteenth – or Juneteenth Independence Day, or Freedom Day – a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally, the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America.

Today’s significant addition to the Monument’s Roll of Honor is the result of nearly 20 years of painstaking historical research and verification work using modern methods. It began in 2002 with high school history teacher Paul LaRue of Washington Court House, Ohio and Mr. LaRue’s Advanced Placement History Class students. 

One of the Class’s projects involved research on seven USCT veterans buried in a Washington Court House cemetery. Their work led to new government issued military headstones to be installed on the graves, rightfully honoring those who fought for our country. This success led the Class to continue its research on burials of other USCT veterans within the State of Ohio. 

Their work came to the attention of the Governor’s office, which issued an executive order to provide copies of Ohio Civil War enlistment records to the Class. 

As the Class continued its work, the names of several veterans from Cuyahoga County were uncovered. Jerry Young – a Monument volunteer at the time (and now a Commissioner of the Monument) – learned of the Class’s work in 2009. Mr. LaRue graciously offered the use of the microfilmed records to the Monument for continued research. 

The Monument formed a committee for this work. For nearly a decade, Mr. Young; Committee Chair Jon Silvis, and Executive Director Tim Daley have conducted extensive research on behalf of the Monument Commission that has included factchecking; verification and re-verification. 

Today’s ceremony is the culmination of the many years of hard work and dedication of an educator; his students; the Monument’s historians and Commission; the State of Ohio and Cuyahoga County. Today we add the names of 107 American heroes to their rightful place on the Roll of Honor of the Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument."

********

Links about Mr. Paul LaRue:
Advisory Council on Hisoric Preservation

House Committee on Veterans Affairs

Preservation on a Shoestring

Gist Settlement - Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. 

"Educational Projects Using Local Cemeteries" - Conducted by Mr. Paul LaRue, Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. - Ohio Local History Alliance's Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Dublin, Ohio

Please note: 

 Saturday, October 8th - from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. - "Educational Projects Using Local Cemeteries" 

Conducted by Mr. Paul LaRue. 

Registration is now open for the annual meeting of the Ohio Local History Alliance including for the presentation by Mr. LaRue.