Spinner, Francis Elias, 1802-1890

Spinner was born in German Flats, New York. He worked in banking, then entered politics as a deputy sheriff. In 1834 he became a major-general in the New York state militia; from 1845 to 1849 he was auditor of the Port of New York. From 1855 to 1861 Spinner served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and was appointed as Treasurer of the United States in 1861, a post he resigned in 1875.

From the description of Papers, 1890. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 25230677

Congressman (NY, 1854-1861), Treasurer of the United States (1861-1874), and originator of fractional currency issues.

From the description of Francis E. Spinner papers, 1802-1875. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 63937420

Merchant, banker, U.S. representative from New York, and U.S. treasurer.

From the description of Herman K. Crofoot collection of Francis Elias Spinner papers, 1792-1908 (bulk 1825-1891). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 83005684

U.S. treasurer, U.S. representative from New York, and army officer.

From the description of Francis Elias Spinner papers, 1868-1878. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70980505

Secretary of treasury, congressman.

From the description of Francis E. Spinner papers, 1830-1890, 1835-1880 (bulk). (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155432032

Born in Mohawk, Herkimer County, N.Y. Served in the House of Representatives from 1855-1861; appointed treasury secretary by Lincoln in 1861.

From the description of F. E. Spinner letters, 1858-1866. (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 173260170

Treasurer of the United States.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Washington, D.C., to Mrs. Julia M.D. Patten in Brooklyn, N.Y., 1856 Apr. 5. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270579091

From the description of Autograph slipped from a letter : [n.p., n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270580610

Appointed by Lincoln to the post of Treasurer of the United States (1861-1875).

From the description of Francis E. Spinner papers, 1856-1883. (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155419688

United States Representative and Treasurer of the United States.

Francis Elias Spinner was born in 1802 in German Flats, New York. He attended schools in Mohawk Valley, New York. In 1820 he married Caroline Caswell, and they had five children. Spinner was cashier, then president, of a bank in Mohawk Valley. He entered politics as a deputy sheriff. In 1834 he became a major general in the New York state militia, and from 1845 to 1849 he was auditor of the port of New York.

From 1855-1861 Spinner served three terms in the House of Representatives, first as an anti-slavery Democrat, and later as a Republican. In 1861 Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase appointed Spinner Treasurer of the United States, where he made his mark by his elaborate signature and by employing women in the civil service, replacing young men who had gone into uniform. He was Treasurer of the United States from March 16, 1861 to June 6, 1875. Spinner died on February 22, 1890, in Washington, D.C.

From the description of Letters, 1864-1882. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 49637939

Biographical Note

Francis Elias Spinner

• 1802, Jan. 21: Born, German Flats, Herkimer County, N.Y.
• 1826: Married Caroline Caswell
• 1834 - 1837 : Sheriff, Herkimer County, N.Y.
• 1838: Appointed one of the commissioners for the construction of the New York State Lunatic Asylum, Utica, N.Y.
• 1845 - 1849 : Auditor and deputy naval officer, Port of New York
• 1855 - 1861 : United States representative from New York
• 1861 - 1875 : Treasurer of the United States
• 1890, Dec. 31: Died, Jacksonville, Fla.

From the guide to the Herman K. Crofoot Collection of Francis Elias Spinner Papers, 1792-1908, (bulk 1825-1891), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)