Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-31


Hon. SILAs c. HATCH of Bangor, retires to-day
from the position of State Treasurer, and passes
to his successor the duties and responsibilities
of the place, well as the treasures of the State
that he has SO diligently guarded. 1t was with
unGeigned regret that the friends of Mr.. Hatch
learned few months ago that his private business
engagements were so pressing as to require his
whole time and undivided attention, and that
thereto he would not be a candidate for re-elec-
ton. During his three years Of service Treasurer
Hatch has had eye single to the best interests
Of the State. Ia the collection of taxes las for ir.
stance the bank and railroad taxes he has shown
at executive and financial ability that few men
possess that has seldom fallen to the lot Of pub.
lie officers The splendid condition of the finances
attcsts his ability in that direction Mr.. Hatch has
endeared himself to the people Of Augusta, dur
ing his three years residence here and they share
largely in the general feeling that Mr.. Hatch 5
retirement to private life may By but temporary.
Hon. EsRRFF III. BANKS, the incoming State
Treasurer, takes possession of the office to-day.
Mr. Banks was born in Buxton, in this State, on
the Goth Of May 1921 and is therefore in the fifty
sixth year of his age. In his youth he lived with
his widowed mother, doing what he could in the
summer, and attending the town school in winter:
until he was fifteen years of age, when he left
home for the first time. going to Parsonsfeld.
where he attended the Academy one year. AT the
age Of II he went West 10 seek his forture was
gone about six years, and not finding the expected
fortune, returned home 10 the fall Of 1913, and
again took up his residence in Buxton. 10 1915
entered the store of the late Dea. J. NJ. Hayes on
Factory Island, Saco. where he remained two and
one half years. At the end of that time he com
menced business in Biddelord with +. ii c. Hoop
er, under the firm name of Hooper & Banks.
In 1856 he bought out Mr.. Hooper, and CARED
Oh the business alone until he sold out in 1874.
At the organization of the first city government of
Biddeiord, he was chosen a councilman. In 1856
was chosen representative to the legislature, and
reelected in 1857. Was elected mayor of Bidde-
ford in 1850, TO fill the vacancy caused by the
death Of II on. Jonathan Tuck. Was appointed
draft commissioner for York county, by the gov
ernor in 1868. In 1868 was elected senator from
York county, and re elected in 1864 Was one Of
the electors for President in 1868. Ia 1874 was
elected county treasurer of York county, and
was re elected in 1875, and also in 1876
resigning the last Office to assume that of
State Treasurer, TO which be was elected by
the legislature Jan. 3, 1877. He has been one
of the trustees of the York County Savings bank
about ten years, the last four years one of the in
vestng committee. He has been director of the
First National Bank twelve or fourteen wears
tie last two being president.
Mr.. Banks has been very successful in business
and has accumulated considerable wealth. lie is
a Unitarian in religious faith, and is married He
will make worthy successor to Mr.. Hatch.