The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-01-08

borrow. Nheu - years
old he became a merchant in Herkimer, and in
1924 was appointed Deputy Sheriff of lIerkimer
County, which place lac held for six years. In
1884 ho was elected Sheriff and held the Office
for three years.
He took an active part in the militia organic
cation Of Now York, and was made Lieuten-
ant of tho 26lh regiment, and in 1891 became
Major General Of the Third Division OF Artil-
lery. In 1885 he was appointed one OF the
commissioners for building the State Lunatic
Asylum al Utica. In 1880 lac accepted the CASH
iership Of the Mohawk Valley Bank, aud for 20
years he served the bank either as cashier or
President. In 1915 lac was appointed Auditor
and Deputy Naval Officer of the Port of New
York. which office lie held until 1919.
Gen. Spinner was elected to Congress in 1854
rs an anti-slavcry Democrat, and he served upon
several important committees, including the
Committee on Privileges and Elections, and on
tho special committee appointed to investigate
the assault upon Senator Sumner by Preston
Brooks. Gen. Spinner helped to organize the
Republican party. and in 1856 aud ls5S he was
reelected to Congress rs "A Republican, serving
from Dee 3, 1850 till March 3. 1851. During
his last term no was Chairman of the Com
mittee on Accounts
When the Lincoln Administration was or
ganizcd, the President Oh tho recommendation
OF Secretary Chase, appointed Gen. Spinner as
Treasurer. He held this Office under several
Presidents from March l6. 1861. until June 80,
1875, when he resigned. For moro than ii
years be gave TO the Nation the fruits of his ripe
experience aud steadiast devotion to duty which
has made his name a synonym of sturdy,
honest and uHsclfsh purpose. His unique sig
nature, which appeared upon the paper cur
rcncy OF the country during this period, was
perhaps moro widely known than that Of any
other man OF his times. When many Of the
Government clerks joined the army, Gen.
Spinner suggested 70 Secretary Chase the adj
visibility Of employing women in the Govern
mcnt offices. and he carried into effect this in
nOvatiou, though not without much opposition.
When he resigned his Office the money IN the
Treasury was counted. and when the result
showed very small discrepancy several days
were spent in recounting the money and ex-
aiming the books, until finally the mistake
Was discovered.
On retiring from Office Gen. Spinner went
South for the benefit Of his health and his later
years were passed in camp az Pablo Beach. at
jacksonville, Fla. For years he suffered with
cancer Of the face, waiting patiently for the
end. 4 trait which distinguished Gen. Spin
ncT was an answering fidelity TO his friends.
No task was too ar!uou5, no personal iuconve-
Bicnce too great, whca a friend was 10 be helped.
For years ii was his habit to keep n daily rec
ord Of everything Of personal interest. and he
leaves behind him collection of notebooks
that would prove Of great interest TO the stu
dent Of history. In manner Gen. Spinner was
brusqne, but his great honest heart would
sooner cease beating than do a wrong Quick
aud firm in his decisions, he ehccr!ully con-
ceded point if be saw reason for it. Ii was
his rule 10 answer every letter written 10 him,
whether important or otherwise. When Treas
uFer he never left his post except for a few
hours. and for long time he spent his nights
in the Treasury.
Gen. Spinner's remains were embalmed and
shipped to Mohawk, II. ", Jan. ], o. NJ. Mitch
ell Post GAR. Of Jacksonville, following tho
remains 10 the depot. Memorial services were
held at 3 o'clock at Mohawk, which consisted
of the first part of the Episcopal service for the
burial Of the dead, reading Of the Scripture and
singing Of hymns The body will DC buried in
the Mohawk Cemetery.