New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-01

General Francis Elias Spinner was born nc German
Fats NOW Mohawk), n. Y, on January 81, 1sO3.
His fhther, John Peter Spinner ,born in Werbach'
Baden, January 49, 1893; died nj German Flats May
81, 1s4sl ofhclated for twelve years as Roman
Catholic priest Then he embraced Protestantlsm,
married. emlgatcd TO the United states IN 1oO1, ana
served az pastor Of Reformed churches at Hcrldmer
and German Flats until his death, preaching first in
German and afterward alternately In Germh and Eng
lsh. General Spinner was carefully educated by MS
father who Had desire that his son should become
clergyman. lie wanted his 10 learn trade, ana
young Spinner was at first appgentced to con-
fectoner at Albany and later TO harnessmaker at
Amsterdam. It was while he lived at Albany
that GtDeral Spinner conceived that lovo
OF books and study that distinguished him
In later years. At Amsterdam he read every
book in the village library. His prediction
was toward the natural sciences, a field ne never
ceased to explore. When twenty-five years old he be-
came merchant Of IIePkimer. In 1924 he was ap-
pointed deputy sheriff Of Herkmer County. lie held
this place for six years. and in 1894 he was elected
Sheriff. holding the Office for Tine years lie took an
active part in the militia organization and was proml
nent in establishing the 26th New York Regiment, OF
which he chosen lieutenant shortly after setting
at Herkmer In 1894 Inc became major general OF tho
Third Division OF Artillery. In 1888 Governor Marcy
Amounted General Spinner as ono OF the commissioners
for building the state Lunatc Asylum at Utica,
post 10 which he brought his characteristic
energy. In 1899 no accepted tile cashcrsmp OF
the Mohawk Valley Bank, and for twenty years he
served the bank, either as cashier or president IN
1545 General Spinner was appointed Auditor ana
Deputy Naval Officer OF the Port OF New-fork holding
this ofnco until 1940.
General Spinner was elected to Congress in 1894
as an ant-savery Democrat, and he served upon SOW
eral important committees, including the ComnhI'ee
on Privileges and Elections, and on tho special COM
mltee appointed to investigate the assault upon Sem
ator Sumner by Preston Brooks General spinner
helped to organize the Republican party and in 1896
and 1888 no was reelected to Congress as Repub-
lcan serving from December 3, 1885, TIL March 3,
1861 Dnrine his last term he was chairman Of the
Committee on Accounts
When the Lincoln Administration was orgahlEed' INC
President on the recommendation OF secretary 'h>c'
appointed General Spinner Treasurer lie heiu inns
Office under several Presidents from March TO- lool'
until June 30, 1875 when he resigned For more thah
fourteen wears he gave to the Nation the fruits Of his
ripe experience and steadiast devotion TO dy which
has made his name synonyme OF sturdy, honest ana
unselnsh purpose. HIS unique signature winch ap'
peared upon the paper currency OF the country during
this period perhaps more widely KNOWN thah tha'
of any other man Of his times. When many Oh the
Government clerks Joined the army General Spinner
suggested to secretary Chase the advsabinty Of EN-
moving women In the Government Offices, aud he
carried into effect this innovation, though not without
much opposition. When he resigned IlS ONCE .o
money in the Treasury was counted, ana Wien uu
result showed very small discrepancy several days
we're spent I'm recOuntlng the money and examining tue
hooks, until finally the mistake was discovered .,
ON retiring from Office General Spinner went South
for the benefit OF his health and his later years were
nassed in camp at Pablo Beach, near Jacksonville
Fla For wears lie suffered with cancer OF the face.
waiting patiently for the cid. A trait which as
tnguishcd General Spinner was an unsyerylng fidelity
10 his friends No task was too ardhOus, no per
sonaI Inconvenience too great, when a friend was
To- be helped For years 1t was his habit to keep
daily record of everything OF personal interest and no
leaves behind him collection OF notebooks that would
prove OF great value 10 the student Of history IN
honest heart would sooner cease beating than 90
wrong Quick and firm In his decisions ne cheeruIly
conceded a point II he reason Tor IL, III was
his life rule TO answer every letter written to MIN,
whether important otherwise. When Treasurer ne
never left his post except for few hours. and Tor
long time he passed his nights in the Treasury.