Samuel D. Downes Bank Papers, 1875-1910

Title:

Samuel D. Downes Bank Papers, 1875-1910

Creator:

Downes, Sameul D., 1827-1903

Accession / Call Number:

1996.064

Object ID:

1996-064

Date:

1875-1910

Physical Description:

1 box ; 0.33 linear feet

Scope and Content:

The Samuel D. Downes Bank Papers includes routine correspondence and forms accumulated in Downes’ capacity as treasurer of the Francestown Savings Bank. Correspondence largely concerns mortgages and loan repayment and requests, but also includes letters regarding the purchase, sale, or foreclosure of properties, and notes pertaining to stocks and investment holdings belonging to the bank. There are two letters that can be considered personal, from C. A. Jaquith, on March 3, 1881, and undated. Letters from bank clients include some information about the local economic climate, and reflect local culture at the time. There are many interesting bits as to why loans cannot be repaid ("need to sell cabbages," "logs were frozen in"). Lawsuits and other legal claims are mentioned as well, including a letter from the Wilton Savings Bank that indicates that both banks were "joint victims in being holders of short time notes" by Cooley and Cole (August 11, 1898). Charles E. Farley writes an extensive letter about the sale of the savings bank to two gentlemen, and the intention of the buyers to "build up the town" (February 2, 1898). Throughout the correspondence there are indications that the bank had fallen on hard times, and quite a few letters in 1898 include comments on the economic climate ("such times as these"). Correspondence mainly comes from towns in central New Hampshire, but other areas in New England and throughout the country are represented as well. Bank business forms include mainly receipts. There are many collection and remittance notices from the Indian Head National Bank in Nashua, NH, for W. E. Downes in 1877 and 1878.

Subjects:

Bankers , Banks and banking , Correspondence

Locations:

Francestown, NH

People:

Downes, Sameul D., 1827-1903 , Downes, William E., 1854-1924

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society purchase.

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Level Description:

Collection

Finding Aid Link:

RS65021_Downes_Samuel_D._Bank_Papers_1996.064.pdf