- James Gilfillan
James Gilfillan (circa 1836 –
April 8 1929 ) was the 13thTreasurer of the United States .Gilfillan was a native of
Belchertown, Massachusetts , born there to Scottish parents. In 1856 he graduated fromWilliams College , where he was a classmate of future PresidentJames Garfield .After graduation, he worked as a country editor of a weekly newspaper, reading law with the goal of entering the bar at the same time. He abandoned both professions, instead taking a clerkship at the Treasury Department in 1861, at an annual salary of $1,200. He remained a clerk until President
Ulysses S. Grant made him cashier of the United States under TreasurerJohn C. New .Gilfillan, rising steadily through the ranks, was appointed Treasurer by President
Rutherford B. Hayes , and he served from July 1, 1877 to March 31, 1883. During this period he was also Sinking Fund Commissioner for theDistrict of Columbia ; he was not paid for his service on the board until a bill of SenatorGeorge P. McLean of Connecticut passed Congress, awarding him $4,750.As Treasurer, Gilfillan acquired a reputation for integrity in his dealings, launching anti-corruption investigations, avoiding politics, and attending to his business. ["Mr. Gilfillan's Retirement.", "
The New York Times ", March 7, 1883, p. 1.]In his later years, Gilfillan lived in
Colchester, Connecticut . In November 1928, he was one of only five persons over the age of 90 to vote in the town. He died at his home there, aged 93, and his funeral took place two days later. He was survived by four daughters.References
Bibliography
* "James Gilfillan, Garfield Aide, Dies", "
The New York Times ", April 9, 1929, p. 28.
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