MAYOR GEORGE OPDYKE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 12/01/1863 CO-SIGNED BY: MATTHEW T. BRENNAN, CLINTON GILBERT, S. C. LYNES JR. - HFSID 321276

GEORGE OPDYKE
Civil War-dated $100,000.00 check for redemption of a County Revenue Bond, signed as Mayor of New York. Also signed by Comptroller Matthew T. Brennan, Board of Supervisors Clerk S. C. Lynes, Jr., and Treasurer Clinton Gilbert.
Check signed: "George Opdyke" as Mayor, "Matthew Brennan" as Comptroller, "S. C. Lynes" as County Book Keeper. Endorsed on verso: "Clinton Gilbert/Treasurer", 8¼x3¾. New York, N. Y., 1863 December 1. Check no. 5111 drawn on the County Treasurer at the Broadway Bank, payable to Greenwich Savings Bank for $100,000.00 for redemption of County Revenue Bond 1863 No. 50, due this day. GEORGE OPDYKE (1805-1880), a millionaire clothing manufacturer and merchandiser, was active in formation of the Republican Party and the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. As Mayor of New York (1862-1863), he was active in raising troops for the Civil War, and adopted a policy of no compromise with draft rioters. MATTHEW T. BRENNAN, originally a saloon keeper, used his Tammany connections to rise to police captain and then City Comptroller (1963-1967). Threatened with indictment and impeachment, and facing an uphill fight for re-nomination, he didn't seek another term, but he later served as County Sheriff. Ironically, as Sheriff, having broken with Tweed, he arrested the former Mayor. S. C. LYNES, JR., was City Book Keeper. CLINTON GILBERT (1807-1897) was Treasurer of the Greenwich Savings Bank from 1838, two years after his founding, until his death more than half a century later. He was trustee of several New York philanthropic organizations. Cancellation hole stamped in center. Corners lightly worn. Toned on edges. Light surface creases. Otherwise, fine condition.