Levi Jr. was the 4th son (of 7) of Levi Bacon & Sarah "Sally" Green (both of Connecticut)
He emigrated to Michigan in 1838 from NY (where the family had moved from CT) and was a resident of Pontiac from 1842 to 1875, engaged in mercantile businesses and other concerns.
He married Sarah Lucintha Parke (a daughter of Capt. Hervey Parke & Mercy Brownson) in Pontiac in 1844, having one surviving daughter Mary E. (Bacon) Nelson. It was during this time Levi was appointed Postmaster from 1848-52.
Sarah died a few months after the birth of a son Hervey (who died in infancy at 6 mos) in 1854.
Levi shortly thereafter married Emma Whitehead in 1856, and started his eventual family of five children in Pontiac.
They were:
1. Belle A., b. 1857
2. Agnes Idaline, b. 1859
3. Levi Seward, b. 1860
4. Charles Francis, b. 1861
5. Almeron Whitehead ("Barry"), b. 1870
Levi was a state Representative from Oakland County, 1857-58.
He was Mayor of Pontiac in 1866-67, and a Republican in politics.
He then was nominated by President Andrew Johnson as assessor of internal revenue for the 5th district of Michigan in March of 1867.
Also during the 1850s to 1875 he was the partner of W. M. McConnell in the dry goods business, as the old firm of McConnell and Bacon. He was subsequently engaged in the produce business with Edward Coats, and after that with A. H. Whitehead (his brother-in-law) under the firm name of Bacon & Whitehead, in the same business opposite the Northern hotel.
He also, with McConnell, Horace Thurber, and Michael E. Crofoot had the original gas company franchise for Pontiac (which grew and is known today as Consumers Power Company in Michigan)
In Nov of 1875 he was appointed by Secretary Chandler as financial clerk of the US Patent Office, a position he held until his death in 1887.
The last summer before his death he was stricken with typhoid fever, but seemed to have recovered nicely.
The "National Republican" on June 24, 1887 said:
"Death of Mr Levi Bacon.
Mr Levi Bacon, who has been financial
clerk of the patent office since 1875, died
on Wednesday at his home, at 633 East Capi-
tol street. He leaves a widow and five
children to mourn his departure. His
funeral will take place from his late res-
idence this afternoon at 4:30."
~~~
(Originally interred in Sec. R92, Lot 342 at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC, he was moved to Rock Creek along with other family members by his son Charles in January of 1916.)∼
After his decease, his story seemed to continue for a brief spate…
Mr. Bacon's Accounts
A Shortage of Over $33,000 Discovered,
Which May be Reduced to $17,000
The committee which was appointed by Secretary Lamar to settle up the accounts of the late Levi Bacon, financial clerk of the Patent Office, have practically completed there labors.
Their statement, made late this afternoon, shows that the examination of the committee covered the period from June 1 to 22 last, and that the balance unaccounted for is $11,523.00 of a total receipt held by Mr. Bacon of $67,790.40 during that period.
The deficit in the special deposits with Mr. Bacon by attorneys is $4,555, of which $1,500 cannot be collected. There is also some $16,000 in due bills from employees, clerks, etc., which, if collectable, will reduce the total deficit from over $33,000 to $17,580.60. The bondsmen, J.A. Hubbell and Jas. L. Norris, are on a bond for $10,000.
--The Evening Star, July 2, 1887
Levi Bacon and the Patent Attorneys
To the Editor of The Evening Star
The alleged misappropriation of governmental funds during the late Levi Bacon's occupancy of the disbursing office of the Untied States Patent Office has been deemed of sufficient importance by the Secretary of the Interior to warrant an investigation, which investigation has been progressing ever since the deceased's death.
During the pendency of such examination numerous rumors purporting to emanate from the investigating committee have been current, to the effect that a number of patent attorneys have been implicated, i.e., that certain attorneys, whose names are to be reserved from publicity, have imposed upon the credulity and benevolence of the deceased by presenting for payment of Government fees, checks, drafts, etc., which, when presented were never honored, and that the amount involved by such procedure has aggregated more than $10,000.
To reserve the names of the members of this profession who have been guilty of such conduct would be a gross injustice to the profession and to the memory of the revered and beloved Levi Bacon, whose unselfishness, generosity, and misplaced confidence in his fellowman have been solely instrumental in eliciting a premature and unjust criticism from the press.
In the face of existing circumstances, no matter who or how many are involved, it would seem only fair and equitable that they should, at least, be subjected to the same criticism and judgment as the dead man who is powerless to refuse, and whose kindness and belief in human nature had been thus ignobly and criminally imposed upon.
A Patent Attorney
--The Evening Star, July 11, 1887
Dr. Bacon's Accounts
A Member of the Examining Committee Says the
Published Reports Have Been Misleading
Since the publication of the charge of a shortage in the accounts of the late Dr. Levi Bacon, as financial clerk of the Patent Office, the friends of that gentleman have been somewhat indignant over the publicity given the results of what they claim was a hurried and cursory examination of the affairs of the office, covering only a period of a few days, and not including a thorough examination of the books.
Mr. Schuyler Buryee, late chief clerk of the Patent Office, who was one of the committee to examine into and report upon Dr. Bacon's accounts, was asked today by a Star reporter as to the facts concerning the published reports. Mr. Duryee said: "The published reports of Dr. Bacon's accounts at the Patent Office have been misleading. The committee appointed by the Secretary of the Interior made an inventory of the contents of the safe used by Mr. Bacon, but did not examine his books. This examination should have been made before announcing the result of the inventory, and, until the footings of the journal kept by Dr. Bacon, showing the daily receipts of fees, are verified, and the total amount of money received by him during his eleven and one-half years of service (about $11,000,000) definitely determined and compared with the aggregate of his deposits, it is impossible to say just how his accounts stood at the time of his decease. In my judgment, and I am not alone in this, such an examination will reveal that Mr. Bacon was not in arrears. The practice of making advances to employees of the office had existed during his entire term, and it was with the knowledge of his superiors."
The whole amount of cash reported short was $28,000. Of this amount $17,000 is said to be accounted for by due bills and other papers found in the office, and the whole amount has, it is said, been paid by the persons owing it. As to the remaining $11,000, Mr. Duryee says that it is more than probable that this discrepancy--an inconsiderable sum compared with the $11,000,000 handled by Dr. Bacon--will be shown when the books are vised, to be due to clerical errors, and that errors to such an amount in a series of accounts covering 36,000 pages, which have not been examined for eight years, would not be unexpected or remarkable.
--The Evening Star, July 21, 1887
As it turned out, the final amount "unaccounted for", $11,000, was found to have been appropriated over the years by the Republican Party in a dues contribution type of corrupt arrangement that was apparently the order of the day at the time, regardless of party. Mr. J. Hubbell had gone missing by this time but it is believed his bond was taken as recompense for the theft by his party.
He emigrated to Michigan in 1838 from NY (where the family had moved from CT) and was a resident of Pontiac from 1842 to 1875, engaged in mercantile businesses and other concerns.
He married Sarah Lucintha Parke (a daughter of Capt. Hervey Parke & Mercy Brownson) in Pontiac in 1844, having one surviving daughter Mary E. (Bacon) Nelson. It was during this time Levi was appointed Postmaster from 1848-52.
Sarah died a few months after the birth of a son Hervey (who died in infancy at 6 mos) in 1854.
Levi shortly thereafter married Emma Whitehead in 1856, and started his eventual family of five children in Pontiac.
They were:
1. Belle A., b. 1857
2. Agnes Idaline, b. 1859
3. Levi Seward, b. 1860
4. Charles Francis, b. 1861
5. Almeron Whitehead ("Barry"), b. 1870
Levi was a state Representative from Oakland County, 1857-58.
He was Mayor of Pontiac in 1866-67, and a Republican in politics.
He then was nominated by President Andrew Johnson as assessor of internal revenue for the 5th district of Michigan in March of 1867.
Also during the 1850s to 1875 he was the partner of W. M. McConnell in the dry goods business, as the old firm of McConnell and Bacon. He was subsequently engaged in the produce business with Edward Coats, and after that with A. H. Whitehead (his brother-in-law) under the firm name of Bacon & Whitehead, in the same business opposite the Northern hotel.
He also, with McConnell, Horace Thurber, and Michael E. Crofoot had the original gas company franchise for Pontiac (which grew and is known today as Consumers Power Company in Michigan)
In Nov of 1875 he was appointed by Secretary Chandler as financial clerk of the US Patent Office, a position he held until his death in 1887.
The last summer before his death he was stricken with typhoid fever, but seemed to have recovered nicely.
The "National Republican" on June 24, 1887 said:
"Death of Mr Levi Bacon.
Mr Levi Bacon, who has been financial
clerk of the patent office since 1875, died
on Wednesday at his home, at 633 East Capi-
tol street. He leaves a widow and five
children to mourn his departure. His
funeral will take place from his late res-
idence this afternoon at 4:30."
~~~
(Originally interred in Sec. R92, Lot 342 at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC, he was moved to Rock Creek along with other family members by his son Charles in January of 1916.)∼
After his decease, his story seemed to continue for a brief spate…
Mr. Bacon's Accounts
A Shortage of Over $33,000 Discovered,
Which May be Reduced to $17,000
The committee which was appointed by Secretary Lamar to settle up the accounts of the late Levi Bacon, financial clerk of the Patent Office, have practically completed there labors.
Their statement, made late this afternoon, shows that the examination of the committee covered the period from June 1 to 22 last, and that the balance unaccounted for is $11,523.00 of a total receipt held by Mr. Bacon of $67,790.40 during that period.
The deficit in the special deposits with Mr. Bacon by attorneys is $4,555, of which $1,500 cannot be collected. There is also some $16,000 in due bills from employees, clerks, etc., which, if collectable, will reduce the total deficit from over $33,000 to $17,580.60. The bondsmen, J.A. Hubbell and Jas. L. Norris, are on a bond for $10,000.
--The Evening Star, July 2, 1887
Levi Bacon and the Patent Attorneys
To the Editor of The Evening Star
The alleged misappropriation of governmental funds during the late Levi Bacon's occupancy of the disbursing office of the Untied States Patent Office has been deemed of sufficient importance by the Secretary of the Interior to warrant an investigation, which investigation has been progressing ever since the deceased's death.
During the pendency of such examination numerous rumors purporting to emanate from the investigating committee have been current, to the effect that a number of patent attorneys have been implicated, i.e., that certain attorneys, whose names are to be reserved from publicity, have imposed upon the credulity and benevolence of the deceased by presenting for payment of Government fees, checks, drafts, etc., which, when presented were never honored, and that the amount involved by such procedure has aggregated more than $10,000.
To reserve the names of the members of this profession who have been guilty of such conduct would be a gross injustice to the profession and to the memory of the revered and beloved Levi Bacon, whose unselfishness, generosity, and misplaced confidence in his fellowman have been solely instrumental in eliciting a premature and unjust criticism from the press.
In the face of existing circumstances, no matter who or how many are involved, it would seem only fair and equitable that they should, at least, be subjected to the same criticism and judgment as the dead man who is powerless to refuse, and whose kindness and belief in human nature had been thus ignobly and criminally imposed upon.
A Patent Attorney
--The Evening Star, July 11, 1887
Dr. Bacon's Accounts
A Member of the Examining Committee Says the
Published Reports Have Been Misleading
Since the publication of the charge of a shortage in the accounts of the late Dr. Levi Bacon, as financial clerk of the Patent Office, the friends of that gentleman have been somewhat indignant over the publicity given the results of what they claim was a hurried and cursory examination of the affairs of the office, covering only a period of a few days, and not including a thorough examination of the books.
Mr. Schuyler Buryee, late chief clerk of the Patent Office, who was one of the committee to examine into and report upon Dr. Bacon's accounts, was asked today by a Star reporter as to the facts concerning the published reports. Mr. Duryee said: "The published reports of Dr. Bacon's accounts at the Patent Office have been misleading. The committee appointed by the Secretary of the Interior made an inventory of the contents of the safe used by Mr. Bacon, but did not examine his books. This examination should have been made before announcing the result of the inventory, and, until the footings of the journal kept by Dr. Bacon, showing the daily receipts of fees, are verified, and the total amount of money received by him during his eleven and one-half years of service (about $11,000,000) definitely determined and compared with the aggregate of his deposits, it is impossible to say just how his accounts stood at the time of his decease. In my judgment, and I am not alone in this, such an examination will reveal that Mr. Bacon was not in arrears. The practice of making advances to employees of the office had existed during his entire term, and it was with the knowledge of his superiors."
The whole amount of cash reported short was $28,000. Of this amount $17,000 is said to be accounted for by due bills and other papers found in the office, and the whole amount has, it is said, been paid by the persons owing it. As to the remaining $11,000, Mr. Duryee says that it is more than probable that this discrepancy--an inconsiderable sum compared with the $11,000,000 handled by Dr. Bacon--will be shown when the books are vised, to be due to clerical errors, and that errors to such an amount in a series of accounts covering 36,000 pages, which have not been examined for eight years, would not be unexpected or remarkable.
--The Evening Star, July 21, 1887
As it turned out, the final amount "unaccounted for", $11,000, was found to have been appropriated over the years by the Republican Party in a dues contribution type of corrupt arrangement that was apparently the order of the day at the time, regardless of party. Mr. J. Hubbell had gone missing by this time but it is believed his bond was taken as recompense for the theft by his party.
Levi Jr. was the 4th son (of 7) of Levi Bacon & Sarah "Sally" Green (both of Connecticut)
He emigrated to Michigan in 1838 from NY (where the family had moved from CT) and was a resident of Pontiac from 1842 to 1875, engaged in mercantile businesses and other concerns.
He married Sarah Lucintha Parke (a daughter of Capt. Hervey Parke & Mercy Brownson) in Pontiac in 1844, having one surviving daughter Mary E. (Bacon) Nelson. It was during this time Levi was appointed Postmaster from 1848-52.
Sarah died a few months after the birth of a son Hervey (who died in infancy at 6 mos) in 1854.
Levi shortly thereafter married Emma Whitehead in 1856, and started his eventual family of five children in Pontiac.
They were:
1. Belle A., b. 1857
2. Agnes Idaline, b. 1859
3. Levi Seward, b. 1860
4. Charles Francis, b. 1861
5. Almeron Whitehead ("Barry"), b. 1870
Levi was a state Representative from Oakland County, 1857-58.
He was Mayor of Pontiac in 1866-67, and a Republican in politics.
He then was nominated by President Andrew Johnson as assessor of internal revenue for the 5th district of Michigan in March of 1867.
Also during the 1850s to 1875 he was the partner of W. M. McConnell in the dry goods business, as the old firm of McConnell and Bacon. He was subsequently engaged in the produce business with Edward Coats, and after that with A. H. Whitehead (his brother-in-law) under the firm name of Bacon & Whitehead, in the same business opposite the Northern hotel.
He also, with McConnell, Horace Thurber, and Michael E. Crofoot had the original gas company franchise for Pontiac (which grew and is known today as Consumers Power Company in Michigan)
In Nov of 1875 he was appointed by Secretary Chandler as financial clerk of the US Patent Office, a position he held until his death in 1887.
The last summer before his death he was stricken with typhoid fever, but seemed to have recovered nicely.
The "National Republican" on June 24, 1887 said:
"Death of Mr Levi Bacon.
Mr Levi Bacon, who has been financial
clerk of the patent office since 1875, died
on Wednesday at his home, at 633 East Capi-
tol street. He leaves a widow and five
children to mourn his departure. His
funeral will take place from his late res-
idence this afternoon at 4:30."
~~~
(Originally interred in Sec. R92, Lot 342 at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC, he was moved to Rock Creek along with other family members by his son Charles in January of 1916.)∼
After his decease, his story seemed to continue for a brief spate…
Mr. Bacon's Accounts
A Shortage of Over $33,000 Discovered,
Which May be Reduced to $17,000
The committee which was appointed by Secretary Lamar to settle up the accounts of the late Levi Bacon, financial clerk of the Patent Office, have practically completed there labors.
Their statement, made late this afternoon, shows that the examination of the committee covered the period from June 1 to 22 last, and that the balance unaccounted for is $11,523.00 of a total receipt held by Mr. Bacon of $67,790.40 during that period.
The deficit in the special deposits with Mr. Bacon by attorneys is $4,555, of which $1,500 cannot be collected. There is also some $16,000 in due bills from employees, clerks, etc., which, if collectable, will reduce the total deficit from over $33,000 to $17,580.60. The bondsmen, J.A. Hubbell and Jas. L. Norris, are on a bond for $10,000.
--The Evening Star, July 2, 1887
Levi Bacon and the Patent Attorneys
To the Editor of The Evening Star
The alleged misappropriation of governmental funds during the late Levi Bacon's occupancy of the disbursing office of the Untied States Patent Office has been deemed of sufficient importance by the Secretary of the Interior to warrant an investigation, which investigation has been progressing ever since the deceased's death.
During the pendency of such examination numerous rumors purporting to emanate from the investigating committee have been current, to the effect that a number of patent attorneys have been implicated, i.e., that certain attorneys, whose names are to be reserved from publicity, have imposed upon the credulity and benevolence of the deceased by presenting for payment of Government fees, checks, drafts, etc., which, when presented were never honored, and that the amount involved by such procedure has aggregated more than $10,000.
To reserve the names of the members of this profession who have been guilty of such conduct would be a gross injustice to the profession and to the memory of the revered and beloved Levi Bacon, whose unselfishness, generosity, and misplaced confidence in his fellowman have been solely instrumental in eliciting a premature and unjust criticism from the press.
In the face of existing circumstances, no matter who or how many are involved, it would seem only fair and equitable that they should, at least, be subjected to the same criticism and judgment as the dead man who is powerless to refuse, and whose kindness and belief in human nature had been thus ignobly and criminally imposed upon.
A Patent Attorney
--The Evening Star, July 11, 1887
Dr. Bacon's Accounts
A Member of the Examining Committee Says the
Published Reports Have Been Misleading
Since the publication of the charge of a shortage in the accounts of the late Dr. Levi Bacon, as financial clerk of the Patent Office, the friends of that gentleman have been somewhat indignant over the publicity given the results of what they claim was a hurried and cursory examination of the affairs of the office, covering only a period of a few days, and not including a thorough examination of the books.
Mr. Schuyler Buryee, late chief clerk of the Patent Office, who was one of the committee to examine into and report upon Dr. Bacon's accounts, was asked today by a Star reporter as to the facts concerning the published reports. Mr. Duryee said: "The published reports of Dr. Bacon's accounts at the Patent Office have been misleading. The committee appointed by the Secretary of the Interior made an inventory of the contents of the safe used by Mr. Bacon, but did not examine his books. This examination should have been made before announcing the result of the inventory, and, until the footings of the journal kept by Dr. Bacon, showing the daily receipts of fees, are verified, and the total amount of money received by him during his eleven and one-half years of service (about $11,000,000) definitely determined and compared with the aggregate of his deposits, it is impossible to say just how his accounts stood at the time of his decease. In my judgment, and I am not alone in this, such an examination will reveal that Mr. Bacon was not in arrears. The practice of making advances to employees of the office had existed during his entire term, and it was with the knowledge of his superiors."
The whole amount of cash reported short was $28,000. Of this amount $17,000 is said to be accounted for by due bills and other papers found in the office, and the whole amount has, it is said, been paid by the persons owing it. As to the remaining $11,000, Mr. Duryee says that it is more than probable that this discrepancy--an inconsiderable sum compared with the $11,000,000 handled by Dr. Bacon--will be shown when the books are vised, to be due to clerical errors, and that errors to such an amount in a series of accounts covering 36,000 pages, which have not been examined for eight years, would not be unexpected or remarkable.
--The Evening Star, July 21, 1887
As it turned out, the final amount "unaccounted for", $11,000, was found to have been appropriated over the years by the Republican Party in a dues contribution type of corrupt arrangement that was apparently the order of the day at the time, regardless of party. Mr. J. Hubbell had gone missing by this time but it is believed his bond was taken as recompense for the theft by his party.
He emigrated to Michigan in 1838 from NY (where the family had moved from CT) and was a resident of Pontiac from 1842 to 1875, engaged in mercantile businesses and other concerns.
He married Sarah Lucintha Parke (a daughter of Capt. Hervey Parke & Mercy Brownson) in Pontiac in 1844, having one surviving daughter Mary E. (Bacon) Nelson. It was during this time Levi was appointed Postmaster from 1848-52.
Sarah died a few months after the birth of a son Hervey (who died in infancy at 6 mos) in 1854.
Levi shortly thereafter married Emma Whitehead in 1856, and started his eventual family of five children in Pontiac.
They were:
1. Belle A., b. 1857
2. Agnes Idaline, b. 1859
3. Levi Seward, b. 1860
4. Charles Francis, b. 1861
5. Almeron Whitehead ("Barry"), b. 1870
Levi was a state Representative from Oakland County, 1857-58.
He was Mayor of Pontiac in 1866-67, and a Republican in politics.
He then was nominated by President Andrew Johnson as assessor of internal revenue for the 5th district of Michigan in March of 1867.
Also during the 1850s to 1875 he was the partner of W. M. McConnell in the dry goods business, as the old firm of McConnell and Bacon. He was subsequently engaged in the produce business with Edward Coats, and after that with A. H. Whitehead (his brother-in-law) under the firm name of Bacon & Whitehead, in the same business opposite the Northern hotel.
He also, with McConnell, Horace Thurber, and Michael E. Crofoot had the original gas company franchise for Pontiac (which grew and is known today as Consumers Power Company in Michigan)
In Nov of 1875 he was appointed by Secretary Chandler as financial clerk of the US Patent Office, a position he held until his death in 1887.
The last summer before his death he was stricken with typhoid fever, but seemed to have recovered nicely.
The "National Republican" on June 24, 1887 said:
"Death of Mr Levi Bacon.
Mr Levi Bacon, who has been financial
clerk of the patent office since 1875, died
on Wednesday at his home, at 633 East Capi-
tol street. He leaves a widow and five
children to mourn his departure. His
funeral will take place from his late res-
idence this afternoon at 4:30."
~~~
(Originally interred in Sec. R92, Lot 342 at the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC, he was moved to Rock Creek along with other family members by his son Charles in January of 1916.)∼
After his decease, his story seemed to continue for a brief spate…
Mr. Bacon's Accounts
A Shortage of Over $33,000 Discovered,
Which May be Reduced to $17,000
The committee which was appointed by Secretary Lamar to settle up the accounts of the late Levi Bacon, financial clerk of the Patent Office, have practically completed there labors.
Their statement, made late this afternoon, shows that the examination of the committee covered the period from June 1 to 22 last, and that the balance unaccounted for is $11,523.00 of a total receipt held by Mr. Bacon of $67,790.40 during that period.
The deficit in the special deposits with Mr. Bacon by attorneys is $4,555, of which $1,500 cannot be collected. There is also some $16,000 in due bills from employees, clerks, etc., which, if collectable, will reduce the total deficit from over $33,000 to $17,580.60. The bondsmen, J.A. Hubbell and Jas. L. Norris, are on a bond for $10,000.
--The Evening Star, July 2, 1887
Levi Bacon and the Patent Attorneys
To the Editor of The Evening Star
The alleged misappropriation of governmental funds during the late Levi Bacon's occupancy of the disbursing office of the Untied States Patent Office has been deemed of sufficient importance by the Secretary of the Interior to warrant an investigation, which investigation has been progressing ever since the deceased's death.
During the pendency of such examination numerous rumors purporting to emanate from the investigating committee have been current, to the effect that a number of patent attorneys have been implicated, i.e., that certain attorneys, whose names are to be reserved from publicity, have imposed upon the credulity and benevolence of the deceased by presenting for payment of Government fees, checks, drafts, etc., which, when presented were never honored, and that the amount involved by such procedure has aggregated more than $10,000.
To reserve the names of the members of this profession who have been guilty of such conduct would be a gross injustice to the profession and to the memory of the revered and beloved Levi Bacon, whose unselfishness, generosity, and misplaced confidence in his fellowman have been solely instrumental in eliciting a premature and unjust criticism from the press.
In the face of existing circumstances, no matter who or how many are involved, it would seem only fair and equitable that they should, at least, be subjected to the same criticism and judgment as the dead man who is powerless to refuse, and whose kindness and belief in human nature had been thus ignobly and criminally imposed upon.
A Patent Attorney
--The Evening Star, July 11, 1887
Dr. Bacon's Accounts
A Member of the Examining Committee Says the
Published Reports Have Been Misleading
Since the publication of the charge of a shortage in the accounts of the late Dr. Levi Bacon, as financial clerk of the Patent Office, the friends of that gentleman have been somewhat indignant over the publicity given the results of what they claim was a hurried and cursory examination of the affairs of the office, covering only a period of a few days, and not including a thorough examination of the books.
Mr. Schuyler Buryee, late chief clerk of the Patent Office, who was one of the committee to examine into and report upon Dr. Bacon's accounts, was asked today by a Star reporter as to the facts concerning the published reports. Mr. Duryee said: "The published reports of Dr. Bacon's accounts at the Patent Office have been misleading. The committee appointed by the Secretary of the Interior made an inventory of the contents of the safe used by Mr. Bacon, but did not examine his books. This examination should have been made before announcing the result of the inventory, and, until the footings of the journal kept by Dr. Bacon, showing the daily receipts of fees, are verified, and the total amount of money received by him during his eleven and one-half years of service (about $11,000,000) definitely determined and compared with the aggregate of his deposits, it is impossible to say just how his accounts stood at the time of his decease. In my judgment, and I am not alone in this, such an examination will reveal that Mr. Bacon was not in arrears. The practice of making advances to employees of the office had existed during his entire term, and it was with the knowledge of his superiors."
The whole amount of cash reported short was $28,000. Of this amount $17,000 is said to be accounted for by due bills and other papers found in the office, and the whole amount has, it is said, been paid by the persons owing it. As to the remaining $11,000, Mr. Duryee says that it is more than probable that this discrepancy--an inconsiderable sum compared with the $11,000,000 handled by Dr. Bacon--will be shown when the books are vised, to be due to clerical errors, and that errors to such an amount in a series of accounts covering 36,000 pages, which have not been examined for eight years, would not be unexpected or remarkable.
--The Evening Star, July 21, 1887
As it turned out, the final amount "unaccounted for", $11,000, was found to have been appropriated over the years by the Republican Party in a dues contribution type of corrupt arrangement that was apparently the order of the day at the time, regardless of party. Mr. J. Hubbell had gone missing by this time but it is believed his bond was taken as recompense for the theft by his party.
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