On This Date in Minnesota History: August 11

August 11, 1914 – Guarded by four veteran express messengers each armed with a sawed-off double barreled shotgun the first shipment of emergency currency arrived in Minneapolis today and was distributed to the Northwestern, First and Security National Banks based on the Aldrich-Vreeland EmergencyCurrency Act of 1914. The shipment totaled $2,605,000. It was in denominations of $5, $10 and $20 bills. It was tucked away in eight large safes weighing nearly a half a ton apiece.

The money is unsigned and each bank immediately detailed a force of men to cut it and apply the signatures of the president and cashier. Machines are used that cut it and sign it at the same time. A portion of the money was placed in circulation and it is expected that the entire lot will be ready tomorrow.

The Northwestern National Bank received $1,160,000. It was in 34 bundles. The First National Bank got $1,000,000 in 32 bundles and the Security National Bank $445,000 in 14 bundles. This money does not differ from the ordinary greenback or national bank note. There isn’t anything about the money to signify that it was issued for emergency purposes. E. N. Davis, the express messenger in charge of the shipment that it was the largest amount of money he had ever guarded during his 29 years of service in express work. W. P. Fredrickson, Edward A. Cox and J. Sloan, the other guards, also said it was the most they had ever carried. They left Chicago at 9:55 Monday night over the Milwaukee Road, arriving in Minneapolis at 8 a. m. 

This is only the first allotment of the emergency currency that will come to Minneapolis. Only the money for Minneapolis was received today. The St. Paul shipment that will amount to nearly as much as Minneapolis received was delayed because of the transmittal of the securities. St. Paul banks were a day later than Minneapolis in sending the bonds to Washington.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Guards with Sawed-Off Shutguns Guarding Money Sent to Minneapolis for Use in Emergency Cases”; Aug. 12, 1914; p. 7.

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com