Rhode Island Historical Data    The Quincy Whig Monday, October 04, 1852 Page 1       Relics Of The Olden Time – There lies before us a bank under note for fifty dollars, of the Bank of Rhode Island, dated at Newport on the 8th of January, 1796, and signed “Chris Chaplin, President,” “M. Seisens Cashier.”      The history of this note is remarkable. About three years ago this and another bill for the same amount, were presented at the bank for payment having been placed in the Suffolk Bank, Boston, for collection. One of them was dated in 1795, and was the first bill ever issued by the bank of Rhode Island. No bills of the kind had been issued for thirty five years previously, and the presentation of these at the bank was of course unexpected. They were, however, promptly redeemed, and their history elicited. They were found among the effects of an old man, who had recently died at Salem, Mass., who lived in poverty, and who probably believed the bills to be worthless, as they were found in a package of others of broken banks.      The presidency and cashiership of the Bank of Rhode Island have been held in the same family for half a century, Mr. Peleg Clarke being now President, and W. A. Clarke, Cashier. We know of no older incorporated institution in New England, except the Washington Insurance Company, of Providence, chartered in 1787, of which the venerable Sullivan Dorr is still the President.      We have also before us another money relic, dated April 12, 1760, being a bill for “three pounds,” which by law shall pass current in New Jersey for eight ounces and fifteen pennyweights of plate.” It is printed in red ink, on thick paper, and is about three inches and a half long by an inch and three quarters broad. The signatures are nearly effaced. - N. Y. Com. Advertiser.  [Submitted by Debbie Gibson] ©2009 Genealogy Trails