Marshall Lefferts

Obituary.

MARSHALL LEFFERTS.

ON Monday last, while the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of our National Independence was becoming general, and thousands of flags and streamers were flying front every flag staff, mast and public building, and thousands of private buildings and residences throughout the city, the flag upon the tower of the Western Union building was observed to be lowered to half mast. This naturally attracted attention and inquiry, and the sad news was communicated that General MARSHALL LEFFERTS, President of the Gold and Stock 'Telegraph Company, had died suddenly on the cars on the way from Jersey City to Philadelphia, with the 7th Regiment Veterans, with whom, as their commander, he was en route to participate in the grand pageant which took place in the latter city on the Fourth.

While in a car on the Pennsylvania Railroad, about noon on Monday, just after the train had left Jersey City, Gen. LEFFERTS complained of feeling unwell. His companions obtained ice and applied it to his head, but he almost immediately became insensible, and, while the train was crossing the Hackensack meadows, died. When the train reached Newark a stretcher was procured, and the body, enshrouded in the folds of the American flag, was sent back to Jersey City. The Veterans returned with the body, which was taken to his late residence. and then returned sadly to the armory which they had left with such pleasurable anticipations a few hours before.

Gen. MARSHALL, LEFFERTS was one of the representative telegraph managers of the country, and his death leaves a gap in the telegraph service which cannot very easily be filled. Entering enthusiastically into telegraphy over twenty-five years ago, he has been connected with the service in leading positions for most of the time since, and his name and countenance were familiar as household words to those who have been connected with telegraphic service and telegraph interests for the last quarter of a century.

Gen. LEFFERTS was born in 1821, in what is now known as Bedford, Long Island. At 15 years of age he entered as clerk in a leading hardware store, where he remained for some time acquiring a knowledge of mercantile business. He developed a taste for engineering science, and leaving the hardware business lie became attached to the staff of Chief Engineer Stodart, then engaged in surveying Brooklyn. He studied civil engineering with the intention of making that his profession, but subsequently reentered mercantile business and became a partner in a leading importing house. In 1852 he withdrew from this firm and engaged in the manufacture of iron from the ore, the manufacture and introduction of galvanized iron especially engaging his attention.

The telegraph, which was then in its infancy, and the possibilities of the development of which he to some extent foresaw, attracted his attention and interest. In 1849 he became interested in the system of Alexander Bain, which was then attracting attention, and he engaged in its introduction in this country with his characteristic energy and zeal. He originated the Bain lines between New York and Boston, and New York and Buffalo, and became president of the companies, and the lines were constructed under his direction and supervision. These companies were known respectively as the New York and New England, and New York state Telegraph Companies.

The lines were constructed and operated successfully. Gen. LEFFERTS retaining the executive control. In recognition of. the energy, skill and executive ability displayed in the organization and management of these companies, and the result of his labors in liberalizing and popularizing. the telegraph, a splendid service of plate was presented to him by the stockholders of the companies of which he was the executive manager, and by the Associated Press of New York City, the inscription upon which was as follows:

"To MARSHALL LEFFERTS, Esq., President of the New York and New England, and New York State Telegraph Companies, from the stockholders and Associated Press of New York City as a token of the satisfaction and confidence inspired by his efficient services in advancing the cause and credit of the telegraph system — the noblest enterprise of this eventful age — June 25, 1850."

This is the only instance of such an expression of appreciation by the American Press, and as such was highly valued by the recipient.

The Bain lines competed directly with the Morse lines over the routes occupied and threatened to become troublesome competitors everywhere. Prof. Morse and those associated with him thought that they should have a monopoly of telegraphing in this country, at least, and were not disposed to submit quietly to all interference which was likely to prove so damaging. Vexatious lawsuits were instituted by the Morse patentees against the Bain companies, which eventually resulted, as usual, in a compromise and consolidation of the Morse and Bain interests. This compromise did not meet Gen. LEFFERTS' approval, and he refused to serve the consolidation, even as director. He retired from active telegraph management, and devoted himself mainly to has mercantile and manufacturing interests until 1860, when he became interested in an automatic system which promised to be a great improvement in telegraphy. He commenced plans and arrangements for the construction of a new system of lines throughout the country. based on automatic invention referred to. The patents were, however, purchased by the American Telegraph Company, of which he became electric engineer, and practically executive manager. Under his management the American became one of the most popular and successful telegraphic organizations that have existed in this country. His management was liberal, yet strict in its discipline, and there was a general feeling among the employes that be was not only their superior officer, but the personal friend of all who respected themselves and were disposed to do their duty to the company and the public.

Upon the consolidation of the principal telegraph companies, including the American, into the Western Union organization in 1866, he was appointed Electric Engineer, and was subsequently given the organization of the News Bureau (C. N. D.) of the company, in which he displayed his usual eminent ability and skill.

In January, 1871, he resigned his connection with the Western Union Telegraph Company and became the President, Executive Manager of the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company; which position he held until his decease. Under his management the business of the Gold and Stock Telegraphic Co. has been largely extended and increased. Its operations now elude most of the principal cities in the country.

As a telegraph manager Gen. LEFFERTS was always popular both with the public and the employes. He was naturally of a genial disposition, and had it smile and pleasant word for all with whom he was brought in contact.   In his administration of the telegraph he was always disposed to deal justly and liberally with the employes, and was always ready to extend a helping hand to telegraphers who needed assistance. The salaries of the employes on the American Co.'s lines were materially advanced while they were under his management, and he has always endeavored, so far as was in his power, to advance the interests of those under his control. His death will be sincerely mourned by many telegraphers who have at different times found in him a kind friend, as well as by those with whom he thus associated in telegraph management, and socially, who will miss his able counsel and assistance, and his genial and cheerful companionship.

Gen. LEFFERTS was an excellent electrician and took great interest everything pertaining to electrical science. He was the first to introduce into practical use on telegraph lines in this country instruments for detecting electrical faults, and the first to reduce the resistances of relays to a common standard. He was early appointed Consulting Engineer of the Atlantic Cable. Co., resident in America, which position he held for several years.

The funeral took place on Thursday last at 10:30 o'clock A.M., at his late residence, No. 333 West Twenty-second street, in this city, and was largely attended by his telegraphic associates and by the members of the Seventh Regiment, of which he was for several years a most popular commander, and other military organizations of the city.

"After life's fitful fever he sleeps well."