Ratay-Johnstone Ancestors - Person Sheet
Ratay-Johnstone Ancestors - Person Sheet
NameRobert Hayes FORDYCE 
Birth19 Oct 1855, Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey388
Death8 Jun 1928, Wyckoff, Bergen County, New Jersey389
OccupationFirst National Bank, Bookkeeper, Mayor Of Paterson 1914-1915
Alias/AKABob
FatherJohn C. FORDYCE (1831-1917)
MotherElizabeth N. HAYES (1833-1909)
Spouses
Memonephritis; news article says the 9th
MemoSec 8 lot 380 Grave 5&6
FatherJohn Henry HINDLE (1833-1888)
MotherMary Elizabeth HAMMOND (1835-1862)
ChildrenThorp H. (Died as Child) (1886-1887)
Elizabeth (Bess) Hindle (1889-1957)
Beatrice (1891-1950)
Donald Newell (1899-1952)
Notes for Robert Hayes FORDYCE
The family was living at 390 Ellison St. in Paterson, NJ when son Thorp H., died in 1887. Robert H. Fordyce was a banker at First National Bank. The family lived right next door to the Spears for a number of years.
From The History of Paterson and Its Environs, by William Nelson and Charles Anthony Shriner, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1920:
ROBERT HAYES FORDYCE-Ex-Mayor of Paterson, banker and public-spirited citizen, Robert Hayes Fordyce is one of the many men of whom the "Silk City" may be justly proud. He came from an old Paterson family that has been active in the affairs of this city for many years.
Robert Hayes Fordyce was born in Paterson, Oct. 19, 1855. He received his education in the public schools of his native city, and supplemented this with a course in a private school in Paterson. His first appointment was with the firm of Harrell & Hayes, coppersmiths, both members of the firm being his uncles. Later he became shipping clerk for the New York Steam Engine Works of Passaic, entering the employ of this concern in 1872. One year later be desired to learn drafting, and associated himself with the Watson Machine Company, but, after a brief experience in the architectural department of this concern, he was forced out of a position with thousands of other men by the panic that swept the country in 1873. For the next eight years he worked in the Paterson post office, the last four years of that time officiating as deputy postmaster. In 1882 Mr. Fordyce left the post office and entered the employ of the First National Bank, remaining there eight years, or until 1890, when he went to Seattle with the idea of starting business there, but he was unfavorably impressed with the opportunities which the place offered, and returned to Paterson after a few months' absence. The year following, 1891, he took a position as a paying teller in the Second National Bank. Mr. Fordyce's connection with this bank covered a period of twelve years, and he only severed it then to become the first secretary and treasurer of the German American Trust Company, which was then being organized. He opened the new bank, in Feb, 1903. Mr. Fordyce was the only experienced banking man connected with the new institution and there was hard work cut out for him. How well he succeeded may be seem from the fact that the bank has risen to one of the strongest and best patronized financial institutions in Paterson. It is now known as the United States Trust Company, and Mr. Fordyce holds the official position of vice-president of this institution, which has grown to be the largest commercial banking institution in Passaic county. Several other institutions also have the benefit of Mr. Fordyce's business ability. He is a director of the Laurel Grove Cemetery Company, and vice-president and a director of the Mausoleum Builders of New Jersey.
In politics, he has always manifested much interest, and as a vigilant attentive observer of men and measures, holding sound opinion, his ideas have always carried weight among those with whom he discusses public problems. In 1915, by the hand of the party of his choice, he was elected mayor of Paterson, serving one term. Mr. Fordyce was long prominent in military circles, being a charter member of the Paterson Light Guard, which was organized in 1879. This organization later became the First Battalion National Guard of New Jersey, and Mr. Fordyce served ten years as a line officer; was captain of Company B, for the last four years, resigning in 1890. Always active in fraternal and club life, he is a member of the Hamilton and North Jersey Country clubs of Paterson, the Drug and Chemical Club of New York City, the Benevolent. and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Fordyce married, in Paterson, June 17, 1885, Daisy A. Hindle, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Hindle. Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce were the parents of three children Elizabeth Hindle, Beatrice, and Donald Newell.
While assiduous in business, Mr. Fordyce is moved by a generous interest in his fellow citizens, promotes every suggestion for the welfare of the city, and is a potent factor in many movements. His devotion to his friends and his strict probity in all his business relations, so well known to all his associates, have met with that return of warm, personal regard and financial success such distinguishing qualities merit.
From The History of Paterson and Its Environs, by William Nelson and Charles Anthony Shriner, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1920:
ROBERT HAYES FORDYCE-Ex-Mayor of Paterson, banker and public-spirited citizen, Robert Hayes Fordyce is one of the many men of whom the "Silk City" may be justly proud. He came from an old Paterson family that has been active in the affairs of this city for many years.
Robert Hayes Fordyce was born in Paterson, Oct. 19, 1855. He received his education in the public schools of his native city, and supplemented this with a course in a private school in Paterson. His first appointment was with the firm of Harrell & Hayes, coppersmiths, both members of the firm being his uncles. Later he became shipping clerk for the New York Steam Engine Works of Passaic, entering the employ of this concern in 1872. One year later be desired to learn drafting, and associated himself with the Watson Machine Company, but, after a brief experience in the architectural department of this concern, he was forced out of a position with thousands of other men by the panic that swept the country in 1873. For the next eight years he worked in the Paterson post office, the last four years of that time officiating as deputy postmaster. In 1882 Mr. Fordyce left the post office and entered the employ of the First National Bank, remaining there eight years, or until 1890, when he went to Seattle with the idea of starting business there, but he was unfavorably impressed with the opportunities which the place offered, and returned to Paterson after a few months' absence. The year following, 1891, he took a position as a paying teller in the Second National Bank. Mr. Fordyce's connection with this bank covered a period of twelve years, and he only severed it then to become the first secretary and treasurer of the German American Trust Company, which was then being organized. He opened the new bank, in Feb, 1903. Mr. Fordyce was the only experienced banking man connected with the new institution and there was hard work cut out for him. How well he succeeded may be seem from the fact that the bank has risen to one of the strongest and best patronized financial institutions in Paterson. It is now known as the United States Trust Company, and Mr. Fordyce holds the official position of vice-president of this institution, which has grown to be the largest commercial banking institution in Passaic county. Several other institutions also have the benefit of Mr. Fordyce's business ability. He is a director of the Laurel Grove Cemetery Company, and vice-president and a director of the Mausoleum Builders of New Jersey.
In politics, he has always manifested much interest, and as a vigilant attentive observer of men and measures, holding sound opinion, his ideas have always carried weight among those with whom he discusses public problems. In 1915, by the hand of the party of his choice, he was elected mayor of Paterson, serving one term. Mr. Fordyce was long prominent in military circles, being a charter member of the Paterson Light Guard, which was organized in 1879. This organization later became the First Battalion National Guard of New Jersey, and Mr. Fordyce served ten years as a line officer; was captain of Company B, for the last four years, resigning in 1890. Always active in fraternal and club life, he is a member of the Hamilton and North Jersey Country clubs of Paterson, the Drug and Chemical Club of New York City, the Benevolent. and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Fordyce married, in Paterson, June 17, 1885, Daisy A. Hindle, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Hindle. Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce were the parents of three children Elizabeth Hindle, Beatrice, and Donald Newell.
While assiduous in business, Mr. Fordyce is moved by a generous interest in his fellow citizens, promotes every suggestion for the welfare of the city, and is a potent factor in many movements. His devotion to his friends and his strict probity in all his business relations, so well known to all his associates, have met with that return of warm, personal regard and financial success such distinguishing qualities merit.
Census notes for Robert Hayes FORDYCE
1900 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, E.D. 123, sheet 19A, stamped page 267, film T623-991 (taken 11 Jun 1900)(same film for James
193 Tyler Street, Dwelling 225, family 423
Fordyce, Robert H., Head, white, male, Oct 1856, age 43, married 15 years, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey, Bank Clerk
----------, Daisy A., wife, white, female, Dec 1857, age 42, married 15 years, mother of 3 children, 3 living, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Elizabeth H., daughter, white, female, Feb 1888, age 12, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Beatrice, daughter, white, female, Nov 1891, age 9, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Donald N., son, white, male, Nov 1899, age 1/2, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
Whny?, Annie, servant, white, female, Aug 1876, age 23, single, born Germany, parents born Germany
1910 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, Ward 4, E.D. 115, sheet 10B, film T624-906 (taken 20 Apr 1910)
73 Twelfth Avenue, dwelling 129, family 287
Fordyce, Robt. H., head, male, white, age 52, married 24 yrs, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey, Banker
----------, Daisy A., wife, female, white, age 51, married 24 yrs, mother of 4 children, 3 living, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Elizabeth H., daughter, female, white, age 20, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Beatrice, daughter, female, white, age 17, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Donald, son, male, white, age 10, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
Spear, Daisy H., niece, female, white, age 22, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
-------, H. Louise, niece, female, white, age 19, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
1920 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, 9th ward, E.D. 130, sheet 5A, page 44, film T625-1066 (taken 6 Jan 1920)
61 Clark St. [Apt House?], dwelling 14, family 94
Fordyce, Robert H., head, rents, male, white, age 64, widower, born New Jersey, father born Scotland, mother born Ireland, banker
------------------deceased
193 Tyler Street, Dwelling 225, family 423
Fordyce, Robert H., Head, white, male, Oct 1856, age 43, married 15 years, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey, Bank Clerk
----------, Daisy A., wife, white, female, Dec 1857, age 42, married 15 years, mother of 3 children, 3 living, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Elizabeth H., daughter, white, female, Feb 1888, age 12, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Beatrice, daughter, white, female, Nov 1891, age 9, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Donald N., son, white, male, Nov 1899, age 1/2, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
Whny?, Annie, servant, white, female, Aug 1876, age 23, single, born Germany, parents born Germany
1910 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, Ward 4, E.D. 115, sheet 10B, film T624-906 (taken 20 Apr 1910)
73 Twelfth Avenue, dwelling 129, family 287
Fordyce, Robt. H., head, male, white, age 52, married 24 yrs, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey, Banker
----------, Daisy A., wife, female, white, age 51, married 24 yrs, mother of 4 children, 3 living, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Elizabeth H., daughter, female, white, age 20, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Beatrice, daughter, female, white, age 17, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
----------, Donald, son, male, white, age 10, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
Spear, Daisy H., niece, female, white, age 22, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
-------, H. Louise, niece, female, white, age 19, single, born New Jersey, parents born New Jersey
1920 New Jersey, Passaic County, Paterson, 9th ward, E.D. 130, sheet 5A, page 44, film T625-1066 (taken 6 Jan 1920)
61 Clark St. [Apt House?], dwelling 14, family 94
Fordyce, Robert H., head, rents, male, white, age 64, widower, born New Jersey, father born Scotland, mother born Ireland, banker
------------------deceased
Obituary notes for Robert Hayes FORDYCE
New York Times, 9 June 1928, p. 17
Obituary
Robert H. Fordyce
Paterson, N.J., June 8 – Robert H. Fordyce, Mayor of Paterson in 1914 and 1915, died today at his home in Wyckoff. He was 73 years old.
Mr. Fordyce was Vice President of the United States Trust Company and was prominently known in social, civic and fraternal organizations. He is survived by a widow and three children.
Obituary
Robert H. Fordyce
Paterson, N.J., June 8 – Robert H. Fordyce, Mayor of Paterson in 1914 and 1915, died today at his home in Wyckoff. He was 73 years old.
Mr. Fordyce was Vice President of the United States Trust Company and was prominently known in social, civic and fraternal organizations. He is survived by a widow and three children.
Notes for Robert Hayes & Daisy Ackerman (Family)
Paterson Daily Press, 17 June 1885, p. 3
Personal
This evening Mr. Robert H. Fordyce, of the First National Bank, will be married to Miss Daisie A. Hindle at the residence of the bride’s parents in Ellison street.
Paterson Daily Press, 18 June 1885, p. 3
The marriage of Mr. Robert H. Fordyce to Miss Daisie A. Hindle last night at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. John H. Hindle, was a quiet and unonstentatious [sic] affair. Rev. Dr. Shaw performed the ceremony, and after the happy couple had received the congratulations of their friends, together with a number of elegant presents, they started on their wedding tour. They proceeded to New York and from there will take a trip up the Hudson.
Personal
This evening Mr. Robert H. Fordyce, of the First National Bank, will be married to Miss Daisie A. Hindle at the residence of the bride’s parents in Ellison street.
Paterson Daily Press, 18 June 1885, p. 3
The marriage of Mr. Robert H. Fordyce to Miss Daisie A. Hindle last night at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. John H. Hindle, was a quiet and unonstentatious [sic] affair. Rev. Dr. Shaw performed the ceremony, and after the happy couple had received the congratulations of their friends, together with a number of elegant presents, they started on their wedding tour. They proceeded to New York and from there will take a trip up the Hudson.