Daniel Manning (May 16, 1831 – December 24, 1887) was an American journalist, banker, and politician. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service as the 37th United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1885 to 1887 under President Grover Cleveland.
A native of Albany, New York, Manning began a newspaper career at age 11 and worked his way through the ranks of the Albany Argus to become president and publisher. Manning also undertook self-study to compensate for his lack of formal education and became recognized for his expertise in topics as varied as finance and fine art. Manning was also involved in banking and business, and became president of Albany's National Commercial Bank.
Manning was active in politics as a Democrat, and attended numerous state and national conventions as a delegate. As chair of the New York Democratic Party, Manning was a key supporter of Grover Cleveland's successful campaign for president in 1884. Cleveland appointed Manning Secretary of the Treasury, and he served from 1885 to 1887. As head of the Treasury Department, Manning advised Cleveland on fiscal and economic policy matters. As a trusted advisor, he provided input to Cleveland on political appointments and topics not directly related to his cabinet portfolio.
Manning left the cabinet because of ill health. He served briefly as president of the Western National Bank of New York. He died in Albany on December 24, 1887. Manning was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York.
Early life
Daniel Manning was born in Albany, New York on May 16, 1831, the son of John and Eleanor (Oley) Manning. Manning's siblings included John B. Manning, who served as mayor of Buffalo, New York. He was educated in the local schools, and at age 11 he began working to help support his family, initially as a page for the New York State Assembly. He subsequently accepted a position as an errand boy for the Albany Atlas newspaper, which was later renamed the Albany Argus. Manning devoted significant time to self-study to make up for his lack of formal education, and developed expertise in political science, banking and finance, and fine art. Manning was also interested in railroads, including serving on the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad's board of directors.
Political career
thumb|right|Manning depicted on a Series 1886 [[Silver certificate (United States)|silver certificate]]
A Democrat, for many years Manning was recognized as the leader of the party in Albany. Manning's funeral took place at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Albany, and was attended by President Cleveland and all but one member of the cabinet. He was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands.
- Frederick Clinton Manning (1859–1928), a prominent engraver of Albany.
In 1884, Manning married Mary Margaretta Fryer (1844–1928), the daughter of William John and Margaret Livingston ( Crofts) Fryer, and a descendant of Robert Livingston, the first lord of Livingston Manor.
Legacy
An engraved portrait of Manning appears on U.S. paper money, the series 1886 $20 silver certificate. These collectible notes are referred to as "Mannings" or "diamondbacks" due to their unusual reverse design, and because of their rarity they often sell for $1,000 and up.
In 1898, engraver George T. Morgan created for the United States Mint a commemorative medal depicting Manning. Many are still in circulation, and sell at auction for $100 and up. During her service, Manning performed patrol duty off New England and in the Bering Sea. There is a memorial pillar to Manning at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. Albany's South Manning Boulevard, Manning Boulevard, and North Manning Boulevard, an extended street that is one of the city's main thoroughfares, was named for Manning.