Emigrant Savings Bank Test Book no. 1, account nos. 1 to 12,482

The Emigrant Savings Bank began to keep “test books” at its founding in 1850. Much like today’s website “security questions,” the books recorded information that individuals would have to confirm before they could access their accounts. This often included nation of origin—frequently Ireland—the name of the ship on which the account holder arrived, profession, and names of family members. Entries signed with an “X” indicate illiteracy. Somewhat inadvertently, these details capture a slice of life of a certain segment of New York’s population, including its involvement in the Civil War. Francis Lang, account no. 626, arrived from Germany at age 25 on the Teutonia in 1864. That same year, he entered New York’s Seventh Regiment. A note reads, “His mother to have the money should he be killed.”