
Two things strike me, not so much about his life, but about the times in which he lived;--that is, anyone holding office in the U.S. federal government today should feel relieved about his or her lack of direct accountability, as compared to that which Bosbyshell had to manage and wrestle.
First, "[i]n 1890, Bosbyshell deposited $4,200 of federal funds in the Keystone National Bank, which then went bankrupt." And due to his official position, Bosbyshell was "responsible for the debt, which was only $300 less than his annual salary, and paid it off by stages, completing the payments in 1894."
Second, "[o]ne of Bosbyshell's underlings at the mint stole gold bars and, as they were not all recovered when the culprit was arrested, Bosbyshell was held responsible for the loss by virtue of his office." An act of Congress in 1899 was required to absolve him of any liability.
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