This was in 1825, when the first bank in Fall River was organized.
The Fall River Bank and the Fall River Factory were one. As Hezekiah
Anthony, David Anthony’s brother, had written to Israel in 1820: “I
consider bank stock as good if not the best property you can at present
have”, I think Israel took up the offer. Israel’s connections with
Fall River banks were close. But he used the Warren Bank, established
earlier, more often.
One odd result of Israel’s trading with everybody for everything,
was that he was paid in many sorts of money. (When paid in money at
all.) He used to wait until he got a bagful, and then he would send
the bag to a local bank or even up to Boston and get the quoted rate
of exchange. Silver dollars were not wanted by any wholesale house or
bank. Though they were worth a dollar, that was conceded. But crowns,
doubloons, francs, and guineas were Israel’s coin, taken in over the
counter in Swansea and Egypt. Nothing parochial about Israel.
Various little business firms were just starting up in Troy during
the barrel period. Israel traded with Lovell and Durfee--a certain
John Brayton was their clerk--they sold Israel yellow snuff. In 1824,
Cromwell Bliss of Troy sold Israel 1000 cigars.
And Israel sold some of the Swansea Paper to the Troy Merchants.
Seventeen quires were returned because it was not of the first quality.
“It is not the quality that you recommend it to be.”