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.
Biography from Paterson and Its Environs:
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.