This branch of the Manning family is, no doubt, from the same ancestor as the Manning family of England and Massachusetts. The line is traced to the year 1791 in the city of Albany, New York, where John Manning resided and where his eminent son, Hon. Daniel Manning, was born. The family has risen to distinction in Albany, New York state, and the nation, having, in each generation, produced sons who have worthily borne the name and gained for themselves honor, distinction and wealth.
(I) John Manning was born in the year 1791. He was a resident of Albany, New York, where he died in 1837, when the youngest son, John B., was five years old. He married Eleanor Oley, born in 1799, died in 1875, daughter of Christopher and Sara (Van Antwerp) Oley. Children:
- James, born 1825, died 1847;
- Maria Van Antwerp, born 1829, died 1897;
- Daniel, see forward;
- John B., born July 13, 1832, died 1907.
(II) Hon. Daniel, son of John and Eleanor (Oley) Manning, was born in Albany, August 16, 1831, died in his native city, December 24, 1887. He was educated in the public schools until reaching the age of twelve years, when he entered the office of The Albany Atlas, afterward consolidated with The Albany Argus, and henceforth was ever closely connected with the development and prosperity of his great Albany newspaper. He rose from office boy through all the several grades of progress, common in great newspaper offices, until he was editor and business manager. He conducted the paper skillfully, making it strong, prosperous and influential. In 1873 he was elected president of the Argus Company, continuing as such until the end of his life. His newspaper connection early brought him in contact with the active, leading members of the Democratic party in Albany and the state, with whom he later rose to terms of equality in political power. Backed by his own masterful personality and the power of his newspaper, he soon attracted attention to himself, and was quickly recognized in Albany as a leader, which gave him prestige in state conventions, where he was always a delegate and leader. He was not only at the head of the Albany but the New York state Democracy and stood first among the prominent men of that powerful organization. He was secretary of the Democratic state committee in 1879-80, and chairman, 1881-84, having been a continuous member since 1874. He was not only a political but a warm, personal friend of Grover Cleveland, to whose political fortunes he was early attached and did so much to advance. In 1884 he headed the New York state delegation and was chairman of the national convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency that year, and it was due to his masterful leadership that the nomination was effected despite the strong opposition of the New York City leaders. President Cleveland had the greatest respect and admiration for Mr. Manning's ability and when selecting his first cabinet chose him for secretary of the treasury, a position his years of business and practical banking experience as trustee of the National Savings Bank of Albany and president of the National Commercial Bank so amply qualified him to fill. He had, moreover, been a close student of our own and foreign banking systems and the financial problems of all nations. He ably filled the secretary's chair, and was most influential in President Cleveland's first administration. In April, 1887, he was compelled to resign on account of failing health and overwork. His resignation was accepted with deepest regret by President Cleveland, who trusted him implicitly, leaned heavily on him for advice in all matters pertaining to the treasury department, sought his counsel in matters purely political, and had for him that honest admiration and affection that only such strong characters can inspire and feel. The leaders and press of both parties united in expressions of praise for his administration of the treasury and regret at his retirement, while President Cleveland's sorrow was publicly expressed. After retiring from the treasury, Mr. Manning was elected president of the Western National Bank of New York City, which was his last official connection. He retained the presidency of the Argus Company until his death, a connection beginning as a boy of twelve years in 1843, at the very lowest round of the ladder, ending in 1887, at the topmost. Mr. Manning's career as journalist, banker and statesman was a most wonderful one and is the best possible illustration of the familiar quotation, "All things are possible for the American boy." It is hard to choose between these three leading activities of his eventful career, whether he was greatest in journalism, financiering, or in leadership of men; those who knew him best and were closest to him must decide. He was successful in all his undertakings, but to the reviewer it is what he accomplished that excites admiration, as the daring ambition of this obscure boy, which constantly drove him forward from height to height of success, never knew defeat or failure. He married (first), in 1853, Mary Little, who died in 1882. Children:
- James Hilton, see forward;
- Frederick Clinton, of Albany, born May 18, 1859;
- Anna, born May 16, 1861, married John A. Delehanty;
- Mary E., born May 29, 1867, died July 20, 1906, married Jules C. Van der Oudermeulen.
Mr. Manning married (second), November 19, 1884, Mary Margaretta, daughter of William J. Fryer, of Albany.
(III) James Hilton, eldest son of Hon. Daniel and Mary (Little) Manning, was born in Albany, September 22, 1854. He passed through the public schools of Albany, graduating from the high school in 1873. He then entered the employ of The Albany Argus as clerk in the counting room. After two years there he was attached to the reportorial staff, continuing until 1885, when he became managing editor. In 1888 he succeeded his father as president of the Argus corporation. In 1893 he retired from official connection with the Argus, and organized the Wood-Parsons Printing Company, of which he was chosen president and so continues (1910). During these years of active business life he has been connected with many of the prominent enterprises and corporations of Albany. With most of these he has held official connection, among them: President of the National Savings Bank; president of the Consolidated Car Heating Company; director of the Hudson River Telephone Company; director of the New York Telephone Company; director of the National Commercial Bank; trustee of the Title Guarantee & Trust Company of New York. Few lines of activity in Albany but have had the benefit of his business sagacity and mature experience. Business alone has not been his sole interest. He joined the New York State National Guard on attaining the legal age, and his connection has never been dissolved, his term of service covering a period of thirty-five years. He has attained the rank of major, has been breveted lieutenant-colonel, and has always used his best efforts in behalf of the citizen soldiery. His public service to the civil government of the state covers the years 1887-89, when under the appointment of Governor David B. Hill he served on the state civil service commission. To the service of Albany he gave the years 1890-94, serving two terms as mayor, and has always taken an active part in all municipal matters. His administration was wise, conservative and business-like. He has been closely allied with the Democratic party in the state and identified with the leaders of that party in its management. He is a member of Saint Peter's Church, of Albany, and of the following clubs: Fort Orange, Country, Burns, of Albany, City Club, of New York, and is a life member of the American Numismatic Society. He married, October 22, 1879, Emma J. Austin, daughter of Dr. John C. Austin.
(The Van Antwerp Line)
This early Dutch family in the state, noted in the annals of Albany county, as it originally existed sprang from Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen, of Holland, born 1635; married Nana Groot and had Jan, Simon, Arndt, Pieter, Neeltje, Rebecca and Maria.
(II) Simon, son of Daniel Janse and Anna (Groot) Van Antwerpen, married Maria Peck, December 22, 1706. Children: Maria, Lysbert, Rebecca, Daniel, Sara, Daniel, Margareta, Jacobus and Lewis.
(III) Daniel (2), son of Simon and Maria (Peck) Van Antwerpen, married, October 21, 1730, Rebecca Van Antwerpen. Children: Symon, Johannes, Augenietje [Angenietje?] and Annetje.
(IV) Simon (2), son of Daniel (2) and Rebecca (Van Antwerpen) Van Antwerpen, married, November 20, 1761, Maria Dunbar, born 1739, died 1826. Children: Rebecca, Cornelia, Saartje and Sara.
(V) Sara, daughter of Simon (2) and Maria (Dunbar) Van Antwerp, was born 1774. died 1803; married Christopher Oley, born 1773, died 1848. Children:
- Ann Baker, born 1778, died 1847;
- Eleanor, see forward;
- Sarah Maria, born 1803, died 1861.
(VI) Eleanor, daughter of Christopher and Sara (Van Antwerp) Oley, was born in 1779, died in 1875. She married John Manning (see Manning I).