"Few names in the financial and business world of New York are better known than that of Jesse Seligman, financier, banker, philanthropist, and citizen. It may truly be said of Mr. Seligman that he attained one of the highest positions of good citizenship in the metropolis of the nation. While, strictly speaking, a financier, he was ever ready to bring capital, business experience and financial ability into the broader industrial enterprises of the nation which, in their building up, employ labor, pay out vast sums in wages, add comfort to the masses, and bring prosperity to the country. He was not a mere banker, but closely identified with sound enterprises, which have built up the Empire State and developed the resources of the republic. He was a man to be respected, to be looked up to, and his career, as it seems to me, is one that may well be studied to advantage by the youth of his race and his country. The Hebrew race has undoubtedly given to the world more of the most extraordinary instances of great wealth, but at the same time it has produced many of the greatest philanthropists the world has ever known.
"It is difficult to sum up in a few words such men as Mr. Seligman. He was a man who, by his example, as well as his action benefitted the community of which he was an honored member, and his death will be greatly regretted, not only by those who knew him intimately, but the whole community, because his demise will be a real loss to them. Our wealth of humanity is not so great, even in this great city, that we can afford to lose many such citizens."
From Henry G. Marquand, Esq., President, Metropolitan Museum of Art:
"I was not brought in contact with the late Jesse Seligman as often as some others, but during twenty years or more I saw enough of him to form a very high opinion of his work as a citizen of this republic. His views were always of the broad and generous stamp. They were not confined to the various schemes of philanthropy, but extended to the enterprises relating to high culture at home and abroad, and by contact with him it was easy to see how quickly his sympathies were aroused in favor of everything good...."
Ex-Mayor Abram S. Hewitt, expresses himself as follows:
"The story of Jesse Seligman's life should be produced as the best commentary on his career, and as an encouragement to all young men who are starting out on the journey of life. * * * Perhaps the most admirable point of his character was his catholic charity for the opinion of others and his willingness to co-operate in every great movement without regard to creed or race."
From Cornelius N. Bliss: