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BEP Directors

Henry C. Jewell Portrait

Henry C. Jewell

Life: (1827 - 1908)
Chief, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Years in Office: 1876-1877

Henry Jewell was born and raised in Georgetown in the District of Columbia.  He attended local seminaries as well as school in New York and later entered the United States Navy as an engineer.  While in the Navy, Jewell helped survey the Pacific coast.  After leaving the Navy, he worked as chief accountant for a private banking firm.  Later, as a bookkeeper for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Jewell was responsible for revamping the agency’s accounting system.  He was appointed Chief of the BEP in 1876 but served just over a year.  A prominent citizen of the District of Columbia, Jewell was reportedly close to many leading public figures, including Presidents Grant and Hayes.  Jewell died at the age of 80 in Georgetown.