1.
July 6, 1929
The Selma Times-Journal
Selma, AL
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FAILURE OF RESULTS SECOND
Southside Institution Will open Monday
STEADY WITHDRAWAL OF ACCOUNTS CAUSE
Thomas Says No Reason For Alarm In iStuation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July run on the bank the closing this of the SavIngs Bank, caused closing of that today, officials said the band would open business Monday morning. The Woodlawn Savings Bank closed its doors this morning order Dr. Bell, president, following withdrawal of several The Woodlawn Bank was the third to close doors in the Birmingham district within the past two weeks. Withdrawal of large accounts had going on for the last week, Robertson, teller the bank, today, and It was deemed wise to close to the protect depositors. bank organized in Nowith capital stock of $35,000. The two banks which failed last the City Bank Trust Company the Avondale Trust Savings Bank. Banks Reorganized July Reorganization of the City Bank and
2.
July 7, 1929
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, AZ
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Bank President Drowns As Institution Doors
Ala., July (AP) BIRMINGHAM. -Affairs of banks which closed today, bringing total of four banking institutions which have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past ten days, were under investigation of the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile parties were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. A. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn Savings bank. one of the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning Coosa river near Vincent, He was reported to have gone swimming with party of friends shortly after arrived at his country place for the The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run the bank which prompted officials order its doors closed. Officials of the Southside that closing temporary and that the bank would reopen Judge superof banks, tonight from to take charge the banking here. He attributed the closing of the Woodlawn and Southside banks today to precipitated by the closing the two banks last The banks closed last week the City Bank and Trust company and the bank and savings company president both institutions is New York hospital where collapsed receiving news of the closing John cashier the Avondale bank and savings died the day before the bank closed from bullet through abdomen, by members his family have been inflicted when pistol he handling dropped Coroner Russum verdict of accidental death.
3.
July 7, 1929
Evening Star
Washington, DC
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Attorney General to Ask Solicitor to Organize Special Grand Jury. ATTEMPT TO REBUILD FINANCIAL STRENGTH President of Savings Institution That Shut Doors Drowns While in Swimming. By the Associated Press. MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 6.-Attorney General Charles McCall of Alabama, stated tonight that he would request Solicitor George L. Balls to move at once toward organization of a special Jefferson County grand jury to investigate the recent closing of the Avondaie Bank & Savings Co. and the City Bank & Trust Co. of Birmingham. The attorney general requested that "if possible, the grand jury be convened by July 15." He stated that he and two of the State's assistant attorneys general, Judge J. Q. Smith and Judge A. A. Evans, would participate in the investigation. State Officers to Direct Auditing. The attorney general released his statement shortly after Judge C. F. Thomas, State superintendent of banks, departed for Birmingham to personally direct the audit of the books of these two banks and the Woodlawn Savings Bank and the Southside Bank, which closed their doors today following heavy runs. Judge Thomas stated that he was prepared to remain in Birmingham indefinitely and that he would "exercise the powers of my office to the limit" in an endeavor to re-establish the banks on a firm financial basis. Asks Citizens to Co-operate. He admonished citizens of Birmingham not to become alarmed and requested that they co-operate with his department in its efforts to re-open the institutions. Steady withdrawals, failure to realize on frozen loans and the desire of the directors to conserve their assets resulted in the decisions to close the banks, Judge Thomas said.
4.
July 7, 1929
Evening Star
Washington, DC
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SEEK BODY OF BANKER. President of Woodlawn Savings Drowns While Swimming. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 6 (AP).-Affairs of two banks, which closed today, bringing to a total of four banking institutions which have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past 10 days, were under investigation of the State banking officials tonight. Meanwhile, searching parties were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. A. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn Savings Bank, one of the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning in the Coosa River, near Vincent, Ala. Dr. Bell was reported to have gone in swimming with a party of friends shortly after he arrived at his country place for the week end. Starts Run on Another Bank. The report of the closing of the Woodlawn Bank caused a run on the Southside Bank, which prompted offcials to order its doors closed. Officials of the Southside Bank said that closing was temporary and that the bank would re-open for business Monday morning. As the report spread throughout the district, mild runs started at other banks. The runs were halted in most instances when officials announced that all depositors wishing to withdraw their funds would be paid promptly. Judge C. E. Thomas, State superintendent of banks, arrived tonight from Montgomery, to take charge of the banking situation here. He attributed the closing of the Woodlawn and Southside Banks today to runs precipitated by the closing of the two banks last week. President of Bank Collapses. The banks closed last week were the City Bank & Trust Co. and the Avondale Bank & Savings Co. J. B. Lassiter, president of both institutions, is in a New York hospital, where he collapsed after receiving news of the closing of the banks. John R. Wallace, cashier of the Avondale Bank & Savings Co., died the day before the bank closed, from a bullet through his abdomen, said by members of his family to have been accidentally inflicted when a pistol he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged. (Continued on Page 2, Column 5.)
5.
July 7, 1929
The Richmond Item
Richmond, IN
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STATE PROBING BANK AFFAIRS
Two More Institutions In Birmingham Closed During Day
Associated Ala., fairs of two day, bringing failed within the days, under the banking searching parties their efforts locate the body W. Bell, president Woodlawn Savings bank, one institutions which closed today Bell morning near gone with friends shortly he his counfor the week end. report the of the bank caused run on the which prompted order doors closed. Offithe Southside bank said that closing temporary that the bank would reopen for business Monmorning Mild were started at other banks. in most that all wishing to withtheir funds would promptly Judge Thomas, superintendent banks, arrived tonight take He attributed the closing the Woodlawn Southside banks precipitated by the today closing of the week. The last week were the City Bank company and the Bank and Savings both York hospital where he after of the closing of the news R. Wallace, cashier of the John Avondale Bank Savings died the day before the pany, closed from bullet his abdomen, members his family he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged. Coroner Russum rendered verdict of Plans for the City Bank and Trust opening company today Roderick Beddow, member of the board of directors and attorney for that than $125,000 the $250,000 proposed for the He said the bank reopen Woodlawn banks capitalized capital $500,000 and had the Avondale bank
6.
July 7, 1929
The San Bernardino County Sun
San Bernardino, CA
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START QUIZ BANKS CLOSED SUCCESS SEEN
Cashier of One Institution Is Fatally Shot and President Of Another Bank Drowns
Backers Optimistic Even Though $3,000,000 Spent and Loss For First Year Expected
SUCCEED IN ENDING RUNS HOPE VOLUME WILL GROW
State Official Takes Charge of Situation, Says Closing of Two Caused by Fear
Associated Press) BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July fairs of two banks which closed today, bringing to total of four banking institutions which have failed open in the Birmingham district within the past 10 days, were under investigation of the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile searching were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn savings bank, one of the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning in the Coosa river near Vincent, Ala. He was reported to have gone in swimming with party of friends shortly he arrived at his country place for the week-end. Declare Closing Only Temporary The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run on the Southside bank which prompted officials order its doors closed. Officials of the Southside bank said that closing was temporary and that the bank would reopen for business Monday morning. As the report spread throughout the district, mild runs started at other banks. The runs were halted in most instances when officials announced that all depositors wishing to withdraw their funds would be paid promptly. Judge C. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, arrived tonight from Montgomery take charge of the banking situation here. He attriputed the closing of the Woodlawn Southside banks today to runs precipitated by the closing of the two banks last week. The banks closed last week were the City Bank and Trust Co., and the Avondale Bank and Savings Co. Lassiter, president of both institutions is in New York hospital where he collapsed after celving news of the closing of the banks. Cashier of Bank Shot to Death
John R. Wallace, cashier of the Avondale Bank and Savings Co. died the day before the bank closed from bullet his abdomen, said by members his family to have accidently inflicted when pistol he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged. Coroner Russum rendered dict of death. Plans for reorganization and opening the City Bank and Trust Co. were completed today Roderick Deddon, member of the board directors and attorney for the institution, announced that more than $125,000 of the $250,000 stock proposed for the reorganized bank had been subscribed. He said the bank probably would reopen early next week. Southside and Woodlawn banks were capitalized $50,000. The City bank had capital of $50,000 and the Avondale bank $25,000.
Fare Just Short of $350 and Official Admits It's High but Hopes for Reduction
By CLINTON COFFIN (Associated Press Financial Writer) WASHINGTON, July Business history records few more daring ventures than that which culminates Monday when the Transcontinental Air Transport's big planes, one on each side of America, take to the air with full passenger loads inaugurate ocean-toocean service. More than $3,000,000 has been spent by the transport company before cent of return is obtained, and huge have been expended by both the Pennsylvania and the Santa Fe. Moreover, the are coldly calculating on taking regular and steady loss, running large daily totals, for least year in operation before business develops on which can be paid. More and Larger Planes Planned
In spite of that outlook, and before public plane completes the scheduled jump, so certain are the transport of the public demand for the flying journey that negotiations have ready been opened for the acquisition of more and bigger planes augment the service. Paul Henderson, operating of hurried back to Washington this week from rehearsal flight over the route and has set the wheels turning for the enlargement. "Really, our transcontinental flying service starts Sunday," he said, "when the Pennsylvania passenger train pulls out of New York at with the passengers who transfer to our ship leaving Port Columbus at m., Monday. the eastbound plane parts from Angeles. Capacity the start limited to 10 passenday, and the last notice gers per have estimates that about 200 advance bookings have been made. Some them run clear ahead until October so that we are not yet guaranteed capacity loads for present equipment.
Speed, Comfort Present Appeal
"We can't tell yet how heavy the travel will be, but certain that speed and comfort will appeal Americans. At present the fare high, just short of $350, but can be cut when we get volume, which hope to do rather quickly. To show one advantage, on the trial trip, we dropped down from the high air to the transfer station Kingman, Ariz., with our passencool comfortable, and found ground temperature of 114
7.
July 7, 1929
The Sunday Record
Columbia, SC
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Birmingham Banking Circles Stirred By 2 More Failures
Reported Drowning of President of One Closed Bank Increases Excitement
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 6.-Excitement prevailed in bankcircles here tonight, following the failure of two banking institutions to open their doors today and the reported drowning of Dr. A. W. Bell, president of one of the institutions, in the Coose river near Vincent, Ala.
The closing of the two banks, the Woodlawn Savings bank and the South Side bank, brought to total four banking houses to fail to open during the past two weeks. Dr. Bell, president of the Woodlawn, reported drowned while bathing in the river with party of friends his country home Vincent. Search for his body is being made. Runs banks of the city, the the Woodlawn and South Side institutions, officers to houses tonight allow depositors withdraw their money if The South Side bank, which bore the brunt run in the first minutes of business this after the Woodlawn institution had failed to open its doors, reopened Monday, it was announced Judge E Thomas, state superintendent of banks, came from Montgomery tonight make study of situation. He said he the runs and South Side institutions from the the banks last week. The banks failing week were the City Bank Trust the Avondale Bank and Savings company.
8.
July 8, 1929
The Index-Journal
Greenwood, SC
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Pilots Of Airplane Both Aviation Veterans
ALABAMA BANKS BATTLE BIG RUN
Search Continues for President of One, Thought Dead
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July search continued for the body the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank who was reported to have been drowned Saturday morning, state banking officials and city leaders moved today to guard against further closure of suburban banks and restore the shaken confidence of the citizens relative to the banking situation. Citizens were called upon by banking leaders, the president of the city commission and in newspaper editorials to "quit worrying about the banks and to stop wave of hysteria that has threatened the city since the closing of the four suburban banks." Residents of near Vincent, Ala., where Dr. Bell was reported to have been drowned, dragged the Coosa river through last night but had found no trace of the body. The report of the drowning said Dr. Bell apparently was seized with gramps and carried down by the swift current Meanwhile Lassiter, dent of the City Bank and Trust company and the Avondale Savings and Trust company, continued New York hospital, where he has been since he collapsed when his two banks were closed.
LEEDS. Ala., July The Leeds State bank failed to open its doors today Officials announced that the affairs of the institution had been placed in the hands of the State Banking Department following heavy run, or its deposits Saturday The Leeds bank was the fifth to close in the Birmingham district within the past two weeks. B. C. Lindon president of the institution which was capitalized at $25,000 and had surplus of similar
Have Been Connected With Several Long Distance Hops
NEW YORK, Williams and Lewis who took off from Old Orchard with several distance flight In 1922 Yancey with Teven Lacey one of the entries the New air derby. Shortly after their third attempt start, Yancey piloted the to plane to clinging to strut with Lacey unconscious in the line fumes.
Yancey was with Leboutiller in projected flight from Roosevelt France canal zone December they were forced back the plane had been in the thre Williams was asociated with Clarence D. Chamberlain 1927 on series of attempts new endurance flight record. Their efforts were abandoned after they were forced down their third Attempt. In March Italian ace, announced Williams had been chosen as co-pilot in the plane Roma flight to Rome. The American pilot withdrew from the project, then resumed relations with
After Sabelli's plans failed terialize, Williams plans October, 1928 for flight to Rome Charles A. Levine's Columbia with Pietro Bonelli, other member of the Sabelli crew. The Columbia crashed on the old Westbury golf links when Williams and Bonelli attempted to take off October 11. The flight later was abandoned for the rest of the year because of weather. Williams and Yancey joined forces early this spring to renew the New York to Rome flight attempt.
9.
July 18, 1929
The Sand Mountain Banner
Albertville, AL
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ONE OF CLOSED BANKS REOPEN IN BIRMINGHAM
Southside Bank Resumes Business Without Incident Monday
Birmingham, Ala., July Southside Bank, which closed its doors during heavy run on its by depositors, opened for business Monday. State bank who completed an audit of the bank's accounts last week, declared "solvent iting the confidence of the public." The reopening was without cident. Manor, president of the institution, said the hours of business were normal as the closing had merely been over the week end. Lassiter, president of the Avondale Bank Savings Company and the City Bank Trust Company, two the five financial institutions to close here early this month, issued his statement on the closings today which he asserted the belief depositors will paid in Lassiter turned from New York Thursday he made an effort to raise money for his banks and prevent their closing. He collapsed when informed the banks and since has been under the care of physicians. not try to run Lassiter said of his trip. went New York in an effort to raise to save the banks, but the money crash came too soon. My first purto the banks and to pose reopen this end will bend my every energy." Meanwhile plans were going forward to the Woodlawn reopen Savings Bank and Leeds State Bank, the other of five banks to close, with national charters.
10.
July 27, 1929
The Tennessean
Nashville, TN
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REPORT MADE IN BANK PROBE
Irregularities Charged by Grand Jury at Birmingham.
Charges made today in a partial report of the Jefferson ocunty grand jury of "grave irregularities" In the handling of funds of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, were followed closely by reports here and in Montgomery that the attorney office is conducting an investigation to determine If Dr. A. W. Bell, late president of the bank, actually died by accidental drowning as his relatives and friends claim. There was no confirmation of reports published in Montgomery that Attorney-General Charlie C. McCall has ordered an independent investigation. The Alabama Journal said detectives working under McCall were investigating the case from three angles-that Dr. Bell did accidentally drown, that he committed suicide or was slain and his body thrown in the Coosa river. The paper said its informaton came from "reliable sources.' but did not disclose the basis for the investigation. Testimony at the inquest was that Dr. Bell drowned on July G, while swimimng with friends and within an hour after run on his bank had forced its closing The coroner has not returned a verdict. McCall would not comment on the report. He has been closeted with the grand jury here since it began its investigaton nearly two weeks ago into causes which led up to the closing of five state banks. In submittine the partial report to Circuit Judge P. McCoy, the grand jurors asserted they had "ascertained that there have been grave in the disposition of funds of the Woodlawn Continuing, the report said, "the grand jury is now of the opinion, based upon its investigaton of the affairs and transactions of said bank. that the estte of Dr. A. W. Bell is indebted to said bank in the sum of many thousand dollars."
11.
July 27, 1929
The Herald-Sun
Durham, NC
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DEATH OF BANKER IN ALABAMA GETS COURT ATTENTION
Institution Failed Soon After Dr. Bell Drowned
IRREGULARITIES
Estate Of Dead Banker Owed Institution Huge Sum, Jury Believes
TO HOLD ESTATE INTACT
In Meanwhile, Inquiry Is On To Discover If It Was Murder Or Accidental Death By Drowning
Birmingham, July 26. (A*) Charges made today in partial report of the Jefferson county grand Jury of "grave irregularities" in the handling of funds of the defunct Woodlawn Savings bank fol lowed closely by reports here and In Montgomery that the attorney general's office conducting an in vestigation to determine If Dr. A W. Bell, late president of the bank actually died by accidental drown Ing as relatives and friends claim. There no confirmation of ports published in Montgomery that Attorney General Charles C. Mc Call had ordered an independent in vestigation. The Alabama Journal said detectives working under Mo Call were investigating the case from three angles-that Dr. Bell did accidentally drown, that he commit ted suicide was stain and his body thrown the Cocoa The pa. per said its "reliable but did not dis close the basis for the Investiga tion. McCall would not comment on the Testimony at the Inquest WRS that Dr. Bell July while swimming with and within an heur after run on his bank had forced closing. The coroner the partial report to Circuit Judge P. McCoy, the grand jurors asserted they had "ascertained that there have been Irregularities In the disposition of funds of the Woodlawn bank." Continuing the report said, "the grand jury in of the opinion. based upon its investigation of the affairs and transactions of said bank, that the of Dr. A. W Bell is to said bank in the sum of many of dollars. The that mediate action be taken by Horace C. Wilkinson, agent for the Woodlawn bank, to dis posal of any assets from the Dell estate.
12.
July 27, 1929
Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus, GA
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Bank Irregularities Reported By Birmingham Grand Jury
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July 26. (/P) Charges made tday in partial report of the Jefferson county grand jury of "grave irregularities" in the handling of funds of the defunct Woodlawn vings Bank were followed by reports in Montgomery that attorney general's office conducting investigation determine if Dr. W. late president of the A. bank actually died by accidental drowning his relatives and friends claim. There no confirmation of report published in that Attorney Charlie McCall has ordered an independent investigation. The Alabama grand jury Journal said detectives working unbased upon its investigation of der McCall were investigating the case from three angles-that Dr. drown, that Bell did accidentally he committed suicide or was slain and his body thrown in the Coosa river. The paper amid its information came from "reliable sources' but did not disclose the basis for the Testimony at the inquest was that Dr. Bell drowned on July 6. while swimming with friends and within an hour after run on his bank had forced its closing. The coroner not returned diet. McCall would not comment on the report. In submitting the partial report
13.
August 11, 1929
The Selma Times-Journal
Selma, AL
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Shriners Petition For Bank Receiver
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., Aug. 10.(P)-Charging that Judge C. E. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, has shown himself not to be the proper person to act as liguidating agent of the Woodlawn Savings Bank. the Prophets Benefit association of Kamram Grotto, today filed a petition in chancery court asking receiver for the bank. The petition also charges that Thomas has failed to faithfully perform his duties in reference to supervision of the bank and that he is liable for the amount of his bond, $25,000. and also to the extent of loss sustained by the depositors. The association sets forth in its petition that it had on deposit in the bank total of around $80.000 when the Institution closed its doors Hearing has been set for August 21 before Judge William Walker.
WINS GOLF CROWN Lyon. of Pontiac. Ill., 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Illinois, Is western junior golf champion. title acquired after six years of effort. Lyon yesterday conquered Bill Redmond. of Joliet, Ill., also 19 years old and junior at Notre Dame, in the 36-hole final at LaGrange Country club, by a 5 and 4 margin.
14.
August 21, 1929
The Anniston Star
Anniston, AL
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Contempt Charges Face Bank And Liquidatng Agent
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. C. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, now on leave of absence, and Horace Wilkinson, who has been acting as liquidating agent for the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank will face citation for contempt of court Monday following granting of petition today by Judge M. Walker. in chancery court this effect. The petition was filed by Goodwin and Company. and named the American Traders National Bank, receivers for the estate of Dr. W. Bell, who was president of the Woodlawn bank. party to the bill. Thomas and Wilkinson were charged in the petition with having "failed and refused to deliver certain insurance policies to the receiver as required by court order."
15.
August 21, 1929
The Huntsville Times
Huntsville, AL
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CONTEMPT OF COURT CHARGE
Thomas And Wilkinson Have Refused To Allow Bank Bell Policies
BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 21 (AP)Judge E. state superintendent of banks now on leave absence, and Horace Wilkinson, who has been acting as liquidating agent for the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank, will face citation for contempt court Monday granting today by Judge William Walker in chancery court to this effect. The petition was filed by C. A. Goodwin and Company named the American Bank for the estate of Dr. A. W. Bell, was president of the Woodlawn bank, party to the bill. Thomas Wilkinson were charged in the petition with having "failed and deliver tain policies the er required by order. The bank in decree handed down by the court August The petition alleges that insurance policies included in the decree and now in Wilkinson had not delivered to the bank ordered. also that Oliver D. Street, counsel for the bank, has been denied the policies. Thomas and Wilkinson are required to appear show why they should be adjudged guilty court contempt for their failure to comply with the court order At the time the hearing Thomas counsel. opposed naming the bank receiver, contending he should be the receiver.
16.
August 21, 1929
The Selma Times-Journal
Selma, AL
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Wilkinson, Thomas Must Face Charge Of Court Contempt
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 21.C. E. Thomas, state superintendent of banks now on leave of absence, and Horace Wilkinson, who has been acting as liquidating agent for the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank, will face citation for contempt of court Monday following granting of a petition today by Judge William M. Walker in chancery court to this effect. The petition was filed by C. A Goodwin and Company and named the American Traders National Bank, receivers for the estate of Dr. W. Bell who was president of the Woodlawn Bank, a party to the bill.
Thomas and Wilkinson were charged in the petition with having "failed and refused to deliver certain insurance policies to the receiver as required by court order.' The bank was appointed receiver in a decree handed down by the court August 9. The petition alleges that insurance policies included in the decree and now in the possession of Wilkinson had not been delivered to the bank as ordered. It also states that Oliver D. Street, counsel for the bank, has been denied the policies.
Thomas and Wilkinson are required to appear and why they should not be adjudged guilty of court contempt for their failure to comply with the court order. At the time of the hearing Thomas through his counsel, opposed naming to bank receiver, contending that he should be the receiver.
17.
August 25, 1929
The Huntsville Times
Huntsville, AL
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WILKINSON CLAIMS HE HAS RETAINING ORDER
BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 24 (AP)Horace Wilkinson, liquidating agent for the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, announced here tonight had obtained an from Judge Walker from hearcharges against him Monday for his produce certain on the life of Bell. late presibank Members of supreme court could be reached ery tonight confirmation Wilkinson Judge C. E. Thomstate banks leave of absence, was dered to appear chancery court here Monday Wilkinson clined to the insurance American Traders Naappointed receiver for the estate of petition filed by persons said of Dr. Bell to give the policies the bank was granted by Judge refusing give the policies to the bank attorney for the estate Bell and dethe ey and its Mrs. Bell, widthe late bank direct-
18.
April 23, 1930
The Montgomery Advertiser
Montgomery, AL
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SUIT FILED FOR BELL'S INSURANCE
Receiver Of Estate Of Woodlawn Bank President Seeks To Recover $150,000
BIRMINGHAM ALA., April 22 Suit for $150,000 insurance policies on the life of the late Dr. A. W. Bell, former president of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, was filed in Circuit Court here today by the American-Traders National Bank against the American Security Life Insurance Company. Dr. Bell was drowned in the Coosa River near Vincent, Ala., on the day the closed several months ago. Filing of the suit followed court litigation of several months during which Judge C. B. Smith appointed the Ametican- National Bank as receiver for the Bell estate, with to take over the insurance policies and convert them into cash. The suit sets out that proofs of Dr. Bell's death have been given the insurance company, and alleges that the company has failed to pay the amount of the policies, although other companies with which the banker held insurance have paid.
19.
April 30, 1930
Birmingham Post-Herald
Birmingham, AL
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COLLECTION BAD, WITNESS CLAIMS
Testimony Given At Trial Of Woman Cashier Of Defunct Bank
Testimony that only $46,241.82 the worth of notes discounts of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank had been collected to date by state late Tuesday in the trial of Margaret Gribbon, former cashier and president of bank. who ing tried charges accepting deposit knowing the bank insolvent or falling condiThe testimony was part of the effort show that the bank long before the deposit accepted by Miss brought by James Dixon, cashier acting liquidating agent for the closed institution. Bank closed on July later president, W. in Coosa River near his farm Attorneys Have Notes Dixon that of the remaining notes the bank in attorneys for and other to depositors the defunct Continued the part the Pritchard, overruled by Judge H. is trying the who first liquidating agent called by state Wednesday morning An instanter subpoena for on him late the The highlight of the testimony came while Howell, bank examiner, was on the stand Howell declared that during his examination of the Woodlawn Bank 1928, told Miss Gribbon that the institution was "busted higher Gribbon to sit down and told her substance, that 'this or here. It's mighty bad.'
"Can't Sleep Very Well" Howell Miss Gribbon replied sleep well" and added worried great deal over the bank's condition. Pritchard's motion to exclude all of overruled by Continued Page Third Column
20.
November 5, 1930
The Birmingham News
Birmingham, AL
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JUDGMENT GIVEN TO BANK RECEIVER
An additional amount of $134,100 insurance on the life of Dr Bell, former president the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank will be paid to the First National Bank as receiver for Bell estate, as result consent judgment entered WednesJudge Benson in suit day by the American Security Life against Company The original amount of the $150,000 on but the total was because of ad justments on premiums, attorneys The judgment adds this amount to $13,000 entered in another consent judgment in Judge Benson's court made ago, and $3,000 voluntarily paid by Aetna Life makes total of $150.100, nearly the total of $312,000 insurance on Bell's life, that was asked in suits against Bell's The for $13,000 was judgment against the Equitable Life Assurance Society Attorneys representing the First National Bank said they expected speedy settlement of the rest of the suits for the remaining insurance, and as soon as these settlements are made dividend will be declared by the defunct bank, and the Woodlawn Building Loan Association COOLER WEATHER SEEN
Mercury May Drop To Freezing Here, Weather Man Says Cooler weather in Birmingham and vicinity Wednesday night and Thursday, Weatherman Horton announced as he scanned charts and weather maps. His official forecast was: "Fair and cooler Wednesday night and Thursday. Frost Wednesday night Lowest temperature 28 34 degrees. decline degrees would be drop the low mark Wednesday morning, when the mercury stopped at p.m. The highest point reached Tuesday, 61, was marked up at 2:30 p.m.
ALEX GETS TRUST FUND ST. long as Grover Cleveland Alexander, the former major league pitcher, lives, he draw the income from $5,000 trust fund established by Sam Breaowner the Louis Cardinals and once Alex's "boss.
21.
November 24, 1930
The Birmingham Post
Birmingham, AL
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$20,000 BELL POLICY SETTLED
Settlements Of $170,000 Have Been Made
Settlement of an additional life insurance policy the life of Dr. president of the Woodlawn Savings bank, was Monday by Pritchard, attorney for the receiver of the Bell estate. Pritchard stated the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance nad agreed to pay the face value of its policy for and that other companies which had issued policies the life of Dr. Bell had indicated they would settle. The settlement agreed by Pritchard and Pacific Mutual brings the total settlements surance more than settlement of $135,000 was several weeks ago with the American Life Insurance policies totaling other small policies ranging between $5,000 and $500 have been settled. This money has been turned over to the First National bank, receiver for the bank will hold the money until Judge William Walker directs its disposition.
22.
November 28, 1930
The Anniston Star
Anniston, AL
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Additional $20,000 On Life of Bell Paid by Company
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., Nov. (AP)-William 8. Pritchard, attorney for the First National receiver for the estate of the Dr. A. W. Bell, former president the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, has announced settlement of an additional $20,000 in insurance on the life of the late banker. The sum brought the total amount collected on insurance more than $170,000, Pritchard said, with $142,000 still to be collected, He announced a dividend of 25 to 30 per cent would be paid depositors soen.
23.
December 23, 1930
The Birmingham News
Birmingham, AL
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DIVIDEND NOT READY
Payments To Depositors In Defunct Woodlawn No will be for depositors in the defunct Savings Bank before Jan. announces cashier Wahouma Savings Bank. which liquidating agent for the closed bank. Dickson said did know when dividend would be stating that he proceeding as speedily as possible Iquidation of its Much of insurance on the life Dr. W. Bell, president defunct was reported drowned. been paid through court settlement. William Pritchard. attorney First receiver for estate Bell, nounced several weeks ago that dividend probably would declared for depositors in the bank soon aftthe life suits were tled and paid.
24.
January 7, 1931
The Birmingham News
Birmingham, AL
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CLOSED BANK TO PAY DEPOSITORS
With more than $275,000 Insurance claims total of the life Dr. Bell having been collected result of settlements Circuit Court prospects reported bright for claring dividend for depositors the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, of which he was president. consent judgment was entered Judge Denson in suit by Dent Green, banks, against Protective Life Insurance Company settlement $15,000 policy and Judge Smith issued decree author izing settlement another suit against American Central Life Insurance Company for a $35,000 pol-
William S. Pritchard, attorney for First National Bank, receiver for the Bell estate, said that only few small policies remained to set tled for collection of remaining on the banker's life Attorneys were in conference dur ing the morning endeavoring agreement the insurance that be paid Mrs. widow the Pritchard said agreement had virtually reached to pay her approximately $35,000. although he said the matter had not been set Some of the insurance money however, be paid to the Wood Building Loan Association with the remainder going to the dehe said. Pritchard said he understood that several dollars had collected by liquidating agent for the bank, and this together with the money probably would payment of dividend soon. He said did not know how large the dividend would be. Dr. Bell drowned in Coosa River the day the bank closed its doors.
25.
June 5, 1931
Birmingham Post-Herald
Birmingham, AL
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SCUTTLING CASE RETRIAL GRANTED
Attorney Conversed With Juror Before Verdict, Defense Claims
MOBILE. Ala., June 4-(P)-Capt. John G. Murphy, convicted few days ago on charge that he conspired to scuttle the steamship Rose Murphy to collect insurance, was granted new trial by Judge Robert Ervin late Thursday An order setting aside the verdict of guilty returned by jury Saturday night was given after lengthy argument. The main reason set out by Judge Ervin in setting aside the verdict was that Assistant District Attorney D. R. Coley had spoken to a juror about the verdict before the decision had been read in court, and had been informed as to what the verdict would be. This question was raised by the defense as its ninety fourth and last reason as to why Murphy should be granted new trial. Evidence Thursday was that about
Cotton Week in Birmingham. composed of Craig Smith. Leo Bashinsky and Mrs. Nona Williams. Awards for the best window display in the interest of the campaign were presented Victor Bendersky. of the Burger-1 Phillips Company. first: Joe Appolinsky Loveman. Joseph Loeb, second, and Charles Fant, of Parisian Company. third. BANK AGENTS SEEK BELL'S INSURANCE
Judge J. R. McElroy Starts Hearing In Suit
Hearing was started before Judge J. Russell McElroy Thursday for tlement and distribution $175,250 insurance money on the life of the late Dr. A. W. Bell. president of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank Presiding Judge Richard Evans ordered the chancery proceeding set before Judge McElroy Judge McElroy's decision will determine how much of the insurance money will be paid to depositors. Claims on policies on Dr. Bell's life totaling more than 000 al ready have been collected and paid to the First National Bank. receiver for the Bell estate. Of this amount, $40,000 has been paid the bank as of the estate, and $60. 000 to H. H. Montgomery, state bank superintendent, liquidating the closed bank, according to William S. Pritch. ard, attorney for the bank