Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation (Alexandria, VA)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Suspension β†’ Closure
Start Date
December 29, 1910
Location
Alexandria, Virginia (38.818, -77.082)
Bank Type
trust

Metadata

Events (3)

1. December 29, 1910 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Institution became insolvent and closed its doors; receivers later appointed
Newspaper Excerpt
which closed its doors December 29, 1910
Source
newspapers
2. December 29, 1910 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, which recently went into the hands of receivers.
Source
newspapers
3. September 9, 1911 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
will offer for sale at public auction ... the bank building belonging to the Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (23)

Article from The Richmond Virginian, January 12, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# WILL TAKE ACTION # IN TRUST CO. CASE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY CONSULTS STATE OFFICIALS BEFORE INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS, ALEXANDRIA, VA, January 12.- Commonwealth's Attorney Samuel G. Brent this morning returned from Richmond, where he had a confer- ence with Attorney-General Williams, State Auditor Donahoe, R. R. Prentiss, president of the State corporation commission; Joseph Button, chair- man: State Insurance Commissioner and Bank Examiner Barksdale in re- gard to the affairs of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, which recently went into the hands of re- ceivers. After the conference Mr. Brent was told by the attorney-general that it was "Up to him" to take whatever action he thought best in the matter. When seen by a reporter for The Virginian this morning Mr. Brent stated that he intenned to take some decided action in the matter in a few days but would not give out for pub- lication yet what this action would be.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, January 13, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

THE TRUST COMPANY'S FAILURE. Mr. Samuel G. Brent, Commonwealth's Attorney, today requested Judge Barley, of the Corporation Court, to summon a grand jury for next Thursday morning in order that snch action as may necessary be taken in regard to the recent closing of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation. Judge Barley accordingly ordered the jury to be summoned in order that the affairs of the corporation may be investigated. There are many rumors on the streets, some pointing to crimtnal prosecutions, but nothing definite is given out. Both the receivers, Judge Norton and Mr. J. S. Barbour, are out of the city today, and nothing could be learned from them as to the reports in circulation. The motion for the appointment of an additional receiver for the closed corporation, continued last Saturday, will be taken up again next week before Judge Barley; when, it is expected, the matter will be disposed of.


Article from The Richmond Virginian, January 13, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

COUNTY MONEY TIED UP BY BANK FAILUER MANASSAS, VA., January 13.Speculation is rife Just now in the county as to just how the county finances will be affected by the recent suspension of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation in Alexandria. When the county treasurer qualified three years ago this company became his surety on his official bond. Since 'that time the treasurer has been keeping a part of the county funds on deposit with the surety company, and at the time of the suspension had on deposit with the company be-2 tween $8,000 and $9,000. The auditor of public accounts has sent out a circular letter, calling. attention to the necessity of the execu.


Article from The Washington Times, January 21, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# GRAND JURY PUSHES # BANK INVESTIGATION Takes Up the Receiving of City Money by Virginia Corporation. The grand jury probing the accounts of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation today began an investiga- tion of the allegations that the city treasurer was allowed to deposit $12,000 of the State's funds in the institution after its directors had been notified that it was insolvent. To this end the city treasurer, Thomas W. Robinson, was called and spent most of the morning answering questions of the jurymen. The only other witness heard today was Samuel L. Monroe, who went into the jury room to testify of the ac- counts of the bonding department, of which he was the head. The bonding department was the first of the cor- poration's branches to attract atten- tion of the State Corporation Commis- sion. Despite the expectation that the court would take definite action this morning on the order for the appointment of Howard Smith, as receiver to succeed J. S. Barbour, removed on Thursday. Judge Barley did not take such action. The attorneys for C. J. Rixey, presi- dent of the bank, and the legal represen- tatives of the directors spent the morn- ing in conferences. To the array of counsel representing the Rixey interests today was added R. Walton Moore, of Fairfax county. James R. Caton also took part in the conferences between Mr. Rixey's attorneys and his son, C. J. Rixey, jr. Brent Misquoted. Declaring that Commonwealth Attor- ney Samuel G. Brent, of Alexandria, had been misquoted by newspapers when Brent was alleged to have charged him with making a statement of the affairs of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation which was said to have been used in an effort to have the or- der appointing receivers for the insti- tution annulled, F. Coates, jr., today made a statement of his connection with the bank investigation. "I have never made an examination of the affairs of the corporation," Mr. Coates said, "other than the one on which I am at present engaged, and have rendered no reports to the State corporation commission of Virginia. "An examination of the affairs of the corporation was made by the corps of State bank examiners two months ago, and subsequently I was engaged by the directors of the corporation to make an independent audit of the institution. "This engagement was consented to and concurred in by the chief State bank examiner, and the State Corpora- tion Commission of Virginia, before I consented to begin the examination. We had entered upon the preliminary work of the examination before the appoint- ment of receivers, and for this was compensated $400, which was the work and compensation actually referred to by Mr. Brent in his address before the court." This statement has the signed in- dorsement of Mr. Brent.


Article from Evening Star, February 9, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# Wants Report in Bank Case. Commonwealth Attorney S. G. Brent said today that he contemplated making application to the corporation court to secure a report of the affairs of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation from Frederick Coates, jr., a national bank examiner, who was some time ago engaged by the receivers to make a report on the affairs of that institution. C. J. Rixey, president of the corporation, will be formally arraigned and bailed February 20. It is expected that a date will at the same time be fixed for his trial on the eight indictments recently presented to the court in his case by a special grand jury. Well known local talent has been secured by Mount Vernon Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to present at the opera house a play entitled "The Plain Folks," the evening of February 20. Funds raised will be used for the public drinking fountain which the D. A. R. contemplates erecting at Royal and Cameron streets. In the cast will be Harry Fleischmann, J. Fred Birrell, Ervin Schwarzmann, Hunt Russell, H. L. Wheatley, F. W. Smith, Mrs. A. D. Montier, Miss Marie Drew, Miss Edna Drew and Miss Schlichting. In the corporation court this morning in the chancery suit of Taylor Morrison and others against Edward P. Cooper a decree was entered referring the case to H. B. Caton, commissioner in chancery. In the same court a final decree for divorce on the grounds of desertion was granted in the case of Frances E. Gutridge against James R. Gutridge. The plaintiff was represented by Attorney F. B. Russell. # Funeral of Mrs. Brawner. Funeral services for Mrs. Ida Z. Brawner, who ded yesterday afternoon, will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at her late home, 113 South Alfred street. Services will be conducted by Rev. Edgar Carpenter, rector of Grace P. E. Church. Burial will be in Bethel cemetery. The deceased was the widow of John Brawner and is survived by the following children: Philip Brawner, George Brawner, Emory Brawner and Mrs. Effle Clements. A business meeting of Fitzgerald Council, No. 459, Knights of Columbus, was held last evening at St. Mary's Hall and considerable business of a routine nature was disposed of. A horse attached to a wagon belonging to Parker Bros. ran away on King street yesterday afternoon, breaking a shaft. No one was in the wagon at the time. M. B. Harlow and wife have sold to Thomas Shelton a lot on the east side of Pitt street between Wilkes and Gibbon streets. A deed for same was recorded today. An infant daughter of James B. and Emma Lee died yesterday at her parents' home, 308 North Fayette street. The funeral took place this afternoon. Ladies' day will be observed this evening at the Elks' Home. Dr. Gulick is ill at the Alexandria Hospital.


Article from Evening Star, February 24, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS # Death of Louis Brill, Member of City Council. Special Correspondence of The Star. ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 24, 1911. Louis Brill, member of the city council from the second ward, and a well known citizen, died at 9:35 o'clock last night at his home, 109 South Pitt street, after a lingering illness. Bright's disease was the immediate cause of death. The deceased was fifty years old and besides his wife, Mrs. Annie Brill, ten daughters and one son survive him. Three brothers and two sisters also survive. They are Alderman Jacob Brill, August Brill and Charles Brill, the last two named of Washington: Miss Annie Brill of Washington and Miss Katherine Brill of this city. The funeral of Mr. Brill will take place at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Services will be conducted by Rev. H. J. Cutler, pastor. Burial will be made in Bethel cemetery. The funeral will leave the house at 2:30 o'clock. # Prominent in Politics. Mr. Brill was proprietor of the Opera House Cafe, being engaged in that business most of his life. He had a wide circle of friends here and in Washington. In local politics he was active and had served as a member of the city council about fourteen years, being elected to that body from the second ward, consecutively, since 1901. He had also served a term prior to 1901. He was a member of the city democratic committee, having served as a member of that body for a number of years. As a member of council Mr. Brill had served on many important committees, and at the time of his death was a member of the street committee. He was prominently identified with a number of fraternal orders, being a member of Alexandria Lodge of Elks, Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the Order of Moose, the latter a Washington organization. Mayor Paff today issued a call for a special meeting of the city council for 7:30 o'clock tomorrow evening to take action on Mr. Brill's death. Alexandria Lodge of Elks will hold a special meeting at 8 o'clock tonight to arrange to attend the funeral. # Receivers Preparing Report. Receivers for the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation are engaged in formulating their report on the condition of the affairs of the defunct corporation. It is expected that the report will be completed within a short time and the depositors and others will then get an idea as to what amount they will receive from the corporation. Special services are being arranged by the Catholic and Episcopal churches here for the Lenten season, which will open Wednesday next. Sunday next announcement of the hours for the services will be made at the various churches. A meeting of Alva Aerie, No. 871, Fraternal Order of Eagles, will be held tonight, when fifty candidates will be proposed. Arrangements are being made by the order for a meeting which will be held March 1 next, when sixty candidates will be initiated. # General News. A musical and literary entertainment was given last evening at the Young People's building of the Methodist Episcopal Church South by the Lady Maccabees. A euchre and dance will be given this evening at the Young Men's Sedality Lyceum Hall by the M. D. D. Club of St. Mary's Academy. Potomac Lodge of Odd Fellows will hold a meeting this evening, when action will be taken on the death of Louis Brill member of that organization.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, March 22, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TRUST COMPANY'S CONDITION. Report of the Receivers of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation Submitted to the Court-A financial Tangle-Shortage as Large as Supposed from the First, Messrs. J. K. M. Norton and How. ard W. Smith, receivers of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, which closed its doors December 29, 1910, was filed in the Cor poration Court today. The fears of all interested in the concern are proven to have been well-founded, as from the exhibit and the observations of the receivers, the depositors are given but a faint ray of hope. In fact, the prospects of receiving anything in the way of deposits is, at present, far removed, and in all probabilily some interested will pay the debt of nature before the affairs of the institution can be placed in a condition for the payment of any dividend. The report, if published in full in the Gazette, would fill eight columns: hence a summary only as well as the conclusions of the receivers are printed. The laconic telegraphic dispatch sent from Alexandria to Leesburg in 1868 miving the


Article from The Free Lance, March 25, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

VIRGINIA SAFE DEPOSIT REPORT Money Paid For Dividends Not Earned. Receivers Furnish Figures-Depositors May Lose All. Hope on the part of depositors in the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation of Alexandria, which closed its loors Dec. 29 last, that they may recover at least a part of their savings, was dis: elled Wednesday when two reports were filed in the Alexandria Corporation Court. One report is signed y the receivers, Judge J. K. M. Nor ton and Howard W. Smith, and goes into the affairs in detail. A supplemental report was filed by Mr. Smith 48 one of the receivers, who deals with the method of declaring dividends that were apparently unearned. The burden of the blame for the collapse of the corporation is placed upon C. Jones Rixey, the president of the concern, now under indictment in connection with the failure, and the receivers include in their report the following summary of Rixey's transactions: FIGURES IN THE REPORT C. J. Rixey to Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, Dr.: Notes of stock-


Article from Evening Star, July 30, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS Work Begins Tomorrow on Boat Club Addition. WILL COST ABOUT $2,000 Receivers of Defunct Trust Company Recommend Payment of State's Funds in Full. Special Correspondence of The Star. ALEXANDRIA. Va., July 29, 1911. The work of erecting a frame addition to the clubhouse of the Old Dominion Boat Club, on the river front, will be begun by the contractors Monday next, and will, it is expected, be completed within the next month. The addition will cost $2,000 and will be of frame. It will be on the west side of the present structure and will be thirty by forty feet. Members of the club say that when completed the addition will give them a fine clubhouse. This addition will be used for winter festivities, including dancing. Owing to the limited space of the clubhouse it has. been impossible to have many social features during the winter months. Announcement is made that in order to save 15 per cent interest, allowed by the state statute on the deposits of Thomas W. Robinson, treasurer of the commonwealth, which had been deposited in the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, the receivers of the concern have recommended to the corporation court of this city the payment of the state's money in full, amounting to about $19,000. J. K. M. Norton, one of the receivers, today gave out the following statement concerning the affair: "The commonwealth's judgment against Thomas W. Robinson, treasurer, for about $19.000, bears interest at the rate of 15 per cent a year. The commonwealth also holds assignment of Thomas W. Robinson's deposit of about $19,000, and, in addition, has a first lien on the bank building in Alexandria and a share of $12,500 of funds deposited with the state treasurer by the trust company. The commonwealth should receive a dividend on its judgment and also on Mr. Robinson's deposit, a total of 40 per cent, which would be payable August 1. Probably Will Pay. "To prevent the running of 15 per cent interest and for the benefit of other creditors, the receivers have recommended the payment of the commonwealth's claim in its entirety, and they will, in all probability, be authorized to do so. The receivers will be subrogated to all the rights of the commonwealth and will save 15 per cent on the large judgments. "The circuit court of Richmond already has entered a decree subrogating the receivers to the commonwealth's rights as to the $12,500 of funds deposited in Richmond, conditional entirely upon the corporation court of this city authorizing the receivers to pay the comonwealth in full." The work of remodeling the interior of the First Baptist Church is rapidly nearing completion and It is expected that the entire work will be completed by Saturday next. The work on the Sunday school room of that edifice was completed by the contractors, Howard & Harrison, several weeks ago, and the room is now being used by the congregation as its house of worship. It is expected that the new organ will not be completed until about September 1. Until the organ is ready it is not thought the services will be held in the auditorium. Checks to the depositors of the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation for 20 per cent of their deposits are ready for distribution, as heretofore stated in The Star, and will be mailed Monday evening to the depositors, numbering 6,000, in various parts of the state. The total which will be paid out is $108,000. The work of making out the checks was practically completed tonight. Church Services Today. The series of union services being held by several of the Protestant churches of this city during the summer months will be continued tomorrow night at the First Baptist Church. The services will be conducted by Revs. S. W. Rosenberger, pastor of the Methodist Protestant Church, and Rev. W. F. Watson, pastor of the First Baptist Church, the former preaching a sermon. At many of the other churches the pulpits will be filled by out-of-town ministers. At Christ P. E. Church Rev. Mr. Gibson of Strathblain will preach. The morning services at Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church will be conducted by Rev. Mr. Springer of Washington. Rev. D. A. Lambert of St. Elmo, Alexandria county, will conduct the morning services at the Mehtodist Episcopal Church South. "The Great Church" will be the subject of a sermon to be delivered by Rev. W. F. Watson at the morning services at the "irst Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Thomas Gordon of Washington will occupy the pulpit at both services at the Methodist Episcopal Church At the Methodist Protestant Church at


Article from Alexandria Gazette, August 25, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

R. F. KNOX, ACTIONEER Auctioneer Sale of the Bank Building belonging to the Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia PURSUANT to the terms of a decree rendered by the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, on the 26th day of June, 1911, in the chancery cause therein pending, entitled Thomas J. Fannon, et als., vs. Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation, the undersigned, who, by the terms of said decree, were appointed Special Commissioners for the purpose, will offer for sale at public auction, on the premises, on Saturday, September 9, 1911, at 12 o'clock Noon, that lot of ground with buildings and improvements thereon, including vaults and bank fixtures, situated on the north side of King Street, between Royal and Fairfax Streets, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, BEGINNING at the west line of an alley 21 feet wide and distant 109 feet 5 inches east of Royal Street, and running thence west on King Street 35 feet; thence north 95 feet 5 inches; thence east 35 feet to the said alley; and thence south 95 feet and 5. inches to King Street, with all rights and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining. TERMS OF SALE: One-third cash, and the balance in six and twelve months, the deferred payments to be evidenced by the notes of the purchaser or purchasers, bearing interest at six per cent per annum, and the title to be retained until all the purchase money is paid, or, at the option of the purchaser or purchasers, all cash may be paid. Conveyancing at the cost of the purchaser or purchasers. Samuel G. Brent J. G. Hiden Howard W. Smith Gardner L. Boothe R. C. L. Moncure Special Commissioners of Sale. I, Nevell S. Greenaway, Clerk of the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, do hereby certify that the bond with approved security, required by the above mentioned decree, has been duly executed. Given under my hand this 9th, day of August, 1911. Nevell S. Greenaway Clerk. Aug. 12th, t.d.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, August 26, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

R. F. KNOX, ACTIONEER Auctioneer Sale of the Bank Building belonging to the Virginia Gafe Deposit & Trust Corporation, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia PURSUANT to the terms of a decree rendered by the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, on the 26th day of June, 1911, in the chancery cause therein pending. entitled Thomas J. Fannon, et als., vs. Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation, the undersigned, who, by the terms of said decree, were appointed Special Commissioners for the purpose, will offer for sale at public auction, on the premises, on Saturday, September 9, 1911, at 12 o'clock Noon, that lot of ground with buildings and improvements thereon, including vaults and bank fixtures, situated on the north side of King Street, between Royal and Fairfax Streets, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, BEGINNING at the west line of an alley 21 feet wide and distant 109 feet 5 inches east of Royal Street, and running thence west on King Street 35 feet; thence north 95 feet 5 inches; thence east 35 feet to the said alley; and thence south 95 feet and 5 inches to King Street, with all rights and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining. TERMS OF SALE: One-third cash, and the balance in six and twelve months, the deferred payments to be evidenced by the notes of the purchaser or purchasers, bearing interest at six per cent per annum, and the title to be retained until all the purchase money is paid, or, at the option of the purchaser or purchasers, all cash may be paid. Conveyancing at the cost of the purchaser or purchasers. Samuel G. Brent J. G. Hiden Howard W. Smith Gardner L. Boothe R. C. L. Moncure Special Commissioners of Sale. I, Nevell S. Greenaway, Clerk of the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, do hereby certify that the bond with approved security, required by the above mentioned decree, has been duly executed. / Given under my hand this 9th, day of August, 1911. Nevell S. Greenaway Clerk.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, August 28, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

R. F. KNOX, ACTIONEER Auctioneer Sale of the Bank Building belonging to the Virginia Gafe Deposit & Trust Corporation, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia PURSUANT to the terms of a decree rendered by the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, on the 26th day of June, 1911, in the chancery cause therein pending, entitled Thomas J. Fannon, et als., vs. Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation, the undersigned, who, by the terms of said decree, were appointed Special Commissioners for the purpose, will offer for sale at public auction, on the premises, on Saturday, September 9, 1911, at 12 o'clock Noon, that lot of ground with buildings and improvements thereon, including vaults and bank fixtures, situated on the north side of King Street, between Royal and Fairfax Streets, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, BEGINNING at the west line of an alley 21 feet wide and distant 109 feet 5 inches east of Royal Street, and running thence west on King Street 35 feet; thence north 95 feet 5 inches; thence east 35 feet to the said alley; and thence south 95 feet and 5 inches to King Street, with all rights and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining. TERMS OF SALE: One-third cash, and the balance in six and twelve months, the deferred payments to be evidenced by the notes of the purchaser or purchasers, bearing interest at six per cent per annum, and the title to be retained until all the purchase money is paid, or, at the option of the purchaser or purchasers, all cash may be paid. Conveyancing at the cost of the purchaser or purchasers. Samuel G. Brent J. G. Hiden Howard W. Smith Gardner L. Boothe R. C. L. Moncure Special Commissioners of Sale. I, Nevell S. Greenaway, Clerk of the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, do hereby certify that the bond with approved security, required by the above mentioned decree, has been duly executed. Given under my hand this 9th, day of August, 1911. Nevell S. Greenaway Clerk. Aug. 12th, t.d.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, September 4, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

R. F. KNOX, ACTIONEER Auctioneer Sale of the Bank Building belonging to the Virginia Gafe Deposit & Trust Corporation, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia PURSUANT to the terms of a decree rendered by the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, on the 26th day of June, 1911, in the chancery cause therein pending, entitled Thomas J. Fannon, et als., VS. Virginia Safe Deposit & Trust Corporation, the undersigned, who, by the terms of said decree, were appointed Special Commissioners for the purpose, will offer for sale at public auction, on the premises, on Saturday, September 9, 1911, at 12 o'clock Noon, that lot of ground with buildings and improvements thereon, including vaults and bank fixtures, situated on the north side of King Street, between Royal and Fairfax Streets, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, BEGINNING at the west line of an alley 21 feet wide and distant 109 feet 5 inches east of Royal Street, and running thence west on King Street 35 feet; thence north 95 feet 5 inches; thence east 35 feet to the said alley; and thence south 95 feet and 5 inches to King Street, with all rights and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining. TERMS OF SALE: One-third cash, and the balance in six and twelve months, the deferred payments to be evidenced by the notes of the purchaser or purchasers, bearing interest at six per cent per annum, and the title to be retained until all the purchase money is paid, or, at the 01 ion of the purchaser or purchasers, all cash may be paid. Conveyancing at the cost of the purchaser or purchasers. Samuel G. Brent J. G. Hiden Howard W. Smith Gardner L. Boothe R. C. L. Moncure Special Commissioners of Sale. I, Nevell S. Greenaway, Clerk of the Corporation Court of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, do hereby certify that the bond with approved security, required by the above mentioned decree, has been duly executed. Given under my hand this 9th day of August, 1911. Nevell S. Greenaway Clerk. Aug. 12th, t.d.


Article from The Big Stone Gap Post, September 13, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# Depositors Guarantee. The new State of Oklahoma, and three other Western States, have a law which provides a fund to secure all depositors, in case of a bank failure. This law has recently been pronounced constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. If a bank fails in these States, the depositors get every cent they had deposited in the bank without delay. This is common sense legislation, if the idea did originate with William Jennings Bryan. It is a poor rule, which does not work both ways. When a man wants to borrow money from the bank, its officers are very careful to demand gilt edged security; and why pray should not the depositor like wise have like good security when he entrusts his money with the bank. Such a law would be very opportune just now to the un-fortunate depositors of the Augsburg Bank and the much more numerous depositors, of the defunct, Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation of Alexandria, Va. A bank failed in Oklahoma some time since. Word was sent in a day or two afterwards to an old farmer living five or six miles from the bank and who had doposited several hundred dollars with it to come in and get his money. He sent word back that he was very busy just then, and when he had more leisure time he would come and get it. He felt perfectly secure. There are a great many people who, rather than place their money in any bank, stow it away in their old chests or bed ticks or walls of their houses, and take their chances of loss by fire, burglary and theft. If we had the guarantee law, this money would come from its hiding places, with the consequence that the banks would have more money on deposit, and more to loan, and much more money would be put in circulation, to run the business of the country. And as a further consequence there would never be any occasion to make a run on the bank. Let the masses of the people demand, and keep on demand-ing the enactment of this law, until it is placed on the statute books. Let us demand of the representatives in the next leg-islature that they advocate the passage of such a law, -Ex. It is worth $8.00 to you to


Article from Evening Star, November 14, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS Case of Lewis Hooff Is Continued by Judge Barley. RIXEY CASE ALSO DELAYED Chamber of Commerce Appoints Committee to Attend Rivers and Harbors Congress. Special Correspondence of The Star. ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 14. 1911. Following arguments for a continuance, Judge L. C. Barley in the corporation court this morning continued the case of Lewis Hooff. former secretary and general manager of the defunct Mercantile Railway Building and Loan Association, until January 22 next. Hooff immediately renewed his bond in the sum of $10,000 for his appearance in court at that time. The principal ground for the postponement was set forth in an affidavit signed by Hooff, which sets forth that the report of the expert accountants, who are now going over the affairs of the institution, has not yet been completed, and It will be several weeks before it 18 completed. Arguments for a continuance were made by Hooff's attorney, John L Jeffries, Norfolk, Va., and Lewis H. Machen of this city. Commonwealth's Attorney Samuel G. Brent opposed a continuance. Nine indictments are pending against Hooff in connection with the collapse of the institution, being returned September 13 last. The Mercantile Rairway Building and Loan Association went into the hands of receivers January 12 last, about two weeks following the colapse of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation.


Article from Evening Star, February 12, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS Future Disposition of C. J. Rixey Under Advisement. ORDER ISSUED BY COURT His Removal to Hospital for Insane Criminals Contemplated-General and Personal. Special Correspondence of The Star. ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 12. 1912. When C. Jones Rixey, the former head of the collapsed Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation. appeared in the corporation court at noon today an order was issued under section 1682 of the code on City Sergt. R. H. Cox, to make application to the asylum for the criminal insane for a place for Rixey at that institution, and pending action on the application by that institution Rixey was left in the custody of the sergeant. The latter had him transferred to the custody of Dr. J. W. Freed, assistant superintendent of the hospital at Staunton, Va., who will return with Rixey to that institution at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Prior to the arrival of Rixey in court his attorneys made a motion for a suspension of the order for his transfer to Marion, Va., and also a motion that he be admitted to bail. Both motions were overruled by the court. It is said to have been the purpose of his attorneys to apply for a writ of habeas corpus, had an order been made today committing Rixey to the Marion institution. Rixey was accompanied by Dr. J. W. Freed. He was met by his son, C. J. Rixey, jr., in the office of the clerk of the court, where the brief proceedings took place. Missing Man Found Dead. The body of Charles Travers, thirtytwo years old, was found at noon today at his home. 219 South Royal street, by Chief of Police Goods and a brother of the deceased. Robert Travers. Lying on a table beside the bed was an empty phial, which bore a laudanum label, and another phial, nearby, which was partially empty, contained carbolic acid. Dr. S. B. Moore, city coroner, said this afternoon that he would give a certificate of death by suicide. Travers has been missing since Thursday last. The doctor said this afternoon that he had evidently been dead since that time. The deceased is supposed to have brooded over the illness of his wife, who only recently underwent an operation at the Alexandria Hospital and who is still there, but is reported to be slowly recovering. The last seen of Travers was Thursday evening, when he visited his wife at that institution. Owing to his wife's illness she was not notified of her husband's death. Virginia District for Taft. With seventy-two delegates present, representing every county in the eighth congressional district, a republican convention convened here this afternoon in the Elks' Hall. Resolutions indorsing President Taft's administration were unanimously adopted by the convention. H. F. Dodge was chairman and J. W. Gregg served as secretary. Before adjourning this afternoon the convention will elect two delegates and two alternates to the national convention, which will be held in Chicago June 18 next; one presidential elector, a member of the state executive committee and will nominate a candidate for Congress. The convention is composed of delegates as follows: Alexandria city, 8: Alexandria county, 4; Culpeper, 4; Fairfax, 10; Fauquier, 6; King George, 4; Loudoun, 12; Louisa, 4; Orange, 2; Prince William, 6; Stafford, 12. Court Proceedings. Arguments will be heard in the corporation court tomorrow morning on the demurrer to the petition of C. M. Kemper and others in the suit of T. J. Fannon and others against the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation. The object of the Kemper petition is to hold the directors of the trust company personally responsible for the losses incurred by the depositors as a result of the collapse of the concern. In the corporation court today a decree was entered confirming the sale of the bank building of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation at Remington to R. L. Willis for the sum of $1,400. Death of James Allison. James Allison, forty years old, al boss driver employed by the Old Dominion Glass Company, died about 11:30 o'clock last night at his home, Fairfax and 1st streets, near the factory where he was employed. Heart trouble is supposed to have been the cause of his death. The deceased was a native of Fauquier county, Va. His wife and a son and daughter survive him. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made. As a result of the campaign of publicity waged by the churches for a larger attendance under the auspices of the men and religion forward movement, the servIces at all of the churches here yesterday were largely attended, an increased attendance being noted at all. Brief Mention. A supper and conference will be held at 7 o'clock tonight at the Second Presbyterian Church, when covers will be laid for 100 guests. An address will be made by Rev. Dr. Sumwalt, presiding elder, of Washington. Addresses will also be made by the chairmen of the respective local committees. The members of Fitzgerald Council, Knights of Columbus, at a meeting held yesterday afternoon completed plans for the exemplification of the degree work of the order on a class of seven candidates which will take place in Washington February 22 next. The degree work will be given by C. E. Martin.


Article from The Washington Times, June 18, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

WASHINGTON TIMES BUREAU, ALEXANDRIA, VA., JUNE 18. The funeral of the Rev. Dr. R. W. Micou, who died suddenly in Oxford, England, on June 4, while on a trip, will be held from the chapel at Theological Seminary, at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Burial will be made in Ivy Hill Cemetery. Dr. Micou was for many years an instructor in Episcopal Theological Seminary. Owing to his continued ill health in the spring, he left for Europe. His death came as a great shock to his many friends in this country. The funeral will be attended by a large number of his former pupils. A decision of the Alexandria corporation court, referring to the affairs of the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, has been reversed by the State court of appeals. This was in the suit brought by the receivers for the concern against E. L. and F. H. Kidd, and R. Lee Camden, who were depositors at the Covington branch of the bank, the account amounting to $2,193.30. It was alleged that the defendants had been apprised of the closing of the bank here, and had had withdrawn their accounts after receivers had been appointed. The local court ordered them to return the money, or be adjudged for contempt and sent to jail. The higher court holds that it was not shown that Mr. Kidd had knowledge of the closing of the bank, and that until that is done, he cannot be punished. Three of these persons recently indicted for various offenses by the grand jury, were placed on trial in corporation court today. These are Melvin


Article from Alexandria Gazette, August 5, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

JUDGE Receiver of Va. Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation Quits. HIS REASON IS GIVEN Decision of Court of Appeals That Receivers Must Bring Suit Against Directors is Reason. Judge J. K. M. Norton, one of the receivers of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation has resigned his office as receiver and the resigna- by tion was accepted this morning Judge Louis C. Barley of the Corporation Court. Judge Norton gives as his reason for resigning that the Virginia receiv- Court of Appeals has held that the be must bring any suits that may the ers desired against the directors of dircorporation and that as he was failure a ector six months prior to the it the trust company he felt that of is his duty to resign. Judge Norton's resignation is as follows: "To Louis C. Barley, judge of Al- the Corporation Court for the City of exandria, Virginia: "The Court of Appeals having suits held that receivers must bring any the dithat may be desired against I, rectors of a corporation, and as of at time, was one of the directors about one the said defendant, resigning six months before receivers were appointed, it becomes my duty to resign as receiver. Respectfully submitted, J. K. M. NORTON. The resignation was presented morn- to Judge Barley in chambers this and he entered an order accepting it. At the same time he appoint- commising ed Walter C. Foster a special the sioner in chancery to settle and accounts of the receivers up-to-date court report such settlement to the employ Mr. Foster was authorized to aid him bookkeeper or accountant to adin a the work is he deems the same visable. Judge Norton was appointed one on of receivers of the trust company its the the day following the closing The of othdoors, December 28th, 1910. who receiver was John S. Barbour was er afterwards replaced by Howard W. Smith. The decision of the Supreme Court reVirginia, to which Judge Norton is not of in his letter of resignation, the fers brought in connection with one failure of the Virginia Safe Deposit case Trust Corporation, but is Mecklen- the and of Sanders vs. The Bank of In which is a parallel case. burg, this case, which was decided by the it Supreme Court on June 13th, 1912, of an held that to permit creditors debwas insolvent corporation to sue its would lead to infinate confusion tors the same time the creditors have and rights At which must be protected, imif those upon whom the law has such the duty of guarding rights, posed fail and refuse, after proper be request, to take such steps as may they necessary for their protection, and thus themselves bring suit, may in motion the judicial machinery case set this court. In the Mecklenburg of the depositors filed a suit against which cer directors of the bank failed in tain alleged that the bank and ow- ut they to the careless negligence directing disregard to their duties as ter bill was to ors. and the Circuit demurer and tained the ground that the bill on been brought by the have of by the various this and instead Court important point an decision which out bearing on the bill to directors, decision. important Another in the The the the Supreme demurred sustained dismissed stockholders will Court Alexandria suit the receivers have brought by should sus the the is that the omission in the direccase, precisely at what time their of state assumed the duties of became tors when the complainants bill dedepositors, fice, or does not render the murrable. reference to suit against after direct- the In who died either before or the ors the court held that upon of failure, of an individual, all rights to his death which survived, passed to be personal action representatives, and are asserted by him. This decision will have a most im


Article from Alexandria Gazette, October 14, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

RECEIVER TO SUE DIRECTORS Judge Barley Enters Order in Case of Trust Co. Failure. SUSTAINS DEMURRERS Petition of C. M. Kemper of Nelson County, Dismissed. Baader Suit Revived in Executor's Names. In an order issued by Judge Louis C. Barley of the Corporation Court in the suit of Thomas J. Fannon and others VS. The Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, Howard W. Smith, receiver of the defunct corporation was instructed to enter suit against the directors of the Virginia Safe Deposit an dTrust Corporation to collect any liability if there any be. He is empowered to employ counsel to represent him in the cause and to take such action as may be necessary for the enforcement and collection of such claims. The Court states in the conclusion of the decree that It does not mean in any way at this time to pass upon the personal liability of the said directors. The action of the court was brought about by a petition filed over a year ago by C. M. Kemper of Nelson county, in which he endeavored to hold the directors of the defunct corporation personally liable for the losses of the depositors. To this petition the directors demurred on a number of grounds. Action on the Kemper petition and the demurrer was held pending the decision of similar cases by the Supreme Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court recently handed down a decision in the case in which at was held that the receiver and not a creditor was the proper person to bring a suit against the directors of a defunct corporation. In view of the decision that Barley sustained the demurrer of the directors and dismissed the Kemper petition. Following this came the order directing the receiver to bring suit In the same order the court ordered that the suit against Henry Baader, deceased, be renewed in the name of Caroline Baader, executrix, Henry Buader, William stander and Douglas Stuart, executors of his estate.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, November 22, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# ECHO OF BANK FAILURE Exception to Report of Commissoner Brumback to be Heard in Richmond An echo of the failure of the Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation of this city will be heard in Richmond next Friday when Judge Scott of the Circuit Court will consider the exceptions to the report of R. D. Brumback, of Alexandria, special commissioner who was appointed by the court to report the preferred creditors of the trust company to participate in the division of $12,500 held by the state treasurer as a deposit made by the trust company with the insurance department of the state to guarantee its security bonds. When the trust company failed a number of claims were made against this deposit and Commissioner Brumback in his report found that about $51,000 should be considered as preferred claims. There were the claims of the Bickers estate of Charlottesville, for $18,000, Thomas W. Robinson, city treasurer of Alexandria $19,000, treasurer of Amherst county for $12,000 and a small claim of Mrs. Monroe, guardian. After hearing the argument of the attorneys it is expected that Judge Scott will reach a decision on the exceptions and order the money to be divided among the claimants. In the hearing Friday the Commonwealth will be represented by Samuel G. Brent, the Bicker's estate by Harmon & Walsh of Charlottesville, the treasurer of Amherst by S. B. Whitehead and the National Building and Loan Association which has filed exceptions by Douglas Stuart, receiver.


Article from The Washington Herald, March 15, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

six childrenβ€”Henry, Julian, Edward, Luther, and Arthur Della and Mrs. Lillie Roberts, the latter of Baltimore. Her funeral will take place at 4:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon from Wheatley's chapel. Canton Alexandria, No. 1, Patriarch Militant, has elected the following delegates to the department commandery, which will meet in Roanoke the second Monslay in May: W. E. Latham, W. E. Latham, jr., George W. Bontz. H. E Arnold, J. H. Mount, Norman L. Williamson, W. Leon Clark, Thomas R. Spicer. A decision of the Corporation Court of this city in the case of Miller against Norton and Smith, receivers for the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, has been reversed by the State Court of Appeals. Certain offsets were claimed by Miller, which were refused by the receivers, and the lower court sustained their action. Miss Laura W. Dent, of Popes Creek, Md., a former resident of this city, visited here Thursday and Friday of this week.


Article from The Washington Herald, December 18, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

alleviate the sufferings of her son. Mr. Jett subsequently sought medical treat-ment for his burned hands. FULLY 500 DEPOSITORS ACCEPT COMPROMISE Fully 500 of the depositors in the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation have written to Receiver Howard W. Smith, in reply to a circular letter recently sent them, favoring accepting the $20,000 offered by seven directors of the collapsed concern as a compromise for all claims that may be pending against them in connection with the failure of the defunct concern. The majority of the replies received thus far are from out of the city. The total depositors in the corporation numbered about 3,500. C. Jones Rixey was head of this institution and the main bank was in Alexandria with a chain of banks scattered throughout the State. Rixey was sent to the asylum at Staunton, Va., following the collapse of the institution, being adjudged of unsound mind by a commission of alienists. He is still at this institution.


Article from The Washington Herald, February 7, 1914

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DEPOSITORS AGREE TO ACCEPT $20,000 Majority of Those Who Had Money in Virginia Safe Deposit Concern Vote Favorably. Alexandria, Va., Feb. 6.-A majority of the depositors in the defunct Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, which institution had its main bank here, with eight branches scattered throughout the State, have voted to accept the offer of $20,000 made by seven of the twelve directors of the concern, who agreed to pay the receiver, Howard W. Smith, the foregoing sum ine settlement of all claims against them in connection with the collapse of the concern. The total majority for the compromise is 74. In this city there were 337 depositors, representing $120,488.64, and out of this number 201, representing $80,260.19, favored a compromise. Basic City and Dillwyn were the*only two branches against accepting the compromise. It is expected that within the next few days the court will enter a decree authorizing the receiver to accept the $20,000 and dismiss the suit pending against the directors of the concern. This means that the depositors will receive an additional dividend of 7 or 8 per cent. They already have received a total of 35 per cent of their deposits since the concern closed its doors. The following are the directors who agree to pay the $20,000: George S. French, Henry K. Field, C. C. Leadbeater, Thomas J. Fannon, Gardner L. Booths, Margaret J. Robinson, administratrix of the will of John R. Robinson; Caroline Baader, executrix, and William Baader and Douglas Stuart, executors of the last will and testament of Henry Baader. The Virginia Safe Deposit and Trust Corporation, of which C. Jones Rixey was president, closed its doors December 29, 1910, as did its eight branch banks at the following places: Gordonsville, Dillwyn, Lovinston, Remington, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Basic City, and Herndon. The closing of these institutions caused a panic among the nearly 4,000 depositors, many of whom had their life savings tied up in the bank. Rixey, the president of the concern, escaped trial by being det clared of unsound mind and is now a I patient in the Western State Asylum, Staunton, Va. Members of Alexandria Council, No. 5, Order of Fraternal Americans, have acH cepted an invitation to take part in the parade to be held here February 23. A e committee of twelve members has been h appointed to complete details. Members on of the order from surrounding counties to and Washington will be invited to pary ticipate. y y Colored public school-teachers of the in State will meet in this city February e 26-27. The school board has granted the b colored teachers a half-holiday on the o 26th, and a full holiday the 27th, in order that they may attend. S Encouraging reports tonight were re= ceived by the George Washington Birthf day Association from the various comI mitees relative to the parade which will n be held February 23. e I The city school board will give the t children of the public schools a holiday p February 23 in observance of Washington's birthday. I c H. T. White has been chosen a teacher c in Hallowell School for Colored Girls h to fill a yacancy caused by death. a a T. M. Burton has purchased from Thomas C. Rawlett and wife two twostory brick dwelling houses, 318 and 320 North Pitt street. A deed of conveyance was placed on record today in the office of the clerk of the Corporation Court. Policeman Roberts has cited a colored man\named Stephen White to appear in the Police Court tomorrow because, it is alleged, he violates a city ordinance by k keeping swine within the city limits.