11820. First National Bank (Kinston, NC)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Unsure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
9085
Charter Number
9085
Start Date
April 21, 1931
Location
Kinston, North Carolina (35.263, -77.582)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
bf18cd02

Response Measures

Books examined

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
17.9%
Date receivership started
1931-05-01
Date receivership terminated
1937-10-28
Share of assets assessed as good
9.9%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
72.7%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
17.4%

Description

Articles (dated 1931-04-21/22) report a heavy run on the First National Bank of Kinston after the National Bank of Kinston was ordered closed by the national bank examiner for frozen assets. The First National posted a notice that it was closing for the protection of depositors; directors shortly afterward were reported considering reorganization and reopening but no reopening is explicitly reported in these articles, so final outcome is unclear. A later article (1936-11-30) shows a receiver was later appointed for the First National of Kinston, which is included as a separate receivership event. OCR errors in some articles (Kingston -> Kinston, frozen count/credits etc.) were corrected where obvious.

Events (6)

1. March 31, 1908 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. April 21, 1931 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Run followed suspension/closure of the National Bank of Kinston earlier that morning; depositor panic and hysteria spread to First National.
Measures
Directors posted notice closing the bank for the protection of depositors; officers considered reorganization and reopening; Farmers & Merchants brought extra cash and augmented reserves to meet demands.
Newspaper Excerpt
48 minutes after opening the First National, facing a heavy run, posted a notice it was closing for the protection of depositors.
Source
newspapers
3. April 21, 1931 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Ordered not to open by the national bank examiner because of frozen assets / inability to collect.
Newspaper Excerpt
the National Bank of Kinston failed to open for business today ... ordered closed by the national bank examiner because of frozen assets.
Source
newspapers
4. April 22, 1931 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Directors of the First National Bank ... were considering possible re-organization and re-opening but no announcement was expected for at least a day or so.
Source
newspapers
5. May 1, 1931 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
6. November 30, 1936 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Frank F. Fagan ... will continue as receiver of the First National of Kinston.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)

Article from St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 21, 1931

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ORATORS AND FIRE ALARMS FAIL TO STOP RUN ON BANK Kinston (N. C.) People Withdraw Money When Two of Three Depositories Close Doors. the Associated Press. KINSTON N. C., April False fire alarms and soap box oratory were resorted to today in an effort to halt run on Kinston's one remaining bank after two others had closed The false fire alarms, rung in hope they distract crowd depositors gathered at the Farmers Merchants Bank. failed to draw the crowd's interest. Neither did the distant playing of brass band which was brought into action. Chamber of Commerce pleaded from soap boxes for depositors to leave their money with the bank. The bank was meeting all demands this afternoon. The began when the National Bank of Kinston failed to open this morning and an hour later the First National Bank closed. The banks listed condition March as follows: First National Bank. capital and prof. its, deposits, H. H. McCoy, president: W. B. Harvey. vice and cashier National Bank of Kinston. capital, $120,000: surplus and profits, $54.000: deposits. $1,105,000. W. P. Tingle, cashier.


Article from Burlington Daily Times, April 21, 1931

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Banks Closed At Kinston This Morning O'ficers of Only maining Bank sort to Drastic Steps to Save it From Failure BANK EXAMINER CLOSED ONE First National Faced by Heavy Run Closed for Protection of It's Depositors-The Third Bank Stands Run Kinston. April banks closed here today and officers of the only remaining one turned drastic steps save the face of brass band. box orators and false fire alarms failed to halt. The National of faced with collections. not open today by the bank eight minutes it opened the First facing heavy posted notice closing the protection A similar was progress Farmers Merchants bank. was still withstanding the inroads of withnoon. A large crowd gathered at Kinston's principal corner during the morning Speakers. representing chamber commerce and business interests mounted vantage points and sought to allay fears depositors. but apparently without effect. Officials of the First National bank it's affairs excellent condition and blamed the closing on the hysteria of depositors. Thomas W. president the National Bank Kinston. said depositors his bank would lose little cashier of the McCoy Harvey vice president and cashier National bank. banks condition March First deposNational Bank of and profits and funds bank totalled about


Article from The Huntsville Times, April 21, 1931

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KINGSTON HAD EXCITING DAY Bank Fails to Open Because of Frozen Assets; Other Dodges Run KINSTON. N. C., April 21 (UP)The National Bank of Kinston failto open for business today and minutes after opening hour the First National was closed against heavy Frozen loans were announced for closing the first The First National, officers was closed for the protection of the depositors only. The leading citizens on soap band and false fire alarm turned used in effort to divert the frenzied


Article from The Chattanooga News, April 21, 1931

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CAROLINA BANKS CLOSED Kinston, N. C., April 21.—(UP)-The National Bank of Kinston failed open for business today. after the opening hour the First bank against heavy run of depositors, The third local bank, the Farmers and Merchants, remained open despite the run. Its officials excellent financial condition. notice posted on the door of the National of Kinston said its rectors had closed the institution to frozen inability to collect. Officials of the First National bank ordered it closed destating it was in safe and sound condition.


Article from The Journal, April 21, 1931

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False Fire Alarms, Soap Box Oratory Fail To Halt Run On North Carolina Bank Kingston, April (AP) fire alarms oratory to today in one had closed. The false in hopes would distract gathered Farmers Merchants bank, failed the crowd's interest. Neither did the distant playing brass which was brought into action. Chamber Commerce representatives pleaded from for the depositors to leave money with the bank. The bank meeting all dethis afternoon. The the National Bank Kinston failed open this and an hour the First National Bank closed.


Article from The Columbia Record, April 21, 1931

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TWO KINSTON BANKS CLOSED KINSTON, N. C., April Two banks closed here today and officers of the only remaining one turned to drastic steps to save it in the face of run which a brass band. soap box orators and false fire alarms failed to halt. The National Bank of Kinston. faced with poor collections, was ordered not to open today by the national bank examiner. Forty-eight minutes after it opened the First National, facing a heavy run, posted a notice it was closing "for the protection of depositors."


Article from The Daily Review, April 21, 1931

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TWO BANKS IN ONE NORTH CAROLINA CITY CLOSE DOORS Kinston, N. C., April 21.-The National Bank of Kinston failed to open for business today and fortyeight minutes after the opening hour, the First National Bank closed against a heavy run. Frozen loans were given as the reason for closing the latter bank. The officers said they closed for the protection of the depositors only. Leading citizens on soap boxes, a brass band and a false fire alarm were resorted to in an effort to divert the frenzied depositors.


Article from Evening Express, April 21, 1931

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False Fire Alarms And Box Oratory Fails To Stop Run Kinston, N. C., Bank Meets All Demands After Two Others Close KINSTON, N. C., April 21 (A. False fire alarms and soap box oratory were resorted to today in an effort to halt run on Kinstons' one remaining bank after two others had closed. The false fire alarms. rung in hopes they would distract crowd of depositors thered at the Farmers and Merchants Bank. failed to draw the crowd's Neither did the distant playing brass band which was brought into Chamber of Commerce representatives pleaded from soap boxes for the is depositors to leave their money with the bank The bank was meeting all demands this afternoon. The when the National Bank of Kinston failed to open this morning and an hour later the First National Bank closed.


Article from The Greensboro Record, April 21, 1931

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TWO BANKS AT KINSTON CLOSE Run Made on Third But Funds Are on Hand to Pay Off All Withdrawals KINSTON, April banks closed here today and officers of the only remaining one turned to drastic steps to save it in the face of run which brass band, soap box orators and false fire alarms failed halt. The National bank of Kinston, faced with poor collections, was dered not to open today the by tional bank examiner minutes after opened the First National, facing heavy run posted notice was closing "for the protection of depositors.' similar run was in progress the Farmers Merchants bank, which, however. was still withstanding the inroads of withdrawals at noon. large crowd gathered at Kinston's principal corner during the morning. Speakers, representing the chamber of commerce and interests vantage points and sought to allay the fears of depositors, but apparently without effect Officials the First National bank insisted its affairs "in excellent condition" and blamed the closing on the of depositors. Thomas president of the National Bank of Kinston, said depositors his bank would lose little. Tingle 18 cashier of the National bank W. H. McCoy is president. W. Harvey, vice president and cashier, of the First National. Figures published by the banks give their condition as of March 31 follows: First $125,000: surplus profits deposits $1,167,000. National Bank of surplus and profits deposits Today President Heath said deposits were and that funds due the bank totaled about $700,000.


Article from The Salisbury Post, April 22, 1931

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Kinston Bank Holds Out Against Kinston, April Directors the First National bank here. which closed yesterday when fired faced run after the National flee Bank Kinston suspended, who considering mobile and no escaped. nouncement was expected for day so least. The Farmers and Merchants bank. remaining financial beaten. stitution. appeared definitely weathered storm which about it following yesterclosings. remained open throughout augmented cash reserve night peared be doing normal busitoday. The National Bank of Kinston ordered closed by the national bank examiner because of "frozen count


Article from Washington Daily News, April 22, 1931

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Directors Of Closed Bank Consider Plans Re-organizing KINSTON Apr. Directors the First National Bank here. which closed yesterday when faced run after the tional Bank of Kinston suspended. today were possible organization and re-opening but no was expedted for day least. The Farmers Merchants Bank, only remaining financial institution, appeared have weatherthe storm which broke about following yesterday's closings. remained throughout yesterday, augmented its cash reserve last night and doing today. The National Bank of was ordered closed by the National Bank examiner because of "frozen Heath president of the National Bank of Kinston and Tingle cashier. H. McCoy president of the First National and W. B. Harvey executive and cash- Figures published by the banks in condition March 31, follows: First surplus and deposits, McCoy, president, Harvey, and cashier National Bank of $120,000; surplus and prifits, $54.000; deposits, Heath, president, Tingle cashier.


Article from Goldsboro News-Argus, April 22, 1931

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Trv To Reorganize One Kinston Bank April 22. of the First National Bank here. which closed yesterday when faced by run after the National Bank Kinston suspended. today were considering possible reorganization and reopening. but no nouncement expected for at least. The Farmers and Merchants Bank. only remaining financial inappeared definitely have weathered the storm which about following yesterday's closings remained-open through yesterday. augmented its cash last night and appeared be doing normal business today The National Bank of Kinston ordered closed by the national bank examiner because of "frozen


Article from Chattanooga Daily Times, April 22, 1931

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FRANTIC EFFORTS FAIL TO CHECK RUN ON BANK KINSTON, N. C., April 21 fire and today effort to halt run Kinston's remaining bank after others had closed. false fire alarms, rung in hopes they would distract crowd depositors gathered the Farmers and Merchants failed draw interest. did playing brass band, which was brought action. of commerce representatives pleaded from for the depositors to leave their money with the bank meeting all demands this run began when the National Bank Kinston failed morning later the First National bank closed.


Article from The Charlotte Observer, April 22, 1931

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KINSTON BANKS CLOSE IN PANIC False Fire Alarms Ring and Band Plays When Run on Remaining Bank Starts. KINSTON. April distant band played and false fire alarms rang In an effort to distract them, depositors stormed the Farmers and Merchants bank of Kinston today after two others had closed. but found all their demands met. Tonight the bank's officers ex. pressed belief the run was over. The banks closing were the National bank of Kinston and the First National bank of Kinston Upon orders of the national bank examiner. who said he found its assets "frozen," the National bank of Kinston did not open this morning. Runs started on the other banks and 48 minutes later the First National closed. PLEAD ON SOAP BOXES. Chamber of Commerce representatives stood on soap boxes before the Farmers and Merchants bank and pleaded with the depositors to leave their money in the bank, the only remaining financial institution in the city. They also arranged for the band to play and for the fire alarms to be turned in. Approximately in deposits were tied up with the closing of the two banks. Officials of the First National said its affairs were in excellent condition and blamed the closing on the hysteria of depositors. Officers planned to seek to reopen SMALL LOSS SEEN. W. Heath, president of the National bank of Kinston, said the depositors would lose very little through the bank's closing. He said its officers were considering the possibility of reorganizing and reopening it. The bank was capitalized at $120,000. On March 31 its officers reported it had deposits of $1,105,000 and surplus and profits of $54,000. J. P. Tingle is cashier of the bank. The First National bank's deposits, as of March 31, were reported to be $1,167,000. with surplus and profits of $77,000. It was capitalized at $125,000. Officers of the Farmers and Merchants bank said deposits during the last hour of business today were greater than withdrawals. They said they had "considerable sum" in cash on the way here from Richmond for use if there were heavy withdrawals tomorrow.


Article from The Charlotte News, April 22, 1931

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Kinston Bank May Be Reopened Soon Kinston April Directors of the First National Bank here. which closed when faced the National Bank of Kinston today considering possible and announcewas expected for day at The Farmers and only remaining financial appeared definitely to have storm broke about remained throughout augmented its cash reserve last night be doing normal business


Article from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 22, 1931

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FALSE ALARMS FAIL TO HALT RUN ON BANK KINSTON, N. C., April 21 fire alarms and soap box oratory resorted to today in an effort to halt run on Kinston's one remaining bank after two others had closed. The false fire alarms, rung in hopes they would distract crowd of depositors gathered the Farmers and Merchants Bank, failed to draw the crowd's interest. Neither did the distant playing of a brass band which was brought into action. Chamber of Commerce representatives pleaded from soap boxes for the depositors to leave their money with the bank. The run began when the National Bank of Kinston failed to open morning and an hour later the First National Bank closed.


Article from The News and Observer, April 22, 1931

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One Fails To Open; Another Shuts Doors Because of Heavy Run Kinston, April was black Tuesday for Kinston. was the most hectic day in the city's recent history. The National Bank of Kinston, oldest local financial institutions. failed to open for business. Depositors swarmed down on the National Bank and Farmers and Merchants Bank runs. The was forced to close. latter weathered the storm. Excitement rife; ruled Queen Gordon Streets, where all three in stitutions are Crowds Harangued. Business leaders chamber of commerce rallied quickly. "Soapboxers" harangued the crowds effort to stem the runs. False alarms were rung from points the business district effort divert them. Even band played, parading through the streets. milling depositors continued the Farmers Merchants and First National. minutes after opening, latter went directors posted notice closed door the effect business been pended protection of depositors. Harvey, executive stated examination First National's affairs night showed to excellent dition without liability against directors stockholders. In Good Shape. Will Allen, ident the and said state institution better shape the winter. Farmers Merchants been regarded locally sort financial gibraltar. the orators who addressed Among the crowds from the curbsides Fred Sutton, member of islature: Rouse, former several business Plato Collins, tary the chamber commerce. department store manager funds before the crowd's entered bank deposit them. Stranger Lends Hand. Hawaiian broke the speakstranger, staying temporarily,' money in these banks. going there." the managers chain stores in the city had confer red agreed not day. made cent during their usual deposits. The mayor made appeal the public This carried extras. midst paper officers the First citement National announced they would close (Please Turn to Page Two.)


Article from The Durham Sun, April 22, 1931

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KINSTON BANK IS HOPING TO REOPEN KINSTON April Directors the First National bank here which closed yesterday when faced by run after the National Bank of Kinston suspended. today were considering possible re-organinaand but no ment was expected for day or at The Parmers and Merchants bank only remaining financial institution appeared definitely to have weathered the storm which broke about following yesterday's closing. It remained open throughout yesterday augmented its cash reserve last night and appeared to be doing normal business today. The National bank of Kinston was ordered closed by the national bank examiner because of "frozen assets.


Article from News and Record, April 22, 1931

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CLOSING OF 2 BANKS CAUSES HECTIC SCENE Fire Sirens Screech and Band Plays In Effort to Stop Runs at Kinston. ONE BANK STAYS OPEN (Special Daily News) Kinston, April black Tuesday for Kinston was the most hectic day in the city's recent history National Bank of Kinston, oldest of local financial institutions, failed for Depositors on the First National bank and Farmers Merchants bank runs. Excitement was rife. Confusion ruled at Queen and Gordon streets, where all three are located. Business leaders and chamber of quickly. 'Soapboxers" harangued the crowds in an effort to stem the False fire alarms were rung in from points in the business district effort divert them. Even band played, paradIng through the streets. The milling depositors continued to invade the Farmers and Merchants and First National. o'clock, 48 minutes after opening the latter went out. The directors notice on the closed door to the effect that business had been the protection of depositors. Harvey, executive vice president, stated amination of the First National's fairs night to be in excellent without cent of liability against directors and Will A. Allen, executive vice president the Merchants, said that state institution better than the winter The Farmers and Merchants has long been regarded locally as sort of financial Gibraltar Among the orators who addressed the crowds from the were Fred member of the legislature: Rouse, former mayor, several business men. woman and Plato Collins, veteran secretary the chamber of department store manager funds before the crowd's eyes. then entered bank deposit them. Hawaiian broke in on the speakers. am stranger, staying here temporarily. have money one these banks It is going to stay there.' was the managers of chain stores in the city had conferred and agreed not to withdraw cent during the They made their usual deposits The mayor made appeal the public to This was carried in newspaper extras. In the midst of the excitement the officers of the First National nounced they would close its doors in five minutes. When the hand of one of them had ticked off the time the doors shut. followed that "the First National has been The Farmers and Merchants continued the gaff. The widow of Lemuel Mewborne, its president for many years, was in the her eyes dimmed tears Tellers sweated as they cashed checks for depositors flocking in by scores. At o'clock appeared the state bank had stood the shock The run had lighter. Vice President Allen made the statement that depositors currently ceeding withdrawals. He said the run was The during the forenoon spread to every in the business district. Not place in the downtown section escaped the touch of panic. Police mobilized. Fire gines dashed through the But crowds ignored clanging gongs and screaming sirens Thomas W Heath, president of "The National. said the bank had been unable to make collections. was the story frozen He said the would probably reopened reorganization. positors will lose little anything he believed but matters too uncertain for anything definite regarding future. Heads the the following figures night The National. capital stock $120.000, no surplus deposits about $700.loans and discounts about $700.- loans and discounts The crush the telephone exchange was heavy that operators from Washington and New Service For Younts, 16, of Climax, Conducted Special Daily News) Liberty April service for Joseph Farl Younts died the of his Mr and Earl Climax Saturday morning after few months' with was ducted from Bethlehem M. church Sunday afternoon o'clock by his Pleasant Garden Interment was Joseph was loved by all who knew him will greatly missed in community and Bethlehem Sunday school which he attended regularly survived by his five Carl. Earnest and home and sisters. Elizabeth and Mable. home


Article from The Charlotte Observer, April 23, 1931

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KINSTON BANK DIRECTORS CONSIDER REORGANIZATION tors of the First National bank here, which closed yesterday when faced by run after the National bank of Kinston suspended, today were considering possible reorganization and but no announcement was expected for a day or so at least. The Farmers and Merchants bank, only remaining institution, appeared definitely to have weathered the storm which broke about it following yesterday's closings. It remained open throughout yesterday, augmented its cash reserve last night and appeared to be doing a normal business today. The National bank of Kinston was ordered closed by the national examiner because of "frozen" assets.


Article from Statesville Record and Landmark, April 23, 1931

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Kinston Has Its Bank Troubles One Bank Ordered Closed. Another Wrecked By Third to Remain Open by Use of Brass Band, Soap Orators and False Fire Alarms. Kinston, April banks closed here today and officers of the only one turned to drastic to save in the face which brass band, soap orators and false fire alarms failed The National Bank, of Kinston, was ordered today by the open minutes after the First National Bank. facing heavy runs, posted note was closing similar run was in progress the Farmers and Merchants Bank, which, however, was still withstanding the inroads of withdrawals at Deposits in the closed banks totaled more than $2,000,000.


Article from Henderson Daily Dispatch, November 30, 1936

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FRANK FAGAN MADE RECEIVER OF BANKS Goldsboro Man Given Two More To Make Five Banks He Is Now Administering Goldsboro, Nov. 30 (AP)-Frank F. Fagan, of Goldsboro, has been appointed receiver of the First National Bank of New Bern and the National Bank of Washington, N. C., and will assume his duties December 5, it was announced today. Fagan will continue as receiver of the Wayne National Bank of Goldsboro the First National of Kinston, and the National Bank of Kinston.