Article Text
Probe of Octavia Bank May Involve Directors (Continued From Page-One.) in the downfall of Rusher, who disappeared in Omaha last week after writing a letter to his invalid wife saying, "I can't stand the pressure." The circumstances surrounding Rusher's failure were recited by Hart today as follows: "Rusher married the daughter of George Hahn, founder of the bank. an aged and respected resident of Octavia, who with his aged wife is spending his last days on a farm near Octavia. "Gradually Hahn turned the management of the institution over to Rusher until finally Rusher and the Octavia State bank were synonymous. "Meantime, Will Hahn, a son of the bank's founder, grew to manhood and no doubt, inherited his father's financial aims without his caution. "In the last few years the reports show young Hahn plunged into land speculations which failed to materialize profitably. At Mercy of Rusher. "Records and reports received here indicate that the brother of Rusher's invalid wife and son of the man who made him the biggest man in Octavia put himself at the mercy of Rusher. "And Rusher, whether right or wrong, heeded the plea, began keeping duplicate individual ledgers and juggling funds in an endeavor to put young Hahn on his feet. "The duplicate ledgers, one kept for the benefit of the bank examiners and the other for the benefit of Rusher, showed $25,000 discrepancies in our examination last week and from reports received today there may be forgeries on notes of prominent citizens of Octavia in the bank." The reports of forgeries which may be found on notes leaked at Octavia today, according to reports received here, and excitement was said to be running high on the part of citizens in the town doing business with the bank, who feared that notes for thousands to which their names were forged might be found by the examiners. Aged Founder Pitied. However, it was reported here that nothing except pity is directed toward George Hahn, founder of the bank, and his aged wife, who are reported to be prostrated with grief. The condition of the invalid wife also is reported to be serious. Hart announced today that W. F. Delaney, a David City banker, had been appointed receiver for the bank. Attorney General Clarence A. Davis and Hart conferred today over filing information against th Rusher and anyone else who, when the examination is completed, may H prove to be involved. "Beyond doubt complaint will be filed through the Butler county court against Rusher," Hart said. Davis had only a few minutes to spend with Hart and then hurried st away to catch a train for Omaha, th where a grand jury probe of alka leged "J. Rufus Wallingford" methpa ods of financing by certain Omahans is under advisement. R State officers are searching for ed Rusher, Hart announced.