14005. Bergen County Savings Bank (Hackensack, NJ)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
November 11, 1880
Location
Hackensack, New Jersey (40.886, -74.043)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
a3d01298

Response Measures

None

Description

Both the Bergen County Savings Bank and the allied Bank of Bergen County suspended in mid-November 1880 after discovery of large embezzlements by cashier/treasurer J. J. (John/Jonh/Jacob) Berry. A receiver and court winding-up were ordered, and press reports indicate permanent closure/winding-up rather than a temporary suspension and reopening.

Events (2)
1. November 11, 1880 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large embezzlement/defalcation by cashier/treasurer J. J. Berry (estimated $80,000–$150,000; papers mention ~$120,000–$150,000), discovered when collateral securities were missing, forcing both banks to close.
Newspaper Excerpt
Much excitement prevailed in Hackensack, N. J., yesterday over the suspension of the Bank of Bergen County, and the Bergen County Savings Bank, which occurred Thursday, caused by the embezzlement of cash and securities by John J. Berry
Source
newspapers
2. November 12, 1880 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
On application by directors of the County bank, Chancellor Runyon yesterday appointed W. M. Johnson receiver. The savings bank remains in charge of the Chancellor, who has ordered it to be wound up by the directors under the direction of the court.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (12)
1. December 14, 1879 The New York Herald New York, NY
Article from The New York Herald, December 14, 1879

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THE BANKER-CONGRESSMAN. MR. CHARLES H. VOORHIS SAID TO HAVE BEEN INDICTED AT HACKENSACK-HIS DEPARTURE FOR WASHINGTON. The community of Hackensack, N. J., is greatly excited over the indictments believed to have been found by the recent Grand Jury against Mr. Charles H. Voorhis, who represents the Fifth Congressional district of New Jersey in the present House of Representatives. It will be remembered that Mr. Voorhis failed some time ago and that his liabilities amounted to over $350,000, with very meagre assets. In his failure he involved the First National Bank of Hackensack and the Bergen County Savings Bank, of both of which he was president. The losses of these banks were so severe that they were obliged to suspend payment. Charges of fraud were made against Mr. Voorhis, and ne was arrested and held to bail on a charge of converting their securities to his own use and substituting his own individual notes theretor. It is now asserted, on what appears to be the best authority, that the Grand Jury, which closed its labors on Thursday las!, found three bills of indictment against Mr. Voorhis. What these indictments charge Is a matter of conjecture, but it 18 presumed that two of them are in relation to his dealings with the banks and one for obtaining goods under false pretences. Relative to the latter charge it is said that a few days before he made the assignment Mr. Voorhis laid in a large supply of coal, assuring the dealer, who was inclined to doubt his pecuniary responsibility, that he could with ease pay off all his indebtedness. On Thursday last a court officer proceeded to the residence of Mr. Voorhis, but did not find him. He so informed the Court, which had remained in session pending his return, and the Court thereupon adjourned till to-morrow. The Bergen county authorities are keeping the matter as secret as possible, though it has leaked out that an officer has been despatched to Washington to secure the arrest of the accused Congressman. It is openly charged in Hackensack that Mr. Voorhis heard rumors that an indictment had been found and immediately left the place. AN INDIGNANT COMMUNITY. The feeling in Hackensack, and, in fact, in the whole district, which comprises the counties of Bergen, Passaic and Morris, is very intense against him, and even his most intimate acquaintances are surprised at his actions. As soon as the assignment was made Mr. Voorhis shut himself up in his palatial residence and refused to see anybody, even the friends of lus family and representatives of the press being denied admission. It was stated that this was done on account of his health, which, it was alleged. had sustained a severe shock on account of the run in which he was involved. It was even asserted that his mind was impaired. The sale of his personal effects was little better than a farce, the whole not netting $500. His wife claimed the larger portion of the furniture and plate as her private property, and one of his relatives held a chattel mortgage on most of the balance. To the astonishment of all his constituents, who had been led to believe that Mr. Voorhis was upon the point of death, he took his seat at the opening of Congress and did not seem to be impaired in health at all. The press of his district denounce his seclusion as cowardly and his departure for Washington as a piece of bad faith. It is supposed that he will resist arrest under the provision of the constitution forbidding the arrest of a Congressman while Congress is in session. except for "treason, telony or breach of the peace," and great excitement prevails in consequence. What action the court will take to-morrow morning is not known, but it is understood that the moststrenuous endeavors will be made to compel his attendance.

2. November 13, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, November 13, 1880

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BREAKING TWO BANKS. HEAVY embezzlements IN HACKENSACK THE BANK OF BERGEN COUNTY AND THE BERGEN COUNTY SAVINGS BANK CLOSE THEIR DOORSTHE CASHIER'S DISHONESTY-ASKING FOR MISSING SECURITIES-A CONFESSION OF GUILT -WHERE THE MONEY WENT-WHAT THE DEPOSITORS WILL GET. J. J. Berry, cashier of the Bank of Bergen County and treasurer of the Bergen County Savings Bank, at Hackensack, N. J., has been discovered to be an embezzler of nearly $150,000 in cash and securities of the two corporations. He had been trusted implicitly by the directors, who were loath to believe him dishonest. Most of the money stolen was lost in speculation, but some of it was invested in fancy fowls, at $100 apiece. It IS believed that the depositors of the Bergen County Savings Bank will receive 75 and the depositors of the Bank of Bergen County 50 cents on the dollar. HOW THE CRIME WAS FOUND OUT. Much excitement prevailed in Hackensack, N. J., yesterday over the suspension of the Bank of Bergen County, and the Bergen County Savings Bank, which occurred Thursday, caused by the embezzlement of cash and securities by John J. Berry, cashier of the former institution and treasurer of the latter. The loss of the banks is variously estimated at from $120,000 to over $150,000, and while these figures may be increased on investigation, a portion of the deficit will be made good by property and securities already turned over to the corporations by the embezzler. The banks were situated in'a large brick building in Main-st.. opposite Court House-square and did business under the State laws. The Bank of Bergen County had no notes in circulation and was one of the eight banks of discount and deposit in New-Jersey. Its resources were given in the last report to the State authorities as $287,000, which included $78,000 cash on hand with New-York correspondents. $54,000 real estate and $126,000 in loans and discounts. There was $173,000 in deposits included in its liabilities and $13,000 in loans and interest, and its last semi-annual dividend of six per cent was paid in July. The aggregate assets of the saving bank in the last statement were put at an actual value of $304,000, which included $83,000 in stocks and bonds and $57,000 loaned on collateral securities of the market value of $74,000. When the First National Bank of Hackensack and the Hackensack Savings Bank were broken, many accounts were added to the Bank of Bergen County and the Bergen County SavIngs Bank. Judge Garret G. Ackerson is president DI both these banks. The directors of the Bank of Bergen County are: Garret G. Ackerson, David Terhune. George M. Wheeler, J. H. Γ. Banta. R. P. Terbune. William Huyler, John N. Gamewell, Jas. W. Quackinbush, James 1. Demarest, Thomas Achenbach. John Schmults, G. Ackerson, jr., and John J. Berry. The trustees of the Bergen County Savines Bank are: G. G. Ackerson, Garret S. Demarest. John J. Anderson. A. D. Campbell, Raipb S. Demarest, C. A. Wortendyke, A. B. Ackerman.. Van Buskirk. jr.,J. O. Grodhe, F. Steinle, David Terhune. C. A. Herring, G. W. Wheeler, Wi iam Hayler. N. C. Demarest, C. Marks, David Knowles and John Schumits. Both institutions were started in 1872. When the suspension of the banks was rum red in Hackensack. Thursday, the widespread confidence in the soundness of the institutions caused the reports at first to be discredited. On application hr the banks, however. the rumor was soon substantiated and to the questions of excited depositors the only reply was that the Bank of Bergen County had been robbed and ruined by the cashier, but there was some chance of the savings bank being secure. This information did not reassure the depositors, who congregated on the sidewalk in Main-st. and discussed the situation with war oth and energy. The savings bank bas about 1.000 depositors, to whom its liabil ties are nearly $288,000. The deposits consist of sums ranging from 82 to $3,000 and $4,000, and in one Instance $5,000. The county bank has a liability of $175,000 to 400 depositors with a capital stock of $100,000, which has all been paid in. HOW THE RUIN WAS DISCOVERED. The discovery of the real condition of the banks was accidental Monday afternoon. Mr. Terhune, a director of both institutions, called at the savings bank and asked to see certain collateral securities which had been given for a note. The securities were missing. Mr. Berry, the treasurer, was absent in New- York at the time, and his return was awaited with some anxiety. On being questioned about the securities he acknowledged that he could not produce them. The president and directors at once began an investigation, and soon discovered that a large number of Government, Hackensack and Bergen County bonds had been taken from their envelopes in the vault. It assupposed at first that the banks would be able to bear the loss, and accordingly business was continued as usual. More extended investigation. however, showed that both banks would have to lose. At a meeting of the directors Vednesday night it was known that the loss would be at least $60,000 but how much more, it was then impossibie to state. Mr. Berry was confined to his house Monday by sickness, but was constantly watcoed by constables. A rumor that he had attempted to commit suicide by taking Paris green was denied by his triends. Thursday night a crowd of angry depositors gathered near his house in Main-st., and loudly expressed their indignation at the embezzlement. The opinion was freely expressed that Berry would be "railroaded to State prison." and threats of personal violence were also uttered. Justice Bertholf issued a warrant for his arrest about 7 p. m., which was served by onstables Earle and Herring. ch rging embezziement of funds of the Bank of Bergen County and the Bergen County Savings Bank and fixing the sum stolen nominaily at $40,000. President Ackerson had instituted this proceeding after consulting with the directors. Mr. Berry was allowed to remain at his house in the enstody of officers. The formal arrest was made early vesterday morning. and the prisoner was taken before Justice Bertholf. who held him in $10,000 bail. in the merning it was supposed that W. H, Hall, a relative of Berry's, living in this enty. would give bail for him. Mrs. Hitchcock, his grandmother, who IS said to have property valued at $100,000 18, staying at Mr. Hall's house. Mr. Hall. however, did not appear, but two bondsmen were found in the persons of Judge W Banta, of the Bergen County Court or Common Pleas, and Irving Wood, a brother-in-law of Berry's. The case will go before the Grand Jury next month. On application by directors of the County bank. Chancellor Runyon vesterdav appointed W M. Johnson receiver. The savings bank remains in charge 01 the Chancellor, who has ordered it to be wound up by the directors under the direction of the court. Isaae Wortendyke, State Senator elect, was appointed examiner for the tavings bank. WHO THE EMBEZZLER IS.

3. November 16, 1880 Chicago Daily Tribune Chicago, IL
Article from Chicago Daily Tribune, November 16, 1880

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HACKENSACK. THE BANK COLLAPSE. NEW York, Nov. 15.-John Berry, Treasurer of the Bergen County Savings Bank, and Cashier of the Bank of Bergen County, at Huckensack, N. J,, both of which Institutions are controlled by the same parties, has been arrested at that place on a charge of einbezzling $80,000 to $100,000, Both banks are rulned and have suspended. It is stated that most of the money was lost in Wall street speculations and in breeding fancy fowls. Berry has turned over to the bank property valued at $50,000. Berry is n promInent citizen, aged 30, and has heretofore been considered perfectly reliable. It is rumored that he attempted to commit suicide with poison.

4. November 17, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, November 17, 1880

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J.J. BERRY'S EMBEZZLEMENT. THE DELINQUENT CASHIER STILL IN JAIL-FEELING IN HACKENSACK AGAINST HIM. J J. Berry, who embezzled the funds of the Bank of Bergen County and the Bergen County Savings Bar k, after a restless night in the county jail, partook of a very light breakfast yesterday. His wife remained by his side, and only his nearest relatives were allowed to see him. The prisoner is confined at night in a small cell, but during the day he enjoys the liberty of 'the,corridors of the jail. This privilege Sherift Pell is accustomed to grant his prisoners so long as they are orderly and obedient. The sherift said that Berry seemed to be more resigned to his imprisonment than en the first day. but was still haggard and nervons. The Grand Jury meets December 7. The trustees of the savings institution met yesterday afternoon at the bank, and held a private session. President Ackerson said that no action was taken, the meeting being of an informal charster. and that notning could be dono by them until the report of Examiner ortendyké had been received. Some dissatisfaction has arisen in regard the appointment of the examiner, as his brother, to C.A. Wortendy ke, is a trustee of the savings bank, but the feeling is by no means idespread. Receiver Johnson tegan taking an inventory of the assets of the County Bank yesterday. He said that he could not tell how soon he could make a report, but he proposed to work as rapidly as possible. He could add nothing to the estimate of losses as already given in. It was reported that Berry had taken a case of diamonds which belonged to his deceased sister, and was deposited in a vault by her husband, Irving Wood. Yesterday. however, the diamonds were found untouched in the bank. A few of the depositors met at the National Hotel Monday night and indulged in some violent expressions in regard to directors and trustees. They re composed of what is known as the plank-road element -a poorer class of Germans living in Hackensack. Their talk about " shooting and hanging the thieves" is claimed to have disgusted cooler depositors, who will not in consequence attend the meeting called for to-morrow afternoon at the National Hotel. The latter say that another call must issue from it different source. The Monday night meeting, however, is significant of the way many depositors feel in regard to Berry, several of them having declared to a TRIBU reporter that it would have gone hard with the prisoner if he had dared to show himself on the street before he was imprisoned. Garret G. Ackerson, ir., said that he was not surprised at the feeling of indignation existing in the community, but that the incendiary language used by the plank-road element" in no wise represented the sentiment of the majority of the depositors. The suspension of the banks had undoubtedly been a terrible blow to the business interests of Hackensack. and to poor persons who kept the savings of years in those inst tutions. but the remarkable language used at the meeting Monday night did not help to right matters in the least.One of Berry's recent bondsmen said yesterday that the $35,000 bail, in default of which Berry had been thrown in prison, could easily have been raised by his friends and relatives if it had been thought advisable. There had been no fear on their part that he would run away. but a desire for his personal safety had prompted the surrender of the bail and the abandonment of an attempt to raise the additional amount fixed by Justice Bartholf. Feelmg had run so high in Hackensack since the exposure of the embezzlement that it was thought that Berry might suffer personal violence if he remained at his residence.

5. November 19, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, November 19, 1880

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THE TWO SUSPENDED BANKS. MEETINGS OF THE DEPOSITORS AT HACKENSACKCOMMITTEES APPOINTED TO CONFER WITH THE RECEIVER. A meeting of the depositors of the Bank of Bergen County and of the Bergen County Savings Bank was held at the National Hotel, Hackensack, N. J., yesterday afternoon. About 300 depositors were present and Directors R. P. Terhune and Garret G. Ackerson, jr. Judge W. E. Skinner was chosen chairman. P. W. Stagg said the meeting was called to determine, among other things, whether a coreceiver with Mr. Johnson should be appointed or a committee be selected to employ experts for an examination of the books of the Bank of Bergen County. Henry Stewart said that the assets could not have disappeared, as they had done. unless there had been the grossest mismanagement on the part of the directors. George H. Coftey thought that there was no question about the integrity and ability of Receiver Johnson, but that it was desirable that a gentleman occupy his position should not have any affiliation with the directors of the bank. Charles W. Hassler declared that it would be impossible to remove the receiver unless charges were preferred against him. A.A. Hardenburgh, representing a number of depositors, advised caution and deliberation on the part of those interested, and said that it would be absurd for the depositors to try to fight the Court of Chancery in the matter of a receiver. He opposed a motion to appoint a committee to examine the accounts of the bank, and said that it would be impossible to learn the condition of the Savings Bank until the condition of the County Bank had been ascertained. There was a great deal of excitement in Bergen County, and every man who had lost a dollar in the bank wanted it accounted for. It would not be possible to tell what the assets were until the mutilated accounts had been straightened out. Cornelius Christie said, in regard to Mr. Johnson, that it was not in human nature for an interested person to do as well in adjusting a financial difficulty as a disinterested person. W. J. Comes, treasurer of the Hackensack Improvement Commission, representing $25,000 of the bonds of the Commission and $6,000 of the depositors' money, advocated the appointment of a committee to act with the receiver. Receiver Johnson was then invited to speak. He promised to wind up the bank as economically as possible and declare 8 dividend as soon as he could. Two committees of three each were appointed to confer with the receiver and examiner and make such examinations as they deemed proper in both banks, and especially discover which directors, if any, have been negligent. J.J. Berry, the embezzler, was still prostrated by nervous excitement yesterday at the county jail. His wife is constantly by his side. Wednesday evening he was visited by Director R. P. Terbune.

6. November 25, 1880 Wood County Reporter Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Article from Wood County Reporter, November 25, 1880

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CRIME. THE grand jury at Yankton is unveiling numerous fraudulent homestead entries in Dakota. AN inmate of the insane asylum in Essex county. New Jersey, hanged herself with a rope made from her stockings and garters. CHARLES HAYWARD is in the Tombs at New York on suspicion of being one of the party who robbed the bank of Middletown, Conn., of $38,500, on the 18th inst. JOHN RILEY, of Stevens Point, was arrested in Winona, Minn., on the 20th inst., charged with the attempted assassination of Judge Sherman Page, at Austin, Minn., last summer. JOHN DREW, a private soldier of the 2d artillery, under arrest at Fort McHenry for sleeping at his post, blew out his brains with a rifle which had been carelessly left at the door of his cell. A PENNSYLVANIA farmer, named Daniel Troutman, residing near Uniontown, fired at two burglars on the 18th inst., one of whom returned the shot, with fatal effect. In his last moments Troutman identified his murderer as Henry Romberger, who was promptly arrested. AN Arkansas man, named Ford, secreted himself in some bushes, on the 20th inst. near Texarkana, and killed Dr. Caldwell as he rode by. A horse trade had previously made trouble between the assassin and his target. INSUFFICIENT evidence in the perjury cases of Kemble, Salter, and Crawford, the Pennsylvanians charged with bribing legislators, caused the court at Harrisburg to order a vote of not guilty. They had previously pleaded guilty to corrupt solicitation, and been sentenced to the penitentiary, but were pardoned out. J. &. W. HOSSACK of Odell, Ill., Lave made an assignment on the 22th inst., to Jno. McWing and P. W. Kenyon. This is the heaviest failure ever known in Livingston county, the liabilities being from $250,000 to $300,000. The Hossack Brothers were large grain dealers and owe nearly everybody in that vicinity, and their failure causes great dismay. It is estimated they will not pay over thirty cents on the dollar. THE official report of the investigating committee, which has been examining the accounts of the defaulting city cashier. Woodward, of Boston, places the total amount of the defalcation at $89,234. It is also shown that when Woodward was promoted from clerkship to the cashier's position in August, 1875, his accounts were short $4,879. The committee finds that neglect on the part of the treasurer to personally examine Woodward's accounts, gave Woodward his opportunities, and while expressing confidence in the treasurer, it holds him responsible for the amount stolen. JOHN BERRY, treasurer of the Bergen County Savings Bank, and cashier of the Bank of Bergen Countv. at Hackensack, N.J., both of which institutions are controlled by the same parties, has been arrested at that place, on the charge of embezzling $80,000 to $100,000. Both banks are ruined, and have suspended. It is stated that most of the money was lost in Wall street speculations and in breeding fancy fowls. Berry has turned over to the banks property valued at $50,000. Berry is a prominent citizen, aged 36, and has heretofore been considered perfectly reliable. It is rumored that he attempted to commit suicide with poison. A DISPATCH from Dallas, Texas, of the 18th inst., says: This city was thrown into great excitement to-day by the arrival of a squad of forty armed farmers, bringing the body of a dead man, and recounting the holdest robberv ever enacted in this section. Marion Johnson, a planter, was met twelve miles out by two masked men, knocked down, and robbed Being overtaken by a party in pursuit, he joined

7. November 25, 1880 River Falls Journal River Falls, WI
Article from River Falls Journal, November 25, 1880

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CRIME. THE grand jury at Yankton is unveiling numerous fraudulent homestead entries in Dakota. WILLIAM H. Baars, a bank bookkeeper at Grand Rapids, Mich., shot himself through the heart in the family lot at the cemetery. AN inmate of the insane asylum in Essex county. New Jersey, hanged herself with a rope made from her stockings and garters. CHARLES HAYWARD is in the Tombs at New York on suspicion of being one of the party who robbed the bank of Middletown, Conn., of $38,500, on the 18th inst. JOHN RILEY, of Stevens Point, was arrested in Winona, Minn., on the 20th inst., charged with the attempted assassination of Judge Sherman Page, at Austin, Minn., last summer. JOHN DREW, a private soldier of the 2d artillery, under arrest at Fort McHenry for sleeping at his post, blew out his brains with a rifle which had been carelessly left at the door of his cell. J. W. GREEN, of Minier, III., on the 16th inst. was soundly punished with a cowhide and blacksnake whip in the hands of the Misses Berger, regarding whom he had been circulating derogatory stories. MAYOR KALLOCH having, in a recent sermon, denounced the grand jury of San Francisco and uttered bloody threats. Judge Freelon has cited him to appear for contempt, and will not flinch in ordering his imprisonment. A PENNSYLVANIA farmer, named Daniel Troutman, residing near Uniontown, fired at two burglars on the 18th inst., one of whom returned the shot, with fatal effect. In his last moments Troutman identified his murderer as Henry Romberger, who was promptly arrested. AN Arkansas man, named Ford, secreted himself in some bushes, on the 20th inst., near Texarkana, and killed Dr. Caldwell as he rode by. A horse trade had previously made trouble between the assassin and his target. A CLEVELAND dressmaker answered the doorbell at 3 o'clock in the morning, and found her divorced husband, Thomas W. Somers, sitting beside a hitching post with a bullet in his brain. It is thought be shot himself after ringing the bell. J. &. W. HOSSACK of Odell, Ill., Lave made an assignment on the 22th inst., to Jno. McWing and P. W. Kenyon. This is the heaviest failure ever known in Livingston county, the liabilities being from $250,000 to $300,000. The Hossack Brothers were large grain dealers and owe nearly everybody in that vicinity, and their failure causes great dismay. It is estimated they will not pay over thirty cents on the dollar. THE trial of Patrick Fenton, who beat his wife to death with a hammer near Springfield, III., and whose trial has been occupying the attention of the Sangamon county court for several days, closed on the 16th inst. Gen. McClernand made the closing speech for the defense, and Gen. Porter for the prosecution. The case was given to the jury who returned a verdict of guilty, fixing the punishment at twenty years in the penitentiary. THE official report of the investigating committee, which has been examining the accounts of the defaulting city cashier. Woodward, of Boston, places the total amount of the defalcation at $89,234. It is also shown that when Woodward was promoted from clerkship to the cashier's position in August, 1875, his accounts were short $4,879. The committee finds that neglect on the part of the treasurer to personally examine Woodward's accounts, gave Woodward his opportunities, and while expressing confidence in the treasurer, it holds him responsible for the amount stolen. JOHN BERRY, treasurer of the Bergen County Savings Bank, and cashier of the Bank of Bergen County, at Hackensack, N.J., both of which institutions are controlled by the same parties, has been arrested at that place, on the charge of embezzling $80,000 to $100,000. Both banks are ruined, and have suspended. It is stated that most of the money was lost in Wall street speculations and in breeding fancy fowls. Berry has turned over to the banks property valued at $50,000. Berry is a prominent citizen, aged 36, and has heretofore been considered perfectly reliable. It is rumored that he attempted fo.commit suicide with poison

8. November 26, 1880 The Jasper Weekly Courier Jasper, IN
Article from The Jasper Weekly Courier, November 26, 1880

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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. THE Arkansas Division of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad is completed to Seligman, 35 miles south of Pierce City, Mo., and within 18 miles of Eureka Springs, Ark. THE Mississippi Valley States' Commission, at its recent session in St. Louis, adopted a report suggesting to Congress speedy and enlarged appropriations for the use of snag and dredge-boats and for an increased number of lights on all the Western rivers. The Commission also recommended the following specific appropriations: For the improvement of the Upper Missouri, $100,000; Yellowstone, $50,000; dam in the Allegheny River at Herr's Island, near Pittsburgh, $100,000; wing dams and cleaning channel of Allegheny River above Pittsburgh, $50,000; Davis Island dam, near Pittsburgh, $300,000; additional for finishing a dam in the Upper Monongahela River, $80,000. A resolution was also adopted that, in view of the fact that no specific ap. plications have been made to the Commission with reference to the improvement of the Lower Missouri, the Mississippi from the Ohio River downward, the Ohio from Davis Island dam to Cairo, that the Executive Committee be directed to correspond with the engineers in charge of the improvement of Western rivers and secure copies of their estimates, and embody in a memorial to Congress whatever recommendations the Committee may deem advisable in reference thereto. Officers were elected as follows: President, Eugene Underwood, Louisville, Ky.; VicePresident, John Hogan, St. Louis; SecretaΓy, P. B. Walker, Minnesota; Treasurer, Web. M. Samuel, St. Louis; Executive Committee, John Hogan, Web. M. Samuel, and John A. Seudder, Missouri; John Phelps, Louisiana: C. W. Batchelder, Pennsylvania. THE Memphis Cotton Exchange's erop report for October shows generally unfavorable weather, owing to excessive rains; picking progressing favorably; yield somewhat less than last year. THE Secretary of the Treasury has given official notice that U.S. 6-per-cent. bonds issued in 1861 will be paid on Dee. 31, 1880, and that interest on said bonds will cease at that date. THE Bank of Bergen County and the Bergen County Savings Bank, allied institutions, at Hackensack, N. J., have been depleted of a large amount of bonds, hypothecated by John Jacob Berry, Cashier of the former bank and Treasurer of the latter. Both concerns have closed their doors and Berry is under arrest. The amount of his defaleation is not known, but will probably reach $125,000. Unfortunate speculations are said to be the cause of Mr. Berry's downfall. BRADSTREET'S revised estimates of the wheat erop of 1880 show a total of 455,619,00+) bushels, the surplus for export being placed at 190,724,000 bushels. THE fire which developed in the Chrysolite Mine, at Leadville, nearly two months ago, is still consuming timbers, and the Courts have ordered the suspension of work in adjacent properties, on account of probable danger to the lives of employees.

9. December 2, 1880 River Falls Journal River Falls, WI
Article from River Falls Journal, December 2, 1880

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CRIME. CHARLES E. FISHER, the ballot-boxstuffer, of Cincinnati, has been held in $2,500 to the grand jury. ALPHEUS S. FOOTE, of La Crosse, has been sentenced to hard labor for five years for forgery. BEN Hasselman, an inmate of the Minnesota insane asylum, confesses having fired that building, and wishes ali had been burned. HAWLEY, who was executed at Salem, Va., the 27th of November, for the murder of Hayes, was married in his cell to Nannie Hawkins' his affianced. A. B. MEACHAM, the Ute commissioner, has been arrested by the authorities of Colorado as accessory to the murder of Jackson, the freighter. A COLORED lunatic, from London, nearly killed Officer John T Painter, at a Washington police station on the 24th inst., with a penknife, be-daubing the walls with blood, and breaking a blade in the victim's skull. THE grand jury at Cincinnati has indicted A. J. Tullis and three confederates for extensive land frauds, which were exposed a year ago by the death of Jacob Tallis, an eccentric miser. uncle of the chief eriminal. TORONTO had a railway, war on the 23rd inst. One hundred laborers of the Credit Valley road pulled up the Grand Trunk tracks from a strip of disputed territory and substituted the rails of their own read, besides doing some fighting with the Grand Trunk forces. THE police of Jersey City entertain suspicions that Mrs. Martha Emma Lahbach, burned at her home in Jersey avenue and First street, did not meet with an accidental death. She is the wife of Peter Lehbach, barber, and it is said mutual jealousies have embittered the couple against each other. The chamber of death, when the police visited it this morning, everywhere bore marks of the woman's horrible agony. She pressed her back against the wall to put out the fire, and the imprint of her figure is burned into it. At another point the form of her hand is burned into the wall. Suspicion was aroused that the burning was not accidental. JOHN BERRY, treasurer of the Berge n County Savings Bank, and cashier of the Bank of Bergen County, at Hackensack, N.J., both of which institutions are controlled by the same parties, has been arrested at that place, on the charge of embezzling $80,000 to $100,000. Both banks are ruined, and have suspended. It is stated that most of the money was lost in Wall street speculations and in breeding fancy fowls. Berry has turned over to the banks property valued at $50,000. Berry is a prominent citizen, aged 36, and has heretofore been considered perfectly reliable. It is rumored that he attempted to commit suicide with poison.

10. December 4, 1880 The People's Vindicator Natchitoches, LA
Article from The People's Vindicator, December 4, 1880

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Davis Island dam, near Pittsburgh, $300,000; additional for finishing a dam in the A Upper Monongahela River, $80,000. resolution was also adopted that, in view of the fact that no specific applications have been made to the Commission with reference to the improvement of the Lower Missouri, the Mississippi from the Ohio River downward, the Phiofrom Davis Island dam to Cairo, that the Executive Committee be directed to correspond with the engineers in charge of the improvement of Western rivers and secure copies of their estimates, and embody in a memorial to Congress whatever recommendations the Committee may deem advisable in reference thereto. Officers were elected as follows: President, Eugene Underwood, Louisville, Ky.; VicePresident, John Hogan, St. Louis; Secretary, P. B. Walker, Minnesota; Treasurer, Web. M. Samuel, St. Louis; Executive Committee, John Hogan, Web. M. Samuel, and John A. Scudder, Missouri; John Phelps, Louisiana; C. W. Batchelder, Pennsylvania. THE Memphis Cotton Exchange's crop report for October shows generally unfavorable weather, owing to excessive rains; picking progressing favorably; yield somewhat less than last year. THE Bank of Bergen County and the Bergen County Savings Bank, allied institutions, at Hackensack, N. J., have been depleted of a large amount of bonds, hypothecated by John Jacob Berry. Cashier of the former bank and Treasurer of the latter. Both concerns have closed their doors and Berry is under arrest. The amount of his defalcation is not known, but will probably reach $125,000. Unfortunate speculations are said to be the cause of Mr. Berry's downfall. BRADSTREET'S revised estimates of the wheat crop of 1880 show a total of 455,649,000 bushels, the surplus for export being placed at 190,724,000 bushels. THE fire which developed in the Chrysolite Mine, at Leadville, nearly two months age, is still consuming timbers, and the Courts have ordered the suspension of work in adjacent properties, on account of probable danger to the lives of employees. CoL. THOMAS A. SCOTT and a party of prominent railway officials have been making a tour of inspection over the Texas and Pacific and New Orleans Pacific roads. They were hospitably entertained at most of the various cities and towns they visited. CRIMES AND CASUALTIES. WILLIAM V. GROVER, aged 50, of Red Bank, N. J., married Jemima Mack, aged 13, last May. and the two went to live at Eatontown. Grover's abuse of his young wife made life unendurable, and she left him. Subsequently she returned to the house to get her closhes, when Grover shot her twice in the head, inflicting fatal wounds. WILLIE BURNS, aged six, and Charley Zelenka, about the same age, were killed at Cleveland by the eaving of a sand-bank beneath which they were playing. WARREN SHEPARD, colored, was hanged at Montgomery, Texas, on the 12th, for the murder of Levi Comer, also colored, in 1878. DURING a Republican celebration at Safe Harbor, near Lancaster, Pa., a small cannon exploded, killing Joseph Taylor and John Aument. Mrs. Thomas Crow, Mrs. Ellmier and Elias Funk were seriously injured. THE propeller Zealand is supposed to have been lost on Lake Ontario with all on board, nine in number. Her Captain was Edward Zealand. of Hamilton, Ont. MR. O'BRIEN and wife, living in the suburbs of Syracuse, N. Y., were on the night of the 11th attacked while in bed by a burglar and their skulls crushed with a hammer. Mrs. O'Brien's injuries were considered mortal; he may recover. The burglar rifled Mr. O'Brien's pocket of his wallet, containing a small sum of money. It is supposed that Mrs. O'Brien was awakened by the movements of the robber in the room, and hence the murderous enslaught. Fortunately the murderer and an accomplice were captured within a few hours after the discovery of the deed, and the evidence against them was so clear that they at once confessed the crime. AT Winslow, Ind., Dr. J. T. Aust killed bis brother-in-law, James Humphrey. Both were drunk at the time, but it is said an old grudge existed. AT Las Vegas, Colo., the other night, three murderers, two train-robbers and a horse-thief escaped from jail. A posse went in pursuit and overtook and attacked them. James Allen and Davidson, murderers, were killed outright; another is said to have been wounded, but escaped with his comrades. The posse continued the pursuit and hoped to enpture the whole party. JOHN DUTTON was killed on his farm, If miles southeast of Valparaiso, Ind., by a neighboring farmer, Brainard Taft. They had disagreed about the division of corn in a Held, which Taft had rented of Dutton, and Taft found Dutton in the field gathering the corn. After ordering him out, and being refused, Taft fired at Dutton, killing him instantly. thorities. Taft gave himself up to the auTHOMAS W. SOMERS committed suicide in front of his divorced wife's millinery store in Cleveland, on the morning of the 14th. He had curried out his threat that if his wife got a divorce be would die on her doorstep. THE recent mine disaster at Stellar-

11. December 17, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, December 17, 1880

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CASHIER BERRY'S EMBEZZLEMENTS It was expected that Cashier Berry would be arraigned yesterday in the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Hackensack, but Judge Dixon was unwilling to arraign him, owing to the absence of his counsel. It is said that the Grand Jury has found ten indictments against the prisoner. A trustee of the Bergen County Savings Bank said yesterday that he thought that Berry would plead guilty. Examiner Nortendyke said that if Berry had not embezzled the funds of the savings bank it would have had a surplus on hand of $6,000 after paying dollar for dollar. Receiver Johnson's report 18 expected to be ready in about ten days. A committee appointed in the interest of the savings bank depositors, consisting of P. W. Stagg, B. S. Earl and Isanc Hamillon, met last night at Mr. Stagg's office and examined some statistics in regard to real estate furmshed by trustees. The committee does not expect to accomplish a great deal until the appearance of the examiner's report, which will probably be ready Monday.

12. December 19, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, December 19, 1880

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CASHIER BERRY PLEADS NOT GUILTY. When Judge Dixon took his seat in the Court House at Hackensack, N.J., Friday morning, the room was crowded with persons attracted by the announcement that J. J. Berry, the defanlting cashier, was to be arraigned to answer several indictments found against him by the Grand Jury of Bergen County, which has been in session for two weeks, investigating the affairs of the Bank of Bergen County and the Berzen County Savings Bank, of which Mr. Berry was respectively cashier and treasurer. and which suspended early last month from causes growing out of the alleged irregularities of this officer. Mr. Berry was taken to the courtroom about eleven o'clock, and was accompanied by his counsel, William Brinkerhoff. of Jersey City. The prisoner was in no degree affected by the depression which overcame him when first arrested, and he answered Not guilty," in a clear voice to each indictment as it was read to him by District Attorney A. D. Campbail. After the reading of the indictments the prisoner was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff. The date of his trial has not been fixed