14006. First National Bank (Hackensack, NJ)

View Charter #1905 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
1905
Charter Number
1905
Start Date
October 23, 1879
Location
Hackensack, New Jersey (40.886, -74.043)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
7608e302

Response Measures

None

Description

Contemporary articles report the First National Bank of Hackensack officially suspended payment (closed) in October 1879 following the bankruptcy and alleged malfeasance of President Charles H. Voorhis. Coverage centers on mismanagement, alleged forgery/embezzlement, indictments and receivership/liquidation. The reporting does not describe a depositor run (crowds/urgent withdrawals); the bank was suspended and forced into liquidation. Later payments to depositors were reported as being made under receivership.

Events (6)
1. December 18, 1871 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. October 23, 1879 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank suspended/failed following President Charles H. Voorhis's bankruptcy and alleged mismanagement, forgery and embezzlement; directors unable to account for funds; receiver involvement and indictment of Voorhis reported.
Newspaper Excerpt
On October 23 the First National Bank, of Hackensack, failed, and Mr. Voorhis went into bankruptcy.
Source
newspapers
3. November 22, 1879 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The First National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., of which Congressman Voorhis was president, closed its doors yesterday and gave official announcement of a suspension of payment.
Source
newspapers
4. November 27, 1879 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The last payment to the depositors of the First National Bank of Hackensack has been made... The depositors have been paid in full, the payment of 20 per cent last made wiping out the entire debt of the bank.
Source
newspapers
5. December 6, 1879 Voluntary Liquidation
Source
historical_nic
6. December 14, 1879 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Charges of fraud were made against Mr. Voorhis, and he was arrested and held to bail... the losses of these banks were so severe that they were obliged to suspend payment.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (14)
1. November 22, 1879 The New York Herald New York, NY
Article from The New York Herald, November 22, 1879

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VOORHIS' AFFAIRS. CONGRESSMAN The First National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., of which Congressman Voorhis was president, closed its doors yesterday and gave official announcement of a suspension of payment. The directors and stockholders are at a loss to know how to proceed in settling up the affairs of the bank. Should the Comptroller of the Currency force it into the hands of a receiver, they say, nothing will ever be realized by the stockholders, and that, on the other hand, if the bank goes into voluntary liquidation the expenses will be trivial, and as much as twenty-five per cent can be secured by creditors and depositors. President Hardenbergh, of the Hudson County National Bank, and also receiver of the Hackensack Water Works, attempted yesterday to make an examination into the present status of that company. He was unable to arrive at any results whatever, owing to the fact that no books had ever been kept. He declares the original stock of the company was ostensibly $50,000, owned principally by Mr. Voorhis. Of this amount there is no record of more than $13,000 having ever been paid in. The builders received $10,000 worth of the stock in part payment, and at present hold a judgment for a like amount against the company. The receiver has succeeded in unearthing a book of minutes belonging to the Water Company and finds therein a resolution empowering the president, Mr. Voorhis, to increase the capital "stock to $100,000 and issue certificates of stock up to that amount. What has ever become of this stock or whether a dollar was ever paid into the treasury of the company for the same cannot at present be ascertained. The receiver will petition the Chancellor of the State to appoint a special master in order to ascertain the real holders of the stock and the manner in which they came into possession of it.

2. November 28, 1879 Perrysburg Journal Perrysburg, OH
Article from Perrysburg Journal, November 28, 1879

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THE EAST. Two young sons of Mrs. H. P. Beard, at Andover, Mass., were burned to death on the night of the 18th by fire which an incendiary started in the room they occupied. The tug Seymour, of Ogdensburg, N. Y., left Cape Vincent on the 17th with four tugs, three dredges and eight scows in tow for Buffalo. During the night a gale on Lake Ontario was encountered, and three tugs and all the scows were lost. Three persons were drowned. The steamer Algeria, which arrived at New York from Liverpool on the 19th brought $1,653,925. The Merchants' Association of Boston has appointed a committee to co-operate with other organizations in an effort to secure the enactment of a National bankrupt law. The schooner Gustie Wilson was wrecked on Minot Ledge, on the Massachusetts coast, on the 19th, and all hands lost. A New York dispatch of the 21st stated that there was then about $4,000,000 in specie afloat, bound for that city. Great excitement prevailed on the New York Stock Exchange on the 21st, and at one time a serious panic seemed inevitable. There was a great collapse in coal and railroad stocks, in some instances the prices falling from one to twenty-four per cent. One suspension was announced, that of Edward Livermore, who has been a member of the Board for many years. The stockholders of the First National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., of which Congressman Voorhees was president, have resolved to go into liquidation. An Augusta, Me., dispatch, on the 22d, states that the Governor and Council had given notice that they would be in session from the 1st to the 13th of December for the purpose of examining the official returns, and candidates claiming irregularities or other causes presumed to vitiate their election will have a reasonable opportunity to be heard personally or by duly authorized counsel.

3. December 14, 1879 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, December 14, 1879

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CONGRESSMAN VOORHIS INDICTED. THE CHARGES BELIEVED TO BE CONNECTED WITH HIS MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HACKENSACK. Congressman Charles H. Voorhis, of the Vth Congressional District of New-Jersey, whose recent failure caused much excitement in Bergen County, has been indicted by the Bergen County Grand Jury. It is rumored that there are three counts to the indictment. Their nature is not known, but they are supposed to have been found for misdemeanor and for the mismanagement of the affairs of the First National Bank of Hackensack, of which institution Mr. Voorbis was president, and which was forced into liquidation by his suspension. It is known that Mr. Brower, the cashier of the bank, and one of its clerks were called as witnesses by the Grand Jury, but the nature of their evidence IS only known to the members of that body. Exerting rumors were set affort when it was snown that Mr. Voorhis had been indicted, and it. IS reported that an officer has gone to Washington, where Mr. Voorhis has been slace the opening of the present session of Gongress, to take him into eustody and bring him back to Hackensack, where he will be arraigned before Judge Dipon. It was reported in Hockensack last evening that Mr. Voorhis had fled from Washington to avoid arrest; but a special dispatch to THE TRIBUNE from Washington said that he was seen early last evening in that city, He was much disheartened; but bis friends did not credit his disappearance, though he had not gone to his room at a late nour.

4. 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.

5. December 20, 1879 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, December 20, 1879

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EXPLANATIONS AND OPINIONS. Rumors being current that Congressman Charles H. Voorhis, of the Vth District of New-Jersey, whose failure in Hackensack and the suspension of the bank in which be was interested have been topics of public interest for twomonths. had committed forgery, TRIBUNE reporter last revening called at No. 286 Barrowst.,Jersey City where Augustus A. Hardenberg.president of the Hadson County National Bank, lives, in order to ascertain the facts. Mr. Hardenberg 18 assignee of Mr. Voorhis, and receiver for the Hackensack Water Works Company. of which Mr. Voorhia was president. "Is it true, Mr. Hardenberg. that Mr. Voorhis has committed forgery, It was asked. Well, !orgery is a pretty ugly word to use," he respouded. " I'll tell you the facts in the case. On last April I was appointed Receiver of the Water Works Company. and the officers were enjoined from any further action. On October 23 the First National Bank, of Hackensack, failed, and Mr. Voorhia went into bankruptey. I became assignee, and I sent out notices for all claims against the estate to be presented About a month ago I received notice from Mr. Scotield, cashier of the First National Bank in New-York that he had a note for $10,000 against the Water Works Company dated October 9. 1879, signed by Jacob I. Westervelt, vice-president of the company, and indorsed by Charles H. Voorhis. I sent back word that there must be some mistake in the date, that the 1879 should be 1878, as no one except myself had the authority to draw any note for the company after April. Then sent to ask Mr. Westervelt it he signed any such no and he telegraphed back no. In the meautime I heard from Mr. Scofield that there was no mistake. and that the date was right. I then sent for Mr. Westervelt to come down and see it. When he came we went to the First National Bank and found that the note had been put for collection in the hands of Peabody, Baker & Peabody. of New-York. and that they had sent it to John P. Taylor at Newark. We then went to Mr. Taylor's office and saw the note. Mr. Westervelt declared that the signature was not his. He had signed no note after 1 was appointed Receiver. "I also found out from papers I finally got from Mr. Voorius that the note was an old one,first made eighteen months ago and renewed month by mouth up to Febrnary 23, 1879. Thirty days from that would be March 25. and at that time the company was so involved that it had to be wound up. I suppose that Mr. Voorhis must have renewed it every month up to October 9 and the bank took it on his indorsement until be failed." Did not Mr. Westervelt sign duplicate notes before the first of April?" "I asked him that, and be said that be never had. He declared that he was ready to go into any court and swear that that was not his signature. H is au old man, about seventy, and I think there 18 a possibility that be may be mistaken. The fact is that all these men whom Mr. Voorins had associated with him in his busiDESS had implicit confidence in him and he could do what he pleased with them. "But the re 14 no ation that be violated the order of the Court in using such a paper oven if Mr. Westervelt signed it. after he had been enjoined. I wrote to him at Washington ou Monday that I wanted to know all about it: that I couldn't do my duty to him nor to others without knowing the facts, but be has not answered me. I don't know what to think. How be can hold his head up in Congress is more than I can tell I tried to find out from Cashier Brower what had become of the notes which Mr. Voorhis took up and renewed at the First National preBank, but he knew nothing about them. It is to be sumed that Mr. Voorhis destroyed them. "I protest against bringing the note against the Water Works Company on the ground that no one had a right to give it after I became the receiver. But I suppose the courts will hold that it is good. for it is evidence of a claim never paid, I got hold of no papers connected with the matter until Mr. Voorhia's estate was sold out. " The whole matter will be inquired into prooably next week. The vice-chancelier, Mr. Baird. will institute proceedings, and the officers and directors of the bank will be compelled to testify. The inside history will be revealed. The Hae Kensack National Bank will probably pay 50 per cent to stockholders the full Savings Bank will pay all claims in I t mak. The Water Works Company with be able to pay about 75 per cent. Mr. Westerveis had special author ity a vice-president to sign all notes. He 18 all broken down by the mat er. He was reported to be worth about $15,000. and 10 must be about all gone. The whole matter very end." Robert Bacot, a contractor of No. 121 Mercer-st... Jersey City,holds a claim of about $50,000 against the Water Works Company. He said last evening that he had seen Mr. Westervelt. who dented to him the signing of any note since last Winter Ebenezer Scofield. cashier of the First National Bank of this city, was found at his residence No. 58 East Onehundred-aud-twenty fourth-st.. a late hour last even10g. In response to inquiry we sand: remains to be seen waether Mr. Voornis has committed forgery or not. The note for (Birty days was discounted by us early in October. Before it became due the First National Bank of Hackensack failed, and the note was protested. It was signed by Mr. Westervelt and in dorsed by Mr. Voorhis and the Hackensack Bank. It was purely a back matter, and We would not have done it on Mr. Voornia's indorsemeat alone. A few days ago Mr. Westervelt denied the signature. don't believe Mr. Voorhis has committed forgery, for heisteo acute a law or to do that, but it looks very much like 11." If the signature is forged will you take any steps toward bringing Mr. Voorhis to account 7" .. No. our claim is against the bank and we expect to have it parc. as believe all claims are to be settled in full. and the stockholders will get from 30 1060 per cear. The Hackensack Bank is the one to 0010 Mr. Voerhis to account. for the note was for the Water Works Company and was on their account" Was the note renewed one Yes It had been running for a year, renewed at thirty or sixty days, as the case might be. Mr. Voorhis would take up the former note, paying with a certified check and then give a new one, and it would be credited to the bank's account." "What was your opinion of Mr. Voorhis in business relations?? always found him unright and honorable. I was very much surprised when I heard the revelation about his methods. His accounts with us were strietly kept. We knew nothing about the failthe or the Water Works Company last Spring. But the cashier of the Hackeneack Bank must have known about Mr. Voornis's keeping up the Date after he was enjoined. Our ledger accounts with him show that. and know he had letters of advice about the matter. When we made inquiries about the Hackensack Bank in this very matter eighteen months ago, We were assured that it was perfectly sound and sate. Mr. Voorhis was a man whose word was unquestioned. Mr Voorhis is still at Washington, but has declared his intention of returning home at the recess of Congress. His family 18 living in Hackensack. his house there being in his wife's name, but it is mortgaged to to full value and will have to be sold within six months. In writing to his friends Mr. Voorhis complains that all be does 18 misrepresented and unisunderstood.

6. December 22, 1879 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, December 22, 1879

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Another Charge Against Representative Voorhis. A note for $10.000 drawn against the Hackensack (N.J.) Water Works Company. dated October 9, 1879. apparently signed by Jacob I. Westervelt, of Hackensack, and endorsed by Representative Charles H. Voorhis, has been found by the assignee of Mr. Voorhis. As the Water Works Company went into the hands of a receiver in April, 1879, and as Mr. Westervelt positively denies having signed the note, rumors of forgery have been circulated. In regard to the matter Mr. Hardenburg, Mr. Voorhis' assignee, makes the following statement: "Forgery is a pretty ugly word to use. Last April I was appointed receiver of the Water Works Company, and the officers were enjoined from further action. On October 23 the First National Bank of Hackensack falled, and Mr. Voorhis went into bankruptcy. I became assignee, and I sent out notices for all claims against the estate to be presented. About a month ago I received notice from the cashier of the First National Bank in New York that he had a note for $10,000 against the Water Works Company, dated October 9, 1879, signed by Jacob I. Westervelt, vice president of the company, and endorsed by Charles H. Voorhis. I sent back word that there must be some mistake in the date, that the 1879 should be 1878, as no one except myself had the authority to draw any note for the company after April. Then I sent to ask Mr. Westervelt if he signed any such note, and he telegraphed back no. In the mean time I heard that there was no mistake, and that the date was right. I then sent for Mr. Westervelt to come down and see it. Mr. Westervelt declared that the sign Cature was not his; he had signed no note I was appointed receiver. I also found Sut from papers I finally got from Mr. Voor as that the note was an old one, first Made eighteen month ago, and renewed month by month up to February 23, 1879. Mr. Westerveit declared that he was ready to go into any court and swear that that was not his signature. He is an old man, about seventy, and I think there is a possibility that he may be mistaken. The fact is that all these men whom Mr. Voorhis had associated with him in his business had implicit confidence in him, and he could do what he pleased with them."

7. December 25, 1879 The Milan Exchange Milan, TN
Article from The Milan Exchange, December 25, 1879

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application. In substance, the opinion of the Judge is that the Governor and Council have an official duty to perform, and for that purpose have the exclusive possession of the returns for a reasonable time, and that while thus acting the Court has no right to interfere. The colored exodus from North Carolina to Indiana continues unabated. Over 200 negroes arrived in Indianapolis on the 13th. They were described as being hungry, half-naked, and moneyless. They were lodged in the colored churches, and solicitors were sent out to collect funds and secure homes for them. Gen. Wm. Mahone has been elected United States Senator from Virginia as successor to Senator Withers. Gen. Mahone was chosen by the combined vote of the Republicans and "Readjusters" of the Legislature, in opposition to Senator Withers, who was re-nominated by the Democrats. The Republicans claim that Gen. Mahone will act with their party in Congress, but this the Democrats deny. General Grant's Eastward journey terminated at Philadelphia on the 16th. His reception there, and likewise at Pittsburg and Harrisburg, was most enthusiastic. It was his intention to spend several days in Philadelphia before leaving for the South. The result of the official canvass in Maine, as certified by the Governor and Council, is as follows: Senate—Fusionists 20, Rebublicans 11; House—Fusionists 78, Republicans 61, with 12 vacancies. The original returns, before being passed upon by the Governor and Council, were as follows: Senate—Republicans 19, Fusionists 12; House—Republicans 90, Fusionists 61. Net change in Senate, 16; in House, 46. The changes and rejections were made on account of informalities in the elections or returns of the same. The Governor and Council, it is said, will publish a statement justifying their action in the case. Congressman Charles H. Voorhis, Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, has been indicted by the Bergen County Grand Jury for fraud in connection with his management as President of the First National Bank of Hackensack. The bank has gone into bankruptcy in consequence of Voorhis's suspension. The body of a young man named Charles McCreery, son of James McCreery, a wealthy New York merchant, was cremated at the Le Moyne Crematory at Washington, Pa., on Dec. 16. Young McCreery died of consumption, and this disposal of his remains was made by his parents in deference to the oft-repeated requests of their son, who had a horror of being buried. An attempt was made to prevent publicity of the facts, and it took the keen-scented newspaper reporters several days to establish the identity of the crematee. Drew Holloway, colored, was hanged at Statesboro, Ga., on the 19th, for the murder of Benson Brown, also colored, on Christmas Eve, 1878. John Dean was hanged at Estelleville, Va., on the 19th, for the murder of Henry Forgate, in June, 1877. Both the murderer and his victim were respectable farmers, and the shooting grew out of an old feud. Frank Baker was hanged at Sussex Courthouse, Va., on the 19th, for the murder of Henrietta Shands and her 18-months-old child, in August last. All the parties were colored. An immense Republican indignation meeting was held at Bangor, Me., on the night of the 19th, to protest against the alleged fraudulent counting out of Republican members of the Legislature by the Democratic Governor and Counsel. Ex-Gov. Connor presided and Senator Blaine made a speech. Edison told a Herald reporter on the 15th that the advertised exhibition of his electric light at Menlo Park on Christmas Eve would not come off, and that he never promised it would. He says it is all completed, however, and that a public exhibition will doubtless be made at an early day, probably on New Year's. The dwelling-house of Ezra Conklin, at Ashmagogue, L. I., was destroyed by fire on the morning of the 18th. Mrs. Maria Miller, aged 80 years, and her brother, Edward King, aged 70, perished in the flames.

8. January 5, 1880 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, January 5, 1880

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CONGRESSMAN VOORHIS'S DELAY. Congressman Voorhis, who is now under indictment for fraud in New-Jersey, promised to return to his home at Hackensack at the Christmas holidays and explain some of his transactions with the First National Bank of that place, which was forced by his failure to suspend. It is believed that he can explain many of the transactions of the bank without touching upon anything personal. He has not visited Hackensack, and it is alleged that he is still in Washington.

9. January 8, 1880 The Bolivar Bulletin Bolivar, TN
Article from The Bolivar Bulletin, January 8, 1880

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NEWS SUMMARY PERSONAL AND POLITICAL. Senate informally announced that the It is Privileges and Elections elected, and that was Kellogg be declared occupied report Committee legally that by on neither Kellogg that nor the vacant, seat Spofford elect the Legislature of Louisiana may Senator. General Crook, while hunting wild geese blizovertaken by a Nebraska and zard, recently and was nearly lost his life, his hands feet being frozen. Tennessee Legislature met in extra the The the 16th, in accordance with the session on of the Governor, for proclamation of conferring upon the local Government purpose of Memphis additional powers sanfor the construction of the proposed protection of improvements for the itary city against the yellow fever, and procla- for some the other purposes named in the mation. Gen. Wm. Mahone has been elected successor United Senator from Virginia as chosen States Withers. Gen. Mahone was Senator combined vote of the Republicans by the Readjusters of the Legislature, and Senator Withers, who was opposition to The Repubnominated by the Democrats. will act with claim that Gen. Mahone Demolieans their party in Congress, but this the crats deny. General Grant's Eastward journey His termiat Philadelphia on the 16th. and ception nated there, and likewise at Pittsburg It was Harrisburg, was most enthusiastic. Philahis intention to spend several South. days in delphia before leaving for the Republican National Committee met Washington The on the 17th for the purpose the late Chairman in the place of choosing Senator Chandler, and of fixing the/ National time and place for of the holding party. the Senator next Cameron Convention was ehosen permanent of Pennsylvania of the Committee, and Chicago, for Chairman June 3d, named as the place and time holding the Convention. Representative Thompson of Kentucky in Chairman of the sub=committee having now charge the classification of all claims pending before the House Committee declar- on WatsClaims, has presented a report reing that the Government is not legally sponsible for what are popularly known "rebel war claims," and that claimants are of dependent entirely upon the generosity them. the Government for the payment of The House Banking and Currency Comhas decided to substitute Price's mittee Judge Buckner's bill, requiring one-half in of for the National Bank reserve to be kept coin. The Price bill requires every banking to keep in gold or silver coins United States one-half of the reserve fund the now required by law, failing in liabilities which shall not be allowed to increase its make any dividend of its profits. nor Senator Vest has introduced a bill, under instruction from the Legislature of Missouri the create an organized Territory out of the present Indian Territory, to extinguish Gov Indian title to the land vested in the ernment and open the country up to settlement under the Homestead act. It gives each Indian homestead in the ervation which he or she- now resides, and a possesright in an equal share of the balance sory the reservation remaining after the selection of homesteads. It provides lands for school purposes, for fixed Territorial Government, and confers on the civilized Indian the rights of citizenship. Senator Vest expresses con fidence that the bill, or one essentially the same, will pass the Senate. The result of the official canvass in Maine, certified by the Governor and Council, as follows: Senate- Fusionists 20, Republicans 11; House Fusionists 78, Republicans 61, with 12 vacancies. The original re- by turns, before being passed upon the Governor and Council, were as follows: Senate Republi 19, Fusionists n 12: House-Republicans 90, Fusionists 61 Net change in Senate, 16; in House, 46. The changes and rejections were made on count of informalities in the elections or returns of the same. The Governor and Council, said, will publish a statement justify ing their action in the case. h Congressman Charles H. Voorhis, Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, has been indicted by the Bergen County Grand ,Jury for fraud in connection with his management as President of the First National Bank of Hackensack. The bank has gone into bankruptey in consequence of Voorhis's suspension. The House Committee on Education and Labor have agreed upon the bill introduced by Representative Goode last session, providing that the net receipts of the sale public lands shall be forever consecrated and set apart for education of the people. A delegation from the Cherokee Nation, appointed by the National Council, has gone to Washington to protest against all schemes for giving Territorial Government to the Indian Territory. William McKee, senior proprietor of the St. Louis Globe- -Democrat, died suddenly on t the morning or the 20th. Animmense Republican indignation meeting was held at Bangor, Me., on the night the 19th, to protest against the alleged fraudulent counting out of Republican members of the Legislature by the Democratie Governor and Council. Ex-Governor Connor presided and Senator Blaine made speech. Governor Garcelon of Maine has published a defense of the action of the State Executive and Council in their official capacity canvassers of the vote of the State, by which a number of Republicans apparently chosen by the popular vote have been counted out on account of alleged informalities and regularities and the opposition candidates declared elected. The pith of the Governor's explanation is that the result was obtained by a strict of the provisions of the Constitution and the statutes governing the d case, and that in refusing to permit the "substitution, alteration or unauthorized amendments of the returns transmitted the Legislature for their final action," they were fortified by the opinions of the Supreme Court and other competent legal authorities Parnell and Dillon sailed for America the 21st, to use their influence in securing assistance for the relief of the distressed Ireland. They had quite an ovation prior their departure from Queenstown. The French Ministry have resigned and De Freycenet has been intrusted with the formation of new Cabinet. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. It is reported from Philadelphia that contract for the construction of the Texas Pacific Railroad from Fort Worth to Paso, on the Rio Grande, has been virtually lk concluded. The main feature of the contract is the completion of the 600 lacki d miles by January 1, 1883, leaving only miles to complete connections to the Pacific Twenty thousand dollars mile is the construction price. and the

10. November 13, 1880 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, November 13, 1880

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NEWS OF THE DAY. Two thirds of he Degroes taken into Kersis are idle. A colored oman living is Indianap lis has reached her 115th year. The Louisiana sugsr crop this year promises to be larger than WSS anticipated early is the summer. The democratic national committee met yesterday in New York and issued a circular deny ing all knowledge of the forged Chinese letter until after it publication in Truth. The First National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., and the Hackensack Savings Bank have suspended. John J. Berry, cashier and president, has been arrested for embezzlement. The Southern Association of General Passenger Agents, in session at Chattancoga, has agreed on rates to the Southeast and Florida, making a slight increase from Obicago and St. Louis, and a decrease from Cincinnati, Florida excursion rates are materially lower. The filteenth antiversary of the Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held in Philadelphia yesterday. The committee appointed to consider the apportionment of funds amoog the conferences for church xtension made a report. The amount asked for by the Baltimore Conference Was $3,000, and the committee recommended that $1 200 be appropriated, Virginia asked for $200 and was granted $1,000.

11. November 13, 1880 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 13, 1880

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Two BANK SUSPENSIONS AND ONE ARREST.A New York evening paper says the First National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., and the Hackensack Savings Bank have suspended, and that John J. Berry. cashier and president, has been arrested for embezzlement.

12. November 27, 1880 Chicago Daily Tribune Chicago, IL
Article from Chicago Daily Tribune, November 27, 1880

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WRECKED BANKS. HACKENSACK. 81 Special Disputch to The Chicago Tribina NEW YORK, Nov. 20.-The one topid of local Interest in Hackensack, and in- fact throughout all of Bergen County, N. J., is still the bank failures. The depositors of the Hackensack Savings Bank, one of Congressnan Voorbis' institutions, which failed a year ago, were to have a meeting yesterday for the purpose of taking steps to recover their money, but after the meeting had been called to order It adjourned for two weeks. The Immediate question before the depositors, of this bank is ns to the extent to which the Trustees are responsible. They announced In their public circulars and on the covers of the depositors' books that they were personally and Individually responsible to the bank's creditors, and A MOVEMENT IS ON FOOT TO SUE THEM for the deficiency, whatever It may be. The Inst payment to the depositors of the First National Bank of Hackensack has been made,-another of Congression Voorhis' concerns. The depositors have been paid in full, the payment of 20 per cent last made wiping out the entire debt of the bank. Re-: celver Johnson, of the Bergen County Bank, and Examiner Wortendyke, of the Bergen County Savings Bank, which failed n few days ago through the alleged defalentions of Cashier Berry, are still at work on the books of the two concerns. They say they are no nearer definit Information ns to the exact amount of the deficiency than they were a week ago. Berry still remains In jall. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NEWARK, which was wreeked through the alleged embezzlements of Cashier Hedden, has been sold by Senator Hobart, the Receiver, to John 11, Kaso for $79,000, subject, however, to the confirmation of the United States Courts. Cashier Hedden, who was surrendered by William R. Bond, his bondsman, on Tuesday, found new bondsmen to the amount of $20,000 In the persons T. W. Langstroth, Edward Davy, William Stainsby, George B. Sandsford, and Samuel Carle.

13. February 8, 1882 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, February 8, 1882

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Affairs in West Washington. APPROACHING MARRIAGE.-Miss S. Emma Payne, daughter of Mr. James E. Payne, a well-known citizen of this place, and Mr. Albert R. Waugh, of Washington, will be united in marriage to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock, at the Dunbarton M. E. church. HIGH TIDE ON THE BAR-February S, 10;01 a.m., 11:22 p.m.; February 9, 11:43 a.m. Ex-CONGRESSMAN VOORHIS ON TRIAL-The trial of ex-Congressman C. H. Voorhis, under a criminal indictment found by the Bergen county, N. J., grand jury at the December term, 1879, was commenced in Hackensack yesterday, before Judge Dixon. Ex-Governor Bedle and ex-Senator Williams appeared for defendant. The first two counts, alleging embezzlement, were quashed, One of the remaining two counts charges him with stealing, on January 10, 1878, Hackensack water bonds of the value of $5,000, the property of Jacob P. Westervelt. Mr. Westervelt testined that Mr. Voorhis, acting as his attorney, collected $8,000 from the Midland railroad in 1876 on a mort. gage, $5,000 of which he (the witness) placed in Hackensack water company stock and bonds, upon the assurance of Mr. Voorhis that it was good security. He never saw the stocks or bonds, being assured by Mr. Voorhis that they were among his private papers in the safe of the first national bank. When Mr. Voorhis failed and his bank suspended, Mr. Westervelt, who was one of the bank directors and vice-president of the water company. searched for his securities they could not be found. and he proceeded against Mr. Voorhis upon the allegation that be hypothocated them for his own benefit.

14. July 9, 1889 The Jersey City News Jersey City, NJ
Article from The Jersey City News, July 9, 1889

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Hackensack's New Bank. It will be ten years next November since the First National Bank of Hackensack closed its doors. A year later, in 1880, John J. Berry, cashierof the Bank of Bergen County, dropped that institution into a hole at the bottom of which he first sunk $280,000. Since that time Hackensack has had no banking facilities, its citizens being compelled to go to Paterson, New York or Jersey City. -This state of affairs was the cause of constant annoyance, and frequently when village merchants could not cash checks great inconvenience was experienced. While the seriousness of the situation has been recognized by all interested, it has been impossible to induce capitalists to give the needed relief because of the lack of confidence engendered by past disasters, a feeling intensified by the general public expressions of distrust. Lately, however, there has been a change of sentiment, the community being susceptible to the constant arguments of the local press and a number of business men who were anxious to have a bank established. The proposition to open a bank was brought to a head on Wednesday evening, when there was a meeting at the office of Lawyer William M. Johnson and the subject was fully discussed by the several gentlemen present. Among the more prominent names in the company are Henry S. Little (late receiver of the Central Railroad of New Jersey), County Clerk Taylor, Surrogate Pell, Dr. David St. John, Nicholas Mehrhof, the brick manufacturer; Major S. H. V. Moore, William M. Johnson, M. E. Clarendon, Cornelius J. Cadmus, of Dundee Lake; F. A. Anthony, Howard D. Terhune and James A. Romeyn. These gentlemen have pledged themselves to take all the $50,000 stock with which the bank is to start, though they are willing to dispose of a few shares to others if applied for by July 12. It is understood that the bank will be ready for business about September 1; it will occupy the room of the late Bank of Bergen County, is to be organized under the State law, and will be called "The Hackensack Bank." The officers have not been determined upon, but it is believed that William M. Johnson will be president, and Howard D. Terhune cashier, Mr. Terhune being now cashier of a bank at Matawan. It is believed that William Walter Phelps will have an interest in the bank, which will open its doors under very favorable auspices, considering the difficulties that have had to be overcome. The gentlemen who will be most conspicuous in the Board of Management (Messrs. Pell, Taylor, Johnson and Moore) are well known to the people of Bergen county for their conservative business methods, and their names will no doubt have considerable influence in establishing the confidence requisite to success. The project was made public in the Hackensack local papers yesterday, and already several applications for stock have been voluntarily sent in.