14163. Dime Savings Institution (Newark, NJ)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
savings bank
Start Date
July 13, 1900
Location
Newark, New Jersey (40.736, -74.172)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
62817784

Response Measures

Partial suspension, Books examined

Description

Multiple contemporaneous articles (July 13-14, 1900) report a run triggered by the arrest of Treasurer Charles R. Westervelt for embezzlement; directors suspended payments under the savings-bank grace law. A September 1, 1900 report states the bank will resume business on September 10 after examiners found a surplus. OCR errors in some articles corrected (e.g., Westervelt, dates).

Events (3)

1. July 13, 1900 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
News of Treasurer Charles R. Westervelt's arrest for alleged embezzlement/peculation (shortage ~$35,000-$40,000) triggered depositors to withdraw funds.
Measures
Directors closed the doors and then suspended payments under the savings-bank law (30/60/90 days) to allow examination of accounts.
Newspaper Excerpt
The announcement that Charles Westervelt...had been arrested...caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble today to withdraw funds.
Source
newspapers
2. July 14, 1900 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Discovery of large peculations by the treasurer (estimated $35,000–$40,000) and resultant heavy withdrawal demand prompted formal suspension to avoid liquidating securities at a loss.
Newspaper Excerpt
The directors of the Dime Savings bank...decided to close the institution's doors until its affairs can be straightened out. ...the bank had suspended payment
Source
newspapers
3. September 10, 1900 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The Dime Savings Bank of Newark...will resume business on September 10. Examiners...report that there is a surplus of $31,000, which, with $20,000 of bonds given by Westervelt, will make a surplus of more than $50,000.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (15)

Article from Evening Times-Republican, July 13, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

NEWARK BANK CLOSED. Run on Dime Savings Bank Brings About a Crisis. Newark, N. J., July 18.-The directors of the Dime Savings Bank decided today to close the institution's doors until its affairs can be straightened out. The announcement that Charles Westervelt, the bank's secretary and treasurer, had been arrested on the charge of having stolen a large eum of money, caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble today to withdraw funds. The crowd became so large that police reserves were called out to preserve order. President Orton in preparing a statement of the bank's affairs. Westervelt was committed to jail in default of $10,000 bail. The specific charge against him is raiging a withdrawal check from $300 to $1,200.


Article from The Jersey City News, July 13, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

A SECOND VALENTINE trusted Treasurer Loots a Newark Bank--$40,000 Stolen. [Special to "The Jersey City News."] July 13, there be a run on the NEWARK, would 1900.-Fearing bank. that the of the Dime Savings and treasurer the officers secretary Institution, of which, R. Westervelt, was arrested last on a charge of Charles evening embezzlement, There guspended payments this morning. was a crowd in front of the bank when this announcement was made by President James D. Orton at ten o'clock and there was every indication that many depositors would have drawn their money had they , been able. Many women were in the crowd which in front of the bank, learned that they could not they gathered and get before indoors they struggled and fought other in their efforts with side the each to establigh themselves near the entrance. All the the institution seen contended that it was officers today of who could perfectly be but that it had been judged best of the law solvent, to take advantage which allows dea savings bank to suspend payment on posits for thirty, sixty or ninety days. After 29 years of service as a trusted employe, Charles R. Westervelt, secretary and treasurer of the Dime Savings last of Newark, was arrested for embezzling fund's of night Institution the direc- bank and falsifying its accounts. To the tors he admitted he 'had for a long time been appropriating money that did not to him, but he much he had taken. belong just how would According not thus say officials, defalcations amount to far to the discovered bank's between the $38,000 tanand $40,000. The examination of gled accounts is not complete, and it is expected the total deficit will reach a much larger sum. Like Cashier Valentine, of the MiddleWestervelt is alleged to have the bank by falsifying sex robbed Bank, speculated vouchers. in Like Valetine, too, he is said to have lost in Wall street. His acstocks of dollars and system, thousands to the bank officials, was raise the amount of cording on his vouchers, withdraw- instance to als by depositors. A specified the charge against was of a voucher on a falsifying noted in him withdrawal the to the order His voucher made it appear check Rube. for $200, of Pauline that had withdrawn $1,200. The $1,000 differis to have she ence he alleged pocketed. have Many to cases of the same nature come in the examination of or more oflight For two years the the books. bank Westervelt has operated in was not ficials this way, say suspicion aroused until last week, when discrepancies were and the James D. Orton, bank, discovered, president notified Insurance. of the the Board of Banking and Martin B. Last State Monday Examiner, Dager, of began Asbury Park, State Bank work on the books. He ran across a discrepancy, and asked Westervelt about it. "Well, well,'.' said Westervelt, "I guess we had better ask Mr. Orton about that." Mr. Orton is also president of the Second National Bank, just across the street, and when Westervelt took his hat and Mr. Dager supposed he was to the president's going went out, office and treas- there. When, however, the secretary to return further discrepancies were aroused, urer failed suspicion found was in his accounts and detectives were sent out to locate him. They went to his house at No. 479 Clinton avenue, but found nobody there. For three days they hunted in vain. Late yesterday afternoon Detective Francis J. Gregory learned that a rig for Westervelt had been ordered at a local livery stable. Hurrying to the place, he found the rig just leaving and followed it. in front of a residence of an Farms, It stopped the house in intimate Lyons man for whom the detective was Shadowing friend searching. of the little the house out. for a time, Gregory saw a boy come "Is 'Mr. Westervelt in?" the hawkshaw asked. I don't know," replied the urchin, "I'll see." Gregory followed the lad into the house and found several men and women gitting at the dinner table. He did not know any


Article from Alexandria Gazette, July 13, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Excitement at a Bank. Newark, N. J., July 13.-The announcement of the arrest of Charles R Westervelt, secretary and treasurer of the Dime Savings Bank, last night, caused a mild panic among the depositors today, and a run on the bank was started as soon 88 the institution opened. When the time for the bank to open arrived and it became known that the institution would be kept closed the depositors became greatly excited. Women wept and men made threats. Police reserves were sent to the scene as it was feared & riot might result. The cooler heads in the crowd made explanations and the crowd soon dispersed satisfied that everything would come out all right.


Article from Bismarck Daily Tribune, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK SUSPENDS. Newark Bank Suspends and Clamorous Depositors Want their Money Back. Depositors are Mostly Foreigners Who are Frantic-Accounts in Bad Shape. Treasurer Westervelt Speculates with Bank's Money to the Tune of $35,000. Newark, N. J., July 14.-Great throngs of depositors of the Dime Savings bank, which suspended yesterday, besieged the doors this morning. The majority are foreigners, who are frantic. It will take two months to straighten out the accounts. At present the directors are confident Treasurer Westervelt's alleged speculations will not go over $35,000.


Article from The Jersey City News, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

NEWARK'S SUSPENDED BANK Examiner Says Its Condition Cannot Be Known for Six Weeks. (Special to "The Jersey City News.") NEWARK, July 14, 1900.-At ten o'clock today the vicinity of the usupended Dime Savings Institution was thronged with depositors who had not learned until late yesterday of the closing of the bank on account of Treasurer Charles R. Westervelt's peculations. Many of the depositors are unable to speak English and when made to understand that the bank had suspended payment they assumed that their money was lost and became almost frantic. The bank officers and Deputy Bank Commissioner Johnson, who is in charge of the examination, did everything possible to reassure the depositors that they would not lose a dollar, not even the interest on deposit. Deputy Johnson said that because of the bank carrying more than 10,000 accounts and having about 7,000 active depositors, a thorough examination would require at least six weeks. "That will mean," he added, "that the depositors will have to wait at least two months for their money, but further than that they will suffer no loss. "At present the directors are confident that Westervelt's peculations will not amount to more than $35,000, and we cannot say anything to the contrary until we reach the mortgage account of $275,000, as stated by Westervelt. That statement may be correct, but we cannot tell until the mortgages are called in. Then it may be found that the list includes mortgages satisfied but not credited." Westervelt's counsel issued a statement late yesterday in which he denies all wrongdoing, declares it is all a mistake and attributes the shortage to a former atache of the bank who is now dead. This statement is scouted by the bank officers who declare that Westervelt admitted his speculations while under arrest last Monday an dtold them the total amount would not exceed $3,500. They also intimate that had not the State bank examiners arived a month in advance of their expected coming the loss would be greater. Depositors in need of money are being hourly fleeced by speculators, who are buying in their books at discounts ranging from 10 to 50 per cent. The police and bank officers have warned depositore against these sharks, and are keeping them away from the vicinity of the bank.


Article from The Saint Paul Globe, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SAVINGS BANK CLOSED. Alleged Peculations of an Official the Cause. NEW YORK, July 13.-The directors of the Dime Savings Bank of Newark, N. J., decided today to close the institution's business until its deposits can be straightened out The announcement that Charles Westervelt, the bank's secretary and treasurer, had been arrested on a charge of having stolen a large sum of money caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble today to withdraw their funds, and there was much excitement when it was learn. ed that the doors would not be opened. The crowd became so large that police reserves were called out to preserve order. President Orton, of the bank, is preparing a statement of the bank's affairs, which will be given out when completed


Article from Wheeling Register, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

THE BANK CLOSED. Alleged Crookedness of the Cashier Caused Danger of a Run. NEW YORK, July 13.-The directors of the Dime Savings Bank, of Newark, N, J., decided to-day to close the institution's doors until its affairs can be straightened out. The announcement. that Charles Westervlet, the bank's secretary and treasurer, had been arrested on a charge of having stolen a large sum of money, caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble to-day to withdraw their funds, and there was much excitement when it was learned that the doors would not be opened. The crowd became so large that police reserves were called out to preserve order. President Orton, of the bank, is preparing a statement of the bank's affairs, which will be given out when completed. Westervlet was arrested last night at Lyons Farms, a few miles from Newark, and taken to East Orange, where he was arraigned and committed to jail in default of $10,000 bail. The specific charge against him is that he raised a withdrawal check from $200 to $1,200.


Article from The Sun, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Newark Savings Bank Closed. New York, July 13.-The directors of the Dime Savings bank of Newark, N. J., have decided to close the institution's doors until they are able to straighten out its affairs. The announcement that Charles Westervelt, the bank's secretary and treasurer, had been arrested on a charge of having stolen a large sum of money caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble to withdraw their funds, and there was much excitement when it was learned that the doors would not be opened. The crowd became so large that police reserves were called out to preserve order.


Article from Americus Times-Recorder, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MEW JERSEY BANK LOOTED. Treasurer Is Held In $10,000 Bail. Amount of Shortage Unknown. NEWARK, N. J., July 13.-The directors of the Dime Savings bank have decided to close the institution's doors until its affairs can be straightened outThe announcement that Charles Westervelt, the bank's secretary and treasurer, had been arrested on a charge of having stolen a large sum of money, caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble to withdraw their funds, and there was much excitement when it was learned that the doors would not be opened. Westervelt was arrested at Lyons Farms, a few miles from Newark, and taken to East Orange, where he was arraigned and committed to jail in default of $10,000 bail.


Article from The Evening Times, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

THA BANK DEPOSITORS FRANTIC. Throngs About the Suspended Jersey Savings Institution. NEWARK N. J.. July 14. - At 10 o'clock today the vicinity of the suspended Dime Savings Institution was thronged with depositors who had not learned until late yesterday of the closing of the bank on account of Treasurer Westervelt's speculations. Many of the depositors are usable to speak English, and when made to understand that the bank had suspended payment, they assumed their money was lost, and became almost frantic. The bank officials and Deputy Bank Commissioner Johnson, who is in charge of the examination." did everyth ng pos ible to eassure the depositors that they would not lose a dollar, not even the interest on deposits. Deputy Johnson said that because of the bank carrying more than 10,000 a:counts, and having about 7,000 active depositors, a thorough examination would require at least six weeks. "That will mean, he added, "that the depositors will have to wait at least two months for their money, but further than that they will suffer no loss." At present the directors are confident that Westervelt's speculations will not amount to more than $35,000. Westervel's counsel issued a statement late yeste day in which he denies all wrongdoing, and declaree it is all a mistake, and attributes the shortage to a former attache of the bank, who is now dead.


Article from New-York Tribune, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

RUN ON A BANK STOPPED. DIRECTORS OF THE DIME SAVINGS INSTITUTION OF NEWARK TAKE TIMELY ACTION. A run on the Dime Savings Bank of Newark was stopped yesterday morning by the action of the Board of Directors in taking advantage of a law which permits savings banks temporarily to suspend payment in order that their securities may not have to be sacrificed to meet a sudden and extraordinary demand for deposits. The run on the bank began early in the week, when a rumor got abroad that a special examination of the accounts had been ordered by the Board of Directors in addition to the regular examination by the State Bank Commissioner, which was begun on Monday. With the news that the secretary and treasurer, Charles R. Westervelt, was alleged to be a defaulter for a large amount. hundreds of depositors presented themselves at the bank. at Broad and Bank sts., yesterday. Their deposit books were taken in order to verify the deposits, and they were told that the bank would resume business in about a month. There are more than ten thousand depositors. The bank is fully able to pay all demands, and the defalcation cannot much exceed $40,000. all of which, it is said. was appropriated In the last four years. According to the State Examiner, the assets of the bank are as follows: $39,685.56 Bonds & mortg's $278,000.00 Cash in bank 1,325.00 Checks 747,579.00 Bonds 12,838.00 Cash on hand Collateral 190,000 00 $1,269,427.56 Total The last annual statement of the bank showed that there were due depositors $1,010,592.35 and a surplus of $108,647 87 James D. Orton, the president, Is also president of the Second National Bank of Newark. Westervelt was in the bank's employ for twenty-nine years, and rose from the position of clerk. His salary was only $2,500 a year. He did not confine his operations, it is alleged. to raising withdrawal checks. Some checks he forged. It is charged. One check for $15, drawn to the order of F. Carson, he destroyed, and, it is alleged, forged another check for $2,015 and substituted It for the genuine check. Westervelt did not touch the securities, which are intact. There was between $700,000 and $800,000 of these securities in the bank. Two additional bank examiners were put on the books yesterday, and it was decided to make a complete examination of the books, going back to the date of the last thorough examination some years ago. Yesterday afternoon Westervelt's lawyer made a statement for him to the effect that Westervelt admits that there is a shortage, and says that later the affair will be cleared up, but denies that it amounts to $40,000. or anything like that sum. He also denies that he ever took a dollar of the bank's money, and says it will be shown that he has done nothing dishonest. The bonds of Westerto the surety the velt amount Surety $20,000. being American Company. He also owns some real estate, and steps have been taken to attach it for the bank. This is the only bank defalcation in Newark of any consequence since the looting of the $2,500,000 by Oscar National Bank of Baldwin, Mechanics' the cashier, in 1882. The bank was ruined and went out of existence Baldwin, like Westervelt, had the entire confidence of the bank directors. The Second National Bank had previously been the victim of its cashier, James Hedden. and after the Bank the fact came the Mechanics' out looting that of a clerk named Marchbank had plundered it of $50,000. All served terms in prison. PHELPS FOR PERMANENT CHAIRMAN, Paterson, July 13 (Special).-Sheffield Phelps, of Teaneck, it is said, will be permanent chairman of


Article from The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 14, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DIME SAVINGS BANK CLOSED At Newark, N. J.--Cashier Arrested Charged With Cheek-Raising. New York, July 13.-The directors of the Dime Savings bank of Newark, N. J., decided to close the institution doors until its affairs can be straightened out. The announcement that Charles Westervelt, the bank's secretary and treasurer, has been arrested on a charge of having stolen a large sum of money, caused a large crowd of depositors to assemble today to withdraw their funds and there was much excitement when it was learned that the doors would not be opened. The crowd became so large that police reserves were called out to preserve order. President Orton of the bank is preparing a statement of the bank's affairs which will be given out when completed. Westervelt was arrested last night at Lyons Farms, a few miles from Newark, and taken to Etast Orange, where he was arraigned and comitted to jail inm default of $10,000 bail. The specific charge against him is that he raised a withdraw. al check from $200 to $1200.


Article from Fort Mill Times, July 18, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SAVINGS BANK SUSPENDS Treasurer of a Newark Institution Accused of Embezzlement. His Peculations Amount to About $40,000 -He Apparently Attempts Suicide When Arrested. Newark. N. J. (Special).-In consequence of the shortage of between $38,000 and $40,000 in the funds of the Dime Savings Bank, of this city, which amount Charles R. Westervelt. the secretary and treasurer. is charged with embezzling, the institution suspended payment. Shortly before opening hours. while the crowds surged about the doors, the managers held a meeting and decided to suspend payment of depositors, taking advantage of the days of grace aslowed savings banks under the law. Policement were summoned, and the depositors, half a dozen at a time, were allowed to enter and present their books. Women were admitted first. The majority of those who had come with the hope of withdrawing their money were under twenty-five years of age. Nearly all wore anxious faces and several were weeping. When they passed in their books business cards on which the numbers of the books were inscribed were handed back to them. They were told that they would be informed within a week that they could come and get the books back again. In the meantime, the bank's bookkeepers, assisted by a special force of experts. will compare the balance in each deposit book with the balance of the depositor as recorded in the ledgers. Many discrepancies are expected. as Westervelt's scheme was to represent on his vouchers that the depositors had withdrawn larger sums than they actually took out. The difference between the amounts entered on their books and the amounts appearing on his vouchers he is alleged to have appropriated. No money will be paid out until those who are examining the books can learn the bank's exact liabilities. President James D. Orton says the securities are intact. The other officials of the bank and the examiners corroborate him. According to the last annual statement the assets of the institution are $1,119,240.22. There is due depositors $1,010,592.35. leaving a surplus of $108,647.87. Westervelt is fifty-two years old and has been connected with the bank since 1871, working himself up from a clerkship. He confessed his guilt to John H. Meeker, counsel for the bank. and a director. Westervelt was placed in jail and held in $10,000 bail. It is alleged that when. just after his arrest at the house of John Leyser, in Lyons Farms, he went up stairs to prepare for his trip to the office of Justice Hayward. in East Orange, he attempted suicide by drinking poison. but took an overdose and threw it off. His mental anguish has almost prostrated him. The shock of his arrest has proved very severe to his family.


Article from New-York Tribune, September 1, 1900

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SAVINGS BANK TO RESUME BUSINESS. EXAMINATION SHOWS THAT THERE WILL BE A SURPLUS OF MORE THAN $50,000. The Dime Savings Bank of Newark, which suspended a month ago when the discovery was made that Charles R. Westervelt, the treasurer, had misappropriated about $30,000 of the funds of the bank, will resume business on September 10. Bank examiners, who have nearly finished the examination of the concern's affairs, report that there is a surplus of $31,000, which, with $20,000 of bonds given by Westervelt, will make a surplus of more than $50,000.


Article from The Evening World, July 13, 1901

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

EMBEZZLER TRIED TO KILL HIMSELF. Treasurer Westervelt, of Dime Savings Bank, Newark, Took too Much Poison. ting the man into the carriage that was When Charles R. Westervelt. Treasurer walting. intending to drive to the house of the Dime Savings Bank, of Newark. of a physician. He had no sooner startN. 1. who is accused of embezzling ed than Westervelt became very ill. $40,000. was arrested he attempted to end Once his stomach was relieved he felt his life. The poison that he swallowed much better. and the detective drove was either in too small or too large a straight to the jail. quantity and defeated his purpose. Four hundred persons, the majority of Twenty-nine years of service had them poor women and girl depositors, caused him to be regarded as R. model were gathered outside of the bank this official. and when the hand of the law morning. but the doors did not open. It was laid upon him he lost all of his required an extra squad of policemen to self-possession. Detective Gregory. who keep the crowd in order. Many hard arrested him at Lyons Farms, found him words were said against the defaulter. and his wife at breakfast with another President Orton. who is also President couple. When told he was under arof the Second National Bank. across the rest. Westervelt turned deathly pale and way. said this morning that the savings institution would take advantage of almost collapsed. His voice failed him the State law permitting the suspension and It was some time before he could of payments of deposits for thirty, sixty or ninety GRYS as the Board of Direcspeak. tors may elect. Meanwhile the tangle When he recovered some of his selfwill be straightened out. He says he is confident the bank is able to meet all possession he seemed to brighten up a obligations. bit. "I do not know the amount of Westervelt's defalcation." said President Orton "You'll allow me to change my clothto an Evening World reporter. "but I ing. of course?" he asked the detective. hope It will not exceed $40,000.