1461. State Bank (Rocky Ford, CO)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
January 2, 1908
Location
Rocky Ford, Colorado (38.053, -103.720)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
aecd4ec7

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Officers later criminally prosecuted and convicted; receiver appealed various court decisions through 1908–1910.

Description

Multiple contemporary articles (early Jan 1908) report a run on the State Bank of Rocky Ford that prompted the bank to close/suspend on Jan 2, 1908. A receiver (G. M. Hall) was appointed soon afterward and the institution remained in receivership with prosecutions and appeals through 1908–1910, indicating permanent closure rather than reopening. Causes are attributed in the press to rumors started by other local financial interests.

Events (3)

1. January 2, 1908 Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Newspapers report a run beginning the prior Monday triggered by rumors circulated that the bank's solvency was questionable; officers accused certain other financial interests of starting the rumors.
Measures
Bank officers closed/shut the doors to prevent further withdrawals; later sought receiver protection and investigation by State Bank Examiner Beatty.
Newspaper Excerpt
The State Bank of Rocky Ford ... failed to open its doors this morning, fearing a renewal of the run which started Monday.
Source
newspapers
2. January 2, 1908 Suspension
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Closure/suspension explicitly followed a severe run attributed by officers to malicious rumors about solvency; examiner investigation followed and officers hoped to resume but receiver later appointed instead.
Newspaper Excerpt
ROCKY FORD, Colo., Jan. 2.-The State Bank of Rocky Ford closed its doors today, following a run. State Bank Examiner Beatty is making an investigation of the bank...
Source
newspapers
3. January 10, 1908 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
IF RECEIVERSHIP ASSIGNED TO G. M. HALL ... Widespread concern ... followed the news of the suspension of the State Bank of Rocky Ford last Thursday morning ... it was learned that a Receiver would be appointed ... depositors' committee sought delay in naming a Receiver until agreement could be made by the depositors. Receiver Hall will ... make an official report of assets and liabilities. (Rocky Ford Enterprise, 1908-01-10).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (25)

Article from Semi-Weekly Herald, January 2, 1908

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ROCKY FORD BANK CLOSED. Rocky Ford, Colo., Jan. 2.-The State Bank of Rocky Ford, one of the oldest and heretofore considered one of the safest institutions of its kind in Rocky Ford, failed to open its doors this morning, fearing a renewal of the run which started Monday. The liabilites of the bank itself reach half a million while the assets are placed at nearly six hundred thousand, the bulk of which are loans on high grade farm lands in this vicinity. The very grave charge is made that certain other financial interests in this city conspired to secure the closing of the State bank by starting rumors last week that its solvency had been affected by certain past evens.


Article from The Morning Journal-Courier, January 3, 1908

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STATE BANK CLOSES DOORS. Officers Accuse Financial Interests of Intentionally Starting Run. Rocky Ford, Col., Jan. 2.-The state bank of Rocky Ford closed its doors today, following a run. The liabilities exceed $400,000 and the assets are placed at $425,000. They consist mainly of loans on high grade farm lands. The bank has been regarded as ot.e of the soundest in the Arkansas valley, It is capitalized at $30,000, and its surplus is $30,000. The officers hope to resume in a short time. One of the officers of the bank said to-day that certain financial interests in Rocky Ford had caused the bank's closing by starting rumors that Its solvency was questionable.


Article from The Aberdeen Democrat, January 3, 1908

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COLORADO BANK CLOSES Rocky Ford, Colo., Jan. 3.-The State Bank of Rocky Ford closed its doors yesterday following a run. The liabilities exceed $400,000 and assets are placed at over $525,000, mainly in loans on high grade farm lands.


Article from Omaha Daily Bee, January 3, 1908

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COLORADO BANK SUSPENDS Rocky Ford Institution Forced to Close Its Doors Following Sevère Run. ROCKY FORD Colo., Jan. 2.-The State bank of Rocky Ford closed its doors today following a run. State Bank Examiner Beatty is making an investigation of the bank, which has been regarded as one of the soundest in the Arkansas valley The liabilities of the bank exceed $400.000 and the assets are placed at over $525.000. mainly loans on high grade farm lands in this vicinity The bank is capitalized at $30,000 and the surplus is $30.000. The officers of the State bank are: President, J. E. Godding vice president Senator Swink; cashier, E. H. Smith; assistant cashier. D. W. Barclay There are two other banks in Rocky Ford, the First National and the Farmers and Merchants. Neither of these has been affected by the suspension of the State bank. The officers of the State bank hope to resume business in a short time One of them made the charge today that certain other financial interests in this city conspired to secure the closing of the State bank by starting rumors last week that its solvency was questionable.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, January 3, 1908

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COLORADO BANK CLOSES; ASSETS EXCEED LIABILITIES Fy Associated Press. ROCKY FORD, Colo., Jan. 2.-The State bank of Rocky Ford. Colo., closed its doors today, following a run. State Bank Examiner Beatty is making an investigation of the bank, which has been régarded as one of the soundest in the Arkansas valley. The liabilities exceed $300,000 and the assets are placed at over $525,000, mainly loans on high grade farm lands in the vicinity. The bank is capitalized at $30,000 and the surplus is $30,000.


Article from Bisbee Daily Review, January 3, 1908

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COLORADO BANK CLOSES. ROCKFORD, Colo., Jan. 2.-The State Bank of Rockyford closed its doors today following a run. State Bank Examiner Beatty is making an investigation of the bank, which has been regarded as one of the soundest in Arkansas Valley. Liabilities exceed $300,000; assets over $525,000; mainly loans on farm lands of the vicinity.


Article from The Glenwood Post, January 4, 1908

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Officials of the State Bank of Rocky Ford Fear Run and Shut the Doors EXPECT TO RE-OPEN Rocky Ford, Jan. 2.-The State Bank of Rocky Ford failed to open its doors this morning and the affairs of the institution are now being investigated by the state bank examiner. It is stated by the bank officers that the closing order was given in order to prevent a run. They are confident that the bank will resume business within a few days. No statement of the assets or liabilities has yet been made. Some of the most prominent business men of Rocky Ford are identified with the management of the bank and all declare that business will be started again with little delay.


Article from River Falls Journal, January 9, 1908

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Hastings, Neb. Theodore Roosevelt officiated foi the seventh time as president of the United States at the New Year's re ception at the White House. Assist ing him in exchanging the salutations of the season were Mrs. Roosevel and the members and ladies of the cabinet. Premier Franco of Portugal, during the first half of the fiscal year, ef fected a saving of $3,850,000 as com pared with the expenditures during the like period for last year under the previous administration. Edward Hanlon, ex-champion oars man of the world, died in Toronto Ont., from pneumonia. Seven shipwrecked sailors, believed to be the only survivors of the crew of 16 of the Norwegian bark Ger manic, were brought to New York by the oil-tank steamer Hothan Newton They were picked up in midocean in a terrible condition from exposure. Dr. Nicholas Senn, Chicago's "fighting doctor" and one of the foremost surgeons of the central west, died at the age of 63 years. Lamar Jackson, a full-blooded Choctaw Indian, has been appointed to a cadetship in the United States military academy at West Point by Congressman Charles D. Carter of Oklahoma. The State Bank of Rockyford, Col., closed its doors following a run. The liabilities exceed $400,000, and the assets are placed at over $525,000. Friends of Secretary Taft outvoted the Foraker faction in the Ohio state committee and primaries were ordered for February 11 at which Ohio Republicans will express by direct vote their choice for presidential nominee. Two women were killed by an explosion in a fireworks factory in Rochester, N. Y. Gov. Folk of Missouri announced the appointment of Virgil Rule to succeed Circuit Judge Jesse McDonald, who resigned. Judge Rule was once a St. Louis newsboy. Louis M. Givernaud, a member of the firm of Givernaud Bros., said to be the first to establish silk manufacturing in the United States, died at Los Angeles, Cal., of heart trouble, aged 73 years. United States Circuit Judge Pritchard at Richmond, Va., named two receivers for the Seabord Air Line railway. Suffering from melancholia, Charles Becker of Belleville, III., former state treasurer, shot and killed himself. Nightriders raided the town of Russellville, Ky., dynamited the tobacco warehouses and burned other buildings. Allison J. Nailer, secretary general of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Order of Scottish Rite Masons, southern jurisdiction, died of the grip in Washington. John D. Rockefeller gave $2,191,000 more to the University of Chicago. Count Boni de Castellane and his cousin, Prince Helie de Sagan, had a sensational fight in Paris. Ulrich Augustus Hoegger, a Swiss artist, was probably fatally burned in a fire which burned his studio in Philadelphia and destroyed paintings said to be worth $100,000. Although officially declared dead several years ago and for many years believed by his wife and friends to have died, George M. Gable appeared in court at Lancaster, Pa., to claim $12,000 from the estate of his uncle. His wife had remarried. During the calendar year 1907 the bureau of navigation reports 1,056 vessels of 502,508 gross tons built and specifically numbered in the United States, compared with 1,045 vessels of 393,291 tons in 1906. Phillip F. Kramer of Portland, Ore., a locomotive engineer employed on the Isthmian canal, was murdered by robbers. The vaudeville war was finally concluded when George Middleton, president of the Western Vaudeville association, and his associates signed an agreement to take over Cella & Oppenheim's theaters in Kansas City, Milwaukee and Louisvile and the new theater being built at St. Louis. St. Anne's Orphans' home at Terre Haute, Ind., was burned, but the 100 children were saved. James G. Stowe, former consul general to South Africa and a well-known manufacturer, died in Kansas City. Roy Howard, 19 years old, was sentenced to eight years in the penitentiary for the murder of Martha Picray at Des Moines, Ia. Secretary Metcalf announced that Capt. J. E. Pillsbury had been selected as chief of the navigation bureau of the navy department. Fire that brought death to Charles Figone, eight years of age, fatal injury to Louis Figone, 16 years of age, and almost cost the lives of 50 others, broke out in the coal yard of Antonia Figone, in San Francisco, and caused damage to the extent of $50,000.


Article from Audubon Republican, January 9, 1908

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at Muncie, Ind., In a riot that followed an attempt of the Indiana Union Traction company to run cars manned by strike-breakers. The strike followed the refusal of the company to sign again the wage agreement that has been in effect for five years. Rioting was resumed on the streets of Muncie, Ind., between the striking employes of the street railway company and the strikebreakers. Two thousand men began stoning the cars. Shots were fired and nine persons were injured. Gov. Hanly of Indiana ordered a battery and 12 companies of infantry to Muncie to suppress the street car strike riots. John Browl was killed, G. F. Fisher fatally hurt and Roy Signor seriously injured in an automobile accident at Hastings, Neb. Edward Hanlon, ex-champion oarsman of the world, died in Toronto, Ont., from pneumonia. John Bartham, mayor of Fort Gay, W. Va., was shot and mortally wounded by. Samuel Kinser, a prominent Democratic politician. Seven shipwrecked sailors, believed to be the only survivors of the crew of 16 of the Norwegian bark Germanic, were brought to New York by the oil-tank steamer Hothan Newton. They were picked up in midocean in a terrible condition from exposure. Dr. Nicholas Senn, Chicago's "fightIng doctor" and one of the foremost surgeons of the central west, died at the age of 63 years. Lamar Jackson, a full-blooded Choctaw Indian, has been appointed to 1 cadetship in the United States miliary academy at West Point by Congressman Charles D. Carter of Oklanoma. The State Bank of Rockyford, Col., closed its doors following a run. The liabilities exceed $400,000, and the assets are placed at over $525,000. Friends of Secretary Taft outvoted the Foraker faction in the Ohio state committee and primaries were ordered for February 11 at which Ohio Republicans will express by direct vote their choice for presidential nominee. Two women were killed by an ex plosion in a fireworks factory in Rochester, N. Y. Gov. Folk of Missouri announced the appointment of Virgil Rule to succeed Circuit Judge Jesse McDonald, who resigned. Judge Rule was once a St. Louis newsboy. Louis M. Givernaud, a member of the firm of Givernaud Bros., said to be the first to establish silk manufactur ing in the United States, died at Los Angeles, Cal., of heart trouble, aged 73 years. United States Circuit Judge Pritchard at Richmond, Va., named two receivers for the Seabord Air Line railway. Suffering from melancholia, Charles Becker of Belleville, III., former state treasurer, shot and killed himself. Nightriders raided the town of Rus sellville, Ky., dynamited the tobacco warehouses and burned other build ings. Allison J. Nailer, secretary general of the Supreme Council of the An cient Order of Scottish Rite Masons southern jurisdiction, died of the grip in Washington. John D. Rockefeller gave $2,191,000 more to the University of Chicago. Count Boni de Castellane and his cousin, Prince Helie de Sagan, had a sensational fight in Paris. Ulrich Augustus Hoegger, a Swiss artist, was probably fatally burned in a fire which burned his studio in Philadelphia and destroyed paintings said to be worth $100,000. Although officially declared dead several years ago and for many years believed by his wife and friends to have died, George M. Gable appeared in court at Lancaster, Pa., to claim $12,000 from the estate of his uncle His wife had remarried. During the calendar year 1907 the bureau of navigation reports 1,056 ves sels of 502,508 gross tons built and specifically numbered in the United States, compared with 1,045 vessels of 393,291 tons in 1906., Phillip F. Kramer of Portland, Ore. a locomotive engineer employed on the Isthmian canal, was murdered by robbers. The vaudeville war was finally con cluded when George Middleton, presi dent of the Western Vaudeville asso ciation, and his associates signed ar agreement to take over Cella & Op penheim's theaters in Kansas City Milwaukee and Louisvile and the new theater being built at St. Louis. St. Anne's Orphans' home at Terre Haute, Ind., was burned, but the 10 children were saved. James G. Stowe, former consul gen eral to South Africa and a well-know manufacturer, died in Kansas City. Roy Howard, 19 years old, was sen tenced to eight years in the peniten tiary for the murder of Marth: Picray at Des Moines, Ia. Secretary. Metcalf the


Article from Heppner Gazette, January 9, 1908

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RESUME OF THE WEEK'S DOINGS General Review of Important Happenings Presented in a Brief and Comprehensive Manner for Busy Readers-National, Political, Historical and Commercial. Many desperate criminals infest San Francisco and Oakland. The second trial of Harry Thaw for the murder of Stanford White has started. Ambassador Aoki reiterated Japanese friendship in a farewell speech at San Francisco. Strikes in New York for lower rent are being settled by concessions on the part of landlords. Japanese spies are said to be making sketches and photographs around Port Townsend, Wash. Haywood says the acquittal of Pettibone is a vindication for the Western Federation of Miners. The Vancouver chief of police has refused to search Japanese for arms for for fear of stirring up further trouble. The three men entombed at Ely., Nev., by a cavein in a mine December 4 have not been reached yet by the rescuers. M. Harmand, ex-French minister to Japan, likens the situation between the United states and Japan to a mine which might easily be set off. The jury has disagreed in the Powers case. The next htrial is set for July 6. Powers is accused of complicity in the murder of William Goebel. Rio Janeiro is preparing hospitality for the battleship fleet. The governor has ordered out troops 80 to suppress the Muncie, Ind., riots. The countess of Yarmouth, Harry Thaw's sister, is suing for a divorce. Witte and Kuropatkin have had a wordy controversy over the Russo-Japanese war. t Banks of the country have made a large increase in business for the year just ended. Seven of the nine companies of United States infantry at Goldfield have been withdrawn. Foraker denounces the method of holding Ohio primaries, while Taft S men defend them. A hospital ship will be equipped at the Mare Island navy yard which will meet the big fleet at Magdalena bay. c d Judge Hunt has sent four Butte labor a leaders to jail for contempt in connection with the telephone strike in that city. tl Europe is anxicusly watching developments between the United States and Japan. The next two months are considered critical. G The State bank of Rocky Fork, Colo., has suspended. de Asiatic labor is causing a crisis in British colonies. n p Leaders of the Russian Revolutiond ary party have been arrested. L n Rockefeller has given another $2,ft 000,000 to Chicago university. W Receivers have been appointed for th the Seaboard Air Line railroad. p re Vancouver, B. C., laboring men are bitter in their denunciation of Asiatic p labor. ro Recognizing the improved condition m of finances in the United States, Engsi land has lowered the rate of discount is on gold. th Rioting is in progress at Muncie, of Ind., where a streetcar strike is on. la The governor threatens to send troops if peace is not restored. W Russian police discovered a plot to F kill the dowager empress. So sure of were the conspirators that they issued invitations to the funeral. Count Boni and Prince de Sagan engaged in a street fight in Paris. The cr count is Anna Gould's ex-husband and Ja the prince has several times been reLi ported engaged to Madame Gould. sh Secretary Taft advocates free trade ho with the Philiines in sugar and toca bacco. ti an Ambassador Aoki has started for Na Japan, confident of settling the immieig gration question. ra The government has replied to the CO Standard Oil company, saying that its er: fine of $29,240,000 jg perfectly just. All indictments against Colorado coal land grabbers have been quashed. wa The court could find no law applicable. wr New York mothers have declared war pa on the nerve-racking initiations of the let societies of private and public schools led maintained by girls. to Federal troops at Goldfield will be as reduced to two companies. an pa George Edward Adams, who stole sea about $60,000 from miners while in fou the Seattle assay office, will leave prison worth a quarter of a million. Roosevelt predicts Taft's nomination on the first ballot. no of A blanket of snow covers the Dakoua tas, Iowa and Nebraska. Lord Curzon has been persuaded to pla cin re-enter English politics.


Article from Perrysburg Journal, January 10, 1908

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MISCELLANEOUS. Dr. Nicholas Senn, Chicago's "fighting doctor" and one of the foremost surgeons of the central west, died at the age of 63 years. Lamar Jackson, a full-blooded Choctaw Indian, has been appointed to a cadetship in the United States military academy at West Point by Congressman Charles D. Carter of Oklahoma. The State Bank of Rockyford, Col., closed its doors following a run. The liabilities exceed $400,000, and the assets are placed at over $525,000. Friends of Secretary Taft outvoted the Foraker faction in the Ohio state committee and primaries were ordered for February 11 at which Ohio Republicans will express by direct vote their choice for presidential nominee, Two women were killed by an explosion in a fireworks factory in Rochester, N. Y. Gov. Folk of Missouri announced the appointment of Virgil Rule to succeed Circuit Judge Jesse McDonald, who resigned. Judge Rule was once a St. Louis newsboy. Louis M. Givernaud, a member of the firm of Givernaud Bros., said to be the first to establish silk manufacturing in the United States, died at Los Angeles, Cal., of heart trouble, aged 73 years. United States Circuit Judge Pritchard at Richmond, Va., named two receivers for the Seabord Air Line railway. Suffering from melancholia, Charles Becker of Belleville, Ill., former state treasurer, shot and killed himself. Nightriders raided the town of Russellville, Ky., dynamited the tobacco warehouses and burned other buildings. Allison J. Nailer, secretary general of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Order of Scottish Rite Masons, southern jurisdiction, died of the grip in Washington. John D. Rockefeller gave $2,191,000 more to the University of Chicago. Count Boni de Castellane and his cousin, Prince Helie de Sagan, had a sensational fight in Paris. Ulrich Augustus Hoegger, a Swiss artist, was probably fatally burned in a fire which burned his studio in Philadelphia and destroyed paintings said to be worth $100,000. Although officially declared dead several years ago and for many years believed by his wife and friends to have died, George M. Gable appeared in court at Lancaster, Pa., to claim $12,000 from the estate of his uncle. His wife had remarried. During the calendar year 1907 the bureau of navigation reports 1,056 vessels of 502,508 gross tons built and specifically numbered in the United States, compared with 1,045 vessels of 393,291 tons in 1906. Phillip F. Kramer of Portland, Ore., a locomotive engineer employed on the Isthmian canal, was murdered by robbers. The vaudeville war was finally concluded when George Middleton, president of the Western Vaudeville association, and his associates signed an agreement to take over Cella & Oppenheim's theaters in Kansas City, Milwaukee and Louisvile and the new theater being built at St. Louis. The torpedo boat flotilla arrived at Para, Brazil. The New Jersey pardon board refused to pardon Walter A. McAllister and William Death, who were sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment in 1901 for complicity in the murder of Jennie Bosscheieter of Paterson. Prof. Thomas Day Seymour, senior professor of Greek in Yale university, died in New Haven, Conn., after a short illness of pneumonia. An alleged attempt was made to assassinate Father Volitas, pastor of St. Ann's Catholic church at Spring ValBoy, III.


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, January 10, 1908

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Creates Serious Commotion in Local Business Circles. I F RECEIVERSHIP ASSIGNED TO G. M. HALL 1 Who will as soon as Possible Make an Official Report of Assets and Liabilities. Widespread concern and commotion in the community of Rocky Ford and the surrounding country followed the news of the suspension of the State Bank of Rocky Ford last Thursday morning, as was a perfectly natural result of an event of such farreaching effect. By Friday morning the feeling in many quarters was intense. Deposits had been received up to the closing hour on Tuesday night, and Wednesday, New Year day, was a bank holiday. The wildest kind of reports went out regarding the disappearance of the officers and the like, and no story was .00 improbable to find repeaters. Our merchants had in many cases turned in their holiday sales receipts, and they were naturally on the anxious bench about meeting impending bills. A committee from among them was informally appointed to wait upon the bank officers for a statement of the situation, and upon the State Bank Examiner then in charge. From him it was learned that a Receiver would be appointed, and it was further learned that a petition was already in circulation for the appointment of Col. Jas. A. Lockhart to that e position. This looked like snap action on the part of somebody and N. aroused suspicion and the next move e was a committee named to go to the o district court and ask for delay in h naming a Receiver until some sort of general agreement upon an appointee h. could be made by the depositors. d This committee, headed by Judge H. e M. Minor went to Pueblo early Saturday morning and succeeded in oby taining from the court a promise to delay action until Monday morning. A meeting of depositors was then is called for 4 p. m. Saturday. le The Depositors Meeting. a The depositors' meeting held last d, Saturday afternoon, to consider their e 1e sussituation as creditors C 1 a very pended State Bank resul unanimous decision to a the apReceiver. pointment of G. M. Hal' s. inspired This action was in large resumed by the fact that son officers close friends of the bunn g seemed to be taking premature steps is to get Col. Lockhart named by the court for this position. The confiss dence of the community in the integby rity of Col. Lockhart had only been et disturbed by the haste of some of he his friends in seeking his appointall Continued on Eighth Page


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, January 17, 1908

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THE STATE BANK IN STATU QUO None of the Rumors of Relief for the Depositors is Realized REPORTED REQUIS!TION FOR ARRESTS Receiver Hall will Require Three yet to Make Statement. The local bank situation does not definitely present any new phases in the week that has elapsed since our last report. The most sensational news of yesterday was that a requisition had been made to the district attorney for papers of arrest for the bank officers. Enquiry at the offices of the attorney and the sheriff failed to confirm the rumor. District Attorney McDaniels declined to answer any questions, as did also those depositors who attended a meeting held Wednesday night. That meeting !eft any depositor present to act in the matter on his own initiative. and the popular assumption is that somebody acted Thursday morning. At a meeting of a number of depositors of the State Bank. held on the night of Jan. 15. the following resolution was adopted: "Whereas. The committee appointed by these depositors to confer with the bank officials reporting that the said officials have refused to assign any of their property to a Trustee or the Receiver of the said bank for the benefit of all depositors, and the said depositors assembled. believing nothing further can be done. believe it advisable to discharge said committee. "Now we. the depositors assembled. having discharged said committee. wish to report to all of the depositors that we do not believe that we can do anything further along this line." 0 An interview with Receiver Hall brings only the statement that it will require several days yet to complete the statement of the bank's affairs. and as soon as this is done it will be given to the public. While the Beet Growing farmers were in meeting assembled at Odd Fellows hall Saturday afternoon, Judge Minor appeared on the scene and asked the presiding officer if he would be permitted to give the gathering a message that did not pertain to beets. be was accompanied by Miss McCoy, the stenographer from the State Bank. The Judge was given the privilege of the floor and said that he came with a message from Mr. John E. Godding. He wished it to be understood that he did not come. to the meeting as the attorney of Mr. Godding. nor yet as the attorney of Mr. Hall. the receiver of the State Bank: : he came simply to deliver a message as it had been given him. and what he said would be taken down by a stenographer that what he did say might be verified if necessary afterwards. Mr. Godding had called him up by 'phone and asked him if he would take a message to this meeting. and with Mr. Hall's consent he had promised to do so. The message was this: Mr. Godding wished to say that three plans were on foot with a view to re-opening the State Bank, one or other of which he had reason to believe would be successful. That each of those plans included the purpose to pay every depositor of the bank dollar for dollar of his deposit; that ) meither of the plans would be adopted except with that condition. He wished this to know that he to was working gathering hard of effect this result and was hopeful success.


Article from La Junta Tribune, January 18, 1908

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May Pay Dollar for Dollar. Judge Minor, attorney for G. M. Hall, receiver of the State Bank, appeared before the Beet Growers' Association at Rocky Ford last Saturday and stated that John E. Godding, president of the defunct bank, had asked him to say that the bank officials had under consideration three propositions for reorganizing the State Bank: that if any one of them was perfected the depositors would receive 100 cents on the dollar. The officials are doing their utmost to carry out their promise to have the bank open in ten days, the time asked of the depositors to reorganize.


Article from The Ordway New Era, January 24, 1908

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OFFICERS ARRESTED The Chieftain. Ford, Jan. 20.-Sheriff H. W. came up from La Junta today ced three of the officials of the state bank under arrest. re John E. Godding, president; mith. cashier, and O. W. Barkassistant cashier. The comwhich was sworn to by C. H. n, charges the officers of the 1th receiving money for deposit Im on December 27, 1907, when new the bank to be in an insolcondition. The bond required is for each of the officials. The men for John E. Godding and Smith are George Hammond rank Stoop. The bond of Mr. ey is signed by L. W. Babcock, Rex. James Butterfield. Henry ott and T. W. Barkley, Sr. Rocky Ford Tribune got out a edition this afternoon giving ver Hall's report of the condition e bank. Copies were eagerly t for by depositors. Receiver refused at this time to give any ment as what in his opinion the itors would receive, as there are any notes and loans that are hless and slow collection that he d not give out an accurate state't. ceiver Hall is carrying on his k in an excellent manner, and it nceded by everybody that no betman could have been chosen for position.


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, January 31, 1908

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STATE BANK STILL A TOPIC d le Street Discussion and Agitation Still Going on d e e OFFICIALS ARE AGAIN n CALLED IN COURT r it is e They Give Bonds in Another $5,000 n District Atty. says Receiver's e Report Shows Criminality Popular interest in the local bank failsituation was immensley revived fact on ure morning last by news of the o Godding. who was for appearance in court, d train west and that a office had from bonds the that Monday morning President the sheriff's been had deputy bonds under taken sent after him/to bring him back. His permitted his leaving town if he wished to do so. but it appears that another complaint had been filed with Deputy District Attorney W. E. McDaniels. at Saturday. asking the bank officers. arrest La Junta. of for It stopped the was re- on that President Godding was officer when his train this rado by an Springs. brought reached Colo- back and he was he Ford. Tuesday morning E. J. Smith and to and Rocky Cashier Assistant La Junta Cashier Barkley were taken to the new complaint, was H. I. Maxwell, filed and under by charging $1.750 which them on with receiving a deposit of December 21st, knowing the bank to be insolvent. new recognizances were asked the for. The sum was placed at $5,000. same as the first surety sum. Bondsmen for Messrs. Godding and in the persons of Smith were found George Frank Green. Hammond. Clinton DeLong and two of his were accepted in bondsmen For Mr. Barkley Babcock the previous further and sum of $5,000. being L. W. J.C.Rex. District Attorney S. H. White came down from Pueblo on Tuesday afternoon and held an interview with the Depositors Committee. going over the Receiver's report in detail. At the end of the interview Mr. White gave out the opinion'th of evidence on to criminal charges against the base there was plenty decided which officers to bank. If the depositors them it to take up the prosecution. of proceed of duty the against would be Under his law all the clerical force are held criminal along the a bank new state this with bank its officers. But as the closing of on the last day of I state law in regard to occurred and the new into December bank- force ing responsibility did not come until the new year it would probably not apply in this case. On Wednesday morning District AttorWhite went on to the county town it was understood he the character of the ney tigate where would securities invesgiven fcr the appearance of the bank officers when required in court, and when these were made satisfactory to the f Prosecutor, the filing of any further complaints by depositors should cease. d President Godding in an interview sent of to the daily press complains bitterly the treatment he has received at the of the depositors of his their prosecution of ing hands that him bank. amounts sayto persecution and that it has seriously interfered with the success of his efforts to rehabilitate the bank and pay them their money. G. W. Swink been in Kansas City week. He is there the Fenton land and terest for the of past in irrigation the to in- his project, which was turned over management by the district court in the interest of the creditors of the State Bank. Smith yesterday to Hall his home property Receiver Cashier conveyed and lots lots it. The property covers five street and is well on adjoining Tenth located. $11,000. The in the deed was inamount applies on Mr. consideration which Smith's debtedness to the bank. An incident of the persistent interest in the bank failure topic was the clash of prominent citizens on the street over south side Wednesday, his fist under the other's on two shook the when nose, libel and one threats of prosecution for malicious were indulged in. g A decision to increase the bonds of the bank officials was reached by District Attorney White yesterday at La Junta the afternoon train a of went down to be on depositors and on number called hand for. for the filing of more complaints if W. R. Cline of The City Realty Co. refrom Springer. N. M., last Saturwell pleased in detail with day turned the two Miami 40 ranch proposition, having sold acre ranches to two of the persons took that accompaied him and the other two option on 40 acres each.


Article from La Junta Tribune, April 25, 1908

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District Court. The district court was in session the first three days of this week, Judge Essex presiding. A synopsis of the proceedings had and done is as follows: In the case of the People vs. J. W. Kelly and James Edmonds, charged with the larceny of thirtyfive horses from the vicinity of Fowler, both of the defendants pleaded guilty. The young men are recent arrivals from Missouri, and both claim to be under age. They searched in vain for work and resorted to crime as a last resort, al leging that it looked easy to run a bunch of horses off the open range and dispose of them. Appearances indicated that Kelly had been chiefly instrumental in inducing his younger partner to stray from the path of rectitude and Judge Essex gave him a sentence of not less than three nor more than five years in the penitentiary. Edmonds was sentenced to the state reformatory at Buena Vista. Chris Meachum and Archibald pleaded guilty to burglarizing claim shanties in the vicinity of Timpas. Meachum received a penitentiary sentence of from two to three years and Apt was sentenced to the reformatory. Michael Malano was tried by a jury on a charge of as ault to mur der J. F. McCormick, night depotmaster for the Santa Fe at this point. The crime was committed several months ago, Malano stabbing McCormick when the latter attempted to arrest him. The jury brought in a verdict of assault with a deadly weapon, which is not a penitentiary offense, and Malano was given the full limit of the law by Judge Essex, of or e year in the county jail and a fine of $2,000. The case of M. Nechels vs. J. C. Nichols resulted in a non-suit, the costs being assesso d to the plaintiff. Nichols built a house for Nechels-the only house located in the City Park addition to La Juntafor $2100. Nechels sued for $1,000 damages. alleging d'efective construction, and the case resulted in a non-suit.| Twelve cases against William Spaur, charged with the larceny of various and sundry horses were nolle prossed, upon agreen ent, it is alleged, that the defendant return to the alleged owners all of the alleged horses alleged to have been stolen. The chief witness for the prosecution was L. A. Roland, and the district attorney was evidently doubtful as to a conviction being secured upon the evidence of a man who has served a term in the penitentiary for stealing cattle. Spaur was tried upon one of the informations several months ago and acquitted. The ex periment of trying to convict Spaur of horse stealing cost Otero county in the neighborhood of $1,000-probably more than the whole bunch of horses alleged to have been stolen were worth. Court adjourned last Wednesday afternoon. Next Monday Judge Rizer will come down from Pueblo to hear the case of State Bank Examiner Beatty vs. the State Bank of Rocky Ford. The cases have been set for hearing April 27th, 28th and 29th, and there are quite a number of them to determine claims for offsets-claims of people who had money in the bank at the time it failed who desire to offset their debts due the bank for money loaned.


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, December 18, 1908

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Receiver Hall Takes An Appeal. G.M. Hall, Receiver of the State Bank of Rocky Ford, has appealed to the Supreme Court from the decision of District Judge Rizer on a number of claims for preferences and set-offs. The cases being taken up are the claim of R. Beymer for a collection made for him. which was held to be a trust fund and awarded preference; the claim of Ramsey & Byars for a deed to Main street property on which they had been making payments month by month for several years, and on which property there is a mortgage of $2,500, which the Receiver was ordered to pay off; the claims of Hardey & Hardey, the Rocky Ford Trading Company. C. E. DeLong. the Rocky Ford M. E. church. D.V. Burrell and T. F. Godding. Jr., all for preference of the amount they had on deposit with the State Bank of Rocky Ford to apply on notes held by other banks as collateral. The amount involved in these eight cases IS considerable and Receiver Hall and his attorneys felt that the interests of the general creditors justified an appeal to the State Supreme Court. Some few claims are still under advisement by the court, on which a decision is expected shortly.


Article from The Monte Vista Journal, December 19, 1908

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STATE NEWS ITEMS The Colorado Kennel club will hold a bench show in Denver next Spring. A movement has been started to organize a new mining stock exchange in Denver. The Crystal Theatre Company, capItalized at $12,000, has been incorporated to conduct a vaudeville theater at Greeley. Antonito has voted for a gravity water system to be owned and operated by the town, drawing its water from large springs. On January 28th Leadville will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary by a "home coming" of Leadville pioneers. There will be "high old times"-about two miles high. A congress of Colorado Sunday school associations will be held at Pueblo Dec. 27th-29th. This will be the first time the congress has been held outside of Denver. The thirty-eighth annual session of the Colorado State Teachers' Association will be held in the East Side high school at Denver, Dec. 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st. Manager A. B. Hullt of the Kansas Colorado Power and Transmission Company, expects the road to be completed from Pueblo to the top of the Royal Gorge by May 1st next. On the night of the 8th inst. fire destroyed the shaft house and build. ings of the Mesa Mining & Milling Company at Unaweep, entailing a loss of $12,000. There was no insurance. Another 5 per cent. dividend has been declared by Richard H. Malone, receiver of the defunct Fidelity Sav. ings Association of Denver. This dividend means the disbursing of $41,000, and makes a total of 40 per cent. paid to depositors. Stephen N. Bennett, a pioneer nearly eighty-three years old, and brother-in-law of ex-Lieut. Gov. Brush, died at Greeley on the 10th inst. of disease incident to old age. Mr. Bennett came to Greeley over thirty years ago. John E. Godding, late president of the State Bank of Rocky Ford, convicted of receiving deposits after the bank was insolvent and sentenced to eight to ten years in the penitentiary at Canon City, was received into that institution on the 12th inst. Railway mail service to Walden, Colo., from Laramie, Wyo., will soon be turned over to Laramie, Hahn's Peak & Pacific railway, going by train to within thirty-five miles of Walden and then by star route. At present seventy miles is covered by stage. The scientific students and members of the University Scientific Society of the State University are cooperating with the office of state dairy commissioner for the purpose of purifying the milk and milk products which are produced in Boulder county. There is still talk at Fort Collins of Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson becoming president of Colorado Agricultural college. While it has not been definitely decided who will succeed Dr. B. O. Aylesworth, and probably will not for several weeks, there are rumors that Mr. Wilson will be chosen. The new town of Kuner, nine miles east of Greeley, has notified C. S. Morey, president of the Great Western Sugar Company, that it will donate eighty acres for a building and furnish water if he will establish a sugar factory there. Kuner town has a large cultivated area tributary to it. Conrad Markus, who came to Colorado from Russia six years ago to work in the beet fields, has just purchased an 80-acre farm a mile west of Greeley, for $13,000 from A. z. Salomon of Denver, who has held the land twenty years. Salomon purchased 320 acres for $1.50 an acre and values his remaining tract at $150 an acre. The Denver Reservoir Irrigation Company has just let a contract for the completion of the Stanley Lake dam, one of the chief works of the project, five miles north of the city limits of Denver. Kenefick & Quigley, of Kansas City, have undertaken the work for $420,000. To date on dams, canals and tunnels for the system, the irrigation c empany has let contracts calling for an expen jiture of about $1,620,000. At Cripple Creek Tucsday William Campion, a brother of Andy J. Campion, a commission man of Denver, sat down in a chair in the Jobbx of the No


Article from The Glenwood Post, December 19, 1908

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STATE NEWS ITEMS hold Colorado Kennel next club Spring. will bench The show in Denver started to organize a A movement a new mining has been stock exchange in capDenver. The Crystal Theatre has Company, been incorpor- theater at ated italized to at conduct $12,000, a vaudeville Greeley. voted for a gravity operAntonito has to be owned and water ated by water system the town, drawing its celefrom On large January springs. 28th anniversary Leadville will by a brate its thirtieth Leadville pioneers. There *home will coming" be "high of old times -about two miles high. of Colorado held Sunday at A congress associations will This be will be the first time the school Pueblo Dec. 27th-29th. congress has been held of outside The thirty-eighth of Denver. Teachers' annual session Associathe Colorado State in the East Side high 30th and tion school will at be Denver, held Dec. 28th, 29th, Manager 31st. A. B. Hulit of Transmission the Kansasroad to be Colorado Company, expects Power Pueblo the and to the top of com- the from 1st next. fire pleted Gorge by May 8th inst. Royal night of the and buildOn the shaft house Milling loss at Unaweep, no ings destroyed of the the Mesa Mining entailing insurance. & a Company of $12,000. There was dividend has 5 per cent. H. Malone, Another by Richard Savof the This receiver been declared defunct of Denver. Fidelity $41,000. diviAssociation of dend means a total of 40 per ings and depositors. makes the disbursing cent. pioneer paid to N. Bennett, a old, and nearly Stephen eighty-three of years ex-Lieut. the Gov. 10th brother-in-law died at Greeley on old age. Mr. Brush, of disease incident to over thirty years Bennett inst. came to Greeley of ago. E. Godding, late president Ford, conJohn State Bank of Rocky after the victed the of receiving deposits and sentenced to was insolvent the penitentiary 12th eight bank Canon to ten City, years was in received inst. into Walden. that institution at on mail the service to be Railway from Laramie, Wyo., Hahn's will soon Peak Colo., over to Laramie, by train to turned Pacific railway, going of Walden and within & thirty five miles At present seventy then by star route. stage. miles The is scientific covered students by Scientific and members Society of the University State University are dairy cooperat- coming with the office purpose of missioner for products of the the milk of state purifying which of the produced milk and in Boulder county. Collins are There is still talk at Fort James Wilson Secretary of Agriculture of Colorado Agribecoming While it has Dr. cultural college. president who will succeed not been definitely B. O. Aylesworth, decided and there probably are will rumors not weeks, chosen. miles that for several Mr. Wilson will be nine new town of notified Kuner, C.S. Mor The of Greeley, has Great Western president that it will for a east ey, Sugar Company, of building the and furnish donate faceighty acres will establish a sugar large water there. if he Kuner town to has it. a to Colocultivated tory area tributary came Conrad Markus, who years ago to work from Russia six just purchased the beet west of rado dn 80-acre farm fields, a mile has Z. Salomon Greeley, of Denan from A. land twenty Salomon values for ver, $13,000 who has held purchased and the 320 his acres reyears. $1.50 an acre an acre. maining for tract at $150 Reservoir Irrigation the Denver contract for dam, completion works Company The has of just the let Stanley a of the Lake project, of the chief of the city limits five miles morth & Quigley, of one Kenefick undertaken the canals work Kan- of Denver. have dams, sas for $420,000. tunnels City, for To the date system, contracts on the calling irrigafor William and tion an company expenditure has let of Tuesday about $1,620,000. Cripple Creek Andy J. Cam a of Campion, At commission brother man of Denver, of the Na sat a in the lobby A hotel and went to discovered later a The coroner's pion, minutes down tiona! in a chair dead. porter sleep. death that was few au Campion disclosed was the fact that the heart. topsy due to a blod a clot butcher, near thirty-four years Campion old. was He leaves of a Trinidad, widow. Demo Ben Beshoar Senate at cratic Dr. nominee for has the served state notice of the last election, Senator Casimero election contest has upon just received secretary his cer Barela, who of election from contest the was also tificate of Isaac state. Notice W. Boyles and of served upon W. Ranublican recenta


Article from The Colorado Statesman, December 19, 1908

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COLORADO A novement has been started to organize a new mining stock exchange in Denver. Antonito has voted for a gravity to be owned operthe town, drawing ated water by system and its water from large springs. A short distance west of Fort Morgan a Union Pacific train ran into a herd of about 125 antelope, a few days since, killing two of them. Invitations have been issued by the of Colorado for a conferof and ence University principals superintendents Boulder of high schools of the state at Jan. 1st and 2nd. The taxpayers of Denver on January vote on the about $1,000,000 of 19th suing will question school bonds of build- isfor the erection of new school ings, repairs and additions. On January 28th Leadville will celeits thirtieth of brate "home coming" anniversary Leadville pioneers. by a There will be "high old times"-about twe miles high. A congress of Colorado Sunday school associations will be held at Pueblo Dec. 27th-29th. This will be the first time the congress has been held outside of Denver. The thirty-eighth annual session of the Colorado State Teachers' Association will be held in the East Side high school at Denver, Dec. 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st. Manager A. B. Hulit of the KansasPower and Transmission expects the road to Company, Colorado be of com- the pleted from Pueblo to the top Royal Gorge by May 1st next. On the night of the 8th inst. fire the shaft house the Mesa Mining & destroyed ings of and Milling build- loss Company at Unaweep, entailing a of $12,000. There was no insurance. The new sewer system at Fort Morgan has been completed at a cost of about $60,000. Work has been going on for four months and sixteen miles of pipe have been laid. This covers the entire town and all additions. Another 5 per cent. dividend has Richard of the defunct been receiver declared by Fidelity H. Malone. divi- Savings Association of Denver. This dend means the disbursing of $41,000. and makes a total of 40 per cent. paid to depositors. Colorado College is planning a sumof in Manitou park every ducted mer school surveying to and June, be civil con- as part of the work of mining It will cost of has already which engineering $1,000 been $2,500, donated by a Denver man. N. Bennett. a Stephen old, pioneer and nearly eighty-three years of died at Greeley on brother-in-law Brush, ex-Lieut. old the Gov. 10th Mr. inst. of disease incident to age. Bennett came to Greeley over thirty years ago. John E. Godding, late president of the State Bank of Rocky Ford, convicted of receiving deposits after the insolvent and to to ten years in the eight bank was sentenced penitentiary into at Canon City, was received that institution on the 12th inst. scientific students and members of of University are The the the University State Scientific cooperat- Society comwith the office of state dairy for the purpose of and milk missioner ing the milk products purifying which are produced in Boulder county. The new town of Kuner, nine miles east of Greeley, has notified C.S. Morof the that it ey, Sugar president Company, Great will and Western furnish donate eighty acres for a building water if he will establish a sugar factory there. Kuner town has a large cultivated area tributary to it. It is reported that a $500,000 strucbe most attractive in archiand a combination a for the new nal tecture ture depot to electric of railway termifirst-class hotel, is to avenue in and on Union a Pueblo, and be hotel built that Sam F. Dutton of the Albany of Denver has practically consented to take its management. Denver.-A Grand Junction dispatch says: A steam railroad from Grand Junction to the Plateau valley, a disof miles, will the people ed, tance provided forty of be that construct- section will raise a bonus of $75,000. This was the announcement made by George Smith, a Western slope promoter, who has just returned from New York. The Denver Reservoir Irrigation has just let a contract for the of the chief works of one Company completion of the Stanley the Lake project, dam, five miles north of the city limits of Denver. Kenefick & Quigley, of Kansas City, have undertaken the work To date on and tunnels for the system, for $420,000. contracts dams, the calling canals irrigation has let for of who came to ColoConrad an c mpany expenditure Markus, about $1,620,000. rado from Russia six years ago to work


Article from The Daily Sentinel, April 3, 1909

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BANK ROW IN HIGH COURT. The affairs of the defunct State Bank of Rocky Ford have reached the supreme court in an application by Receiver Hill to have the court review certain decisions rendered by the district court on various matters pertaining to the bank. The decisions in seven cases have been appealed. For the most part the question to be settled relates to those clients of the bank who owe the bank money on notes and who have cash deposits to their credit when the bank failed. In several instances the notes given by clients had been backed up by security in Pueblo and Denver banks and an attempt to settle met with failure. The men who owe the bank notes maintain that the amount they had on deposit should be credited to the notes. The other banks holding the notes refused to settle with the receiver except on their face value or upon the amount of the loan being paid, and the men giving the notes refuse to pay them unless they are given full credit for their bank deposits. The receiver took the position that the bank deposits and the notes were two separate transactions: that the men should pay the notes and then take their pro rata of what was coming to them on deposits. This several of the depositors refused to do, the district court sustained them and the receiver appealed.


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, January 14, 1910

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For Sale or Rent. The E. J. Smith property, corner of Swink Ave. and Tenth street. G. M. Hall, Receiver, State Bank of Rocky Ford.


Article from Rocky Ford Enterprise, June 24, 1910

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GODDING WILL BE REARRESTED So Decides Depositors in Mass Meeting Wednesday CHARGE CONSPIRACY TO WRECK BANK Receiver Comes in for Censure Because of Infrequent Reports to Depositors Pursuant to a call of the depositors committee a mass meeting of depositors of the defunct State Bank was held in 1. O. O.F. hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose of determining whether there should be any further prosecution of John E. Godding. the convicted banker, who is due to leave the penitentiary next Monday. Paul M. North was elected chairman and S. S. Bailey secretary. and the depositors at once got down to business and unanimously adopted the following preamble and resolution presented by J.W. Edgar: Whereas, John E. Godding. late president of the State Bank of Rocky Ford. who was tried and convicted on the charge of receiving deposits when the bank was insolvent and when he know it was insolvent, and who was triea upon four counts and convicted and sentenced by District Judge Rizer to a term of from 8 to 10 years in the state penitentiary, and whose sentence was later reduced to 2 years in each case and the sentences made to run at the same time, by ExGov. H. A. Buchtel in an act that was neither decent nor christian under the facts presented to him by the depositors; and Whereas, John E. Godding will be released from the penitentiary on June 27, by reason of this commutation. after an imprisonment of only about 17 months; and Whereas, His punishment has not equalled his crime by any means: he was guilty of receiving deposits when his bank was insolvent for years prior to its failure; he was even guilty of a conspiracy to wreck his bank. as the institution could not have been in a worse condition when it failed: therefore be it Resolved by the depositors of the late State Bank of Rocky Ford, that John E. Godding be rearrested immediately upon his release from the penitentiary, and that he be retried upon the charge of receiving deposits when the bank was insolvent and also upon the charge of being a party to conspiracy to wreck the bank. and that the district attorney be instructed to push these cases at once and try them as soon as possible at the next term of court; and a copy of this resolution be sent to the district attorney immediately. On motion of W. J. Brown the old depositors committee was discharged and a new one elected consisting of Paul M. North, A. C. Sloan, George Todd, H. M. Minor and O. J. Baxter. Receiver Hall was freely censured because of his failure to report conditions as frequently as the depositors felt they were entitled, and the meeting passed resolutions insisting upon being more frequently informed in future. The meeting then adjourned subject to call of the committee.


Article from La Junta Tribune, December 17, 1910

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Argument in Godding Case Postponed Taking of testimony was concluded in the Godding case In the district court last Saturday, in which G. M. Hall, as receiver of the defunct State Bank of Rocky Ford, is endeavoring to secure possession of the Godding home in Rocky Ford and a one-half interest in the bank building. Loth of which are in the name of Mrs. J. E. Godding. The lawyers were anx. lous to conclude the caca Saturday and asked for a night session in which to make the argument. Judge Morris, of Colorado Springs, who presided on the bench during the trial, said that be did not feel like listen. ing to the argument that evening. and as he wanted to go home and spend Christmas with his family. be would postpone further consideration of the case` until Friday, December 30th. when the lawyers would be given an opportunity to exercise theil vocal powers for the reat of the year, If they felt no Inclined.