14784. Broome County National Bank (Binghamton, NY)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Start Date
January 24, 1895
Location
Binghamton, New York (42.099, -75.918)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
acdd8fdb

Response Measures

None

Description

State examiner closed the Chenango Valley Savings Bank for defalcation by cashier/treasurer T.R. Morgan; Broome County National Bank (same offices) suspended on Jan 24, 1895. Examiner Van Vranken later opened the bank to pay some notes and then a receiver (O. U. Kellogg) was appointed; the bank remained in receivership and a first dividend was sent in March 1895. Panic and runs affected other Binghamton banks, but the Broome County National suspension was driven by bank-specific embezzlement and led to receivership/closure.

Events (4)

1. January 24, 1895 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
defalcation by Treasurer Morgan...defalcation confessed...Books in bad condition; not written or posted. (Chenango Valley Savings Bank; same management and cashier).Burglary of the vault was attempted about 3 A. M. by Cashier Morgan and President Brownson...
2. January 24, 1895 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suspension followed discovery and confession of large defalcation/embezzlement by cashier/treasurer T. R. (Tracey) Morgan; attempted removal of books and vault burglary attempt by Morgan and President Brownson reported.
Newspaper Excerpt
Broome County National Bank, in the same rooms, has suspended, Morgan is cashier.
Source
newspapers
3. January 28, 1895 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Examiner Van Vranken to-night announced the appointment of O. U. Kellogg, of Cortland, N. Y., as receiver of the Broome County National Bank. (Jan. 28, 1895).
4. March 15, 1895 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
checks were yesterday sent to the receiver of the Broome County National Bank ... to pay a first dividend of 2 per cent to the creditors of the failed bank. (Mar. 15, 1895).

Newspaper Articles (12)

Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, January 25, 1895

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ANOTHER BANKING CRASH. One Bank Closed and One Suspends at Birmingham, N. Y.-Defalcation by Treasurer. Albany, N. Y., Jan. 24.-The following dispatch from State Bank Examiner Backus at Binghamton, was received at the state banking department, this afternoon: "Have closed the Chenango Valley Savings Bank; defalcation by Treasurer Morgan; the cause and full extent not known. Books in bad condition; not written or posted; defalcation confessed. Broome County National Bank, in the same rooms, has suspended, Morgan was cashier. A burglary of the vault was attempted about 3 A. M. by Cashier Morgan and President Brownson of the National Bank, but was prevented by a detective I had engaged."


Article from The Times, January 25, 1895

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NOTHER CASHIER GOES WRONG. T. R. Morgan, of a Binghampton Savings Bank, a Defaulter. BINGHAMPTON, N. Y., Jan. 24.-Detective Stevenson, of the local police force, was ordered by Bank Examiner Clark yesterday afternoon to watch the Chenango Valley Savings Bank, which has its offices in the Phelps Bank Building. In company with Officer Heath, the detective remained in the vicinity all night. About 4 o'clock this morning Tracey R. Morgan, the treasurer of the bank, was seen to enter the bank. He came out again in a few minutes and went to the grocery store of D. T. Brownson, who is the president of the bank. A few minutes later he came out with a basket, followed by Mr. Brownson, and both of them returned to the bank. Half an hour later the two men came out with the basket full of books and papers. They went up Chenango street, followed by Detective Stevenson and Officer Heath. Stevenson requested Morgan and Brownson to return the books and papers to the bank. Morgan refused, claiming that they were his private property. The detective insisted, and the bank officials returned to the bank with the books and papers. This morning the bank was closed by Bank Examiner Clark on an order from State Superintendent of Banking Preston. Citizens had recovered from the shock following the suspension of the Merchants and the Ross private bank, and affairs were assuming their normal aspect. when the rumor was circulated that the mango Valley Bank had drawn its curtains. On the heels of this startling report came the announcement that the National Broome County Bank had also closed. Citizens were fairly paralyzed with astonishment, and the apprehension of small depositors was magnified by exaggerated stories which were circulated to the injury of other local banking institutions. The news regarding the failure spread rapidly, and as each messenger enlarged upon the conditions, panic seized the populace, and It became apparent that a run upon the bank would be inevitable. It became evident that nothing could' Just prevent the abnormal pressure. such a movement had been anticipated, however, and the solid institutions were prepared for the rush. The run on the Binghampton Savings Bank was heavy, and the crowd of anxious depositors increased with the hours, but the bank was prepared for the emergency. The officers, pale, but cool and composed, stood behind the heavy plate-glass windows surrounded by piles of shining gold and silver. They had protected themselves with a large amount of cash, and during the day telegrams were received from Metropolitan banking institutions to the effect that they would support the Binghampton banks for unlimited amounts. Runs were also made upon the other banks of the city, but all depositors were promptly paid. and when the doors were closed at 3 o'clock it was evident that the rush and fright was over. ALBANY, N. Y., Jan. 24.-The following dispatch from State Bank Examiner Philo H. Backus, at Binghampton, was received at the State Banking Department this afternoon: Have closed Chenango Valley Savings Bank: defalcation by Treasurer Morgan the cause and full extent not known; books in bad condition-not written or posted; defalcation confessed: Broome County National Bank, in same room, has suspended: Morgan is cashier. Have wired Superintendent Preston in full to notified the of vault M. Currency. Burglary New by York Cashier and Received Morgan attempted replies Comptroller and from about President of both. 3 A. Brownson, of National Bank; prevented by detective whom I had engaged."


Article from The Jersey City News, January 25, 1895

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BROOME'S BANK TROUBLES. BINGHAMTON, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1895.Late yesterday afternoon it was learned that the following sensational dispatch had been sent by State Bank Examiner Philo H. Backus to the State Banking Department at Albany:"Have closed Chenango Valley Savings Bank; defalcation by Treasurer Morgan; the cause and full extent not known. Books in bad condition; not written or posted: defalcation confessed. "Broome County National Bank in same room has suspended; Morgan is cashier. Have wired Supt. Preston in full in New York. Burglary of vault attempted about 3 A. M. by Cashier Morgan and President Brownson of National Bank; prevented by detective whom I have engaged." The truth of these charges is questioned by citizens, and there is considerable criticism regarding the action of Examiner Backus for indulging in such extraordinary statements. It is believed that the action of the bankers and the condition of the bank's affairs will not justify the charges. D. L. Brownson last evening made the following statement:-"The books and papers that Mr. Morgan and myself attempted to remove to his house on Thursday morning were entirely of a private nature, belonging to Mr. Morgan individually, and were in no way connected with either the Broome County National or the Chenango Valley Savings Bank.'


Article from Evening Star, January 25, 1895

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AN AGED BANKER'S CRIME. T. R. Morgan of Binghamton, N. Y., Confesses His Dishonesty. The news of the suspension of the two banks at Binghamton, N. Y., yesterday spread rapidly, and when the news of the attempt to steal the books was noised abroad a panic was created. All the other city banks were beseiged with depositors all day long. The Broome County National Bank was the repository for the city and county funds, amounting in all to nearly $300,000. But the sensation of the day, however, was reserved until the afternoon, when the confession of Treasurer T. R. Morgan of the banks to Examiner Backus was made public. The New York Tribune correspondent saw Mr. Backus and learned that Morgan had confessed to embezzling nearly $100,000, and also to forgery on several occasions. He has changed the bank records, made false entries and erasures, and his embezzlement had caused the wreck of the savings bank. Examiner Backus said he had hardly looked into the books before he saw that there had been crooked work. He accused Morgan of defaulting, but he denied it. Later on, when more proof came up, the bank official was forced to acknowledge his guilt. He made a written confession to the examiner later, and yesterday his evident intention, when removing the books, was to cover up the traces of his guilt. When the examiner discovered the true state of affairs he forbade Morgan and Brownson to be at the bank. Their entrance yesterday is nothing short of burglary, and this with Morgan's confession of stealing gives sufficient ground for a criminal action against them both. Mr. Morgan is seventy-nine years old and has been one of the most respected citizens of Binghamton. He is one of the trustees of Christ Episcopal Church. He served the city one term as mayor. Mr. Morgan was also a prominent Odd Fellow, and, indeed, was custodian of the Binghamton Lodge's funds to the amount of $20,000. The lodge contemplated building a chapter house with this, but it is feared that his peculations have been extended to this sum. Morgan refuses to see any one.


Article from The Norfolk Virginian, January 25, 1895

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HEAVY BANK RUNS. Series of Examinations and Startling Disclosures. By Southern Associated Press ALBANY, N. Y., Jenuary 24.-The following dispatch from State Bank Examiner Philo H, Backus, at Binghamton, was received at the State banking department thisafternoon: "Have closed Chenango Valley Savings Bank; defalcation by Treasurer Morgan; the cause and full ex tent not known; books in bad condi tion; not written or posted; defalcation confessed, Broome County National Bank in same room has suspended. Morgan is cashier. Have wired Superintendent Preston in full to New York and notified Comptroller of Currency. Received replies from both. Burglary of vault attempted about 3 a, m. by Cashier Morgan


Article from The Portland Daily Press, January 26, 1895

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MORE BANKS INVOLVED. Binghampton, New York Surprised by the Defalcation Of Cashier Morgan of the Chenango Val ley Savings Bank Who is Also Treasurer of the Broome County National Bank. Binghampton, N. Y., January 25.-It is learned that the following sensational dispatch yesterday was sent mb State Bank Examiner Philo B. Backus. to the State Banking Department at Albany: Have closed the Chenango Valley Savings bank: defalcation by Treasurer Morgan the cause and its full extent is not known. The books are in bad condition: not written or posted. The defalcation is confessed. The Broome County National bank, in the same room, has suspended. Morgan is cashier. I have wired Superintendent Preston in full in New York. Burglary of the vault was attempted about three this morning by Cashier Morgan and President Brownson of the National bank, but was prevented by a detective engaged. The truth of these charges is questioned by citizens. and there is considerable criticism regarding the action of Examiner Backus for indulging in such extraordinary statements. It is believed the action of the bankers and the condition of the bank's affairs do not justify the charges. D.L. Brownson says the papers that Mr. Morgan and he attempted to remove Thursday morning are entirely of a private nature, belonging to Mr. Morgan individually, and in no way connected with either the Broome County National or Cherango Valley Savings bank. At noon today J. Va Vranken, National bank examiner, reached the city from Washington, and immediately took charge of the affairs of the National Broome County bank. Should it be found insolvent, an application will be made for the appointment of a receiver. Col. George W. Dunn will be appointed receiver of the Merchants bank which closed today. Depositors in the latter bank will probably receive about 50 per cent of their deposits if the present securities hold good.


Article from New-York Tribune, January 27, 1895

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BINGHAMTON BANK ! MINERS AT ODDS MR. BACKUS CRITICISES MR. VAN VRANKEN'S METHODS-ANOTHER FORGED PAPER IN THE SAVINGS BANK'S EFFECTS. Binghamton, N. Y., Jan. 26 (Special).-There Is a growing unpleasantness between National Bank Examiner J. Van Vranken, of Schenectady, and State Bank Examiner Philo H. Backus, of Albany, who have been in this city all the week, in charge respectively of the Broome County National Bank and the Chenango Valley Savings Bank The cause is some remarks made by Examiner Backus, as to the alleged careless way in which the National examiners do their work of Inspection. It appears that the Broome County National was examined o'. January 17. either by Mr. Van Vranken in person or under his supervision The affairs of the bank were pronounced all right, but just a week afterward the doors were closed. It is asserted that the National bank is in far worse condition than the savings bank, having suffered more than its neighbor from the alleged defalcation of Cashier Morgan. In explaining this, Mr. Backus remarked that the system of examining National banks was exceedingly loose, and that not a National bank had been found insolvent by the National examiners in fifty years. He added that the system of examination Instituted by Mr. Preston, State Superintendent of Banking was far superior to any other. Since then there has been a decided coldness between the two examiners, despite the fact that they formerly had been personal friends. Examiner Van Vranken said In a disgusted tone of voice to-night that Backus might say what he liked about the National examiners, but that didn't make It so. Affairs in financial circles are quiet, the run on the banks being over, and deposits are now being taken in by those Institutions almost as rapidly as they were drawn out a day or two ago. Considerable excitement was caused this afternoon by the announcement of the discovery of another forged paper in the effects of the savings bank. It Is stated that It was a check for $1,200. As Mr. Backus is out of town, further particulars regarding the forgery could not be obtained. The work of examining the books of the two defunct banks is proceeding rather slowly on account of the much-muddled condition of the records. The examiners say that it will be several weeks before the exact condition of the banks can be made public. To-day's interest seemed to centre around the affairs of the Merchants' Bank, which failed first of all, on Monday No one can do more than surmise how much will be saved, but the fact that no figures have yet been given by Examiner Clark would seem to prove that the affairs of that institution are in a tangled condition. While the Ross property is large and the Ross Investments are numerous, the deposits in the bank were also extensive, and the fact that there has been a decided shrinkage in the Investments makes the outlook rather discouraging. although. If it be within Mr. Ross's power, it can be safely said that every depositor will be paid in full.


Article from New-York Tribune, January 29, 1895

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THE PLIGHT OF BINGHAMTON. NO MONEY TO PAY ITS EMPLOYES AND OFFICIALS-BROOME COUNTY ALSO HARD UP. Binghamton, Jan. 28 (Special).-This city is bankrupt. The public funds were on deposit in the National Broome County Bank, which closed its doors in last week's panic and is now in the hands of Examiner Van Vranken. The total amount of the funds in the bank was $101,026 85, and this is needed February 1 to pay policemen, teachers and other employes and public officers. The matter seemed so serious that this evening the Board of Aldermen held a special meeting and decided to borrow money enough for current expenses. The Binghamton Trust Company, one of the banking-houses that survived the panic, has offered to advance any amount the city needs. Broome County is almost in as bad shape, as all the county funds were on deposit in the defunct bank, amounting to about $100,000. They were deposited there by County Treasurer John A. Rider, and his bondsmen. T. R. Morgan, D. L. Brownson, A. S. Miner, Erastus Ross, W. P. Hallock and Frederick P. Ockerman, are responsible to the county to the amount of the treasurer's bond, $75,000. if the bank falls to pay off its depositors. Messrs. Brownson and Morgan were officers of the bank. The doors of the bank were opened this afternoon by the examiner for the payment of notes held by the bank which are about due. Examiner Van Vranken says he does not think the bank will open for regular business for some time, but that a receiver will be appointed. The depositors In this city have no use for a receiver for any of the defunct institutions, as they say it only means a large expenditure of their money. Justice Parker, of the Supreme Court, will appoint a receiver for the Merchants' Bank to-morrow. State Senator Edmund O'Connor, who has returned from Albany, said that the Superintendent of Banking, Mr. Preston, has decided that a receiver is not necessary for the Chenango Valley Savings Bank. Cashier Morgan. whom State Examiner Backus charges with embezzlement has outlined his defence. His attorney said that it would be "carelessness and old age." Morgan had been in charge of the bank nearly fifty years. and grew to think he could do as he pleased with the depositors' funds. He was also very careless in keeping books. It is not thought that the savings bank will be in condition to reopen for some months yet. The examiners are not hurrying. and as a consequence many of the poorer depositors are selling their bankbooks at heavy discounts to unscrupulous speculators. The banks closed at just the worst time in the year for the poor. as the winter is at its most severe point, and fuel and provisions are high. The charitable organizations are having all they can do to look out for these unfortunates. All business in the city is practically paralyzed. Cashier Morgan is still at large, and Examiner Backus does not show any great inclination to arrest him. Examiner Van Vranken to-night announced the appointment of O. U. Kellogg, of Cortland, N. Y., as receiver of the Broome County National Bank.


Article from Fisherman & Farmer, February 1, 1895

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BANKS CLOSED. Two Institutions at Binghamton, N. Y., Fall. Bank Examiner Prescott has closed the doors of the Chenango Valley Savings Bank in Binghamton, N. Y., pending an investigation. The Treasurer, Tracy 1. Morgan, has confessed a defalcation of $100,000. His action was precipitated by an effort on the part of Morgan and President Brownson to carry away the books of the bank about midnight. In thesame building and under the same management is the Broome County National Bank, which was examined last month by Bank Examiner Backus and pronounced all right. State Bank Examiner Backus has taken charge of the Broome County National Bank, acting under the orders of the Comptroller of the Currency. The bank had an authorized circulation of $90,000 and was capiItalized at $100,000. All the securities and cash of the savings were in the vaults Bank. bank hamton Savings placed Detective of the Robert BingStevenson was sent to watch the building. About 5.30 next morning he saw Brownson emerge from bushel basket between 'and ing A Morgan the them. bank, It carry. was filled with books and papers, and each man carried a large bank book under his arm. The officer stopped the men and insisted that the property be returned to the bank. After some argument Brownson and Mergan carried the back. Bank Examiners Backus were Immediately and property Mooney Recorder called Roberts. and sent for an attorney, Mr. Morgan was told that he must not take any property away from the bank. Backus said : "I the bank In a books Bank of Examiner this horrible condition. found It will be aiongtimebeforetheyarestratghtlened out. Shortly after I came here last week I found out that some one had been defaulting. I intimated to Mr. Morgan in a mild way that he was to blame, and he said nothing. Later I took the bull by the horns and directly charged him with it. He admitted he had taken the funds of the ban I was taken sick at the hotel, and Morgan and Mr. Brownson came to see me. 1 finally got Morgan to admit that he had taken the funds of the bank, but I am not at liberty to tell all that he told me. I then cautioned both mon not to go noar the bank and touching one of Morgan promised papers. against to the keep books away, I was or but subsequent events proved that justified in taking the savings bank funds and securities to the Binghamton Savings Bank. 'Morgan and Brownson are liable for in entering this bank and taking If I had not burglary out the books. had books the build- here ing watched, I should have no to-day to work on. I certainly never found a bank in such a condition. "I can't say how the affairs of the National Broome County Bank stand and I do not know whether or not funds from the savings have been transferred to the National state how heavy been. I hope it has not bank cation Bank. has Icannot the been defal- BUTficiently large to break the bank. It became absolutely necessary to close this bank until we could find out how its finances stood." The last statement of the savings bank showed a surplus of over 667,000. There was a heavy run on the other savbanks in the city all day, but money in on every train, and the ings came $1,000,000 New York into banks said they would put the city if necessary. Tracy R. Morgan has been Mayor of Binghamton, and, during his thirty years residence, has been looked upon as an upright citizen. Heisabout seventy-nine years old. The bank examiner has found that during the past thirty years a correct trinl balance had never been taken in that bank. The question is what has Morgan done with the money. It is not known that he was exor had any vices. one knew anything employes travagant of Not his girl, accounts, who of has the with the exception of A young for several years been Morgan's chief helper.


Article from Essex County Herald, February 1, 1895

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Banks in Trouble. A despatch from State Bank Examiner Backus at Binghampton, New York was received at the state' banking department at Albany, stating: "Have closed Shenango Valley Savings Bank; defalcation by Treasurer Morgan; the cause and full extent not known. Books in bad condition, not written or posted; defalcation confessed. Broome county National Bank, in same rooms has suspended. Morgan is cashier. Burglary of vault attempted about 3 a. m. by Cashier Morgan and Pres. Brownson of the national bank; prevented by detectives whom I had engaged."


Article from Evening Star, March 15, 1895

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A Failed Bank's First Dividend. Mr. Eckels, the controller of the currency, said today that checks were yesterday sent to the receiver of the Broome County National Bank at Binghamton, N. Y., with which to pay a first dividend of 2 per cent to the creditors of the failed bank. Mr. Eckels is now convinced that the bank will pay anywhere from 50 to 75_ per cent and possibly as high as 90 per cent. The amount above 50 or 60 per cent will depend largely upon whether the national bank is eventually held to be liable for certain savings bank deposits.


Article from New-York Tribune, October 28, 1904

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EX-MAYOR TRACY R. MORGAN. Binghamton, N. Y., Oct. 27.-Tracy R. Morgan, a former Mayor of Binghamton. died at his home in this city to-day at the age of 86 years. Mr. Morgan was cashier of the Broome County National Bank and treasurer of the Chenango Valley Savings Bank, the wrecking of which institutions precipitated the bank panie of 1894 in this city. Mr. Morgan had been under indictment since the collapse of these banks, but owing to his age and physical infirmity, the case was never brought to trial.