15300. Citizens National Bank (Oberlin, OH)

View Charter #2718 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
72
Charter Number
2718
Start Date
November 26, 1904
Location
Oberlin, Ohio (41.294, -82.217)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
fa0e58d3c016ba10

Response Measures

Borrowed from banks or large institutions, Full suspension, Books examined

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
67.0%
Date receivership started
1904-11-28
Date receivership terminated
1913-06-30
OCC cause of failure
Excessive lending
Share of assets assessed as good
44.7%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
7.1%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
48.2%

Description

Newspaper accounts (late Nov 1904) report a run (Saturday) triggered by a rumor about the bank's exposure to Cassie L. Chadwick, followed by the board closing the bank and placing it in charge of the national bank examiner (Nov 28, 1904). A receiver was later named and assets (including collateral jewelry) were handled by the Comptroller/receiver; bank officials later testified in the Chadwick criminal case. Sequence: run → suspension/closing → receivership (permanent failure).

Events (6)
1. August 29, 1863 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. June 2, 1882 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
3. November 26, 1904 Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Newspapers say the run followed a rumor that the bank held large loans/notes of Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick (rumor that she had borrowed largely from the institution).
Measures
Officials sought arrangements for $300,000 from a New York bank to meet withdrawals; later the doors were opened to permit retrieval of papers/valuables under receiver supervision.
Newspaper Excerpt
On Saturday there was a run on the bank ... The run continued during the late afternoon and evening.
Source
newspapers
4. November 28, 1904 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
5. November 28, 1904 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Board met and closed the bank after heavy withdrawals depleted cash and it was understood the bank carried large notes/loans connected to Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick, whose 'securities' were later shown to be worthless/forged; bank was placed in charge of the national bank examiner and later a receiver was named.
Newspaper Excerpt
This bank will not open this morning, or until further notice. The bank is in charge of the national bank examiner for examination and investigation.
Source
newspapers
6. December 3, 1904 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
L. L. Miller, who was at first named receiver for the closed Citizens' National bank, has been recalled ... and Robert Lyons has succeeded him in charge of the bank's affairs. The doors of the bank were opened ... and people ... were allowed to secure them from private safety vaults.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)
1. November 28, 1904 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, November 28, 1904

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Bank Closed. Oberlin, O., Nov. 28.-The Citizens' National Bank closed its doors this morning, and the following notice was posted on the door: "This bank will not open this morning, nor until further notice The bank is in charge of the national bank examiner for examination." C. G. Beckwith is president-of the institution. No statement furth than that on the door has been is The bank was founded in 185° the only national bank ir There is great excitemen' business men, Beckwith made a st er ing to the effect Shear made a he e ago on whathe termed nrity." On SatThe loan falls due e bank. The urday there was a run run continued during the late afternoon and evening. The calls for de₁ osits depleted the cash on hand, the officials admit. They say arrangements have been made with a New York bank for $300,000, which is due here Tuesday. By the receipt of this the bank may be opened.

2. November 28, 1904 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 28, 1904

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SENSATION OVER SUIT CLEVELAND WOMAN ASKED TO RETURN LARGE LOAN. Plaintiff in Action is a Prominent Business Man of Brookline, Mass. -Ohio Bank Closed. NEW YORK, November 28.-A sensation has been caused here by the bringing of suit by Herbert D. Newton of Brookline, Mass., against Mrs. Cassie Chadwick of Cleveland, Ohio, for $190,800 for money loaned. Mrs. Chadwick is the wife of a Cleveland physician. In addition to Mr. Newton's suit several banks have taken legal action to recover various amounts, which bring the total sum to $267,800. Mr. Newton alleges that Mrs. Chadwick told him she had $5,000,000 in bonds and securities held in trust by Ira Reynolds, secretary and treasurer of the Wade Park Banking Company of Cleveland, and that she had a note for $500,000 which she could negotiate at any time for the purpose of paying Newton. He loaned her $190,800. P. W. Carver of Boston, attorney for Mr. Newton, in a statement for his client, said that when the loan became payable it was not met and that then he, Mr. Carver, had a conference with Mrs. Chadwick and her counsel. "The statement was made to me," said Mr. Carver, "that the securities held as a trust fund would soon be released and that in a short time all the various obligations would be paid. "Later I went to Cleveland, where I had a conference with Mr. Reynolds, but he refused to disclose any information as to the securities in his care. Suit in Equity Filed. "Following another conference with Mrs. Chadwick's counsel last Monday we decided to bring a suit in equity for the recovery of the money and have obtained injunctions restraining Mr. Reynolds from putting the securities out of his possession, and also to prevent Mrs. Chadwick from disposing of them." In regard to the value of the securities held in trust by Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Carver declined to make any statement. Besides Mr. Newton, the plaintiffs in the suit against Mrs. Chadwick are the Euclid Avenue Savings and Trust Company of Cleveland, for $38,231; the Savings Deposit Bank and Trust Company of Elyria, Ohio, for $10,000, and the American Exchange National Bank for $28,808. The magnitude of the suits and sensational stories growing out of the case attracted much attention here. Mrs. Chadwick came here last Thursday and went to a hotel. At this hotel it was said today that she had remained only one day, but it was believed that she was still in the city. Her husband is believed to be in Europe. Oberlin Bank Closed. OBERLIN, Ohio, November 28.-The Citizens' National Bank of this place was closed this morning. The action was taken as a result of a meeting of the board of directors held yesterday. The following notice was posted on the bank door today: "This bank will not open this morning, or until further notice. The bank is in charge of the national bank examiner for examination and investigation." A financial statement issued by the bank in September last showed the capital stock to be $60,000; surplus, $20,000; deposits, $475,000; loans and discounts, $317,000; bonds and real estate, $133,000; due from banks, $126,000; cash on hand, $21,000. C. G. Beckwith is president of the institution. The bank was founded in 1858. It is generally understood that the bank carried notes of Mrs. Cassie Chadwick of Cleveland to a large amount. On Saturday there was a run on the bank as a result, it is said, of a rumor that Mrs. C. L. Chadwick of Cleveland had borrowed largely from the institution. Officials of the bank state that $300,000 in cash is expected from a New York bank today. Plaintiff Well-to-Do Business Man. BOSTON, November 28.-Herbert D. Newton of Brookline, who has sued Mrs. Cassie Chadwick of Cleveland, Ohio, for $190,800, is a well-to-do business man. Concerning the action against Mrs. Chadwick, he says that suit had been brought in the common pleas court at Cleveland to recover upon loans made to Mrs. Chadwick for which promised payments had not been made when due. "I am not alone concerned in this matter," said he, "but I must decline to tell who are the other parties. I made the loans on the strength of a statement of Mrs. Chadwick that she was a woman of wealth and owned securities sufficient to warrant the loans. The promised payments were not forthcoming and we propose to find out whether her assertions were true." Mr. Newton understands the case will come up at Cleveland tomorrow. Not Worrying Over Money. ELYRIA, Ohio, November 28.-D. J. Nye, vice president of the Savings and Deposit Bank of this city, which recently brought attachment proceedings against Mrs. C. L. Chadwick, referring to the matter today, said: "We loaned Mrs. Chadwick $10,000 on security which we consider ample. Her security consisted not only of her household effects, but the real estate, the house she lives in, which belongs to her. We heard that Mr Newton of

3. November 28, 1904 The Fairmont West Virginian Fairmont, WV
Article from The Fairmont West Virginian, November 28, 1904

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GREAT EXCITEMENT Due to Closing of the Only National Bank in Oberlin. (By Publishers' Press.) OBERLIN, O., Nov. 28.-The Citizen's National Bank closed its doors this morning. The following notice was posted on the door: "This bank will not open this morning nor until further notice. The bank is in charge of the National Examiner for examination and inves tigation." C. G. Beckwith is president of the institution. No statement further than that on the door has been issued. The bank was founded in 1858, and is the only national bank in Oberlin. There is great excitement here. President Beckwith made a statement this morning to the effect that he and Cashier Shear made a heavy loan some time ago on what he termed "gilt edged security." This loan falls due January 1. On Saturday there was a run on the bank. Officials of the bank admit that the institution is to a small degree involved in the Chadwick case loans. The run continued during the late afternoon and evening. The calls for deposits depleted the cash on hand, the officials admit. They say arrangements have been made with a New York bank for $300,000, which is due here Tuesday. By the receipt of this. the bank may be opened.

4. November 29, 1904 Bismarck Daily Tribune Bismarck, ND
Article from Bismarck Daily Tribune, November 29, 1904

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OHIO BANK SUSPENDS. Sald to Carry Mrs. Chadwick's Notes for Large Amount. Oberlin, O., Nov. 29.-The Citizens' National bank of this place was closed during the morning. The action was taken as a result of a meeting of the board of directors. The following notice was posted on the bank door: "This bank will not open until further notice. The bank is in charge of the national bank examiner for examination and investigation." C. G. Beckwith is president of the institution. The bank was founded in 1858. It is generally understood that the bank carried notes of Mrs. Cassie Chadwick of Cleveland to a large amount. On Saturday there was a run on the bank as a result, it is said, of a rumor that Mrs. Chadwick had borrowed largely from the institution.

5. November 29, 1904 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, November 29, 1904

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OHIO BANK CLOSED. Run Followed Rumor That It Held Mrs. Chadwick's Notes. Oberlin, Ohio, Nov. 28.-The Citizens' National Bank, of this place, was closed this morning. The action was taken as a result of a meeting of the board of directors, held yesterday. The following notice was posted on the bank door to-day: This bank will not open this morning, or until further notice. The bank is in charge of the national bank examiner for examination and investigation. A financial statement issued by the bank in September last showed the capital stock to be $60,000; surplus, $20,000; deposits, $475,000; loans and discounts, $317,000; bonds and real estate, $133,000; due from banks, $126,000; cash on hand, $21,000. C. G. Beckwith is president of the institution. The bank was founded in 1858. It is generally understood that the bank carried notes of Mrs. Cassie Chadwick, of Cleveland, to a large amount. On Saturday there was a run on the bank, as a result, it is said, of a rumor that Mrs. C. L. Chadwick, of Cleveland, had borrowed largely from the institution. Officials of the bank state that $300,000 in cash is expected from a New-York bank tomorrow. President C. T. Beckwith said to-night that he personally has assisted in loaning Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick $102,000. He said that there were two checks in the bank as security for what had been loaned to Mrs. Chadwick One check is for $500,000, the other for $250,000.

6. November 30, 1904 The Barre Daily Times Barre, VT
Article from The Barre Daily Times, November 30, 1904

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Carnegie's Comment as to Signature on Chadwick Notes. : h 14 e INTERESTING STATEMENT y e t t Note for Half a Million Mixed Up n With the Failure of the Citizens' 3, National Bank of Oberlin, I Ohio. n 1 o 0 New York, Nov. 29.-A meeting of , Mrs. Chadwick's creditors held here tog 5 € day was presided over by George E. $ Ryall, the New York attorney for Hera bert D. Newton of Brookline, Mass., who e is suing Mrs. Chadwick for the recovery L of $190,800 he lent her on notes. Mr. t Ryall today issued the following statement: e "There was a conference at my office, 6 at which were present Mr. Newton, Mr. Carver of Boston, Judge John Albaugh r of Canton, counsel for Mrs. Chadwick, e and myself. On behalf of Mrs. ChadI wick Judge Albaugh requested that the receivership be put off until Friday at which time he will have her affairs in some kind of shape. This was agreed C to and Mr. Newton and Mr. Carver went back to Boston on a late train. "Mr. Newton said he had seen a note a for $500,000, which was given by Mrs. Chadwick as collateral for a loan from t the Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin, p O., which failed yesterday. My client told me that this note carried the sigd nature 'Andrew Carnegie.' This will b have to come out sooner or later, so I tell it now." t b The following statement was made by e. Mr. Carnegie's secretary: ie "Mr. Carnegie read this report and pronounced it absurd. Mr. Carnegie does T not know the woman at all." le At the opening of the Court of Como mon Pleas in Cleveland, O., this morning 11 it was announced that the hearing of of Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick in connection ti with the suit brought against her by II Herbert B. Newton of Brookline, Mass., a had been postponed until Thursday next t at 9:30 a. m. The hearing was postponed by consent of the attorneys representti ing both sides. Mrs. Chadwiek was not in court. d u A report to the effect that Andrew M Carnegie's name appears on the note for p $500,000 given by Mrs. Chadwick as st security for a loan from the Citizens' V National Bank of Oberlin, has been pertl sistently circulated in Cleveland today. a Developments today indicate that Mrs. tr Chadwick for a long time has done business with many of the banks of U Cleveland and also with those of surm rounding towns, on a big scale. Leading tl bankers have stated that they frequentto ly loaned her from $25,000 to $100,000 on notes endorsed by wealthy persons. W These notes have, it is said, usually been paid promptly when due.

7. December 3, 1904 Bismarck Daily Tribune Bismarck, ND
Article from Bismarck Daily Tribune, December 3, 1904

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CARNEGIE PAYING THE CLAIMS. Rumor at Oberlin, O., Anent the Chadwick Case. Oberlin, O., Dec. 3.-Reports from New York that Mrs. Chadwick held a long conference with the attorneys of Andrew Carnegie have inspired the directors of the closed Citizens' National bank here with a renewed hope that their claim will be liquidated. The directors express the belief that if the Newton case is settled it means that all the claims against Mrs. Chadwick will be paid. L. L. Miller, who was at first named receiver for the closed Citizens' National bank, has been recalled to Washington and Rob ert Lyons has succeeded him in charge of the bank's affairs. The doors of the bank were opened during the day for the first time since the suspension and people who have had papers and valuables in the private safety vaults were allowed to secure them.

8. December 3, 1904 The Bemidji Daily Pioneer Bemidji, MN
Article from The Bemidji Daily Pioneer, December 3, 1904

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CARNEGIE PAYING THE CLAIMS. Rumor at Oberlin, O., Anent the Chadwick Case. Oberlin, O., Dec. 3.-Reports from New York that Mrs. Chadwick held a long conference with the attorneys of Andrew Carnegie have inspired the directors of the closed Citizens' National bank here with a renewed hope that their claim will be liquidated. The directors express the belief that if the Newton case is settled it means that all the claims against Mrs. Chadwick will be paid. L. L. Miller, who was at first named receiver for the closed Citizens' National bank, has been recalled to Washington and Robert Lyons has succeeded him in charge of the bank's affairs. The doors of the bank were opened during the day for the first time since the suspension and people who have had papers and valuables in the private safety vaults were allowed to secure them.

9. December 3, 1904 The Providence News Providence, RI
Article from The Providence News, December 3, 1904

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# PROVIDENCE MAN LEFT # INSURANCE POLICY TO OBERLIN Oberlin, O., Dec. 3.-Oberlin college has received a gift of $7150, being the pro-ceeds form an insurance policy assigned to the college by the late William C. Chapin of Providence. The money will be used for endowment purposes. Mr. Chapin died in Andover more than a year ago. He became interested in Oberlin 39 or 40 years ago and desired to help it. The college was not affected by the failure of the Citizens' National bank.

10. December 8, 1904 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, December 8, 1904

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does not know whether the notes In question were signed in this "county, in Lorain county, Ohio, or in New York. In order to determine this question the prosecutor has caused subpoenaes to be issued to President Beckwick and with Cashier Spear of the closed Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin calling upon them to appear before the grand jury in Cleveland tomorrow to testify as to where the notes were actually signed. Beckwith Preparing a Statement. United States District Attorney Sullivan spent a good portion of last night in conference with President Beckwith of the Citizens' National Bank at the latter's residence in Oberlin. As a résult of this long conference President Beckwith is now preparing a complete and detailed statement covering every transaction between the bank, or himself, with Mrs. Chadwick. This statement, which will probably be sworn to, will be used by the federal officials in prosecuting the case against Mrs. Chadwick. Carnegie Agrees to Conference. District Attorney Sullivan stated today that he had received a telegram from Andrew Carnegie, which, Mr. Sullivan declared, convinced him beyond a shadow of doubt that Mr. Carnegie had not signed the notes. Mr. Sullivan added that Mr. Carnegie had agreed to meet him in New York for a conference concerning the matter, but that, as yet he, Sullivan, had not decided when the meeting would take place. Receiver Nathan Loeser, when shown the Associated Press bulletin from New York today announcing the holding of Mrs. Chadwick in $15,000 bond, said that he did not think the criminal proceedings would have any effect on the bankruptcy hearing set for December 12. He expressed the opinion that Mrs. Chadwick's presence being required by the federal authorities in New York would undoubtedly be considered a sufficient excuse for a postponement of the bankruptcy hearing in this city, and that the hearing would be postponed, but that ultimately she would come before the referee, and the rights of creditors would in no way be interfered with by the criminal proceedings. Looks Bad for Mrs. Chadwick. ELYRIA, Ohio, December 8.-The grand jury which began an investigation into the Chadwick case here today consists of one capitalist, four bankers and seven merchants and professional men. To the Asso-ciated Press correspondent County Prosecutor Stroup said today: "The purpose cf the grand jury is to investigate and decide whether or not the Chadwick notes are forgeries. The jury may call Andrew Carnegie to Elyria before the investigation is finished." When asked about Mr. Beckwith's testimony the prosecutor said: "I cannot answer, but it looks very damaging to Mrs. Chadwick." Prosecutor Lee Stroup has sent to New York for Iri Reynolds to come to this city and appear before the grand jury as soon as possible.

11. December 10, 1904 The Minneapolis Journal Minneapolis, MN
Article from The Minneapolis Journal, December 10, 1904

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sent the vast amount of $12,500,000, have been for the past three years the principal basis on which Mrs. Chadwick has conducted her financial system, and on which she has borrowed sums which, it is conceded, run up to the millions, and are positively known to exceed $1,000,000. And these same 'securities' are the rock which has wrecked the Oberlin bank and caused the ruin of hundreds of families, and losses to business men almost without number. For it is the frankly expressed opinion of reputable lawyers who have examined these papers that they are not worth one cent. "Moreover, there is bitter irony in the fact that the very man who held this worthless paper so faithfully and tenaciously for Mrs. Chądwick, and who apparently believed in its worth so implicitly, and thru whom others were, perhaps innocently, drawn into the vortex of Mrs. Chadwick's operations, should himself be one of the heaviest losers. Iri Reynolds Duped. "For Iri Reynolds, after his long course of faithful guardianship for the woman whom he trusted, now considers himself a dupe. It is stated as a fact, not hitherto known, that Reynolds loaned Mrs. Chadwick practically all the money he possessed. His entanglements, however, involve only himself, the Wade Park bank being in no way affected. "The note for $5,000,000 is believed by all who have knowledge of it, to have been written and signed by the same person who filled out and signed the notes for $500,000 and $250,000 held by the Citizens' National bank of Oberlin. "It is understood that the certificate of trusteeship states that the securities held by Andrew Carnegie for Mrs. Chadwick consist of United States Steel bonds, Caledonian Railway stock in Scotland, and Great Western railway stock in England, the three aggregating, as above stated, $7,500,000.'' Bubble Has Burst. "To put it briefly, the great Chadwick bubble has burst. There is no hope apparent. The foundation on which Mrs. Chadwick's creditors rested their expectations has sunk, and the Chadwick financial system, which has been tottering for the past two weeks has fallen. Unless help should arrive from some now unseen source, the cred itors are helpless, and Mrs. Chadwick has no resource. "She must now face the storm that has been steadily growing in inten sity.

12. December 10, 1904 Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from Rock Island Argus, December 10, 1904

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Cleveland, Dec. 10.-The Plain Deal. er says: "When the contents of the mysterious 'securities' held for Cassie L. Chadwick by Iri Reynolds in the Wade Park bank are revealed to the world it will be found the signature of Andrew Carnegie has apparently been forged no notes and other papers to a total amount of $13,750,000. Aggregate That Amount. "The securities held by Reynolds, together with those that were held by the Citizens' National bank, of Oberlin and have already been made public. aggregate this amount, and all are believed to have been signed by the same person. This Her Sole Annet. "The securities consisting of a note of $5,000,000 and a certificate of trusteeship which states that Carnegie has in his possession stocks and bonds amounting to $7,500,000 held by him in trust for Mrs. Chadwick, both bearing the signature of Carnegie, have been for the past three years the principal basis on which Mrs. Chadwick has borrowed sums which it is conceded, run up to millions. Has Ruined Many. "And these same securities are the rock which wrecked the Oberlin bank and caused the ruin of hundreds of families and losses to business men almost without number. For it is the frankly expressed opinion of reputable lawyers who have examined these papers that they are not worth one cent. Reynolds One of Losers. "Moreover there is bitter irony in the fact that Iri Reynolds, who held this worthless paper so faithfully and tenaciously for Mrs. Chadwick and who apparently believed in its worth so implicitly, and through whom others were, perhaps innocently, drawn in the vortex of Mrs. Chadwick's operations, should be himseif one of the heaviest losers. It is stated as a fact that Reynolds loaned Mrs. Chadwick practically all the money he possessed. His entanglements, however, do not involve the Wade Park bank." Could Not Get Witnesses. Elyria, Ohio, Dec. 10.-Because the main witnesses in the Chadwick note case couldn't be gotten here today the grand jury adjourned until Monday.

13. December 11, 1904 Americus Times-Recorder Americus, GA
Article from Americus Times-Recorder, December 11, 1904

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Cleveland, O., Dec. 10.-When the contents of "mysterious securities" held from Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick by Iri Reynolds, in the Wade Bank revealed to the outside it will be found that the signature of "Andrew Carnegie" has apparently been forged on notes and other papers to the total amount of $7,500,000 held by him in held by Reynolds, together with those that were held by the Citizens' Nation. al bank of Oberlin and have already been made public, aggregate this amount. The mysterious "securities" held in trust by Reynolds, concerning which there has been so much futile speculation during the past two weeks, consists of the following items. First, a note for Blume, bearing the signature of Andrew Carnegie. "Second, a certificate of trusteeship which states that Andrew Carnegie has in his possession bonds total amonut of $7,500,000 held by him in trust form. This paper also bears the signature of Mr. Carnegie. "These securities, supposed to represent the vast amount of $12,500 , 000 have been for the past three years the principal basis on which Mrs. Chadwick has conducted her financial system and on which she has borrowed sums, which, it is discerned, run up to millions. "And these same securities are the rock which wrecked the Oberlin bank and caused the ruin of hundreds of families, and losses to business men almost without number. "Iri Reynolds after his long course of faithful guardianship for the wo. man whom he trusted, now considers himself a dupe. It is said as a fact, that Reynolds loaned Mrs. Chadwick practically all the money he possessed. His entanglements, however, involve only himself. the Wade Park bank being in no way affected, it is under stood. Certificate of trusteesship states the securities held by Andrew Carnegie for Mrs. Chadwick consist of United States Steel bonds, Central stock Consolidated and Northwestern Railway stock in England, the three aggregating as above stated, $7,500,000. To briefly state the fact, the great Chadwick trouble has burst. Unless help should arrive from some now unseen sources, the creditors are help less, and Mrs. Chadwick has no resource. She must now face the strain that has been steadily growing in in tensity."

14. January 7, 1905 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, January 7, 1905

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CONTROLLER HAS CHADWICK JEWELS. Washington, Jan. -The - Controller of the Currency has in his possession an emerald ring and a diamond sunburst brooch that are said to have at one time belonged to Mrs. Chadwick. They were deposited with the failed Citizens' National Bank, of Oberlin, Ohio, as collateral. When the bank falled the jewelry was taken by the receiver. and It will be sold the same as the other assets of the bank. They were not deposited by Mrs. Chadwick, although it is said they once belonged to her. The jewels have not been appraised, and the Controller is unable to fix their value.

15. January 7, 1905 Waterbury Evening Democrat Waterbury, CT
Article from Waterbury Evening Democrat, January 7, 1905

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Mrs. Chadwick's Gems. WASHINGTON, Jan. 7.-The comptroller of the currency has in his possession an emerald ring and a diamond sunburst brooch that are said to have at one time belonged to Mrs. Chadwick. They were deposited with the failed Citizens' National bank of Oberlin. O.. as collateral. When the bank failed the jewelry was taken possession of by the receiver, and it will be sold the same as the other assets of the bank. They were not deposited by Mrs. Chadwick. although it is said they once belonged to her.

16. January 13, 1905 Highland Recorder Monterey, VA
Article from Highland Recorder, January 13, 1905

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Notes of the Departments. President Roosevelt and Ambassador Jusserand delivered addresses before the Forestry Congress. The House laid on the table the resolution aimed at the statistical department of the Department of Agriculture and vindicated the cotton reports. Henry M. Rose, reading clerk of the United States Senate, has been appointed internal revenue collector for the fourth crdistt of Michigan. A favorable report on the extradition treaty between the United States and Panama was authorized by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Senate committee authorized a favorable report on the nomination of W. D. Crum as collector of the port at Charleston, S. C. James A Watson, was convicted on the charge of embazzlement while in the office of District Auditor Petty. The Comptroller of the Currency has in his possession an emerald ring and a diamond sunburst brooch that are said to have at one time belonged to Mrs. Chadwick. They were deposited with the failed Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin, O., as collateral. When the bank failed the jewelry was taken possession of by the receiver. At the meeting of the House Committee on Interstate Commerce members of the committee denied the statements attributed to E. P. Bacon, of Milwaukee, president of the Interstate Commerce Convention, that members of Congress are influenced by railroads. Conrad H. Syme, attorney for A. W. Machen and others involved with him in the alleged postoffice conspiracy, filed application for a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court. Involuntary bankruptcy proceedings were instituted against John Ridout, the real estate dealer.

17. March 7, 1905 The Seattle Star Seattle, WA
Article from The Seattle Star, March 7, 1905

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# CHADWICK # HEARING GOVERNMENT CALLS MANY WITNESSES IN THE FAMOUS CASE CLEVELAND, O., March 7.-- When Mrs. Chadwick appeared in the federal court this morning she was seized with nervousness. She still showed signs of the collapse which she suffered yesterday afternoon during the hearing. The strain had been too much for her and when she was seized with illness she was led out of the court room and fell into a dead faint in her nurse's arms. The court was hastily adjourned to this morning. She was under the care of physicians during the night and said she felt better this morning, though she was manifestly ill at ease. Dr. Chadwick, her husband, was present in court when the trial was resumed. The general opinion now is that the jury is a most favorable one to the prisoner, inasmuch as 11 of the 12 members are farmers and one a real estate dealer, while the evidence to be introduced relates entirely to banks and finances. Attorney Dawley, who represents Mrs. Chadwick, says he is confident that the government cannot secure a conviction. At the hearing this morning Director Haller of the Citizens' National bank of Oberlin, resumed the stand. He said that the directors of the bank had not been informed of the Chadwick loans until the very day the bank suspended. Director Randolph testified that the directors met every two weeks. Cashier Spears read what purported to be a complete list of all the bank's loans and Mrs. Chadwick's name was not mentioned in the list. Vice President Marshall, of the First National bank of Cleveland, testified that he had known President Beckwith and Cashier Spears of the defunct Oberlin bank for ten years, and Mrs. Chadwick since last May. He said she kept an account with his bank. The witness explained how Mrs. Chadwick had obtained $15.000 on a check certified by Beckwith in October of last year. The check was charged up to the Oberlin bank. The witness identified the checks mentioned in the indictment by the grand jury. It was shown also that Mrs. Chadwick had opened an account with the Prudential bank by depositing a check and two drafts, amounting to $92,000. These checks were mentioned in the indictments and were also identified by witnesses. H. H. Avery, bookkeeper of the Oberlin bank, testified that Mrs. Chadwick at one time had deposited $10,000 in the bank and that she never had any other account. He identified the checks certified by Spear and paid by the bank.

18. March 7, 1905 The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, AL
Article from The Montgomery Advertiser, March 7, 1905

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FAMOUS CASE IS ON TRIAL (Continued from Page One.) turned against Mrs. Chadwick charging her with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and further addressed the jury at considerable length that if such conspiracy Is formed and one or more of the conspirators take any action toward carrying into effect the purpose of the conspiracy, all of the conspirators are guilty before the law. The evidence to be submitted in the case, said Mr. Sullivan, will show that Mrs. Chadwick was associated with Spear and Beckwith, the officials of the Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin. in business. They had many transactions together, in the course of which eight different checks amounting in all to $86,000, were certified by Spear and Beckwith. The evidence will show that when these checks were certified no money was in the bank in the name of Mrs. Chadwick and no entries to her credit were on the books of the bank." "I would suggest, Mr. Sullivan," said Judge Taylor, "that you explain to the jury the exact nature of a certified check.' This was done and the attorney then declared that the evidence of the directors of the Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin would be to the effect that none of them knew anything about the deals between Spear, Beckwith and Mrs. Chadwick until the day before the suspension of the bank. He then read several counts of the indictment to the jury in one of which Mrs. Chadwick was mentioned as alias Madame de Vere. Mrs. Chadwick at this point kept her eyes on Attorney Sullivan's face and never moved a muscle. Dawley's Statement. J. P. Dawley, leading counsel for Mrs. Chadwick, said on rising to make his statement to the jury: "The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all the charges contained in the indictment and that is all that she, at this time, is prepared to say. I will supplement that, however, by a brief statement, as we prefer to allow the Government to prove its case. I am not prepared at this time to say just what the evidence will show. I believe, however, that it will fail to show that any action taken by the officials of the bank was by procurement or at the request of Mrs. Chadwick. If they did or did not make entries in their books that is their affair and not one with which Mrs. Chadwick had anything to do. She had no control over them, was not present when they did their work and knew nothing of their transactions. "We expect that the evidence will fail to show that there was any conspiracy between Spear, Beckwith and the defendant. What Beckwith did he did as the president of the bank and without any fraudulent connivance with Mrs. Chadwick. What Spear did was under the direction of Mr. Beckwith and was done by him in good faith. He believed that Mrs. Chadwick was wealthy, was worthy of credit to the amount of the certified check." Mr. Dawley then alluded to the allases mentioned in the indictment, saying that he had no knowledge of why they were inserted there unless it was for the purpose of creating a prejudice against his client. The list of witnesses for the State, twenty-eight in all, was then read and they were sworn in a body. The first witness for the State, Ebenezer Southell, assistant chief of the organizing division in the office of the comptroller of the currency was called. He had barely taken the stand when Judge Wing for Mrs, Chadwick, objected to any testimony being received under the indictment. He claimed that when two persons were charged with conspiracy and one of them was acquitted. the other was. under the law. acquitted without trial. The indictment did not anarge Beckwith and Spear with conspiracy, but charged Mrs.

19. March 10, 1905 The Weekly True Democrat Tallahassee, FL
Article from The Weekly True Democrat, March 10, 1905

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# BANK PEOPLE TESTIFY. Called to Witness Stand in Chadwick Case and Tell of Various Financial Transactions. Nine witnesses were examined in the Chadwick trial at Cleveland, Onto. Tuesday, and the defense established the fact that the claims of the government that Mrs. Chadwick had no money in the Oberlin bank at the time of drawing checks, which were certified to Spear and Beckwith, was incorrect in two instances, at least. It was shown by the general journal of the bank that on November 3, 1903, when Mrs. Chadwick received a certified check for $10,000 an entry crediting her with that amount was made on the journal of the bank, and a deposit slip for $10,000 was made out in her name. The entry and the slip were in the handwriting of Cashier Spear. Another entry of similar nature, amounting to $5,000, was also found. These facts were brought out on cross-examination by Judge Wing, counsel for Mrs. Chadwick, after long and tedious questioning of H. H. Avery, assistant cashier of the Oberlin bank. Several directors of the Oberlin bank testified that they know nothing of the transactions with Mrs. Chadwick. One of them said none of the Chadwick deals were ever reported by Mr. Spear to the directors. An official of the Euclid Avenue Trust Company testified Mrs. Chadwick had $92,500 on deposit in his bank. Robert Lyons, receiver for the Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin, said that the books did not show that any account had ever existed by which Mrs. Chadwick could draw checks on the bank. Mrs. Chadwick came into court apparently none the worse for her illness which caused the adjournment Monday. It is doubtful if Andrew Carnegie will take the stand. District Attorney Sullivan is reported as saying: "It is not my present intention to put Mr. Carnegie on the stand, and I do not think he will be called upon to testify unless his evidence should be needed in rebuttal of something introduced by the defense."

20. March 16, 1905 The County Record Kingstree, SC
Article from The County Record, March 16, 1905

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# MONEY IN THE BAN Saves Mrs. Chadwick From Charge Intentional Fraud # CLAIM OF GOVERNMENT FAILS The Defence in the Chadwick Case Shows That She Had Money on Deposit in the Oberlin Institution. Cleveland, Ohio, Special.-Nine witnesses were examined in the Chadwick trial, and the defense established the fact that the claim of the government that Mrs. Chadwick had no money in the Oberlin bank at the time of drawing the checks which were certified by Spear and Beckwith, was incorrect in two instances, at least. It was shown by the general journal of the bank that on November 3, 1903, when Mrs. Chadwick received a certified check for $10,000, an entry crediting her with that amount was made on the journal of the bank and a deposit slip for $10,000 was made out in her name. The entry and the slip were in the handwriting of Cashier Spear. Another entry of similar nature amounting to $5,000 was also found. These facts were brought out on cross examination by Judge Wing, counsel for Mrs. Chadwick after long and tedious questioning of H. H. Avery, assistant cashier of the Oberlin bank. Avery at first testified that at no time had Mrs. Chadwick either money in or credit at the bank. Several directors of the Oberlin bank testified that they knew nothing of the transactions with Mrs. Chadwick. One of them said none of the Chadwick deals were ever reported by Mr. Spear to the directors. An official of the Euclid Ave Trust Company testified that Mrs. Chadwick had $92,000 on deposit in his bank. Horace G. White, bookkeeper of the Oberlin bank, testified that the entry giving credit to Mrs. Chadwick for $10,000 was in the handwriting of Cashier Spear, and that the deposit slip for the same amount was also in Spear's handwriting. Robert Lyons, receiver for the Citizens' National Bank of Oberlin, said that the books did not show that any account had ever existed by which Mrs. Chadwick could draw checks on the bank. Mrs. Chadwick came into court today apparently none the worse for her illness, which caused the adjournment yesterday. She wore the same gown of black and white, as on her first appearance, but had added a long grey veil which covered her face, and was wound, in repeated folds about her neck. Shortly after taking her seat in the rear of her counsel, she removed the veil and took the position she occupied during most of yesterday, her elbow on the table and her chin in the palm of her hand. It is doubtful if Andrew Carnegie will take the stand. District Attorney Sullivan said today: "It is not my present intention to put Mr. Carnegie on the stand, and I do not think he will be called upon to testify unless his evidence should be needed in rebuttal of something introduced by the defense." # Carnegie May Not Testify. Cleveland, O., Special. The cause of the government against Mrs. Chadwick was completed Wednesday afternoon. One witness for the defense, an expert accountant, was sworn, but an adjournment was taken before he had given any testimony. The entire afternoon session was taken up by the introduction as evidence of checks, deposit slips, books of the bank and two letters written by Mrs. Chadwick to Mr. Beckwith and Mr. Spear. One of the letters was written to Spear alone. In it Mrs. Chadwick asked him to certify a check to be given by her to Henry Wurst, of Elyria, saying that she would get the goods in the East to meet the check. "So draw a check for $15,000," the letter said, "and I will sign it, and pay you well for it. I am about to do something of great interest to us all." District Attorney Sullivan laid great stress, in representing the letters to the jury, on the apparent fact that Mrs. Chadwick was asking for the certification of a check not only when she had no funds in the bank, but even before she had signed it. It is practically settled that Andrew Carnegie will not appear in the case at all. There has been nothing in the case as presented by the government that bears in any manner on the papers signed with his name which bore so large a part in the financial transactions of Mrs. Chadwick, and it is not expected that the defense will offer any testimony that will call him to the stand to testify in rebuttal.

21. May 12, 1905 The Aberdeen Democrat Aberdeen, SD
Article from The Aberdeen Democrat, May 12, 1905

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NEWS CONDENSATIONS Thursday, May 4. About 300 union carpenters are out on strike in Nashville. They demand a nine-hour workday and 30 cents an hour. John Baird, father of Mrs. William J. Bryan, died at the Bryan home near Lincoln, Neb., Wednesday. He was eighty-two years old. Tommy Burns of Chicago was a warded the decision over Dave Barry of San Francisco in a twenty-round bout before the Tacoma (Wash.) Athletic club. During a mimic Wild West show in the Flatbush Boys' club of Brooklyn John Hines, sixteen years old, was accidentally shot by a playmate of fourteen. Hines died a few hours-later. A. B. Spear, cashier of the failed Citizens' bank of Oberlin, O., at Cleve land Wednesday was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in the Ohic penitentiary for falsifying the books of the bank on Mrs. Chadwick's deals. Friday, May 5. The foreign minister of Argentina absolutely denies the reported sale of Argentine warships to Russia. Major George M. Wheeler, U. S. A., retired, is dead at Washington. He was a prominent figure in scientific circles. James Gentry, said to be the last surviving playmate of Abraham Lincoln, is dead at his home in Rockport, Ind. Des Moines, Ia., has a population of 74,175, according to the report of the state census enumerators. In 1900 it was 62,139. The running of Metropolitan handicap at Belmont Park racetrack resulted in a dead heat between Sysonby and Race King. Colonial Girl was third. Fire at Home City, Kan., destroyed fifteen business buildings, leaving only the depot and two elevators standing. Several families lost all they possessed.

22. November 9, 1905 The Manitowoc Pilot Manitowoc, WI
Article from The Manitowoc Pilot, November 9, 1905

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MRS. CHADWICK NOT TO GET NEW TRIAL. ONLY HOPE OF CLEVELAND WOMAN IS IN UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. Unless Rehearing Is Granted She Will Have to Serve Ten Years on Fraud Charges. CINCINNATI, O., Nov. 7.-Mrs. Cassie' L. Chadwick has lost her last hope for a new trial unless the supreme court of the United States shall consent to allow a rehearing. The United States circuit court of appeals today refused her application for a new trial. The lengthy opinion of the court was read by Judge Lurton. Mrs. Chadwick is now in the jail at Cleveland, under sentence to the Ohio penitentiary for ten years, having been indicted and convicted of conspiring to defraud under the national banking law, the specific case involving the wrecking of the Citizens' National bank at Oberlin, O., whose president has died since the exposure of the matter. The case was brought to the United States circuit court of appeals on a writ of error, sentence was suspended pending the decision of the appeal and the case was expedited. Of the large number of errors claimed by Mrs. Chadwick's attorneys, this court found that the lower court did not err in a single one. Judge Lurton declared that Mrs. Chadwick ought to have known it was wrong to draw checks on a bank when she knew she had no money on deposit there, and that the inference drawn by the jury in the trial court that she did the acts with intent to defraud was a proper one. CLEVELAND. O., Nov. 7.-Mrs. Chadwick was in consultation with her attorney. Jay P. Dawley, when the news of the decision was brought to her. She made no demonstration. however. and scarcely no comment, allowing Mr. Dawley to speak for her. "This means that they have beaten us," said Mr. Dawley. "It would scarcely be advisable for us to say anything concerning the decision at the present time. What the next step will be I cannot tell now."