15719. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson (New York, NY)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
private
Start Date
May 15, 1884
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
f461159e

Response Measures

None

Description

The firm suspended in mid-May 1884 during the Wall Street panic (linked to the Metropolitan National Bank's suspension). They made an assignment (an assignee Weems was named) but no government receivership is reported. The firm announced plans to resume and is repeatedly reported as resuming in October 1884. No discrete depositor run on this specific house is described in the articles; the suspension appears tied to correspondent difficulties and the broader panic.

Events (3)

1. May 15, 1884 Suspension
Cause
Correspondent
Cause Details
Suspension occurred immediately after and was attributed to the suspension/temporary lock-up of the Metropolitan National Bank and the wider Wall Street panic, which tied up their clearing funds and correspondent balances.
Newspaper Excerpt
Within twenty minutes after the announcement of the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, the banking firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson... suspended.
Source
newspapers
2. May 23, 1884 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
it was deemed best to make an assignment to enable them to handle their property and securities without sacrifice. The assignee, Mr. Weems, states they have one million dollars assets in excess of all liabilities (May 23 report).
Source
newspapers
3. October 21, 1884 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to-morrow (Oct. 21 report).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (25)

Article from Morning Journal and Courier, May 15, 1884

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FROM ALL QUARTERS. A FINANCIAL CRASH. Disasters Falling Thick and Fast. WALL STREET IN A PANIC. Many Firms Caught in the Whirl. A RAPID ROUND OF FAILURES. The Day a Second Black Friday. A WALL STREET CRASH. A Paule on Change- Failures Fellow Each Other in Rapid Succession-Old Houses Caught 1a the Whirl-Philanthropist Seney Among the NumberBank Closes its Doors The Story of a Day That Was Another Black Friday NEW YORK, May 14.-The financial complications of the past week resulted to-day in a succession of disasters that made the wildest havoc in Wall street. The announcement of failures began with the opening of the Stock Exchange and succeeded each other rapidly, each new disaster adding to the panicky feeling which manifested itself in all directions. The first failures published were those of Nelson Rebinson & Co. and Goffe & Randle. Soen afterward it was known that O. M. Bogart & Co. had suspended. This announcement was soon followed by the suspersion of J. C. Williams. The excitement was greatly intensified when it was first whis pered that Hatch & Foote had been compelled to cease business, and almost immediately afterwards it was rumored that the Metropolitan bank had closed its doors. This Fumor was premature, but it was not long before it became fact and the doors of the bank were actually shuf. The street was wild with excitement and it seemed that another black Friday had cast its bale ful light upon the financial horizon. Men and boys were rushing about, forcing their ways through the crewds that stood wedged in the streets about the Exchange. The news of the disasters seemed to have spread with wonderful rapidity. Private carriages, with liveried servants, from the up-town districts WERE SEEN FLYING THROUGH THE STREETS, and many stood outside the doors of the various banks and banking-houses The directors of nearly all the banks were either in session or present in their buildings ready for any emergency. The doors of the Stock Exchange were guarded by policemen and the visitors' galleries were cleared. No one was admitted to the building except members, clerks, and messengers. This was done because the crowd endeavoring to get admits tance grew too large for the capacity of the building. THE FIRST FAILURE OF THE DAY, that of Nelson Robinson & Ce., wascaused, according to the statement of Mr. Robinson, by the general shrinkage of securities, the disturbed condition of the times, and the circulation of disquieting rumors. He was unable to furnish any statement of liabilities and assets. Most of their loans, he said, were well protected, if the holders did not lose their heads and want to get their money in day. Mr. Randall, of Goffe & Randall, said their failure was due mainly to the troubles of Dyett & Co. Orlando M. Bogart, of O. M. Bogart & Co., said their suspension was due to the indirect influence of the Grant & Ward failure, the shrinkage in 80curities, the many calls on the firm for mon losses through outside parties. The firm simply unable to withstand the general pressure upon it. He could not make any statement of assets and liabilities, but he knew that the present condition of affairs was bad. The firm had been established, he said, for at least twenty five years Tb assignee, Mr. Wheeler, said that he had unex pectedly been called to his position, which he bad accepted reluctantly, and that he was un able to give any information as yet in regard to the firm's affairs. Bogart & Co. give preferences for $55,000. THE SUSPENSION OF JOSEPH C. WILLIAMS was announced early in the day. He bad not been large speculator and the number of his creditors is probably small. THE FAILURE OF HATCH FOOTE caused great excitement, as the firm has long been prominent on the street Mr. Foote said the failure was due to the embarrassment caused by the shrinkage of securities, some of which belonged to the firm, while others were carried for customers. The firm made an assignment to Henry W. Reighley, and the liabilities are thought to amount to half million. But the greatest sensation of the day came when the news was announced that THE METROPOLITAN BANK HAD SUSPENDED. The first news came that the suspension had been ordered by Mr. Seney, the president, in order to prevent run for which the bank might not be prepared. The failure is generally supposed to be due to the railroad speculations of President Seney. The bank owes the clearing house $500,000. AT THE MEETING OF BANK PRESIDENTS this afternoon a committee was appointed to examine the assets of the Metropolitan The bank and ascertain its actual position. committee was instructed to assure the bank tust if the examination proved satisfactory the associated banks would do all in their power to allow the Metropolitan to resume business The committee at once proceeded to the bank and began its nvestigation. The committee also adopted the following Resolved, That in view of the present crisis the banks of the Clearing House assooi ation, for the parpose of sustaining each other, do appoint committee of five to receive from the banks members of the association bills receivable or other securities to be appropriated by said committee, who shall be authorized to issue therefor to such depositing banks loan certificates bearing interest at six per cent. per annum, not in excess of seventy -five per cent. of seou: rities or bills receivable 80 deposited except in the case of United States bonds, and said certificates shall be rece in settlement of balances at the clearing house THIS ACTION HAD GOOD EFFECT on the street. perintendent Camp, of the clearing house, said to reporter: "In 1878 we made the fatal mistake of not appointing a committee on the first day. Deferring action was disastrous. hope this trouble will be over to-morrow and we are doing our best to end it." It is agreed by all that the scenes of excitement in and around the Exchange to day equalled those of 1873. In the midst of the panic, however, few cool headed "old stagers" were observed to be buying large amounts of stock at around the lowest figures touched. BRADSTREET'S SAYS HATCH FOOTE had been in business eighteen years and had never before been seriously embarrassed. They were supposed to be worth $500,000 They were great bulls in the market and have lost heavily. One of their Washington customers who sold out his long stock last week and went short is said to have made $100,000 profit by the turn, but this is swept away with the rest of the firm's losses. The firm had large patronage in Washington including judges, senators, representa tives and politicians. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson's failure was due large deposit being looked up in the Metropolitan bank. They did large business in State, county and municipal bonds and were the financial agents of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and other western States. The senior partner, Robert Donnell, is of the firm of Donnell, Clark & Larabee, bankers at Butte City, Mentana, and part owner of the First NaLodge. Montana The


Article from New-York Tribune, May 15, 1884

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DONNELL, LAWSON & SIMPSON SUSPEND. Within twenty minutes after the announcement of the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, the banking firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, No. 102 Broadway, suspended. There was a rumor that the firm had $2,000,000 on deposit in the Metropolitan, but at the office of the


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, May 16, 1884

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A BADLY CRIPPLED FIRM. Indications that Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Are Seriously Involved. NEW YORK, May - From the New York Tribune of Friday: The statements of the members of the firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, on Wednesday, that their suspension was due wholly to the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, were not confirmed yesterday. The Metropolitan having resumed, similar action on the part of the banking firm was anxiously awaited. Toward the elose of banking hours, it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. Bonds of the Cieveland, Youngstown & Pittsburg railroad were mentioned as a matter in which they had been most crippled. This was a security over which the Bank of the Republic directors had a difference about a month ago, which resulted in president Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of the two banks with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpson did business,


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, May 16, 1884

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A TOTAL FAILURE. The Suspension of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Believed to be Perma ment-Statements of the Firm Regarding Its Connection With the Metropolitan Bank Not Borne Out by Facts. Interview With Mr. Simpson Regarding His Condition-What an Employe Says. 15.-The New York of will say: Tribune, NEW YORK, Friday, May The statements of members of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Wednesday that their suspension was dite wholly to the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, were not confirmed yesterday The Metropolitan having resumed, similar action on the part of banking firms is axiously waited. Toward the close of banking hours it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. The bonds of the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pennsylvania tailroad were mentioned as the matter in which they were misstrippled. This was the Security over which the Bank of the Republic directors had a difference about a month ago; which resulted in President Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of the two banks with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpson did business, Simpson being a director in it. It was also said that Seney had unloaded a lot of these bonds on the firm, and that their dependence on the Metropolitan was such be that they could not refuse to thus used. At the firm's office on the second Hoor of No. 102 Broadway a long list of notices from correspondients stating where drafts would hereafter be paid indicated how widely the firm's business was distributed. There were over 400 banks for whom they transacted business scattered through Georgia, Florida, Texas, Missouri; Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Utah and other Territories. Over 100 bulletins were posted on the door. Inside Donnell and Simpson were busy all day trying to see how they stand. Lawson is in Europe. To a Tribune reporter late yesterday Simpson said: 'We are still figuring up and trying to get to a point where we can resume. We can't tell you anything until a about to morrow evening. There is prospect that we will resume. That is the point toward whieh our arrangements are tending "Has an assignee or receiver been decided upon? "No,sir, nothing of that kind has been will be done now. We will not make or assignment unless satisfied we can't go an on or settle our business satisfactorily without it. 'What are your liabilities? We cafi't tell exactly about $300,000." How much are the assets worth We "They will be more than that. shall pay every dollar, I now think. "Is there any truth in the rumor that unloaded Cleveland, Youngstown Seney and Penusylvania bonds upon you 'Not a word of truth. President Seney unloaded nothing on us at any time. has "Hew much were your in deposits with the Metropolitan Bank 'It was a good deal more than we could have wished. "Can you not resume now that the Metropolitan has done so "That is what we are trying to find out. s We shall know to-morrow. "It is understood you have been offered $200,000 to help you out." 'Yes; S. B. Elkins offered that, but that have been a drop in the bucket. o We would were offered several hundred thoue sand dollars, but must see where we stand of first. An attache of the firm told the reporter had gone so far that resumpbe impossible. S. B. Elkin was Y tion that offered would matters by made The re-establish- $200,000 in good faith, and may lead to the ment of the concern under a new name. The members of the firm are Missourians. Robert W. Donnell, the head of the firm, is from St. Joseph, where he owns to came large real estate, and he is a large stock- also in the Savings Bank. He is itpartner holder in the banking firm of Donnell, Mon., Clark & Larabie, of Deer Lodge, the second member of which is a millionB. Lawson and Donnell married sisters. e aire. The former was a lawyer at Booneville, 1Mo. He is a member of the Union League in and Manhattan Clubs. Simpson lives e. d Orange, N. J., and formerly resided house in Kansas City. The loans of the le on or by him. The bankor were was besieged all day mes- and and clerks copying J. sengers inghouse all papers identified. notices with persons to have signatures


Article from New-York Tribune, May 16, 1884

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DONNELL, LAWSON & SIMPSON'S TROUBLE. THE FIRM NOT LIKELY TO RESUME-WHAT MR. SIMPSON SAYS. The statements of members of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson on Wednesday that their suspension was due wholly to the supension of the Metropolitan National Bank were not confirmed yesterday. The Metropolitan having resumed similar action on the part of the banking firm was anxiously awaited. Toward the close of banking hours it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. The bonds of the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburg Railroad were mentioned as the matter in which they had been most crippled. This was the security over which the Bank of the Republic directors had a difference, about a month ago, which resulted in President Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of the two bad with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpso n did business, Mr. Simpson being a director in it. It was also said that Mr. Seney had unloaded a lot of these bonds on the firm, and that their dependence on the Metropolitan was such that they could not refuse to be thus used. At the firm's office on the second floor of No. 102 Broadway, the long list of notices from their correspondents stating where drafts would hereafter be paid, indicated how widely the firm's business was distributed. There were over 400 banks for whom they transacted New-York business, scattered through Georgia, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Utah and other Territories. Over 100 bulletins were posted on the door. Inside Messrs. Donnell and Simpson were busy all day trying to see 'where they stand. Mr. Lawson is in Europe. To a TRIBUNE reporter late yesterday Mr. Simpson said: " We are still figuring up and trying to get to a point where we can resume. We can't tell you anything until about to-morrow afternoon. There is a prospect that we will resume. That is the point toward which our arrangements are tending." .. Has an assignee or receiver been decided upon 1" No, sir; nothing of that kind has been or will be done now. We shall not make an assignment unless sati-fied that we cannot go on or settle our business satisfactorily without it." " What are your liabilities We can't tell exactly--in the neighborhood of $3,000, 000." " How much are the assets p'' " They will be more than that. We shall pay every dollar, I now think." " Is there any truth in the rumor that Seney unloaded Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburg bonds on you 1" " Not a word of truth. President Seney has unloaded nothing on us, at any time." What has been the character of your securities " They have been such as would commond themselves to conservative judgment. The greatest shirukage in their value has been in some railroad bonds upon which we made advances. Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburg ?" Those and some others." " How much was your deposit in the Metropolitan you " It was a good deal larger than we could have wished." Continued on Fourth Page.


Article from The New North-West, May 16, 1884

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FINANCIAL MATTERS. The financial embarrassments that grew out of the failure of the Marine Bank and Grant & Ward, New York, the Minnesota Car Company and several other large operators, resulted in complications in New York Tuesday and Wednesday that threatened to be serious. The Metropolitan Bank of New York, and six others, were unable to make their clearances on Wednesday, and the situation became critical. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, the New York correspondents of Donnell, Clark & Larabie, Butte and Deer Lodge, did their city clearing through the Metropolitan Bank, and the temporary embarrassment of that house carried Donnell, Lawson & Simpson with them as one of the seven. Mr. W. A. Clark, of Donnell, Clark & Larable, fortunately happened to be in New York, and at once provided for the drafts from the two Montana houses to be honored as they arrived, pending the lock-up of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson's funds, and until their resumption the drafts of these banks were arranged to be made on other banks, so there was no strain on the Montana Houses. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Hauser received en route from Helena to Butte, the following from Cashier Knight: HELENA, May 15. To S. T. Hauser, en route: Clark, Dodge & Co. report better feeling to day. The Metropolitan will pay depositors in full and resume to day. E. W. KNIGHT. (Signed) This will unlock Donnell, Lawson & Simpson's funds, and probably to-day that house will resume. Although the situation was fully known, there was no run on the Bank in Butte or Deer Lodge; and in addition to their having securities many fold to cover all deposits, Mr. Larabie was gratified by several of our most substantial business and monied men coming promptly forward and volunteering their assistance to the last dollar in case they could be of any service. Mr. Larabie expressed his thanks but did not need any aid. The telegram from Clark, Dodge & Co. showing the resumption of the Metropolitan dissipated all apprehension by bankers of Helena, Butte and Deer Lodge, and it is presumed Donnell, Lawson & Simpson will to-day resume business and take up all drafts. To the uninitiated, and especially to the easy business going people of Montana, it seems strange how far reaching are the complications resulting from the failure of a New York banking firm to clear during banking heurs each day every piece of payable paper out against it. But the bankers over all the land must have their deposits and correspondents in New York and their drafts on them are subject to the vicissitudes of their correspondents, although they have vaults full of money. The word from bankers in Butte and Helena last evening was that an entirely satisfactory condition existed. There had been no excitement whatever.


Article from Wood River Times, May 16, 1884

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A FLURRY IN WALL STREET. Several Heavy Failures, but None Materially Affecting Idaho. Day before yesterday several heavy failures occurred in New York City, a general depreciati in of values set in, money commanded three per cent. per day, in addition to the regular rate of interest, and things looked decidedly panicky, until the United States Treasurer stepped in the breach, offering $11,000,000 in coin at once, and as much more if necessary. The Clearing House Association, which includes all the best banks in the city, also determined to stem the tide by offering assistance to the embarrassed banks. The market thereupon rallied, and a disastrous panic was prevented. But one of the suspended institutions had extensive connections west of the Rocky Mountains-Donnell, Lawson & Simpson. Harkness & Co. and Guthrie, Dooley & Co., of Ogden; J. T. Morgan & Co., of Blackfoot and Ketchum; Donnell, Clark & Larrabee, of Butte and Deer Lodge, Montana; are all former or present correspondents of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, of New York, and probably had funds there. But they will doubtless not lose anything by the suspension, as Mr. Donnell is a man of vast wealth, with property scattered all over the United States, and the suspension of his New York bank will undoubtedly be only temporary. No other Idaho banks are believed to be involved. The flurry, even though it should degenerate into a panic (which is very improbable), will not complicate matters here, as money has been too scarce to admit of the taking of any dubious risks by the local banks,and the mines are all down to the bedrock basis of merit. The Philadelphia Smelting Company, of Ketchum, is the only one of our prominent enterprises that is at all heavily involved, and that company is being carried by one of its Philadelphia stockholders who is worth many millions, and who makes a specialty of gilt-edged securities. He is therefore abundantly able to take care of the smelting company. THE FLURRY OVER. Aron Morris received a dispatch, to-day, stating that the Metropolitan National Bank had resumed, and that Donnell, Lawson & Simpson would resume in a day or two. The flurry IS evidently over.


Article from The Dallas Daily Herald, May 16, 1884

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The Feeling at Other Points. SHERMAN, May 16.-[Special]-Tbe Wall street panic had no effect whatever on our Sherman banks. Waco, May 15.-[Special.]-The New York failures have not disturbed our equi. librium. FORT WORTH, May 15.-[Special.]-The crash in New York has caused no feeling of uneasiness here. No one seemed auxious about his money in bank, and the bankers themselves say they fear no failures here. The only possible effect may be to make money dearer and loans more dif. ficult, ST. LOUIS, May 15.--[Special.J-No bank failures here, and 80 far as possible to learn nobody here lost anything in the New York crash. There was great interest taken in the news from New York but nothing like a run on any bank. From a banker who is posted, it is learned that though no Mis. souri banks will be foreed to suspend, many concerns throughoutthe state lose by the suspension of Donneil, Lawson & Simpson. WASHINGTON, May 16.-[8pecial.]-The failure of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, brokers and bankers, New York, involves several Texas banks, 80 the New York Son of to-day says. Texas banks had their balances from cattle and land sales with said firm. There is no serious blow to Texas banks predicted. CLEBURNE, May 15.-[Special]-The New York panic has been the all-absorbing topic of conversation among the business men here to-day. The suspended bank of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson was & corespondent of the First National bank of Cleburne, and indebted something less than $5,000. The Cleburne bank, and the Citizens' bank of Cleburne, were 80 fortunate as to have no funds in the hands of any of the suspended New York banks.


Article from Morning Journal and Courier, May 17, 1884

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News by Telegraph FROM ALL QUARTERS. ONE FAILURE ONLY A Better Day on the Street, THE WORST PROBABLY OVER, A Remarkable Story Told by Ward. DORSHEIMER ON THE TARIFF. The Reformers Easy Over His Position. THE FINANCIAL FLURRY A Better Day -The That Feeling One Is Worst Bank Goes Under Stronger Tone at The ose, NEW YORK, May 16 This morning opened in Wall street very much as did esterday with hopefulness all around and an upward tendency for the whole stock list Around the Stock Exchange groups of brokers dis cussed the situation with cheerfulness, and there crowds of sightseers blocking the way in front of the offices of Fisk & Hatch, where rything was quiet. Half an hour later the entire ituation changed for the worse, owing to the extraordinary fluctu of ex ations of the stock market Groups cited men stood around the ticker and shout coled out figures denoting an approaching lapse unless some heavy men came to the rescue. At 11 o'clock came the ment of the failure of H. C. Hardy & Sons. No. 10 Wall street which was attributed to the impossibility of borrowi money from the banks upon such rket, matter conwhat securities offered The firm C. Henry sists Henry C. Frederick high Hardy, jr., `and has always borne house inservative the character as banking and brokerage business The ior member of the firm has been the ness about twenty years, and this the first Mr encountered trouble that he had Hardy said that the liabiliti would not ceed $300 000. and that he believed the sets were worth that amount Mr Hardy was formerly engaged in the cotton brokerage business. WAS UPON MUCH news of the Hardy failure refusal of the moneyed institutions to help perfectly solvent firms to weather the panic caused by nothing but the stringency of the money market Ag an instance of the scarcity of money large broker told reporter that he had found difficult to borrow within ty per cent of the value of one thousand quarter per stock Lack shares cent. day an almost unheard of condition affairs the banks persisted in the their suicidal of ruining policy another panic was tomers noon the market grew so much better that something like confidence reappe and such firms as Hotchkiss, Burnham& Co J. c. Williams Co. who during the morn ing had been unable to make headway in settling their affairs. were again hopeful of resuming business in day or two. The 80 gov. tion the clear ing house in accepting loans bonds as eroment looked upon great factor in solving the which neede firms money and difficulties of were unable for the moment geti through the usual hannels By n'clock stocks were so firm that fear of panic disappeared for the moment THE IN THRONG HOUR THE THIS opposite Russell Sage's office grew so unruly that three had all they could do to prevent the doors from being forced in Sage's method of postponing payment of his "puts' was simply close the door and lock it. From time to time the door was opened admit one enough to eject o'clock said after was Soon another Mr Sage had signed 80 many his hand before with rest before the going night's work signing checks the his the and market Anothe stocks discon price Sage's efusal to do anything give checks for the diffe the back upon stock best they The disposse silence within much color from that Sage had for the day that the men who had been for three days in line thei determ to all night and seize Sage door rush at that moment forced the crowd against one Sage' the board could be put up on the inside, Sage' with have must greeted of such him, as only group of Wall street gan sengers can ovise. When board put up from the inside Sage's door office. the the advantage along and ther on part those on guard to pry the open about half foot, into which ening stal elerk int himself, rewart marking that was ARMED BOTH STOCKS and would stay there until Sage wrote This check his firm. mingled storms of with greeted yells and The the out called inside office to the the hall the but the called dozen in fellows Sage defied strong The fight officers and grinned good- and enjoyed hugely while the corridors stairway with longed ALMOST SIMULT of H Hardy Sons came the had ment that the bank falled open its its doors this morning Hatch after the failure Fisk had been Daniel Dodd who the the hands in went bank bank was placed when ailed five ago and had perm the tinue the nding up affairs Hatch him loaned told had that him 1,000,000 of the bank money and had al lowed them to keep the govern the that were put bonds could not now be found and had been replaced said The and Mr Dodd with been The ordered the bank reated intense excitement Newark and bitter against Dodd who. however, coolly of judgme and Parker Cortland At moon in which aed that Fisk & Hatch owed bank nearly $1,000,000 He thought that the did they loss suffer any would not they would not lose more than 30 per cent The deposite of the bank in January reached $6,063, THE THE GOVERNING shortly after o'clock this afterno but took no regard was only The the of the reorganization and the acceptabe of the resignation of Mr. Hatch, president of the Exchange THE ON Donnell, Lawson Simpson, bankers, No. 109 Broadway, made an giving the Savings St. Joseph, Mo At $6,083. H. $300,000, their it was stated that the liabilitie were three and four millions as the H o. Hardy Sons, stock brokers, 10 Thomas assignment to made Wall street Chatterton without preference Dise An Ward Admits That His Concern Was Swindle. Huge Engaged NEW YORK, May 16.-The examination of Ferdinand Ward was continued to-day and


Article from Eureka Daily Sentinel, May 17, 1884

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PACIFIC COAST ADVICES. |SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL.| The Railroad Interest in California Not Affected by the New York Crash. SAN FRANCISCO, May 16.-The suspension of Fisk & Hatch in New York created more surprise than any yet announced. This is chiefly due to the fact that the suspended firm were such heavy dealers in Government bonds, which are largely held on this coast. Secondly, they were the fiscal agents of the Chesapeake & Erie Railroad system. The announcement was followed by rumors as to the effect the suspension might have on the railroad interest on this coast. Charles Crocker, President of the C. P., stated emphatically to a representative of the Associated Press that it would have none; that neither the Central nor Southern Pacific were or could be involved with the suspended firm. The bank managers were interviewed, and said: "We are interested, but uninvolved spectators of the Wall street troubles." San Francisco Intelligence. SAN FRANCISCO, May 16.-At the early call to-day, Government fours were quoted at 119. At the close of the Board they depreciated to 116. A considerable amount of money was sent East to-day. Ordinary exchange on New York was selling at 30, and telegraphic had risen to 1½. Some of the banks had stopped selling. Several this morning called on their customers to put up further collaterals on overdrafts. The market was unaffected. The following was received at the Presidio, San Francisco, from the Department of Arizona, dated May 15: Capt. Crawford telegraphs that Lieut. Hunter turned over to him yesterday 20 Chiricahuas, four men and 16 women and children. The sons of Juh were among them. This party is the last of the Chiricahuas and Warm Spring Indians, who have been in Mexico. Some of these Indians are now on the reservation. The Oregon Suspended Bank All Right. SAN FRANCISCO, May 16.-The suspended bank of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson were the New York correspondents of the Portland Savings Bank, Fairweather & Brook Sprague, W. T.; the bank of McMillan, and the First National Bank of Union, Oregon. These have placed sufficient sums with the Importers' and Traders' National Bank of New York to honor all drafts on the suspended bank, and are now in transit. The total amount is not large, and will not embarrase the bank in the least. A Most Worthy Memorial. SAN FRANCISCO, May 16.-The following telegram explains itself: To Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper, San Francisco: On this 16th anniversary of my dear son's birthday, I place in the bands of my brother, Ariel Lathrop, the sum of $4,000, to be used during the year at your discretion for the kindergartens under your charge. This is quite independent of the $1,000 I have already donated for the Mission kindergarten. (Signed) MRS. LELAND STANFORD. Mrs. Cooper intends to open another kindergarten soon with this latest gift. Two Men Consumed in a Fire. SAN FRANCISCO, May 16.-A fire broke out at an early hour this morning on Guerero street, and two men, one a Swiss, named Theobold, and the other a Frenchman, name unknown, were burned to death.


Article from The Austin Weekly Statesman, May 22, 1884

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mour's bank, which prefers to pay dollar for dollar. The balances at the clearing house will be announced this afternoon, when a plan of settlement will be agreed upon. It is thought the plan in New York will be agreed P n here. There was some excitement this morning,but this materially subsided at noon. NEW YORK, May 15.-There was a much better feeling in the stock exchange circles early in the day, due to the action of the Clearing house, and to the resumption of the Metropolitan bank. Shortly after opening, a slightly weaker feeling prevailed, owing to the announcement of the failure of A. W. Dimmock & Co. This was succeeded by strong buying for foreign and home account, and there was a general improvement. Canadian Pacific rose 3 to 47; Central Pac. 41/2 to 421/4; C. B. & Q., 1½ to 116; Northwestern, 2 to 1051/2, preferred 51/2 to 130½; Lackawanna, 3 to 113; Lake Shore, 23/3 to 921/2; Mo. Pac., 514 to 73; Kans. & Tex., 13/8 to 143/8; N. Y. Cent., 23/4 to 1101/4; Northern Pac. preferred 51/4 to 49 Oregon Trans., 21/3 to 241/3; Pac. Mail, 3 to 39; Omaha preferred 6 to 90; Texas Pac., 13/3 to 12; Union Pac., 3 to 44; Western Union, 33/4 to 541/4. At the clearing house new certificates were ready for delivery at an early hour, and the banks availed themselves to extend $47,000,000. The resumption of the Merchants Bank also had a favorable effect, as it set at rest the rumors that the suspension was of the Marine Bank character. Buying for European account was an special feature of the market, and every house with foreign connections had liberal orders to purchase. At times during the day when the market flagged, these purchases turned the course of speculation. The extent of this foreign buying movement is plainly shown by the foreign exchanges. There was a larger supply of bills than for a long time, and the pressure to sell caused a sharp decline in the high rates of money at this centre. Foreign capital, and leading English and German institutions, telegraphed their agents here to draw for any amount. Buying stocks for home account was also very large, brokers offices being crowded with investors. This is usually the Case alter a disturbance like the past few days. Stocks SO bought, it should be understood, are paid in full. This operation, aside from reducing the amount of stocks to be carried on the street, brings in SO much fresh capital to aid the money market. Investment purchases, therefore, naturally had an important influence in the direction of improvement just before the close of the suspension of Fisk & Hatch was announced, and there was evidence of strong support in the final dealings, and, compared with last night's, the closing prices were five per cent higher. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson have over four hundred banks for whom they transacted New York business, scattered through Georgia, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, lowa, Colorado, Utah and other territories, and over one hundred bulletins were posted on the door. Inside, Donnell and Simpson were busy all day trying to see where they stand. Lawson is in Europe. To a Tribune reporter Simpson said: We are still figuring up and trying to get to a point where we can resume. We can't tell you anything until about to-morrow afternoon. There is a prospect we will resume. That is the point towards which our arrangements are tending." "Has an assignee or receiver been ?" decided "No, sir: nothing of that kind has been or will be done, now. We shall not make an assignment unless satisfied that we cannot go on or settle our business satisfactorily withoutit." A RUN ON A BANK. BRIDGEPORT, CONN., May 15.-The raid on the banking house of Watson & Co. was resumed this morning, but the excitement subsided by 10 o'clock. KANSAS CITY, May 15.-The slight flurry of this morning disappeared this afternoon. A large number of deposits were drawn out this morning, but nearly all small amounts, the larger depositors appearing confident that the scare was artificial, and the concerted action of the banks, coupled with the encouraging eastern advices brought about an early reaction, and the excitement gradually subsided. The report which got abroad that the bank of Kansas City was involved seems to have originated in the impression that the bank had a large account with Donnell, Lawson & Simpson. Their books show they had only $39,000 with the New York firm, a comparatively small amount. The feeling now 18 that all occasion for apprehension of serious trouble is over. WALL STREET, 12:40 P. M.-Comparative quiet reigns on the stock exchange, and it is more apparent every moment that the crisis is past. The suspension of Hawley & Co., of Boston, was caused by a run on the banking department of the house of Beliene. It will be temporary. BOSTON, May 15.-F. S. Hawley & Co., bankers and brokers, have suspended and cannot give a statement of their liabilities. They state that their failute is due to the failure to ascertain just where they stand. They have been doing business as bank depositors and the amount due depositors is unknown. The house was rated at $100,000. It wasstated the Bank of Commerce was this morning a debtor to the Clearing house $500,000. Examiner Scribas' work has been discontinued, and the official advices in general continue reassuring. The Commercial says the general subject of discussion was the remarkable position assumed by President Seney and the directors of the Metropolitan bank, who announced the bank


Article from The New North-West, May 23, 1884

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CLARK & LARABIE, Successors to Donnell, Clark & Larabie, Deer Lodge and Butte. Succeeding the statements we made last week concerning the financial Hurry in New York, there has been a recovery from the brief prostration, and matters appear to have resumed their normal condition. Secretary of the Treasury Folger was in New York, and comprehending the situation, directed such action of the Treasury as to throw into Wall street all the currency necessary to relieve the stringency, and the Clearance Association promptly sustained all Bankers with the currency required on hypothecation of government securities. The failures and runs practically ceased, stocks took an upward turn and the pinch ended. Quite a number of houses were forced to suspend before this action could effect them, but several of them appear to be solvent and will resume. Among those caught in the first sweep of the tide was the well known house of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, whose securities, largely western, could not be made immediately available, and it was deemed best to make an assignment to enable them to handle their property and securities without sacrifice. The assignee, Mr. Weems, states they have one million dollars assets in excess of all liabilities, so that they are not only solvent, but it is reported they will likely resume in a few days. Pending this result, however, Messrs. W. A. Clark and S. E. Larabie, of Butte and Deer Lodge, who were abundantly able to do so, purchased Mr. R. W. Donnell's onethird interest in the Donnell, Clark & Larabie houses and established the new firm of Clark & Larabie in Deer Lodge and Butte as successors to the old firm. The ability and disposition of these gentlemen to do this and establish a new deposit with the First National, of New York, within forty-eight hours, without even inconveniencing themselves, is not only a gratification to their patrons and a proud record for Montana Bankers, but it was doubtless a welcome relief to the senior member of the firm when the New York house was in straits. It is not worth while in Montana to say anything about the wealth of Messrs. Clark & Larabie. They are possessed of handsome fortunes and are careful, capable, intelligent financiers and business men, who have made their money steadily by twenty years of industrious thrift, and know how to take care of it. The flurry in New York has brought out the fact prominently that the Montana Banks are not only well managed, but are exceptionally strong and safe. A reason of this latter fact is obvious. Eastern Banks deal largely in uncertain stocks and hold them as securities. They are readily sonvertible under ordinary circumstances, but are precarious, and when a shrinkage like that of the past few months occurs-aggregating nearly four hundred million dollars-they have to be realized on at immense sacrifices or held at peril. In Montana the Banks make the majority of their loans to merchants, producing miners, manufacturers or realty owners, whose property is abundant security, and few losses are made. None of our Banks, we believe, deal at all in Wall street securities, and hence are not effected by a collapse in stocks further than losses that may occur by having balances with correspondents who fail. While regretting very much the embarrassment of Mr. Donnell, who is very highly and justly esteemed in Montana, we congratulate Messrs. Clark & Larabie on the deserved prosperity that has enabled them to readily purchase his interests and handle their large business themselves without even inconvenience.


Article from Barbour County Index, May 23, 1884

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Governor Glick has telegraphed from New York that Kansas will not lose anything on account of the suspension of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, the state's fiscal agents. He also announces that the First National bank has been selected as the agents of this state.


Article from Morning Journal and Courier, June 3, 1884

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J. Edward Simmons was elected president of the Stock Exchange yesterday afternoon, receiving 601 votes against 131 for his opponeat, O. N. Stead. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, the New York bankers and brokers who suspended during the recent panic, propese to resume business and payments within thirty days. The Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph company has again reduced its commercial rates between the cities of St. Louis, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York from fifty to forty cents for ten words. The Massachusetts House yesterday enacted the civil service bill with amendments. It now awaits the Governor's signature. The Senate by 14 to 11 passed a bill raising the salaries of State House clerks from $2,500 to $3,000. Base ball yesterday: At Providence, Providence 9, New Yorks 3; at Boston, Bostons 10, Philadelphias 1; at Detroit, Detroits 6, Clevelands 3; at Washington, Keystones 8, Nationals 3-Cincinnatis 3, Washingtons o; at Baltimore, Baltimore Unions 7, Boston Unions 2; at Philadelphia, St. Louis 5, Athletics 3; at Brooklyn, Indianapolis 8, Brooklyns 7; at Baltimore, Baltimores 10, Columbus 5; at Worcester, Woroesters 10, Springfields 8; at Amherst, Amherets 17, Rochester University 5; at New York, Metropolitans 18, Jaspers 3.


Article from Eureka Daily Sentinel, October 22, 1884

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he had saved their lives, in expectation that he would be handsomely remunerated for his gallantry. Murder. SHELBYVILLE, Ky., Oct. 21.-Special reports of the killing of Elijah Kirk by Robert Clark near here have been received. Kirk accused Clark of circulating evil reports about his daughter, and got a shotgun and rode out to Clark's house, after having threatened to kill him. He was riding up and down the road waiting for Clark's appearance, when the latter opened the front door and fired two shots with the gun, riddling Kirk with buckshot and shooting his head almost off. He Never Said So. WASHINGTON, Oct. 21.-In relation to the dispatch from London that Secretary Felinghuysen had declared his inability to understand the reluctance of France for an amicable settlement of the difficulties with China, Mr. Felinghuysen says he never expressed any opinion on the subject. Heavy Registration. NEW YORK, Oct. 21.-To-day is the last day of registration in Brooklyn. The number registered was 29,664, making a total registration of 124,623 against 106,354 last year, and 114,090 in 1880. Fatal Connubiation. HARTFORD, Oct. 21.-Martin Harrison killed his wife and was killed himself last night in a jealous quarrel. The man who had been living with Harrison's wife was cut during the row, but not fatally. A Stage Held Up. HELENA, M. T., Oct. 21.-The coach between Jefferson City and Boulder was held up to-day, the object being to rescue two horse thieves supposed to be on the coach. Parties are in pursuit. Hangs Himself Through Remorse. CHICAGO, Oct. 21.- Charles J. Downe, member of the Board of Trade, who murdered his brother, Wm. H., Sept. 5, committed suicide by hanging in his cell in jail last night. Promised Resumption. NEW YORK, Oct. 21.-The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to-morrow.


Article from Wheeling Register, October 22, 1884

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Donneil, Lawson & Simpson Resume. NEW YORK. October 21.-The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to morrow.


Article from The Rock Island Argus, October 22, 1884

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Expect to Resume. NEW YORK, Oct. 22.-The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business immediately.


Article from The Salt Lake Herald, October 22, 1884

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Resuming Business. NEW YORK, October 21.-The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic at Wall Street, announce that they expect to resume business to-morrow.


Article from The Daily Cairo Bulletin, October 22, 1884

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Will Resume. NEW YORK, October 20 -The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic on Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to-morrow.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, October 22, 1884

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TELEGRAPHIC BREVITIES. The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to-day. James M. Felger, postmaster at Mantua Station, Ohio, was arrested yesterday on a capias, under an indictment for embezzling $1,000 in postal money orders. He gave bail. Martin Harrison, a car-driver, and his mistress, Ada Brown, both of Hartford, Conn., were killed on Monday night. S. Gregory, a former lover of the woman, has been arrested. Jealousy was the cause. Mrs. Waitland, of Glencoe, Ill., has sent to the Arch bishop of Quebec a check for $500 to be distributed among the poor of Labrador. This generous gift will be utilized at once for buying provisions, which will be sent by schooners to the people in distress. William Jordan, watchman at Oakwood Cemetery, Chicago, was found dead in the cemetery chapel from a bullet wound in the head, yesterday morning. The supposition is that his death was accidental, and was caused by a revolver dropping out of his pocket and being discharged. John Huschka, of Viroqua, Wis., the German farmer who murdered his aged wife, on Sunday, was found in the woods on Monday in his nightclothes, nearly frozen to death, and a raving maniac. He was placed in jail, and when apparently rational, was told of his crime. During the night he committed suicide by hanging.


Article from The Stark County Democrat, October 23, 1884

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A Banking Firm to Resume. NEW YORK, Oct. 21.-The firm of Don nell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers, which failed during the recent panic in Wal street, announced that they expect to IV sume business to-morrow.


Article from The Dallas Weekly Herald, October 23, 1884

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Donnell, Lawson & simpson Up Again. NEW YORK, October 21.-The firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, bankers. which failed during the recent panic in Wall street, announce that they expect to resume business to-morrow.


Article from Daily Inter Mountain, October 30, 1900

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grown up in the atmosphere of the court room. Later he was employed as private secretary in the banking house of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, at 102 Broadway, New York. He remained there for six years until 1884, when that firm failed in the panic of that year. He came to Montana in 1886, and resided in Helena for ten years. He was admitted to the Montna bar in 1887. In 1888 he was defeated as a candidate for county attorney of Lewis and Clarke county. He was the official stenographer of the constitutional convention of 1889. Mr. Connolly was a candidate for United States district attorney in 1893, and had the warm support of ex-Governor J. K. Toole, Judge W. Y. Pemberton, Judge J. J. McHatton and other democratic leaders for that position. Mr. Connolly made the speech nominating Hon. W. W. Dixon for congress at the Great Falls convention of 1892. In the early spring of 1896 Mr. Connolly left Helena to locate in Butte. He was appointed chief deputy county attorney under Guy W. Stapleton, Jon. 1, 1897, and elected county attorney of Silver Bow county in 1898. His record since that time is well known to the citizens of Silver Bow county. Mr. Connolly is well known throughout the entire state. He is married and has four children, the youngest being four years old.


Article from The Minneapolis Journal, September 21, 1906

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FORTUNE'S BEGINNING Senator Clark Got His First Big Start Thru a Foreclosed Mortgage. O.P. Connolly in McClure's. Clark had been a clerk for Robert W. Donnell, one of the early pioneers of Montana, who accumulated a fortune as a merchant during the first gold excitements in the Rocky mountains. Donnell opened a small banking house in Deer Lodge, Mont., and afterwards established the firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, at 102 Broadway, New York, which failed in the Wall street panic of 1884. When Robert W. Donnell was about to go to New York to establish his house there, he opened a branch house at Butte, taking into partnership W. A. Clark and another of his clerks, S. E. Larrabee. Clark took charge of the Butte bank and acquired Donnell's interest after the failure of the New York house. Donnell, Clark & Larrabee had loaned in the course of their banking business at Butte some $30,000 to William L. Farlin, an intimate friend of Clark. Farlin had located several claims on the. Butte hill, and one down below the town called the Trevonia. The Trevonia was promising. Farlin started to develop it and, in order to do so, borrowed the money from Donnell, Clark & Larrabee at Butte. When the loan came due Farlin was unable to meet it, and in order to secure his friend Clark, placed all his mining property in Clark's hands with the understanding that Clark should work the property to the best advantage, pay off the indebtedness, and restore the claims to Farlin. Instead of working the Trevonia, the most promising, Clark leisurely prospected the other claims-realizing nothing, of course -and at the expiration of his trusteeship claimed forfeit of everything Farlin owned. Larrabee looked upon Clark's mineral holdings with distrust, and in a settlement between the two, took a band of valuable horses belonging to the firm in exchange for his half interest in the mines which had once belonged to Farlin. Clark thus became the sole owner of the interests which laid the foundation of his great fortune. Fragrant floral blooms, plant-milk, vegetable


Article from Omaha Daily Bee, October 14, 1906

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Senator Clark's Fortune. A. CLARK had been R clerk for Robert W. Donnell, one of the W early ploneers of Montana, who accumulated a fortune as a merchant during the first gold excitements in the Rocky mountains, relates McClure's Magazine. Donnell opened a small banking house in Deer Lodge, Mont., and afterwards established the firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, at 102 Broad. way, New York, which failed in the Wall reet panic of 1884. When Robert W. Donwas about to go to New York to esish his house there, he opened a branch se at Butte, taking into partnership A. Clark and another of his clerks, S. Larabee. Clark took charge of the utte bank and acquired Donnell's intorest ter the failure of the New York house. Ronnell, Clark & Larabee had loaned, in the course of their banking business at Butte, some $30,000 to William L. Farlin, an intimate friend of Clark. Farlin had located several claims on the Butte hill and one down below the town called the Trevonia. The Trevonia was promising. Farlin started to develop it, and in order to do so borrowed the money from Donnell, Clark & Larabee at Butte. When the loan came due Farlin was unable to meet It, and in order to secure his friend Clark, placed all his mining property in Clark's hands with the understanding that Clark should work the properties to the best advantage, pay off the indebtedness and restore the claims to Farlin. Instead of working the Trevonia, the most promising, Clark leisurely prospected the other claims-realizing nothing, of course -and at the expiration of his trusteeship claimed forfeit of everything Farlin owned. Larabee looked upon Clark's mineral holdings with distrust, and in a settlement between the two, took a band of valuable horses bélonging to the firm in exchange for his half Interest in the mines which had once belonged to Farlin. Clark thus became the sole owner of the interests which laid the foundation of his great fortune.