16473. Peoples Bank (New York, NY)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
November 11, 1875
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
00bb8842

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Receiver appointed; bank closed and put into receivership; notice posted 'will neither receive deposits nor pay drafts.'

Description

Articles (Nov 1875) describe heavy withdrawals after other savings-bank failures (Third Avenue, Central Park) and examination showing losses in securities. Superintendent Ellis applied for a receiver Nov 11; the bank suspended (notice posted Nov 26, 1875) and a receiver (Isaac V. French) took charge; later receivership payments of cents-on-the-dollar are reported — consistent with permanent closure/receivership. Cause combines bank-specific adverse information (depreciated securities, losses) and contagion from other local bank failures; primary trigger recorded as withdrawals after Third Avenue failure and loss on securities.

Events (3)

1. November 11, 1875 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Withdrawals consequent on the failure of the Third Avenue Savings Bank and a quiet but steady drain (~$250,000) after that failure; depositors withdrawing rapidly.
Measures
None specifically besides attempts to seek receiver; later notice posted that bank would neither receive deposits nor pay drafts.
Newspaper Excerpt
Mr. Ellis had applied for a receiver for this bank on Nov. 11, but it suspended before a receiver was appointed.
Source
newspapers
2. November 26, 1875 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Isaac V. French was appointed receiver by Judge Landon and succeeded in paying 33 1-3 cents on the dollar to the depositors up to April 4, 1876.
Source
newspapers
3. November 26, 1875 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Examination showed heavy losses since July from depreciation in securities (including Southern bonds) and expense exceeding income; insufficient assets to meet depositor claims.
Newspaper Excerpt
Pending the action of the Attorney General of the State, this bank will neither receive deposits nor pay drafts. The Attorney General ... will make the application for the appointment of a receiver early in the week.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (11)

Article from New-York Tribune, November 27, 1875

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BANK EXAMINATIONS. STATEMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT ELLIS-THR SECURITY, THE PEOPLE'S AND CENTRAL PARK SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. In conversation with a reporter of THE TRIBUNE last evening, Bank Superintendent Ellis said that he would not say a word about any other banks, except those which have already suspended or have had receivers appointed. He had not, he said, applied for a receiver, except in the cases already known, but he would not state whether he contemplated applying for receivers for other banks. Most, if not all, of the unsound banks had less than $500,000 of deposits, he said, and they were new banks which had been established within the last six or eight years. The old and large banks were all perfectly safe, and the number of "abaky" ones was very small. Mr. Ellis thought that if the press treated the matter carefully, all of the unsound banks would be "weeded out" without any trouble or excitement. In his opinion, the Legislature had allowed too many savings banks in this city, and the result was that none of them made as much money as they used to do, while some of them became entirely without support. In reference to the banks which have recently suspended Mr. Ellis was more willing to speak. The Central Park Bank, without giving notice to him, had built its costly new building at Third-ave. and Forty-eighth-st. He found that the cost of the new building and lots was $76,000, and that all the interest held in it by the bank, the lote being mortgaged, was $5,000 less in amount than the sum due to depositors. He refused to permit the removal unless the $5,000 was made good to the depositors, and 5 or 6 per cent surplus was added to the assets. Mr. Gearty, the Prestdent, then made up the $5,000 himself, and sueceeded in raising besides about $1,000 to insure the depositors. Last Sunday Mr. Ellis said he telegraphed to close the bank. He thought it possible that the new building might be sold for enough to pay the depositors in full. The Security Bank, he thought, would be able from present appearances to pay its depositors in full. The People's Bank was in a worse condition. The depositors would probably get about 80 cents on a dollar. Mr. Ellis had applied for a receiver for this bank on Nov. 11, but it suspended before a receiver was appointed. He had nothing to do with the appointment of receivers himself. CONDITION OF THE CENTRAL PARK SAVINGS BANK. The President of the Central Park Savings Bank said last evening that no receiver had yet been named. The bank was closed all day yesterday. Mr. Gearty stated that the immediate cause of the suspension was the withdrawal of déposits, consequent on the failure of the Third Avenue Savings Bank. The only assets of the bank were the new Eve-story brick building at Thirdave. and Forty-eighth-st. and the lots it occupies. These lots earry two mortgages, amounting in the aggregate to about $36,000. The building is mineumbered. The amount of deposits at present, Mr. Gearty said, was less tban $40,000, and the total liabilities of the bank were about $76,000. The depositors are mostly laborers, who have small sums invested, but someof them possess considerable property. The bank was organized in 1867. It formerly made money, but has recently ceased to do 80. Many changes have taken place among its managers, and these, Mr. Gearty seemed to consider unwise and a source of the bank's trouble. [For Other News concerning Banks, see Second Page.]


Article from The Cincinnati Daily Star, November 27, 1875

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New York. / NEW YORK, Nov. 27.-There is no probability that the suspension of the small banking institutions on Third avenue reported yesterday will produce any excitement or run upon any of the other savings banks. The Manufacturers' and Builders' Bank will probably pay in full, and may resume business. The People's Bank will also resume soon. FUNERAL. NEW YORK, Nov. 27.-The funeral of W. B. Astor, the millionaire, took place from Trinity Church this morning. Bishop Potter, Revs. Morgan, Dix, Houghton and other eminent divines were present. ALIVE. Matthew Crony, gate-keeper at the Penitentiary, whose skull was fractured yesterday, his brains oozing from the wound, is still alive. His vitality under the circumstances is a marvel to the physicians. The summing up in the Scandal murder trial is progressing. Beach, counsel for prisoner, is making an able argument. SENTENCED. Col. Robt. Des Anges, who has been found guilty ot complicity in smuggling goods through the appraiser's office at undervaluation, was sentenced by Judge Benedict to-day to two years in the Albany penitentiary and to pay a fine of $1,000.


Article from The New York Herald, November 27, 1875

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Total $660,630 94 No statement giving the details of the present assets and liabilities of the bank could be obtained yesterday, but it seems that since the failure of the Third Avenue Bank there has been a quiet but steady drain going on, footing up to a total of about $250,000. The estimated liabilities to depositors IS about $400,000. AN OFFICIAL OPINION. Mr. Ellis, the Bank Superintendent, denied last night that he had given any authorization to the bank officials to make any statement such as contained in the card given herewith. In fact. he said he land steadily persisted in expressing 1.0 opinion as to the condition of the bank, but he could say that the stoppage was brought about by no official action of his He could not give any idea as to how the bank stands, but he had always looked upon it as being perfectly solvent. His examiners would at once investigate it, and the result of their labors would determine what steps he should take, if any. He also said, in reference to THE PEOPLE'S BANK, that he had made application on the 11th inst. to the Attorney General of the State to have a receiver appointed for the reason that the examination of the books, which was completed on the 10th inst., showed there was no use for the bank to keep open; that it had sustained heavy losses since last July by the depreciation in its securities, among which were a number of Southern bonds; and, further that the depositors were rapidly withdrawing their deposits thereby precluding any possibility of the bank recuperating. In fact, the expenses were too heavy for the income. The bond signed by the trustees for $47,500 he looked upon as perfectly good and one which they would be called upon to pay. He could give no idea of what the estate would pay to its creditors, as that de pends so much on what the securities will realize. The following 18 the last yearly statement, made January 1, 1875:ASSETS. $123,300. Bonds and mortgages :Stock VIZ


Article from The New York Herald, November 28, 1875

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$6,909 Excess of assets over liabilities Appended to the above was a notification as follows:Mr. Reid, the Bank Examiner, authorizes the statement that the bank IS unquestionably sound. As a statement to the general public the above statement might be considered entirely satisfactory. but there is one item charged as an asset at $79,562 55 for the building and lot, which it is difficult to understand The original cost of this property was, as stated in yesterday's HERALD, $78,460 43 Its market value on the 1st of January, 1875, as set forth in the statement made by the bank on that date, was estimated at $87,400 (probably a very full estimate), and now it is appraised by the Bank Examiner at over $79,000. Real estate owners, bank presidents and others residing on Third avenue say that If the building and ground were sold $50,000 would be an extraordinary good price. It will, therefore, be seen that instead of an apparent excess of assets there will be a deficiency of nearly $23,000. The depositors, it is understood, intend to call a meeting early in the week and appoint a committee of investigation. THE MANUPACTURERS AND BUILDERS' The receiver, Mr. W. A. Butler, took possession of this bank and its concerns yesterday, and at once began to overhaul the accounts. His official statement of assets and liabilities will not be ready for some days. Mr. Davidson, the late President, however, wishes it distinctly understood that the Clews loan was long ago thrown out and credited to profit and loss, 80 that whatever is realized on the outstanding debt of $50,000 (for which there are the bonds mentioned in yesterday's HERALD as collateral) will be simply 80 much profit, and will go as a set-of to the loss on capital stock. THE VALUE OF A STATEMENT The following statement in regard to the condition of the bank, made by Mr. De Witt a Ellis. the Bank Superintendent, on the 12th day of October, 1875, when the bank had a known deficiency, will be interesting at the present time:Bank Department, State of New York.-Know all men by these presents, that De Witt C. Ellis, Superintendent of the Banking Department of the State of New York, having, in pursuance of chapter 277 of the Laws of 1859, examined the assets and liabilities of the Manufacturers and Builders' Bank, located in the city of New York. Now, therefore, in pursuance of the provisions of said statute, I, the said Superintendent, do hereby fix and determine the value of the assets of said bank, over and above all its liabilities, at the sum of one hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($180,000), as they existed OD the morning of the 12th day of October, 1875, before commencing business on that day. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af fixed my official seal on this 13th day of October [L. 8.) in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five. DE WITT C. ELLIS, Superintendent State of New York, City and County of New York, 88. I. William Walsh, Clerk of said city and county and Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State for said county. do certify that I have compared the preceding with the original certificate on file in my office and of the whole of such original indorsed, filed and recorded 14th October, 1875, 3h. 20m. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 14th day of Oa [L. S.] tober. 1875. WM. WALSH, Clerk. Filed in the Bank Department of the State of New York, October 15, 1875. HENRY L. LAMB, Deputy Superintendent. Also the following statement made by the cashier, Mr. David Morgan. Both these were published officially on November 26:Statement of the Manufacturers and Builders' Bank, located in the city of New York, of the average daily balances of the following accounts. as required by chapter 250 of the Laws of 1853. for the week ending Saturday morning, November 20, 1875 $457,382 51 Average amount of loans and discounts 365,619.92 Average amount of deposits State of New York, City and County of New York, 88. I. David Morgan. cashier of the Manufacturers and Builders' Bank, an incorporated bank. doing business in the said city and county. being duly sworn. depose and say, that the foregoing statement is correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief DAVID MORGAN, Cashier. Subscribed and sworn to before me. this 22d day of Novem. ber. 1875-- SCHAFNER Notary Public, City and County of New York. THE PEOPLES' BANK. No new developments were discovered in regard to this bank yesterday. None of the officers were visible at the offices, and the only thing new was that a notice was posted on the doors as follows: "Pending the action of the Attorney General of the State, this bank will neither receive deposits nor pay drafts.' The Attorney General, it is understood, will make the application for the appointment of a receiver early in the week. The trustees are to hold a meeting on Monday afternoon. THE CENTRAL PARK BANK was closed and entirely deserted yesterday. The trustees, it is said, are waiting the action of the Bank Superintendent and Attorney General, although it is believed they intend to subscribe among themselves the whole amount of the indebtedness to the depositors and speedily liquidate the estate. OTHER BANKS, There was no appreciable run on any of the other savings banks in the city during yesterday, but the smaller institutions, both up and down town. are in some trepidation as to Monday's results. Should there be any extraordinary demand made they announce their intention to avail themselves of the clause in the law requiring sixty days' notice of withdrawal


Article from The Sun, November 29, 1875

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PRICE TWO CENTS. THE CITY'S SAVINGS BANKS. WISE CONFIDENCE OF DEPOSITORS IN SOUND INSTITUTIONS. Condition of the Suspended Banks-The Mntual Benefit Added to the List-Men who Handle the Savings of Working People. Notwithstanding the closing of several weak so-called savings banks. there has been but little if any run on the really sound Institutions. The Bank for Savings, the Seamen's, the Union Dime, the Bowery, the Dry Dock, Greenwich, and other concerns with a secure surplus. the entire confidence of depositors. West Side Savings Bank also, as The possess though is reported not long established as some others, so in excellent financial condition. and its Investments are of the best character. The Secretary of the Mutual Benefit, in the building, explained to a SUN rehow the bank come porter Staats Zeitung yesterday had in the dowa Sun to its present condition. When a few years ago, the Mutual Benefit business, and was on of prosperity, its deposits one did building, high a tide most promising at time the approaching a militon dollars. But the panie and exposure of the Third Avenue Bank Irregularities caused assets to decrease, until now the deposits are loss than $400,000. The bank holds no Southern bonds except $20,000 ten per cont. It Texas, which are in demand at about par. also holds about $7,000 of Wyoming county, New Jersey Central Railroad Land Improvement and American District Telegraph and $53,000 of real to estimate the probable loss to condition of the bank is Company. Company, ficult but the estate. such depositors, report It is that dif- Su- of perintendent Ellis. on receiving the deEx miner. ordered it to take no more the posits. The officers are Gen. Charles K. Graban. President: Col. Richard Vose. First VicePresident: Mr. Joseph Dixon, Second Vice- and President: Mr. G. H. Benedict. Secretary, Willard Buliard. Chairman of Executive Com- be mittee. The trustees. who are believed to of interrity. are under bond to the amount men of about $10,000 to secure a deficiency in The the assets which appeared over a year ago. trustees are Silas C. Hay, Richard Vose, Theo. W. Morris, Martia B. Brown. Chas. K. Graham, Geo. W. White, Noab A. Childs. Joseph Dixon, Dinsmore, G. H. Benedict, Willard Bullard, Moses S. Beach, B. T. Morgan. John M. Cooney. Thomas J. Hall, George E. Kasmire, and H. Edwin Tromain. The names of the trustees of the Central Park Bank are Phillip Smith, John G. Carey, ChaunSmith, John Dunkak, John P. Morrecella, cey Francis Blessing. Henry McCullough. Michael Geheban, Michael Kane, John Haley. Henry McCabe, and John Moran. Blessing, Geheban, McCabe, and Moran resigned when the bank gos ulties, but their resignations had not been into accepted. George Hoffman is reputed to be a millionaire, and lives on Fifth avenue. There foris some talk of the trustees making up the ty odd thousand dollarsdue the depositors. Judge Westbrooke will to-day sign the order removing Mr. Carman from the receivership of the Third Avenue Bank, and appoint his successor. Superintendent Ellis went to Albany yesterday, but will return in a few days to complete the examination of the banks. Meantime his Examiner. Mr. George W. Reid, busily attending to his work. At the People's Bank the President. Mr. Rodannounced to depositors that the bank 80 gets, would be able, in his opinion. to pay 75 or THE cents on the dollar, the amount named by SUN several days ago. Mr. William A. Butler, the new!y-appointed receiver. has taken possession of the Manufacturers' and Builders' Bank, and is preparing . statement for the creditors. It is believed there will be but little left of the capital, after the depositors have been paid in full. Mr. Marshall, President of the Security Savings of Bank. has sent the following as the results the examination by Mr. George W. Reid: Assets. $237,482 23 Bonds and mortgages. Fifth


Article from The Cincinnati Daily Star, November 30, 1875

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LAST EDITION. New York. Old Winter-0'Conor-Savings - Banks-Must Hang. NEW YORK, Nov. 30.-The weather this morning is the coldest yet experien ced here this season. The air is sharp and biting and a bitter wind prevails. The cold is felt more intensely from the fact of the sudden change in the atmosphere. Yesterday morning the thermometer indicated 40 degrees above zero. Last night it had fallen to 25 degrees above and at 8 o'clock this morning had dropped to 10 above, and is still falling towards zero. The Savings Bank failures had no appreciable effect on a majority of the city savings institutions. All the banks are paying on demand, and the officers of the large banks state that there will be no necessity for a combined movement to adopt the sixty-day rule. The tailures last week do not appear to have shaken public confidence, and there has been nothing like a run attempted an any of the banks. The suspended Security Savings Bank will probably pay in full, the Peoples' Bank 50 per cent., and the Central Park Bank at least 60 per cent. Judge Barrett to-day denied the motion for a stay of execution in the case of Charles Weston, William Ellis and William Thompson, the murderers of Abraham Wissing. They will be hanged December 11. CHARLES O'CONOR. NEW YORK, Nov. 30.-Charles O'Conor, the criminal lawyer, whose critical illness at his residence at Fort Washington, as announced yesterday morning, was still alive last night, but no hopes are entertained of his recovery. The exact nature of his disease has not been clearly defined. The stomach, however, is the seat of all his trouble, and for several days he has been unable to take any nourishment. His physiciaus, after consultation, informed him that he can not survive, and he awaits with calmness and fortitude his approaching dissolution. Cardinal McCloskey has administered to him the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church. He is over seventy years of age. His wife, who was an Episcopalian, died two years ago.


Article from Los Angeles Daily Herald, November 30, 1875

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EASTERN NEWS. New York News. NEW YORK, November 29th.-Information from Fort Washington received late this afternoon states that Charles O'Connor is alive, but very low, and his physicians say he cannot live over night. The Savings Bank failure has had no effect on the majority of the city savings institutions. To-day all the banks are paying on demand, and the officers of the large banks state that there will be no necessity for a combined movement to adopt the sixty days rule. The failures last week do not appear to have shaken public confidence, and there was nothing like a run attempted on any of the banks today. The suspended Security Savings Bank will probably pay in full, the People's Bank fifty per cent., and the Central Park Bank at least sixty per cent. Judge Barrett to-day denied the motion for a stay of execution in the case of Chas. Weston, Wm. Ellis and Wm. Thompson, the negro murderers of Abraham Weisberg, and they will be hanged December 18th.


Article from The Sun, December 16, 1875

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LOOKING FOR THE ASSETS. Bad News from the German Up-town and People's Banks. Christian Schwartz, the President, and Sch: ffuer. the Secretary of the German Up-town Savings Bank. have not been seen at the bank or their usual haunts in the city since the suspension. Every day develops some new fraud or improper transaction. Mr. Schwartz, who has been bankrupt for some months past. was interested in the Empire Laundry Company, to which $19,000 was loaned on very questionable security. A worthless check for $5,600 has also been found among the assets as cash. and $25,000 of unnegoti ble town bonds. The arrest of Adolf Levinger 18 criticlsed LV some of the depositors as injurious to their prospects of obtaining the money for which he is responsible. Levinger is a partner ID H. brewary, and has rich relatives. and It is believed that if allowed to 120 on without exposure be could have settled within a few months. As it is, his business IS ruined. he will propably be thrown over the bar. and his relaLives will have no incentive to save him from the disgrace with which he is already overwhelmed. Orders of arrest are waiting for S. hwar z and Seb as soon as they make their appearance. Mr. Herman Unl. the receiver of the Germ an Up-town, is laboring b ird at the books of the bank. and will-pare noefforts to bring tojustice all who have misused the funds. The stockholders of the Manufacturers' and Builders' Bank, who, In connection with certain ex trustees of the Third Avenue Bank, tried to start a new concern in the Nineteenth Ward. have given up the project, as it received no encouragement. At a meeting of the committee of Third avenue depositors, yesterday afternoon, Mr. Asnoel P. Fitch was instructed to prosecute criminally other trustees of the Third avenue besides hose already arrested. A prominent Republican official who signed one of the bank reports within three years past will, it is Sald, be proceeded against. Mr. W. F. Aldrich. receiver of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, has been connected with the St te B oking Department. and was one of the examiners who reported the Third Avenue Bank to be in good condition, when Mr. Hennessy showed it to be insolvent. The depositors of the People's Bank had an exciting meeting, last evening, at 200 Chird avenue. Mr. Richards. of the committee which had been app inted to VISIT Mr. Isaac V. French, the receiver. reported that Mr. French had given him the following statement of the assets and liabilities: ASSETS. $56,000 Bonds and mortgages. about 10,000 Nurca Carolina State Dones, par Jue 47,000 Bonds of trus ees $113,000 Total assets LIABILITIES. $180,000 Due depositors, about Besides the above assets there is about $240 cash on hand. Dedue ing the trustees' bond, which is assumed to be almost worthless, and the North Carolina bonds, which are worth a few nundred dollars, and allowing that the mortgages are all sound, the bank has about $57,000 to meet $180,000. or less toan thirty cents ont e dollar. The cost of winding up the concern must also be taken out of the assets. Dr. seph Morehead, the Chairman, reported that be had visited Mr. French for information, and Mr. French told him that when he wanted his advice he would send for him. Mr. French's lawver said at the same interview that a bank which should pay fifty cents on the dollar would be doing remarkanly well in these times. It was voted to employ counsel to look after the interests of the denositors, and endeavor to


Article from The Sun, December 21, 1875

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SAVINGS BANKS' ACCOUNTS. LEFT-HANDEDR ANKING AND WHAT INEVITABLY FOLLOWED Confiding Depositors Looking for What May be Left for Them The Unsatisfactory Ex hibit Made by a Number of Institutions. Mr. 8. H. Hurd, receiver of the Third Avenue Savings Bank, says: It will be some time yet before my statement will be ready. Affairs are worse and worse the further I go. The bank seems to have been cleared of every available asset before it closed. and It closed only when it had no more money to go on with I have discovered. in addition to the deficiency already known, $20,000 of unpaid taxes and assessments, running against the bank at one percent. H month: besides, there Is an overvalua tion of leasehold property in Forty-sixth and Forth-seventh streets of at least $100,000. It is valued at $150,000. when $50,000 would be a proper fizure. Then this bank building is over Valued $100,000. There is also a deficiency of $66.000 In the cash account, that being the differ. ence between the amount credited to depositors In the batdle statement and that credited in the depositors' ledger. Mr Hurd added, in answer to other questions, that bethought the bank would not pay more than twenty five cents on the dollar. The only bonds Alabamas. Louisianas, and Tennes sees all Very much depreciated, and they were carried at par in the statement. The Govern. ment securiti that could be readily made available in cash had gone. Mr. Howell should have closed up the bank years before and Superintendent Ellis should not have allowed be open twenty-four hours after his own appointment. THE PEOPLE'S BANK The depositors of the People's Bank were prewith a statement prepared by Mr. W.II. Warren, the accountant employed o the receiver, Mr. French, Mr.P B. Olney, for the receiver, re d the statement. of which the follo summary: $70,000 mortgages 00 20,000 is. nds, 1,000.0 ilway 53,500.00 Trustoes' bonds Total $144,500.00 $174,422.16 Amount Othey that the trustees' bonds $16,000 was by mortgages on real estate. It had been the trustees that the were to be held liable, and as far as heard from, they had promised to DAY. Trustees and other officials are to be held litable for illegal invest. ments. and neglect in the management of the bank. In the People's Bank also there is A difference between the depositors ledger the general leger of $1,783.39 the absence of which amount unexi used. The North Carolina bonds Issued in aid of the Chatham Railway are no worth more than $500. instead of $1.000, as In the receiver's statement, The paid for them was $6,462.50. In the amount of mortgages is the following Charles list Rodgers, on house, 18 East Forty-seye street, $20,000. Charles Rodgers President of the bank when it closed The was fol. of the who list have givet lowing bonds B. F Manierre, $6,000: James W Stew art. $1.500; Bent. B Van Buren, $1.000; Mon mouth B. Wilson $5,000 Max Tenn. $1.000 Harvey H. Woods. $500: John W Salter. $6,000 James Ingraham, $5,000: James L. Hastie $3,500: Edward Gervuise, 3,100: Henry Beeny $2,500;Cephas Brattierd, $5,000; Leamen Lich tenstein. $1.000: Frederick Olmstead, $5,000 Jotham 8. Fountain $3,500; due on original bond of Henry Burden $1,500; Francis M.Smith, $500. The total 18 $53,500. Interest due fortwo years and two montos at seven per cent. $7,810, less $500 paid. Two hundred depositors of the People's Savings Bank met 200 hird aven last even10g. Among them were several ladies, and all were outspoken in their Indignation against th officers of the bank and the conduct of there ceiver. F . Abestreum presided. A previous meeting reported the assets committee of bank at the nominal value of $90,000 the y amoun due depositors, $154.000, Judge White the was selected as counsel . and the depositors.com tributed $1 each to recompense him. Acom. mitteonof four was appointed to wait upon Mr. French and demand a true account of the bank's condition. THE GERMAN UPTOWN. The deficiency in the Go man Uptown consists, as far of the following items Springport Cayuga county repuds Airbama bond Depreciation bongs 4,000 mortgage of EmpireLandory Company, 9,000 50,000 freal state 38,750 Collected Dj for accounted Total $151,930 The liabilities of the bank are about $830,000. Levinger says that the bank will be found debt him. Mr John one in trustees. declares. however, that Levinger induced Mr. Claussen the President. about weeks before the bank closed, to sign the two faction of several mortgages, with satis. standing that the the under next day. On the next mortgages day Levinger were to be paid the mortgagors wanted another day, said and thus that kept putting off for days, until at length he confessed to to Mr. Clausen. the President. and Mr. Crimmins, that be had applied proceeds of the mortgages to his own use. the He promised to raise the money, if allowed to free for a short time. He could not raise go l'hen Mr. Claussen and Mr. Crimming went it. Judge Donohue's house and stated to The Judge advised them to close the the facts once, Mr. Levinger afterward made bank lowed Plosito Mr. Ubl, the receiver, and bia arrest a confes folThe $54,000 of Alabama bonds got into bank through Henry Clews & Co. About three the years ago Mr. Schwartz. Presi ient of the German Uttown. took $100,000 of New York bonds to Henry Clews,and borrowed $30,000 city them. though he could readily have obtained $30,000 on $32.000 of New York bonds took the bonds and borrowed $65,000 Clews Senwaitz soon after went back to Clews on them. the asked for his bonds He found $54,000 $05,000 against them. paid the $65,000. and took in Alabama bonds as collateral for n claim against Clews The Alabama bonds the are worth about 27 cents on the dollar. A RECEIVER'S INVENTORY a Col. HermannUhl, receiver of the German Up. f town Savings Bank, filed with the County Clerk n. yesterday his inventory of the assets in following: bilitie=of the bank. The inventory shows and lia. the $116,800 d Cash items in other banks items (in8 cluding $5,000 South $30,000 North Carore 5,000 lina bonds an $6,600 West Farms 10 35,500 00 Morrisania town bonds a 20,000 al Yonkerstown bonds 17,000 00 aWeatchester county boudi Ee.ma Railroad bonds.g 1. 94,000 00 teed by the State Alabama n 198,000 00 21,982 29 ns individuals and


Article from The New York Herald, May 9, 1877

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INVESTIGATING ELLIS. BANK SUPERINTENDENT'S EXPLANATIONS PEOPLE'S THE CONCERNING THE BOND STREET, AND TRADES SAVINGS BANKS. ALBANY. May 8. 1877. Committee of the Senate met this of charges mornThe Banking examination into the new series Superintendent ing to begin by the Governor against Bank with Ellis, who preferred the members were present, Chapman. Ellis. attended All by his counsel, Mr. of O. W. the Governor was Coleman read the message charges. To the Senator subject, which includes the to the Bond upon the of these charges, which referred formal dental, Street first one matter, Mr. Ellis made the usual and its investigation proceeded. MACK'S WRITTEN REPORT. GovJOHN who presented the charges substantiate to the John Mack, present and was called upon to he had none ernor, was upon discussion that been notithem. of his witnesses It appeared with him, although ready. he In had their absence fied is week ago to have them documentary evidence, which he asked to put in only proof of the report of Bank Examiner 1875, of proved 10 consist made ou the 25th of March. that there George Bond W. Street Reid, Savings Bank, which of the states bank that year the a deficiency in the of rent received due to the small the suspension was $20,499, income houses amount and litigaof now and old banking then in for its certain town bonds make of interest The on charge of allowing law the was bank proposed to to tion. not authorized the by report that a loan of by is statement in York and be had been made to of New Jersey $50,000 investments ,shown $65,000 the New Oswego town bid Midland which Railroad it is shown on by the report to had 85 and been 90, the bonds, 55, and have since appreciated of interest on them arrangement in at completed. for the payment The same examination to have also being nearly in the bank at that time by the shows the surplus 731 05. The report Mr. was Eilis admitted admitted that dis- a been $145, and counsel for in 1876. A general had been the examinations the CUSSION ensued reports and to go committee, receiver the upon previous appointed expediency declined of putting Governor. beyond in o! evidence bank. all But the committee set forth by the the limits of the KLLIS charges EXPLANATIONS. had been originally Ellis testili led that name the of bank the Atlantic Savings changed chartered Mr. under the of the Laws of 1860, the and securities Bank, years chapter ago 280, to its such present as the name; law authorized; stock was the some held by transaction it were all ill Midland loan; the Railroad general bank law 11 rela- was not $50,000 an investment, not but applicable a to this the law of working under ILS charter to this bank trustees to granting a it the duty of the beyond a 1860 tive 10 loaus was own special them cbarter: contains certain is invest kept provision all sums making received this latter by amount trustees may might be direct; loan amount, deposit but or used us were the entitled to provisions make the that on as under it turns this out clause it inserted was they ODO 111 of a the charter, worst interpreted but it was It the to could have counsel been of all kinds they have chose; the law banks of law, perinil and them to such make JORDS loans herealter, as then but had allows the examin1875 prohibits such securities us they a surplus of over hands $145,000, of a er's and 10 hold report I could of not 1875 have shows put showing the Dank such into a surpius; and the the Attorney 16 was 28 could large receiver surplus while for have " was H bank had of no standing the size, in court upon an General application DIFFICULT for a receiver. TO OBTAIN of precedents A RECEIVER. on with record such There is any bility quantity of cloing tried it up on a with bank income, the Third that against s howing; the Mr. Howell to the doliciency declare of a dividend disnue not and interiere lost; as with law its of right 1875 the hot trustees earned could it does depositors under the even if they question had was sharply and declare a dividend period. Legislatura of 1875, the 10 the dividend of the The way when actually was debated during was decided 113 the committee the to put appointment it in that of the a bauk receiver application 11 for the Attorney General; of the real estate being closed represented surplus, to the value cost. but this bank was with the had turned with is at not their more consent than after matter consultation of expediency very general and in up trustees al and mysell depositors; as a distrust from was this and other the Interest deposits of were being they withdrawn believed that that they the withdrawal could not the savings and banks, would and be so rapid real estate to meet law redemands realize from them in upon time Superintende them upon there their General; is to nothing report the in a income case deficiency the 18 varies esti- of income quiring the to the the deficiency Attorney some reported of the bonds in this bonds; reported interest as nonyearly; not actual; paying of litigation paying their was not remeineer examination of mated, pending; upon alterward he other did suspended became special simply that becaus that by he sure Mr. had ever Reid this that any other than tee!s the bank had made of 1875, and had been any he such; had paid in would March recollect him if there within a week would that likely be receiver cents had on the dollar receiver has not of other yet nity-avo he told the and number sold assets. M. the able to pay or in full; realized upon until a hall-past three P. real A recess estate was here THE takeu PEOPLE'S relative BANK. to the Ellis People's had reassembling the 10 charge the effect that Examin Mr. ner Rold Ou was taken up. November, of been informed in Bank had actual a large income; no Bank that the People's deficiency in 1875, deficiency by had receive receiver assets and $10,000 appointed until sworn 1876 teatified that after be it was made with was Mr Ellis being examiner the Attorney day General the report of the matter to the up the bank on CLOSC up to close order to the reported the afterward the days afterward same the a thirteen days and nineteen it the reports day bad been issued, receiver; fair 1. V. French not was beloved to sends them into back the bank are appoint either represent valuations believes, for actual corcondition received superintendent examiner 10 inquire Bank, he cents Bixty-live the rection or sends an of the bank; the on People's the dollar since it was has closed paid up. THE TRADES SAVINGS Trades BANK. Savings for Bank January, was charge relative reports to the of the bank 13, 1876, were The up. The on Deputy Super- that next taken the examiner L. January Limb. testified the 1876. and as of evidence. Henry Department. date of of examination the made Mr. Eilis was of the was evidence until forwarded it was to admitted there intendent no Banking August after another adjudged the report absent the 111solvent, and one bank's in August, in condition, when three Reid upon days which afterward be be reported it Adjourned Allorney General. until ten A. M. to-morrow. CREEDMOOR.


Article from The New York Herald, April 21, 1878

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amount of $0 building was so heavily mortgaged that the rent only defrayed the interest on the mortgage. Suits, how. ever, are pending against the president and trustees, and may yet result in yielding something. Clinton Baok collapsed July 5, 1877, with a roll of 1,300 depositors, calling for $88,000. Mr. Edward L. Paris was appointed receiver by Judge Landon July 17. 1877. The panie of 1873 caused such a shrinkage in the securities of this bank that It was reduced to 118 last legs, and was only kept alive by the personal sacrifices of 118 trustees, Who struggled on, making up the deficiency from year 10 year until they grew tired. From the sale of real estate owned by the bank and available assets the depositors may yet realize a dividend of thirty-five per cent, out toey must have patience. Clairmont Bank closed September, 1877, on 1,000 Repositors, representi $100,000. Judge Westbrook appointed General Henry V. Smalley receiver. but though the available assets are rated at sixty cents no dividend bus yet been declared, and the late recelver is enjoying himself in Canada. His successor as receiver is Mr. Clark Brooks, no is expected to do thing possible for the depositors GERMAN UPTOWN BANK. This institution closed on December 6, 1875, with a roll of 4,399 depositors, claiming $229,436. Mr. Herman Uni was appointed receiver by Judge Davis, and the depositors received eighty cents on the dollar, the last dividend being declared September 4, 1876, while another is expected about this time of teu per cent. The trouble with this bank was that its assistant Secretary, Schwartz, who is now in Sing Sing, stole liberally of its lunds, and a consi erable amount of its securities were in depreciat Southern bonds. The German Bank, of Morrisauia, failed March, 1877, having 2,200 depositors, 10 whom 11 owed $230,000. Mr. William J. Best was made receiver by Judge Landon, and he expects when all the available assets are realized and the trustees made to pay on account of illegal investments that the depositors will be reimbursed to the extent of seventy five cents on the dollar, but they have had nething yet. Mr. Best says that when he took possession of the bank last July its cash amounted to only $351 95 and it owed $54 000 to sundry secured creditors. including two of its own trustees The sum named had been borrowed at different times by the officers LO meet current disbursements, its payment being guaranteed by the pledge of 10wn bonds and bonds and mortgages. Mr. Best says he holds railroad bonds and other securities to the amount of $167,000, and this amount he shall endeavor to recover from those trustees who voted in favor of the purchase of the bonds and of making the loan on railroad securities, both acts being in direct violation of the charter of the bank and of the laws in relation to savings banks. If he only succeeds in this it will be a well taught lesson to all trustees in future. GUARDIAN BANK. This bank had 1,000 depositors, to whom it owed $560,000 on the day it closed, November 17, 1871# Among its directors were well known members of the Ring. Its first receiver was Mr. Jeremiah Quinlan, appointed by Judge Barnard November 17, 1871. Mr. Mr. Walter S. Roche, one of the directors, who held himself responsible for the failure of the bank. turned over to Quinlan his entire property, to make good the losses. This property realized enough to pay the depositors in full and leave a surplus of about $150,000; but Roche WMS cheated of his last dollar. Quintan resigned and Peter J. O'Donohue was ap. pointed his successor by Judge Donohue; but no Was removed by Judge Lawrence and Mr. John T. McGowan, a lawyer of good repute, WILL substituted in his place. Suits against Quiolan for the recovery of the moneys were promptly started by Mr. McGowan, but nothing has come of them yet. The depositors, however, ought to be thankful to get so much as ninety live cents OD the dollar, though it Was secured by the beggary of Roche. MECHANICS AND TRADERS' BANK. This closed June 10, 1876, having 3, 300 depositors, to whom it owed $1,454,000. On July 13 Mr. William J. Best was appointed receiver by Judge Osborne. The depositors were paid seventy one cents on the dollar, the last dividend having been declared December, 1877, and one more of ten or filteen per cent 18 expected to be declared within a few months. Snrinkage of values, along with culpable mismanagement, brought about the tate of the Mechanics and Traders'. MUTUAL BENEFIT BANK. This yielded up the ghost November 27. 1875, after being seven years in existence. It bad 4,000 depositors, to whom It owed $450,000. Judge Donohue appointed William F. Addried receiver. The depositors were paid fifty cents on the dollar up to May, 1876. Another dividend of ten per cent, and though a (orther one of ten 18 hoped for there 18 not much faith in its being realized. Fall in real estate and stupid management brought this concern to its inglorious end. MARKET BANK. This institution went under in January, 1872. through the rasculities of ring composed of its officers and one or two outsiders. The number of its depositors was 1,900, to whom $1,000,000 were due. Mr. James Dennis was appointed receiver January 20, 1872, by Judge Barnard, but the appointment, owing to the character of the Judge, excited the suspicion of the depositors, which culminated 12A such action being taken as resulted in the rejection 01 Dennis and the throwing of the bank into bankruptcy. Mr. Francis W. Worth, who died the following year, was elected assignee by the creditors, and about the same time the secretary of the bank, Conklin, departed for Canada with as much of the funds as he could conveniently lay hold OI. On Worth's death, in September, 1873, John S. Platt was appointed his successor by Judge Blatchford, but he succeeded to little more than a legacy of barassing litigation about real estate and squabbles with lawyers about fees. The bank paid thirty-eight cents on the dollar up to March 12. 1873, and another dividend is hoped for some day in the future. NEW AMSTERDAM BANK. This concern expired September 27, 1876, with a roll of 2,100 depositors, representing $510,000. It had been in existence eight years and was lodged in a large and most expensive building, that proved a fatal drag upon its resources. Mr. Richard M. Bent was appointed receiver December, 1876, by Judge Landon, and up to October 1877, bad paid the depositors sixty-five cents our the dollar. with a promised forthcoming dividend of twelve per cent. NATIONAL BANK This was a savings institution of no great consequence, and was more or less identified with the Ring, along with which It collapsed. "Hank" Smith was president. The trustees made up the deficiency and the depositors, to whom $190,000 were due, were paid in falls The receiver was appointed by Judge Barnard, but as be neid the office only ball a day, was offered $6,000 for his services, which he indignantly declined and felt ashamed o: the whole business, his name never transpired. PROPLE'S BANK. This was rather a weak institution and collapsed immediately when the hard times set in November 26, 1875. It had 1,296 depositors, to whom it owed $195,000. Isaac V. French Was appointed receiver by Judge Landon and succeeded in paying 33 1-3 cents on the dollar to the depositors up to April 4, 1876. Within the past SIX months 10 per cent additional has been paid, making 10 all 431-3 cents on the dollar, an amount which the depositors when the crash OCcurred hardly ever expected to get. SECURITY BANK. This bank failed November 26, 1875, after an existonce of seven years, which appears to be about the average longevity of a New York savings bank. It had 2,600 depositors, entitled to the gross sum of $390,000. Mr. William M. Banks was appointed receiver January 28, 1876, by Judge Landon, and up to May 1877, paid the depositors ty-seven and a half cents on the dollar. A delalcation on the part of the secretary, John L. Sen, who was subsequently sent to the Pemtentiary, and also the tall 10 the value of real estate, were the causes of the collepse. Mr. Banks expects within two months more to pay an additional live per cent THIRD AVENUE BANK. This bank closed with a deep. resounding crash September 30, 1875, and produced more w despread distress than hall the other banks put together. It bad the immense roll of 8,000 depositors, to whom was due $1,400,000. Mr. William S. Carman was first appointed receiver by Judge Osborne October, 1875, but was subsequently removed and Mr. Samuel H. Hurd, the present receiver, appointed in bis place by Judge Westbrook. Everybody has heard the history of this bank and its disgraceful and. corrupt management A loop in the law permited the escape of the president and trustees. Fifteen cents on the dollar, what they have got already is nearly all the depositors are ever likely LO see. The management of this concern was illustrated in the matter of the trustees bond suit, ID which " was shown that when the bank ran behind 80 that it could not pay a dividend the trusiees held a meeting and drew up a bond by which they became individually liable to the amount of