1.
August 30, 1917
The Cordova Daily Times
Cordova, AK
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DIRECTORS MUST PUNGLE UP $54,720 FAIRBANKS, Aug. 30. - Not all the judgment rendered by the United States circuit court at San Francisco last week against the directors of the defunct Washington-Alaska Bank of Fairbanks, for the depositors in the institution is collectable now. The full text of the circuit court's decision has been received here by cable. It sustains the judgment pre viously given by the district court of this district. According to judicial decree the directors, on two counts, are held liable for having declared and paid dividends on the stock of the bank after the institution was bankrupt. These illegal dividends amount to $54,720, and it is adjudged that this sum be paid by the directors to the receiver of the bank and that he distribute the sum among the depositors. Of this total $54,720, the amount of $33,720, on one count, is adjudged against R. C. Wood, John L. McGinn. David Yarnell and L. N. Jesson. Of the remaining $21,000 of the judgment, based on another count, only about $5,000 is collectable, as some of the directors named in this second count are without means. There is scarcely any doubt that the case will be appealed from the circuit court to the supreme court of the United States. The belief is entertained here that even if the highest tribuntal affairms the decision of the lower courts, the depositors will get very little, as the expense of the receivership in the meantime will have eaten up the amount of the judgment.
2.
September 3, 1917
The Alaska Daily Empire
Juneau, AK
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BANK DIRECTORS MUST PUNGLE UP BIG SUM Another Phase Is Written into the Affairs of the Washington-Alaska Fairbanks Bank. FAIRBANKS, Aug. 20.-(By mail) Not all the judgment rendered in the United States circuit court at San Francisco last week against the directors of the defunct Washington Alaska Bank at Fairbanks, for the depositors is collectable now. The full text of the circuit court's decision has been received here by cable. It sustains the judgment previously given by the District Court of this district. According to judicial decree the directors, on two counts, are held liable for not having declared and paid dividends on the stock of the bank after the institution was bankrupt. These illegal dividends amount to $54,720, and it is adjudged that this sum be paid by the directors to the receiver of the bank and that he distribute the sum among the depositors. Of this total $54,720. the amount of $33,720. on one count is adjudged against R. C. Wood, John L. McGinn. David Yarnell and L. N. Jesson. Of the remaining $21,000 of the judgment, based on another count, only about $5,000 is collectable, as some of the directors named in this second count are without means. There is scarcely any doubt that the case will be appealed from the circuit court to the supreme court of the United States. The belief is entertained here that even if the highest tribunal affirms the decision of the lower courts, the depositors will get very little, as the expense of the receivership in the meantime will have eaten up the amount of the judgment.
3.
September 10, 1917
The Alaska Citizen
Fairbanks, AK
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APPEAL OF RECEIVER IN ONE OF THE BANK CASES DENIED The consideration is declared to have SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4. (Spe been $250,000. eial wire of The Associated Press) The United States circuit court of The lower court held that the Fairappeals today denied the appeal of banks Banking company failed be F. G. Noyes, receiver of the Washcause of poor management and that ington-Alaska Bank of Fairbanks, Althe plaintiff corporation, or the Washaska, for a million eight hundred ington-Alaska bank through its reand sixty-eight thousand dollars exceiver. being part of the alleged ilemplary and compensatory damages legal combine, could not sue under as the result of the alleged combi the Sherman anti-trust act. The denation of the Washington-Alaska murrer of the defense stating these Bank, the First National Bank of facts was sustained, but Noyes claimFairbanks and the Fairbanks Bank ed that it was in error. ing company. According to Noyes, the liabilities of the Fairbanks Banking company The suit was aimed against the diat the time of the sale exceeded the rectors and stockholders of the Fairassets by $535,000. The original banks Banking company and was in complaint outlined secret agreements stituted in the Northern Federal Jubetween the directors of the three dicial district of the State of Washbanks to market all the gold output, ington. Noyes contended in the preexchange and regular banking busi liminary sult that the three banks ness in an undefined region extendoriginally controlled all of the bank ing for hundreds of miles around ing business in the vast district Fairbanks. around Fairbanks and in the TanThe defendants in the original suit ana Valley through a non-competitive were W. H. Parsons, Falcon Joslin, agreement. The complaint in the John Schram, E. L. Webster, J. W. proceedings further alleged that the Clise, F. E. Barbour and their reWashington-Alaska bank and the spective wives and Washington se Fairbanks Banking company subsecurities. quently took over the interests of the First National bank and, at a Interviewed last night concerning later period, the Fairbanks Bank the foregoing dispatch, which is printing company took over the interests ed practically verbatim, Mr. Noyes of the Washington-Alaska concern. stated that it refers to a demurrer This was done, the complaint alto his complaint sustained by the leged, in the pursuance of a conjudge of the court in Seattle, on spiracy in restraint of trade. statute of limitation grounds, and it The complaint further alleged that means that the decision of the lower at the time that the Fairbanks Bank court in regard to the demurrer has ing company purchased the Washbeen sustained by the court of apington-Alaska bank, the former instipeals. It has but little bearing on tution was insolvent and that it obthe main Washington-Alaska bank ligated itself to meet the purchase case, as far as can be ascertained. price out of the depositors' money inScratch pads for sale at The Citi stead of from the usual reserve fund demanded by law for such purposes. zen office.
4.
November 23, 1917
The Daily Nome Industrial Worker
Nome, AK
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WASHINGTON ALASKA BANK IS IN TROUBLE the Receiver. lars alleged to have been wrongSAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2.-The (Editor's note. We are advised fully taken from the bank but litigation incident to winding up failed of recovery before the Federby local bank authorities that the the affairs of the Washington Alal District Court of the Fourth Diaska Bank of Fairbanks continues. Fairbanks institution was financed vision of Alaska. Upon the closing of the bank severfor the most part by citizens of the The Receiver promptly appeaied al months ago F. G. Noyes was apstate of Washington and had no to the Federal District of Appeals pointed receiver by the Federal Disconnections or correspondent bank sitting in the city and upon heartrict Court of the Fairbanks Diviing and review here has procured in this city.) sion. Mr. Noyes immediately an order issuing today, direct Wood brought suit against the President INCREASED PAY. to pay *the thirteen thousand dolof the defunct institution for the recovery of thirteen thousand dol- lars with interest to the credit of
5.
November 23, 1917
The Daily Nome Industrial Worker
Nome, AK
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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. %2.-The litigation incident to winding up the affairs of the Washington Alaska Bank of Fairbanks continues. Upon the closing of the bank several montas ago F. G. Noyes was appointed receiver by the Federal District Court of the Fairbanks Division. Mr. Noyes immediately brought suit against the President of the defunct institution for the recovery of thirteen thousand dol-
6.
June 4, 1918
The Nenana Daily News
Nenana, AK
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RECEIVER NOYES GIVEN JUDGMENT BY HIGH COURT Supreme Court of the United States Rules Former Officers Must Make Good. WASHINGTON, D. C.-The supreme court of the United States has handed down a decision affirming the judgment against J. A. Jessen and other former officers of the defunct Washington-Alaska bank of Fairbanks, which was obtained by Receiver F. G. Noyes in the lower courts. The amount involved is $297,000 and the defendants to the action include a number of well known residents of Fairbanks, as well as several former residents. The supreme court also handed down a decision refusing to disturb the judgment for $13,000 which was obtained by Received Noyes against
7.
June 4, 1918
The Alaska Daily Empire
Juneau, AK
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FORMER DIRECTORS OF ALASKA BANK TO PAY A LARGE SUM WASHINGTON, June 4. - The Supreme Court has sustained the judgment of the Federal Court awarding to Fred G. Noyes, receiver of the Washington-Alaska Bank of Fairbanks, $297,000, representing money lost by J. A. Jenson and five other former officers of the bank. The Court refused to disturb the judgment of the lower Court granting $13,000 to the receiver against Dick Wood, former cashier of the bank.
8.
June 10, 1918
The Weekly Alaska Citizen
Fairbanks, AK
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JUDGMENT FOR 297,000.00 IN FAVOR OF RECEIVER W.-A. BANK SUSTAINED BY SUPREME COURT WASHINGTON, D. C., June 3.-The United States supreme court has sustained the judgment of the federal court of appeals at San Francisco awarding to F. G. Noyes, receiver of the defunct Washington-Alaska bank of Fairbanks, Alaska, the sum of $297,000. This sum represents money that was lost by J. A. Jesson and five other officers of the bank in their handling of the funds. The supreme court also declined to disturb the judgment of the federal court of appeals at San Francisco awarding $13,000 to Receiver Noyes against R. C. Wood. This decision of the supreme court of the United States awards a total of $310,000 to Receiver Noyes. Both these cases were appealed to the supreme court from the court of appeals in San Francisco. Attorney F. de Journel, when interviewed regarding the decision of the supreme court, stated that these judgment had been denied Receiver Noyes by Judge F. E. Fuller. When tried in his court Judge Fuller had decided the cases in favor of the defendants. Receiver Noyes, in his efforts to obtain these funds for the depositors of the bank, appealed both the case against J. A. Jesson and his associates and the case against R. C. Wood to the circuit court of appeals at San Francisco. The federal court of appeals reversed the decision of Judge Fuller in both cases, awarding to Receiver Noyes $297,000 from Jesson and five other former officers of the bank and also awarded $13,000 judgment against Wood. Both of these cases were then appealed by the defendants to the United States supreme court. In its decision rendered yesterday the highest court in the land sustained both decisions of the federal court of appeals.
9.
February 26, 1919
The Cordova Daily Times
Cordova, AK
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BARNETTESHAD HARD TIMEOFIT IN NORTHLAND The following extracts from the San Francisco Bulletin relates the hardships undergone by the Barnettes during the final days of their residence in Fairbanks: A thrilling story of the frozen fields of Alaska, teeming with terrifying hardship and rugged romance through which a lone family, in constant fear of death, battled against tremendous odds to save their property from the cupidity of a gang of alleged lawless pioneers, was revealed today before Superior Judge James M. Troutt. Mrs. Isabelle Barnette who, with her husband, E. T. Barnette, founded the town of Fairbanks, Alaska, is the heroine of the remarkable narrative unfolded before Judge Troutt today. The case came up on the application of those being sued by Mrs. Barnett for $52,000 damages for a change of jurisdiction in the suit to the federal courts. The defendants include the WellsFargo-Nevada National bank and Fred G. Noyes, receiver of the defunct Washington-Alaska bank. Loses Property. Mrs. Barnette in her complaint avers that she was compelled to part with her property when the Washington-Alaska bank, of which her husband was the president and a director, failed. To satisfy the creditors, all the property of the Barnettes was taken over by the receiver, and her own property, which she claims was not of a community nature, was confiscated and taken away from her under threats against her life. The value of this property she seeks to recover. Mrs. Barnette graphically told of her flight from Fairbanks in the darkness of night, bundled up on a dog sled and carried out of town as merchandise to escape her alleged persecutors. She endured intense suffering during the trip down the Tanana river to the Yukon and down that frozen stream to St. Michael's island, where she was able to secure passage for the States. Underwent Hardships. She was the first white woman in Fairbanks. She was the first woman to traverse the 400 miles of wilderness between Valdez and Fairbanks, and in doing so performed a feat many men wuld have refused to undertake. She underwent the hardships of true pioneer life in the wild trip in the dead of winter. Isabelle Pass, at the summit of the trail between Fairbanks and Valdez is named for her. She was the first woman to cross that pass. Then there was no trail. She and her husband "guessed" the way and broke snow for the 400
10.
April 28, 1919
The Seward Gateway Daily Edition, and the Alaska Weekly Post
Seward, AK
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from the lawless pioneers. The heroine of the tale is Mrs. Isabelle Barnette who, with her husband . E. T. Barnette, founded the town of Fairbanks. Alaska. The narrative was unfolded before Judge J. M. Troutt ,and the case came up on the application of those being sued by Mrs. Barnette for $52,000 damages for a change of jurisdiction to the Federal courts. The defendants include the WellsFargo Nevada National Bank and F. G. Noyes, receiver of the defunct Washington Alaska Bank at Fairbanks. Mrs. Barnette in her complaint alleges that she was compelled to part with her property when the Washington-Alaska bank of which her husband was the president and director, failed. To satisfy the creditors all the property of the Barnettes was taken over by the receiver and her own property which she claims was not of a com-
11.
August 19, 1920
The Cordova Daily Times
Cordova, AK
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WOOD RELEASED BY ORDER OF 'FRISCO JUDGE SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19 (by Associated Press).-Federal Judge Rudkin has ordered the immediate release of R. C. Wood, the Fairbanks banker, on $10,000 bonds, following his detention here as a result of legal difference with F. G. Noyes, receiver of the defunct Washington-Alaska Bank of Fairbanks. Judge Rudkin also granted a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in Wood's behalf, returnable August 28, when Noyes' representatives must show cause why Wood should not be permanently released.
12.
December 23, 1920
East Oregonian : E.O
Pendleton, OR
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# SEIZED FORTUNE MUST
# BE RETURNED IS ORDER
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23.-(A. P.)-The personal fortune of Mrs. Isabell Barnette, seized for the benefit of creditors of the defunct Washington-Alaska bank of Fairbanks, has been ordered returned to her in a decision by U. S. District Judge Frank S. Dietrich of Boise, Idaho.
The property involved approximates $100,000.
Mrs. Barnette, with her husband, General E. T. Barnette are credited with founding the town of Fairbanks. General Barnette was president of the bank when it failed. In her petition she charged that angry depositors forced her to turn over to Fred G. Noyes, receiver of the bank, all her personal property, "on pain of bodily injury to her husband and herself and of threats of kidnaping her children,"
Judge Dietrich's decision ordered Noyes to grant Mrs. Barnette an accounting and to return her property. The case had been in litigation six years, attorneys said.
13.
April 19, 1921
The Nenana News
Nenana, AK
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# NOYES SAYS CONDITIONS
# ARE BAD IN THE STATES
Fred G. Noyes, pioneer resident of Fairbanks, who arrived from the States on Saturday's train, reports that conditions are very bad on the Outside. And it is his opinion that it will be at least eighteen months before there is a change for the better. This situation in the States, he says, will cause a big influx of people into Alaska-is causing it already, and the result will be a plentiful supply of labor for all purposes, and a revival of prospect-ing.
Mr. Noyes does not believe there is much chance for the passage of the gold bonus bill. He thinks the national lawmakers will hesitate long before giving their approval to a measure, the operation of which might in any way affect the gold standard. He believes the payment of a premium on virgin gold would tempt many people to attempt to remelt gold coins and disguise the metal as virgin gold Of course, he says, not all of such persons would succeed in their attempts to defraud the Government, but many of them would try, and the Government would be put to heavy expense to prevent the frauds and punish the offenders. Recognition of this danger, Mr. Noyes thinks, will prevent the passage of the bonus bill.
Questioned regarding the outlook for the payment of additional dividends to the depositors of the defunct Washington-Alaska Bank, of Fairbanks, of which he is receiver, Mr. Noyes said that he could not make any promises at this time, although the actions which he has started in the courts against former directors and others appear to be making headway. He has secured judgments for large amounts, but appeals have been taken and there must be more court proceedings, which will take both time and money. Mr. Noyes denies that Mrs. Barnette was given a judgment against the receiver, as was reported in press dispatches from San Francisco. But he says her suit has complicated matters somewhat and will cause considerable delay and additional expense in settling the estate. Complications also have arisen in connection with the big Barnette ranch in Mexico, which the receiver hoped to secure for the depositors. He is still hopeful of getting it, but the recovery will mean a legal battle.
Mr. Noyes believes the Government is making headway in its efforts to suppress the liquor traffic. It is a big problem, he says and is costing the Government a lot of money, but he predicts that the time is not far distant when results will be apparent to everyone. The employment of new agencies and methods from time to time, he thinks will solve the problem of adequate law enforcement
Regarding conditions in Alaska, Mr. Noyes believes that the country would be helped greatly were the Government to license gambling. He advances the argument that life itself in this Northern country is
14.
October 19, 1922
The Seward Gateway
Seward, AK
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Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Noyes, of Fairbanks are numbered among those who are visiting in Seward for the present. Mr. Noyes at one time was receiver for the defunct Washington-Alaska bank, in Fairbanks.
15.
March 10, 1923
The Nenana News
Nenana, AK
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MRS. BARNETTE SCORES IN OLD BANK CONTEST SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 10-Mrs. Isabelle Barnette, former wife of Captain E. T. Barnette, head of the defunct Washington-Alaska Bank, which failed in Fairbanks a number of years ago, has obtained an order from Federal Judge Frank B. Detrick directing Fred G. Noyes former receiver, to show what amounts comprise the $47,000 which he asserts was expended to collect $58,000 which he is holding in a San Francisco bank and which Mrs. Barnette is seeking to recover.