18902. Montgomery Insurance, Trust, & Safe Deposit Company (Norristown, PA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
state
Start Date
May 5, 1890
Location
Norristown, Pennsylvania (40.121, -75.340)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
b69d5aa3

Response Measures

Capital injected, Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Directors examined books, converted collateral to cash; family pledged to cover losses.

Description

Multiple contemporaneous articles report a heavy run on the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company on May 5, 1890, suspension of payments at about 10:30 a.m. while awaiting cash, and later resumption of payments the same day (or shortly thereafter). The immediate cause is traced to unauthorized loans/speculations by cashier/treasurer W. F. Slingluff (bank-specific adverse information). The Montgomery National Bank (same building) experienced withdrawals but met demands; primary suspension was the trust company.

Events (3)

1. May 5, 1890 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
LATER-Payment was resumed by the trust company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound, but that the trust company is considerably involved.
Source
newspapers
2. May 5, 1890 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Heavy withdrawals triggered by discovery of unauthorized investments/loans by cashier/treasurer W. F. Slingluff; his resignation and assignment of property revealed shortages.
Measures
Suspended payment at about 10:30 a.m.; directors examined assets, sought promised arrival of cash, planned to convert collateral to cash and assess capital stock if necessary.
Newspaper Excerpt
The trust company had a heavy run and at 10:30 suspended payment.
Source
newspapers
3. May 5, 1890 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suspension due to unauthorized loans/speculations by treasurer William F. Slingluff, producing a deficit variously estimated $25,000–$180,000 in different reports; directors suspended to examine assets and await cash or convert collateral.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company closed its doors at noon to-day and announced that the concern had temporarily suspended payment.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (13)

Article from The Morning News, May 5, 1890

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A CASHIER IN THE SOUP. Several Stock Companies Also in a Bad Tangle. NORRISTOWN, PA., May 4.-There is considerable excitement here over an announcement made late last night that W. F. Slingluff, cashier of the Montgomery National Bank, and also secretary and treasurer of the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company, had placed his resignation at the disposal of the directors of those two institutions. He also assigned his property to them. Cashier Slingluff is said to have made unauthorized investments of funds entrusted to his care. WHERE THE MONEY WENT, Interest in the matter is further hightened by the fact that the concerns in which he is said to have invested heavily are stock companies organized by a syndicate at the back of the recently suspended Bank of America of Philadelphia and the banks and institutions that went down along with it. The affairs of the trust company are said to be in a tangled state. Officials of the company were working on the books all of yesterday, last night, and to-day. The amount needed to strike a balance is variously estimated from $25,000 to $100,000. Cashier Slingluff and his wife transferred all their property to the company. Cashier Slingluff estimates the value of the assigned property at $75,000.


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, May 5, 1890

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Can't Meet Its Demands. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 4.-The Montgomery National bank is now said to be unable to meet its demands. A committee is examining the affairs of the Montgomery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit company, but its condition will not be known until they complete their labors. The discrepancy is variously estimated at from $25,000 to $100,000. An assessment of capital stock may be necessary. Mr. Slingluff and his wife have transferred all their property to the company. Mr. Slingluff says the property assigned is worth $750,000,


Article from Deseret Evening News, May 5, 1890

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Article Text

Run on a Bank. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National Bank this forenoon. The officers of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company in the same building as the TrustCo. had a heavy ran, and at halfpast ten suspended payment, awaiting the promised arrival of cash. At one o'clock this afternoon it has not yet arrived. The officials say that if the money is received it will be all right; if not, a receiver may be necessary. He said the depositors are amply secured.


Article from The Salt Lake Herald, May 5, 1890

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Article Text

A Trust Company Suspends and Resumes. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National bank this forenoon. The offices of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit company are in the same building. The trust company had a heavy run and at 10:30 suspended payment. They are awaiting the promised arrival of cash. LATER-Payment was resumed by the trust company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound, but that the trust company is considerably involved.


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, May 6, 1890

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Article Text

Run Ou a Trust Company. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-This forenoon the Montgemery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit Co., had a heavy run about 10.30 o'clock. Payment was suspended but resumed later. The impression among conservative financiers is that the trust company is considerably involved. Contrary to an early report, the trust company did not resume payments. Pres. Slingluff said this evening that the trust company might resume within a day or two, or inside a week at the latest Directors had gone over the paper held by the bank and trust company, and the loss would probably not be more than 880,000, and in no event not more than $100,000 A eurplus of $300,000 is amply secured to every depositor.


Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, May 6, 1890

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THE BANK HOLDS OUT But the Trust Company is Forced to Sus. pend in Lleu of Cash. NORRISTOWN, P'A., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery Bank this afternoon when, the doors of the bank Were opened. The offices of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit company are both in the same building. One man, this morning made a deposit at the bank of $75,000 and other depositors brought in cash 80 that the deposits almost equalled the withdrawals. The Trust Company had a heavy run and at about half past ten o'clock suspended payment, awaiting the promised arrival of cash. At one o'clock this afternoon it had not yet arrived. About twenty depositors are awaiting the resumption of payments. An official says if the money is received all is right, if not, a receiver may be necessary. He said that depositors were mostly secured. All that is needed is time to realize on securities. Later payment was resumed by the Trust Company. The impression among conservative financiera is that the bank is entirely Bound but that the Trust Company is considerably involved.


Article from Evening Journal, May 6, 1890

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Article Text

Slingluff's Shortage $180,000. NORRISTOWN. Pa., May 6.-The statement that the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit company would continue business proved to be erroneous. The doors were opened, but after a run had fairly set in they were closed and depositors were notified that while the concern expected to pay all liabilities in full some delay would be necessary. The suspension is due to unauthorized loans made by treasurer Slingluff. There was a run on the Montgomery bank, of which Slingluff is cashier, but all demands were met. It is stated that Slingluff's property, which he turned over to the institution and which he said was worth $750,000, is worth only $50,000, while he is said to have diverted $180,000 of the funds to his private use


Article from The Cheyenne Daily Leader, May 6, 1890

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Article Text

An Unsafe Safe Company. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National bank this forenoon. The offices of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit company are in the same building. The trust company had a heavy run, and at 10:30 suspended payment, awaiting the promised arrival of cash At 1 this afternoon it had not yet arrived. An official says that if the money is received, all will be right; if not, a receiver may be necessary. He said the depositors are amply secured. Later-Payment was resumed by the trust company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound, but the trust company con-iderably involved.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, May 6, 1890

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A New Writ Issued. BUFFALO, May 5.-Another writ of habeas corpus has been issued in the case of Kemmler, returnable before County Judge Underwood at Auburn on Saturday. It is issued to dispose of the question as to whether the warden of the State prison can legally execute Kemmler. The claim is that nobody but the Sheriff of Erie county can execute him. UNEASY DEPOSITORS. A Run on the Involved Banks at Norristown, Pa. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National Bank this forenoon. The offices of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit Company are in the same building. The trust company had a heavy run, and at 10:30 o'clock suspended payment, awaiting the promised arrival of cash. At 1 o'clock this afternoon no cash had arrived. The officials say if the money is received all will be right; if not, a receiver may be necessary. They say. the depositors are amply secured. LATER-Payment has been resumed by the trust company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound, but the trust company is considerably involved. A Private Bank Suspends. BELOIT, Wis., May 5.-The private bank of Charles A. Malher & Co. closed its doors this morning. James M. Hawley, the junior member, has disappeared. The assets are placed at $110,000; liabilities, $100,000. Hawley drew $10,000 on his personal note before leaving. It is not known how his accounts stand.


Article from New-York Tribune, May 6, 1890

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A TRUST COMPANY IN TROUBLE. Norristown. Penn., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National Bank this forenoon when the doors of the bank were opened. The offices of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit Company are in the same, building. One man this morning made a deposit at the bank of $75,000 and other de. positors brought in cash, so that the deposits almost equalled the withdrawals. The Trust Company had a heavy run and about half-past 10 o'clock suspended payment, awaiting the promised arrival of cash. Later, payment was resumed by the Trust Company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound, but that the Trust Company is considerably involved. The officials refuse to give any figures or definite information. A member of the wealthy Slingluff family de. clared that they will be responsible for every loss to outside parties from William F. Slingluff's financlering.


Article from The Sun, May 6, 1890

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A TRUST COMPANY SUSPENDS. Another Failure Due to the Financial Crash In Philadelphia. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-The Montg mery Insurance. Trust. and Safe Deposit Company closed its doors at noon to-day and announced that the concern had temporarily suspended payment. This result is the immediate outcome of the financial troubles of William F. Slingluff. who, until Saturday afternoon. was Cashier of the Montgomery National Bank and Treasurer of the trust company. which is a branch institution of the bank. Mr. Slingluff's financial difficulties are traceable to his business relations with the MacFarlan-Pfeiffer-Work Syndicate. the Bank of America. and the Asphait Block Company. in which he was heavily Interested. It was because of this connection that the name of the Montgomery National Bank became involved during the financial crash of last week. This brought on an investigation by the directors of the bank. which resulted in a request for Mr. Slingluit's resignation. President John Slingluff. a brother of the ex-cashier. also entered judgments against the latter for $20,000 on bills executed by him to the bank. The cashier has made an assignment of everything. including his wife's jewels.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 6, 1890

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BUSINESS FAILURES. Norristown Trust Company Embarrassed Wisconsin Banker Absconds. NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 5.-There was considerable excitement about the Montgomery National bank this forenoon. The officers of the bank and the Montgomery Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit Company are in the same building. The trust company had a heavy run and at 10:30 suspended payment, awaiting a promised arrival of cash. Later payment was resumed by the trust company. The impression among conservative financiers is that the bank is entirely sound. but that the trust company is considerably involved. The family is a very wealthy one, and he himself is reputed worth a million. Last year, a friend asserts, be lost a little. PROVIDENCE, May 5.-The Oriental mill, of which Alfred A. Reed and Gordon Reed are the principal owners, is reported to be temporarily embarrassed. The mill runs about 16,000 spindles, making a fine grade of Turkish towelings, and employs about


Article from Delaware Gazette and State Journal, May 8, 1890

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THE NORRISTOWN SENSATION. Cashier Speculations Cause a suspension. NORRISTOWN, May 5.-The Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company of this city suspended payment this morning. A run began as soon as the place opened. Shortly before 8 o'clock Vice. president Chain of the trust company apr peared and read the following to the 30 or more depositors who were in line at that time: "The board of directors, as at pres. ent advised, deem it for the interest of all the depositors that the Montgomery Insurance, Trust and Sate Deposit Company should suspend payment and therefore announce that no more money will now be paid. From the examination of the assets which has been made we feel confident in saying that all the depositors will be paid in full and that it is not likely that the company will sustain anp loss. All truet funds are separately invested and safely secured." As soon as they heard this the depositors assembled went home, confident that they would get their money. The suspension of the trust company 18 due to the unauthorized loans made by the treasurer, William F. Stingiu , who resigned on Saturday and assigned his property to the company. Mr. Slingluff was also cashier of the Montgomery Bank, an institution closely allied to the trust company, and there has been a run on the bank to-day, which, however, exhausted itself about 2 o'clock. After banking hours President John Slingluff, of the two institutions, who is a brother of Cashier Slingiuff, furnished the following figures in relation to the day's transactions: Payments by the bank, $107,293; deposits, $20,131; payments by the trust company, $57,000. Ot the amount taken out of the bank $33,000 comprised the regular monthly withdrawals of three rafiroads. President Slingluff said this evening that the trust company would resume as soon as posible. The directors were going to convert collateral into cash, and If favorable arrangements could be made, they might resume within a day or two, or inside of a week at the latest. They had gone over the paper held by the bank and trust company, and the loss would probably not be more than $80,000 and in no event not more than $100,000, and the surplus of $300,000 amply secured every depositor. Sometimeago It was discovered by thedirectors that Cashier and Treasurer Siingluff had borrowed $100,000 on his responsibility. He secured the loans with what he considered ample security, but the company demanded additional collateral, which was furnished. The collateral is to constat of stock of the Philadelphia Finance Company, People's Railway Company and American Life Insurance Company, three institutions in which the syndicate controlling the suspended Bank of America of Philadelphia, and the institutions in New Jersey which it carried down are largely interested. For some months past It has been known in financial circles here that Cashier Slingiuff was largely interested in business enterprises that were classed as hazardous. When his father, who was wealthy, died about eight years ago, no inventory of the estate was flied and the son was supposed to have Inherited in the neighborhood of $150,000 and therefore no surprise was occasioned by his braconing out into outside speculation. Since the announcement of his resignation It has been learned that the cashier's share of the estate 18 less than $50,000, and the estate being still intact he has not drawn any of this amount. He has operated altogether on money borrowed from the bank, trust company, several building and loan associations and from individuals.