19149. Philadelphia Bank (Philadelphia, PA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
August 13, 1892
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (39.952, -75.164)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
b4cbda18

Response Measures

None

Description

Articles (Aug 13–23, 1892) report the Philadelphia Bank as insolvent, having made an assignment and being placed in hands of an assignee/assignee for benefit of creditors. No clear contemporaneous description of depositor runs is given; the events describe insolvency, assignment/assignee and likely permanent closure. Classified as suspension_closure (suspension/assignment leading to permanent closure).

Events (3)

1. August 13, 1892 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
the Philadelphia bank of which he is vice-president... which now has $72,000 of the order's money... $170,000 had been donated to the bank to tide over the embarrassment of this bank (discussion of Iron Hall funds placed in the bank).
Source
newspapers
2. August 17, 1892 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
the Philadelphia bank had gone into the hands of an assignee; the bank was put in the hands of an assignee for the benefit of its creditors and was insolvent (reports Aug 17-19, 1892).
Source
newspapers
3. August 17, 1892 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank declared insolvent after bad investments and mismanagement (large Iron Hall deposits and worthless bonds); assignment/insolvency led to suspension of normal payments/operations
Newspaper Excerpt
the announcement of the failure of the Philadelphia bank ... the bank had put up its affairs in the hands of an assignee
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (13)

Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, August 13, 1892

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SUPREME JUSTICE SOMERBY On the Stand in the Application for a Receiver Hearing. Supreme Justice Somerby was on the stand in the Iron Hall receivership case today. Somerby, although having supreme authority, admitted that he had never given a bond until this suit was brought, and then only in the sum of 85000. This bond has not been approved and is not in force. Supreme Cashier Cavis is under 850,000 the witness said. Somerby admitted the time for which the supreme sitting and officers had been elected (two years) had expired. Continuing the witness told the story of the Philadelphia bank of which he is vicepresident. and which now has $720,000 of the order's money. He said the reason that $170,000 had been dogated to the bank was to tide over the embarrassment of this bank. The money was taken from the funds of the order. If a receiver for the bank had been appointed it would have resulted in the appointment of a receiver for the order and its utter ruination. The supreme officers deemed it justifiabie to donate this money.


Article from Evening Journal, August 13, 1892

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THE IRON HALL SUIT. Appearanées Seem to Indicate That a Receiver Will Be Appointed. INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 13.-Supreme Justice Somerby was on the stand in the Iron Hall receivership case. The testimony elicited was strong enough to lead the plaintiffs to beheve that a receiver will be appointed. Somerby, although having supreme authority, admitted that he had never given bond until this suit was brought, and then only in the sum of $5,000, with a Detroit undertaker as security. This bond has not been approved and is not in force. Supreme Cashier Davis is under $50,000 bond, the witness said, but one of thesureties is dead. Somerby admitted that the time for which the supreme sitting and officers had been elected (two years) had expired. He could point out no authority for the present body to exist, except a section authorizing a special call of the sitting. The witness did not know where any of the order's reserve funds, except $3,000 in this city, had been invested as required by the constitution. Accountant Davis had some transactions involving some $94,000, but Somerby did not know how this money was invested. Continuing, the witness told the story of the Philadelphia bank, of which he is vice president and which now has $72,000 of the order's money. He said that the reason $170,000 had been donated to the bank was to tide over the embarrassment of this bank The money was taken from the funds of the order. If the receiver for the bank had been appointed it would have resulted in the appointment of a receiver for the order and its utter ruination. The supreme officer deemed it justifiable to donate this money. It is the theory of the members of the supreme sitting that the $94,000 which Davis took to invest was dissipated by him and Dan W. Knefler, one of the plaintiffs, who was cashier. It is known that both lost heavily in wheat speculation. During the trial several members of the sitting called Davis outside and asked him if he would tell them where this large sum had been invested; but he replied that he had no time to talk.


Article from The Portland Daily Press, August 16, 1892

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BRIEFLY TOLD. A beautiful boat parade was among the gaities at Bar Harbor yesterday. The Republican League convention will be held at Buffalo September 15th instead of the 1st. Charles H. Abbot, shoe manufacturer of South Royalton, Vt., has disappeared owing $30,000 or more. In Last Tennessee Sunday a mob went to Inman and marched out all the convicts working in the mines. Much excitement prevails. Capt. Simmonds, who is dredging Hell Gate for the wreck of the Hussar, has been greatly encouraged at bringing up a gold guinea. Vessels from around Cape Horn report that the drift ice from the Antarctic Ocean has reached the most northern point ever known. Sunday, Rev. M. B. Bell, of Armenia, N. Y., by a blunder gave his congregation a battery mixture of sulphuric and nitric acid instead of communion wine. Thirty-seven are violently sick but will recover. The State Department have got our dispute with Spain relative to the treatment of Caroline Islands missionaries referred to arbitration. This is a good piece of work for the department. It is regarded as certain that a receiver will be appointed for the Iron Hall. The Philadelphia Bank will be taken out of control of its officers and put in care of trusty persons. The investigation has been adjourned to Philadelphia.


Article from The Wichita Daily Eagle, August 18, 1892

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THE IRON HALL. INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 17.-It is the general belief here tonight that the Iron Hall is a doomed organization. Its troubles are rapidly multiplying. Following the announcement of the failure of the Philadelphia bank, which holds $713.000 of the order's money, comes an order of the court restraining the banks of Indianapolis from paying outa dollar of Iron Hall deposits. The appointment of a receiver is not doubted now.


Article from The Wilmington Daily Republican, August 19, 1892

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THE IRON HALL MUDDLE. Cashier Davis Refuses to Surrender His Books for Examination. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Aug. 19. - The sensational development in the Iron Hall difficulty yesterday was the refusal of Supreme Cashier Davis, who had just returned from Philadelphia, to surrender his books to the finance committee of the order for investigation. The committee completed an examination of Supreme Accountant Walker's books and pronounce them all right in every respect. When a demand was made on Davis for his books he refused. He offered no explanation for his action, and as he could not be found later there is a rumor that he has left the city. The appointment of a receiver for Iron Hall by Judge Taylor is now a foregone conclusion. BOSTON, Aug. 19.-George E. Bill, accountant of the Iron Hall, when asked whether an assessment had been ordered in that organization to meet the $170,000 sunk in the Philadelphia bank, said: "No, there has not been any assessment that I am aware of, but I have no doubt that the members would stand a dozen assessments if necessary to save the standing of the order, as they believe fully in its soundness." Mr. Bill expressed his confidence in the stability of the organization, and said if a receiver were appointed for the Iron Hall it would be only a case of temporary receivership, in order to secure the funds and sureties deposited in the Philadelphia bank, and this could be done, notwithstanding the fact that the bank had put up its affairs in the hands of an assignee.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, August 19, 1892

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Accountant Bill Talks a Little. BOSTON, Aug. 18.-George E. Bill, accountant for the Iron Hall, when asked if an assessment had been ordered to meet the $170,000 sunk in the Philadelphia bank, said: "No, there has not been any assessment that I am aware of, but I Ihave no doubt the members would stand a dozen assessments, if necessary, to save the standing of the order. as they believe fully in the soundness of the principle." Mr. Bill ex pressed his confidence in the stability of the organization, and said if a receiver were appointed for the Iron Hall it would be only a case of temporary receivership in order to secure the funds and sureties deposited in the Philadelphia bank, and this could be done notwithstanding the fact that the bank had put its affairs in the hands of an assignee.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, August 19, 1892

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# HAVE NOTHING TO SAY. The Iron Hall Attorneys Not Talking for Publication-No Conference Held. The reticence of the Indianapolis lawyers who went to Philadelphia with such mysterious haste is extreme. They have "nothin' to say, my daughter, nothin' at all to say," having evidently found the legal lights of the Quaker city entirely awake upon their arrival and not inclined to somnoleney during their stay. The Indianapolis attorneys on both sides of the Iron Hall case were sparing in their conversation to the newspaper folks there and quite as mysterious as they had been here, but the reporters apparently got along quite easily in gathering the news in the case without their assistance. When they arrived in Philadelphia they were looked upon as a party of bandits who had come all the way from Indiana to run away with the remaining assets of the bank, especially the cold cash, and all Philadelphia rose to see that nothing of the kind was done. And it wasn't done. The Indianapolis lawyers promised that the Philadelphia creditors of the bank should have their money, dollar for dollar, and that then they, the visitors, should have what remained turned over to them. This didn't strike the Philadelphians as anything better than they already had, if quite so good, for they had the bank and all it contained, and if there was anything in handling the funds they proposed to themselves the enjoyment of the usufruct. Yesterday afternoon a vain endeavor was made to learn what the plaintiffs intended to do when the case would again come before Judge Taylor this morning. It was rumored that there would be a consultation of the attorneys on both sides yesterday afternoon, but if such a meeting was held it was in a spot so secluded that no newspaper person was able to find it. The plaintiffs' attorneys were disposed to a feeling of elation over the fact that the Philadelphia bank had gone into the hands of an assignee, and said that pointed very clearly toward a receiver at this end of the line. They were not, however, entirely at their ease, and there was much moving to and fro among the legal gentlemen representing that side of the case, and numerous long and secret consultations. Whenever a reporter put in an appearance, whether at the office of an Iron Hall attorney or one of the other side, the assurance was given that not one word could be said about the case, as they had each and all covenanted together, and by an inviolable contract, sealed with at least seven seals, had sworn to divulge nothing whatever in the case. It is not likely, however, that there are many more surprises in store, and that the end is at hand. Down on the Newspapers. Mr. Somerby, of the Iron Hall, is reported to have said, yesterday, that he had probably given his last interview to a newspaper reporter, because he had been hounded down and repeatedly misrepresented. Mr. Levi Jones, a member of the press committee, "once a newspaper man himself," has also taken occasion, during his salaried stay in this city, to say that the newspaper men of Indianapolis were the "most unprincipled set of men he ever met." If a publication of the facts as they appeared above the surface since the difficulty which will land the Iron Hall in the hands of a receiver was precipitated is misrepresentation, then have Mr. Somerby and his co-Iron Hallers been most grossly misrepresented, but it does not seem quite clear what these gentlemen have gained by their offishness and bad remarks, and neither does it appear that it will prolong the career of the Iron Hall. Somerby Again on the Witness-Stand. Mr. Horace Smith, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, said last night that there was absolutely no truth in the talk of a compromise; that so far no conference of the opposing counsel had been held, and that Mr. Somerby would be put on the stand again this morning. What Sayre Has to Say. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Aug. 17.-Chief Clerk


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, August 19, 1892

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FAITH IN IRON HALL. Accountant Bill Talks of the Receivership. BOSTON, Aug. 18.-George E. Bill, accountant of the Iron Hall, when asked whether an assessment had been ordered in that organization to meet the $170,000 sunk in the Philadelphia bank, said: "No, there has not been any assessment that 1 am aware of." Mr. Bill expressed his confidence in the stability of the organization, and said if a receiver were appointed for the Iron Hall it was be only a case of temporary receivership, in order to secure the funds and sureties deposited in the Philadelphia, and this could .be done notwithstanding the fact that the bank had put its affairs in the hands of an assignee.


Article from New-York Tribune, August 20, 1892

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ADMISSIONS BY MR. SOMEEBY. Indianapolis, Aug. 19.-The Iron Hall receivership case was resumed before Judge Taylor to-day. Supreme Justice Somerby again took the stand. He admitted that the $170,000 sent to the Philadelphia bank to relieve Its temporary embarrassment was Iron Hall money. He testified that the $88,000 sent to Philadelphia to be invested by Hayes was put into bonds of the Philadelphia Mutual Bank, which he admitted were worthless. He also said that his son-In-law, McMeacham, had been forced to resign the place of Supreme Adjuster by Davis and Hayes before they would consent to the Philadelphia bank getting the $170,000. St. Louis, Aug. 19.-The recent developments in the status of the Iron Hall, coupled with the receivership suits, has led to an action here, begun by Charles F. Beergesch, against the Supreme Sitting of the Order of the Iron Hall, for $600, the amount which he alleges was to have been paid to him under a contract at the expiration of seven years. He alleges that the seven years have expired and that he has fulfilled his part of the contract, but that the order has refused to pay the $600.


Article from The Wilmington Daily Republican, August 20, 1892

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The Iron Hall, A dispatch from Indianapolis, Ind., says: The Iron Hall receivership case was resumed before Judge Taylor to-day. Supreme Justice Somerby again took the stand. He admitted that the $170. 000 sent to the Philadelphia bank to relieve its temporary embarrassment was Iron Hall money. He testifie. that the $88 000 sent to Philadelphia to be invested by Hayes was put int bonds of the Philadelphia Mutus. Bank, which he admitted were worth less. He also said that his son-in-law IcMeacham had been forced y Daviand Hayes to resign the position 0. supreme adjuster before they would consent to the Philadelphia bank get ting the $170,000. The members of the order in this city have the greatest confidence to its stability, and are paying the as sessments promptly. One fact tha. seems to be lost sight of by the onemies of the order, is that the assess ments are unlimited. An assessment or even two. can be called every week and will be responded to. At one or two assessments a month the income has been over $3,000,000 a year, ano there is no doubt but the order, which is one of the best of the kind in exist once, will meet every demand that is made upon it.


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, August 23, 1892

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THE IRON HALL. Two Suits at Detreit Aimed at the Life of the Much Annoyed Order. DETROIT. Mich. Aug 22.-The fight against the existence of the Order of the Iron Hall has extended to this city. It consists of two suits against the order. brought by the former members of Branches No. 1 and 815, both of this city. It is asserted that the supreme sitting of the order placed in the Philadelphia bank. now insolvent, $720,000, and this amount is liable to be lost to the organization. Branch 1. it is declared. has 812,000 to $13,000 cash and securities deposited in Detroit banks, and Branch 815 has 81859. The complainants say the members generally desire that these funds be returned to them in just proportions. Each bill asks the court to appoint a receiver for the branch concerned. Judge Brevoort issued an injunction to restrain the disbursements of any funds and the transfer of the securities until after a hearing can be had.


Article from Pawtucket Tribune, August 23, 1892

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# WANT THEIR MONEY BACK. Members of Detroit Branches Bring Suits Against the Order. DETROIT, Aug. 23-The fight against the existence of the Order of the Iron Hall has extended to this city. It consists of two suits against the order, brought by former members of branches No. 1 and No. 815, both of this city. It is asserted that the supreme sitting of the order has placed in a Philadelphia bank, now insolvent, the sum of $720,000, and that this amount is liable to be lost to the organ-ization. Branch 1, it is declared, has $12,000 to $13,000 in cash and securities deposited in Detroit banks, while branch 815 has $1859. The complainants say that the members generally desire that these funds be returned to them in just proportions. Each bill asks the court to appoint a receiver for the branch concerned. Judge Brevoort has issued an injunction to restrain the disbursements of any funds and the transfer of securities until after a hearing can be had. # Baltimore Folks Want a Receiver. BALTIMORE, Aug. 23-Charles J. Wiener, attorney-at-law, has filed seventeen attachments on original process in the city court against the Iron Hall and its local branches, and then, with ex-Governor Whyte, filed a bill for a receiver against them in the city court. The branches here embrace over 5000 members. The attachments were brought on matured claims ranging from $300 to $1000. Judge Dennis signed an order requiring the Iron Hall to show cause by Aug. 31 why a receiver should not be appointed.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, May 24, 1893

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IRON HALL COMPLICATIONS Supplemental Complaint Filed to Prolong the General Receivership Insolvency and Confusion of Affairs Set Gathering of the Remnants of the Supreme Sitting-Walker Wroth. NEW COMPLAINT FILED. Alleging Total Insolvency and Hope Confusion in the Iron Hall's Affeirs the In of the efforts to reorganize Iron Hall and get it out of the receiver's hands, the attorneys, in the of the original plaintiffs yesterday after al noon filed supplemental complaint, leging the hopeless insolvency of the order, and setting up facts w hich have occurred since the filing of the amended complaint last August, upon hich Recei Failey appointed. The supplemental com plaint lengthy document and sets forth the action taken in Iron Hall affairs in various States whereany legal action has been taken, and in several cases the action of single branches acting independ ently The supplemental complaint al leges that After the appointment of the receiver here receiver was appointed at St. Louis for the State of Missouri the collect and distribute the assets of order in that State. Notwithstanding this fact, allaged that eral of the branches in that State re fused to recogniz authority of the receit ver there appoint ed, and have paid over to Recei ver F ailey the funds belonging to such branches. The members of the St. Louis branch have paid over to the receiver there appointed all the funds of the branch and he now has in his hands $60,000 belonging to the order, which he claims he is out upon final distribation to the members in the State of Missouri, while Receiver Failey claims that the money should be paid over and to him, and by him distributed, claims shall presented, beld, allowed, paid under the order of the here. that about the time of the here there the appointment attachment suita brough the State Michigan of Detroit him Michigan and the entire State has been receivers in ways the funds State of the to rights, of Failey of money so collected. The Pennsy receiver it alleged. has collected $200,000 and taken possession of account books. papers and records of the several branches in that State. At the time of the appointment of the there deposit in a certain Philadelphia bank $700,000 deposited by Mark C. Davis short time before the bank made au as signment for the benefit of its creditor The defendant order was principal creditor. there being only about debtedness other depositors. The the assets of beable the Jersey s question that State several of the branches had Cashier Davis paid held provision fund under the con stitution that fund trustees for the benefit of the Supreme Sit that there alleged paid Cashier Davis this branches State of $10. appointe col to left un Virginia In determined. ment of a receiver were sustained. but the rights of ereditors left nnsettled. re appointed in Delaware order but the plaintiff not informed, they allege, what disposition been made the funde collected. In Tennessee, after appoint brought by certain bers and creditors snits were removed to the federal court. and are pending inthat court. New York two receivers were ap pointed, the Supreme York and the other in the Supreme the Su had been this Failey The appointed for State of to During their hands to Receiver counted city Supreme Court decided that appointed act, and the other to funds, further enjoined functions of assets, but the question of bility Failey begun, and and the collecting to of this undetermined distribute funds their posrecognized by there, In Rhode pending in the the and pshire Vermont branches there hands and to they the and coming Failey hands, to this funds according to rules equity The complaint alleges that the plaintiffs under that rules the of comity existing different States in matters of this kind. and inasmuch as