19511. Scranton City Bank (Scranton, PA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
May 25, 1889
Location
Scranton, Pennsylvania (41.409, -75.662)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
dca41273

Response Measures

None

Description

The Scranton City Bank suspended payment in late May 1889 after discovery of large embezzlement by Cashier/Vice‑President George A. Jessup. An assignee (Joseph Gunster) was appointed and the bank remained defunct; assets were later sold and depositors ultimately paid. Although directors withdrew their own deposits and depositors were alarmed, the primary event is a suspension/closure caused by bank-specific adverse information (embezzlement), with receivership/assignee actions thereafter.

Events (4)
1. May 25, 1889 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Discovery of large embezzlement/defalcation by Cashier/Vice‑President George A. Jessup (shortages reported $100,000–$160,000+), prompting directors to close and suspend payments.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Scranton City bank closed its doors this afternoon ... the financial affairs of the bank were in a very bad shape ... Vice-President Jessup ... charged with embezzling $100,000.
Source
newspapers
2. May 27, 1889 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
At meeting of the directors ... J. H. Gunster was appointed assignee. The suspended Scranton City Bank owes its depositors $322,000. Cashier Jessup's shortage is $135,000.... No trouble at Scranton's suspended bank article notes Assignee Gunster promises an early statement of the condition of the bank.” (May 27 6/1889). Note: multiple contemporary reports place suspension/assignee appointment on May 26-27, 1889. (Excerpted confirmation lines from articles.)
Source
newspapers
3. July 8, 1889 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Joseph Gunster, assignee of the defunct Scranton City bank, filed his bond ... trustees ... offer for sale at public auction ... coal lands and leasehold assigned by ex-Cashier Jessup shortly after the collapse of the bank. (July 8, 1889). Note: Bond filing and asset disposition by assignee/ trustees.
Source
newspapers
4. August 5, 1889 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The coal interests owned by Cashier Jessup and assigned to the trustees of the suspended Scranton City Bank were sold to-day to the Delaware and Hudson company for $100,000 cash. This insures payment in full of depositors of the suspended bank. (Aug 5, 1889). Outcome: assets sold enabling payment in full to depositors.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (20)
1. May 26, 1889 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, May 26, 1889

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1889. TWENTY PAGES. THE NEWS THIS MORNING. Foreign.-Minister Lincoln presented his credenThe protocol tials to the Queon at Windsor. of the Samoan Conference is nearly ready for the French indignasignatures of the delegates. tion caused King Humbert to alter his intention of visiting Strasburg in company with Emperor WillSir Charles Dilke is slowly making his iam. In a race between way back to political life. five yachts the Valkyrie was again a winner. The receipts from United States fishermen under the modus vivendi have SO far this season been The Boulangists have resolved to $6,000. contest all the elections in France. Domestic.-Detective Coughlin, of the Chicago police, was arrested as a party to the murder of ---The Seranton City Bank was closed Cronin. The because of a defalcation by the cashier. cashier and assistant teller of the Merchants' NaIt tional Bank in New-Haven were arrested. was reported in Washington that General Lew Wallace and Colonel Beverly Tucker were apA compointed Commissioners to Hayti. bination of ten Ohto River coal shippers proposed to buy out the small operators for $12,000,000. Four men were arrested in Arizona for the A new town robbery of Paymaster Whom. election has been ordered in Guthrie, Okla. The President took a trip on Postmaster-General Wanamaker's yacht down the Potomac River. City and Suburban.-The General Assembly commissioners visited Princeton College and SemAn expedition started for Nicaragua inary. to begin work on the interoceanic canal. Eight intercollegiate records and the best record ever made by an American amateur in the mile run, were broken in the intercollegiate games. The New-York Coaching Club had its tenth The winners annual parade in Central Park. at Gravesend were Longstreet, Panama, Padishah, The ChiCortez, Blackburn and Barrister. cagoes defeated the New-Yorks by nine runs to Stocks active, after some hesitation, eight. further advanced, closing strong. The Weather.-Indications for to-day: Cooler and showery weather, followed by fair or clear weather. Temperature yesterday: Highest, 74 degrees; lowest. 65: average, 68.

2. May 27, 1889 The Daily Times Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Times, May 27, 1889

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SCRANTON CITY BANK. Arrest of Vice President and Cashier Jessup. PITTSBURG. PA., May 26.-A special to the Times, from Seranton, Pa.. gives the latest developments in the bank failure as follows: The failure of the Scranton City Bank and the arrest of Vice-President and Cashier Jessup, charged with the embezzlement of the bank funds amounting to not less than $135,000. excited the residents of the city throughout the day, especially the announcement of new developments. The most startling of these is that all of the directors with the exception of President Thorp, as soon as they were convinced of the enormity of Jessup's shortage. to save themselves withdrew to the last penny every cent they had on deposit during the morning banking hours. Dr. Throop is worth $3,000,000. and had $68,000 on deposit, alone of the directors, allowed his money to go in the general crash. Mr. Throop held one-fourth of thestock of the bank. Another wellauthenticated story is that on Friday a customer had paper discounted for $5.000. Cashier Jessup immediately thereafter rediscounted it at and the Merchants' Mechanical Bank premises Bank. The crash of the City that runs will be made on other backs but to-morrow, all demands of these will banks be met are prepared. and all in full. Cashier Jessup stated to day that he was utterly astonished when be was put under arrest ou the charge of embezzlement. He denies the change and says that he has not used illegally the bank's funds nor did he purpose going to Canada. If he had made mistakes iu loans or investments he was personally liable and had enough property to make good the losses. This property was within the reach of creditors. Director Merrifield said n-day that the yearly auditing committee was the on the 1 while only bad. check and examining cashier that the the cashier's bank I statement for the week ending May 18th. which gave $10,000 surplus, it was discovered that there was DO surplus. ) On the contrary, there was discovered a t deficit sufficiently large to swamp the 1 hundred thousand dollars capital stock, i but there was nothing to show by what e methods the money was taken. I This evening Dr. Throop stated that e the bank's embarrassment was caused a by Jessup using its funds to prevent a 1 contract with the New York, Ontario and Western Railway, by which the . latter was to develope the coal mining n two of e held coal lands containing by Jessup under million leasehold tons e the road now being under contract. r Jessup spent week before last in New y York and Boston looking after the 1 project, but the matter being deferred r. have realized $200,000, and time would te have carried him safely over. 1President Throop also stated that de h positors will be paid in full, and if the e, bank resumes at all it will be recog dnized under the national banking sys d tem.

3. May 27, 1889 Wheeling Register Wheeling, WV
Article from Wheeling Register, May 27, 1889

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NO. 210 S LIVED HIGH. CITY BANK IS COMPELLED LOSE ITS DOORS ReCashier's Embezzlement and Speculation sults From His Extravagant Living He is Defaulter to the Extent of $135,000. SCRANTON, May 26.-Nothing could have stunned the business and financial circles did in this city more effectnally than the announcement yesterday, that the Scranton City Bank had suspended. The immediate cause of the bank's barrassment is attributed to the reckless handling of its funds by Cashier George Jessup, whose accounts are said to be short A. $135,000. A hurried meeting of the directors held at the Seranton House this afternoon, was of when the it was decided to bring the business bank to close until such affairs there can be a thorough overhauling time of as accounts. and adjustment of Cashier Jessup's its WARRANT FOR THE CASHIER'S ARREST. It was the opinion of the directors radical measures should be protect the bank depositors, and instituted cided to secure the arrest of Mr. Accordingly Charles Tropp, one of Jessup. swore rectors, went before Alderman Roesler the The out a warrant for Jessup's was information upon which the issued declared that "one warrant sup did feloniously abstract and G. embezzle A. Jeaof from the Scranton City Bank various money, amounting to $100,000. This was signed by Charles Tropp. The rant was _placed in the hands of warOfficer Ridgway, who was instructed Police delay. secure the arrest of Mr. Jessup without to bank In the meantime the report that was in trouble began to the ears of the depositors who had placed reach their the intense money there to-day, and their chagrin that they had not been institution. the affair by anybody connected notified with the that They could hardly believe the bank was permanently disabled. but when they learned that the cashier's to accounts were short $100,000 they began fear the worst. JESSUP'S CARELESS FINANCIERING Suspicion first fell upon the lax certained agement of Cashier Jessup when it manthat J. E. Payfair, at the was of recent failure. bank time in the sum of about $6,000, for debtor amount the only security was a life insur- which ance policy. Later on other evidences of careless financiering were observed and two ago in S. B. Mott, the accountant, days he to overhaul the books. The discoveries 788 called rectors, made were astounding even to the di time that who now ascertained for the first Mr. Jessup's shortage would aggregate $135,000. This mation fairly dazed the directors. amazing inforboard consists of Dr. B.H. Throop, The Armbrust, Victor Koch, Charles Henry Cashier Morris Goldsmith, Edward Merryfield Tropp, George A. Jessup, who is stockholder Vice-President. in the institution as well large THE DEFAULTRE ARRESTED. Cashier 4 Jessup was arreated in the bank at o'clock this afternoon by Officer Directors, Ridgeway, in the presence of the Board who had adjourned to that of place from the Scranton House. He and evidently laboring under great excitement was ing seemed to feel keenly his embarrase position. He requested time to range his papers in the bank and the ar waited for him to do 80. He was officer Alderman Roesler's office, where Dr. taken to $25,000. Throop went his bail in the sum of At a meeting of the directors late this afternoon it was decided to close the an for the present and place it in the hands bank assignee, who will be chosen shortly. to it is impossible at present very get statement of the liabilities assets, Monday. but it will probably be given and out Owing to Jessup's repeated absence from the bank the books of the concern are hind, and it will take some time be- to straighten them out. EXTRAVAGANCE AND SPECULATION. The failure of the bank is attributed his the cashier's extravagant style of living, to speculation in unprofitable lands and various ventures that coal turn. large sums of money without yielding took Cashier Jeesup's bond to the bank in the sum of $25,000 signed by his father-inlaw, Mr. Beardsley, of Suequehanna county, H. Jessup. and his brother. Judge William It is said that the bank holds nearly $75,000 of the county funds, very County were deposited with it when the office which of Treasurer was turned over Daniel J. Campbell last January. It is to also said that the Deputy Revenue Collector deposited a considerable sum of directors, government the money out of friendship for A PROMINENT CHURCHMAN. Jessup was very prominent in church circles, being member of the Second Presbyterian Church. He is President of the Pennsylvan Wheelmen Association and ciation. Vice President of the National A880The school district of the city had narrow escape, as in the early part of very they which had deposited in the bank $183,000, April they then withdrew. nation What causes the most general condemceived is the fact that the bank officiale deposits almost up to the reclosing, although they knew the hour bank would close for good. At meeting of the directors this ing J.H. Gunster was appointed assignee. evenMr. Jessup himself furnishes the local zled paper card denying that he has embezor made illegal use of the bank's money. He tacitly admits that he have been careless, but Bays there may was nothing dishonest i in his transactions. decided that he He to for a certain sum of is says the bank that if it is money is liable he good the deficiency in possession of property which will make

4. May 27, 1889 Evening Capital Annapolis, MD
Article from Evening Capital, May 27, 1889

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SCRANTON EXCITED. The Failure of the City Bank Creates a Sensation. DIRECTORS STAND FROM UNDER. Cashier Jessup's Embezzlement of S135,000 Rains the Bank-The Directors, to Save Themselves, Withdraw Their Deposits-Other Banks Prepared for a Run-President Throop Says Depositors Will Lose Nothing. SCRANTON Pa., May 27.-The failure of the Scranton City bank and the arrest of the president and Cashier Jessup charged with the embezzlement of bank funds amounting to not less than $135,000 excited the citizens of the city throughout the day, especially the announcement of new developments. The most startling of these is that all of the directors, with the exception of President Throop, as soon as they were convinced of the enormity of Jessup's shortage, to save themselves withdrew to the last penny every cent that they had on deposit during the morning banking hours. One Honest Director. Dr. Throop, who is worth $3,000,000, and had $68,000 on deposit, alone of the directors allowed his money to go in the general crash. Dr. Throop held onefourth of the stock of the bank. Another well authenticated story is that on Friday a customer had paper discounted for $5,000. Cashier Jessup immediately thereafter re-discounted it at the Merchants' and Mechanics' bank. Other Banks Prepare for a Run. The crash of the City bank promises that runs will be made on the other banks, but all of these banks are prepared and all demands will be met in full. Cashier Jessup Says Its All Right. Cashier Jessup stated that he was utterly astonished when put under arrest on the charge of embezzlement. He denies the charge and says that he has not used, illegally, the bank's funds, nor did he propose going to Canada. If he had made mistakes in loans or investments he was personally liable and had ample property to make good the losses. This property was within the reach of creditors. Figures that Lied. Director Merrifield said that the yearly auditing committee was the only check on the cashier that the bank had, and while examining the cashier's statement for the week ending May 18, which gave $10,000 surplus, it was discovered that there was no surplus. On the contrary there was discovered a deficitsufficiently large to swamp the $100,000 capital stock, but there was nothing to show by what methods the money was taken. President Throop's Statement. Dr. Throop stated that the bank's embarrassment was caused by Jessup using its funds to promote a contract with the New York, Ontario and Western railway by which the latter was to develop coal lands containing two million tons of coal, held by Jessup under leasehold, the road now being under contract. Jessup spent week before last in New York and Boston looking after the project, but the matter being deferred he returned to Scranton disheartened. Had the project carried Jessup would have realized $200,000, and this would have carried him safely over. President Throop also stated that depositors will be paid in full, and if the bank resumes at all, it will be reorganized under the national banking system.

5. May 27, 1889 Pittsburg Dispatch Pittsburgh, PA
Article from Pittsburg Dispatch, May 27, 1889

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WON'T GO TO CANADA. Cashier George Jessup, of the Defunct Scranton City Bank, DECLARES HE'LL NOT RUN away. His Shortage May be Made Good by Some of His Wealthy Relations. THE DIRECTORS DON'T REGRET ACTING. Some Peculiar Circumstances Preceding the Collapse of the Bank. Despite Cashier Jessup's statement that the charges that he had embezzled funds of the Scranton City Bank and caused. it to fail were utterly untrue and that he stands ready to make good all losses traced to him, the Directors declare that his acts just before arrest indicated that they were justified in their action. Mr. Jessup's relatives are expected to see that his shortage, when. determined, will be made good.

6. May 27, 1889 St. Paul Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, May 27, 1889

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July for the purpose of bringing Lady Pauncefote and daughters to Washington. It is expected that they will spend a part of September at Lenox. DIDN'T MAKE CONNECTIONS. How the Scranton Bank Cashier Lost the Institution's Money. SCRANTON, Pa., May 26.-The failure of the Scranton City bank and the arrest of Vice President and Cashier Jessup, charged with the embezzlement of bank funds amounting to not less than $135,000, excited the citizens throughout the day, especially the announcement of new developments. The most startling of these is that all of the directors, with the exception of President Throop. as soon as they were convinced of the enormity of Jessup's shortage, to save themselves withdrew to the last penny every cent that they had on deposit during the morning banking hours. Throop, who is worth $3,000,000, and had $68,000 on deposit, alone of the directors allowed his money to go in the general crash. Dr. Throop held onefourth of the stock of the bank. Another well authenticated story is that on Friday a customer had paper discounted for $5,000, which Cashier Jessup immediately thereafter rediscounted,at the Merchants' and Mechanics' bank. The crash of the City bank promises that runs will be made on the other banks to-morrow, but all of these banks are prepared and all demands will be met in full. Cashier Jessup stated today that he was utterly astonished when put under arrest on the charge of embezzlement. He denies the charge, and says that he has not used, illegaily, the bank's funds, nor did he propose going to Canada. If he had made mistakes in loans or investments, he was personally liable, and had ample property to make good the losses. This property was within the reach of creditors. Director Merrifield said to-day that the yearly auditing committee was the only check on the cashier that the bank had, and while examining the cashier's statement for the week ending May 18, which gave $10,000 surplus. it was discovered that there was no surplus. On the contrary. there was discovered a deficit sufficiently large to swamp the hundred thousand dollars capital stock, but there was nothing to show by what methods the money was taken. This evening Dr. Throop stated that the bank S embarrassment was caused by Jessup using its funds to promote a contract with the New York, Ontario & Western railway, by which the latter was to develop coal lands containing 2,000,000 tons of coal held by Jessup under leasehold, the road now being under contract. Jessup spent week before last in New York and Boston looking after the project. but the matter being deferred he returned to Scranton disheartened. Had the project carried Jessup would have realized $200,000. and this would have carried himlsafely over. President Throop also stated that depositors will be yaid in full, and if the bank resumes at all it will be reorganized under the national banking system.

7. May 28, 1889 The Portland Daily Press Portland, ME
Article from The Portland Daily Press, May 28, 1889

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GENERAL NEWS. Mrs. Julia Ward Howe celebrated her 70th birthday in Boston yesterday. A committee of the Connecticut House favors a return to annual legislative sessions. Eighty-six registered packages were stolen from the Chicago post office Sunday night. The Sunday law was rigorously enforced at Indianapolis Sunday for the first time in a decade. Secretary Proctor's 12 year old son is dangerously ill at the Secretary's home in Vermont. The American exhibit occupies one-third of the great machinery hall at the Paris exposition and attracts great attention. A destructive fire in Reno, Nev.' Sunday, destroyed many buildings, doing damage to the extent of $300,000. In the New York cheas conquest Weiss and Tschigarin divide the honors of the championship. A gang of thieves went through 21 freight cars at Erie, Pa., Friday night. This is the greatest robbery of the kind on record. An armed mob lynched a mulatto named Martin at Port Huron, Mich., yesterday. Martin had brutally assaulted a Mrs. Gillis. The Presbyterian assembly in New York was enlivened yesterday by an animated debate on the management of the board of publication. Dwight W. Lord, cashier of an Omaha national bank was robbed of $1300 in paper money and $5000 in promissary notes near Needles, Cal., Friday night. The Presbyterian Assembly adopted a resolution last night favoring prohibition in every State. The resolution was bitterly discussed. The suspended Scranton City bank owes its depositors $322,000. Cashier Jessup's shortage is $135,000. The assets are $47,000 due on overdrawn amounts and $160,000 on due bills. The lofty Hell Gate tower in New York harbor was pulled downyesterday. The lights were discontinued several years ago, pilots finding them a hindrance to navigation rather than a help. The Chicago Faimers' Review, in this week's issue, will say: From information furnished by our crop correspondents relative to the condition of wheat, oats and barley it would appear that the prospects for grain crops on the whole are very favorable in all the territory covered by our reports except in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky where a drouth still continues. The Ohio Wool Growers association Saturday discussed the matter of importers who take advantage of the clause in the tariff law to import a superior quality of fine wool into this country classed as low grade worsted wool, which is regarded as inimical to interests in America. An effort will be made to get a ruling fom the secretary that will secure strict compliance with the law.

8. May 28, 1889 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, May 28, 1889

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NO TROUBLE AT SCRANTON'S SUSPENDED BANK Scranton, Penn., May 27 (Special).-The suspension of the Scranton City Bank caused no excitement today. The friends of Cashfer Jessup are trying to make good the amount which he owes to the bank. Speculators are offering 75 per cent for the deposits. Assignee Gunster promises an early statement of the condition of the bank. A meeting of depositors is to be held to-morrow evening

9. May 30, 1889 Echo De L'ouest Minneapolis, MN
Article from Echo De L'ouest, May 30, 1889

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M. Henry Perine, un négociant de Buffalo. Le projet de ce mariage a été si bien tenu secret qu'il ne s'est ébruité, pour ainsi dire, qu'au dernier moment par l'arrivée de Mme Cleveland à Jackson, où la céré monie devait avoir lieu, le soir mê me, chez une de ses tantes. M ne Cadman. Le mariage a été célébré à neuf heur S du soir par le révérend Balcom, avec la plus grande simplicité, et en présence senle ment de quelques parents et amis intimes des deux familles. Mme Folsom était en simple toilette de voyage. -La ville d'Orléans a célébré les fêtes annuelles en l'honneur de sa délivrance par Jeanne d'Arc. Toutes les rues, édifices publics et habitations particulières étaient pavoisés aux couleurs nationales et aux couleurs de la ville. La foule était considérable. Le soir, devant la cathédrale, illuminée par des feux de Bengale, l'évêque d'Orléans,entourée de tout son clergé, a reçu sur les parvis, des mains du maire, entouré du csnseil municipal, l'étendard de Jeanne d' Arc. L'évêque ayant béni la foule, est ensuite rentié dans la cathédrale. Un feu d'artifice a été tiré sur l'emplacement du fort des Tourelles, emporté par Jeanne d'Arc, le 7 mai 1428. Le lendemain, après un panégyrique, prononcé par Mgr Cabrières, éveque de Montpellier, l'étendard de Jeanne Arc a été promené 80 lennellement par toute la ville. GARY, DAK. 28 Mai.--La découverte d'or dans le voisinage n'est pas une plaisanterie, toute la population male a quité la ville pour aller sur les bords du Lac qui parle où des parcelles du précieux métail ont été trouvées. Des compagnies se forment activement. NEW HAVEN, CONN. Les irrégularites découvertes par l'inspecteur Dooly dans l'administration de la M-rchants National Bank causer t une grand sensation ici. L°s :iers de la banque admettent anjourd'bui que les part 8 F11 bies seront de près de $100.000 Le caissier -t un des comptables ont été arrêtés. BALTIMORE, 28 Mai. -Le Rev. H. G. Schore, pasteur de l'Egtise St. Paul s'est fait sauter la cervelle d'un coup de pistolet dans l'aprèsmidi d'hier: Chagrin d'amour. MARQUETTE, Mich, 23 Mai. -300 hommes employés sur les quais se sont mis eu grêve ce matin. Ils demandaient une augmentation de salaire. La compaguie lear offre 1.60 par jour mais les grévistes en veulent 175. -Une riche héritière de Philodelphie, Melle K its Drexel, à qui son père avait laissé un legs de six millions de plastr-s vient de dire adieu au monde et d'entrer au couvent de la miséric orde avec l'in tention de se consacrer à la vie religieuse. SCRANTON, PA, 27 M i. - La Scranton City Bank, a suspendu ses paiements ce matin. Plusieurs des directeurs pensent que le vice, président, qui agissait aussi com me caisser M. George A. Jesnepp s'est rendu coupable d'abus deconfiance montant à la somme de $100,000 environ. Il a été arrêté puis remis en liberté sous caution de $25,000. EAU-CLAIRE, WIS., 29. - Deux petites filles agées de 13 ans nommées McComb et Flenning jouaient avec un revolver hier soir. Un coup partit toui-à-coup, tuant raide la jeune Flenning. --L'Etat de Pensylvanie vient d'adopter une loi fixant le traitement du juge en chef à $10,000 et celui des autres juges à $9,000. NEW YORK, 28 Un serre freins du nom de John Case a été trouvé pendu dans un wagon de voyageurs, à la gare du chemin de fer de l'Erie, a Jersey City. Le défant était agé de quarante-cing ans, et l'on ignore quels sont les motifs qui l'ont poussé au suicide. NEW YORR.-Le succès de la souscription pour l'arc de triomphe de Washington s'accentue de jour en jour. Le trésorier du comité, M. W. R. Stewart, a encore reçu pendant la journée d'hier $2,299.45, ce qui donne jusqu'à présent un total de $33,430 46. New.York. - Elmer Sharkey, ce jeuue h onine des environs de Greenville (Ohto) écemment con vained de meurtre au premier degré pour avoir assassiné sa mère, a été condamné à être pendu le 13 septembre prochain dans la prison de l'Etat, à Columbus. -Le village de West Pittston.

10. May 30, 1889 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS
Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, May 30, 1889

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WRETCH LYNCHED. The Perpetrator of a Brutal Outrage AS LYNCHED. JUST BRUTALLY An Early Morning Scene in a Michigan City-A Texas Sheriff Killed By a Desperado-The Scranton Defalcation. PORT HURON, Mich., May 28.-Albert Martin, a mulatto, who brutally outraged Mrs. John Gillis, the wife of a farmer, about two weeks was taken from the county jail about two o'clock yesterday morning by a masked mob and lynched. Ever since the outrage occurred there has been considerable talk of lynching, but the fact of its being talked so openly led the sheriff and police to pay no attention to it. About two o'clock Turnkey Laroche opened the door, when he was confronted by three strangers wearing masks. They seized Laroche and demanded the keys. He said he did not have them. They then choked and beat him and dragged him into the street where about fifty masked men rushed him around the corner. The mob were armed with revolvers and a few had sledge hammers, with which they soon battered down the iron doors. The door of Martin's cell was not locked and as the mob entered he said: "What do you want?" These were his last words. A noose was quickly made in a long rope which the lynchers carried and it was slipped over his neck while he was yet in bed. The other end of the rope reached out to the street, where it was held by not less than fifty willing hands. With a blood-curdling yell the mob started on a run. Martin was unable to regain his feet and he was dragged through the sheriff's office out to the street. His head struck a stove with such force as to turn it half way round. Amid shouts and the firing of revolvers the mob headed for the Seventh street bridge, three blocks away. They had to turn two street corners on their way and as they made the turn by the Baptist Church, the poor wretch's head caught in the stone covering to the gutter. No effort was made to extricate him and the halt was only long enough to give a terrible tug on the rope by which the body wasreleased. The noose on the rope had loosened and slipped over the wretch's chin and into his mouth. It was then tightened until his lower jaw was pulled down upon his neck in a manner which must have caused the victim terrible suffering. Arrived at the bridge, one end of the rope was thrown over an iron stringer and Martin was swung off. His body, which, by this time, must have been lifeless, was left banging, and with a few parting shots the mob quit the scene. No attempt was made to arrest any member of the mob. It is thought it was composed of Mr. Gillis' neighbors. A SHERIFF KILLED. DENISON Tex., May 28-Robert May, sheriff of this (Grayson) county, was shot and instantly killed at nine o'clock Sunday morning near Howe by Ben Isom. Howe is in Grayson County, on the Houston & Texas Central railroad. It is twenty miles south of Denison. Saturday Ben Isom and John Isom, his brother, stopped in Sherman. They stated that they had recently come from Kentucky. After remaining in Sherman all evening, they purchased two Winchester rifles and departed for Howe, where they drank whisky freely. At an early hour Sunday they started out to run the town. The city marshal attempted to arrest them but was unable to do so. He called a number of citizens of the place to his aid. the posse pressed the Isoms SO hard that they retreated to the woods just outside the corporation. Deeming it inadvisable to attack, the marshal telegraphed to Sheriff Mav. He went to Howe in company with Deputy Sheriff Creager. While the two officers were engaged in hunting for the desperadoes they opened fire, the bullet fired by Ben Isom striking Sheriff Mav in the temple, killing him instantly. Deputy Sheriff Creager returned to Howe and reported the killing. The entire population of the place turned out and in a short time succeeded in surrounding John Isom and two other young men named Eden and Hanna, who are his cousins. The news of the tragedy was telegraphed to Sherman and it caused intense excitement. Large parties of men rode upon horseback and in vehicles to Howe, which is distant ten miles. Before their arrival John Isom and E len and Hanna surrendered and were taken to Sherman up on a special train and locked up in the county jail. So quietly were they brought into Sherman that they were behind the bars before the people of the city were aware of their arrest. Bloodhounds were brought from Bonham and Ben Isom was tracked to a wheat field near the scene of the killing and captured. He was taken to Sherman and locked up with the others. There was intense excitement in Sherman and talk of lynching the desperadoes was freely indulged in. Sher ff May was thirty-five years of age. He was married and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. THE SCRANTON DEFALCATION. SCRANTON, Pa., May 28.-The failure of the Scranton City Bank and the arrest of Vice-President and Cashier Jessup, charged with the embezzlement of the bank funds amounting to not less than $185,000 excited the citizens. The most startling rumor is that all of the directors with the exception of President Throop and Coon, as they were convinced of the enormity of Jessup's shortage, to save themselves, withdrew to the last penny every cent that they had on deposit in the morning during banking hours. Dr. Throop, who is worth $3,000,000 and had $68,000 on deposit. alone of the directors allowed his money to go into the general crash. Dr. Throop held one-fourth of the stock of the bank. Another well authenticated story that

11. May 30, 1889 Spokane Falls Review Spokane, Spokane Falls, WA
Article from Spokane Falls Review, May 30, 1889

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BURSTED BANKS. A Hebrew Beats 600 Nepositors--Two Other Banks Ruined. NEW YORK, May 25.-Many excited Hebrews to-day througed the private banking office of Max Goldberger of Greenwich street All of them bad deposited money with the banker at 163 Ridge street or at the Greenwich street office. Banker Max has not been seen in town since a week ago Wednesday. His bank suspended payment Tuesday, and as his wite has cleared out of the Ridge street building and moved uptown they feel very uneasy. Max had $20,000 deposited with him. Maz's brother, Ignatz Goldberger. fled to Canada two years ago and has not returned or made good several thousand dollars deposited with him as banker by poor people. The Goldbergers are Polish Hebrews and did business among ignorant and poor people, chiefly of their own nationality. Max had 600 depositors. THE NEW HAVEN THEFT. New HAVEN. Conn., May 25.-Officials of the Merchants National bank are still reticent and positively decine to give out the names of the merchants who have been benefitted by the dishonest note discounting practices. This action has created the impression that they are shielding prominent business men who have been in collusion with Cashier Bradley and Teller Palmer. The bank officials now admit a loss of fully $50,000 and it may possibly eat up their entire surplus of $100,000 The feeling is spreading that the bank 18 crippled worse than it cares to acknowledge. With the exception of $17,000 worth of notes discounted by John E. Bassett. a hardware merchant, the public is at sea as to who has been benefitted by the crooked work. As a result of the action by the United States authorities Bassett was arrested this atternoon charged with aiding and abetting Palmer in the embezzlement of the bank's funds and bail fixed at $3000. which was furnished. When Bassett returned to his store be found the sheriff in waiting, who attached the store and stock and real eatate to the amount of $50,000 at the instance of the bank. The marshal next arrested Cashier Bradley and Teller Palmer for fraudulent statements made to the comptroller of the currency. THE SCRANTON LANK. SCRANTON, Pa., May 25-The Scranton City bank closed its doors this afternoon at a meeting of directors. To-day it was found the Enancial affairs of the bank were in a very bad shape, a great deal of money having been lost by investments in unprofitable coal lands and loans made on insufficient security. Several of the directors were of the impression that Vice-President Jessup. who is also acting cashier, was more guilty than really appeared. and one of them swore out a warrant for his arrest, charging him with emberzling $100,000. Jessup have

12. June 1, 1889 Morning Journal and Courier New Haven, CT
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THE SCRANTON BANK WRECK. Great Public Excltement-The Direc= tors. SCRANTON, Penn., May 1.-Public excitement continues to run high over the chaotic condition of the wrecked Scranton City bank, and the meeting of fleeced dep ositors held last evening at the hall of the Scranton Board of Trade was crowded. Chairman Cramer stated that the only statement he could obtain from the board of directors WAS given to him by Director Troppand, made the following showing: Due bills $162,000, over-drafts $47,000, protested paper $15,000, papers past due $10,000, and cash $15,000; total assets $249,000. The liabilities are: Money due depositors $322,000, paid up capital $55,000; total $377,000. The depositors are determined to bring the bank directors to time if they attempt to evade their responsibility. Many of the depositors are strongly in favor of arresting the directors for criminal negligence in permitting the cashier to get away with the funds. Much of the misery of the failure falls upon the poor Poles and Hungarians who had their money there.

13. June 1, 1889 The Ottawa Free Trader Ottawa, IL
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the body has made a record for itself the will make the beginning of an era," un less it be through the passage of the drain age bill, which will certainly make a vas change in Illinois if the design of th bill shall ever reach a consummation. The attempt to pass the Australian elec tion law failed when it came to the senate sharing the fate of many other worthy bills including the anti-trust bill, proving th prediction made early in the session, the the work of this end of the legislatur would show it entirely under the contro of the corporations of the State. As to th anti-trust bill corruption was charged, bu an investigation, during the last days of th session, declared the charge untrue, or, a least, not proven. Among the acts of the last two days were two joint resolutions. The first was a long one, with a still longer peramble, reciting the history of the Illinois river improve ments, resolving that the policy of the State is in favor of the construction of : ship canal from Chicago to the Mississipp river via the I. & M. canal, Desplaines and Illinois river, and petitioning congress to CO operate therein. The other resolution provides for the submission to the role o people an amendment to the State banking law, adopted at the last genera election, which amendment will make stockholders in State banks liable for the full amount of the stock owned, and fixing sliding scale of capital required; in towns less than 5,000 people, $25,000; of 5,000 10,000, $50,000: from 10,000 to 50,000 $100,000; over 50,000 population, $200,000 A bill was also passed changing the time holding the terms of the supreme court this city, fixing the future dates for the Tuesday of March and October. Another bill adopted was one affecting sale of flash newspapers, etc. It proIdes that it shall be unlawful for any perto sell, lend, give away or to show or dvertise, or otherwise offer for loan, gift distribution to any minor child any book amphlet, magazine, newspaper, story aper or other printed paper devoted to the ublication, or principally made up of riminal news, police reports, or accounts criminal deeds, or pictures and stories deeds of bloodshed, lust or crime, or to xhibit upon any street or highway, or in place within the view of any minor hild, any book, magazine, newspaper amphlet story paper or other paper or ublication coming within the description matters mentioned in this act. The drainage bill was passed by the ouse on Friday, and signed by the gov on Wednesday last. On Triday last, the 24th, a St. L. & S. F assenger train was wrecked at 11:25 'clock, 68 miles west of St. Louis. The rack had been tampered with in such 8 ay as to indicate a deliberate purpose to reck the train. About 50 passengers were but no one was killed. The Scranton, Pa., City bank closed Its oors on Friday last. The cashier is harged with ruining the bank by injudi ious speculation and investments. He has gone to Canada, however; and as his ondsmen are rich, the losses may be relaced and business resumed. The pioneer expedition of engineers of the roposed Nicaragua canal sailed on Satur last for that country, with a ship load machinery and supplies. The expedi goes equipped to begin the work of actual digging of the channel. J. H. Hodder has been appointed post naster at Aurora, vice Corbet resigned. Mr Corbet was the successor of Mr. Knickerocker, Mr. Hodder's business partner who was the last appointee of the late President Arthur. Mr. Knickerbocke lied after being in office two months when Mr. Corbet was appointed. Mr Hodder is editor of the Beacon, an able aper, which will be edited hereafter by newspaper man from the Indianapolis ournal staff. Snow to the depth of two Inches is re orted in Rutland villiage this county via Venona on Wednesday afternoon! Natural gas has been found at Oak Creek Vis.., at a depth of 130 feet. There is a trong pressure. The Mormons are moving rapidly into Alberta, in the northwest state, British Co umbia, from Idaho and Utah, and have urchased a large tract of railroad land. Rev. J. C. Myers of the State Line, was truck by lightning while preaching in New Liberty, Indiana, on Sunday last, and now totally blind, The biggest railroad steal on record I laimed to be the looting of 21 cars or

14. July 8, 1889 Evening Capital Annapolis, MD
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The Defunct Scranton City Bank. SCRANTON, Pa., July 8.-In court, Joseph Gunster, assignee of the defunct Scranton City bank, filed his bond in the sum of $418,650.54. The bond, which was approved, is in a sum equal to twice the liability. Dr. B. H. Troop and exSheriff Lewis, trustees of the bank, by advertisement, offer for sale at public auction in the court house on July 26 the coal lands and leasehold assigned by ex-Cashier Jessup shortly after the collapse of the bank. These consist of forty-eight acres of coal land in the First and Second wards of this city. These lands contain 1,500,000 tons of coal. In the meantime many depositors are selling their books for little or nothing, believing that the bank will be unable to pay them anything near what their accounts call for.

15. August 6, 1889 The Morning News Savannah, GA
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Bank Depositors in Luck. SCRANTON, PA., Aug. 5.-The coal interests owned by Cashier Jessup and assigned to the trustees of the suspended Scranton City Bank were sold to-day to the Delaware and Hudson company for $100,000 cash. This insures t 0 payment in full of depositors of the suspended bank.

16. August 6, 1889 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
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To Be Paid in Full. (By telegraph to the Dispatch.] SCRANTON, PA., August 5.-The coal interests owned by Cashier Jessup and assigned to the trustees of the suspended Scranton City Bank were sold to-day to the Delaware and Hudson Company for $100,000 cash. This assures the payment in full to the depositors of the suspended bank.

17. January 1, 1890 Pittsburg Dispatch Pittsburgh, PA
Article from Pittsburg Dispatch, January 1, 1890

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189 JANUARY 1, WEDNESDAY, murder. John Arguments begun on the appeal in the Hanover wins a Sharon divorce case A St. Louis man 20-Rhode Island g about to be buried, revives. in Venezuela. William O'Brien sues Lord Salisbury for 21-Mrs. R. B. Hay libel. Jay Gould and Bishop Potter lock Illinois miners horns over a discussion on riches. The from Johnstown Standard controls white lead companies. 22-Suits against th Governor Beaver signs municipal lien bill. town citizens -Disappearance of Dr. P. H. Cronin, Chitaxes this ye cago. Harry Bishop, an old-time minstrel, tion in Cincinn suicides. P.J. Armstrong, of the Inman respite,Mrs. WI Line, suicides. George Francis Train roasts Johnstown very the Centennial celebration. The Parnell 24-Twenty-four di fund reaches $163,200. The Paris Expositown. Turners tion opens. Burke extradite 7-Pig iron war between North and South. 25-Bold bank robb -Butler proves Porter a coward. the Clan-na-Gae 8-Twenty-eighth annual convention of Y. M. received in John C. A. in Philadelphia. Miss Drexel will enter a convent. 26-McDow swears fense. 9-City of Paris breaks the record. 27-Cloud burst at 10-Father Damien dies from leprosy. Spokane lotte Patti in Pa wins the Derby. 2x-Yale beats Har 11-Barnum's circus wrecked at Williamsport. urer Wright, of Three Bald Knobbers hanged in Missouri. short in his acco The Southern negroes object to Harrison's 29-British taxpaye cold treatment. Edison robbed of $200,000 travagance. D by his counsel in the sale of hisphonograph. Jeff New York. Sev President Harrison goes fishing. nin murder. Jo Davis replies to General Wolsley. many wants to 12-Jacob Schwinefurth, Rockford, III., claims France and It to be Christ,attracting thousands of followmurder. ers. New cruiser Charleston beats the 30-Cathedral of St. world's record. Three hundred colored crated in Pr converts baptized at Richmond. traveling West 13-Irving Bishop dies in New York, aged 41. Father Davies, 14-Catholic Knights of America hold annual convention at Chattanooga. 8,000 lives lost. 15-Solicitor George A. Jenks' resignation accepted. Lord Lonsdale returns from the Arctic regions. Council of countries to govern Samoa. Inter-State Commission in1-Trinity Church, vestigate the Standard rebates. Legislature $1,000 for import passes minor cigarette law. arrives in Lond 16-Southern Presbyterian Assembly convenes 2-Sullivan and K in Chattanooga, Northern Assembly in New preme Court York. Independent refiners charge railConvention of roads with discrimination. tional Associati 17-Villard wins his conspiracy fight and gains the Clan-na-Gae control of the Oregon Transcontinental. 3-Dynamiter Phi 18-Germany concedes all points in Samoa quesfeated at Arqui tions. Mrs. Maybrick arrested in London arrive in New Y charged with poisoning her husband. SulsCronin murder. bach wins against Carnegie for non-complemurder of Capt tion of Davenport and St. Paul Railroad; $1,500,000 involved. 4-The glorious I town victims no 19-W. J. Arkell's residence, Canajoharie, Dakotas. Monta burned. Fanny Davenport marries MelStates. burn McDowell. Cornerstone laid for 5-The Persian M Catholic De La Salle Institute. Chicago. Fight with tram Ten more steamer Alaskan survivors killed. Govern the arrest of Su 20-Pennsylvania found. Odd Fellows Encampment at 6-Ten thousand York, Pa. Five thousand dollars reward Coroner's jury offered for Cronin's murderers. Mrs. Folsponsible Alle som marries H. E. Perrine, Jackson, Mich. of lite. Genera 23-The Chicago Police detail plans for the deacon, Philade capture of Cronin murderers. Electric 7-Tools, money an Sugar Refiners replaced on trial. Northern Johnstown. and Southern Presbyteries united. Gen8-Sullivan winsin eral Assembly of the United Presbytewithdraw from rians meets at Springfield, O. Dr. Mc9-France to build Kenzie sues London Times for damages. M. Waters, New 24-Dr. Cronin's blood stains discovered in poison"and final Carlson's cottage. Failure of the MerCameron's will chants' National Bank of New Haven; deficit $100,000. $1,700,000. Rab tempts suicide; 25-Le Caron reveals some Crocin secrets. 10-Experts claim George A. Jessup, cashier Scranton City of Jamestown, N. Bank, arrested for embezzlement robbed, $150,000; bank fails. Dan Coughlin arrested li-Handsome Mrs as Cronin suspect. Three American ladies dicted as a co arrested at Nice on charges preferred by a rested and relea French dressmaker: blackmail. Northern 12-Indignation mee and Southern Presbyterian Assemblies clamoring for agree not to discriminate against the colPark. ored race. 13-Completion of 26-Discovered that Dr. Cronin was ordered Anarchists celel murdered by Clan-na-Gael. Funeral of the The Cleveland I murdered man. United States troops called by an English sy out to suppress Oklahoma riots. 14-Wanamaker an 27-Scranton City Bank deficit found to be rates. Bud McC $300,000. Charge.of murder entered against Coy. stabs an en Coughlin by Chicago police. P. O'Suilivan arrested as suspect. 15-Sullivan on a tective Norris a 8-Woodruff, Sullivan and Coughlin indicted tion Army jaile for Cronin murder. Clan-na-Gael formally 16-Powderly open repudiates charges. McClellandtown burgAmerican fleet lars indicted. Fight between Hocking Valbuilt at a cost of ley miners. Cardinal Gibbons opposed to 17-Bill Jones, who prohibition because it does not prohibit. Washington on Carter convicted of murder in the second Mrs. Barry take degree. Mrs. Maybrick placed on trial for to France. Sup murder. Minister McLean's farewell adSarah Althea H dress to the French President. The Rev. pany organized Dr. Crosby, pastor of Fourth Avenue Pres18-Campbell's airsl byterian Church, New York, buncoed on probably drown Broadway. Boyd C: Caldwell and others 19-Creek Indians w convicted in the United States Court at 20-A Chicago firm molten metal. 29-Alexander Williamsport. Sullivan accused by Dr. Cronin's disappears fr friends of embezzling $82,000; McGeehan arclaims he was di rested as suspect. Sir Richard Webster, 21-Disorderly Sund Attorney General, banqueted by London 22-The Propagand solicitors. The Pope reported dead. Houseof an American hold effects of J. G. Blaine, Jr.. sold at New Maxwell lynche York. President Harrison sets aside 1,900 1 - lian District acres-near Stone river. Site selected for Johnstown left the National Zoo near Washington. Cross." 0-President Harrison attends Decoration Day 28-Late fires in CI services at Brooklyn. Rev. Dr. Leonard, of ings and 1,200 P St. John's Church, of New York, elected sand dollars cas Assistant Bishop of Ohio. Alexander Sul24-John Carter, I livan shadowed by detectives as a suspect. Virginia. Lab State Board of Health condemn Dr. Camptravagant. Lew bell, of Latrobe, for certifying to death of a of Philadelphia child, the shipment of whose body to a disties. tant point causes an epidemic. Allegheny 25-James Garfield street railways to alter their motive power. to be married. Grand jury indicts Somerset burglars for 26-The Indian Co assault and battery with intent to kill. An from massacre. English syndicate gains control of Southern The Yorktown lumber interests. More arrests made in the Cronin case. Mary Anderson vania rates cut 81-The city of Johnstown devastated. Fire 27-Earl of Fife an and water claim 5,000 victims in the Conedaughter marr maugh Valley. The South Fork dam bursts that famous into and sweeps all before it. Middle and WestMr. and Mrs. Gl ern Pennsylvania visited by terrible floods. Boston. success Railroad travel suspended. Universal Clara Barton git mourning. Somerset burglars sentenced town. America ten years to the penitentiary. Boodler Mcbitions in Paris Garrigle returns from Canada and pleads Colonel Jones, guilty in a Chicago court. Iceberg 40 miles man-hole: his se long pressing toward the ocean. Cincinnati polic

18. January 3, 1890 Waterbury Evening Democrat Waterbury, CT
Article from Waterbury Evening Democrat, January 3, 1890

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The Depositors Must Wait. SCRANTON, Pa., Jan. 3.-A stir was caused in this city when Assignee Gunster, of the suspended Scranton City Bank, informed the depositors that the January dividend, now due, could not be paid for the present. Seventy per cont. of the indebtedness has alroady been provided for, and the directors had agreed to indemnify the assignee for whatever sums he needed, so that he could pay 10 per cent. instalments on January 1, February 1 and March 1.

19. January 14, 1897 The Scranton Tribune Scranton, PA
Article from The Scranton Tribune, January 14, 1897

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SECOND TRIAL OF A COMPLICATED CASH Suit Against Ex-Cashier Jessup' Bondsmen. ECHO OF THE CITY BANK FAILURE Brilliant Array of Legal Talent En gaged--Trial is Likely to Occup Several Days--Sketch of the Pro ceedings in the Case Up to Date Other Matters in Common Plea Court Yesterday. Before Judge Purdy, specially pre siding in common pleas, the secon trial of the now famous Jessup cas was begun yesterday morning. Th plaintiff's side is represented by Joh F. Scragg, S. B. Price and Charles H Welles, while at the defendant's tabl are James H. Torrey, Major Everet Warren, W. H. Jessup and Justice Al fred Hand. It was 3 o'clock p. m. be fore the trial was actually begun owin to the detention of Messrs. Scragg an Price at the Superior court. Whil waiting for them a jury was drawn an the wagon load of books which figur in the case were arranged so that upo their arrival the hearing of evidenc was at once begun. The action was brought by Joseph I Gunster, assignee of the defunct Scrar ton City bank against the defaultin cashier, Geo. A. Jessup and his bonds men, Judge W. H. Jessup, Dr. B. I Throop and Albert Beardsley, to re cover $12,667.31, the amount which it alleged he illegally converted to h own use while acting as cashier. According to the plaintiff's statemer Mr. Jessup was elected cashier April 1882, and continued in that positio until January 12, 1886. Three year later, May 25, while Mr. Jessup wa vice president the bank assigned. J seph H. Gunster, who was appointe assignee, made an examination of th books and discovered, he avers, a shor age of over $160,000. Of this amour $12,667.31 was withdrawn irregulari while Mr. Jessup was cashier and su was brought by the assignee for th benefit of the creditors to recover th sum from the sureties on the bond. WAS TRIED IN 1895. The case was tried before Judge J. : McPherson, of Dauphin county, specia ly presiding in the local court, in N vember, 1895, and on the 15th of th month a verdict was found for tl plaintiff in the full amount of the clair The jury also returned a special fin ing that the bond was a "joint an several bond," deciding against t contention of the defense that it W simply a joint bond. Arguments for new trial were immediately made ar on November 19 Judge McPhers granted a new trial stipulating as conditon that the defendant's wou havetoadmit that they executed a joi and several bond in the sum of $25,00 the condition being imposed in cons quence of the loss of the original boi after it had been placed in the custo of Da Three of the has

20. February 20, 1901 The Scranton Tribune Scranton, PA
Article from The Scranton Tribune, February 20, 1901

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# TO DISMISS A BILL. Hearing in a Rule in a Long-Standing Law Suit. Among the matters heard in argument court yesterday were arguments in the case of John T. Fitzpatrick against B. H. Throop and others, on the rule to dismiss the bill of complaint because it was not prosecuted within a reasonable time. Fitzpatrick was a stockholder in the defunct Scranton City bank. In 1891 he brought suit against the officers to recover his losses, on the ground that the affairs of the bank had been negligently managed. Because he allowed the case to run ten years without pushing it to an issue, the defense asks court to throw it out of court. The plaintiff claims he could not prosecute the case until the final report of the assignee was filed, because he could not tell what percentage of his investment would be lost. This, the defense claimed, did not relieve him of the duty of prosecuting the case within a reasonable time. Ex-Judge E. N. Willard appeared for the rule. S. B. Price and H. M. Hannah argued against it.