Hamlin Bank & Trust Company

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run Only
Bank Type: trust company
Start Date: January 18, 1928
Location: Smethport, Pennsylvania (41.811, -78.445)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 771e4ef5

Response Measures

None

Other: Bank official investigated suspected fraud and assisted law enforcement which led to arrest of the faker.

Description

Article (1928-01-18) reports a run on Hamlin Bank & Trust triggered by a fake healer/scam that led depositors (Italian community) to demand $100 bills. No suspension, reopening, or receivership mentioned.

Events (1)

1. January 18, 1928 Run

Cause: Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details: A fraudulent healer (Biago Cononico) solicited the Italian community with false claims; his scheme prompted depositors to withdraw $100 bills and was later uncovered leading to his arrest.
Random Run: Yes
Random Run Snippet: Fake healer scheme; false cures; arrested after prompting withdrawals
Newspaper Excerpt: When the Italians began run on the bank for $100 bills Mr. Burdick became suspicious began an investigation which resulted in the alleged faker's arrest.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (1)

1. January 18, 1928 Bradford Evening Star and The Bradford Daily Record Bradford, PA

Article from Bradford Evening Star and The Bradford Daily Record, January 18, 1928

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Article Text

FAKE HEALER OPERATED THIS COUNTY Smart Faker Secures Over $8,000 From Italian Women Residing in Kane, Mt. Jewett, Hazelhurst and Coryville. One of the biggest alleged graft schemes ever attempted in this territory has just been uncovered in Smethport As result Biago Cononico. 37. who gives three different addresses. locked up in the McKean County jail on two separate charges. practicing medicine without a license and resisting an officer. Cononico came to Hazelhurst, Pa.. aboout week ago claiming he was "healer." He claimed he could cure any woman who was suffering from an ailment by his supernatural powAs his victims he selected the Italian colony the territory surrounding Hazelhurst and families in Smethport, Kane, Mt. Jewett. Hazelhurst and Corryville were solicited by him for his cure. Ralph Burdick. treasurer of the Hamlin Bank and Trust company at Smethport given partial credit by the county officers for the detection of Cononico's scheme. When the Italians began run on the bank for $100 bills Mr. Burdick became suspicious began an investigation which resulted in the alleged faker's arrest. According to William "Billy" Jones. former sheriff of McKean county who assisted Sheriff E. Rhone in arresting Cononico, the scheme of the alleged "healer" was as follows: He went from home to home in the Italian colonies in the villages and solicited members for his colony of incurables. He had cures for different ailments. For example. if woman was suffering from cancer, he told her to take two fresh eggs and boil (Turn to Page Please.)