19567. First National Bank (Uniontown, PA)

View Charter #270 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type: Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 270
Charter Number: 270
Start Date: January 18, 1915
Location: Uniontown, Pennsylvania (39.899, -79.724)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 0084aeeb

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate: 100.0%
Date receivership started: 1915-01-19
Date receivership terminated: 1932-10-31
OCC cause of failure: Governance
Share of assets assessed as good: 30.7%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful: 67.9%
Share of assets assessed as worthless: 1.4%

Description

The bank was closed by order of its directors on Jan 18–19, 1915 and placed in receivership. Multiple articles report receivers appointed and a permanent federal receiver named April 15, 1915. Though Thompson announced a prospective $20,000,000 loan and hoped to reopen (May 1915), later reporting shows the bank remained in the hands of a receiver and faced prosecutions and numerous suits, so the bank did not resume normal operations and remained closed/permanently wound up. Cause is classified as bank_specific_adverse_info (failures/irregularities tied to president J. V. Thompson).

Events (8)

1. February 20, 1864 Chartered

Source: historical_nic

2. January 18, 1915 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Closed by order of the board after financial embarrassment of bank president J. V. Thompson and related irregularities; bank did not open Jan 18–19, 1915.
Newspaper Excerpt: First National of Uniontown, Pa., is Forced to Suspend. ... did not open its doors yesterday.
Source: newspapers

3. January 19, 1915 Receivership

Source: historical_nic

4. January 19, 1915 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: appointed receivers to take charge of the affairs of J. V. Thompson ... First National Bank of Uniontown, which was yesterday closed by order of the board of directors. Receivers named were Andrew Thompson ... William G. Laidley ... John P. Brennan.
Source: newspapers

5. April 8, 1915 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: The Controller to-day announced the appointment of John H. Strawn as permanent receiver of the bank, to take effect April 15. Further irregularities and violations of law by officers of the First National Bank of Uniontown ... reported to the Controller of the Currency. The Controller placed the matter before the Department of Justice, which began an investigation immediately.
Source: newspapers

6. April 16, 1915 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: John H Strawn, recently appointed receiver of the closed First National Bank, of Uniontown, to-day took charge of the institution and announced that he would try to make some payment to depositors within two weeks.
Source: newspapers

7. May 4, 1915 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: Josiah V. Thompson ... announced he had negotiated a loan of $20,000,000 and that the First National Bank of Uniontown, which has been in the hands of a receiver since January 18, would reopen within six weeks.
Source: newspapers

8. November 5, 1915 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: Nearly 200 suits have been instituted ... against J. V. Thompson ... the First National Bank of Uniontown, which is now in the hands of a receiver.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (24)

1. January 19, 1915 The West Virginian Fairmont, WV

Article from The West Virginian, January 19, 1915

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Name Receivers For Affairs of J. V.Thompson CREDITOR'S CLAIMS AMOUNT TO APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MILLION. FINANCIAL CIRCLES OPTIMISTIC OVER EARLY ADJUSTMENT OF AFFAIRS. (By Associated Press) UNIONTOWN, Pa., Jan. 19.-Judge J. Q. Van Swearingen and Judge R. E. Umbel in common pleas court here today, appointed receivers to take charge of the affairs of J. V. Thompson, president of the First National Bank of Uniontown, which was yesterday clos. ed by order of the board of directors. The petition was filed by John M. Freeman, of Pittsburgh who said the proceedings were necessary to take care of unsecured creditors of Thompson whose claims amount to approximately $7,000,000. The assets, it was stated were no less than three times that amount. The receivers were Andrew Thompson, a son of J. V. Thompson, William G. Laidley; of Carmichaels, Pa., a business associate and John P. Brennen, of Scottdale, Pa., president of the Thompson Connellsville Coal Company.

2. January 19, 1915 Evening Public Ledger Philadelphia, PA

Article from Evening Public Ledger, January 19, 1915

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RECEIVERS NAMED FOR J. V. THOMPSON ON CREDITORS' PLEA Liabilities of Banker and Coal Operator Set at $22,000,000, With Estimated Assets of $70,000,000. UNIONTOWN, Pa., Jan. 19.-Receivers were appointed for Josiah v. Thompson. banker and coal operator, by Judges J. Q. Van Swearingen and R. E. Umbel in Common Pleas Court this morning, on petition of John M. Freeman, of the law firm of Watson & Freeman, of Pittsburgh. The Court appointed as reecivers Andrew Thompson. a son; William G. Laidley. of Carmichaels, a business associate of Thompson, and John P. Brennan, of Scottdale, president of the Producers' Coke Company and of the Thompson-Connellsville Coke Company. The receivership was asked for in order to protect the unsecured creditors. It was stated by Mr. Freeman that the assets of Thompson are three times as great as the liabilities. The unsecured debts of Thompson amount to about $7,000,000. Thompson was in court this morning when the petition was presented, but declined to make any statement regarding his financial affairs or the closing of the First National Bank yesterday. The petition for a receiver was brought by Fuller Hogsett, of Uniontown, an unsecured creditor to the amount of $900,000, and David L. Durr, of Masontown, an unsecured creditor to the amount of $400,000. In the petition it is asserted the assets of Mr. Thompson are $70,000,000 and the liabilities $22,000,000. of which $7,000,000 are unsecured claims and $15,000,000 are secured by mortgages and collateral. The mortgages are on property worth form three to five times the value of the claims. Following is a partial list of properties mortgaged or pledged to secure loans: Seven thousand one hundred and three acres Fayette County coal, 72,000 acres Greene County coal, 2000 acres Greene County land, 7224 acres Washington County coal, 26,025 acres West Virginia coal, residential property in Uniontown, 1000 acres; Highland Building, Pittsburgh, rolling mill plant, site and ground at West Elizabeth and Clairton, Allegheny County, and at Aliquippa, Beaver County. The value of these properties is $53,000,000 and these with stocks and bonds to the value of $17,000,000 and other large tracts of unincumbered properties make up the assets.

3. January 19, 1915 The Barre Daily Times Barre, VT

Article from The Barre Daily Times, January 19, 1915

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COAL LAND BANK CLOSES DOORS. First National of Uniontown, Pa., is Forced to Suspend. Uniontown, Pa., Jan.' 19.-The First National bank of Uniontown, which has led the honor roll of national banks in the United States for several years, did not open its doors yesterday. J. V. Thompson is president.

4. January 19, 1915 The Star-Independent Harrisburg, PA

Article from The Star-Independent, January 19, 1915

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RECEIVERS FOR THOMPSON / Will Take Charge of Uniontown Bank President's Affairs By Associated Press. 'Uniontown, Pa., Jan 19.-Judges Van Swearingen and Umbel, in Common Pleas Court here to-day, appointed receivers to take charge of the affairs of Josiah V. Thompson, president of the First National bank of Uniontown, which was yesterday closed by order of the board of directors. The petition was filed by John M. Freeman, of Pittsburgh, who said the proceeding was necessary to take charge of the unsecured creditors of Thompson whose claims amount to approximately $7,000,000. The assets, it was, stated, were no less than three times that amount. The receivers named were Andrew Thompson, a son of J V. Thompson; William G. Laidley, of Carmichaels, Pa., a business associate, and John P. Brennan, of Seottdale, Pa., president of the Thompson-Connellsville Coke Company.

5. January 22, 1915 The Sun New York, NY

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OTHER COMPANIES FAIL. Receivers Named for Coke Concern and Subsidiary. UNIONTOWN, Pa., Jan. 21.-Receivers were named by Judge J. Q. Van Swearingen this afternoon for the Tower Hill Connellaville Coke Company, a large independent concern operating two plants in Fayette county, and a subsidiary, the Tower Hill Supply Company. The receiverships are attributed directly to the failure of Josiah Thompson's bank, the First National. The assets of the coke company are $3,500,000 and its liabilities $3,000,000. The liabilities of the supply company are $40,000 and the assets $120,000. Receivers named for both concerns are L. W. Fogg, G. S. Harah and John Thompson.

6. January 24, 1915 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, January 24, 1915

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Steel Men and Others Ac. cused of Plotting to Ruin J.V. I hompson. FEDERAL INQUIRY IS NOW PREDICTED Land Owner. Telling How Credit Was Attacked, Defies His Enemies. of The Tribune Penn. Jan. 23. With Thompson breaking silence his enemies and declare year Pittsburgh been deliberately attack and with Representative N. Carr unqualifiedly declaring that believes Thompson, his associates First National Bank to be the eletims of a criminal conspiracy, certain to-night that a federal be asked for Briefly the charge is that Thompson are the victims of object of which was such grab. by persons closely af the United States Steel marked the acquisition properties of the Tennessee Coal Company in the panic days the Tennessee case the value of company lay not in its plants, but vast deposits of iron, time and controlled. The case here parallel. to the extent that the old Connellsville coke fields are beginning a approach the exhaustion period. Few big companies have as much land as they will need, in the cinion of experts, to keep them going fifty years. Seem to Have a Corner. in Greene County Thompson and his friends have tens of thousands of acres d virgin fields. They hold additional less of thousands in the adjoining county of Washington and in certain West Virginia counties into which the Pittsburgh vein of coking coal runs intents and purposes they appear have virtual corner on the most desirable land. One year ago Pittsburgh interests effered Thompson $250 an acre for 30.M acres of this land. He demanded $350 The demand was refused. Then. Thompson says, the same interests, working through a broker, deliberately set about breaking his credit by offer broadcast his notes at 80 cents on dellar This but one of the counts in the charge of conspiracy. In that charge figures national bank examiner, yet unnamed who is declared to have gone through Western Pennsylvania warning national bankers to eliminate Thompson paper from their loans. of all the persons to whom talked to-day Thompson was the most conservative in his statements. His attitude was that of a strong man, sure himself and his position and proud his record as a banker, as a miner, as a Presbyterian and as one who has help his fellow man. There mi bitterness in his tones. With others it was different. The names they used as those who stand profit by a breakdown of the Thompson group are those of dominating figures in the financial life of Pitts. burgh and in the affairs of the United States Steel Corporation. The same Dames heard used in whispers in consection with the case in the lobbies of the Waldorf yesterday afternoon heard spoken boldly on the Pullman coming last night one. charges that the Steel Corporation corporation Judge Elbert H. Gary, its chairman, part conspiracy, The name frequently used known in the Con zellsville district. Twenty years anathema wherburned In the years Uniontown and Consellsville grown in size, but this capitalist has not grown in popularity. Thompson an Idol. Thompson. the other hand. is this part of Pennsylvania. He years sixty-one town fight for millions he has made many wealthy and scores com lortably well off. and apparently has been friend to everybody in UnionThis section credits him with pre serving the fields for the small producers, independent they are called. distinguish them from the H Friek Coke Company the Steel Corporation subsidiary. The independent producer in normal times make enor5 profits on their investments Uniontown on coke earnings. Just now it is not getting a very good but until the crash came this week thought it had turned the corafter several lean years. Besides thousands who work in mines and estimated that 30 per the persons of moderate means the place have their capital, or part of it, invested in coke bad coke companies not controlled big interests. Thompson appears to be the least excited man in town. At the bank E.S. Hackney, the veteran cashier of the closed First National, said he would be found his home "He won't be too busy to see you," Mid the veteran, "but i'll warn you: gives interviews. It's good out the turnpike, and the place worth seeing. anyway was. though it did not measure the descriptions telegraphed roughout the land in connection tragedy in the millionaire collapse of the romance that his second marriage and subse. quent divorce. The place probably a million, as has been stated, but just such an establishment as any Continued on page 7. column 5

7. January 25, 1915 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, January 25, 1915

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Persons Close to Pittsburgh Banker Declare Whatever Money Is Needed to Allow His Bank to Reopen Will Be Forthcoming This Week. [By a Staff Correspondent of The Tribune.] pect to. Six days a week is enough." The religious side of the coke land Uniontown, Penn., Jan. 24.-The efking, wjho is now battling with the big feet of the uproar caused in this part steel and financial interests in Pittsof the country by charges that Josiah burgh for continuance of his control V. Thompson and his associates are of the coke land situation, is a phase being pursued by "big business" and little known to any except his most the threat of a federal inquiry as to intimate friends. For forty-four years the causes leading up to the closing of the First National Bank, exclusivehe has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and among his other ly told of in The Tribune to-day, was seen when persons close to Mr. Thomppossessions he is owner of a half inson received intimations from New terest in "The Presbyterian Banner," York and Pittsburgh to-day that he the oldest religious weekly published would probably find little difficulty this west of the Alleghanies. week in arranging to get such money In those forty-four years Mr. Thompas may be needed to straighten out son has rarely missed services on Sunhis affairs and allow the bank to reday morning and then only to sleep. open. The necessity for this sleep will be understood when it is said that he gets The money, if it is recived, will not be in the form of a loan. Mr. Thompalong with less sleep than Thomas A. Edison. son has not had a loan in New York "I rarely sleep more than an hour in ten years. It will probably come or two a night from Sunday night to through the sale of a comparatively Saturday night," Mr. Thompson recentsmall block of coke land. ly told a visitor. "It is a good week If this fails it is not unlikely that that I get in more than eight or nine part of the Thompson holdings will be hours between Sundays. I do not find turned over to a stock company that it hurts me, and I will be sixtyformed by his friends, who will put one, if I live until the middle of next up the $3,000,000 or $4,000,000 necesmonth." sary to meet maturing obligations and It is probable that Mr. Thompson will pressing charges and give Mr. Thompgo to New York to-morrow, though this son and his associates time to move is by no means certain, his movements around in. depending in large measure on what With Mr. Thompson, they believe his counsel in Pittsburgh may advise. that the tide has turned in the steel He retains his apartments in the Waltrade, and that the coke business, dedorf, in New York, where W. H. Conpressed when the steel trade is bad. way, of his legal staff, is in charge. Michael J. Ryan, of Philadelphia, is soon to come into its own. In orchief counsel for the H. C. Frick Coke ers of the H. C. Frick Company, the Company, was in Uniontown yesterday, coke subsidiary of the United States and attacked the receiverships of variSteel Corporation, to start full time ous Uniontown business men connected to-morrow. after months of partial with Mr. Thompson and the First Naidleness, they see confirmation of this tional Bank. He said it was illegal for faith. individuals to go into receiverships, as From sources outside the steel busireceivers should be appointed only for ness Mr. Thompson is in receipt of corporations, and individuals must go considerable offers of assistance. What into bankruptcy. His comments caused these are he declines to say. To-day, considerable excitement, especially in fact, he was inaccessible as ever to among the business men who have gone interviewers, for, following the pracinto receivers' hands following the tice of a lifetime, he dropped all busibank's trouble. ness at midnight and devoted the day In nearly all the churches in Unionto rest and church duties. town to-day the pastors prayed for the "I have never yet found it necessary speedy settlement of the bank's affairs to work on Sunday or to talk business and the return of prosperity to Unionin any of its phases on Sunday," Mr. town. Thompson said, "and I do not ever ex-

8. February 2, 1915 Yorkville Enquirer York, SC

Article from Yorkville Enquirer, February 2, 1915

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# MERE-MENTION Three masked men held up the cashier of the bank of Avant, Okla., Friday, and secured $1,000. Receivers were appointed on Saturday for William Barton, the twelfth coal operator whose property has gone into receivership in Uniontown county, Pa., since the closing of the First National bank of Uniontown, a $100,000 institution. The assets of the twelve operators total more than $36,000,000, while their liabilities are only $12,000,000. More than 33,000 bales of cotton were shipped from Savannah, Ga., to foreign ports last Saturday. The Vermont legislature last Friday, passed a resolution commending Mrs. Bettie Van Metre of Berryville, Va., for her care of Lieut Bedell of Westfield, Vt., after he was injured during the civil war. Floods and storms in Arizona on Saturday, did more than $100,000 damage in the Salt river valley. Animals in a menagerie in Phoenix, valued at $30,000, were drowned. An explosion which occurred on the flagship San Diego, January 21, claimed its ninth victim Saturday, by the death of Ralph B. Glidden, a fireman. Four other sailors remain in a serious condition as a result of the accident. John P. Edder and his two sons, all farmers, were shot while seated at breakfast in their home near Andalusia, Ala., Saturday. The sons will die and the father is seriously wounded. A shot gun was used, the gun being discharged through a window. An old feud is believed to have been the cause. The first shipment of cotton from Mobile, Ala., to Liverpool, left Mobile on Saturday. There were 5,000 bales. A monster black bear was killed near Luray, Va., Saturday. The bear was placed on exhibition and people walked many miles to see it. Between $40,000 and $50,000 worth of diamonds were secured by four men who drove up to a New York pawnshop in an automobile, Saturday, held up three clerks, threw the jewels in a suit case and made their escape. Sam Merrick, a negro, died in Wilmington, N. C., a few days ago, leaving $5,000 in cash and several pieces of real property. The negro lived alone and so far as is known had no relatives. Since his death the clerk of court of New Hanover has received no less than sixty letters from people claiming to be near relatives of the dead negro. Miss Nora McAdoo, daughter of Secretary McAdoo, sailed for France last week, where she will engage in Red Cross work. Herman Aurebach, a prominent real estate operator of New York, on Sunday shot and killed his wife and two daughters, and then committed suicide, after leaving a note under his son's door informing him of the tragedy. The shooting was done with a repeating rifle to which was attached a silencer apparatus. Worry over financial reverses is supposed to have been the cause of the act. W. B. M. Brown, congressman-elect from the twenty-fourth Pennsylvania district, died suddenly in New York, Sunday. Rear Admiral Montagu of the British navy, died in London, Sunday, aged 74 years. The Atlantic Coast Line's New York and West Indian limited train was wrecked at Callahan, Fla., Saturday. Five passengers were slightly injured. Advices received at Toronto, are to the effect that 32,000 Canadian troops have been sent from the training camp in England, to the front in France. War prices for wheat for May delivery reached $1.52½ a bushel, Saturday, in Chicago. In a fight on the 17th floor of the Adams Express building in New York, Saturday, Jos. F. McLaughlin stabbed Wm. B. Irvine to death with a pocket knife. Twenty-seven men were sentenced in the Federal court in St. Louis, Mo., Saturday, to serve terms of 30 days to three and a half years, and pay fines of $5,000 to $10,000 each, for violation of the Federal tax laws in relation to the manufacture and sale of oleomargarine. Mrs. Ann Miller died at Bedford, N. Y., Saturday, aged 100 years. For the past 70 years she had been a strict vegetarian. Gen. George B. Milman of the British army, and for 39 years keeper of the Tower of London, is dead. The British government has placed an order for 8,000 tons of steel bullets with a Birmingham, Ala., steel company.

9. April 3, 1915 Harrisburg Telegraph Harrisburg, PA

Article from Harrisburg Telegraph, April 3, 1915

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LYBARGER IS FUN FOR POLITICIANS Watching to See What Jesse Is Going to Do About That Check For $112 He Holds READING IN LIVES NOW But That Does Not Mean He May Not Run Again as a Candidate in Harrisburg Men active in politics and a good many who look upon politics as something inseparably associated with the life of a Pennsylvanian are having much fun these days over Jesse J. Lybarger, late candidate of the Democratic machine for member of the House from the Harrisburg district. Mr. Lybarger has been figuring as a candidate in several legislative campaigns and also as an advocate of reform with a big R. Two years ago he was named as transcribing cierk in the Senate at the behest of the Democratic machine which had hitherto protested against Democrats accepting minority places from Republicans. Lybarger contended that he had gone to work in the middle of the month and that he could not accept pay for a whole month. He got a check for $175, which he held for about two years, but cashed. This year he was sent a check for $112 for the work he was presumed to have handled between the organization of the legislature and the day he was "fired." This check he has not turned in. It is estimated that it would take more than the $112 check to square Lybarger with his attitude of 1913 and folks here are eagerly watching to see what he is going to do about it. According to some of Lybarger's friends he is now a resident of Reading, but that does not mean anything. Once before when defeated for the House he was away from Harrisburg for some time, but came back and with the support of the machine got nominated for a job, but the people objected. It is believed his residence elsewhere is only temporary and that he will return as a full-fledged Harrisburger before the next legislative primary campaign has a chance to bloom. -The President failed to appoint J. B. Evans as subtreasurer at Philadelphia yesterday and there was much comment in political circles. Evans has been counting on starting every Monday for some time. According to rumors Vance C. McCormick, defeated Democratic candidate for Governor, and Governor Brumbaugh will talk over local option next week. McCormick has been assisting State Chairman Morris in his effort to line up Democratic legislators, but without much success. -Dr. John M. Baldy, head of the State Medical bureau, has stirred up much comment by his attack on hospitals of the State. Chairman Buckman and Woodward, of the appropriations committees, answered him sharply in Philadelphia yesterday, while legislators and hospital people also took shots at him. The doctor stuck to his guns and fired back some statements. -Hearings will be given on the nonpartisan ballot law repealer next week by the Senate elections committee. Pittsburgh people are coming here to protest. -This dispatch comes from Washington and tells of what looks like another bump for Palmer and his pals. "John H. Strawn, receiver for the Farmers and Drovers' Bank, of Waynesburg, Pa., is understood to have been selected as permanent receiver of the First National Bank of Uniontown, Pa., by Comptroller of the Currency John Skelton Williams. ExRepresentative A. Mitchell Palmer recommended Frank L. Dershem, of Lewisburg, Pa., but the comptroller, it is understood, has taken the position that the work of winding up the affairs of the Uniontown bank requires a receiver who has had previous experience with the Treasury Department. Mr. Dershem recently visited Uniontown and spent some time with Receiver Sherrill Smith, temporarily

10. April 9, 1915 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, April 9, 1915

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MORE FLAWS IN BANK Irregularities Reported in Uniontown First National. [From The Tribune Bureau.) Washington, April 8. Further irregularities and violations of law by officers of the First National Bank of Uniontown, Penn., have been uncovered by special examiners of the Treasury Department, who reported to the Controller of the Currency. Controller Williams to-day placed the matter before the Department of Justice, which began an investigation immediately. Criminal indictments were declared not unlikely as the result of its activities. The Controller to-day announced the appointment of John H. Strawn as permanent receiver of the bank, to take effect April 15. Mr. Strawn is said to be particularly familiar with conditions in the Uniontown district, and has also handled other important receiverships for the Controller's office. Sherill Smith, who has been temporarily acting as receiver, will now assume his new duties as chief examiner for the 7th Federal Reserve District, with headquarters at Chicago.

11. April 12, 1915 Norwich Bulletin Norwich, CT

Article from Norwich Bulletin, April 12, 1915

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EIGHT Largest in Connecticut Condensed Telegrams and other A decree similar prohibiting dances in the Paris tango is being 257,000 pounds The Bank of sovereigns England for earmarked Argentine account. thought' Abner Barker religion Magoun, in founder 1895, of died a at "new Rockland, Mass. The White Star liner after Megantic an unevent- arrived ful trip at from Liverpool Ne wYork. Karl Liebknecht, the to Socialist the front leader, in has Lanudsturm not been regiment, sent as reported, but is still in Berlin. Because of decreased value will be in as- oil, sessed all gas for and taxation oil properties at about 30 per cent. less this year. Commission, Elwood Mead, chairman at of Melbourne, the VicAustralia, toria Water resigned to accept a position in the United States. An official statement March issued in 1. Ber- 6.050 lin states of all that description since have been capguns tured by the Germans. The largest sale of rosin the in Savannah a single stores call in the history trade was of reported when naval 25,000 barrels were sold. There has been an the active Great demand Lakes for grain large boats movement on is expected with and the opening a of navigation. Estimated by scientists to the be petri- from 275,000 years old, was un250,000 knee-joint to of a mammoth Cal. earthed fied at Long Beach, second A despatch from Prussia, Breslau, declared the the largest ration city of of bread there was doubldaily ed to prevent further rioting. Dunee of Illinois Senate will water- acGovernor the House and route company committee over the full of ways the proposed Illinois waterway. Leopold H. R. Hibbe, three of months New Dr. was sentence to to enter York, penitentiary for failing books. in purchases the of cocaine on his Approval was given for by the the issue British of Treasury Department Central Argentine at Railway, 98. Ltd., $10,000,000 5 per cent 5-year notes special meeting of stockholders was called at of A Atlas Powder Co., vote on the Del., April 24. $10,500,000. to increasing Wilmington, the capital to "Bob" Fitszimmons, former married heavy- at was associated weight Washington champion, to with Miss was him Temo on Zillih, the stage. who John Wanamaker donated toward $10,000 a build- as the first subscription the Greater Philadelphia being organized. Chamber ing to house of Commerce, now H. Strawn of Pennsylvania for was the John permanent receiver Uniontown, appointed National Bank of Currency First Pa., by Controller of the Williams. duel with knives while at the a Howel school house In a at Letart, W. Va., in progress, Earl were killed. Shirly, entertainment 28, and was Urson Boswirth, 38, David J. Mackey, Central pioneer West, and railroad formbuilder in the of the Evansville Evansville, & Terre er Haute president Railroad, died at Ind., aged 81. are at least six plants the manu- in the course There of construction in for this country at facture of to dyestuffs information received according the Department of Comemrce. Good crop exports reported in in Austria an official and Hungary received were at the Austro-Hungarian dispatch embassy in Washington. eight-hour day in place of will nine be An its women employes Union hours into for effect by the Western largr offices put Co., in its week. throughout Telegraph the country next of Bolivia, Panama, an Governments Cuba have accepted Guatamala of and the United States American to send invitation to the Panfinancial representatives conference in Washington. a resolution asking the New local York opState A legislature passed to pass at the Saturday's Con ference Let church. session tion bill of of was the the New Methodist York East Episcopal 1 large oven in the "japanning' storage n A Thomas A. Edison' N. J. room of works at West Orange, Thomas battery severely injuring 35 windows. Flanigan, exploded, a tender, and breaking 1 n a that some means soon intercourse would United be Hope devised to make States easier and Centra o between South the America was expressed address by and of State Bryan Washington. in an to Secrtary the Y. M. €. A. at t Three stockholders Pacific of railroad the Chicago filed A Rock Island and United States district an a bill in Chicago the yesterday seeking of t court at restraining stockholders the annual injunction road from holding 12. meeting, the scheduled for April German government from Saturday Ger f The prohibiting exports the fron besides to Italy, is stopping Italian at freight e many tier station all empty bound. Pasenger cars homeward in Switzerland from y trains Italy are arriving crowded with German fam-

12. April 16, 1915 Harrisburg Telegraph Harrisburg, PA

Article from Harrisburg Telegraph, April 16, 1915

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PAYMENT EXPECTED SOON Uniontown, Pa., April 16. - John H Strawn, recently appointed receiver 01 the closed First National Bank, 01 Uniontown, to-day took charge of the instittuion and announced that he would try to make some payment to depositors within two weeks.

13. May 4, 1915 The Star-Independent Harrisburg, PA

Article from The Star-Independent, May 4, 1915

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HE BORROWS $20,000,000 Josiah V. Thompson, of Uniontown, Says He Will Soon Be Freed of Financial Troubles By Associated Press. Uniontown, Pa., May 4.-Josiah V. Thompson, banker and holder of extensive coal properties in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, whose financial embarrassment has been widely felt in the three States for several months, announced to-day that he had negotiated a loan of $20,000,000 and that he and his associates would soon be freed of their troubles. Mr. Thompson said further that the First National Bank of Uniontown, which has been in the hands of a receiver since January 18, would reopen within six weeks, that receivers appointed for the many persons associated with him would be discharged and that the 430,000 acres of coal lands involved would be withdrawn from the market. Mr. Thompson did not disclose the names of the persons who have agreed to advance the money, but added that they were conversant with the situation, although a corps of expert accountants was to go into every phase of the situation without delay.

14. May 4, 1915 The Star-Independent Harrisburg, PA

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15. May 4, 1915 Harrisburg Telegraph Harrisburg, PA

Article from Harrisburg Telegraph, May 4, 1915

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J.V. THOMPSON GETS LOAN OF $20,000,000 Uniontown Bank Will Soon Reopen and Receivers Will Be Discharged By Associated Press Uniontown. Pa., May 4.-Josiah V. Thompson, banker and holder of extensive coal properties in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, whose financial embarrassment has been widely felt in the three states for several months, announced to-day that he had negotiated a loan for $20,000,000 and that he and his associates would soon be freed of their troubles. Mr. Thompson said further that the First National Bank of Uniontown, which has been in the hands of a receiver since January 15, would reopen within six weeks, that receivers appointed for the many persons assoclated with him would be discharged, and that the 430,000 acres of coal lands involved would be withdrawn from the market. Mr. Thompson did not disclose the names of the persons who have agreed to advance the money, but added that they were conversant with the situation, although a corps of expert accountants was to go Into every phase of the situation without delay.

16. May 4, 1915 The West Virginian Fairmont, WV

Article from The West Virginian, May 4, 1915

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Uniontown Banker Withdraws 430,000 Acres Coal Land From Market. SAYS TROUBLE IS OVER Receivers To Be Discharged. Source Of Loan Is Not Disclosed. (By Associated Press.) UNIONTOWN, Pa., May 4.-J. V. Thompson, banker and holder of exsive coal properties in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, whose financial embarrassment has been widely felt in the three states for months, announced today that he had negotiated a loan of $20.000,000, and that he and his associates would soon be free of their trouble. Mr. Thompson said further that the First National Bank of Uniontown, which has been in the hands of a raceiver since January 18, would reopen within six weeks; that receivers appointed for the many persons associated with him would be discharged, and that the 430.000 acres of coal land involved would be withdrawn form the market. Mr. Thompson did not disclose the names of the persons who had agreed to advance the money, but stated they were conversant with the situation, although a corps of expert accountants was to go into every phase of the situation without delay.

17. May 5, 1915 The Sun New York, NY

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$20,000,000 FOR EX-BANKER. J. v. Thompson of Uniontown Says He Got Big Loan. UNIONTOWN. Pa., May 4.-Announcing that he had negotiated a $20,000,000 loan, Josiah V. Thompson, banker and holder of extensive coal properties, whose financial embarrassment has been widely felt, said that he and his assoclates would soon be freed of their troubles. Mr. Thompson added that the First National Bank of Uniontown. which has been in the hands of a receiver since January 18, would reopen within six weeks. Mr. Thompson did not disclose the names of the persons, who, he says, have agreed to advance the money. Inquiry in prominent banking circles fails to reveal that Josiah V. Thompson of Uniontown. Pa., has obtained in New York the $15,000,000 or $20.000,000 necessary to enable him to lift his receiverships.

18. May 6, 1915 The Fulton County News McConnellsburg, PA

Article from The Fulton County News, May 6, 1915

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Another receivership growing out of the failure of the First National Bank of Uniontown made its appearance in court there, when receivers were appointed for Francis N. Semans, Jr., former assistant cashier of the bank. Semans gave his liability as $516,000 and his assets as $1,600,000. Judge J. Q. Van Swearingen appointed A. P. Austin, John M. Core and W. A. Stone.

19. May 6, 1915 Belington Progressive Belington, WV

Article from Belington Progressive, May 6, 1915

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J. V. THOMPSON NEGOTIATES LOAN OF $20,000,000. UNIONTOWN, PA., May 4.-J. V. Thompson, banker and owner of extensive coal property in western West Virginia, whose financial emPennsylvania, eastern Ohio and barrassment has been widly felt in the three states for several months, negotiated a loan of $20,000,000 and that he and his associate would soon be freed of their trouble. Mr. Thompson said further that the First National Bank of Uniontown, which has been in the hands of a receiver since January 18th, would reopen within six weeks, that receivers appointed for the many personsassociated with him would be discharged, and that the 430,000 acres of coal lands involved would be withdrawen from the market. Mr. Thompson did not disclose the names of the persons who havee agreed to advance the money, but added that they were conversant with the situation, although a crop of expert accountants was to go into every phase of the situation without delay.

20. November 6, 1915 The Wheeling Intelligencer Wheeling, WV

Article from The Wheeling Intelligencer, November 6, 1915

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200 SUITS FILED AGAINST THOMPSON UNIONTOWN, Pa., Nov. 5.-Nearly 200 suits have been instituted in the local courts against J. V. Thompson, coal operator and head of the First National Bank of Uniontown. which is now in the hands of a receiver. since he signed an agreement last Tuesday to turn over sufficient assets to creditors to meet his indebtedness. Many of the suits, according to attorneys, however, have been filed in order to put on record unsecured claims of alleged creditors. Attorneys for the coal magnate have refused to accept service on the suits, and a dozen constables and other court officers kept watch on incoming trains to-day following reports that Mr. Thompson was to return here from New York.

21. November 7, 1915 The Richmond Virginian Richmond, VA

Article from The Richmond Virginian, November 7, 1915

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Denies He Will Marry Rich Widow. New York, Nov. 6.-Josia V. Thompson, millionaire coal mine owner and president of the First National Bank at Uniontown, Pa., which closed its doors January 18 of this year, having on deposits $1,500,000, emphatically denied today the consistent rumors that he was to remarry a woman worth $40,000,000, and was to return to Uniontown to straighten out his affairs. Mr. Thompson. when seen at the Waldorf, laughed heartily when the reporter questioned him about the rumor of his marriage: "I want to emphatically deny the rumor. There is absolutely no truth in IL. When I go back to Uniontown It will not be by the marriage route. "The depositors of the First National Bank will be paid every dollar due them. They need have no fear. I have put up absolutely good securities in the hands of the Comptroller of the Currency at Washington. The bank will be reopened."

22. November 23, 1915 Yorkville Enquirer York, SC

Article from Yorkville Enquirer, November 23, 1915

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GENERAL NEWS NOTES Items of Interest Gathered from All Around the World. Pennsylvania crude oil has advanced in price to $2 a barrel. The Elk Horn Coal corporation has been organized at Charleston, W. Va., with a capital of $28,600,00. hanksgiving turkeys are quoted in Boston at 40 cents a pound. In New York the price is 30 cents and in Balti- more 28 cents a pound. The railroads of New Jersey are this year assessed at $350,480.963, and the taxes to be paid the state will total $7,355,675.96. Bank clearings in the United States for the week ending November 18, ac- cording to Bradstreet, totaled $4,943,- 790,000, a gain of $388,308,000 over the previous week. New York city was swept by a 72- mile an hour gale Friday. There was much damage to property and many of the extremely high buildings swayed dangerously. David Lentz, a farmer, was killed near Salisbury, N. C.. Saturday, when his automobile ran into a ditch and turned turtle. In the Tennessee senatorial primary held Saturday, Senator Luke Lea ran third on the ticket, being defeated by both Congressman McKellar and M. R. Patterson, former governor. Mc- Kellar and Patterson will run a second race for the nomination. A Copenhagen dispatch says that because the famine of copper through- out Germany is so acute, requests equivalent to demands are being made on the churches to hand over all copper in their possession. The cath- edral at Bremen has been stripped of its immense copper roof. The Carranza government of Mexi- co has made a protest to Great Britain on account of the recent forcible search of the American steamer, Zealandia, at Progresso. The captain of the ship protests that he was in Mexican wat- ers while the British claim she was on the high seas and subject to search as she was suspected of being in the service to aid Germany. J. V. Thompson, president and prin- cipal owner of the defunct First Na- tional bank of Uniontown, Pa., is to be prosecuted by the government crim- inally, and civilly by depositors and unsecured creditors, because of the failure. The directors are also to be prosecuted criminally. About 2,200 civil suits have been filed against Thomson, aggregating $7,000,000. An Ottawa, Canada, dispatch says that it is reported that ex-President Roosevelt may put into practical effect this espousal of the cause of the Allies by volunteering for active service with the Canadian forces. It is certain that he would be given a high command, possibly as officer in command of a whole division. It is stated that on his recent visit to Quebec on a hunting trip he declared that he would like to be fighting at the front in the same cause as the Canadians.

23. July 25, 1919 Evening Times-Republican Marshalltown, IA

Article from Evening Times-Republican, July 25, 1919

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ed, It is pandemontum." Hearing was continued for a week. WILLIAMS COVETED STOCK. Comptroller Accused in $750,000 Deal in Securities. Washington, July 25- A. E. Jones. counsel for Independent stockholders of the old First National bank of Uniontown, Pa., testifying before the senate banking committee, charged John Skelton Williams, controller of the currency, with unfair management of the bank's affairs after its failure, and with having a personal interest in the disposition of 10,000 shares of coal mining stock given by J.V. Thompson, the bank president, to secure his indebtedness. Mr. Jones said the stock had been turned over to the controller under an agreement by which Mr. Thompson was to be given an opportunity to redeem it for $750,000. The witness also testifled that Mr. Williams had his stock assigned to himself, and that the controller's representative went to a meeting of bank stockholders and controlled that meeting for the purpose of bringing about the sale of the coal stock. "Do you intend to charge Mr. Williams engaged in this conference for the purpose of obtainig that stock?" asked Senator Fletacher, democrat, of Florida. "It is the only conclusion any reasonable man can draw that Mr. Williams wanted the stock, or was a party to proceedings that would enable some of his friends to get it," Mr. Jones replied. "The charges are absolutely without basis," said Mr. Williams, who followed Mr .Jones before the committee. "I want to denounce Mr. Jones as a contemptible slanderer in charging that I have any personal motters in this matter. His statements are full of inconsistencies." "Mr. Williams puts me in the same class as other critics of his administration," Mr. Jones said following the controller's statement. Mr. Williams told the committee that he had summoned Mr. Thompson to Washington several times to criticize certain banking methods and asserted the action in the Thompson case showed the efficiency of the controller's office.

24. July 25, 1919 The Wheeling Intelligencer Wheeling, WV

Article from The Wheeling Intelligencer, July 25, 1919

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MANIPULATION is CHARGED BY UNIONTOWN MAN WASHINGTON July 24-A E. Jones, counsel for independent stockholders of the old First National Bank of Uniontown, Pa., testifying today before the senate banking committee. charged John Skelton Williams, comptroller of the currency with unfair manipulation of the bank's affairs after its failure and with having a personal interest in the disposition of 10,000 shares of coal mining stock given by J. V. Thompson, the bank president, to secure his indebtedness. Mr. Jones said the stock had been turned over to the comptroller under an agreement by which Mr. Thompson was to be given an opportunity to redeem it for $750,000. He also testified that Mr. Williams had this stock assigned in himself, and that the comptroller's representative went to a meeting of bank stockholders and controlled that meeting. for the purpose of bringing about the sale of the coal stock. Under an agreement alleged to have been reached at a conference of stock. holders and representatives of the comptroller's office in New York at the home of Samuel Untermeyer in January 1918. Mr. Jones said, sale of the bank's building was to be postponed and proceedings brought to enable an interpretation of the agreement relative to the stock ib. tained in the courts. Instead. Mr. Jones alleged, foreclosure proceedings were instituted and all testimony relative to the Thompson agreement kept out of the record. "Do you intend to charge Mr. Wil. liams engaged in this conference for the purpose of gaining that stock?" asked Senator Fletcher, Democrat, of Florida. "It is the only conclusion any reasonable man can draw-that Mr. Williams wanted the stock. or was a party to proceedings that would enable some of his friends to get it" Mr. Jones replied "The charges are absolutely without basis" said Mr. Williams, who followed M. Jones before the committee. 'I want to denounce Mr. Jones as a contemptible slanderer in charging that I have any personal motives in this matter His statements are full of inconsistencies."