20700. Holston National Bank (Knoxville, TN)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
4648
Charter Number
4648
Start Date
November 11, 1930
Location
Knoxville, Tennessee (35.961, -83.921)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
50aa5ea0

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Extensive litigation and federal-state conflict over access to records; receiver moved offices and filed suits against individuals and bondsmen.

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
55.1%
Date receivership started
1930-11-12
Date receivership terminated
1941-05-07
OCC cause of failure
Governance
Share of assets assessed as good
36.6%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
59.0%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
4.4%

Description

Contemporary articles state big withdrawals caused the bank to close in November 1930 and federal receiver later (Herbert Pearson). Coverage documents mismanagement/ties to Caldwell & Company and disappearance/misuse of state deposits, indicating bank-specific adverse information rather than a rumor. The bank remained closed and in receivership through 1931 with multiple suits, so closure was permanent.

Events (6)

1. October 24, 1891 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. November 11, 1930 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large withdrawals precipitated by revelations/concerns about the bank's dealings (loss/tie-up of state funds and relations with Caldwell & Company) leading depositors to withdraw funds.
Measures
Bank suspended operations (closed its doors); officials announced suspension and federal comptroller involvement.
Newspaper Excerpt
BIG WITHDRAWALS CAUSE OF CLOSING
Source
newspapers
3. November 12, 1930 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. November 12, 1930 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Following heavy withdrawals and discovery/concerns over missing or misapplied state funds and problematic dealings with Caldwell & Company, the bank suspended payments and closed its doors.
Newspaper Excerpt
HOLSTON NATIONAL CLOSES DOORS ... officials ... announced that the bank had suspend operations
Source
newspapers
5. December 1, 1930* Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Herbert Pearson, U. S. receiver for the closed HolstonNational Bank ... the closed HolstonNational Bank, which owned the building. (1930-12-16) and later references to receiver taking records (1931-08-29).The receiver references in multiple articles indicate federal receivership was in place after suspension.)
Source
newspapers
6. March 6, 1931 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Legislative Committee Refused Entrance to Defunct Institution ... the federal comptroller forbade our entrance ... the state of Tennessee is big creditor in the Holston bank and the people are entitled to know what has been done with their money. (describes state probe blocked by federal receiver/comptroller).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (18)

Article from The Huntsville Times, November 12, 1930

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HOLSTON NATIONAL CLOSES DOORS Knoxville Banking House In Difficulties BIG WITHDRAWALS CAUSE OF CLOSING for Bank DeAttorney clares It Is Solvent And Will Pay Out Special To The Daily Times ficials of the National Knoxville, depository of state funds, last night announced that the bank had suspendoperations its affairs been over by the federal comptroller of currency. of the stock of the bank said to owned by Col. Caldhead Caldwell taken last week by clearing house When State Treasurer John Nolanw as for statement the state funds on posit the Holston bank, was said his home Nashville that the treasurer in bed, but he sent word the telephone that would public the exact total today. The last report, published under date of June showed total with the Holston bank at that time. Of this, general state $1,603,962.50 the special highway fund. Highway Commissioner Baker, when for estimate the total highway funds carried the said that he "could make estimate" without reference his records, but that would the total today. the reason of (Continued on Page Ten)


Article from The Chattanooga News, November 12, 1930

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MINORITY STOCK ON DEPOSIT IN SUSPENDED BANK News Learns From Reliable Source That Pending Deal on Verge of Failure. HAMILTON REMAINS OWNER Player Deal With Vols Regarded Legitimate Developments Expected Momentarily. BALES Little hope remains for the completion of the tentative deal between Knoxville capitalists and Jimmy Hamilton for the purchase of the Mobile Tranchise, The News learned Wednes- Although Southern league directors in session last month voted to transfor the Mobile franchise to Knoxville with the understanding that Jimmy Hamilton be paid for his conrolling nature has as yet taken place Not only did The News learn that the completion of the deal was ex. tremely doubtful. but that approximately $10,000 of Mobile stock held by minority stockholders of the Alabama metropolis was on deposit with the Holston National bank, which suspended business Tuesday. The stock, understood, had placed with the Knoxville bank so that certain capitalista might expedite the deal, which at first seemed practically Just what effect recent developments will the deal is yet be determined, but for the past several days those close to proposed Knoxville owners have had reasons believe that the deal could not perfected under present arrangements Apparently there has been more talk and less action. as revealed by the fact that learned no money has been paid either stockholders or Jimmy who controlling interest in the franchise. Made Deal. While Knoxville's delay in getting organized apparently had Southern league followers guessing, was not until the announcement of player deal made Hamilton with the Nashville club that really brought the matter to head. Nevertheless certain league officials think that Hamilton acted within his rights when he elected to send four star players of last year's team the Vols in ex. change for five Nashville players. League officials to move the franchise to Knoxville, but the matter of paying for the stock rested with capitalists Jimmy Hamilton. So far as can learned, however, has received nothing. Mobile May Retain Club. Despite the fact that It is question must be settled by league directors, in event Knoxville capitalists refuse to go through with the deal. there are those who that Mobile has not as lost her fight retain the Southern league after all, it may mean that problem which league directors had believed settled will show up scale. Nothing of definite nature has as yet been learned, but there are those feel that business depressions in Nashville will eventually effect


Article from The Atlanta Journal, November 16, 1930

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OFFICIAL SEEKING STATE SECURITIES IN NASHVILLE BANK $3,840,000 Total Involved as Attorney General Studies Assets Attorney General L. D. Smith said Saturday that none of approximately $3,840,000 in securities deposited by the Bank of Tennessee September 25 at the demand the superintendent banks, were found among the bank's when went receivership November Cash on hand September 25, the Smith statement in was shown in an tion after the bank had closed to been dissipated. The attorney general also nounced that funds totaling 700,000 were on deposit the Bank of Tennessee Liberty Bank and Trust Company, Nashville and the Holston National Bank of Knoxville, all closed. Smith said thorough examination was being made the affairs of the Bank of Tennessee for the purpose of determining the method of the disappearance the had not far enough reference to the probable result of On September 25 when the demand deposit securities was made, Smith the action made bank solvent the the tirely of who said this gave the Bank of Tennessee margin of more than of assets Hopeful of Recovery his office The attorney was "hopeful of recovering part or all of such securities and restoring to assets Bank of same Tennessee to applied upon all its leads to the clusion that assets claimed by investment & banking corporation which the Bank Tennessee was merely sidiary are in reality property of the Bank Tennessee and reached for the purpose of applying them upon its liabilities The State Funding Board, meeting Saturday an offer by the Chemical Bank & Company of credit, announced the meeting that it whether the credit not known would yet be needed but authorized acceptance if it necessary According the statement the had on deposit in the Bank of Tennessee, of & Company, $336,642 fifty of general funds; $11,216.56 vehicle department funds and 870.28 of highbridge funds way Smith and said the deposits of the state were secured by indemnity bonds totaling with Rogers president of Caldwell & Company, and others personal Indemnity Bonds Listed securities of the Referring statement said: state the holder The executed and approved by the proper state officials. The such bonds the follows sureties Dated December 1928 amount personal D. Carter Marr, Rogers Caldwell, Heitzeberg Dated June amount personal Rogers Caldwell, Frank D. Marr, H. C. Alexander, D. Carter Dated August 12, 1929 amount $1,000,000 personal Heitzenberg Frank Dated March 15, 1930: Rogers Caldwell. D. Carter, E. Heitzenberg. Frank D. Marr No. Dated 1930 amount Frank D. Marr Heitzeberg. Rogers Caldwell. H. C. Alexander The Smith by John F. Nolan treasurer. Edgar Graham, comptroller Albert Williams former commissioner of fihance and taxation approved the first three and Charles M. McCabe present the last Smith said. Advised Withdrawal Corferning the Holston Union NaHonal Bank, attorney general said. "Knowing this bank was affillated to some with the business Caldwell and realizing that probability would be affected precarious tion the latter advised treasurer to withdraw as much of his funds as he could without threatening the bank's solvency The obtained draft upon the Federal Reserve Bank for $200. 000 which suspension of business of the Holston Bank the attorney said If collection of this draft now progress the state's deposit in this bank is protected by three company bonds totaling $350,000, and two personal indemnity bonds totaling $4,375,000 On the personal bond the sureties Rogers B Ramsey Henry Trent, Mc Morrday Ralph W Brown and Carter State funds in the Liberty Bank & Trust Company totaling $309. 547.84 were secured by personal bonds to SUIT INSURANCE CO DISMISSED The receivership suit brought against the Intersouthern to Company here late Saturday by Circuit Judge Lafon The suit, brought by Thomas P Bradley Detroit others, charged management the part of the of which show $160,000,000 in Life policies. Through its coun sel, Elwood Hamilton, company sought grounds it desired to clear its name and also to speed up the sale of approximately 2,000,000 its shares held by Caldwell and Company of Nashville receivership Judge Allen's order was issued after lengthy MISSOURI LIFE BOARD PLANS MEETING ON FRIDAY ing directors the Missouri State Life Company with of headquarters here, will be held next Friday to act on plan to centralize control of the in St. Louis it was Saturday, following meeting late To this purpose, is understood, a number of St. Louis to


Article from Evening Herald Courier, December 4, 1930

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Expect Decision Today On Future Of Knoxville's Southern League Ball Club Tenn., Dec. (AP) decision the future Knox ville's Southern League Baseball Club expected today follow ing lengthy conference between John president the Southern Baseball Association and Knoxville Plans would transfer Mo. bile's franchise behind closed doors terday late afternoon that no decision had the group with Mr. Martin are Byrd Douglas, attorney Jimmy Hamilton, manager and principal owner of the Mobile Major George Berof Pressmen's Smithson Judge H. Lindsay of Knoxville. Plans for organizing the Knoxclub setback with the closing the Holston National here recently Minority stock of the Mobile Club on deposit in the Hoston Union was returned to Then Major Berry announced he was withdrawing his leadership the organization of the club cause Caldwell and Company of Nashville, now in receivership, had failed to advise him regarding Hamilton's representing Mobile's majority stock. he understood note was held by Caldwell and Company.


Article from The Knoxville News-Sentinel, December 16, 1930

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MANY MOVE TO HOLSTON Building 95 Per Cent Full, Says Bank Receiver. If you see vans backing up to the Holston Bank building and trucksters lugging furniture hithor and yon. don't get excited. They are not carrying out the bank fixtures. They're probably moving some new concern into one of the many offices in the building. "When came here the building about 85 per cent full and now it's about 95 per cent occupied." said Herbert Pearson, U. S. receiver for the closed HolstonNational Bank, which owned the building.


Article from Chattanooga Daily Times, February 23, 1931

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merely passing through Tennessee haulloads freight on our highways, and that in other instances the safe and proper use of the roads our citizens being interfered with by the operation of vehicles long, too and moving at dangerous speed. There no doubt in my mind that we should take effective steps to protect and our highways from this sort of operation. were struck with the admitted fact that motor trucks for hire busses are now paying little or nothing the way of taxes the counties and cities through which they operate. of the cities in which hearings were held, called our attention to the fact that their streets were damaged costs by these vehicles from which they received no "Two strongly differing views were presented on the question of increased taxation for motor The truck and bus lines insisted that any additional would force out of business: the railroads that the motor lines were here to stay, but should pay additional taxes for the use of the public roads. It appeared. also, that present taxes freight trucks for much lighter than on passenger busses job the gather and consider the facts and to work out some system of taxation and regulation of these vehicles will equitable the peothat burden the the private motorists of the state by forcing them to pay more than they should for the extra wide and extra strong roads necessary carry extra large and extra heavy vehicles. and that protect the people's roads and the roads they own from abuse by operations Our task not easy. but know none greater importance before this legWe urge to favor us with information suggestion.' PROSECUTOR AT CAPITAL DRAFTING INDICTMENTS NASHVILLE Feb. 22 (P).-Opening the sixth week of probing by islative committee investigating state affairs found the investigators prepared drive hard down the various lanes information in the belief that it will result in indictments against some state officials and financiers. particular charge aimed at the state officials tion with the switching state tunds from bank to bank that resulted in more than $6,000,000 now being unavailable because of the failure four the banks. Violation of state banklaws the charge directed financiers actually who influenced the of the money Testimony during week to be an effort bolster these charges. Already the district torney has started work on the draft indicuments, but the information may withheld grand the committee gets farther along with Over week-end the committee virtually abandoned its plans transits inquiry Knoxville, where funds were involved the failure of the HolNational bank and the ston Trust company. The committeemen had their previous Asheville, to inquire into the late Central Bank and Trust company that has been charged before committee manipulations with the broken Liberty Bank and Trust company, of Nashville, and New York the ords Lehman who the two Tennessee bond issues $50,000,000. Final decision on the New York trip, however, has not been reached. Some members of the committee expressed the opinion that they can oball the needed information and vigorous steps that end during the next before must write preliminary report for the legislature. This preliminary report will be prepared the view furnishing the crux of the investigation on which the grand jury and the legislature may make their cases. During the first part of the week the highway department to OCcupy the center stage with its commisR. Baker, the leading actor. The commissioner, tall appointee of Gov. Henry H. Horton, opened his testimony but


Article from Chattanooga Daily Times, March 6, 1931

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WASHINGTON INTERFERES Knoxville Bank Books Held on Orders of Federal Comptroller. STATE COMMITTEE ASKS FOR FULL EXPLANATION Speaker Fitzhugh Declares People of Tennessee Are Entitled to Know What Has Happened to Their Money. Staff Correspondent. March Scott Fitzhugh announced here tonight that Harold Fowler, attorney the receiver of the defunct Holston National bank, has been summoned to appear before the legislative investigation committee tomorrow morning and explain why the committee cannot probe the affairs of this institution. The senate speaker said that subcommittee of the investigators was refused access the bank records and forbidden to summons any witnesses who had any connection with it. The receiver, Speaker Fitzhugh said, is acting under instructions from Washington from the comptroller of the currency. "The state of Tennessee is big creditor in the Holston bank and the people are entitled to know what has been done with their money," Speaker Fitzhugh declared. "They are entitled to know who got it and how it was gotten. We came here to find out and were told the federal comptroller forbade our entrance into the institution hold no misgivings for Mr. Fowler, as know he is serving his client according to instructions. do want him to come before this committee and tell us why one of the biggest creditors cannot investigate. "The public is entitled to know why the comptroller of the currency debars citizens of Tennesfrom learning about their money in this defunct bank. Mr. Fowler will make a statement in an open session so that every newspaper this state will have an opportunity to inform the people about it. am not certain the laws of our land prevent us from exercising this authority. Mr. Fowler tells us that we are prohibited from any witness who ever had anything to do with this bank. said the federal authorities were busy here with expert investigators and did not want the state government to encroach upon their investigation. intend ask Mr. Fowler what being done to protect the state's money in this bank, what being done to bring the guilty of justice. These questions will asked him in an open session, SO that the people of the state will know about it. committee is going to the bottom of everything give full, fair and impartial investigation. The people called for it from the mountains of East Tennessee to plains of West Tennessee. This committee will not surrender any of its rights to any one. The for the committee are investigating the law to determine if we have any legal authority summons witnesses who know about the bank or to find out where some of the state's money went."


Article from The Commercial Appeal, March 6, 1931

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state mononce in its was opened before them the of the national bank for open his records explanation will Wall Raised Around an agent closed full law was read this afterHolston National Bank. The sent out learn were net access to the ords bearing on the state deposits. DIG IN TRUST BUSINESS Attitude Friendly. Under the law. the bank receiver resort to federal injunction to Spares Nohis records. but protect measure was not believed body in Reventing to sary. The bank fee Alleged Trust Violations. It that they felt friendly made clear toward the but that the law forbade the grant of their and the federal BY RALPH WHEATLEY. and the of in Associated Proce Staff Writer. charge of insolvent na. March The banks. tional This decision meant that the forbidding palm of Uncle Sam was committee's trip over moun. raised today in the face of the Ten- tains last from Naghville rewarded only by legislators : they started the Trust which the threshold of the Holston when its the over went down parent, National Bank on a hunt Holston Union National Union lapsed. Although the national bank owned the stock of the trust comoperated under state charter was subject to legislaexamination. The committee drew Curtis Allen, assistant trust officer of Trust first witness, off his story of the the stitution with little predding from Unhesitatingly, he said the ruin of the Holston Trust Company was due directly to its dealings with Caldwell and Company and to the fact that J. Basil Ramsey, dent of the two Holston banking houses, was more interested in pell tics than in He told at length of the receipt of deposit of highway part of was used to pay off the debts the trust and company of Central pany subsidiary sunken Central Comof The young related many of the in which figured lionaire Colonel Luke publisher and He plained that present Mr Ram. sey was wintering in Florida. Since the doors of the National Bank been barred against the to turn to Nashville at the end of week and there set action that will lead them to the legisla. ture on the Late today M. Slaughter, fortrust officer the Holston Trust who had been from Mobile, appear here was told report Allen testified that Slaughter quit when he saw how things going. Allen told the committee that Caldwell and Hojston Trust were tie-up of capital stocks and through Caldwell and without ready market. He said they made some profits but It would not compare with the result is that dealings in Caldwell Holston Trust Company sucked Speaker Walter "No question about that." anthe witness. "Did you know the amount Cel Luke purchased in the HolUnion National Bank understood and Mr. Caldwell purchased an interest at the same time. The name of Col. Luke Lea. pub. lisher politician, steadily through the hearing today. The and answers finked Col. and Basil Ramsey president company and its parent bank. the defunct Holston Union National Bank. in operations involving state funds. Announced Transfer. Allen testified that on June 80, 1930, the Holston Trust Company received telegram from G. Briley, of the highway department, saying that $250,000 of highway and public works funds had been deposited in the Fourth First National Bank of Nashville to the credit of the Holston Trust Company. On the same date he said telegram was received signed by the Fourth and First National Bank addressed to the vice the Holston Union National Bank, saying credit account with $750,000 deposited by highway department of which $250,000 is to be deposited in Holston Trust Company." He said President Ramsey told to place the deposit in the trust fund but that within few minutes he ordered to put It in the general fund. On the same day he said they drew check paying to the $50,000 for notes and on July the Holston Trust Company paid out another $50,000 to the Holston Union National signed those notes for don't recall." "On he said, "we purchased $75,000 of Central Securities Company bonds. subsidiary of the closed Central Bank & Trust Company of Asheville, N. C." Bought Chain Bonds. "Was that one of the Lea-Caldwell banks think "Who directed that purchase be made? Ramsey." "Did Mr. Ramsey direct officials pay out the two notes you mem tioned think NO. I'm not sure." "What other items have you showing the use of the $250,000 highway fund "On Aug. we purchased $25,000 note the Knoxville Journal and $30,000 of Sentinel Pub. lishing Company bonds. He said Mr. Ramsey made the loan and the note was signed "by Knoxville Journal, by J. B. Ramsey. "That's one of the Caldwell chain said the witness. "Mr. Ramsey said It wasn't his, tion but that he was handling Col. Luke Lea and It would only be there short time." "How long did those notes remain after the $25,000 was down from the highway fund?" note for executed by the TenPublishing Company,' said. The withess explained he took the notes of the Knoxville Journal and the Publishing Company and "put them together and they were so until Mr. Ramsey came October from the American Association convention. He said he had not seen the Journal note since was turned over to Mr. but that they still had the Tennemee Publishing Company note, on which $7,500 has collected. $20,000 Is Left, Allen said that accounted for $230,000 state highway and that the remainder, in the closed HolstonUnion National "Had or Holston Trust Company ever had any with Colonel any of his newspapers or land before He said that one time Colonel had $5,000 without but had been paid off He said Mr. Ramsey arranged the loan. The withess testified that Mr. Ramsey had trade acceptance $25,000 for the Belle Meade Land which Colonel that the trust officer had told him that was and that Ramsey had expressed "displeasure that anyone would try to his this point Walter stopped the hearing request the to summon M. former trust officer of the Holston Company, to appear at 10 a.m. to. Allen said that Slaughter others criticised Mr. Ramsey for the way things were think everyone down there but that


Article from The Roanoke Times, March 6, 1931

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TENNESSEE PROBE HITS Legislative Committee Refused Entrance to Defunct Institution STATUTE SHOWN Effort to Trace in State Funds Is Temporarily Balked Knoxville, Tenn., March forbidding palm of Uncle Sam was raised in the face of the investigating legislators as they started the threshold the HolstonUnion Bank hunt for more than $2,000,000 of State money that once in its vaults. the investigators book Federal statutes opened calmly and laid before them apology the the receiver the National legal inability records for the public scrutiny the To Make Explanation. Formal explanation will be made agent closed The law this to out were possible records bearing the State Under the the receiver resort to Federal injunction to protect his records, but drastic measure not necessary. bank made clear they felt friendly toward that the law forbade the grant their This meant that the committee's trip over night from Nashville rewarded examination the Holston Trust which when its parent, the Holston National the tional Bank the trust company operates under (Continued on Page Column 7.)


Article from Tulsa World, March 11, 1931

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STATES' RIGHTS STATE CRIMES A VERY pointed instance of the danger and degradation of federal of state affairs appears in Tennessee, where monumental political and banking scandal is under investigation in the legislature and state courte. The investigation is balked and the state defied in its efforts eatch "big fish" by the stand of national bank receiver, backed by the comptroller of the currency The Holston National Bank of Knoxville went to smash about $2,500,000 of state funds involved. The legislative went to Knoxville the clear idea that was about get the 'big boys' of the transaction The best they have been able to do is to procure the arrest of minor official The receiver the bank absolutely refused to give any aid and denied all access to the records the bank The stand was approved at Washington. There was no denial that the state was interested that had the money in the bank and that there had been crookedness and collusion But the fact of the Holston being national bank was put in as an effective barrier to further proceedings. The of the would probably be quick to deny that he in sheltering criminals politicians and bankers, yet that 18 the direct effect of his action. The matter is not one merely of the Holston bank and the state of Tennessee one for the whole country to think about. involves the right state to follow criminal case through to logical it involves the right of state to protect its own finances and the public interest In this instance made to appear that the mere fact of bank being national bank of prosecution. The fact that the federal government much behind the state in starting positive action has bad look If the federal ernment will not net in big bank ecandal, it should at allow the act In general way the people understand that federal domination of affairs of all sorts gaining very fast We realize that the states are too many their powers and that the are too ready to run to the people national government for everything We see tendency in actual effect But here something concrete to be alarmed about something definite upon consider the old doctrine of states rights There has been general surrender to the central government affairs but this case direct defiance halting of state the pur suit of its own and the of its own criminals The barrier the federal gov ernment erects against punishment of highplaced crooks has distinctly bad appearance It would that an unmarried man of traveling around the world to create good will and to have good time should not be censored by anything wearing whiskers and eyeglasses and should be allowed to join an agreeable gang if be wishes But the Prince of WALES positively preserved from contact with the American roughnecks at Buenos Aires He had been the American club once and be wanted to get back but the diplomatic powers probably had in mind the pain such meeting the old both sexes on both sides the water. This thing of being prince and human at the same time discouraging


Article from Chattanooga Daily Times, May 10, 1931

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Both Sides Grooming for Fight To Get Control of Government NASHVILLE, May forces and their opponents, headed Congressman Edward H. Crump, of Memphis, are grooming for fight finish for control of the government. May the report of its commitlegislature reconvenes tee that four months probing affairs, with reconvening the be earnest. The investigation resulted from the tie-up nearly $7,000,000 of state funds in administrathat failed. Supporters Gov. Henry H. Horton, anticipating drive by the Memphis leader support his intention an effort impeach the executive, have been busy strengthening their lines for the political reports today that the next would come from the Monday, the election meets to appoint election for in the state. The named two ago Crump Col. Luke administration political leader, compromised their differences. reports indicated that the administration expected at least be named to the board, giving the administration It known that effort be made by the "antis" to pass legislation the senate speaker office governor house charges, the that the governor under pending trial. Tennessee not have Should the house prefer articles of impeachment, both sides agreed the votes needed out of the the senate to oust execuive are doubtful this stage. Administration forces claim that the house not vote impeachment charges, although they concede close vote. bonds to the failure of the banks. the opinion that passed Horton affecting the fiscal polof the state was organized raid heard Nolan testithat Baker certain highway funas prevent republican governor from learning the deposits banks. Col the treasurer Baker and highway official sent several the Nolan The treasurer said he refused. Nolan Refused Hold Vouchers for Feb. state treasurer was again the camouflaging of state deposits in banks which he charged to Commissioner Baker, gave in detail the events conference Col. Lea's home before the election. He also told tempts Baker totaling until Briley. chief accountant the highway TreasNolan that he took the vouchtreasurer's office upon inand them. Caldwell, the insurance and banking department, failed records funds through office and that were the holes, desks, the office described by Mr. being Assessor Joe McCord, Davidson county, and deputy, testified that officials the Bank and Caldwell admitted that stitutions when turns filed. The officials financial requested nothing about the county ficials testified Feb. Hallum Goodloe, chief deputy in told the Knoxsuperior drawn against the Holston National bank for days before the institucollapsed. but them. some bonds, the the which the called veteran that he was assured Ramsey was wrong within few days failed doors. state impression' funding board resolution Aug. 1930. tended transfer all the bridge funds Tennessee said. action when Nolan drafted the resolution. Liberty Bank Held Checks for Col. Feb. former cashier the defunct Liberty bank. told that President Donnell permitted Col. Luke Lea's "cold" checks, for much held the bank items. He also ing $80,000 worth of certificates of posit which Col. secured from the Central Bank Trust company, them his credit certificates, with. placing the Central bank honor the futile, related. Col. and his activities reached Liberty Col. secure loan same amount was deposited, said. Feb. Baker turned the witness blamed taking state's Caldwell the efforts transfer after the but Nolan backed up his ment. billions the money shifted banks quest committee. stitutions being members which securiwhen of fact they were the Col. departin discussing this Tennessee Road Buildmagazine, Tennessee Road Builders' when Baker became the learned the highway chief. Advertising tractors road building equipment dealers was freely in magazine from the derived from that Baker the notes executed upon the publicatold that Treasurer Nolan called conference against telling of the conference at Col. Lea's home. Carter Describes Methods Used By Rogers Caldwell. Feb. Carter, the lated business methods employed Rogers Caldwell financial Interoffice letters showing how Caldwell had been warned from time that he practices hypothecating funds, breaking agreements breaches, Caldwell with colonel called the before the examiners came on Sept. 25 advised Mr. Carter charge Rogers "gyped" Louispublisher banker, the deal. Brown, said, traded Caldwell without even amining balance sheet Caldwell After discovering the truth about transaction nullithe Caldcomplete the harder get paper Carter said opinion that understanding reached Lehman New and Rogers Caldwell, bankers, cashier the Bank he merely machine business Rarely there trust agreement made Caldwell Bank collatwhich ordered the bank Sept. Had the attempt collect Baker drew transfer money from the Bank have met the deRogers Caldwell was testified Cashier Goodloe building he house, Co., guarrelated attempts money made the Caldwell firms. the relation the Bank Tennessee Caldwell They entities, the ran them both and all policies from his Donovan testified. March appearing the second time, told the committee the syndicate money sale and deals, denied there Lehman Bros Caldwell Co. in the last March made Donovan Rogers Caldwell had short him bank which moved to Knoxville. Trust Company Collapse Blamed Caldwell. March 6-Curtis Allen, former trust officer the Holston Trust company, made company Ramsey, Col. Luke and Rogers Caldwell. He blamed the collapse deals. said Ramsey more attention poliplained the trust The bidden tional bank records by federal March Fowler, attorney for federal threatened the After the adjourned meet Nashville following The Knox jury in afterpoon Ramsey the Trust company $250,000 March committee suspendpreliminary March report filed with legislature Luke Rogers Caldwell blamed critical conditions state. extended granted finish the commission, charged Horton swamp lands Reelfoot from Tom political friend testified, to not permit also testified spend $90,000 of highway funds an injunction from the state The of the Mr. Pardue tified. March Hall, former commissioner finance and member the commisPardue's testimony and Doty told meeting which which Tom Morris booster property. The governor invited the Special Auditor's Statement That Surface Only Sratched Among Outstanding Results of Four Months of without disclosing the purpose meeting, they said. learning what Morris had mind, refused they charged brought his finance and taxation department said that him when asked for March EducaHarned all by the committee appear. The discuss advisability adopting textbooks for the next years. Commissioner testithe commission. He admitted kept headquarters summer Horton's from sent ganda to teachers over the state. State Highway Funds Carried by March Briley related that Luke Lea, secretary, porters millions the state the streets Nashville the Commissioner Baker, Briley testified, him many times speed the various ahead other order date the Briley state employe the state The employe pay the the probe started. record showed. March Murrell, driving the the state the last mary. testimony sioner Baker examined concerning kyrock was reluctant about the road material department. Baker told the Lea roads questions tivities testiprinting with which kinsman Rogers contract for printing state They funding sold them, the April Davis, president of the American National Asheville, member the Caldthe deals, tified that these bonds result tween Lehman Both offered bids, through certain withdrew the Caldwell, Davis charged state keep contract. from syndibanks placed money banks actually which was appropriated, testified. deputy fire Gov. Horton pardoned Frank county poolroom offers furnish governor with votes primary campaign April described was for certain the O'Connell. West auditor duced check which certain material used state department. April testified Gov. Horbecause Lea Lea rectly the missing him, Bass said. Sheridan. material corrobothe day before the Grover Keaton. Parker dubbed Sheridan and again, related tried Lea get certain brand cement. Peay's and told the colonel Lea became said the witness said. Campaign funds would be forthcoming used, Col. was quoted as telling Commissioner April Highway Commissioner Berry Col. caused him testified had doubted Refusal build road college in West bridge the river Kelley's less Berry been the immediate his missal. Horton, Col. Berry wanted projects built standing them political campaigns. April timony feed the mills vored by Advertised in Tennessean To Get State April Riddle, Jr., former truck salesman, told committee he entered into contract with Luke Lea, in which Riddle's would advertise the Nashville Tennessean to state. Lea failed Riddle's company refused for the advertisOther dealers concerning their state April president of the Negro Universal Insurance Memphis. testified that paid James the actuary in insurance banking department, work Commissioner Cash, told attempted from the state for his but failed. Fred Bryan. Chattanooga contractor, said contractors had feeling that kyrock they would have time their the highway department. April Klein, southern manager company, Frank the Signal Mountain Portland company, described by president Road sociation, fund the purpose retaining Commissioner office. Patton, proached them scription fund, which fused. purpose promote proposed road bond issue, April O'Connell told the committee that Albert Caldwell fees for acting for an which he, had diction. auditor Commissioner Caldwell cashed checks, the which longed the state, and converted the money When the ditors chief paid money the April former Insurance testified that Caldwell forced him to agree that Caldshould the Also, belief that missioner would company, Harris he the $10,000 fee for trustee. April Washburn appeared defend his collection fees from the Universal Insurance April Neal, former plained him day commissioner not looking after the politiinterests. said lifelong friend the governor, but when suggested that he that think Bass was later fired, Dr. Neal said. Albert Caldwell Admits Irregularities. April 27-Commissioner Caldwell admitted several irregularities in office to the committee. He said he cashed checks belonging to the state, allowed conhad failed to collect by insurance companies. he had right to collect the fee from the company acted trustee. April former state ployes testified payroll foreman, Mims, bought and secured the the Many payrolls admitted by the employes, whom was immunity. orders pad the testified forged names to checks, declared read the other high state officials had ignored having printing done. auditor suffered financial loss the failure the follow the erning printing of state docuApril Brown. Warren and Cabbel, Nashville dealers, testified purchasing department ignored lower prices on standard almost Rubthe which higher price. May Coile, head the division, highway department, he ordered tires cut resold. Tires exhibited the hearing which had the the Cofle tires sold junk dealers the bead May H. O'Connell read several reports the favored dealers with 76 per cent. the business. former Genpaid commission on tires sell the state. The probe was closed several reports from highway and purchasing departments.


Article from The Knoxville News-Sentinel, August 29, 1931

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BANK RECEIVER MOVES Pearson Takes Staff and Records To Hamilton Building. Herbert Pearson, federal receiver for Holston- National Bank, today moved his staff of 20 and all records from the old Union branch to the Hamilton National Bank Building. The receiver has taken over suite of eight rooms on the fifth floor. "Our work of winding up affairs of the closed bank have reached the point where we can get along with smaller quarters,' Pearson said.


Article from The Knoxville Journal, October 11, 1931

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Liability Assessment Holston Stock Issue NASHVILLE, Oct. 10 suit seeking to determine liability for bank receiver's assessment on 375 shares of stock in the defunct Holston Natignal bank of Knoxville, was filed in United States district court here yesterday. The suit, instituted by Herbert Pearson, receiver of bank. named Robert E. McNeilly, the Nashville Trust Co., the Fourth and First National Co. all of Nash ville, and the Inter-Southern Life and naturally study harder to counteract it.


Article from The Tennessean, October 13, 1931

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BANK RECEIVER SUES DAVIS FOR $274.272 Claims Made for Indorsed Notes. ASHEVILLE, N. C., Oct. 12-(A) -Herbert Pearson, receiver of the closed Holston National bank of Knoxville, Tenn., has filed suit here against Wallace B. Davis. president of the defunct Central Bank & Trust company, of Asheville, for $264,272.27 and $10,000 interest representing unpaid notes the Knoxville bank bought from the Asheville bank which were indorsed by the latter's president. Mr. Pearson alleged that on June 30, 1930, the Central Secur ities company of Asheville, subsidiary of the bank, executed a $125,000 promissory note which was secured by 2,050 shares of stock in the Universal Mortgage 192 shares of Central Bank Trust company stock and 100 shares of Federal Mortgage company stock. In addition, Pearson alleged, Davis indorsed the note as part of the


Article from The Knoxville Journal, November 4, 1931

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J. Ramsey's Bondsmen Are Sued For $150,000 By Receiver Of Bank Two suits for $75.000 each were filed in federal court here day against bondsmen of Basil former president of National who is charged with "having caused bank which far exceed amount. The suit was filed by Herbert Pearson, receiver of the bank through his attorneys. Fowler & against ity and Guarant Fidelity both of Maryland. SIX COUNTS counts are recited in the bills which are alike as charges. They allege losses due to Mr. Ram sey's transactions totaling $767, The first count charges that Mr Ramsey the Holston National bank Knoxville to deliver the sum of to Bank of Tennessee and immediate said sum the ter which that time Ramsey knew Collateral was attached note but was the of which bank or receiver received part NOTE ATTACKED The count involves the execution note for recited that the note was au thorized by the bank's finance committee be issued to William Edward Rogers cuted the loan William alone shares East Tennessee National bank stock were pledged. But later, when $110,000 was paid on ed. un secured, which the bank never colThe declares that Ramsey knew William White at the time insolvent The third count charges "round paper transactions" involving Bonds to this the bill says, were purchased by Holstonbank through Ramsey from Caldwell with the under standing that they should be purchased fast as worth of certificates of deposit were by the bank Jackson. Miss., Cald well not repurchase its bonds, which were and the Holston lost The bill explains Caldwell Co. was using the that funds from the sale of bonds Holston Union purchase $300. state bonds. and that the state of Mis sissippi had deposited its funds in the Jackson which money with the had deposited the LOAN IS CITED charges unThe Moran and the fifth count recites losses five Ramsev Central Bank and Trust and the of Asheville in the Holston is alleged to have lost count the bill tells the sixth account the for Humbard treasurer in which there "continual from August 1930, overdraft November the bank closed when The account. assets and was "solely had for political purposes by viduals and who were in continuing those terested power who the When the bank state closed this account's overdraft the a loss of caused is charged


Article from The Chattanooga News, February 16, 1932

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EVIDENCE HEARD IN HOLSTON SUIT Director Alleged to Have Withdrawn Money When Knew of Failure. Knoxville, Feb. 16. (A. P.)United States District Judge George Taylor Monday took under advisement the suit of O. Carpenter, receiver for the failed HolstonNational bank, to recover $65,000 which H. Durrell, director, withdrew two days before the bank closed. Carpenter contends that Durrell, a Harriman banker, withdrew the money because he had knowledge of the bank's impending failure. This Durrell denies. In arguing the case James A. Fowler, attorney for the bank receiver, contended that the clearance of $212,000 for the City National and East Tennessee banks, which included $125,000 for the state and $55,000 for Durrell, was illegal. Fowler argued that officials of the Holston-Union other banks knew "the Union was insolvent and would never open its doors was when the clearance again, made just before p.m., Monday, November 10. He also charged that Durrell, under the law, was pre- the know the condition of sumed to He reviewed the testimony bank Durrell in which the bank tor of said he made up his mind to withdraw his money when A. Basham, national bank examiner, should rein October, "You marked read my last report. found cash ticket in the drawer Luke the bank had loaned showing Frank Montgomery, attorney fraud for that when no director has the same right is practiced as any a depositor to withdraw his money from bank.


Article from Nashville Banner, July 28, 1932

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Caldwell Securities Issue in Litigation Knoxville July bill filed in Chancery Court today disclosed that collateral originally worth $374,000 and given as security for the State's claim funds in the closed Holston National the subject of between the State and receiver for the The bill filed by L. D. Smith attorney said the bank receiver contends entitled to the collaterThe State claimed it could not turn over him. The collateral, according to the bonus in companies affiliated with Caldwell Co., which failed about two years ago. The bill said some of the bonds were now The bill further said that the Surety of New suety for part the State deposits the bank now and that Walter Richardson of Davidson County ancillary receiver in Tennesasked that he be made party the The State's original suit was against Ramsey and other sureties. The State had approximately in the bank when failed


Article from The Macon News, December 26, 1932

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Clyde Carpenter Bank's Receiver Former Macon Banker Visits His Son Here Clyde who sistant president the Fourth National bank and now the Holston National bank Tenn. Macon Monday to to with Clyde here. his two arrived Saturday receiver of the Fourth and the capacity under Mr. Pearthe after they transferred from Macon about years About ago Mr Pearson where group banks At that Mr. Carpenter of the Knoxville institution several Closing the Holston bank led litigation involving Luke Lea, Nashville publisher