21518. Bank of Mecklenburg (Boydton, VA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
April 4, 1908
Location
Boydton, Virginia (36.668, -78.387)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
45be4585

Response Measures

None

Description

The Bank of Mecklenburg at Boydton closed/suspended on April 4, 1908 and was placed in receivership after discovery of large unauthorized loans/shortages by the cashier tied to the East Coast Lumber Company. Multiple articles report appointment of receivers and winding up; no run on the bank is described. Several articles contain OCR typos (e.g., Mecklenhurg / Macklenburg) corrected to Mecklenburg.

Events (3)
1. April 4, 1908 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Closure followed entanglement with the East Coast Lumber Company and discovery of large unauthorized loans/shortage by cashier E. W. Overby (about $120,000+).
Newspaper Excerpt
the Bank of Mecklenburg, which institution closed its doors this morning.
Source
newspapers
2. April 16, 1908 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
An investigation ... shows a shortage of $125,000. E. W. Overby, the cashier, has been arrested upon the confession that he allowed B. E. Cogbill ... to overdraw his account ... for more than $100,000.
Source
newspapers
3. April 22, 1908 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Judge Barksdale has appointed Mr. C. T. Reekes, a prominent lawyer of this bar, one of the receivers... The receivers qualified yesterday and have taken charge of the bank.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (17)
1. April 15, 1908 The Washington Herald Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Herald, April 15, 1908

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VIRGINIA BANK CLOSES. Institution at Boydton Placed in Hands of State Officials. Special to The Washington Herald. Richmond, Va., April 4.-The State corporation commission this afternoon directed H. B. Boudar, expert accountant, to proceed at once to Boydton and Chase City to examine into the affairs of the Bank of Mecklenburg, which institution closed its doors this morning. C. J. Faulkner, president of the bank, yesterday telegraphed the commission, requestioning an examiner, but it was not then intimater that the embarrassment would necessitate suspension. It is presumed that the bankruptcy proceedings against the East Coast Lumber Company is the cause of the embarassment of the Bank of Mecklenburg. The report submitted to the commission by the bank, of February 4, indicated a healthy state of affairs. The Mecklenburg Bank, located at Boydton, operates a branch at Chase City, It is not anticipated that any suspicion of fraud will be attached to the proceedings.

2. April 17, 1908 The Pensacola Journal Pensacola, FL
Article from The Pensacola Journal, April 17, 1908

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HIS KINDNESS BROKE A BANK Cashier Permitted Firm to Overdraw Its Account For $100,000. Special to The Journal. Boydton, a., April 16.-An investigation by the board of directors of the affairs of the Bank of Macklenburg, suspended Tuesday, shows a shortage of $125,000. E. W. Overby, the cashier, has been arrested upon the confession that he allowed B. E. Cogbill, head of the East Coast Lumber company, which is now in bankruptcy, to overdraw his account with. out the knowledge of the president or directors for more than $100,000. The cashier explains that he did this as an act of kindness to Cogbill and without any benefit to himself. It is generally thought that the depositors will receive between 50 and 75 cents on the dollar. Overby has been released on $5,000 bail bond. Expert accountants are now making a thorough examination of the books of the bank. C. J. Faulkner and Lucius Gregory, president and vice-president, respectively, of the closed bank, and J. Edmondson, a merchant. have been appointed receivers for the embarrassed institution. Overby said the shortage had been going on several years: that he had let Cogbill have the money from time to time, hoping that each amount would relieve his embarrassment and he could then return it to the bank. Yesterday he confessed that he had concealed the matter from the president and the board and expressed great contrition for his act.

3. April 18, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 18, 1908

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LOSSES OF MANY WILL MEAN ALL Men, Women and Children Had All They Possessed in Bank of Mecklenburg. INVESTIGATION BEING MADE Books and Accounts Being Gone Over by Experts-All to Fall on Stockholders and Depositors. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON. VA., April 17.-There are as yet no developments in the matter of the failure of the Bank of Mecklenhurg. Mr. Boudar. his son and Mr. Chesterman took charge of the books and accounts of the bank yesterday, and are working on them. The depositors are still in the dark as to the final outcome, but enough is known to satisfy them that the bank has been fearfully wrecked and that their loss will be very heavy. The people seem dazed, and can hardly realize what has happened. Whatever may be the result of the examination by the expert accountants it will relieve the intense anxiety of those who are waiting to hear the result. Many Lose Their All. No financial crash within the recollection of the present generation has occurred in Mecklenburg, producing such intense excitement and distress. Many poor men, women and children had pretty well all their earthly possessions in this bank and felt perfectly secure, as they had the greatest confidence in the stability of this old institution, which had withstood for thirty-six years the monetary stringency and panics which have occurred during these long years. The president and directors are very heavy losers, nearly all of whom. not only owned a great deal of stock, but were large depositors as well. They believed they had the business of the bank well in hand, and did have it so as far as their knowledge went. Cashier Overby has been at his home since Monday. His brother, Mr. R. C. Overby, who resides in the South, reached here yesterday, and is still with Cashier Overby. Mr. B. E. Cogbill, who was in reality the principal beneficiary in this great transaction, and who, it is charged, brought ruin on Cashier Overby, was on Saturday last adjudged a bankrupt in the United States Court at Richmond. and Mr. Overby is hopelessly insolvent. It is, therefore, conceded that almost all, if not the entire, loss of $120,000 will fall on the stockholders and depositors. Mr. Overby was bonded in one of the trust companies for only $5,000.

4. April 19, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 19, 1908

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MR. FAULKNER DECLINES Will Not Serve as Receiver of Bank of Which He was President. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., April 18.-The expert accountants sent out from the Corporation Commission to examine the affairs of the Bank of Mecklenburg are still at work, and have given out no statement as to the result of their oxamination, and will not do so until they can communicate with the bank's correspondents and have their own statement verified. Mr. C. J. Faulkner, who was appointed one of the receivers of the bank. has declined to serve, and a petition has been numerously signed asking Judge Barksdale to appoint Mr. a. Haskins, who was the cashier of

5. April 22, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 22, 1908

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OVERBY'S FRIENDS WANT TO SAVE HIM Movement Started Looking to Raising Funds to Adjust Affairs of Bank of Mecklenburg. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., April 21.-The expert accountants are still at work on the books of the Bank of Mecklenburg, and no one knows when they will make their report. The friends of Cashier Overbey were greatly interested yesterday, many of whom were depositors of the bank, in trying to devise ways and means to raise the necessary amount of money to satisfy the creditors. Yesterday being court day, an unusually large crowd attended court, many of them drawn here to learn more about the bank matter. A paper was circulated by the friends of Cashier Overbey among the depositors, asking 'them to give up, in the interest of Mr. Overbey. 10 per cent. of their deposits, with the understanding that the friends of Mr. Overbey raise the balance of the shortage. By this arrangement it was hoped to satisfy the ends e of justice and stop further criminal proceedings against the cashier. But the matter having already been brought to the attention of the court. and preliminary steps taken, it was a puzzling t problem to solve as to how all the 1. matters could be reconciled. e Cashier Overbey is only about thirtyfive or forty years old. and few men in Mecklenburg were more popular or enjoyed more the confidence of the people at large. and scarcely a man you meet believes that he received any benefit from his unwise act. In view 6 of the fact that the accountants have y not completed their work. the trial of t Mr. Overbey was not begun, but yesterday he appeared in court and renewed his bond for $10,000. instead of $5,000, which latter amount he had been under since the 11th for his appearance at the next term of court in of June. Mr. Overbey has retained Mr. Wood Bouldin, of Halifax: ex-Congressf. 4 man R. T. Thorp. of Norfolk. and the firm of Goode & Rukes to defend him. Messrs. J. W. Edmondson and Lucius I Gregory, who have already been apdi pointed receivers of the bank, have is not qualified, and will probably not do so until the bank exly aminers make their report. These gentlemen are men of sterling character is n and of fine business qualifications. It m will doubtless be a source of much in satisfaction to the creditors to learn 111 that Judge Barksdale, of the Circuit Court. is taking a great deal of inter: est in the financial welfare of the bank. He told your correspondent last -night that he would see to It that the to affairs of the bank were economically administered.

6. April 23, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 23, 1908

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EXPERTS ARE STILL AT WORK. Have Not Tet Completed Examination of Books. New Receiver. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., April 22.-There are no new developments in the matter of the Bank of Mecklenburg. The three expert accountants are still at work, and have not yet given out when they will complete their report. They are giving the books a thorough examination, and have been ever since last Friday closely confined in the bank building at work. Judge Barksdale has appointed Mr. C. T. Reekes, a prominent lawyer of this bar, one of the receivers. The judge appointed Mr. J. W. Edmondson last week. The receivers qualified yesterday and have taken charge of the bank.

7. April 24, 1908 Clinch Valley News Tazewell, Jeffersonville, VA
Article from Clinch Valley News, April 24, 1908

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RECEIVERS NAMED FOR MECKLENBURG BANK Circuit Judge Barksdale has named as the receivers of the Bank of Mecklenburg Messrs. C. J. Faulkner and J. W. Edmondson, who before the institution became involved by its dealings with the Cogbill and East Coast Lumber Company were respectively president and vice president of the bank, Both receivers are men of high stand+ ing and ability, and the interests of the stockholders and others will be safe in their hands. Messrs. H. B. Boudar, Thomas Boudar and Bertram Chesterman, the expert accountants sent by the State Corporation Commission to examine the books of the bank, arrived at Boydton Wednesday morning and are now at work. It will require several days for them to get at the true inwardness of the situation. though Cashier Overbey, now under arrest, already has admitted that he made unauthorized loans of more than $100,000 to B. E. Cogbill and the East Coast Lumber Company, with which the latter was subsequently connected. The Bank of Mecklenburg, which has a branch office at Chase City, was established by the late George B. Finch in 1872, and for years was managed with signal success. Its closing has caused great distress and the gravest apprehensions among all classes of people.

8. April 25, 1908 Virginia Gazette Williamsburg, VA
Article from Virginia Gazette, April 25, 1908

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RECEIVERS NAMED FOR MECKLENBURG BANK Circuit Judge Barksdale has named as the receivers of the Bank of Mecklenburg Messrs. C. J. Faulkner and J. W. Edmondson, who before the institution became involved by its dealings with the Cogbill and East Coast Lumber Company were respectively president and vice president of the bank, Both receivers are men of high stand. ing and ability, and the interests of the stockholders and others will be safe in their hands. Messrs. H. B. Boudar, Thomas Boudar and Bertram Chesterman, the e%pert Accountants sent by the State Corporation Commission to examine the books of the bank, arrived at Boydton Wednesday morning and are now at work. It will require several days for them to get at the true inwardness of the situation. though Cashier Overbey, now under arrest, already has admitted that he made unauthorized loans of more than $100,000 to B. E. Cogbill and the East Coast Lumber Company, with which the latter was subsequently connected. The Bank of Mecklenburg, which has a branch office at Chase City, was established by the late George B. Finch in 1872, and for years was managed with signal success. Its closing has caused great distress and the gravest apprehensions among all classes of people.

9. April 26, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 26, 1908

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IN THE DARK AS TO AFFAIRS OF BANK Boydton Institution' Closed Two Weeks, but Creditors Do Not Know Conditions. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., April 25.-The meetIng of the creditors of the Bank of Mecklenburg. held here yesterday. accomplished but little, If anything, in the way of adjusting the tangled affairs of the bank. The plan of the creditors was to try and secure control of the management of the bank, through Judge Barksdale. and instead of the receivers, to substitute a committee of their own, who would undertake the work for less than the amount allowed the receivers, and then authorize the committee to employ counsel. at a contract price, and in this way to largely reduce the cost of administration and settle up the business at an earlier date: but there are so many creditors, who entertain different views, which must be reconciled. and, again. there are so many fiduciaries and public officers whose trust funds are in this bank, who do not feel authorized to make any concessions or compromises. unless it is sanctioned by the court. that it would seem at present impossible to accomplish the ends for which this meeting was called. The meeting appointed a committee of seven to confer with the creditors and get them to pool their Interests, and all work together for their common good, The most level-headed men among the creditors see the insurmountable difficulties in the way of carrying out this plan, and believe that, after all, it is best to let the regularly appointed receivers go on with their work under the watchful eye and supervision of Judge Barksdale, who has given assurance that he will guard closely the interests of the depositors and have

10. May 5, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, May 5, 1908

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COGBILL SUED BY COMMONWEALTH Bill Alleges That Former Treasurer of Mecklenburg Failed to Turn in All Revenue. Acting for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Attorney-General Anderson filed suit in the City Circuit Court yesterday against B. E. Cogbill, former treasurer of Mecklenburg county, and the American Bonding Company, of Baltimore, for $4,411.69, alleged to be the balance due the State for revenue collected in 1907 and still unpaid. Cogbill, the defendant, is president of the East Coast Lumber Company, recently placed in the hands of receivers by order of the United States Court. Following the receivership proceedings. the Bank of Mecklenburg. at Boydton, and its branch at Chase City, failed, the general statement being that they held a large amount of the lumber corporation's paper. It is alleged in the memorandum filed yesterday that the amount which the Commonwealth seeks to recover was collected and not turned in to the treasury.

11. May 6, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, May 6, 1908

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BANK'S LOSS HAS BEEN MADE UP Friends of Cashier Haskins, of Chase City Branch, Put Up the $27,000 Allowed Overdrawn. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., May 6.-The shortage in the branch of the Bank of Mecklenburg at Chase City, amounting to about $27,000, caused by overdrafts of the Kershaw Manufacturing Company, has been raised by the friends of Cashier Haskins, and as far as the branch bank is concerned, the assets will pay its full quoto of the liabilities of the two banks. At the mother bank, which was located here, nothing has been done in the way of raising the shortage. The amount is so large that It looks as if Cashier Overby's friends are overwhelmed. The committee of seven appointed by the creditors, which met here last week, appeared to have some plan looking to a satisfactory settlement of the bank's matter, but they did not give it out, as their plans had not sufficiently matured. The committee will meet here again on the 11th of this month to report to the creditors any plan they may have to offer for the benefit of depositors. There has been little else talked about here but the bank trouble for three weeks. The people of Mecklenburg have acted most nobly during these trying times and they deserve much credit for their conservatism. There are some ten or eleven banks in this county, and there has been no attempt to make a run on any of them since the downfall of the mother of banks of the county. It is said that a few, under the spur of the moment, drew out their deposits, but since then have returned them to the bank.

12. May 12, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, May 12, 1908

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AFFAIRS OF THE BANK. Mr. Thorpe Suggests Plan to Displace Receivers and Settle Up. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., May 11.-The committee of the Bank of Mecklenburg met here this afternoon, but owing to the fact that Mr. Boudar's report has not been made public, they were unable to suggest any plans. Hon. R. T. Thorpe, who is a large creditor, was present, and suggested, for the purpose of taking the matter out of the hands of the receivers and have a more economical administration, that the depositors relinquish their claims to the amount of 50 cents on the dollar; demonstrating to the court the solvency of the bank under this plan; that a committee of three of the creditors take charge of the bank with a president and directors to close the affairs of the bank and pay to the depositors all amounts realized pro rata, and whatever may be collected over and above 50 per cent. to be paid to the creditors, thus extending the debtor class time to raise the money to pay off their notes. Under this plan Mr. Thorpe thought the whole matter could be closed up in two years. The committee adjourned to meet again in this place on the 30 instant.

13. May 17, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, May 17, 1908

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FOR NEW RURAL ROUTES. Sanity of Young Uncertain-Effects of Bank Failure Felt. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] BOYDTON, VA., May 16.-Mr. M. S. Plummer, United States post-office inspector, from Washington, has been here several days inspecting and measuring rural routes to be established in this neighborhood. He has determined upon the route west of here, by, and in the direction of, Skipwith Depot, on the Southern Railroad. He is surveying the route south of here to run in the direction of Cuscowilla post-office. The case of Frank Young, the convicted murderer of Taylor Young, who has been sentenced to be hung on June 5th, seems a puzzling question to the doctors to decide as to his sanity. Young continues to act like a madman. The doctors have examined him several times, but as far as known, have expressed no opinion. They have written to Judge Barksdale on the subject. It is too late now for a commission of lunacy to act, as the man is under sentence of death and only the judge of the court or the Governor can stay the execution. There is nothing new in the matter of the Bank of Mecklenburg. Those owing money in the bank are making arrangements as fast as possible to take up their notes, but owing to the fact that so much money is locked up by reason of the failure of the bank, the debtors have difficulty in finding parties who have money to lend. The creditors as well as the debtors are now more fully salizing their loss, as they begin to need money in the conduct of their business

14. May 31, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, May 31, 1908

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PROOF OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE BANK [Special to The Times- Dispatch.] CHASE CITY, VA, May 30.-Commissioner Marvin Smithey is here get. ting proof of all claims against the Chase City branch of the wrecked Bank of Mecklenburg. James W. Edmundson and Charles T. Reekes, receivers, are also present. All of these gentlemen are courteous, industrious and well suited for their arduous task. Judge Barksdale made wise selection in appointing them. Many country creditors of the bank have been here, and they take the situation with a complacency that is as commendable as it is remarkable. It seems to be conceded that by good and economical management the assets may eventually pay 50 cents on the dollar to depositors. No one claims more, but it is all conjecture. The loss here will be small in comparison with the mother bank at Boydton. In fact, it is scarcely noticeable in the town. There are few debtors of consequence here to the bank. Business progresses as usual, buildings going up, granolithic walks put down, and new enterprises contemplated. Many say the Mecklenburg bank did not have all of the money in the county "by a long shot." Some expect a small dividend will be paid at the June term of court. but one who should know told The TimesDispatch correspondent that this was very doubtful. Report says that some depositors drew out their balances before the suspension, apprehending danger. and had an inkling of impending disaster from the Cogbill entanglements; so it did not come as "a flash of lightning in a clear sky." as once reported. There are many mysteries connected with the financial catastrophe.

15. June 7, 1908 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, June 7, 1908

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SLOW PRESENTING CLAIMS Commissioner Delayed by Failure of Creditors to Report. Special to The Times-Dispatch. I BOYDTON, VA., June 6.-Mr. Mavin Smithey, the special commissioner appointed by the Circuit Court of Mecklenburg to Hettle the accounts of the depositors and report the entire 11abilities, as well as the assets, of the defunct Bank of Mecklenburg, has not completed his report as yet,' although Mr. Smithey has been busily engaged in his work for some time. He says that not half of the creditors have come in to prove their claims, and if they do not do so he will be compelled to report the deposits of such as fall as, the amounts appear on the records of the bank books. He has given proper notice to creditors by publication in the county papers. The creditors are still in ignorance as to what they will receive from the bank, as it will take considerable time to wind up its affairs. Considering the stringency of the times. the court will not force the debtors to an Immediate settlement, which would cause great distress, unless in the opinion of the receivers a claim might be lost by delay. In this event the claim would be pressed for collection. There will be no distribution of the funds now in hand at the approaching term of the court, which will begin here on the 22d of this month.

16. June 26, 1908 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, June 26, 1908

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Virginia News. Miss Mary E. Sangster, sister of the late Judge James Sangster, of Fairfax, died at Ashland, on Monday last. The conference of the High School and College Association of Virginia met at the University of Virginia today and will continue through tom rrow. W. J. Quick, who succeeded Prof. A. M. Soule in charge of experimental work at the V. P. I. st Blacksburg, has tendered his resignation to take effect September 1. Mrs. E. P. Winston, of Hanover county, sister of Mrs. General Thomas L. Rosser, of CharJostesville, died yesterday at the University of Virginia Hospital, where she had been under treatment for two weeks. A piece of white oak, weighing twenty pounds, cut near Jefferson's home, "Monticello," was sent by express to Mr. Bryan. From this piece of oak will be made the gavel which will open the democratic national convention at Denver. Miss Eliza Lippet, daughter of the late Dr. C. E. Lippett, was married at her home at "Elmington," near Berryville, Wednesday night, to Bertram Fox, of London, England. Owing to the recent death of the bride's father the ceremony was very quiet. After the honeymoon in Canada the couple 8 will sail for London, their future home. The grand jury of the county circuit court at Boydtown, Va., yesterday afternoon reported five indicuments against E. W. Overbey, former cashier of the closed Bank of Mecklenburg. The jury last night returned four indictments against C. Haskins, assistant cashier of the branch bank at Chase City. A shortage of $120,000 of the funds of the Mecklenburg bank is alleged. At Carter's Run Bapt'st Church, Fauquier county yesterday, Miss Lucy Marshall Holtzclaw and Mr. Lindsay Crawley were married. The bride's attendants were Miss Claude McLaughlin, of f Americus, Ga.: Miss Grace Jones, of Doe Hill, Va.; Miss Grace Brooks, of Leesburg, Va., and Miss Lily Powers, of White Post, Va. The best man was Dr. R. M. Grimm, of Baltimore, and the ushers were Mr. V. H. Kellam, of e Norfolk; Prof. Le Roy Buckingham, of Warren, Obio, and Prof. R. J. Brandeng burg, of Morgan, Md. Tne ceremony was performed by Rev. F. R. Boston. The bride is the only child of Mr. and r Mrs. C. E. Holtzclaw. Mr. Crawley is 8 president of the State Agricultural College of Georgia, The annual meeting of the Virginia Bar Association will be held this year at Hut Springs, August 4 to 6, inclusive, d Secretary of War Taft will make the annual address, but his subject has not yet been stated. Other speakers will be Wyndham R. Meredith, president of the association, on "Federal Control of Intrastate Commerce;" William Lindsay, former United States Senator from Kentucky, on "The Man and the Corporation; Holmes Conrad, of Winchester, on "The Old Virginia County Court;" A. C. Gordon, of Staunton, on "The Legal Foundations of Socialism," and H. C. McDowell, judge of the United States District Court for Western district of Virginia, on "Some Misconceptions as to Federal Precedent."

17. October 9, 1908 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, October 9, 1908

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Virginia News. Mr. J. H. Oameron has sold bis farm, "Burobrae," at Vienna, Fairfax county, to Mr. Eaheart, of Wisconsin, a teacher in the Indian schools. Messrs. Davis & Davis, Washington patent attorneys, report the grant, this JO 'a 01 Patert B 10 Meet, Raven, Va., for a wreach. The seven-months-old child of Ralph Hancock of Norfolk, swallowed a link bracelet to which was attached a small locket. The child is in fine humor and seems to be thriving on the gold trinkets. Mrs. Susan E. Chamblin, widow of Albert G. Chamblin, died of a complication of diseases the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. W. Chamblin, at Hamilton, Tuesday night, aged seventy-six years. The marriage of Mrs. Bessie V. Sillings, formerly of Warrenton, now of Washington, to Mr. Elish Les Cox, of Norfulk, will tike place in the Arlington Hotel, in Washington, tomorrow. They will reside in Norfolk. "Adrian," the old homestead of the John G. Pollock family, on the Rappabannock river, in Stafford county, two miles below Fredericksburg, has been purchased by Philip Westfall, of Albany, N. Y., for the sum of $9,100. Prellimioary negotiations are now in progress between the light committee of Danville council and the owners and of ficers of the Danville Street Railway and Electric Company, looking toward the proposed purchase of the car line by the city, and its operation under municipal ownership. In Isle-of-Wight Circuit Court Wednesday evening Joe Busch, alias Frank Clark, was given 18 years for urning 30 horses, males and Jersey COWS owned by James M Branch, brother of Hurricsne Branch, the bloodhound detective, causing a $5,000 loss. In the Oircuit Court of Prince William country this week Charles Norris, colored, was convicted of the larceny of two cattle from Wheeler Brothers, of Wellington station, sentenced to one year in the penitentiary. Wellington Meredith, another negro, was convicted OM1 01 servenced pus be JO years in the penitentiary. Col. Olayton G. Coleman, 69 years old, who spent many of his winters in Richmond, died Wednesday night in St. Vincent's infirmary, in Little Rock, Ark. Col. Coleman was born in Jer done castle, a colonial homestead near Buckners, in Louisa county, and was married to Miss Anna Breedin, of Winchester. At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Norfolk and Western Railway at Roanoke yesterday all the old officers and directors were re-elected The directors were given authority to purchase the Lynchburg Belt Line and connecting railway, the West Virginia Southwostern, the Pocahontas and Western, the Caretta and the Big Stony railways. The Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company is negotiating with bankers for the sale of approximately $12,000,000 5 per cent. bonds. The object of the issue is the jo [Derease 08 persont 07 facilities and to provideadditional working capital with which to transact the increasing business to result from these additional facilities. Judge Barksdale failed again Boydton, yesterday in securing a quota of jurors in the trial of E. W. Overbey, cashier of the wrecked bank of Mecklenburg. Oat of the 136 men summoned only 14 jurors have taken their seats in the box. Several of those accepted by the court have been objected to by counsel for the defense. A wedding which came as surprise to relatives was that of Miss Margaret Timberlake, daughter of J. W. Timberlake, of Fauquier Springs, to Richard Lewis, of Broad Run. The wedding was celebrated very quietly at the home f the bride yesterday at 4 p. m. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, immediately after the wedding, drove to their home at Broad Run, where they will reside. Silas Smith, formerly of Kentucky, a well-known turfman and horse trainer, was yesterday placed on trial in the Circuit Court of Heprico county for the murder of William Murphey, a hosler at the Acca stock farm, where Smith was engaged in the capacity of manager. Murphey, Smith alleged had made improper advances to his 16-year-old daughter Margaret. In the Circuit Court at Jonesboro, Tenn., yesterday William McClain Sparrow pleaded guilty of attempted criminal assault involving young wom an in Washington county, and was sentenced to 10 years in the peniten. tiary. The offense was committed five days ago. Sparrow claimed to be a resident of St. Louis. Gen. Thomas T. Munford has appointed Mrs. Otelia Mabone McGill, daughter of the late Gen. William Mahone, of Pet rsburg, sponsor, and Miss Kate Dadley Staples, maid of honor, to repres nt the department of the inspector case grad em 10 meeting the 18 general of Confederste veterans, to be held at Charlottesville October 20 to 22. Miss Laura Welch Newman, daughter of o pt. Conway Newman, of Orange county, was appointed sponsor to the Secoud brigade, Sons of Veteraus, at the State Confederate reunion. 81810 lb 18 the 10 euo JI