Farmers & Merchants Bank (Paris, TX)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Start Date
March 23, 1897
Location
Paris, Texas (33.661, -95.556)
Bank Type
trust

Metadata

Notes

Assignment to Judge D. H. Scott indicates formal closing/insolvency after the run.

Events (3)

1. March 23, 1897 Run
Cause
Local Shock
Cause Details
Run triggered by failure/suspension of local cotton firm Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh, known to owe the bank money.
Measures
Bank officials cashed checks presented the prior day and appealed to other local banks for assistance (appeal refused).
Newspaper Excerpt
The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday caused a run on the bank which forced it to the wall.
Source
newspapers
2. March 23, 1897 Suspension
Cause
Local Shock
Cause Details
Suspension/closure precipitated by the run caused by the failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Farmers' and Merchants' bank suspended this morning.
Source
newspapers
3. March 23, 1897 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
made an assignment to Judge D. H. Scott.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (21)

Article from The Topeka State Journal, March 23, 1897

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PARIS, TEX., BANK CLOSES. Failure is Caused by the Assignment of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh, Yesterday. St. Louis, March 23.-A special to the Post-Dispatch from Paris, Tex., says: The Farmers' & Merchants' bank closed its doors at 10 o'clock this morning. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state and had a paid up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday caused a run on the bank which forced it to the wall. John Martin was president of the bank until yesterday, when he resigned. There is a decidedly panicky feeling prevailing and it is feared that runs will be made on all banks affected by the failure here and elsewhere.


Article from Daily Camera, March 23, 1897

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BUSINESS CASUALTIES

An Immense Failare of a Texan Banking Concern. Paris, Texas, March 23.-The Farmers and Merchant's bank suspended this morning. The failure was due to the suspension of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. As a result a big run is go ing on today at the City National bank. Capital stock $200,000, surplus $55,000. Deposits $250,000, loans and discounts $250,000.


Article from Alexandria Gazette, March 23, 1897

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Bank Troubles

PARIS, Tex., March 23.-The Farmers and Merchants' Bank, of this city, suspended this morning. The failure was caused by the suspension yesterday of Martin, Wise and Fitzhugh, cotton buyers. The capital stock was $200,000; surplus, $55,000; deposits $250,000; loans and discounts, $200,000. A big run is in progress at the City National Bank. The line of waiting depositors extends in the street. Excitement runs high.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March 24, 1897

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Business Troubles

PARIS, Tex., March 23.-The Farmers' and Merchants' bank closed its doors at 10 o'clock this morning. It was one of the oldest financial Institutions in the state, and had a paid-up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday caused a run on the bank which forced it to the wall. John Martin was president until yesterday, when he resigned. There is a decidedly panicky feeling. It is feared that runs will be made on all the banks here.


Article from The Morning News, March 24, 1897

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BANK SCARE IN TEXAS

One Institution's Failure Starts a Run on Another. Paris, Tex., March 23.-At 10 o'clock this morning the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, one of the oldest and thought to be the strongest financial institutions in North Texas, with a paid up capital of $200,000, and a surplus of $60,000, made an assignment to Judge D. H. Scott. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton firm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. It was known that the firm owed the bank money and depositors became alarmed and a. run begun. All checks presented yesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials forsaw that if the run was kept up it would be forced to the wall. An appeal to the other local banks for assistance was refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed, and continued until the bank was forced to close. This set people wild and a rush was made for the City National, which was also a large creditor of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh. A great crowd gathered in front of the building and it became necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks. At 11 o'clock, Col. George F. Hicks, vice president of the First National Bank, walked in and laid $100,000 on the City National's counter and told the people to come forward and get their money. This was follwed by the announcement that the bank would remain open until 6 o'clock to pay depositors. This allayed the fears of some, but many continued to withdraw their money. Apprehensions are felt for banks in neighboring towns who are involved in the failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh.


Article from The Copper Country Evening News, March 24, 1897

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Texas Bank Closed

Paris, Tex., March 24.-The Farmers' and Merchants' bank closed its doors Tuesday. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state and had a paid up capital of $200,000. The fallure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh caused a run on the bank which forced it to the wall.


Article from The Wilmington Daily Republican, March 24, 1897

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A Texas Bank Succumbs

Paris, Tex., March 24.--The Farmers' and Merchants' bank closed its doors yesterday. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state, and had a paid up capital of $200.000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh caused a. run on the bank, which forced it to the wall. John Martin was president of the bank until Monday, when he resigned. There was a run on the City National bank by frightened depositors, but all claims were paid.


Article from The Brunswick Times, March 24, 1897

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BAD BANKING

Two Texas Banks in Trouble-One Has Suspendd. Paris, Texas, March 23.-The Farmers and Merchants bank here suspended this morning. The failure was caused by the suspension yesterday of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh, cotton buyers. RUN ON ANOTHER BANK. A big run is in progress at the City National bank. The line of waiting depositors extends into the street and excitement runs high.


Article from The Roanoke Times, March 24, 1897

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TEXAS BANK SCARE

A Hitherto Strong Institution Forced to the Wall. Paris, Texas, March 23.-At 10 o'clock this morning the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, one of the oldest and thought to be strongest financial institutions in North Texas, with a paid. up capital of $200,000 and a surplus of $60,000, Scott. made an assignment to Judge D. H. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton frm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. It was known that the firm owed the bank money. Depositors became alarmed and a run began All checks presented yesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials foresaw that if the run was kept up it would be forced"to the wall. An appeal to the other local banks for assistance was made, but refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed and continued un. til the bank was forced to close. This set people wild and a rush was made for the City National, which was also a large creditor of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh. A great crowd gathered in front of the building and it became necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks. At 11 o'clock Col. George F Hicks, vice president of the First National Bank, walked in and laid $100,000 on the City National's counter and told the people to come forward and get their money. This was followed by the announcement that the bank would remain open until 6 o'clock to pay depositors. This allayed the fears of some, but many continued to withdraw their money. Apprehensions are felt for banks in neighboring towns who are involved in the failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh.


Article from The Daily Morning Journal and Courier, March 24, 1897

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TEXAS BANKS EMBARRASSED

A Suspension at Paris and a Big Run on Another Bank. Paris, Tex., March 23.-The Farmers and Merchants' bank of this city suspended this morning. The failure was caused by the suspension yesterday of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh, cotton buyers. A statement of assets and liabilities has not yet been given out. A big run is in progress at the City National bank. The line of waiting depositors extends into the street. Excitement runs high.


Article from The Salt Lake Herald, March 24, 1897

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"HOORAY FOR M'KINLEY

" BIG TEXAS BANK IS FORCED TO THE WALL. Action Precipitated by the Failure of a Cotton Firm, and a Run by Depositors as the Result. Paris, Tex., March 23.-This morning the Farmers' and Merchants' bank, one of the oldest and thought to be the strongest financial institution in North Texas, with a paid up capital of $200,000, and a surplus of $60,000, made an assignment and closed its doors. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton firm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. It was known that the firm owed the bank money, but how much could not be learned, and depositors became alarmed and a run began. All checks presented vesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials foresaw that if the run was kept up it would be forced to the wall and appealed to the other local banks for assistance, but were refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed and kept up until it was forced to close. There was also a run on the City National bank, which lasted for several hours, but ,depositors were promptly paid. Assistance was received from other points, and tonight it is thought the heavy withdrawals will not seriously affect the bank. It is believed the Farmers' and Merchants' bank has ample assets to pay all liabilities and will reorganize on a reliable basis.


Article from The Times, March 24, 1897

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A NORTH TEXAS BANK FAILS

Farmers and Merchants' of Paris Forced to the Wall. Paris, Texas, March 23.-At 10 o'clock this morning the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, one of the oldest and thought to be the strongest financial institution in north Texas, with a paid-up capital of $200,000 and a surplus of $60,000, made an assignment to Judge D.H. Scott. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton firm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. It was known that the firm owed the bank money, depositors became alarmed and a run begun. All checks presented yesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials foresaw that if the run was kept up it would be forced to the wall. An appeal to the other local banks for assistance was made but refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed and continued until the bank was forced to close. This set people wild and a rush was made for the City National, which was also a large creditor of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh. A great crowd gathered in front of the building and it became necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks. At 11 o'clock Col. George F. Hicks, vice president of the First National Bank, walked in and laid $100,000 on the City National's counter and told the people to come forward and get their money. This was followed by the announcement that the bank would remain open until 6 o'clock to pay depositors. This allayed the fears of some, but many contined to withdraw their money. Apprehensions are felt for banks in neighboring towns who are involved in the failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh.


Article from The Evening Herald, March 24, 1897

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A Texas Bank Succumbs

Paris, Tex., March 24.-The Farmers' and Merchants' bank closed its doors yesterday. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state, and had a paid up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh caused a run on the bank, which forced it to the wall. John Martin was president of the bank until Monday, when he resigned. There was a run on the City National bank by frightened depositors, but all claims were paid.


Article from Richmond Dispatch, March 24, 1897

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BANK TROUBLE IN TEXAS

Runs on Paris Institutions-Mártin, Wise & Fitzhugh Failure. PARIS, TEX., March 23.-At 10 o'clock this morning the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, one of the oldest and, it has been thought, one of the strongest of the financial institutions in North Texas, with a paid-up capital of $200,000 and a surplus of $60,000, made an assignment to Judge D. H. Scott. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton firm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. It was known that the firm owed the bank nfoney, depositors became alarmed, and a run began. All checks presented yesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials foresaw that if the run was kept up the institution would be forced to the wall. An appeal to the other local banks for assistance was made, but refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed, and continued until the bank was forced to close. This set people wild, and a rush was made for the City National, which was also a large creditor of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh. A great crowd gathered in front of the building, and it became necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks. At 11 o'clock Colonel George F. Hicks, vice-president of the First National Bank, walked in and laid $100,000 on the City National's counter, and told the people to come forward and get their money. This was followed by the announcement that the bank would remain open until 6 o'clock to pay depositors. This allayed the fears of some, but many continued to withdraw their money. Apprehensions are felt for banks in neighboring towns who are involved in the failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh.


Article from The Saint Paul Globe, March 24, 1897

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NEW YORK MINING STOCKS

Bulwer $0 15 Ontario $8 00 Cholor 80 1 10 Ophir Crown Point 18 15 Plymouth Con. Cal. & Va 1 00 1 00 Quicksilver Deadwood 1 25 10 00 do pfd 25 25 : Sierra Nevada Gould & Curry.. Hale & Norcross. 80 Standard 1 65 Homestake 29 00 20 Union Con Iron Silver 35 25 Yellow Jacket Mexican 25 BOSTON MINING SHARES. 1 Franklin Allouez Min. Co.. 11 Atlantic 21½ Kearsarge 161/2 Osceola Boston & Mont 127% 31½ Butte & Boston 105 18½ Quincy Calumet & Hecla 375 119 Tamarack Centennial Wolverine 71/4 95/8 DOORS CLOSED. ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 23.-A special from Paris, Tex., says: The Farmers' and Merchants' bank closed its doors at 10 o'clock this morning. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state, and had a paid-up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday caused a run on the bank, which forced it to the wall.


Article from The Sun, March 24, 1897

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PUT $100,000 DOWN. A Texas Bank Official's Effort To Stop a Run on the Institution. PARIS, Tex., March 23.-At 10 o'clock this morning the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, one of the oldest banking institutions in North Tomas, with & paid-up capital of $200,000 aud a surplus of $50,000, made an assignment to Judge D. H. Scott. This action was precipitated by the failure of the cotton firm of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday. Depositors became alarmed and a run began. All checks presented yesterday were promptly cashed. The bank officials foresaw that if the run was kept up it would be forced to the wall. An appeal to the other local banks for assistance was made but refused. When the doors opened this morning the run was renewed and continued until the bank was forced to close. This set people wild and a rush was made for the City National, which was also a large creditor of Martin, Wise and Fitzhugh. A great crowd gathered in front of the building. and it became necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks. At 11 o'clock Col. George F. Hicks, Vice-President of the First National Bank, walked in and placed $100,000 on the City National's counter, and told the people to eome forward and get their money. This was followed by the announcement that the bank would remain open until 6 o'clock to pay depositors. This allay ed the fears of some, but many continued to withdraw their money.


Article from The Bryan Daily Eagle, March 26, 1897

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The Panicky Feeling Is Over, PARIS, Tex., March 25.-The panicky feeling that has pervaded Paris for the last two days, owing to the heavy failures of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh, the Farmers and Merchants bank, the Paris Electric Light company suits and the assignment of John T. Dickson, has about passed away entirely. Business has resumed its normal condition and no more failures are anticipated.


Article from The Dalles Times-Mountaineer, March 27, 1897

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A Texas Bank Failure

PARIS, Tex., March 23.-The Farmers' & Merchants's bank closed its doors at 10 o'clock this morning. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the state, and had a paid-up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh yesterday caused a run on the bank which forced it to the wall. John Martin was president until yesterday, when he resigned. There is a decidedly panicky feeling.


Article from The Bryan Daily Eagle, March 27, 1897

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Bank Failure at Paris

PARIS, Tex., March 24.-The Farmers and Merchants' bank of Paris closed its doors yesterday by making a general assignment. Assets and liabilities nnknown. A run caused the failure.


Article from Hopkinsville Kentuckian, March 30, 1897

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The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Paris, Tex., failed Tuesday and precipitated a panic and run on the City National Bank, which withstood it to the closing hour.


Article from Greenbrier Independent, April 1, 1897

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THE Farmer's and Merchants' bank of Paris, Texas, closed doors on the 24th ult. It was one of the oldest financial institutions in the State, and had a paid up capital of $200,000. The failure of Martin, Wise & Fitzhugh caused a run on the bank, which forced it to the wall.