Kirby Savings Bank (Chicago, IL)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Run → Closure
Start Date
November 3, 1912
Location
Chicago, Illinois (41.850, -87.650)
Bank Type
private

Metadata

Notes

The bank was a private institution owned by Dr. William T. Kirby. The suspension occurred after the owner was swindled by 'wire-tappers' and subsequently adjudged insane.

Events (3)

1. November 3, 1912 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
The bank president was swindled out of $20,000 by confidence men (wire-tappers) and was subsequently adjudged insane.
Newspaper Excerpt
When the bank closed its doors, November 3, 1912, Dr. Kirby could not be found by depositors.
Source
newspapers
2. November 4, 1912 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Discovery that the president was insane and the vaults were nearly empty ($852 remaining).
Measures
Police were summoned to disperse the crowd.
Newspaper Excerpt
A mob of several hundred persons, representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information as to the amount of funds was given them.
Source
newspapers
3. November 4, 1912 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
federal officers took charge of the bank... Federal Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust company receiver.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)

Article from Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser, November 4, 1912

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BANK RUN BY INSANE PRESIDENT; JAIL CASHIER CHICAGO, Nov. 4.-That the business of the Kirby Savings Bank, a private institution, with assets and liabilities said to be about $150,000, had for a time been conducted by an insane man was learned here when federal officers took charge of the bank. William T. Kirby, president of the bank, was adjudged insane in the county court Friday and was placed in a sanitarium in Winnetka, Iil. The condition of the books and property of the institution will not be known until the bank examiners have reported. To avoid a panic among depositors of the bank the insanity hearing was conducted with secrecy. Later the cashier, D. J. Kirby, jr., was arrested on a municipal court warrant charging him with operating a confidence scheme.


Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, November 5, 1912

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ANGRY DEPOSITORS CLAMOR FOR MONEY Chicago, November 4.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers yesterday on the discovery that William T. Kirby, prestdent of the institution, had been insano for some time, were today found to contain but $852. A mob of several hundred persons, representating about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information as to the amount of funds was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. Total liabilities of the bank are unknown. The trial of Daniel J. Kirby, Jr., nephew of W. T. Kirby, and cashier of the bank, charged with operating a confidence scheme, was put over to November 15.


Article from New-York Tribune, November 5, 1912

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BANK PRESIDENT INSANE Receivers Find Only $852 in Savings Institution. Chicago, Nov. 4.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings Bank, which was taken charge of by receivers yesterday on the discovery that William T. Kirby, president of the institution, had been insane for some time, were found to-day to contain only $852. A mob of several hundred persons, representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the amount of funds was announced. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. The total liabilities of the bank are unknown. The $852 was made up partly of small change and stamps. The trial of Daniel J. Kirby, jr., nephew of W. T. Kirby and cashier of the bank, charged in the municipal court with operating a confidence scheme, was put over by Judge Newcomer to November 15.


Article from Norwich Bulletin, November 5, 1912

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Article Text

ONLY $852 FOUND IN VAULTS OF BANK. President Discovered to Have Been Insane for Some Time. Chicago, Nov. 4.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers yesterday on the discovery that William T. Kirby, presiden't of the institution, had been insanne for some time, were today found to contain but $852. A mob of several hundred persons, representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information as to the amount of funds was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. The total liabilities of the bank are unknown. The $852 was made up partly of small change and stamps.


Article from The Salt Lake Tribune, November 5, 1912

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BANK VAULTS FOUND TO BE NEARLY BARE CHICAGO, Nov. -Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank. which was taken charge of by receivers yesterday on the discovery that William T. Kirby, pres. ident of the institution, had been insane for some time. were found to contain but $852.12 when the funds were counted today. A mob of several hundred persons, representing about $50.000 in deposits, it is said, was jammed outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. The total liabilities of the bank are unknown. The $852.12 was made in part of change and stamps. The trial of Daniel J. Kirby, Jr., nephew of W. T. Kirby and cashier of the bank, charged in the municipal court with operating a confidence scheme, was put over to November 15.


Article from Atlanta Semi-Weekly Journal, November 5, 1912

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CRAZY MAN HEAD OF BANK IN CHICAGO (By Associated Press.) CHICAGO, Nov. 4.-That the business of the Kirby Savings bank, a private institution with assets and liabilities said to be approximately $150,000, had for a time been conducted by an insane man, was learned here yesterday when federal officers took charge of the bank. William T. Kirby, president of the bank, was adjudged insane in the county court Friday, and was placed in a sanitarlum to Winnetaka, Ill. He was taken from the bank Thursday by his relatives. To avoid a panic among bank depositors, the insanity hearing was conducted in secrecy.


Article from The Daily Banner, November 5, 1912

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FIND $852 IN BANK TO PAY $50,000 DEPOSIT Prestdent is Insane and the Cashier Arrested. Chicago, Nov. 5.-The vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers on Saturday on the discovery that Wiljiam T. Kirby, president, had been insane for some time, were found to contain only $852. Several hundred persons, represent-


Article from The Brunswick News, November 5, 1912

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BANK WAS RUN INSANE MAN BY William T. Kirby, President of Insti. tution, Adjudged Insane. Chicago, Nov. 4.-That the business of the Kirby Savings Bank, a private institution, with assets and liabilities said to be approximately $150,000,had for a time been conducted by an insane man, was learned here yesterday when federal officers took charge of the bank. William T. Kirby, president of the bank, was adjudged insane in the county court Friday and was placed in a sanitarium in Winnetaka, Illinois. He was taken from the bank on Thursday by his relatives. To avoid a panic among depositors, the insanity hearing was conducted with secrecy.


Article from The Bennington Evening Banner, November 5, 1912

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LUNATIC DIRECTED A BANK Vaults Contain Only $852-Depositors of $50,000 Rage Outside. Chicago, Nov. 4.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings Bank, which was taken charge of by receivers yesterday on the discovery that William T. Kirby, President of the institution, had been insane for some time, were today found to cotain but $852. A mob or several hundred persons representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information as to the amount of funds was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the terowd.


Article from The Evening Times, November 5, 1912

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Article Text

NO MONEY IN VAULTS

Chicago, Nov. 5.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers yesterdoy on the discovery that William T. Kirby, president of the institution, had been insane. were found to contain but $852.12 when the funds were counted today. A mob of several hundred persons representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, was jammed outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. The total liabilities of the bank are unknown.


Article from The Madison Daily Leader, November 6, 1912

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INSANE BANKER LEFT LITTLE Only $852.12 Found in Vaults of Chicago Institution. Chicago, Nov. 6.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers on the discovery that William T. Kirby, president of the institution, had been insane, were found to contain but $852.12 when the funds were counted. A mob of several hundred persons representing about $50,000 in deposits, it is said, was jammed outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd.


Article from The Ward County Independent, November 7, 1912

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INSANE BANKER LEFT LITTLE Only $852.12 Found in Vaults of Chicago Institution. Chicago, Nov. 6.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers on the discovery that William T. Kirby, president of the institution, had been insane, were found to contain but $852.12 when the funds were counted. A mob of several hundred persons representing about $50,000 in deposits, It is said, was jammed outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information was given them. PoMoe were summoned to disperse the srowd.


Article from The Abbeville Press and Banner, November 13, 1912

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INSANE MAN WRECKS BANK Only $852 Found in the Kirby Institution at Chicago. Chicago.-Vaults of the Kirby Savings bank, which was taken charge of by receivers on the discovery that William T. Kirby, president of the institution, had not been found for some time, were found to contain but $852. A mob of several hundred persons, representing about $50,000 in de. posits, it is said, waited outside the bank doors and shouted in rage when the information as to. the amount of funds was given them. Police were summoned to disperse the crowd. Total liabilities of the bank are unknown William T. Kirby, president of the bank, was adjudged insane in the county court and was placed in a sanitarium in Winnetaka, Ill.


Article from The Mathews Journal, November 21, 1912

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WOMAN FAILS TO
PRODUCE MONEY

CHICAGO, ILL. Special. - Mrs. Margaret kirby, wife of Dr. William T. Kirby, owner of the failed Kirby Savings Bank, was cited to appear at noon today before Fed- eral Judge Landis to show cause why she should not be punished for contempt. Yesterday she was or- dered to produce in court $20,000 takne from the bank and which Judge Landis said he was convinced she had concealed.

After the court's order the wo- man's husband asserted that the money had gone to wire tappers. Judge Landis was not convinced by the story, and attorneys for the receivers of the bank, who brought the matter into Federal Court, openly charged that the story was a "frame-up" to help Mrs. Kirby in her attempt to withhold the money. Today her husband's story of giving the money to wire-tappers will be formally told in court.


Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, November 24, 1912

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Crazy Men as Bankers From the Chicago News. Illinois is about the only state in the union in which a crazy man is free to open a bank and advertise for deposits. A dishonest man, if possessed of any sense at all, would be moved by considerations of mere prudence to take better care of deposits intrusted to his custody than would a man bereft of reason. Banks run by bedlamites must be thought to show a refinement of irresponsibility that is sufficient to impress even the lighthearted opponents of a law requiring state supervision of private banks. Dr. William T. Kirby, head of the Kirby Savings bank. 5019 South Ashland avenue, which failed recently owing depositors about $30,000, with assets of less than $1000, has been adjudged insane in the county court. This finding has been questioned, some persons believing that there was method in the madness that looted the Kirby bank so effectually. Whether Kirby is insane or not his case serves to call attention to the fact that a man of unbalanced mind might, under existing conditions, hang out a sign as a banker and proceed to accept deposits without supervision or inspection by the public authorities. To many persons inexperienced in such matters all banks look alike. Though this community has strong and reliable national banks, subject to supervision by


Article from The Guthrie Daily Leader, April 17, 1914

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BANK FAILURE DRIVES KIRBY TO DEATH Chicago, April 17-Dr. William T. Khiby, head of the defunct Kirby Savings bank. died at a hospital here today a mental wreck. Circumstances following the fallure of the Kirby bank have been aired in the federal court here for more than a year. When the bank closed its doors. November 3. 1912, Dr. Kirby could not be found by depositors. Later it was learned he was in a sanitarium. Shortly after this Federal Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust company receiver.


Article from New-York Tribune, April 17, 1914

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BANKER-DEFAULTER DIES Lost Mind After Swindlers Got Depositors' Money. Chicago, April 16.-Dr. William T. Kirby, head of the broken Kirby Savings Bank, died at a hospital here to-day, a mental wreck. Circumstances following the fate of the Kirby bank have been aired in the federal court here for more than a year. When the bank closed its doors, on November 3, 1912, Dr. Kirby could not be found by depositors. Later 1t was learned that he was in a sanatorium. Soon after this Federal Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust Company receiver. It was declared there was $30,000 in deposits in the bank, but none of the money could be found. Judge Landis ordered Dr. Kirby to produce the money or go -to jail for contempt. The former banker then told a story of wire tapping, saying he had lost the money by betting


Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, April 17, 1914

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WILLIAM T

KIRBY DIES MENTAL WRECK Head of Defunct Chicago Bank Succumbs to Strain Following Disastrous Business Affairs Chicago, April 16.-Dr. William T. Kirby, head of the defunct Kirby Savings bank, died at a hospital here today, a mental wreek. Circumstances following the failure of the bank have been aired in court here for more than a year. When the bank closed November 3. 1912, Dr. Kirby could not be found. Later, it was learned he was in a sanitarium. Shortly after this, Federal Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust company as receiver. It was declared there were $30,009 in deposits in the bank but none of the money could be found. Judge Landis ordered Dr. Kirby to produce the money or go to jail for contempt. Attorneys for the Kirbys and for the receiver finished their arguments, before Judge Landis only a few weeks ago and he announced he would take the case under advisement.


Article from Rock Island Argus, April 18, 1914

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CHIEF OF WRECKED CHICAGO BANK DIES CHECKERED CAREER OF DR. WIL. LIAM T. KIRBY COMES TO AN END IN A HOSPITAL. Chicago, Ill., April 18.-Dr. William T. Kirby, head of the defunct Kirby Savings bank, died at a hospital here yesterday, a mental wreck. Circumstances following the failure of the Kirby bank have been aired in the federal court here for more than a year. When the bank closed its doors, November 3, 1912, Dr. Kirby could not be found by depositors. Later it was learned that he was in a sanitarium. Shortly after this, Federal Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust company receiver. It was declared there were $30,000 in deposits in the bank but none of the money could be found. Judge Landis ordered Dr. Kirby to produce the money or go to jail for contempt. The former banker then told a story of wire tappers, saying that he had lost the money by betting on horses on which he had been led to believe he had advance information. Judge Landis doubted the story and cited Mr. and Mrs. Kirby for contempt. Contempt proceedings were then started against P. H. O'Donnell, Joseph Rosenthal, Frank Houlihan and Thomas B. Lantry, lawyers who represented Kirby. Subsequent development strengthened the wire tapping story, however, and several men were indicted. One of them, William Strosnider, was sent to the penitentiary for operating a confidence game. Dr. Kirby had been a prosperous physician on the south side but retired several years ago when he failed. Because of his extensive acquaintance, he started a private bank.


Article from The Mobridge News, April 24, 1914

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To Examine Brain of Deceased

Chicago, April 18.-Dr. William T. Kirby, head of the defunct Kirby Sav. ings bank, died at a hospital here, a mental wreck. Circumstances following the failure of the Kirby bank have been aired in the federal court here for more than a year. When the bank closed its doors Nov. 1, 1912, Dr. Kir by could not be found by depositors. Later it was learned he was in a san itarium. Shortly after this, Federa! Judge Landis appointed the Central Trust company receiver.


Article from The Washington Herald, December 12, 1914

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MORE POLICE OFFICIALS INDICTED IN CHICAGO Among Four Accused, Lieutenant and Detective Are Charged with Big Graft. Chicago, Dec. 11.-Six additional indictments were presented against police officials today. Those indicted were: Capt. John J. Halpin, former chief of detectives; two charges of operating a confidence game; under suspension. Lieut. John S. Tobin, Halpin's former first aid at headquarters; same charges, with bribery added. Walter O'Brien, former detective sergeant at headquarters; same charges as Tobin. Detective Sergeant William Egan, two charges of operating a confidence game. Lieut. Tobin is charged with having accepted bribes to protect the swindlers of Mrs. Hope L. McEldowney, of La Crosse, Wis., who was fleeced out of $15,500, and Mrs. Mary Rapp, of Naperville, III., who was swindled out of $11,000 by the Ryan brothers, Frank and James, posing as clairvoyants. O'Brien is accused of protecting wiretappers who robbed Dr. W. T. Kirby, of $20,000 and broke the Kirby Savings Bank. Capt. Halpin and Egan are accused in the clairvoyant scandal.


Article from The Waxahachie Daily Light, January 28, 1916

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NOTED CROOK IN JOLIET
AFTER YEARS OF IMMUNITY

CHICAGO, January 28.-John Strosnider, "Big Lem" in the under-world, and known chiefly in Chicago as the man who swindled Dr. William T. Kirby out of $20,000 and drove the Kirby Savings bank into the hands of a receiver, is now in the penitentiary at Joliet.

For the first time in twenty years of operation as a "wire tapper," fake fight and race promoter, and seller of fake mining stocks, Strosnider found himself inside a penitentiary, with a prospect of from one to twenty years.

State's Attorney Maclay Hoyne, who convicted Strosnider, spirited him away from his attorneys and put him aboard a train for Joliet with two detectives and Parole Agent Frank Stretton, yesterday afternoon. At 5:30 o'clock Strosnider was received in the penitentiary and placed in a solitary cell.

Strosnider appealed his first conviction and fought it all the way to the United States supreme court. Only last week his appeal was denied and the order entered for his incarceration.