2465. Merchants National Bank (Ocala, FL)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 3815
Charter Number: 3815
Start Date: January 14, 1897
Location: Ocala, Florida (29.187, -82.140)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 0203b4e2

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Directors closed bank; national bank examiner and receiver placed in charge; eventual sale of assets by receiver.

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate: 23.8%
Date receivership started: 1897-02-03
Date receivership terminated: 1901-09-30
OCC cause of failure: Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good: 13.3%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful: 37.8%
Share of assets assessed as worthless: 48.9%

Description

Contemporary accounts report a multi-week run culminating Jan 14, 1897; directors closed the bank and notified the Comptroller. Examiner Shubrick placed in charge and a receiver (G. C. Stapylton) later administered the estate; the bank did not resume business and assets/building were sold by the receiver in 1898–1899. Cause of the run/suspension tied to poor management and suspected insolvency (bank-specific adverse information) and withdrawals. No evidence of reopening.

Events (6)

1. November 21, 1887 Chartered

Source: historical_nic

2. January 14, 1897 Run

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Steady withdrawals over several weeks prompted by rumors and knowledge of poor management and the president's absence; inability to obtain correspondent assistance precipitated large withdrawals (~$12,000) that exhausted cash.
Measures: Directors decided to close the bank's doors; notice posted 'Bank closed by order of directors'; comptroller notified; examiner placed in charge.
Newspaper Excerpt: For some weeks it had been quietly rumored that the institution was in a very shaky condition and those who received the tip quietly withdrew their deposits. This has occasioned a steady run on the bank for the past three weeks. Yesterday a climax was reached. All day a steady run was made and at night the withdrawals by local depositors during the day footed up over $12,000.
Source: newspapers

3. January 14, 1897 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Board resolution to suspend following the large withdrawals and reported weak management/insolvency; comptroller/examiner involvement; examiner placed in charge awaiting receiver appointment; liabilities reported about $154,000 against capital $100,000 and heavy deposits drawn down to small cash on hand (~$1,500).
Newspaper Excerpt: A notice was placed on the door which read as follows: Bank closed by order of directors, comptroller has been notified. ... Mr. Coffin, acting comptroller of the currency, has received a telegram stating that the Merchants' National bank, Ocala, Fla., has suspended today. Bank Examiner Shubrick was placed in charge.
Source: newspapers

4. January 22, 1897 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: Mr. Shubrick, national bank examiner, who was in Ocala scarcely two weeks ago and then examined the bank is now in charge of the institution awaiting the appointment of a receiver. ... R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the bank, committed suicide later after receiver made additional charges against him. G. C. Stapylton, receiver of the bank, made affidavit ... (June reports). Later the receiver sold the bank building (1898) and advertised remaining assets for sale (1899).
Source: newspapers

5. February 3, 1897 Receivership

Source: historical_nic

6. January 13, 1898 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: Bank Building Sold. The sale of the Merchants National Bank building, vaults and fixtures took place yesterday by Receiver Stapylton upon an order from the court, and Messrs. Munroe & Chambliss were the purchasers and the price paid was $10,000. ... Messrs. Munroe & Chambliss will open a state bank just as soon as they can organize, and until that time will continue in their present satisfactory and profitable business. The building has fallen into good hands.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (25)

1. January 14, 1897 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, January 14, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

CLOSED THE DOORS. THE MERCHANTS' NATIONAL BANK OF THIS CITY SUCCUMBS TO THE FINANCIAL DEPRESSION. Our city was thrown into a state of great excitement this morning when it became known that the directors of the Merchants' National bank had decided not to open the doors. Soon after 8 o'clock the news began to spread and in a few minutes a large crowd had congregated in front of the bank discussing the situation and waiting anxiously for the usual opening hour. A few minutes before 9 o'clock a notice was placed on the door which read as follows: "Bank closed by order of directors, comptroller has been notified." This told the tale and the creditors knew that their worst fears had been realized. For some weeks it had been quietly rumored that the institution was in a very shaky condition and those who received the "tip" quietly withdrew their deposits. This has occasioned a steady run on the bank for the past three weeks. Yesterday a climax was reached. All day a steady rub was made and at night the withdrawals by local depositors during the day footel up over $12,000. This, together with the large amounts that had been drawn out, to use a plain expression, "busted the bank." The amount of deposits remaining in the bank is thought to be comparitively small, but nevertheless the blow i3 a severe one, The people of this community are not able to lose a cent in this way, and coming as it does, before we have recovered from the fearful crash of two years ago, the blow is doubly severe. What caused the failure at this time is a mystery. President McConnell is in New York trying to obtain assistance and his failure to get it is said to have forced the run yesterday. It is hoped the losses are not even as great as reported.

2. January 14, 1897 San Antonio Daily Light San Antonio, TX

Article from San Antonio Daily Light, January 14, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ANOTHER BANK LOST. Washington, Jan. 14.-Mr. Coffin, acting comptroller of the currency, has received a telegram stating that the Merchants' National bank, Ocala, Fla., has suspended today. The bank has a capital of $100,000 and at the date of its last report it owed other banks $8,000; its individual deposits were $108,000 and its bills payable $38,000. Bank Examiner Shubrick was placed in charge. It is stated that the bank has not beeen well managed for some time.

3. January 15, 1897 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC

Article from The News & Observer, January 15, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FLORIDA BANK FAILS. Washington, Jan. 14.-Mr. Coffin, the Acting Comptroller of the Curreney, lia received a telgram stating that the Merchants National Bank, of Ocala, Fle. suspended to-day by resolution of the board of directors. The bank has a cupital of $100,000, and at the date of its report it. owed other banks $8.000. Its individual deposits amounted to $108. 000, and its bills payable to $38,000. Bank Examiner Shubrick has been placed in charge. It is stated that the bank has not been well managed for some time.

4. January 15, 1897 The Morning News Savannah, GA

Article from The Morning News, January 15, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FLORIDA HAS THREE FAILURES. BANKS CLOSE AT OCALA, ORANGE CITY AND BROOKSVILLE. The Merchants National the One Involved at Ocala and Its Liabilities $154,000-The Orange City Bank a Private Concern Run by the Stillman Brothers-The Failure at Brooksville Brought on by the Assignment at Ocala. Ocala, Fla., Jan. 14.-The Merchants' National Bank closed its doors this morning. To many it was not a surprise, but to the public at large it was, as it was thought it had passed through its worst trials. President McConnell was absent in New York, trying to arrange with its correspondent there to get help. From statements made to the Morning News correspondent by persons, who ought to know what they are talking about, the story runs about in this way: For several weeks there has been a stealy withdrawal of deposits, amounting to about $50,000. Yesterday the climax was reached, about $12,000 being withdrawn, carrying the cash on hand down to $1,500. The directors held a meeting last night, and knowing big demands would be made this morning, decided to close the bank's doors. Long before 9 o'clock this morning a crowd began to gather, many in the hope that the bank would open, ready to demand their deposits. By 9 o'clock several hundred people were around the corner, and when the notice was posted "closed by order of the directors," the excitement became intense. Men wept in disappointment, others gesticulated wildly, and the air was lurid with hot speech, It is a sad and sore blow to Ocala. The people were just beginning to recover from the effects of the freeze, and the failure of the First National Bank, when this new calamity sends them reeling. On Monday of last week the bank examiner was here, went through the bank's accounts and pronounced it all right, at least so the public print expressed. A director said this morning the deposits ran down for the month from $120,000 to $70,000 at its close. It is also learned that a deed executed last August for $13,000 on the bank building to J. N. C. Stockton, a Jacksonville banker, was filed for record this morning before 8 o'clock. It is also stated that President McConnell's property is mortgaged. Business men say it has been next to impossible for the past six months to get any accommodation. The failure hits the Ocala newspaper men for a $1,000, notably F. E. Harris for nearly $800. A winter visitor placed $200 in the bank several weeks ago for his use and others who came to enjoy the climate small sums. While some of the Ocala people are hopeful others are the reverse. Many are finding fault at President McConnell's absence and others that the directors were not better advised regarding the condition of the bank. Washington, Jan. 14.-The controller of the currency was advised this morning by the directors of the Merchants' National Bank of Ocala, Fla., that the bank had closed its doors. The bank had a capital of $100,000. Its liabilities are $154,000, as follows: $108,000 Due depositors 38,000 Borrowed money 8,000 Due to banks Bank Examiner Shubrick has been placed in charge of the bank. Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 14.-The Orange City Bank, a private institution of which John E. Stillman, chairman of the republican executive committee of this state, is president, has closed its doors, and R. S. Leavitt of Orange City, the assignee, is now in charge. The cashier of the bank was Arthur Stillman, a brother of the president. The Stillman brothers were the principal owners of the bank, and they have assigned all of their property to R. S. Leavitt for the benefit of their creditors. There was no warning of the failure, and within the past few weeks several northern people, who have winter homes in the vicinity of Orange City, have deNo posited various sums in the bank. statement of the assets or liabilities of the bank has yet been announced Brooksville, Fla., Jan. 14.-The Brooksville State Bank has closed its doors tem. porarily on account of the suspension f the Merchants National Bank of Ocala this morning. The losses are pretty general. Confidence, however, remains in the honesty of the officials of this bank.

5. January 15, 1897 The Bryan Daily Eagle Bryan, TX

Article from The Bryan Daily Eagle, January 15, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Bank at Ceals Suspends. WASHINGTON, Jan. 14. -Mr. Coffin, acting comptroller of the currency, has received is telegram stating that the Merchants' National bank of Ocala, Fla., has suspended. The bank has a capital of $100,000, and at the date of its last report it owed other banks $8000, its deposits were $108,000, and its bills payable $88,000. Bank Examiner Shubrick has been placed in charge. It is stated that the bank has not been well managed for some time past.

6. January 16, 1897 The Guthrie Daily Leader Guthrie, OK

Article from The Guthrie Daily Leader, January 16, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

An Ocala, Fla., Bank Suspends. W ASHINGTON, Jan. 15.-Mr. Coffin, the acting comptroller of the currency, has received a telegram stating that the Merchants' National bank of Ocala, Fla., suspended to-day. Assets and liabilities unknown.

7. January 21, 1897 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, January 21, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

five ballots and was declared elected. A communication was read from C. E Eichner tendering his services to the city for the present year free of charge. Davis offered a resolution favoring the appointment of Z. C. Chambliss as receiver of the Merchants' National bank. It WSS unanimously adopted. On motion of Smith, the investigation of the trouble between tax collector Livingston and city treasurer Moody, was proceeded with. On motion of Green all witnesses not testifying were exclud ed from the room. J. H Livingston, jr., was first called and after being sworn by Mayor Bullock, related his side of the transaction. His statement revealed the fact that during the year of 1856, from Mch. 3 to Dec. 3%, he has been depositing the city funds with R. B. McConnel at the Merchants' National cank. At irregular intervals he has been turning same over to Treasurer Moody, At the close of the year McConnell owed him a balance of $2,600. The latter made him a check on the bank for the amount and which, with other checks, amounting in all to $4,000, he turned over to Moody, who gave him a receipt for the amount, but afterwards get possession of the $2,600 receipt and failed to credit it, claiming that the check was made out by McConnel in an irregular way. Mr. Moody was then called and sworn. He testified to having seen McConnell on January 11th in regard to turning over the city fundsin his possession. McConnell said the city script was in New York. He had sent it away for the purpose of entering suit and getting first judgment against the city. When told that a settlement would have to be made at once, he said that if he could not get script in time he would give cash and would issue a check to Livingston so that he could endorse it over to Moody. Two days later when he received the check, it was made out directly to Moody and he refused it on the grounds that it relieved Livingston of all responsibility and was not the kind of a check that McConnell had agreed to give him. He gave Livingston a receipt before examining the check, but afterwards got possession of the receipt and then refused to give Livingston credit until McConnel rectified the mistake. That gentleman was in New York on important business connected with the bank, and meanwhile the bank busted with over $9000 of the city's money and the band started in on another tune. Mr. Bird the special examiner and clerk Blake then gave testimony in regard to the disputed reccipt; how it was secured by Livingston, and how it was afterwards secured by the treasurer. Before any more witnesses were heard the council adjourned until next Tuesday evening when the trial will be countinued. In the , meantime the bank will hold what i money we have, and McConnell will doubtless secure a judgment I agaiest the city, and will collect the principle and interest on our own scrip.

8. January 21, 1897 The Hocking Sentinel Logan, OH

Article from The Hocking Sentinel, January 21, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Flori'a Bank Suspends. The Merchants' National Bank of Ocala, Fla., has suspended. The bank has a capital of $100,000, and at the date of its las report it owed other banks $8,000. Its individual deposits amounted to $108,000. and its bills payable to $38. 000.

9. January 21, 1897 Democratic Northwest and Henry County News Napoleon, OH

Article from Democratic Northwest and Henry County News, January 21, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Colonel J. C. Spooner was elected to the United States senate from Wisconsin. Letters bearing the postage stamp of the Republic of Cuba have been delivered in New York. There is objection to the general arbitration treaty because it would infringe upon the Monroe doctrine. The Coxey reformers Issued an address to the people from St. Louis signed by Coxey and his son-in-law, Carl Browne. Captain General Weyler is in a very bad humor since he realizes he is about to lose his job, and refuses to see any one. General Roloff, secretary of war of the Republic of Cuba, has been arrested in New York, but the charge is kept secret. The City National bank of Streator, Ills., has notified its depositors to come and get their money, as it is going out of business. Friday. Two crooked bank officials were acquitted at Denver. The Merchants' National bank of Ocala, Fla., suspended. The house committee on Pacific railroads decided to reopen the question. A bill is pending before the Kansas legIslature to exclude wildcat corporations. Five persons were injured at Pittsburg because a gripman lost control of his car. A Lexow committee has been appointed to investigate the St. Louis police department. The plague has depopulated Bombay. Vultures are devouring the bodies of the dead. John D. Rockefeller, the multi-millionaire, was re-elected superintendent of the Sunday school of the Euclid Avenue Baptist church. Saturday. Martin B. Madden withdrew from the IIIInois senatorial race. Senator Chandler still Insists that armor plate costs too much. Miss Katherine Clemmons, actress, is soon to wed Howard Gould. The strike of stevedores at Green Bay, Wis., has been settled. A special from Budapest says Princess de Chimay is tired of her Gypsy lover and he of her. The Clyde line steamer Delaware, seized by the dispatch boat Dolphin off Mayport, was released. Major Prince, who is looking after the Cuban interests in Kansas City, took an overdose of chloral. Adjutant General Moses of Colorado has , wired a Columbus (0.) firm ordering 500 uniforms for recruits who are on guard at the Leadville mines. Buckner's Orphans' home burned at Dallas, Tex., and five inmates perished. Nine fishermen were driven out of Green Bay on a cake of ice into Lake Michigan. Ben Li, a tea merchant of Portsmouth, O., has been notified by the highbinders that he is to be killed. A boy named Glaydon, while Aworking in a cornfield, was fatally shot by an unknown assassin near Dupont, Patrick Donahue married a girl in Philadelphia whom he had betrayed and murdered her 20 hours later. The election of Hugh John McDonald of Winnepeg to the Dominion house of commons has been declared void because he hired vehicles to take voters to the polls. Monday. The Grand Opera House in Winnipeg was burned. Three children were asphyxiated in a tenement in Boston. Whole districts in India are without food and the people are starving. Over 22,000 people were engaged as bread winners in the United States in 1890. German millers have offered $250 for a method of destroying the meal moth. Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage urges the approval of the general arbitration treaty. A negro who beat and robbed George P. Beauvais at Whitecastle, Ia., was lynched. Judge J. F. McDonald of Fort Scott, Kan., was arrested on the charge of embezzlement. The First National bank of Newport, Ky., and the German National bank of Louisville failed. A new kind of Roentgen ray has been discovered in Vienna, which distinguishes death from catalepsy. Carl B. Christensen, who says he is a professor in Waterloo (Ia.) college, was arrested for stealing books from the public library in Boston. While the pope hoped to have the papacy recognized as a permanent arbitration tribunal for all nations, he is pleased with the treaty between the United States and England.

10. January 22, 1897 The Ocala Banner Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Banner, January 22, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

GOOD NEWS TO DEPOSITORS. A Telegram from Senator Call says the Merchants may Resume. The following telegram has been received by the editor of this paper which will be good news to all our people and especially to bank depositors. Washington, D. C., Jan. 21st, 1897. To F. E. Harris, Oeala. Comptroller will authorize the bank to resume as now advised and not appoint a receiver. WILKINSON CALL.

11. January 22, 1897 The Ocala Banner Ocala, FL

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Wreckage-Bank Items. The Merchants bank failed to open Thursday morning. Friday evening J. A. Rowell and S. R. Birdsey & Co. made assignments, the result of the bank closing its doors Jesse M. Neely is assignee of the first named party, whose assets are $6,562 and liabilities $21,000, of which amount Mr. Rowell owes the Merchants bank, of which he was vicepresident and a director and a member of the credit committee, $7,500, R. B. McConnell, president of the bank, $1,543 and the Park City bank, New York, $4,500. Mr. Samuel R. Birdsey Jr., is assignee of the firm of Birdsey & Co., whose assets are something over $6000 and liabilities $9,198.24; due the Merchants bank, $2,800 and $1000 due President McConnell. The liabilities of the bank are reputed at $154,000 and its assets $170,000. Mr. Shubrick, national bank examiner, who was in Ocala scarcely two weeks ago and then examined the bank is now in charge of the institution awaiting the appointment of a receiver. It has caught a great many people with their all of home folks, while from the outside many were equally unfortunate. So far nothing new has developed. The county and city are large losers by the failure.

12. January 22, 1897 The Ocala Banner Ocala, FL

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Ocala desires Mr. Z. C. Chambliss to be appointed receiver of the Merchants National bank. His petition is being numerously signed.

13. January 23, 1897 The Greenville Times Greenville, MS

Article from The Greenville Times, January 23, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

A Florida Bank Suspends. The Merchants' national bank of Ocala, Fla., with a capital of $100,000, has suspended. It is stated that the bank has not been well managed.

14. January 23, 1897 Chicago Eagle Chicago, IL

Article from Chicago Eagle, January 23, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Florida Bank Suspends. The Merchants' National Bank of Ocala. Fla.. has suspended. The bank has a capital of $100,000, and at the date of its last report it owed other banks $8,000. Its individual deposits amounted to $108,000, and its bills payable to $38,1000.

15. February 17, 1897 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, February 17, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ONE FOR JACKSONVILLE. THE MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK OF THAT CITY CLOSED ITS DOORS YESTERDAY. The Merchants' National Bank of Jacksonville was forced to suspend yesterday. About n on tha same cld notice was found tacked to the door which read as follows: This bank closed by order of the directors. The comproller has been notified." The Metropolis, of that city, in speaking ot the affair, says: "The news quickly spread that the 'Merchants National Bank had closed," and soon quite a crowd gathered in front of the doors, but there was really very little excitement, for the failure was not unexpected, as it had been known ever since the publication of the last bank statement on December 17th, that the deposits in the bank were not as large as they ought to have been One of the principal causes, tco, of this weakness was the failure ot the Merchants' National Bank of Ocale, and many people confounded the two banks, causing many timorous people to withdraw their deposits from the Merchants' National Bank in this city. The bankers of this city were apprised of the serious situation of the bank last Sunday and held a conference and appointed a committee, consisting of Messrs. H. G. Aird, R. C. Cooley, T. P. Denham and B. H. Barnett, to investi gate the bank's accounts. These gentlemen made a thorough examination, and Mr. Cooley, who was authorized as spokesman for the committee, said that it was the belief of the committee, after examining the securities, that depositors would be paid in full, but that it would take some little time. One thing the committee emphasized and that was the failure was not brought about by anything dishonorable. The failure came because the depositors drew out their money faster than the bank could realize on its securities.

16. June 5, 1897 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, June 5, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

R. B. McConnell, the Defaulting Bank President ENDS HIS UNHAPPY LIFE. The Terrible Deed Committed About Two O'clock This Afternoon at The Home of His Brother-inLaw, W. K. McDonald.Tragic Ending of an Eventful Career. "McConnell has killed himself" was the news that spread like wild fire through the streets of our city this afternoon. When the excitement had subsided, the facts in the terrible tragedy became known. R. B. McConnell, the Merchant's National bank president, committed suicide by sending a ball through his brain. The particulars as near as could be learned are as follows: G. C. Stapylton, receiver of the bank, made affidavit to some additional charges against him and placed them in the hands of U.S. Commissioner D. S. Williams, who swore out a warrant and placed it in the hands of U. S. Marshal James Clark, who went to the home of W. K. McDonald, where McConnell was taking dinner. When he read the warrant McConnell asked to go up stairs for his coat. While he was up stairs a pistol shot rang out loud and clear. The officer rushed up only to find the unfortunate man a corpse on the floor with a bullet hole in his temple and a revolver still smoking in his hand. It was a sad sight. The aged mother was overwhelmed with grief. Medical aid was summoned but death preceded them. They found him a corpse. The affair caused the greatest excitement in town. Everywhere groups of men were seen discussing the terrible deed. It came like a thunderbolt but not entirely unexpected by some who were intimate with all the circumstances. The heartbroken mother and sorrow stricken friends have the sympathy of all. Whatever may have been the man's shortcomings, let us draw the mantle of charity, and pity those who suffer by the rash deed.

17. June 5, 1897 The Morning News Savannah, GA

Article from The Morning News, June 5, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

taxes, F. Vidal Cruz; councilmen, for two years, Frank Murilo, Fernando Figuera-do, Philip H. Collins; councilman for one year, Jacinto Chile. ### Col. T. M. Atkins Died Col. T. M. Atkins died at Orange Home of bronchitis a few days ago. He served a term as representative from Sumter county in the lower house of the Florida legislature, and also a term as doorkeeper of the House. He was a first cousin of ex-Congressman J. C. Atkins of Tennessee, who was Cleveland's commissioner of Indian affairs during his first term. R. B. McConnell, president of the suspended Merchants National Bank, of Ocala, who has been mysteriously missing for the past two months, turned up very unexpectedly Thursday. He left about the time the legislature took up the charges against State Treasurer Collins, and the rumor gained circulation that he was hiding from the investigating committee. At a meeting of the city council at Gainesville Tuesday night the full amount of the shortage of ex-Clerk and Treasurer Sigsbee, as claimed by the special committee, which has examined the books and accounts, was made known. The amount is $3,300 in round figures, with several hundred more in doubt. Mr. Sigsbee admitted a shortage of $2,400, disputing only the minor items of the bill. There is an important book missing, which may alter the situation if it comes to light. W. E. Hutchinson and wife, who live upon one of Capt. C. F. Cane's farms, three and a half miles from White Springs, disappeared very suddenly on May 15. They were last seen on their way home from White Springs. Last Saturday evening news was carried to White Springs that the place was deserted, the house open and their horse in the lot almost starved to death. A thorough search of the surrounding country is to be made. The Hutchinsons came from Georgia. Daytona News-Gazette: A fight to the death between two snakes was witnessed near Daytona last week. A black snake, commonly called a gopher snake, five feet long, had caught a king snake by the neck and twisting its black body about the squirming victim was choking it to death. After the king snake had given up the struggle and its life, the victor proceeded to swallow the vanquished in the approved style. The dead snake was only six inches shorter than the victor, but that did not keep it on the outside, for the gopher snake soon had it down, even to the last tip of the wriggling tail. "On a little coral island some hundred miles south of Florida, a townsman of mine, Capt. Minor, lately captured twenty-four head of seals belonging to a species that were thought to be extinct," said Sewall C. Cobb of Pensacola, Fla., to a Washington Post man Friday. "They are known as the monarch of the tropics, and differ considerably from their brethren found in northern waters. One striking feature is their docility; they make no effort to escape capture, and appear to like to be petted. I have just disposed of a few of them in New York and Philadelphia, and the Smithsonian Institute here has contracted for four. "The capture of these seals was a big surprise to scientific men, who supposed that this species had been exterminated. They are of no commercial value worth mentioning."

18. June 6, 1897 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA

Article from Richmond Dispatch, June 6, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TRAGEDY AT OCALA DEFAULTING PRESIDENT OF FUNCT BANK COMMITS SUICIDE. A BULLET THROUGH HIS brain. Sad Circumstances of His Self-De« struction-He Was at Dinner With Wife and Mother-Warrant for His Arrest. OCALA, FLA., June 5.-About 2 o'clock this afternoon, R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the defunct national bank, sent a bullet crashing through his brain. Before medical atd could be summoned he was a corpse. The deed was committed at the house of his brother-in-law, W. K. McDonald, where he, his wife, and his mother were taking dinner. The particulars are as follows: G. C. Stapleton, receiver of the Merchants' Bank, had made some new developments in the bank's business that showed up very badly against McConnell. He at once communicated them to United States Commissioner G. S. Williams, who forthwith issued a warrant for McConnell's arrest. This was placed in the hands of Deputy United States Marshal James Clarke, who proceeded to the McConnell residence. He learned there that the bank president was at dinner at Mr. McDonald's. When he went thither and read the warrant, McConnell asked for permission to go upstairs to get his coat. In about two minutes the household was startled by the loud report of a pistol, and the fall of a heavy body on the floor told the tale. The officer rushed up stairs, only to find Mr. McConnell breathing his last, with a big hole in the right side of his head, over the ear, and the smoking revolver still in his hand. The mother and wife were prostrated with grief. The affair caused greater excitement in the city than even the bank failure.

19. June 6, 1897 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, June 6, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

PREFERRED DEATH TO ARREST. A DEFAULTING BANK PRESIDENT COMMITS SUICIDE WHEN THE WARRANT IS READ TO HIM. Ocala, Fla., June 5.-R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the defunct Merchants' National Bank, committed suicide this afternoon. He sent a bullet through his brain, and before medical aid could be summoned was dead. The deed was committed at the home of his brother-in-law, W. K. McDonald, where he, his wife and mother were taking dinner. G. C. Stapylton, receiver of the Merchants' Bank, had made some new discoveries in the bank's business that showed badly against McConnell. He at once communicated them to United States Commissioner G. S. Williams, who issued a warrant for McConnell's arrest. This was placed in the hands of Deputy Marshal Clarke, who proceeded the to McConnell's house. He learned there that bank president was dining at Mr. McDonald's He went to the house and read the warrant, when McConnell asked permission to go upstairs to get his coat. A moment later the household was startled by the loud report of a pistol. The officer rushed upstairs only to find Mr. McConnell breathing his last with a hole in the right side of his head over the ear, and the smoking revolver still in his hand. The mother and wife are prostrated with grief. The affair caused greater excitement in the city than even the bank failure.

20. June 6, 1897 The Saint Paul Globe Saint Paul, MN

Article from The Saint Paul Globe, June 6, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANKER'S SUICIDE. Death His Choice Rather Than to Face Disgrace. OCALA, Fla., June 5.-R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the Merchants' National bank, committed suicide this afternoon. The deed was committed at the home of his brotherin-law, W. K. McDonald, where he, his wife and mother were taking dinner. The receiver of the Merchants' bank had made some new discoveries in the bank business that showed up very badly against McConnell. A warrant was issued for McConnell's arrest. An officer served the warrant while McConnell was dining. McConnell asked permission to go up stairs to get his coat. A moment later the household was startled by the report of a pistol. The officer rushed up stairs only to find Mr. McConnell breathing his last with a hole in the right side of his head over the ear, and the smoking revolver still in his hand.

21. June 7, 1897 The Portland Daily Press Portland, ME

Article from The Portland Daily Press, June 7, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Bank President Suicides. Ocala Fla., June 5.-R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the defunct Merchant National bank, committed suicide today. He sent a bullet through his brain at the home of his brother-inlaw, W.K. McDonald, where he, his wife and mother were taking dinner. The receiver of the Merchants bank had made some new discoveries in the bank's business that showed up very badly against McConnell, and the United States commissioner had issued a warrant for McConnell's arrest. A deputy U. S. marshal went to Mr. McDonald's home and read the warrant. McConnell asked permis sion to go up stairs to get his coat. A moment later the household was startled by the report of a pistol. The officer rushed up stairs, only to find McConnell breathing his last.

22. June 19, 1897 The L'anse Sentinel L'anse, MI

Article from The L'anse Sentinel, June 19, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DOMESTIC. Five men were killed and several badly injured in a collision between a freight train and work train near Hudson, Wis. At Ardmore, I. T., James Williams, editor of the Daily Chronicle, was shot through the heart by Clarence Douglass, a politician. William J. Calhoun, who was sent to Cuba as a special commissioner to investigate the circumstances of the death in prison of Dr. Ruiz, an American citizen. arrived in New York. In an interview Mr. Calhoun said Cuba was rapidly being devastated by a relentless, cruel and bitter civil war. so that in a short time it would not be worth anything to anyone. The fire loss of the United States and Canada for May amounts to $10,193,600, against $10,618,000 in May, 1896. The total loss since January 1 amounts to $52,250,000, against $58,283,300 in the first five months of 1896. At Columbus, O., John C. Short, late receiver of the Lancaster & Hamden railroad was charged with being $71,195 short in his accounts. A hailstorm completely destroyed crops of all kinds north of Rogers, Tex., great damage was done to houses and two persons were killed. Emma Techannan, five years old, was killed by the cars at Defiance, O. She was the third member of the family killed on the railroad within a year. The Wilcox & White Organ company, one of the largest manufacturers of organs in the United States, failed at Meriden, Conn., for $100,000. In referring to the recent fatal riot in Urbana, O., Gov. Bushnell said the members of the national guard only did their duty and were entitled to the support of the state. In a riot at a coal mine in Minonk, III., Andrew Morgan and John Veloski were killed. Rev. Berry Lawson, a Methodist minister near Barbourville, Ky., was shot and killed by his 15-year-old son. The lad was angry because his father had punished him. Jerome Smeathers and his wife and seven children were poisoned at Yedvington, Ky., with paris green. One child was dead, two were dying and possibly none would recover. Joseph Richardson, an eccentric man worth $20,000,000, died in New York, aged 84 years An explosion of fireworks wrecked a building in Chicago, caused the death of Mrs. Maggie Kenney, the injury of nearly 100 persons and a damage of $50,000 to property. Florence Williams killed her lover in McDowell county, W. Va., after a quarrel, and escaped. Both are members of prominent families. W. J. Calhoun, of Danville, Ill., the special commissioner to Cuba, returned to Washington and made his report to the president. The Pennsylvania legislature has passed a bill taxing each unnaturalized adult male employed in the state two cents a day. The reports as to the condition of the crops throughout the country show that cold weather and frosts did damage in many states. R. B. McConnell, the defaulting president of the defunct Merchants national bank at Ocala, Fla., committed suicide. Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee, U. S. N., retired, the last of the commanders of great squadrons during the civil war, died at his home at Silver Springs, near Washington. During the past week wolves and coyotes have slain hundreds of head of calves and sheep in southwstern Kansas and Oklahoma. The exchanges at the leading clearing houses in the United States during the week ended on the 4th aggregated $886,971,775, against $917,628,059 the previous week. The decrease compared with the corresponding week of 1896 was 8.6.

23. July 7, 1897 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, July 7, 1897

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

OUR CITY FATHERS Held a Long and Important Meeting Last Night-A New Policeman Elected-City in Splendid Sanitary Condition. The city council met in regular Present: session last night. President Livingston, Davis, Green, Waterman, Carmichael, Benjamin and Weathers. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Moody asked for and was granted till next meeting to complete his bond as city treasurer in an indemnity company. Green moved that City Treasbe receiver's cure urer Moody a authorized certificate to of pro- the for $3,500 from the receiver Merchants' National bank in lieu of certificate of deposit. Carried. L. Communication read from S. Black, asking to run a lunch counter on the streets on the 8th. Refused. Communication read from city council in reference to health ordinance. Archie Jacobs asked that he Re- be allowed to work out taxes. ferred to street committee. Petition asking for rebate on taxes on property for which W. L. Jewett is agent. Referred to finance committee. Petition from General Electric Co., asking to move Eichelberger arc light to North Main street. Referred to light committee. Communication read from Dr. Torrey asking for rebate on his property. Upon motion referred to finance committee. A communication read from J. A. Harris, Panasoffkee, in regard to a scheme to destroy the white fly, the orange pest, in our city. Referred to the Star for publication. An ordinance introduced by Benjamin read to prohibit firing to of fire-works on streets or build bon-fires during holidays without permit from mayor and fire committee. Referred to judiciary committee. An ordinance introduced by Da- of vis to prevent the placing signs, advertisements or bills or upon telegraph, telephone electric light poles. Referred to judiciary committee. The following bills were read and ordered paid: monthly pay roll, $480; Electric Light Co., $235.90; Mrs. Moring, feeding paupers, $9; Ocala Water Co., $1,023.75; election, expense, Even- $5; F.P. Gaffney, $2.75; Ocala ing Star, $1.20; J. D. Williams, $10.35; G. A. Nash, $2.50; Ocala Lime Co., $21.90; G. R. Smith, J. $2; McIver & McKay, $6.20; W. Smoak, $7.50; J. A. Giles, G. $23; S.T. Sistrunk, $4; R. Blake, $2.30; John McCarthy, H. $23.68; A. E. Handley, $1.80; B. Masters, 25c; Hubbard & McDuff, $1.52; G. S. Scott, insurance on market, $45; W. Hunter, $2.50. Report of city officers read and approved. An ably written opinion from the city ottorney was read, bearon the matter of the city's deposited in the ing funds collateral defunct Merchants' bank and as of with the National City bank New York. The report was concise and complete and ordered of filed for reference and thanks tho council was tendered him. Report of city sanitary inspector read showing city in good condition from a sanitary point of view. Resolution by Carmichael asking that cow ordinance be suspended for two months. Ruled out of order. Several reports from the finance committe ordered adopted.

24. January 13, 1898 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, January 13, 1898

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Bank Building Sold. The sale of the Merchants National Bank building, vaults and fixtures took place yesterday by Receiver Stapylton upon an order from the court, and Messrs. Munroe & Chambliss were the purchasers and the price paid was $10,000. The only other bona fide bid was $9,000 from a Tampa man, Mr. Liddon, by his friend, Mr. Trice. There were some other conditional bids. One by a capitalist for $9,500 and one from a Kentucky firm for $10,000, but conditional on the people of this city-raising $10,000 of the capital stock, which they did not do. Mr. Stapylton has accepted the best bid and sold the property to the best of his ability, but it is very cheap. The vaults and fixtures alone cost the price paid. Messrs. Munroe & Chambliss will open a state bank just as soon as they can organize, and until that time will continue in their present satisfactory and profitable business. The building has fallen into good hands.

25. June 5, 1899 The Ocala Evening Star Ocala, FL

Article from The Ocala Evening Star, June 5, 1899

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

NOTICE Receiver's Sale Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to an order made on the 17th day of April, A. D. 1899, by the Honorable James W. Locke, Judge of the UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT for the Southern District of Florida, I will sell for cash, to the highest bidder, at public auction, in front of the Court House at Ocala. Florida, MONDAY, THE 12th DAY OF JUNE, A.D., 1899. at 10 o'clock a. m., the remaining assets of the MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK of OCALA, FLORIDA, excepting only such as are involved in litigation now pending. G. C. STAPYLTON, Receiver of the Merchants' National Bank of Ocala. Florida.