2789. Fannin County Bank (Blue Ridge, GA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
state
Start Date
September 24, 1929
Location
Blue Ridge, Georgia (34.864, -84.324)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
cd502806

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Bank temporarily closed pending audit; neighboring banks and the bank president assisted to obtain funds to reopen.

Description

Cashier J. Fletcher Holden committed suicide after a state examiner arrived and a ~$30,000 shortage was discovered. This precipitated a run (large withdrawals including a $10,000 withdrawal by a power company) and the bank temporarily closed but neighboring banks and the president arranged funds and guaranteed reopening the following day.

Events (2)
1. September 24, 1929 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Discovery of approximately $30,000 shortage in cashier's accounts and subsequent suicide of the cashier (Fletcher Holden).
Measures
Neighboring banks and individuals provided funds; bank president issued statements and personally guaranteed funds to enable reopening; arrangements made to reopen the next day.
Newspaper Excerpt
SUICIDE OF BANKER PRECIPITATES RUN ON GEORGIA BANK ... shortage of more than $30,000 has been found.
Source
newspapers
2. September 24, 1929 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank closed following discovery of shortage and ensuing run; temporary closure pending full audit of books and provision of funds.
Newspaper Excerpt
After the bank closed ... reported tonight that ample funds been obtained to enable the bank open tomorrow.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (4)
1. September 24, 1929 The Atlanta Constitution Atlanta, GA
Article from The Atlanta Constitution, September 24, 1929

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Article Text

SUICIDE OF BANKER PRECIPITATES RUN ON GEORGIA BANK Blue Ridge. Ga., September 24. the Fannin Bank today by that Fletcher Holden. cashier, committed suicide last night following arrival of state bank examiner to go over the books of the bank. The body of Holden was discovered by 11 o'clock last night, lying beside his automobile on deserted three miles from town. He left bank shortly after noon after delivering the keys to bank examiner. pistol was found lying close beside the body the coroner's jury returned verdiet of suicide. It understood that shortage of more than $30,000 has been found.

2. September 25, 1929 The Tampa Tribune Tampa, FL
Article from The Tampa Tribune, September 25, 1929

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Article Text

Cashier's Suicide on At Blue Ridge, Ga. BLUE Sept. run the Fannin County bank here precipitated today by the that Fletcher Holden, cashier. suicide last night arrival state bank examiner to go over the books of the bank. The body of Holden was discovered sheriff's posse o'clock last night, lying beside his automobile deserted road three miles town. He the bank shortly delivering the keys bank pistol found lying close beside the body. coroner's returned verdict suicide. No official the the bank pending thorough of the books Tennessee Electric Power pany been largest individual the bank. company withdrew $10,000 from the bank shortly after opened today. After the bank closed call sent banks neighboring towns, reported tonight that ample funds been obtained to enable the bank open tomorrow.

3. September 25, 1929 Morristown Gazette Mail Morristown, TN
Article from Morristown Gazette Mail, September 25, 1929

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Article Text

BANK CASHIER SHORT ENDS LIFE Blue Ridge, Ga, Sept. 25.-This little own is in a fever of excitement following the suicide of the eashier of the largest bank in town into Monday night, the discovery 0 af shortage of approximately $30,000 in his accounts and a subsequent run on the bank today. The body of J. Fletcher Holden, cashier of the Fannin County bank, was found at 11 o'clock Monday night, lying beside his automobile parked on a deserted road about three miles from town He had left town shortly after noon, after turn ing the books of the bank to O. G. Jackson, state bank examiner who arrived Monday morning No official report of the condition of the bank will be made until after complete audit of the books has been made Mr Jackson said, but it is reported that a shortage in excess of $30,000 exists.

4. September 25, 1929 The Chattanooga News Chattanooga, TN
Article from The Chattanooga News, September 25, 1929

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Article Text

CASHIER SUICIDES AFTER SHORTAGE FOUND IN BANK Run Started on Bank When J. Holden Ends Life and $30,000 Deficit Discovered. Blue Ridge, Ga., Sept. run on the Fannin County bank here was Tuesday by the news that Fletcher Holden. cashier. had committed suicide Monday night following the arrival state bank examiner to over the books of the go body of Holden was discovered sheriff's posse o'clock Monhis three miles He left the after keys pistol found beside the body the coroner hesitate procase suicide. No official announcement concerning condition of the bank was $30,000 has been found in The Electric Power combeen the largest the withdrew $10,000 the shortly after opened the fololwed and wished withdraw money. bank closed Tuesday aftercall banks neighboring was eral had ported cured to the bank open on Marble president the bank. issued statement late stating that would personTuesday ally guarantee that closed examination the books