First National Bank (Marion, KS)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Suspension β†’ Closure
Start Date
August 16, 1893
Location
Marion, Kansas (38.348, -97.017)
Bank Type
national
Charter Number
3018

Metadata

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
78.7%
Date receivership started
1893-08-22
OCC cause of failure
Losses
Share of assets assessed as good
54.7%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
40.2%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
5.1%

Notes

Suspension by examiner followed within days by federal appointment of a receiver tied to reported embezzlement by the president.

Events (4)

1. July 28, 1883 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. August 16, 1893 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Suspended and taken charge of by Bank Examiner Latimer (special examiner).
Newspaper Excerpt
MARION, Kan., Aug. 16.-The First National bank of this place suspended late this afternoon. Bank Examiner Latimer took charge.
Source
newspapers
3. August 22, 1893 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The controller of the currency today appointed N. C. Morris receiver of the First National 4a Bank of Marion, Kan.
Source
newspapers
4. August 22, 1893 Receivership
Source
historical_nic

Newspaper Articles (19)

Article from The Herald, August 17, 1893

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A Kansas Bank Suspends

MARION, Kan., Aug. 16.-The First National bank of this place suepended late this afternoon. Bank Examiner Latimer took charge.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 17, 1893

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A Kansas Bank Suspends

MARION, Kan., Aug. 16-The First National bank of this place suspended late this afternoon. Bank Examiner Latimer took charge.


Article from The Morning Call, August 17, 1893

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DEBTS KILLED IT

Why the Northern Pacific Went Down. COULD NOT MEET LOANS. Then Its Consols Declined in Price and the Company Went to the Wall. Special to THE MORNING CALL. NEW YORK, Aug. 16.-Little news is obtainable about the affairs of the Northern Pacific. A representative of the company said to-day, in discussing the cause for the appointment of receivers. that there was nothing to add to the published statement that there was a falling off in receipts and consequent inability to pay the interest about to fall due on the floating debt. All this had nothing whatever to do with the application. Another person, however, who said he was familiar with the company's affairs, said: "While it is true a falling off in the receipts was indirectly the cause for a receivership, yet the immediate cause was a drop of 5 per cent in the quoted price of the company's consols and the inability to respond to the call for more margin on one of its loans not due until September 1. The failure, however, to put up the required margin made the loan at once due and payable. There were two of these loans." "The one owing to Spfyer & Co., has been adjusted. Theother, which exceeded $2,000,000, was owing to Kuhn, Loeb & Co. They called in that loan before the appointmentof the receiver." At the office of Kuhn, Loeb & Co. it was said the $2,000,000 Northern Pacific loan had not been included in the subscription which had beed-arranged, but declined to give any particulars or state who held the collateral, or whether they would be put upon the market. Applications for the appointment of receivers have been granted in St. Paul, Portland, Helena, Olympia, Milwaukee and New York. George S. Jones, vice-president of the North American, was seen and asked as to the cause for the great decline in the price of stock, but declined to discuss the matter. "I have nothing to say on the subject," he said, "and I warn you to be careful what you say about the company." Subsequently he added it was not to be inferred from the low price of the stock that the company is going into the hands of a receiver. Charles O. Wetmore, president of the North American Company, says there is no truth in the report of a receivership for his company. It is rumored in Wall street to-day that a well-known banking firm is making up a syndicate to take Union Pacific bonds falling due September 1 that are not extended by the present holders. The banking firm alluded to, which has an international reputation and is very close to the Uniou Paci fic management, will succeed it is believed in organizing the proposed syndicate. LONDON, Aug. 16.-Twenty-five thousand pounds in gold was withdrawn from the Bank of England for the United States to-day. WASHINGTON, Aug. 16. Efforts are being made by the stockholders to have the German National Bank of Denver resume. MARION, Kans., Aug. 16.-The First National Bank of this placesuspended late this afternoon. Bank Examiner Latimer took charge. DELAND, Fla., Aug. 16.-The Volusa County Bank closed to-day, owing to inability to realize on its paper. The liabilities are $136,000 and assets $190,000. TROY. N. Y., Aug. 16.-The Sheriff this afternoon took possΓ©ssion of the works at


Article from Fort Worth Gazette, August 17, 1893

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AT MARION, KAN. I MARION, Kan,, Aug. 16-The First National bank of this place suspended this afternoon. I


Article from The Salt Lake Herald, August 17, 1893

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TELEGRAPHIC BREVITIES

A large batch of recess appointments was sent to the Senate yesterday. The copper mines at Copperopolis, Cal., closed down, throwing 300 men out of employment. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy has declared a dividend of 1Β½ per cent., payable Sept. 15. The First National bank of Marion, Kan., has suspended. Bank Examiner Latimer took charge. Efforts are being made by the stockholders to have the German National bank of Denver to resume. Twenty-five thousands pounds in gold were withdrawn from the bank of England for the United States yesterday. The Volusio county, Fla., bank has closed owing to the inability to realize on paper. Liabilities, $136,000; assets, $190,000. Senator Frye yesterday reintroduced in the Senate his bill of last Congress providing for a refunding of the Pacific railroad debt. The Union National bank of Racine, Wis., has closed its doors. The capital is $150,000; deposits $243,000. The Commercial and Saving bank also posted & notice.


Article from The Helena Independent, August 18, 1893

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THE BUSINESS WORLD

The Hig Oliver Steal Company in Tromble -Denver Banks Resume. PITTSBURG, Aug, 17.-The Oliver Iron and Steel company, one of the largest concerns in this country, went into the hands of a receiver to-day. on the application of the National Tube Works company, of New Jersey, and E. Converse. of New York. The capital of the company is $1,600,000, the apparent indebtedness $600,000, bonded indebtedness $585,000. H. W. Oliver was appointed receiver. DENVER. Aug. 17.-The Union National bank, which suspended Julv 1, resumed this morning. The National Bank of Commerce reopened for business to-day. with almost 100 per cent of its liabilities on hand, Three more of the suspended banks are expected to open by Sept. 1. DUBUQUE, Iowa. Aug. 17.-The First National bank. one of oldest institutions in the city, canital $200.000, usended this morning. The last statement showed deposits of $520,980. Failure is due to withdrawals. NEW YORK, Ang. 17.-T. J. Davis & Co., wholesale dry goods, of this city and Chicago. assigned to-day. Liabilities and assets about $200,000 each. Stringency of the money market caused the failure. CINOINNATI. Aug. 17. -The Standard Wagon company, the largest company of its kind in the United States. assigned this morning to Grant H. Burrows. Assets $1,200,000. liabilities $700,000. MEADVILLE, Pa., Aug. 7.-Considerable excitement was occasioned to-day by the closing of the Farmers Co-operativo bank. Cashier Dean said the suspension is only temporary. HUNTINGTON, Pa.. Aug. 17.-The National Bank of South Pennsylvania, at Wyndham, Bedford county, closed its doors to-day. Liabilities estimated at $350,000, assets at $450,000. MARION, Kan.. Aug. 17.-The First National bank of this place suspended late this afternoon.


Article from The Record-Union, August 22, 1893

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SHORT IN THEIR ACCOUNTS

RETURN OF THREE MEN ANXIOUSLY AWAITED. An Iowa Bank Wrecker Gets Away With About Six Hundred Thousand Dollars. Special to the RECORD-UNION. KANSAS CITY, Aug. 21.-Henry Woolmer, attorney for Special Bank Examiner Latimer, acting as special agent of the First National Bank of Marion. Kansas, filed attachments to-day against George D. Galbraith, Special Bank Examiner in charge of the National Bank of Kansas City, the National Bank of Commerce and the American National Bank, by E. M. Donaldson, President of the First National Bank of Marion, Kansas. It is charged that Donaldson secured loans from the bank of which he was President for personal use, without adequate security. He has since disappeared, and the bank is short $23,013. James Doughty of Sioux City arrived to-day, and after a conference with Attorney Wallman and Bank Examiner Latimer, swore out a warrant for Donaldson's ..rrest for alleged embezzlement, misappropriation and forgery. The facts told by Mr. Doughty made Donaldson's embezzlement from the Marion Bank appear simply a drop in the bucket compared with the ex-banker's transactions in Iowa. Donaldson, in the eighties, besides owning a majority of the stock of the First National Bank of Marion, Kansas, controlled two State banks. His transactions, through them, were not successful, and in 1886 he closed out two small banks, and, securing considerable money from the Marion Bank, started the Union Trust Company of Sioux City, Iowa. As feeders for it he established a chain of banks in Iowa, eleven in number. His ventures, however, did not develop according to expectations, and from subsequent events it became apparent that he was determined to realize what cash he could and leave the country. Accordingly, last winter he opened a branch office hereand disposed of a large amount of securities and assets of the town concern. The Union Trust Company was among the first financial institutions to go under when the financial difficulties began last spring. With it went down the eleven lowa banks. Doughty, who was interested in the Union Trust Company, says an examination of that company's affairs and the affairs of the eleven Iowa banks shows a deficit of at least $600,000. LEFT FOR PARTS UNKNOWN, OGDEN, Aug. 21.-To-day a warrant was issued for the arrest of Alfred H. Nelson, formerly Secretary and Manager of the Ogden Buildings and Savings Association of this city, for embezzlement of funds of the company. His estimated shortage is about $13,000. Nelson and family left for parts unknown early this morning. FATHER AND SONS ARRESTED. INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 21.-This afternoon Theodore P. Haughey, President of the wrecked Indianapolis National Bank, was arrested at his home near this city, on a warrant sworn out by Receiver Hawkins, charging him with embezzlement and misapplication of the funds and credits of the bank. Simultaneously with the arrest of Haughey. Federal officers arrested his son, Schuyler C. Haughey, President of the Indianapolis Curled Hair Works and Indianapolis Glue Works, and later Francis A. Coffin, President of the Indianapolis Cabinet Company; Percival Coffin, Vice-President of the company, and Albert T. Reed, Treasurer of the same concern. Young Haughey, Coffin and Reed are charged with having aided and abetted the elder Haughey in embezzlements and misappropriation of credits charged against him. The arrested men were taken before United States Commissioner Van Buren, who released them on bonds


Article from The Sun, August 22, 1893

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GONE WITH $600,000. E. M. Donaldson, a Western Bank Promoter, Is Mysteriously Missing. KANSAS CITY, Aug. 21.-E. M. Donaldson of Marion. Kan., is missing. He was President of the Union Trust Company of Sioux City. Ia., which failed on June 28, and of the First Nantional Bank of Marion. which was closed by a special examiner last week. Developments to-day show that Donaldson has fled the country and is probably in Mexico, a defaulter to the amount of at least $600,000. He is believed to have most of this money with him. The shortage at the Marion Bank is only $23,000. Most of Donaldson's victims are Eastern capitalists and the people of western Iowa. Donaldson was a school teacher at Marion. and during the real estate boom from 1885 to 1888 made considerable money. He removed to Iowa in 1888 and organized the Union Trust Company. Its stockholders were Eastern capitalists who had been holders of stock in the Kansas concerns and had it transferred. The main object of the concern was to loan money to cattlemen. Donaldson established a chain of eleven banks at different towns in Iowa. He was President of each, and the sole head of the trust company. Assignee Doty of the suspended concerns was here to-day and says that in all the banks and the trust company not a dollar's worth of assets has been found. He says Donaldson ran off with at least $600,000. Donaldson opened an office here last November and until June was engaged in getting rid of the assets of the Iowa concern. He also raised tens of thousands of dollars in the East on paper purporting to be secured by herds of cattle which never existed. It is also charged that he forged notes. and on this charge a warrant has been issued.


Article from Evening Star, August 22, 1893

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Receiver Appointed

The controller of the currency today apnointed N. C. Morris receiver of the First National 4a Bank of Marion, Kan.


Article from The Sun, August 23, 1893

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Tronbles of the Banks, SAN MARCOS. Tex., Aug. 22.-The First National Bank suspended payment yesterday by order of the directors. Notice is given that the depositors will be paid in full as soon as the bank can realize on paper. of which there is more than two and one-half times the amount required to meet payment. WASHINGTON, Aug. 22-Comptroller Eckels to-day appointed N. F. Morris receiver of the First National Bank of Marion. Kan. LINCOLN. Nob., Aug. 22.-There was filed in the Supreme Court yesterday the case of Nebraska agt. ex-State Treasurer J. E. Hill et al. a case wherein Mr. Hill and his bondsmen are sued for $246,000, sunk in the wrecked Capitol National Bank. CHICAGO, Aug. 22.-Comptroller Eckels has directed Receiver Hopkins to declare a dividend of 50 per cent. to the depositors of the Chemical National Bank. payable on Sept. 30. JERSEYVILLE, ill., Aug. 22.-M. E. Bagley. private banker here. failed to open the bank doors this morning. The following notice was posted on the door: This bank IS closed on account of not being able to make collections to meet my obligations AB they mature. I have assigned all my property to Jett A. Kirby, to protect and pay all my depositors and creditors. My assets largely exceed my llabilities, and creditors will be paid in full." Liabilities are $110,000: assets. $124,000. WATERLOO. Ia., Aug. 22.-The private bank of J. T. Knapp & Co. of Cedar Falls. Ia. failed to open its doors this morning. and an assignment of the affairs of the institution was made later. H. H. Clay of Cedar Falls. assignee of the defunct First National Bank of Cedar Falls. is the assignee.


Article from Grant County Herald, August 24, 1893

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STOLE HEAPS OF MONEY

Flight of E. M. Donaldson, Whose Career Is Very Checkered. KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 22.-From school-teacher to Napoleon of finance and thence to a defaulter is the story of E. M. Donaldson, late of this city, secretary and manager of the Union Trust company of Sioux City, la., president of the First national bank of Marion, Kan., and of eleven Iowa banks, who fled Tuesday, presumably sto Mexico, and left behind him a record as an artistic looter of banks that is seldom surpassed All of the institutions he was connected with are in receivers hands. He is supposed to have taken with him about $800,000 of other people's money. From the Union Trust company alone he took $600,000. From the Kansas and Iowa banks $200,000 is a conservative estimate of his stealings. Forgery is one of the many charges against him, and a deputy marshal is now on his trail in Mexico armed with a warrant for his arrest for erasing his indorsement to a note for $5,000.


Article from The Kinsley Graphic, August 25, 1893

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THE LATFST

THE world's -fair directory has requested Theodore Thomas to resume charge of the music. THE president has issued his proclamation opening the Cherokee strip to settlement at the hour of 12 o'clock noon, central standard time, Saturday, September 16. THE American Bankers' association has issued a circular calling upon bankers to sign a petition for repeal of the Sherman law and to make energetic effort to influence congress. WALTER SANGER, the bicycle champion, has been expelled from the Milwaukee club for refusing to appear in a race after being advertised. DIXON, the colored pugilist so often successful in light-weight contests, was defeated by Plimmer in a late contest at Madison square garden, New York. JAPAN has made a demand upon the provisional government of Hawaii for suffrage for the Japanese. VOORHEES occupied the attention of the senate on the 22d with a speech defending the administration on the silver question. The discussion continued in the house, at times becoming monotonous. THERE is a report that China will not retaliate for the Geary law until after the next session of congress THE national encampment of the Farmers' alliance opened at Mt. Gretna, Pa., on the 22nd with 10,000 present. An address was delivered by Hon. Ben Terrell, of Texas. CROP bulletins of Illinois and Iowa say that recent rains have been greatly beneficial to corn, though more is needed yet, especially in portions of Illinois. Apples and potatoes will be short in Illinois. AT Caldwell, Id., the house of a family named Brookshire, lately from Missouri, was burned. Two children aged 4 and 2 years were burned to death. THE private bank of J. N. Knapp & Co., of Cedar Falls, Ia., failed to open its doors. THREE men were killed and several seriously hurt by the murderous folly of a militiaman in a track trouble at Gilberton, Pa. E.M. DONALDSON, president of the Marion (Kan.) First national bank, also of a dozen lowa banks and secretary of the Union Trust Co., Sioux City, all suspended institutions, is a fugitive, charged with forgery and embezzlement of over $600,000. THE railroads of South Carolina have won a victory over the dispensary law of that state.


Article from The Sun, August 31, 1893

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BANKERS UNDER A CLOUD

One Gives Himself Up and Two Others Are Fugitives. CITY OF MEXICO. Aug. 30.-E M. Donaldson. President of the defunct First National Bank of Marion. Kan.. and Secretary of the suspended Union Trust Company of Sioux City, Ia. who is alleged to be a defaulter to the amount of $600.000, was in this city last week. He left on Sunday and his present whereabouts are unknown. MILWAUKEE. Aug. 30.-T. Day. President of the Plankinton Bank. who disappeared soon after the bank failed. and who has since been indicted for illegal banking and embezzlement. appeared in the Municipal Court this morning and pleaded not guilty. He was released on $15,000 bail. Mr. Day has spent most of his time at a Michigan health resort since he left Milwaukee. CHICAGO. Aug. 30.-Adam W. Jaeger. assignee for Conrad L. Niehoff. the insolvent banker. made a report in the County Court to-day which shows that the banker's cash account is short to the extent of $109.114. The assignee also says that $79,114 has been embezzled by Niehoff's sons, Frank J. and Otto E.. both of whom. together with their father. have left for parts unknown. Jaeger says that the books of the institution are in a bad condition, unposted. improperly and erroneously kept with footings forced. assets increased and liabilities decreased. Jaeger asked Judge Scales to accept his resignation as assignee.


Article from The Iola Register, September 1, 1893

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THE WEST

WALTER SANGER, the bicycle champion, has been expelled from the Milwaukee club for refusing to appear in a race after being advertised. A REPORT has it that Treasurer McCurtain, of the Choctaw nation, has failed with $500,000 of the lease money. E. M. DONALDSON, president of the Marion (Kan.) First national bank, also of a dozen Iowa banks and secretary of the Union Trust Co., Sioux City, all suspended institutions, is a fugitive, charged with forgery and embezzlement of over $600,000. AT Caldwell, Id., the house of a family named Brookshire, lately from Missouri, was burned. Two children aged & and 2 years were burned to death. THE world's fair directory has requested Theodore Thomas to resume charge of the music. IT is said at Denver, Col., that Will R. Perry gutted the county funds to the amount of $22,000 before he absconded.


Article from Baxter Springs News, September 2, 1893

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Donaldson in Mexico

CITY OF MEXICO, Aug. 31.-M. Donaldson, president of the defunct First national bank of Marion, Kan., and secretary of the suspended Union Trust Co. of Sioux City, Ia., who is alleged to be a defaulter to the amount of $600,000, was in this city last week. He left on Sunday, and his present whereabouts are known,


Article from The Abbeville Press and Banner, September 6, 1893

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THE NEWS EPITOMIZED

Eastern and Middle States. Six THOUSAND unemployed Hebrews filled the East Side streets in New York City with riot. Walhalla Hall was torn to pieces. The police had a hard day's work. Many arrests were made. THE Oliver Iron and Steel Company. Pittsburg, Penn., has passed into the hands of a receiver. THE yacht Vigilant won the first race for the Astor Cups. off Newport (R. I.) Harbor. The Jubilee was second, and the Colonia third. The Pilgrim was disabled. THE parade of firemen at Coney Island, New York, was reviewed by Governor Flower. EMMA GOLDMAN, the former companion of Alexander Bergman, who shot H. C. Frick in Pittsburg. is making speeches in the Eas: Side, New York City, inciting the unemployed to violence. Other anarchists are also taking advantage of the situation to stir up strife. "GRANGE DAY" was celebrated at Chautauqua, N. Y. Governor Waite, of Colorado, and Roswell G. Horr were among the speakers. WHILE returning from a fishing excursion, August Kasten and John Frey, both of Syracuse, were struck by a train near Woodard station and instantly killed. James McHugh and Charles McFadden, both young men, were instantly killed on the Reading Railroad at Manayunk, a suburb of Philadelphia, Penn. THE Populists of New York held their State Convention at Sylvan Beach and nominated a ticket. THE storm that swept over New York City and vicinity was the most severe experienced in many years. Two men were struck dead by lightning at the Atlantic Highlands, N. J., and much damage was reported from all quarters. Several people were shocked by lightning in Brooklyn, and one man was drowned in a flooded cellar; Long Island and New Jersey towns suffered severely from rain and lightning. MANY iron mills in and near Pittsburg, Penn., have resumed operations. MRS. SHANN, charged with the murder of her son, was acquitted at Trenton, N. J. South and West. THE Hon. J. Logan Chipman, Congressman from Detroit, Mich., died a few days ago, at Detroit. IN the Democratic State Convention at Richmond, Va., Charles T. O'Ferral was nominated for Governor on the first ballot. R. C. Kehr was nominated for LleutenantGovernor by acclamation. THE four banks at Lemar, Iowa, closed their doors because of inability to realize on their assets. AUSTRIA'S DAY was celebrated at the World's Fair. WILLIAM JAMISON was hanged at Quincy, Ill., in the basement of the Court House in the presence of one hundred people. Outside there were 5000 waiting. Jamison was a colored herb doctor, and he was executed for the murder of Supervisor Charles N. Aron on April 19, 1892. DOUGLASS CURTIS, a Chicago (III.) railway flagman. shot his seven-year old child dead, fatally wounded his wife and took his own life. He had lost his work and was drinking. Ix a conflict between haymakers and soldiers which has taken place on the Cherokee Strip, Indian Territory, lour of the former were killed. GREAT BRITAIN'S day was celebrated at the World's Fair. THE live stock exhibit at the World's Fair was opened to the public. A CABIN five miles north of Charleston, Mo., was destroyed by fire. It was occupied by an old colored woman and several small children. The old woman was a paralytic, and was burned to a crisp. An eight-yearold child was so badly burned that she died three hours later, and one child, ten years old, was believed to have burned to death. E. M. DONALDSON. of Marion, Kan., is missing. He was President of the Union Trust Company of Sioux City, Iowa, which failed, and of the First National Bank of Marion, which was closed by a special examiner. Donaldson has fied the country and is probably in Mexico, 8 defaulter to the amount of at least $600,000.


Article from Western Kansas World, September 9, 1893

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A Kausas Man Traveling

CITY OF MEXICO, September 1.-M. Donaldson, president of the defunct First National bank of Marion. Kansas, and secretary of the suspended Union Trust company of Sioux City, Ia., who is alleged to be a defaulter to the amount of $60,000, was in this city last week. He left Sunday and his present whereabouts are unknown.


Article from The Topeka State Journal, July 3, 1896

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WILL LOSE THE FARM

Judge Foster Decides a MortgageCase From Marion County. Judge Foster made a decision today by which Marion Smith, a Marion county man, will lose his farm, and he also decided an important point concerning the homestead exemption law. In 1893 Smith gave the First National bank of Marion a chattel mortgage on some cattle for $1,800 and a short time afterward the bank failed. Smith sold his cattle and bought a farm with the money. Eugene Hagan and H. S. Martin asked that the farm be made subject to the mortgage in behalf of the receiver of the bank. Smith's attorney claimed that as the farm was now a homestead it could not be taken for the debt. Judge Foster held that since the money received for the sale of the cattle had all been put in the farm it would be held liable for the debt of the bank.


Article from The Topeka State Journal, July 7, 1896

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SUIT BY MARION BANK

It Seeks to Recover Land Valued at $50,000. W. P. Morris, receiver of the First National bank of Marion, has commenced suit in the federal court to recover for the bank a large tract of land in Marion county which he charges was fraudulently transferred to E. M. Donaldson, the defaulting president of the bank. The value of the land is placed at $50,000. There are a large number of defendants named in the suit, J. S. Dean being the principal one.