First National Bank (Birmingham, AL)

View Charter #3185 on SPMC View balance sheet

Episode Information

Episode UID
318501555
Episode Type
Run Only
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
31850 national
Charter Number
3185
Start Date
July 7, 1929
Location
Birmingham, Alabama (33.521, -86.802)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
10cc14163725a249

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Capital injected, Books examined

Description

Articles describe district-wide runs and multiple bank closings in Birmingham but do not name First National specifically.

Events (2)
1. May 15, 1884 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. July 7, 1929 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Closures of nearby banks (Woodlawn, Southside, City Bank and Trust, Avondale) precipitated mild runs at other Birmingham banks.
Measures
Officials announced that all depositors wishing to withdraw funds would be paid promptly; some banks posted notices of delayed opening.
Newspaper Excerpt
As the report spread throughout the district, mild runs started at other banks. The runs were halted in most instances when officials announced that all depositors wishing to withdraw their funds would be paid promptly.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (7)
1. April 2, 1910 The Birmingham Age-Herald Birmingham, AL
Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, April 2, 1910

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Article Text

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A FIVE-CENT PIECE "Oh, T am so tired, and I had hoped for a short rest when I fell into the hands of that Greek lunch stand keeper," moaned the 5-cent piece as it was handed over the cash counter as the difference between an order of ham and eggs and a 25-cent piece. "As you will see by the lines of my face I am 19 years of age, and, by the way, this is my birthday. I was born in Philadelphia April 1, 1891. It was a fool's day for me, all right. "During a rest spell last night I made a hasty calculation of the work I have performed during my lifetime. I feel that I deserve a rest. "I have worked in all 7135 days, excepting a short vacation in Europe. I'll tell you how that happened: When the panic came in 1907 I was in the First National bank of Birmingham and was handed out to an Italian laborer who was going back to the old country to wait for the flurry to blow over. I happened to be selected among other pieces of coin for exhibition pieces among the Sicilian friends of my master. I remained in the old country one year, when we returned to New York. There I was spent for a bowl of soup and 29 again started the endless toil that has no rest. 'Dollars and bank notes may rest at times but 5-cent pieces, never. "I have figured in transactions that involved millions and have bought rolls for hungry children. I have helped to buy yachts and automobilés for princes of finance and bread for paupers. I have helped to pay the salary of the preacher and the debts of the gambler, I have bought gin for the drunkard and bon-bons for the dainty school girl. I am as much at home tied up in the dirty handkerchief of an outcast as in the silken purse of a society star. "I have traveled through every state in the union and have been lost a dozen times. I have been the last piece of money in 375 men's pockets and have been squeezed and handled by nervous fingers until my bones ached. "I had a narrow escape from lifetime imprisonment once in New York. I was five of 30 cents drawn from the bank of Hetty Green. She had to spend two nickels and I happened to be one of them. have spent a great deal of my life in the Birmingham district. I like Birmingham but I do not get to staf in one place long at a time. "To give you some idea of the amount of work I have accomplished I will recount some of the small items of which I have kept track. "I have bought 867 loves of bread, 650 pounds of candy, 842 5-cent cigars, 347 bags of peanuts, about 500 car rides, 958 newspapers, $867.55 worth of fruit, about $200 worth of postage stamps and $1225.20 worth of soft drinks. "By the way, I was terribly frightened in Birmingham last night. I actually bought a glass of beer. I got out of the place as quick as I could and came around here where I bought a small ham sandwich. "Now, if you do not want to keep me pay your city taxes with me. Maybe I will be placed to the credit of the street sweeping department and get a rest a while."

2. July 7, 1929 The Springfield Daily Republican Springfield, MA
Article from The Springfield Daily Republican, July 7, 1929

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Article Text

OFFICIALS PROBE CLOSING OF TWO ALABAMA BANKS Total of Four Institutions Now Failing to Do Business -President Drowns Cashier Dies of Wound Birmingham, July banks closed Affairs total four banking institutions which falled to open Birmingham district within the in the 10 were under investigation past of state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile searching parties were body of Dr W trying locate president Woodlawn the institutions today who drowned this which morning in the Coosa river. Dr Bell was reported to gone swimming party friends shortly his country place for the Closing Starts Run The report of the bank, which doors closed the Southside bank said that closand that the bank be open for business Monday the report spread throughout the As started other runs when withdraw their funds would be paid Thomas, state superintendent banks, the closing of the and banks today by the closing of runs the were Bank Trust company and New York both hospital where of the closing the news banks. Dies From Bullet Wound John Wallace, cashier the Bank the closed the from bullet his members of family have been inflicted pistol he handling dropped floor Coroner Russum verdict of accidental death. Plans and of the Bank and Trust opening were today and Roderick Beddow member the board and for the announced that more than the proposed the bank had been for subscribed. Southside and banks $50,000 City and the bank had Avondale bank $25,000.

3. July 7, 1929 Clarion-Ledger Jackson, MS
Article from Clarion-Ledger, July 7, 1929

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Article Text

TWO MORE BANKS ALABAMA CLOSE Birmingham Section Has Had Four Institutions to Close in Ten Days Ala., July affairs two banks which closed today, bringing to total four banking which have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past ten days, were under investigation the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile, searching parties redoubling their efforts locate the body of Dr. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn Savings bank, of the institutions which closed today, who drowned morning in Coosa river near Vincent, Ala. Dr. Bell reported to have gone in swimming party of friends shortly after he arrived at his country place for the week end. The report of the closing of the bank caused on Southside bank, which promptofficials to order its doors closed. Officials the Southside bank said that closing was temporary that the bank would open for busimorning. As the spread throughout the district, runs started at other banks. The runs were halted most when officials that all depositors wishing to withdraw their funds would paid promptly. Several banks posted announcements that they would open late tonight necessary in those seeking withdraw deposits. Judge Thomas, state superintendent of banks, will arrive Monday to take charge of the banking situation here. attributed closing Woodlawn and Southside banks today to runs precipitated by the closing of two banks

4. July 7, 1929 The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, CA
Article from The San Bernardino County Sun, July 7, 1929

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Article Text

START QUIZ BANKS CLOSED SUCCESS SEEN Cashier of One Institution Is Fatally Shot and President Of Another Bank Drowns Backers Optimistic Even Though $3,000,000 Spent and Loss For First Year Expected SUCCEED IN ENDING RUNS HOPE VOLUME WILL GROW State Official Takes Charge of Situation, Says Closing of Two Caused by Fear Associated Press) BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July fairs of two banks which closed today, bringing to total of four banking institutions which have failed open in the Birmingham district within the past 10 days, were under investigation of the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile searching were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn savings bank, one of the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning in the Coosa river near Vincent, Ala. He was reported to have gone in swimming with party of friends shortly he arrived at his country place for the week-end. Declare Closing Only Temporary The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run on the Southside bank which prompted officials order its doors closed. Officials of the Southside bank said that closing was temporary and that the bank would reopen for business Monday morning. As the report spread throughout the district, mild runs started at other banks. The runs were halted in most instances when officials announced that all depositors wishing to withdraw their funds would be paid promptly. Judge C. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, arrived tonight from Montgomery take charge of the banking situation here. He attriputed the closing of the Woodlawn Southside banks today to runs precipitated by the closing of the two banks last week. The banks closed last week were the City Bank and Trust Co., and the Avondale Bank and Savings Co. Lassiter, president of both institutions is in New York hospital where he collapsed after celving news of the closing of the banks. Cashier of Bank Shot to Death John R. Wallace, cashier of the Avondale Bank and Savings Co. died the day before the bank closed from bullet his abdomen, said by members his family to have accidently inflicted when pistol he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged. Coroner Russum rendered dict of death. Plans for reorganization and opening the City Bank and Trust Co. were completed today Roderick Deddon, member of the board directors and attorney for the institution, announced that more than $125,000 of the $250,000 stock proposed for the reorganized bank had been subscribed. He said the bank probably would reopen early next week. Southside and Woodlawn banks were capitalized $50,000. The City bank had capital of $50,000 and the Avondale bank $25,000. Fare Just Short of $350 and Official Admits It's High but Hopes for Reduction By CLINTON COFFIN (Associated Press Financial Writer) WASHINGTON, July Business history records few more daring ventures than that which culminates Monday when the Transcontinental Air Transport's big planes, one on each side of America, take to the air with full passenger loads inaugurate ocean-toocean service. More than $3,000,000 has been spent by the transport company before cent of return is obtained, and huge have been expended by both the Pennsylvania and the Santa Fe. Moreover, the are coldly calculating on taking regular and steady loss, running large daily totals, for least year in operation before business develops on which can be paid. More and Larger Planes Planned In spite of that outlook, and before public plane completes the scheduled jump, so certain are the transport of the public demand for the flying journey that negotiations have ready been opened for the acquisition of more and bigger planes augment the service. Paul Henderson, operating of hurried back to Washington this week from rehearsal flight over the route and has set the wheels turning for the enlargement. "Really, our transcontinental flying service starts Sunday," he said, "when the Pennsylvania passenger train pulls out of New York at with the passengers who transfer to our ship leaving Port Columbus at m., Monday. the eastbound plane parts from Angeles. Capacity the start limited to 10 passenday, and the last notice gers per have estimates that about 200 advance bookings have been made. Some them run clear ahead until October so that we are not yet guaranteed capacity loads for present equipment. Speed, Comfort Present Appeal "We can't tell yet how heavy the travel will be, but certain that speed and comfort will appeal Americans. At present the fare high, just short of $350, but can be cut when we get volume, which hope to do rather quickly. To show one advantage, on the trial trip, we dropped down from the high air to the transfer station Kingman, Ariz., with our passencool comfortable, and found ground temperature of 114

5. July 7, 1929 The Wichita Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita Eagle, July 7, 1929

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ALA., July two banks which closed today, bringing total four banking institutions which have failed open the Birmingham district within the past ten days, were under investigation of the state banking ficials tonight. Meanwhile searching parties were doubling their efforts to locate the body W. Bell, president the Woodlawn Savings bank, the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning the Coosa river near Vincent, Ala. He was reported have with party of friends shortly after he arrived his country place for the week-end. The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused the Southside bank which prompted ficials to order its doors closed. Of ficials of the Southside bank said that closing temporary and that the bank, would reopen for business Monmorning. the report spread throughout the district mild runs started other banks. The runs were halted in most instances when officials announced that all depositors wishing withdraw their funds would be paid promptly. SUICIDE IS SCENTED AS BANKER DROWNS AFTER DOORS CLOSE Head of Institution at Birmingham Perishes Swimming Following Probe into Financial Affairs

6. July 7, 1929 The Herald-Sun Durham, NC
Article from The Herald-Sun, July 7, 1929

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Epidemic Of Bank Closings and Deaths In Birmingham District July The affairs of two banks which closed bringing to total four banking institutions which have failed to in the district the days. were of the state parties to the body of the Savings of the which this the Vincent Dr Bell reported to in party friends shortly after he arrived at his try place for the report of the of the Woodlawn bank caused on the Southside prompted of to order its doors ficials of the Southside bank said that closing and that the bank would open for business Monday morning As the report spread throughout mild other the district banks runs were most when an nounced that all depositors wishing funds would paid Several banks that they would open as tonight as in those seeking to super of arrived tonight charge the situation He Wood banks by the banks The banks closed last the Bank and company and the dale Bank and president of both York hospital where he collapsed after of the closing the banks Wallace cashier of the Bank and com died the day before the closed with bullet wound through said by members of his his family to have been accidentally when pistol he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged Coroner D. Russum rendered verdict of accidental death.

7. July 7, 1929 Lewistown Daily News Lewistown, MT
Article from Lewistown Daily News, July 7, 1929

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TWO BIRMINGHAM BANKS ARE CLOSED BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July (AP) -Affairs of two banks which closed today, bringing to a total of four banking institutions which have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past ten days, were under investigation of the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile searching parties were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. A. W. Dr. Bell drowned this morning in the Coosa river near Vincent, Ala. Dr. Bell was reported to have gone in swimming with party of friends shortly after he arrived at his country place for the week end. The report of the closing of the Officials of the Southside bank said that closing was temporary and that the bank would reopen for business Monday morning As the report spread throughout the district, mild runs started at other banks. The runs were halted in most instances. The banks closed last week were the City Bank and Trust comanny and the Avondale Bank and Savings company. B. Lassiter, president of both institutions is in New York hospital where he collapsed after receiving news of the closing of the banks. John R. Wallace. cashier of the Avondale Bank and Savings Co., died the day before the bank closed from bullet through his abdomen. said by members of his family to have been accidentally inflicted. YOUNG SLAYER UNDER BOND PINE BLUFF, Ark., July (AP) Circuit Judge T. G. Parham sued an order today authorizing the release Otis Hankins, 14. slayer of his father, under bond of $3000. matters. The boy's bond is expected to be made early next week but his at torney, H. K. Toney, said he would be taken to the Arkansas boys' inBillings. dustrial school near here as soon as he released from the Jefferson county jail. He will be kent there pending city yesterday from Billings. outcome of the first degree murder charge against him. ENROLLMENTS DECREASE. HELENA, Mont., July Enrollments at state educational institutions for summer sessions show decrease of approximately 1studants as compared with 1928 figures given out today by Dr. H day to: H. Swain, executive secretary of the greater university of Montana. Winifred. reveal. The reason for the decreases. REID Dr. Swain said. is the new state Lewistown. law requiring a greater number of credits for a teacher's certificate