Fidelity National Bank (Cincinnati, OH)

View Charter #3461 on SPMC View balance sheet

Episode Information

Episode UID
346101050
Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
34610 national
Charter Number
3461
Start Date
June 21, 1887
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio (39.103, -84.515)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
3f23e1920771affa

Response Measures

Borrowed from banks or large institutions, Full suspension, Books examined

Clearinghouse involved: Yes (loan, examination, or other measures)

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
60.0%
Date receivership started
1887-06-27
Date receivership terminated
1909-10-30
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
41.9%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
15.6%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
42.5%

Events (5)
1. February 27, 1886 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. June 21, 1887 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
John R. DeCamp, Vice President of the Metropolitan National Bank, has been appointed receiver and placed in charge of the bank's affairs.
Source
newspapers
3. June 21, 1887 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Heavy withdrawals and clearing-house drains triggered by revelations/rumors about the Chicago wheat deal and suspected misapplication of funds by officers.
Measures
Many country banks transferred balances away; public reports of withdrawals and police guarded bank doors.
Newspaper Excerpt
the clearing-house settlements for the past few days have shown an unusual drain on the bank's resources
Source
newspapers
4. June 21, 1887 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Bank examiner ordered closure/took charge due to impairment of resources revealed by investigation of wheat-deal related losses and alleged misapplication of funds.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Fidelity National Bank closed this morning ... A receiver appointed ... the government would take charge of it
Source
newspapers
5. June 27, 1887 Receivership
Source
historical_nic

Newspaper Articles (22)
1. June 22, 1887 Los Angeles Daily Herald Los Angeles, CA
Article from Los Angeles Daily Herald, June 22, 1887

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GENERAL NEWS. Collapse of the Fidelity National Bank. INTER-STATE COMMERCE LAW. The Railway Commission Overhauling the Affairs of the Union Pacific. Associated Press Dispatches to the HERALD. CINCINNATI, June 21.--The Fidelity National Bank closed this morning. bank the officials This is the of heavily which have been credited with being involved in the collapsed Chicago wheat deal. It is understood that the bank examiner has notified the directions that the speculative officials would have to leave. The investigation into the bank's was by one but when he est affairs stockholders, prompted of demanded the collater- larg sight of the securities and loan als two weeks ago, President Harper refused to let him see them. A govern- The ment investigation followed. police are guarding the door of the bank. A RECEIVER APPOINEED. bank examiner has announced bank's The owing to impairment of the take that, the government would resources, of the bank. John R. Decamp, Na. charge President of the Metropolitan receiver Vice Bank, has been appointed It is tional the business of the bank. settleto close stated up that clearing-house have shown now for the past few days resources. ments unusual drain on the bank's kept an this, many banks have a favor. their Besides checks out of the clearing-honee as THE BANK'S BOOKS. has been ascertained that the lia of the It of the bank, exclusive indibilities stock, are about $5,500,000 0.1 capital vidual deposits are about $2,500,00 SERIOUS CHARGES. Union National Bank of Gieve- in atThe afternoon brought suit land the Fidelity recover $67,331.44, had tachment this to against asserting National Bank the defendant corporation incurred the that fraudulently and which criminally suit has been 4 o'clock this affidavits drawn obligation brought. under At for by Attorney Assist- afternoon States District Howant sworn United to by Bank Examiner went to the and ell, a deputy Bank and marshall arrested Vice- Ammie Presi Fidelity L. Harper, Cashier Benjadent F. and Assistant Cashier taken be Baldwin, They were E. States their min United Hopkins. Commissioner bonds for Hoop- fuer, fore where they gave Mr. Harper's other bond two ture was fixed appearance. at $75,000, and the at each. The $10,000 affidavit against about Harper June charges 15th that he "did and on wilfully or misapply National funds unlawfully the Fidelity and credits of and did issue sentiti- of Bank Association deposit without the authority and cates directory of of said association one certifiwith and one the intent deferred, to wit: for $200,000. cate for against the date charge, a draft papers a The similar affidavit $300,000 fixing and Baldwin makes him for at June 13th Hopkins' and affidavit June charges 13th un$10,000. with having on on about draft or certifilawfully cate to wit: of deposit $400,000, issued association. a for certain with large intent sums These of of of defraud- money, affida- secfollow the States Statutes. 5209, described tion vits ing said United language therein for is Imprisonment The penalty in the years penitentiary nor more than not five action by the govern- having ten. authorities This bond is regarded as of eviment after the discovery and finds been taken sufficient to justify it, although it dence very general honored commendation, business transaction men that to that the wheat referred there appears is no to doubt relates to the recent deal in Chicago.

2. June 22, 1887 The Morning News Savannah, GA
Article from The Morning News, June 22, 1887

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FIDELITY BANK CLOSED. Affected by the Wheat Deal and a Receiver is Appointed. CINCINNATI, O., June 21.-The Fidelity National Bank was closed this morning by an order of the government through its representative, Eugene Powell. A meeting of the board of directors was called at 7 o'clock this morning, and is now in session. No means of ascertaining their action exists. The doors of the bank are closed and the policemen within and without guard the entrance against everybody except persons having business with the safe deposit department of the bank. The sidewalks in the vicinity are lined with people who are quietly discussing the situation without even knowing that the government bank examiner has been here, or that the doors are closed by government authority. No notice has been posted and the only information given at the door is that the doors to are absolutely closed to everybody except persons having property in the safe deposit vaults. HIS BOOK AT LEAST. One irate depositor created a scene by forcing himself half way into the door where he received a heavy blow in the face from some one inside, and was finally taken away. He said he had left some money and his bank book in there yesterday, and he wanted at least his book. CLOSED DOORS TO ALL Nothing at all is known yet of the action of the reorganization as suggested, by leaving out three officers, the vice president and general manager, the cashier and assistant cashier. It will be the duty of the directors to make this change, if it is made at all. One of the officials of the bank this morning assured a friend, who had entrance to the safe deposit vaults, that the bank would pay every dollar it owed. The general feeling has been that the bank is strong enough, but a feeling of mistrust has become engendered, from various causes, against a few of the officers. SUGGESTION OF A RECEIVER. LATER. is now stated that the directors have determined upon the appointment of a receiver to take charge of the business, and an effort is being made to obtain one. Mr. Griffiths, of the Citizens' National, has been suggested, but it is thought he will not accept. At the meeting of the directors this morning Bank Examiner Powell announced that owing to the impairment of the bank's resources the government would take charge of it and would appoint a receiver to wind up the business. issaid unofficially that the alternative was given of continuing in business by a reorganization which would leave out Vice President Harper, Cashier Baldwin and the Assistant Cashier, Ben. E. Hopkins, but that the directors were unable to agree upon such plan, or were unwilling to take the risk of a run following the interference of the government. The outcome, however, was the appointment of John R. Deca np, Vice President of the Metropolitan National Bank, as Reeiver, and he was placed in charge of the bank's affairs. It is now stated that the clearing house settlements for the past few days have shown an unusual drain on their resources. Besides many of the banks have kept their checks out of the clearing house as a favor. There are numerous rumors afloat concernerning the cause of the action of the bank xaminer. Vice President Harper, who as borne the heavy strain for the past He week is much distressed this morning. tells himself a ruined man and is in a high tate of excitement. A conservative direcor says it is his opinion that the depositors will get their money in full. HARPER & co.'s CONDITION. E. L. Harper, Vice President of the Filelity National Bank, who is also senior member of the firm of E. L. Harper & Co., aas made an individual assignment. The firm of E.L. Harper & Co. also assigned, These failures are the result of the closing of the Fidelity Bank. Ten days ago Harper taid of the condition of his firm that it was worth over $2,000,000, most of it being his own property. He had then $500,000 Hock in the Fidelity National Bank and wwed 8 per cent. of the stock of Fidelity Safe and Deposit Company, besides owning controlling interest in Swift's Iron and iteel works and the Riverside rolling mill. Later in the day E. L. Harper made an astignment of his rolling mill in Newport, all Ky. An estimate of the liabilities in the interests of E. L. Harper is approachng $2,000,000, the assets, counting his bank tock at par, are about $2,000,000. THE BANKS LIABILITIES. WASHINGTON, June 27.-It is stated here hat the liabilities of the Fidelity National Bank of Cincinnati, exclusive of the capital tock, are about $5,500,000. The individual leposits amount to $2,500,000.

3. June 22, 1887 The Palatka Daily News Palatka, FL
Article from The Palatka Daily News, June 22, 1887

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Erie Texas Pacific 396 324 East Tennessee 1314 l'enn Coal & Iron. 3814 Lake Shore Union Pacific 981/2 60% Louisville & Nash. 671/8 New Jersey Cen 804 Memphis & Char... 58 Missouri Pacific. 107 Mobile & Ohio 1396 Western nion. 7734 Cotton Seed Oil Tr.. 50 *Asked. +Bid. The renewal of panicky feeling in the Chicago market was supplemented to-day by closing the doors of the Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati. With these influences in their favor and the market lacking stimulus of moderate buy ing orders from London, usual of late, the bearish room traders hammered prices all around the room throughout almost the entire day Trading, which was dull and feverish. was more purely local than has been seen for some time. Late in the day advices were received that the Fidelity Bank would resume business shortly, and coal stocks, aided by the advance in price of coal in Philadelphia, led to a general recovery, buying of Reading being especially heavy in the last hour. Pacific Mail was special object of attack in the early morning, and did not recover the loss. Trading in the last hour was the heaviest of the day. and all the active stocks shared in the improvement, most of them being carried to the heaviest figures of the day. Specialties were unusually quiet and featureless. The opening was weak at declines from yes. terday final figures, ading to one-half per cent, and under the lead of Pacific Mail, which dropped 14 in the first fifteen minutes, further fractional declines were made in the general list. After the first half hour the market relapsed into extreme dullness, although a heavy tone continued until noon. After that time there was a change for the better in tone and speculation, although no feature was developed until the last hour, when decided strength was shown by the entire list, and Reading vanced 11/4 per cent. Total sales were 196,000 shares. Net result of the day's business is that prices are irregularly changed, although the differences are for fractional amounts only, except for Reading, which is up 11/2 per cent. Cotton. NEW YORK. June Greene & Co's report on cotton futures says "It has beena feverish market all day, and while cost on the old erop ranged to 10 points at times the advance was not maintained, and the early gain was due in great measure to manipulation on the part of the "bull" combination, through which local scalpers on the "short" side were induced to cover, but during the afternoon buy ers became scarce and there was a reactionary feeling. There was failure of a Cincinnati bank and the break here in wheat and coffee, coupled with the indifferent demand for spots, all appeared to earry more or less reflected influence. The erop was firm in the morning. but afterward eased somewhat under better weather reports. Afternoon report Cotton Net and gross reeipts, 3,035. Futuresclosed steadp; sales, 11 Jnue, 10 76@10 78 July 10 78 August, 10 83 @ 10 84; September, 10 45@10 46 October, 10 02 @10 03 November. 9 85@9 86 December, 9 84@9 85; January, 9 89@9 90 February, 9 96 @997; March, 1003@ 10 04; April 10 11@10 Cotton quiet; sales today 163 Middling Uplands, 11; Orleans 11 3-16; net receipts, 324; exports to Great Britain 669; to the Continent, 1,117; stock, 297,581. GALVESTON, June 21. Cotton nominal: middling, 10 9-16; net receipts, gross, -; sales, 67: stock, 5,739; exports coastwise, NORFOLK, June 31. Cotton quiet: middling. 11: net receipts, 3 gross receipts, 3: sales, stock, 3,048; exports coastwise, 38. BALTIMORE, June 21. Cotton firm mid dling, 11% net receipts, gross, sales, stock, 3,254; exports to Creat Britain, coastwise, BOSTON, June 21. Cotton quiet middling, 11½; net receipts, 86; gross receipts, 340 sales, none; stock, exports to Great Britain, WILMINGTON, June 21. Cotton firm middling, 11 net receipts, 2: gross receipts, : sales, none; stock, 1,603; exports coastwise PHILADELPHIA, June 21. Cotton quiet: middling, 11%; net receipts, gross receipts, stock, 13,875; exports to Great Britain, SAVANNAH, June 21. Cotton firm middling, 10% net receipts, 28; gross, 28 sales, : stock, 3,229; exports coastwise, NEW ORLEANS, June 21. Cotton dull middling, 10 11-16; net receipts 181; gross receipts, 181: sales, 750; stock, 89,030; exports to Great Britain, to the Continent, coastwise, none. MOBILE, June 21.- Cotton easy; middling, 1034: net receipts, 2: gross receipts, = sales, i stock, 382: exports coastwise, MEMPHIS, June 21. Cotton quiet middling, 104 net receipts, 63; gross receipts, 64; shipments, 125; stock,"8,190. AUGUSTA, June 21. Cotton quiet; middling, 10 15 16; net receipts, 10; gross receipts, sales, CHARLESTON. June 21. Cotton quiet but firm middling, 10%; net receipts, = gross receipts, 2: sales. stock, 724; exports coastwise, General Markets. CHICAGO, June 31.-An oppressively weak feeling prevailed in wheat at the opening, and traders were feeling decidedly blue July opened 3/4e lower at 69%, but some little effort was made to sustain the market, and a few minutes later July was selling at 69%c. The support was only temporary, however, and bank wheat being put on the market, July soon reacted to 69%, around which figure it held steady during the first hour of the session. At the end of that time "tailers" found they had sold themselves short, and began to cover, and July went up to 70% under this influence. Marketing bank wheat again caused July to ease back to 60% There was no let up in sales of wheat for account of banks to-day, and realizing continued straight up to the close of the session. The effect of the general selling was to break wheat from 6916 to 6834 for July, the latter figure being reacted about noon at bottom price. There were many good buying orders, and the reaction sent the price of July up to 69%, at which the morning session closed. Heavy exports from seaboard and covering by short interest made the afternoon market stronger. July sold up to 70% and closed at 20. Fluctuations in June were not very marked. It opened at 68% and 69. and closed at Corn was moderately active, with feeling somewhat unsettled. Prices were generally weak and lower. Trading was largely local and offerings were quite free, but the demand was very light. The weaker feeling which prevailed in the wheat market during the earlier hours of the session also had a depressing effect on corn. July opened at 36 and sold down to 351/4, but in ympathy with wheat during the afternoon session reactted, closing at 364 Oats were dull and weak. There was little speculative interest centered in the market; July opened 1/20 lower at 251/4, sold down to 25. and closed at the opening figure. Quite an active speculative business was transacted in the provision market, but the feeling was greatly unsettled. and prices ruled weak and lower. Offerings were quite liberal, while the demand was only fair and mainly from parties who covered outstanding contracts at a profit. Receipts of hogs were light, and prices ruled higher, but nervous feeling in grain markets had considerable effect on prov isions. July lard opened at $6 25, sold up to $6.30 and down to $6.25, closing at the opening figure. July spare ribs opened at $7.3216, sold up to $7.35 and down to 10, closing at $7.27% Cash quotations wereas follows: Flour ruled quiet, with prices steady at former quotations. No. 2 Spring W heat, 683/4e No. 3 Spring Wheat, No. 2 red. 74. No. 2 Corn. 35360 No. Oats, 24½. Mess Pork, $2. Lard, $6.200 $6.25 Short rib sides, loose, $7.20. Dry salted shoulders, boxed, $5.60@5.70. Short clear sides, boxed, $7,55@7.60. Whisky, $1.10. Leading futures closed as follows: Wheat June, 69 July, 70: August. 74%: Corn June, 35½; July, 361/4 August, 37% Oats, June, 2434; July, 44; August, 25% Mess Pork June, $150 Lard June, $6.25 : July $6.25; August, $6.35. Short Ribs June, $7.27%: July. $7.2736; August, $7.3714. NEW YORK, June 21.- Southern Flour dull and heavy common to fair extra. $3.40 good to choice do. $4 10@5. 10. Wheat No. : red, 88@924: June, 87@94; July, August, 3@85. Corn 1/4e lower No. = 4614; June, nominal: July, 4616@40%. Oats a shade lower No. = 33½: No. June, 33@33%: July 3440 32% Hops quiet and steady Coffee fair Rio nominal at 1814: No. Rio July, $16 75: Angust, $16.25@16.95; September, $16.50617.05. Sugar steady and quiet Molasses steady -one cargo 50 test, 1916. Rice firm. CottonSeed Oil, 240 for refined; crude nominal. Rosin dull at $1.234@1.274. Turpentine dull and weak at 34½. Hides quiet and steady wet salted New Orleans selected, 45 and 60 pounds, 9½ 10 Texas selected, and 60 pounds, 10. Wool

4. June 22, 1887 The Indianapolis Journal Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Journal, June 22, 1887

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CONDITION OF THE MARKETS A Decidedly Weak Feeling in Wheat, with the Price Below Seventy Cents. Dorn Moderately Active, Accompanied by a Weak and Unsettled Feeling-Oats Dull and Weak-Provisions Weak and Lower. MONEY, BONDS AND STOCKS. a Combination of Circumstances Favors the "Bear" Element NEW YORK, June 21.-Money on call was asy at 4@7 per cent, closing at 6 percent. bid. Prime mercantile paper, 5a6 per cent. Sterling exchange was dull but steady at 14.83% for sixty-day bills and $4.843 for demand. The total sales of stocks to-day were 196,853 shares, including the following: Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. 9,100; Erie, 10,230; Lake Shore, 6,230; Louisville & Nashville, 3,700; Northern Pacific, 5,700: Pacific Mail, 11,975; Reading. 71.220; St. Paul, 9,410; St. Paul & Omaha, 3.580: Union Pacific, 5,650; Western Union, 9,697: Wheeling & Lake Erie, 3,750. The renewal of the panicky feeling in the Chicago grain market was supplemented to-day by the closing of the doors of the Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati. With these influences in their favor and the market lacking the stimulus of the moderate buying orders from London usual of late, the bearish room traders hammered prices all around the room throughout almost the entire day. The trading, which was duli and reverish, was more purely local than has been seen for some time. Late in the day advices were received that the Fidelity Bank would resume business shortly, and the coal stocks, aided by the advance in the price of coal in Philadelphia, led of general recovery, the buying of Reading being- especially heavy the last hour. Pacific Mail was the special object of attack in the early morning. and did not recover the loss. The trading in the last hour was the heaviest of the day, and all the active stocks shared in the improvement, most of them being carried to the beaviest figures of the day. The specialties were nusually quiet and featureless. The opening was weak. at declines from yesterday's final figures, extending to 1 per cent., and under the lead of Pacific Mail, which dropped 14 in the first fifteen minutes, further fractional declines were made in the general list. After the first half hour the market relansed into extreme dullness. although the heavy tone continued until noon. After that time there was a change for the better, although no feature was developed until the last hour. when decided strength was shown by the entire list and Reading advanced 11 per cent. the transactions for the hour exceeding the business of the remainder of the day in that stock. The net result of the day's business is that prices are irregularly changed. although differences are for fractions only, except Reading, which is up 11. Railroad bonds were insufferably dull; sales only $762,000. The tone was moderately firm and prices generally show insignificant advances. Government and State bonds were dull and steady. Closing quotations were: Three cent hands IT. V & C 651g

5. June 22, 1887 St. Paul Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, June 22, 1887

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ST. PAULTRUST COMPANY, Cor. Jackson and Fourth Sts. 800 boxes of convenient sizes for Safe Deposit Vaults. rent and low rates. FINANCIAL. New York. NEW YORK, June 21.-Money easy at 4@5 per cent, closed at 5 bid. Prime mercantile paper 5@6. Sterling exchange dull but steady at $4.83% for sixty day bills and $4.84 for demand. The renewal of the panicky feeling in the Chicago grain market was sup plemented to-day by the closing of the doors of the Fidelity bank, of Cincinnati. With these influences in their favor and the marked influences and the market lacking the stimulus of the moderate buying orders from London usual of late, the bearish clique hammered prices all around the room throughout almost the entire day. The trading, which was dull and feverish, was more purely local than has been seen for some time. Late in the day advices were received that the Fidelity bank would resume business shortly and the coal stocks, aided by the advance in prices of coal in Philadelphia, had a general recovery. The buying of Reading being especially heavy in the last hour. Pacific Mail was the special object of attack in the early morning and did not recover the loss. The trading in the last hour was the heaviest of the day, and all the active stocks shared in the improvement, most of them being carried to the heaviest figure of the day. The specialties were unusually quiet and featureless. The opening was weak at declines from yesterday's final figures, extending to 1/2 per cent. under the lead of Pacific Mail, which dropped 18/4 in the first fifteen minutes; further fractional declines were made in the general list, and after the first half hour the market relapsed into extreme dullness, although the healthy tone continued until noon. After that time there was a change for the better, although no feature was developed until the last hour, when decided strength was shown by the entire list, and Reading advanced 11/4 per cent. the transactions for the hour exceeding the business of the remainder of the day in that stock. The net result of the day's business is that prices are irregularly changed, although differences are for fractional amounts only, except Reading, which is up 11/2. Railroads were insufferably dull; sales only 762,000. The tone was moderately firm and prices generally show insignificant advances. Government bonds were dull and steady. State bonds were dull and steady. The total sales of stocks to-day were 169,580 shares, including Erie, 13,230; Lake Shore, 238; Louisville & Nashville, 3,700; Northern Pacific, 5,700; Pacific Mail, 1.975; Reading, 71,220; St. Paul, 9,410: St. Paul & Omaha, 3,580; Union Pacific, 5,560; Western Union, 9,670; Wheeling & Lake Erie, 3,770.

6. June 23, 1887 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, June 23, 1887

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METIOD: OF BUSINESS Pursued by the Bank-Country Correspondonts in Danger-Value of Stock. CINCINNATI, June 22.-The Enquirer says of the Fidelity bank: 'From the start the bank commenced to do 8 wonderful business; but it was a business which profited it nothing. Other banks paid for the deposits of country banks 2 per cent. This bank paid 21. Other banks charged for collections. This bank did not. Other banks sold exchange. This bank gave it away. This bank had no income whatever save from discounts, and it discounted comparatively little. It was deposits that it was after. It secured a vast deposit list. Mr. Harper WAS supposed to be our greatest financier. He WRS credited with having made a million in an ancient Chicago wheat deal. Money flowed in. The business was immenso, but it paid nothing. There have been questions since whether Mr. Harper made anything at all upon his ancient Chicago wheat deal. Suddenly, in the flush of its prosparity, it occurred to the Fidelity to enlarge its capital from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. It 8 placed some of it round about by personal e solicitation. In many casea it sold its stock for n single-name, note, accepting the stock itself as collateral. This was an absolute violation of the National Banking law. It in more than doubtful if the notes can be collected. The great bulk of the stock was taken by Mr. E. L. Harper. He held, in his own name, 2,312 shares. In the name of one of his employes, Mr. Matthews, he held 1,709 shares. In the name of another employe, Mr. Gahr, he held 1,170 shares. He had, in addition, other holdings not quite 80 manifest upon the surface. It 18 matter of general knowledge that Mr. Harper was the bank, and that the bank was Mr. Harper." COUNTRY BANKS IN DANGER. The bank has been doing a very large business, and the detention of its mail may cause some serious embarramement to other banks, and the Comptroller of the Currency has been applied to to allow its immediate distribution. The deposits of country banks which kept accounts with the Fidelity, according to the last state. ment was over $3,000,000; just how much of this has been withdrawn can not be stated, as many banks which ordered the Fidelity to remit their balances to New York, and had received advices from Ammi Baldwin, cashier, that the money had been remitted as ordered and the same charged to their account, have found that when they began to check upon such balances in Now York no such balances were there, And that the funds had never been remitted by the Figelity as stated. e The far reaching effect of this action, or e rather inaction, will cripple many country banks no doubt, if it ia not the cause of failures. There is such an intimate connection among correspondent banks of 6 this kind that they bear the relation to each other as brick in a pile on edge-a slight push will send the entire row flat. But, as has been intimated, very many country banks have transfere red balances from the Fidelity to other local banks, and such as have done 60 are safo. On last Tuesday week y the entire local business community e was flooded with diepatches from Chicago, 0 New York and various other quarters eak ing if there was a run ou the Fidelity Na 8 tional Bank, and other such alarming ques tions. These dispatches, and other machinations of speculative persons appar o ently equally unscrupulous HS the Fidelity o trio have proved to be, created an alarm which amounted to quiet 8 run on the o Fidelity of its country bank correspon. denta. On lant Tuesday the Clearing house balance upon the Fidelity was $150,o 000, and of each succeeding day it WAS of about equal amount, until Friday it amounted to $100,000; in addition to this posted individuals checked out their BCs counts. This drain upon the bank's resources could not be stood forever. and the only wonder was that the bank withstood AO long without going under. STOCI

7. June 23, 1887 The Stark County Democrat Canton, OH
Article from The Stark County Democrat, June 23, 1887

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A GREAT BANK FAILURE. THE FIDELITY NATIONAL AT CINCINNATI CLOSES ITS DOORS. Spenlation in the Chicago Wheat Deal the Cause of the Suspension-Great Exeitement on the Streets-E. L. Harper, the Cashier, Makes an Assignment. CINCINNATI, O., June 22.--The protracted series of rumors of difficulty in the Fidelity National bank, of this city, came into definite shape at 9 a m., when the massive doors of that financial institution on Fourth street, failed to open as usual. Rumors that E. L. Harper, the mainspring of the concern, had offered to resign, and that he had been asked to resign, were about equal, and when a few minutes after 9 o'clock the doors still remained closed, a crowd began to gather and intense excitement prevailed. The fact soon dawned upon the minds of all that the new Fidelity had suspended. The excitement continued to grow, and the crowd increased, until a posse of police arrived on the scene, and compelled all to move on, and repelled the more excited from the doors. No one was admitted, not even newspaper men and fluancial agents. Those who did not heed the sign, "Visitors to safe deposit admitted as usual," were forenly expelled from the bank. United States Marshal Urner soon arrived and the examiner of banks, a United &tates officer, later arrived from Washington. Later on John R. DeCamp, vice president of the Metropolitan bank, was appointed receiver of the Fidelity. All that can be gathered of the Fidelity bank closing is from the outside. De ositors and all others are denied information. The president and assistant cashier affirm that depositors will get dollar for dollar, but many appear to doubt that affairs will turn out quite so well. It is very certain that the stockholders will suffer heavy loss. Various causes have been assigned for the suspension at this time. Upon excellent auit is examiner, was government thority learned that G. M. making Jordan, the a rounds of the local National banks last week and by accident, or prompted by the rumors and universal uneasiness felt in relation to the Fidelity, began an examination of the affairs of that concern last Friday evening. Last the such a reasons night point that examination the examiner, transactions had for reached which he discovered in the of the concern, it is said, reflecting upon certain bank officials in their connection with the great Chicago wheat deal, notified these concerned that after last night the vice president, E. L. Harper, and the two cashiers, Ammi Baldwin and Ben. E. Hopkins must resign their official positions. The order from the examiner, being peremptory, backed as he is by governmental authority in securing government money in the institution, was obeyed, and Measrs. Harper, Baldwin and Hopkins did not take their usual stations behind the gilded railings in the bank room this morning. Therefore the doors did not swing upon their hinges in obedience to the anxious creditors at the hour of 9. The officials of the bank are Briggs Swift, president; E. L. Harper, vice president; Ammi Baldwin, cashier, and Ben. E. Hopcashier. is 27 kins, No. assistant West Fourth street, Its place in the of Emerys business St. Paul building. It is the finest bank building in the city, and has recently been doing the biggest bank business. Its history is short. The Safe Deposit & Trust company was organized about four years ago with Julius Dexter at its head. The stockholders, some of them, were dissatisfied with the business, and about a year ago the stock of the concern was quoted at about 60. At that time the old fight in the Third National bank, originating in the Handy wheat deal, culminated in a split. One party went out of the Third National and took up the Fidelity and converted it. into the Fidelity National bank. The new concern was boomed, and straightway stock in the new institution sprang up to considerably over 100. Its stock has for a long time been in demand at prices ranging up to 167. it was offered late last week at 148, but nobody wanted it; i S rumored connection with the wheat had The in Fidelity, Chicago booming hurt things, its reputation. offered inducements none of the other banks did or could offer. For instance, while other banks gave 2 per cent. to country banks depositing there, the Fidelity gave 2 1-2. The latter, too, charged nothing for collections.

8. June 23, 1887 Press and Daily Dakotaian Yankton, SD
Article from Press and Daily Dakotaian, June 23, 1887

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dollars worth of property and up to this writing the loss of twenty-one lives during the continuance of the feud, Rowan county can now return to peace and prosperity. Sheriff Hogg and posse attempted the arrest of the outlaws, who resisted and were shot down one after the other until four were dead and three wounded. One was cuptured and two escaped. The Fidelity Bank. Oincinnati, o, June 22-As the examination of the Fidelity National bank proceeds the cavernous deficit increases. It is now the common talk on the streets that the liabilities of the bank will reach the stupendous sum of $5,000,000, while the assets dwindle in proportion. It seems a foregone conclusion that depositors will get next to nothing, This is the general talk, but of course, this talk is unofficial and cannot be verified until the bank examiner completes his work and makes his report. It is stated today that the memorandum which is the substitute for collaterals shows that Wilshire used $1,000,000 of the bank's money, and that collaterals for other loans were hypothecated in New York and elsewhere. It is the belief of some that Wilshire acted as the agent of Harper in conducting the wheat deal and was not really a borrower. There is still talk of more arrests. The morning papers are full of matter connected in various ways with the Fidelity National bank's closing, Among other things is the statement that Bank Examiner Powell on Monday afternoon demanded a statement from the bank, and received one, showing a balance on hand of $1,160,000 of cash. Then calling for a view of the money he was amazed to be shown a lead pencil memoranda reading: Wiltshire, Eckert & Oo., $900,000; J. W. Wilkshire, $48,000, and so on through a long list. There was no collateral security whatever. Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Hopkins were unable to make any explanation and Mr. Harper could offer none. Even after this, it is said, the offer to permit the bank to continue was made if these three men were expelled and new capital brought in. But when the inquiry was made as to how much would be required the answer was a million dollars at least. That staggered the directors, and although they still hope to form a reorganization, it is most probable that the fear that a further examination would reveal a further deficit deterred them. The fact is that Harper concealed from the directors his connection with the wheat deal. He is said to have admitted yesterday that he did not go into the wheat deal himself but that be honored an overdraft for Wiltshire of $48.000 and put in the rest to save that. He charges the whole break to the action of the Chicago board of trade making all wheat regular. Mr. Engine Powell, the bank examiner, is oredited with saying that the condition of the bank is wosful. He said it was singular how Harper had received everybody about the matter. In this connection it may be recalled that when the wheat pabio occurred in Chicago and rumors were out of a run on the Fidelity bank, Mr. Harper stated repeatedly to parties asking for information that he did not know who was in the wheat deal, and he went so far as to say that he did not believe that it was managed at all in Cincinnati, but was conducted from California and Oleveland. More attachments upon Harper's property have been made and everything he has is now tied up. Railway Passengers Held Up. Detroit, June 22-An Evening Journal special from Port Huron says: This mbraing five men boarded the 1:15 Grand Trunk train at Fort Gratiot, going east, and held up the passengers. Several lost what money they had and one lost $160. Three men have been

9. June 24, 1887 The Daily Times Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Times, June 24, 1887

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THE CINCINNATI BANK CRASH. Business Affected by it Three of the Officers Arrested on New Charges. As reported in Wednesday's dispatches it is now rumored in Cincinnati that the liabilities of the Fidelity National bank will reach $6,000,000. It seems a foregone conclusion that depositors will get next to nothing. This is the general talk, but of course it is unofficial and cannot be verified until the bank examiner completes his work and makes his report. It is stated that the memorandum, which is the substitute for collaterals, shows that Wilshire used $1,100,000 of the bank's money, and that collaterals for other loans were hypothecated in New York and elsewhere. It is the belief of some that Wilshire acted as the agent of Harper in conducting the wheat deal, and was not really a borrower. Messrs. Swift & Lyman, attorneys for the Exchange National Bank of Chicago, are in Cincinnati to push a claim against the Fidelity National for $198,000. Last Saturday Mr. Swift presented a certificate of deposit and demanded the money. He was told that the American Exchange did not have that sum to its credit. He then demanded the balance, whatever it might be, and was told that payment had been stopped In view of the apparent negligence of President Briggs, Swift, and the other directors, there is strong talk of causing their arrest. One who knows, but declines to give his name, says that ten days ago he, with President Swift, went over t e called loan account and found it all right. He says he is certain that Harper had done all his crooked work within the past ten days or two weeks While there is no effect upon the banks from this failure, there is a marked restriction of busine 8. Yesterday afternoon E. L. Harper vicepresident ; Ammie Baldwin, cashier, and Ben. E Hopkins, assistant cashier, of the Fidelity National Bank, were rearrested. The charge this t me is that they con spired to defraud in issuing large drafts to the amount of $600,000 for investment in the Chicago wheat deal, and in making false returns to the United States Comptroller of Currency. The trio appeared before United States Commissioner Hooper, waived examination, and were bound over to the grand jury. Joseph Josephs, a creditor of Harper's to the extent of $19,000, yesterday after noon replevined Swift's iron and steel works, Newport, which were assigned by E L. Harper.

10. June 24, 1887 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, June 24, 1887

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COMMERCIAL. Bullion. New YORK, June 23.-Bar ailver, 95% Money Market. NEW YORK, June 23. Money, 5 @ 6. LATER. Money on call loaned 6 @ 15; last loan, 6; closed, 12 bid. Prime mercantile paper-Unchanged. Exchange-Unchanged. Money is in demand to-day at 10 per cent., but there seems to be a great deal of hesitation by banks to replace the loans called yesterday. The weakness of the early morning has spread all through the list, but at present there are some signs supporting the orders being put in the market. To add to the depression, just as supporting orders were given, private dispatches were received from Chicago stating that one of the banks in Chicago needed assistance, but these dispatches were followed by denials from officials of the bank, and the break in stocks is generally believed to be the sequel to wheat panic in Chicago and bankers are of the belief that if rumors regarding weakness of banking firms in Boston and Chicago, resulting from the failure of the Fidelity Bank, Cincinnati, should prove unfounded, the course of prices would be upward at once.

11. June 25, 1887 St. Paul Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, June 25, 1887

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The Fidelity Sharps. CINCINNATTI, June 24.-Messrs. Harper and Hopkins, of the Fidelity bank, spent the night in jail. Harper is reported to have slept soundly, while Hopkins spent most of the night walking the floor. They were visited by friends this morning, and were again making an effort to procure bail. It is said that Harper yesterday telegraphed fo Mr. Whitely, of Springfield, Ohio, asking him to come down and go upon his bond, but at that time that great manufacturing concern was taking steps for the appointment of a receiver. SPRINGFIELD, O., June 24.-The discovery has been made that Whitely, Fossler & Kelly prior to making the motion to have a receiver appointed, gave to the Champion Machine company an indemnifying mortgage of $500,000 on all the property owned by the firm. The mortgage states that the firm borrowed this amount from the machine company in promisory notes on which they were negotiating loans. The developments indicate conclusively that the failure was precipitated by the Fidelity bank disaster. Two years ago Whitely assisted Vice President Harper of the latter institution out. of a serious difficulty with acommodation paper representing an immense sum. When Harper realized his own downfall was iminent he disposed of this paper to New York and Cincinnati brokers without Whitely's knowledge or consent. These brokers immediately pressed Whitely, and this caused yesterday's action.

12. June 29, 1887 Fort Worth Daily Gazette Fort Worth, TX
Article from Fort Worth Daily Gazette, June 29, 1887

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ON 'CHANGE. Spot Cotton Fractions and Futures from One to Four Points Lower. Money Market Easy. Wheat Opened Strong, Fluctuated Narrowly and Closed at an Advance-Live Stock Transactions Brisk, Daily Review. GAZETTE OFFICE, } FORT WORTH, TEX., June 28, 1887. Trade was a fair average to-day in all lines. Meats have advanced 1c and are firm at the advanced figures. Coffee has weakened and declined 1c per pound. New wheat now coming in is very fine. Fort Worth is the best wheat market in the state, paying from 6 to 10 cents more per bushel than other places. New oats are in the market in considerable quantity and sell at 25@27 per bushel. THE STATE OF TRADE. Special telegrams to Bradstreet's do not point to any improvements in conditions affecting general trade. The excellent crop prospects in the vicinity of Quincy, Ill., Omaha, Dallas, Tex, and Galveston, have stimulated demand from the interior at those points, but at few other cities is an increase in the volume of business noted. Trade at Pittsburg is fairly good, but unsettled. Late strikes, and those promised, have caused a better demand for bar iron there, but prices are no better with 1.90@1.95c. the ruling rate. At Kansas City the volume of trade is smaller than last week, but, of course, in excess of one year ago. Boston, New York and Philadelphia all report the customary commercial quiet at this season. Chicago's vclume of trade has equaled the totals for late weeks, is materially above the record a year ago. Total bank clearings at thirty-eight Feities for the week, as wired to Bradstreet's, aggregate $975,000,000, against $1,032,318,566 a week ago, a loss of 9 per cent. As compared with the corresponding week in 1886, when the total was $929,661,783, the gain is 21/2 per cent. Leading domestic money markets have been active and somewhat firmer. At Beston it was stringent, with higher rates. At Chicago rates ranged higher, with loans carefully scrutinized. The strength of one of the banks there to withstand losses through claims on the Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati did much to steady the money markets at the west. Most of the wheat held by Chicago banks as collateral has been sold since last Saturday, and large quantities are being shipped daily and bank loans canceled. The Fidelity bank failure produced an unsettled feeling in both the money and stock markets. Loaning rates rose and stock values declined through the week. till on Friday the excitement in Wall stre et culminated in panicky feeling and liquidation, in which prices declined all around and loan rates rose to 2 per cent. per day, the closing rate being 1 per cent. per day. There was a recovery in stocks and steadier feeling at the close. Foreign exchange fell to a figure below the gold-importing point. The exhibit of the gross railway earnings per mile included in Bradstreet's May report shows that while earnings per mile for May, 1887, increased 8.6 per cent. over May, 1886, and 8.7 per cent. over May, 1885, they fall 4.20 per cent. below those of May, 1884. For the first five months of the year earnings per mile increase 7.7 per cent. over 1886, 6 6 per cent. over 1885, but only 2.8 per cent. over 1884.- Bradstreet's.

13. July 6, 1887 Morris Tribune Morris, MN
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# FARMERS! You may have heard a report to the effect that The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company, manufacturers of Champion binders, mowers and reapers, was busted and their business is now in the hands of a receiver. This I denounce altogether as a bare-faced lie. This is being circulated for effect by men who are rather attending to business belonging to others in place of attending to their own. A short time since a report came out in some eastern papers that the Champion Machine Company had made an assignment, and had asked for a receiver. The court at once appointed Wm. N. Whiteley, president of the Champion Machine Company, as its receiver. This assignment was due to some complicated business matters with the Fidelity Bank at Cincinnati, Ohio, which closed its doors a short time since. The members of the Champion Machine Company are known as Whiteley, Fasler & Kelley. Several years ago Wm. N. Whiteley and some of the members of The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company, with the patents for the Champion machines, commenced to manufacture and offer them for sale. Some time after the opening of this manufacturing establishment, two distinct and separate companies were formed, each manufacturing the Champion machine, though offering them for sale in two separate territories. Whiteley, Fasler & Kelley having the eastern states, while The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company control the western. I therefore beg to inform you all, that The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company will still continue to offer Champion Binders, Mowers and Reapers, known as the best in the world, for sale as usual. And any one wishing to ascertain The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company's financial condition, may refer to the First National Bank of Chicago, Ill., where they can acquire what information they wish. The Champion Binders and Mowers will be cutting the grain and grass in this glorious northwest long after those weary, narrow minded, peace-destroying competitors of ours are laid in their little bed to rest. I would suggest that they wipe their nose, brace up, and go into some other business besides trying to tear down a machine as well known as the Champion. Yours truly, G. T. ELSHAM. General Agent for The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company. Morris, Minn., July 5, 1887.

14. July 14, 1887 Wood County Reporter Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Article from Wood County Reporter, July 14, 1887

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WASHINGTON. A COMMISSION has been appointed by the postmaster general to adjust and equalize the compensation of postoffice clerks throughout the country. IT is rumered at Washington that Colonel Morrison will resign from the interstate commerce commission to make another race for congress in his old district. THE State Department at Washington has been informed that deaths from cholera occured Wednesday at Palermo, the capital of the Island of Sicily. IT is practically settled that the President will not visit the West at all during the present year. The proposed visit to St. Louis has resulted in wholly changing what ever plans he had made for visiting Western cities. THE comptroller of the currency has received the report of the condition of the bursted Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati, on the date of its suspension but refuses to make it public. It is known that the books of the concern were kept so loosely that the present examination will show them to be nearly $500,000 out of he way. MRS. CLEVELAND, or "Donna Frances" as she is now popularly called, receives daily a most voluminous mail. Strange as it may seem, many of her letters relate to public business. Such communications are at once turned over to Col. Lansong. She is importuned for money, for offices, and is asked to obtain pensions for mutilated soldiers. THE president has authorized the allotment of land in severalty to the bands of Chippewas in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, resident upon the following reservations: L'Anse and Viex de Siet and Ontanagon, Mich.; Bad River, Lac de Flambeau, Lac Court O'Reilles, Red Cliff and Fond du Lac, Wis., and Grand Portage, Minn.

15. July 14, 1887 Mineral Point Tribune Mineral Point, WI
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# WASHINGTON. A COMMISSION has been appointed by the postmaster general to adjust and equalize the compensation of postoffice clerks throughout the country. IT is rumered at Washington that Colonel Morrison will resign from the interstate commerce commission to make another race for congress in his old district. THE State Department at Washington has been informed that deaths from cholera occured Wednesday at Palermo, the capital of the Island of Sic'ly. IT is practically settled that the President will not visit the West at all during the present year. The proposed visit to St. Louis has resulted in wholly changing what ever plans he had made for visiting Western cities. THE comptroller of the currency has received the report of the condition of the bursted Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati, on the date of its suspension but refuses to make it public. It is known that the books of the concern were kept so loosely that the present examination will show them to be nearly $500,000 out of he way. MRS. CLEVELAND, or "Donna Frances" as she is now popularly called, receives daily a most voluminous mail. Strange as it may seem, many of her letters relate to public business. Such communications are at once turned over to Col. Lamong. She is importuned for money, for offices, and is asked to obtain pensions for mutilated soldiers. THE president has authorized the allotment of land in severalty to the bands of Chippewas in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, resident upon the following reservations: L'Anse and Viex de Siet and Ontanagon, Mich.; Bad River, Lac de Flambeau, Lac Court O'Reilles, Red Cliff and Fond du Lac, Wis., and Grand Portage, Minn.

16. August 11, 1887 New-York Tribune New York, NY
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ATTACHMENTS ON THE FIDELITY BANK. PITTSBURG, Aug. 10.-In the Common Pleas Court. No. 2, to-day A. W. Kittridge, counsel for the defunet Fidelity Bank of Cincinuati, presented a petition asking that the at tachment issued al the instance of the Daquesne Bank and Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, of this city, and the National Bank of New.Brighton, Penn., on funds in the Fidelity Bank be dissolved. The court grauted a rule on defendants to show cause why the motion should not be granted. The amount involved is said to be about $200,000. A COSTLY CITY GOVERNMENT. PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 10 (Special). - The money asked by the heads of the different city departn nts 10 run their respective offices during 1888 loots up $17,820,288 10. This 18 an excess of $7,996,488 06 over 1887. The Public Buildings Commission. have K in charge the erection of the new City Hall, ask for $714,450 more for next year than it received this year. The demand is considered exorbitant. APPOINTED APPRAISERS OF ASSETS. PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 10 (Special).-James W. Latta. Clandius B. Linn and H. H. Ellis were to-day appointed appraisers of the assets of the suspended Columbian Bank. STEALING THE FUNDS OF A SOCIETY. 10 A. Westworth

17. September 4, 1887 Wichita Eagle Wichita, KS
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Verbum sat Sapienti. The receiver of Fidelity bank, of Cincinnati, has inaugurated a novel, not to say original mode of proceedure in his endeavors to effect a settlement of that recently wrecked institution's affairs, by instituting a civil suit against the directors for $3,009,000, on the ground that they betrayed their official trust and are, therefore, personally responsible in a large measure for the losses incurred thereby. We quite agree with the Gtobe-Democrat in the remark that "as a matter of justice, they should certainly have judgment rendered against them; and a decision of that kind in the United States court in which the question is to be passed upon would have a decidedly wholesome effect."

18. September 21, 1887 New-York Tribune New York, NY
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# DENYING REPORTS ABOUT A NATIONAL BANK. George G. Williams, president of the Chemical National Bank, denied yesterday the published dispatches that the bank was interested in any way in the failure of the Weber Brewing Company, of Cincinnati. He explained the only possible grounds for the statement in this way: The Fidelity Bank of Cincinnati applied for help when it was in distress and we made a loan to it. The bulk of the indebtedness has been paid and the balance will be met within about thirty days. Our security from the very first was am- ple and now we have collateral worth ten times probably the sum still due us. Among the securities there was some paper of the brewing company which we put into the hands of our Cincinnati lawyer for the simple purpose of avoiding re- sponsibility to the receiver of the Fidelity Bank. We should have turned the notes over to him, but the Bank of Montreal has laid an attachment on the surplus in our hands after our loan has been discharged. If it was not for this, we could soon give him a basketful of securities. The receiver could not bring suit on the notes, of course, and if we did not do so he might afterward hold us responsible for neglect. Our counsel advised us to avoid this possibility, but we have no interest in the failure of the brewing company.

19. October 12, 1887 The Indiana State Sentinel Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indiana State Sentinel, October 12, 1887

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The Fidelity Bank Cash. CINCINNATI, October 10.-It is understood that Ammi Baldwin, late cashier of the defunct Fidelity Bank, has made a statement of affairs in the institution, which gives an inside view. It begins with giving some news regarding the condition of the Third National Bank, in which Baldwin was cashier. In 1881, he says, Handy, Harper, and others were engaged in the big wheat deal at Chicago, and one night found the bank with only $1,600 in cash on hand. Some of the directors went to Chicago that night, and by 11 a. m. the next day had telegraphed $375,000 to the bank and saved it. The other directors never knew until now how near their bank was wrecked, Baldwin's brother, also in that bank, embezzled $18,000. Ammi covered it up for him, he says, with the help of Harper and others, and then got into Harper's hands. When the latter founded the Fidelity, he took Baldwin along with him. The Fidelity was run on wind and by the one-man power of Harper alone, who knew all the details of the business and kept all the secrets of the business, save such as he shared with Miss Josie Holmes, the exchange clerk. Harper was bound to keep the stock of the bank up, and at the premium boughteverybodys stock who wanted to sell. Baldwin was sick and absent for a few weeks, and on his return found Harper had assumed the duties of cashier, and continued to do so on the plea of relieving Baldwin of his work. Harper had balances of $100,000 or so on hand nearly all the time. The money seems now to have come mostly from hypothecating the banks stock and from the discounting of accommodation paper, yet so adroitly was it all done that Baldwin did not suspect the true state of affairs until the crash came. He had often heard Ben Hopkins the assistant cashier, say that Harper must be worth at least $5,000,000.

20. October 29, 1887 St. Paul Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
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The Fidelity Swindle. CINCINNATI, Oct. 28.-The First National bank of Logansport, Ind., to-day brought suit in the United States court to recover from Receiver Armstrong $43,441, which, it is alleged, the late Fidelity National bank held for the plaintiffs. The petition says that the receiver has rejected the claim. The money was on deposit in the Fidelity bank, and Harper, at the request of the Logansport bank, loaned it for them, giving them notes of Matthews & Gahr, secured by Fidelity stock. When the notes became due the bank was in the hands of a receiver.

21. November 6, 1887 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, November 6, 1887

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# A Wheat Deal Relic. CINCINNATI, November 5. —The American Exchange National Bank of Chicago, this afternoon, brought suit in the United States Court, against Receiver Armstrong, of the Fidelity National Bank, for $400,000 This is a relic of the troubles during the famous wheat deal.

22. June 6, 1888 Watertown Republican Watertown, WI
Article from Watertown Republican, June 6, 1888

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# Decision in a Fidelity Bank Case. The decision of Judge Jackson of the United States court has been received in a case where the jurisdiction of the United States court was called in question. It was the suit of Receiver Armstrong, of the Fidelity National Bank of Cincinnati, against Troutman and Fischer, who objected to the jurisdiction because both parties were residents of the same district and the amount claimed was less than $2,000. Judge Jackson held that jurisdiction was expressly given by the statutes in all proceedings in winding up the affairs of a national bank.