4037. State Bank of Commerce (Wallace, ID)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: state
Start Date: May 12, 1911
Location: Wallace, Idaho (47.474, -115.928)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 2f9f6823

Response Measures

Public signal of financial health, Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Receiver appointed and criminal prosecutions of officers followed; depositors later paid large share (about 98%).

Description

The State Bank of Commerce (Wallace, ID) was subject to a depositor run connected to reports about President B. F. O'Neil's losses and speculation; the examiner ordered suspension on May 12, 1911. A receiver (L. C. Wilson) was appointed and the institution remained defunct; later litigation, indictments and convictions followed. Receiver later paid most depositors (~98%).

Events (3)

1. May 12, 1911 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: L. C. Wilson, Receiver of the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, Idaho ... (later court and receiver actions).
Source: newspapers

2. May 12, 1911 Run

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Reports that President B. F. O'Neil had lost large sums (Carnegie Trust failure, bad speculations) triggered heavy withdrawals.
Measures: Other local banks (First National, Wallace National) prepared to meet withdrawals; assurances by bankers helped stop immediate run.
Newspaper Excerpt: At the time of the failure of the Carnegie Trust company the report that O'Neil had been interested and had lost a large sum started a run on the Wallace bank ... on the assurance of other bankers ... the run was stopped.
Source: newspapers

3. May 12, 1911 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: State bank examiner found large liabilities, mismanagement by President O'Neil and ordered suspension; net liabilities reported over $300,000.
Newspaper Excerpt: Carrying deposits aggregating more than $640,000 ... suspended payment and closed its doors at 10:30 o'clock this morning. ... the examiner ordered suspension this morning within 30 minutes after he first entered the bank.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)

1. May 13, 1911 The Daily Missoulian Missoula, MT

Article from The Daily Missoulian, May 13, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

STATE BANK OF COMMERCE SUS. PENDS ON ORDERS FROM EXAMINER. LIABILITIES ARE LARGE Failure of Institution Is Attributed to Mismanagement on Part of President O'Neil, Former Candidate for Governor, Who Lost in Carnegie Trust Company and Other Failures. Wallace, May 12.-(Special.)-Carry ing deposits aggregating more than $640,000 the State Bank of Commerce, 1 capitalized at $100,000. suspended pay1 ment and closed its doors at 10:30 ( o'clock this morning. Neither the bank 1 officials nor the state commissioner. who forced the suspension, had given 1 out any statement at a late hour tot night. The larger depositors, however, appear to have utmost confidence in e the institution, while scores of workingmen claim to have inside information to the effect that their savings I t accounts will be discounted more than e 50 per cent. The net liabilities are i reported to be more than $300,000. 1 The failure of the bank is generally 1 attributed to mismanagement on the ( part of President Barney F. O'Neil, late candidate for governor of Idaho, said I to have lost $250,000 in the failure of e the Carnegie Trust company of New e York. O'Neil also is said to have been , hard hit in the failure of the Lane 1 Lumber company of Coeur d'Alene * City, which occurred today, and in the s failure of the Inland Herald of Spokane, which occurred last week. The Officers. : The directors of the bank are T. L. S Greenough of Missoula, August Paulson 1 of Spokane, Eugene Day and Jorn 1 Nordquist of this city and Stanley 1 Easton of Kellogg. Mr. Greenough is vice president of the Institution and Edgar S. Wyman is cashier. The bank opened its doors for business this 1 morning as usual and deposits were bea ing accepted when President O'Neil and S Examiner Platt, after a short perusal t of the books, announced its suspension. 1 That the examiner ordered suspenI sion this morning within 30 minutes t after he first entered the bank is taken a to mean that the institution is in bad I shape. Other reports are to the effect that a change of administration is deyou sired by sockholders and the suspena sion was allowed to bring this about. t It is generally conceded by O'Neil's t friends that he spent more than 8 $150,000 in his gubernatorial campaign last fall and that he lost more than $250,000 in the failure of the Carnegie Trust company. d The last statement of the bank, isV sued on March 7, 1911, shows deposits 1 of $646,392.94. The loans, overdrafts 1 and other securities aggregate more i than $500,000. 1 I Suspension Disastrous. r That a suspension of 30 days, even if t the bank pays dollar for dollar at the I expiration of that time, will prove a a disastrous blow to business in the en, tire district, is evidenced by the fact o that a larger portion of the local business houses did their banking business e with the defunct concern. o Late tonight President O'Neil ant nounced that he would not issue any I statement until tomorrow. He is said n to have admitted that the net liabilities I of the bank are more than $300,000.

2. May 18, 1911 Mountain Home Maverick Mountain Home, ID

Article from Mountain Home Maverick, May 18, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

name, it is declared, have all made serious on the O'Neil fortune. The Wallace bank had connections with almost if not all the Spokane banking institutions, but these were of small importance and will not seriously affect the local banks. The State Bank of Commerce was capitalized for $100,000. It was the second bank in Wallace. The officers were B. F. O'Neil, president; T. L. Greenough of Missoula, vice-president; Edgar S. Wlman, Wallace, eashier; Carry C. Burke, Wallace, assistant cashier. Directors, other than Messrs. O'Neil and Greenough, were E. R. Day of Wallace, Ewen McIntosh of Kellogg and Stanley Easton, manager of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine. The bank opened as usual this morning, but was closed a short time afterward by the bank examiner. A big crowd gathered around the building waiting for a chance to withdraw deposits. The First National bank and the Wallace National are absolutely prepared for any run. President White of the First National showed visitors $700,000 in cash in the vaults of the bank. There is a large amount in the valuts of the Wallace National and much more money coming from Missoula. The Lane Lumber company plant at Harrison, in which O'Neil is heavily interested, was closed down about a week ago and the 80 men employed were discharged. At the time of the failure of the Carnegie Trust company the report that O'Neil had been interested and had lost a large sum started a run on the Wallace bank. In the interview however, O'Neil denied that he had lost anything and on the assurance of other bankers, who stated they believed the O'Neill institution to be in sound condition, the run was stopped.

3. May 19, 1911 Camas Prairie Chronicle Cottonwood, ID

Article from Camas Prairie Chronicle, May 19, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

) Barney O'Neil's Bank Suspends. The State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, Idaho, of which Barney O'Neil is president and chief stockholder, was closed by the Idaho state bank examiner last Friday morning. No definite statement was given out by either the examiner or bank officials, but it is understood unfortunate speculations indulged in by Mr. O'Neil led to the order. O'Neil is said to have lost large sums of money in Wall street within the last few weeks. His investment in the Inland Herald, his unsuccessful campaign for the gubernatorial nomination and the recent failure of the Carnegie Trust company, following Andrew Carnegie's repudiation of the use of his name, it is declared, have all made serious inroads on the O'Neil fortune. The State Bank of Commerce was capitalized for $100,000. It was the second bank in Wallace.

4. July 27, 1911 Mountain Home Maverick Mountain Home, ID

Article from Mountain Home Maverick, July 27, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DEPOSITORS AT A MASS MEETING MAKE SERIOUS CHARGES Committee Named to Make Thorough Examination of Condition of the Wrecked Bank--Candida4 for Governor at Last Primaries. WALLACE, July 23.-B. F. O'Neil and Edgar S. Wyman, president and cashier of the defunqt State Bank of Commerce, were grilled in a merciless fashion by depositors of the closed institution in a mass meeting here. They were referred to numerous times reprehensibly, and cheers greeted the statement of one speaker that they should be serving time behind the bars. A committee of five was appointed to investigate the criminal liability of the officers and the directors of the institution and to force the receiver to divulge the details. Adam Aulbach of Murray, a former member of the state legislature, who represented, according to his statements, $20,000 in deposits by power of attorney, upbraided the state officials in addition to the directors, and was cheered at each sarcastic reference to the conduct of the former officers. "There is scarcely a lètter of the state banking laws that has not been broken by B. F. O'Neil and his cashier, E. S. Wwman," said Mr. Aulbach. "They have virtually opened the doors of their valuts to the Lane Lumber Company and have shoveled the funds out to their friends, without a vestige of security. To you fell the misfortune of having furnished the funds for these kindly acts. "Though you may not know it, much of the $74,000 of savings deposits came from the pockets of mere children, who carried their every cent to a man they believed to be their friend." Aulbach accused former Receiver W. O. Pierce of covering up the real liability of the officers of the institution and with playing for time. "The 60 or 70 days he spent here were days wasted in which he accomplished little or nothing for you depositors," said Aulbach. "During these days you have done nothing but have stood like sheep to be fleeced. If you don't act they will get your skins as well as your wool. The committee appointed consist of S. R. Moore of Wallance, Mr. Swan of Burke, Larry Dooling, Mullan: David Froberg, Kellogg, and C. B. Ferguson, Murray. The district court room was crowded throughout the evening. None of the officers or directors were present.

5. July 28, 1911 The Rathdrum Tribune Rathdrum, ID

Article from The Rathdrum Tribune, July 28, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DEPOSITORS SCORE O'NEIL Loaned Wallace Bank Money Without Security. A Wallace dispatch of July 22 say-: B. F. O'Neil and Edgar S. Wyman, president and cashier of the defunct State Bank of Commerce, were grilled in a merciless fashion by depositors of the closed Institution in a mass meeting held in Wallace. They 1 were referred to numerous times reprehensibly, and cheers greeted the statement of one speaker that they should be serving time behind the bars. A committee of five was appointed to investigate the criminal liability of the officers and the directors of the institution and to force the receiver to divulge the details. Adam Aulbach of Murray. a former member of the state legislature, who represented, according to his stateunents, $20,000 in deposits by power of attorney. upbraided the state officials 10 addition to the directors, and was cheered at each sarcastic reference to the conduct of the former officers. 'There is scarcely a letter of the state banking laws that has not been broken by B. F. O'Neil and his cashier, E. S. Wayman, and Mr. Au:bach. "They have-streatly opened the doors of the veuns to the Lane Lumber company and have shoveled the funds out to their friends, with. out a vestige of security. "Though you may not know it, much of the $74,000 of savings deposits came from the pockets of were children, who carried their every cent to a man they believed to be their friend." Aulbach accused former Receiver W. O. Pierce of covering up the real liability of the officers of the institution and with playing for time. Charles W. McCandle-s, representative of the superintendent of banks of the state of New York, arrived in Wallace Saturday and his visit is said to indicate the possibility of bankrupey for both Mr. O'Neil and the Lane Lumber company. Mr. McCandless came west in the interest of the defunct Carnegie Trust company of which Mr. O'Neil was a debtor. Mr. O'Neil's indeb'edness to the closed Bank of Commerce in Wallace consists of an overdraft of $18,816 and three notes for a total of $51,044, all unsecured. The Lane Lumber company, of which B. F. O'Neil is an officer, owes $197,746, divided into five notes, all unsecured.

6. October 5, 1911 The Wallace Miner Wallace, Kellogg, ID

Article from The Wallace Miner, October 5, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# ALIAS SUMMONS. In the District Court of the First Judicial District of the State of Idaho, in and for the County of Shoshone. L. C. Wilson, Receiver of the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, Idaho, plaintiff, vs. Richard Daxon and Norman Ebbley, defendants. THE STATE OF IDAHO: To Richard Daxon and Norman Ebbley, defendants: You are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the above entitled Court, in Wallace, County of Shoshone, State of Idaho, the complaint of the above named plaintiff, wherein it is alleged that on the 8th day of September, 1908, the defendant Richard Daxon, made, executed and delivered to the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, Idaho, his certain promissory note in the sum of $100.00 due 90 days after date with inter-

7. October 11, 1911 The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake City, UT

Article from The Salt Lake Tribune, October 11, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

PERSECUTION BANK INQUIRY Bank Commissioner Declares His Deputy Is Wrongly Accused. A IS IT PLOT CLARES of State's Most Prominent Financiers Must Stand Trial. The Tribune tal 1 to Oct. The bank scandal charges IEE. Ida.. in which grave Fallace, Ida., grand jury against capital- some made by a financiers. lumber most prominent and mining men defunct of this State state hear connection with has the attracted the at of Commerce. state bank examiner's de lon of the included in the list of men ment, for Pierce. a deputy state by ted 18 W O. It is claimed Platt commissioner Bank Commissioner v. any W. wronginnocent of departPierce is head of the state is and open the in his defense of the depat of an the result is who were eeted the the by charge with certain the individuals bank expense to clear of their an skirts party, even and at in short. or party was orig- who cent by certain parties avoid the vment by this means boldly states missioner drectors' liability Platt in his defense of reply statement Pierce. the that sheriff I did immissioner at not Wallace continued message wire from the replied receipt of his away on official Mr. Plence was in a territory and was of communication the the only means unfortunately by telephone and the time he ched rea was out of repair at communicated him as not be soon as possible Stirs Whole State. company bonding re pert that demands a for money from emphatic untrue and misleading Pierce 18 also several missta tatements request only one made company mand for money corporal this in this state affa follow ir. bank failure in stirred Idaho as has of dictments has of Comme of the State Bank does the names involving as including state offi- re rominent The following men. indictments were and receiver illiam O Pierce former missioner. charged state bank of $1200. Lumber trick H embezzin Wall of the charged Lane with glv ans. also defunct of a debt he not had In which check in payment sufficient funds redit for F. O'Neil the Edgar S W yman. Eugene G Scott R Easton roon John Nordquist charged with and Stanley A in bank with the inNing rledge deposits that the institution was lear Wyman. John H. Nor uist making and the Easton charged financial reports concerning of corporation. litlon and property Scott Anderson F. agust Paulsen Day. B. McIntosh Harr charged with al and Eugene R. Day of false reurring the publishing condition concerning the financia the property of corporation. of eree was appointed ourt made shortly by order of the closed Since then the doors were deputy state ar been acting as was while be was commissioner It the lleged shortas receiver that that the occurred but it is stated his perwas/reimbursed He National bank First to Check on the of $1300 Keizer. Ida in the sum to balance Account The State Bank of Commerce check was protested was of the sant of funds notified and he immediately Walarded to those In overing charge the amount the n on National bank check Bank of the Re was check of Salt Lake This marked protested and returned on Autested for the want of funds made The bonding compan and Pierce the money in cash it and paid for to have telegraphed exception directors with the bonds and MeIntosh furnished McIntosh amount of $6000 each be sick with con Florida said to made effort will be tion. No back to Idaho d, to bring him misdemeal charged only with Cite Six False Reports. condi false reports of the bank's are cited prior to the time it failed the over charged the amount of was each false statement and pad and the figures luggled all the The reductions range All overdraft $50,000 to $200. 000 when it represented as secured were not it that in fact they discounts at all. Loans and well as the red were booste 88 The last state and cash on hand March of the bank published of $6474 showed an draft $96,474 figure should have been same man tes were dropped in the dis takete. with the cash on hand items the counts against each to of sixteen men range from two and Augus WO against MeIntosh Nordquis III sixteen against fourteen agains against Wyman. Scott Anderson fourteen against and Eas against Harry L. Eugene Day R. Day and/eleven against here toda fact came to light Jame gh a statement of Governor Bank of Com awley that the State and th would not be operating. had Hap would not have followed who possible for the Days controllers Unillions owners and mine rich and famous Hercules bank stoc therate $75,000 of the This sto becated in Portland B tl that of the bank's president. requested Governor Hawley and neg to take the bank over but the sto T1 were entered into the deal as security blocked its door ullon was unable to open will recei about 50 cents on the 18 a result depositors dollar

8. November 17, 1911 Montpelier Examiner Montpelier, ID

Article from Montpelier Examiner, November 17, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# IDAHO STATE NEWS A Boise man convicted of fast driving, when he ran over a boy, was fined $10. Ten new cases of smallpox are reported from Greenleaf. All of them are mild cases. Three Chinamen left Boise last week for China, where they expect to aid the insurgents in their battle for liberty. The new Christian church at Boise is nearing completion and will be ready for dedication Sunday, November 19. John Plowman of Caldwell had a narrow escape from death last week as he result of ptomaine poisoning. He is now reported out of danger. There were thirty-three births as against twenty-two deaths in Boise for the month just closed, according to the report of the city health officer. It took just two hours and eight minutes to try a bootlegging case in the district court at Caldwell last week, the accused man being convicted. Charles H. Allen and R. C. Cleden der were found guilty by a jury at Hailey of the murder of M. J. Crowley in Dot F. Allen's resort on September 21, and sentenced to life imprisonment. The monthly sales day drew an unusually large crowd of farmers to Caldwell. Five hundred and fifteen teams were counted. The offerings consisted of horses, cattle, household furniture and farm implements. Andrew Dowling and John Davis, residents of Highland valley, are both badly bruised and shaken up as the result of being thrown from a wagon, which overturned, landing the occupants in a barb-wire fence. Mystery surrounds the motive behind the suicide of John Hay of Walla Walla, who took his life on a Short Line train a short distance from American Falls, by shooting. There is no known reason for the tragedy. The Ada county commissioners have granted a 50-year franchise to the Boise Valley Railway company known as the Robert Noble lines, to construct and operate an electric railway to connect with the company's existing line in south Boise. Harry Orchard, now serving a life sentence in the state prison for the murder of ex-Governor Stennenberg, has made a statement to the press in which he favors prison reform, declaring that work is a good thing for the prisoners. Deputy State Bank Commissioner W. O. Pierce, former receiver of the defunct State Bank of Commerce, at Wallace, pleaded not guilty to the charge of embezzlement, at Wallace last week. His case will be called December 12. At the meeting of the Idaho-Washington Development League in Boise, there were 99 boosters from Portland and about 10 from Spokane and 62 duly elected delegates from towns in northern and central Idaho and eastern Washington. The dryest spot on the Sahara desert hasn't anything on the various social and fraternal clubs of Boise, following the order resultant from the supreme court's decision that the serving of liquors in such places is illegal without a saloon license, says the Statesman. Persons living on the new Paris branch of the Oregon Short Line in Idaho have asked for more frequent train service. The Montpelier Commercial club has asked the road for morning and evening round trip service between the terminus of the branch and McCammon. Senator Borah, in an interview at Spokane, announced that at the next session of congress he will introduce bills proposing to change the present government land laws so that homesteaders will be required to live but three instead of five years on their lands. Following three days of inspection, J. B. Wallis, deputy state inspector of weights and measures, and M. S. Parker, deputy state inspector of dairy, food and sanitation, made a statement that the city of Namna was without exception the cleanest town in Idaho. Charles Henry, aged 12 years, son of Mrs. Adelia Henry, a widow, was shot and instantly killed near Lewiston by a load of shot fired from a 12-gauge shotgun in the hands of Geo. Brice, the same age, who did not know that the gun he pointed at his companion was loaded. The city council of Salmon City, has fixed December 12 as the date for voting again upon the qeustion of bonding the city in the sum of $65,00 for the purchase and extension of the waterworks plant. This will be the fourth time that this matter has been submitted to the voters. It is said that the Thousand Springs Power company intends to install a power plant at Thousand Springs at once with an initial unit of 6,000 horsepower. Just what use the power is to be put to is a matter the company is not making public. The state supreme court, in a decision handed down last week, concurred in by all members, holds that the Boise Commercial club must pay

9. November 17, 1911 The Meridian Times Meridian, ID

Article from The Meridian Times, November 17, 1911

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# IDAHO STATE NEWS A Boise man convicted of fast driving, when he ran over a boy, was fined $10. Ten new cases of smallpox are reported from Greenleaf. All of them are mild cases. Three Chinamen left Boise last week for China, where they expect to aid the insurgents in their battle for liberty. The new Christian church at Boise is nearing completion and will be ready for dedication Sunday, November 19. John Plowman of Caldwell had a narrow escape from death last week as the result of ptomaine poisoning. He is now reported out of danger. There were thirty-three births as against twenty-two deaths in Boise for the month just closed, according to the report of the city health officer. It took just two hours and eight minutes to try a bootlegging case in the district court at Caldwell last week, the accused man being convicted. Charles H. Allen and R. C. Cledender were found guilty by a jury at Halley of the murder of M. J. Crowley in Dot F. Allen's resort on September 21, and sentenced to life imprisonment. The monthly sales day drew an unusually large crowd of farmers to Caldwell. Five hundred and fifteen teams were counted. The offerings consisted of horses, cattle, household furniture and farm implements. Andrew Dowling and John Davis, residents of Highland valley, are both badly bruised and shaken up as the result of being thrown from a wagon, which overturned, landing the occupants in a barb-wire fence. Mystery surrounds the motive behind the suicide of John Hay of Walla Walla, who took his life on a Short Line train a short distance from American Falls, by shooting. There is no known reason for the tragedy. The Ada county commissioners have granted a 50-year franchise to the Boise Valley Rallway company, known as the Robert Noble lines, to construct and operate an electric railway to connect with the company's existing line in south Boise. Harry Orchard, now serving a life sentence in the state prison for the murder of ex-Governor Stennenberg, has made a statement to the press in which he favors prison reform, declaring that work is a good thing for the prisoners. Deputy State Bank Commissioner W. O. Pierce, former receiver of the defunct State Bank of Commerce, at Wallace, pleaded not guilty to the charge of embezzlement, at Wallace last week. His case will be called December 12. At the meeting of the Idaho-Washington Development League in Boise, there were 99 boosters from Portland and about 10 from Spokane and 62 duly elected delegates from towns in northern and central Idaho and eastern Washington. The dryest spot on the Sahara desert hasn't anything on the various social and fraternal clubs of Boise, following the order resultant from the supreme court's decision that the serving of liquors in such places is illegal without a saloon license, says the Statesman. Persons living on the new Paris branch of the Oregon Short Line in Idaho have asked for more frequent train service. The Montpelier Commercial club has asked the road for morning and evening round trip service between the terminus of the branch and McCammon. Senator Borah, in an interview at Spokane, announced that at the next session of congress he will introduce bills proposing to change the present government land laws so that homesteaders will be required to live but three instead of five years on their lands. Following three days of inspection, J. B. Wallis, deputy state inspector of weights and measures, and M. S. Parker, deputy state inspector of dairy, food and sanitation, made a statement that the city of Nampa was without exception the cleanest town in Idaho. Charles Henry, aged 12 years, son of Mrs. Adelia Henry, a widow, was shot and instantly killed near Lewiston by a load of shot fired from a 12-gauge shotgun in the hands of Geo. Brice, the same age, who did not know that the gun he pointed at his companion was loaded. The city council of Salmon City, has fixed December 12 as the date for voting again upon the question of bonding the city in the sum of $65,000 for the purchase and extension of the waterworks plant. This will be the fourth time that this matter has been submitted to the voters. It is said that the Thousand Springs Power company intends to install a power plant at Thousand Springs at once with an initial unit of 6,000 horsepower. Just what use the power is to be put to is a matter the com-

10. January 13, 1912 The Tacoma Times Tacoma, WA

Article from The Tacoma Times, January 13, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TELEGRAPH TABLOIDS HELSINGFORS, Finland. ublic indignation runs high toagainst the latest edict from Petersburg that Russia shall eceive from Finland contribuof horses and transport for Russian army. STOCKHOLM-'Equal rights" the women of Sweden is bepushed forward energetically the enactment of a suffrage is believed to be assured as result of the recent liberal elecvictories. WALLACE, Ida.-Three more dictments in connection with the ailure of the State Bank of Comhere have been returned the special grand jury investithe bank's affairs, increasthe list to five. The names of hose indicted are kept secret. EVERETT. Wash.-Pricked by onscience and now knowing the of those whom he had cussed," H. W. Welty, an exman, inserted the following dvertisement in a local newspa"I confess I used harsh lanto a man and two boys in automobile, for which I humbly their pardon." ATHENA, Ore-Mabel Belis suing "Prof." Matuska, itinerant musician, for $50, the she paid for vocal instrucHe told her to roll on the while practicing the scale she would develop into a ongstress of class. She did and no improvement. COLTON, Cal.-The bodies of uan Garcia and Porfirio Cortez buried here today beneath undreds of tons of earth and ocks as the result of a blast at he California-Portland cement near Colton. PORTLAND, Ore-The most nique political organization in regon made its bow to the pubtoday as the "Men's Equal uffrage club," with W. M. Davis its president. The club was rganized for the purpose of seuring the ballot for the women Oregon. SEATTLE-Rev. John C. Bakfounder of the Pacific Baptist, he first and only Baptist publion the coast, is dead here, 84. He was the first general nissionary for the Pacific coast. CHICO, Cal-Because his dog refused to retrieve a quail, S. D. Arney, a local merchant, beat him vith his gun stock. The gun off and Arney is in a hospiand will probably die. WASHINGTON, D. C.-Charles Morse, New York banker-conwas transferred from the Fort McPherson army hospital esterday to the army hospital at Iot Springs, Ark., where he will treated to restore his health. WILKESBARRE, Pa-So many eople voted for John J. McDevitt, son of a day laborer, as a oke that he was nominated for ounty treasurer and the county epublican committee had to pay $2,500 to get him to withfrom the ticket. He hired special train and left for New York to prove that a fool and his noney are soon parted.

11. April 4, 1912 Clearwater Republican Orofino, ID

Article from Clearwater Republican, April 4, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

CASHIER ALONE GUILTY OF FAULTY BOOKKEEPING. Vancouver, B. C., March 30.-B. F. O'Neil, former Idaho banker, who is resisting extradition, took the stand today and testified that imperfect bookkeeping by the cashier of the defunct State Bank of Commerce of Wallace was responsible for making it appear that money taken by O'Neil was not properly his own. Mr. O'Neil said that he had every reason to believe, up to the day the bank suspended, that it could tide over its difficulties, as he always understood that the Day brothers, who were wealthy mining men, would see it through. In connection with the Lane Lumber company, which had an overdraft of about $130,000 from the bank, he said, Mr. Wall, one of the directors, had gone to New York to float a bond issue, but just at that time the great Coeur d'Alene forest fires occurred and it was impossible to float a timber bond of any kind. Finding the bank in difficulties, he said, he himself had turned over to assist it ten sections of timber in Preston, B. C., which he valued at $100,000 to $200,000. He had turned in city property valued at from $5,000 to $6,000 and mining stock and bonds worth anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000. He had also turned over 46,000 acres of irrigated land on Spokane prairie. This left him "broke" and he had to borrow money to get out of Wallace. "In 1909 and 1910 I believed myself to be worth in equities and asgets about $700,000," said Mr. O'Neil, "all of which is gone."

12. April 5, 1912 The Rathdrum Tribune Rathdrum, ID

Article from The Rathdrum Tribune, April 5, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

OF INTEREST TO IDAHOANS. Events and Industrial Progress Of the Week. A lodge of the Fraternal Brother hood was organized at Coeur d'Alene last week. The Forest Queen is a new 10-ton boat launched to carry passengers on the swift water of the St. Joe river. Schools in all parts of Kootenai and Shoshone counties were closed this week, to permit the teachers to attend the joint Institute held at Coeur d'Alene. A lighted match carelessly thrown to a pile of rubbish caused a fire that destroyed three business houses of Whitebird last Saturday night. The loss was $45,000; Insurance $20,000. Former District Judge Alexander E. Maybew, 84 years of age, the oldest practicing attorney In the Coeur d'Alenes, was the guest of honor at a banquet of the Shoshone Bar associa tion at Wallace last Sunday evening. The illegal grazing of 2300 sheep on the Payette national forest last fall resulted in the district attorney's filing an Information against Domingo Souvereta in the federal court at Boise. B. F. O'Neil, former president of the defunct State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, has testified at a hearing at Vancouver, B. C., that the Day brothers were to blame for the bank's failure. O'Nell IS resisting extradition to Idaho. Frank Stotts, a deer hunter in Bonner county, paid a fine of $50 and $10 costs last week, when be was arrested by James J. McBride, a deputy of the state game and fish department, on a charge of killing deer out of season. The interest on state fund balances in banks over the state for the month of March was $6009.36, according to figures issued by Fred M. Coleman, deputy state treasurer. The amount of interest for the first quarter, January, February and March, was $16,214.79. Both of these amounts are the largest in the history of the office in comparison with similar periods. What is said to be the greatest advance made by the dairy industry in the west will be recorded in & few days at Twin Falls, when a shipment of 200 thoroughbred dairy cows from Wisconsin and northern Illinois will arrive at Twin Falls, after a trip half way across the continent 10 a special train. Short weight butter run out of this state has been shipped into Washington. The stringent measures which James H. Wallis, the state pure food inspector, has been taking against this kind of butter has resulted in the short packages being shipped to markets which are free from the interference of the state's inspector. Secretary of State Gifford has sent to the county auditors of the various counties a consignment of copies of the state election laws and the laws passed at the special session. Each of the 27 counties will receive a large number of both pamphlets. The total number of copies of the election laws rent out is given as 5202 and the special session laws as 672. Another building has been added to be-equipment of the Idaho State School for the Deaf and the Blind at Gooding. Through Miss Grace Shepherd state superintendent of public instruction, the board of education has received from the bands of the contractor the $30,000 structure which will be the home of the boys of the institution. President W. S. Hyde of the Antihas filed a at Saloon with the league county commissioners petition Boise asking for a special election to

13. June 6, 1912 American Falls Press American Falls, ID

Article from American Falls Press, June 6, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# O'NEIL'S BOND LOWERED Former Wallace Banker is Unable to Raise Cash for Liberty. Wallace.-B. F. O'Neil, former president of the defunct State Bank of Commerce, recently extradited from Vancouver, B. C., was bound over to the district court on nine charges of receiving deposits after he knew his institution to be insolvent in probate court. Following the announcement of his decision Judge Worstell reduced from $90,000 to $45,000, the banker's bond in his court, making a total bond required by the two local courts of $81,000. O'Neil was unable to furnish the bond and was returned to jail. The hearing was given over largely to the testimony of Receiver Wilson and former officers of the bank, who reviewed the last days of the bank's history. The defense introduced no witnesses and relied entirely on the cross-examination.

14. August 15, 1912 The Wallace Miner Wallace, Kellogg, ID

Article from The Wallace Miner, August 15, 1912

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

for a monthly rental of $150 will come on to be heard before the Judge of the above entitled court at chambers at Wallace, Idaho, at 10 o'clock a. m. or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard and any persons objecting to the confirmation of such sale or to the granting of said lease may appear and object at that time, a copy of said pe- tition is now on file with the clerk of the above entitled court. L. C. WILSON, Receiver of the State Bank of Com- merce, Wallace, Idaho. J25-A25-5t

15. January 9, 1913 The Ontario Argus Ontario, OR

Article from The Ontario Argus, January 9, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

O'NEIL PLEADS NOT GUILTY Former Wallace Banker Arraigned on Nine Counts in Shoshone Court Wallace.-Judge W. W. Woods Thursday issued an order calling for the immediate arraignment of B. F. O'Neil, former president of the now defunct State Bank of Commerce, on nine counts charging the issuance of false reports. Following the session of the grand jury, which indicted the banker on six counts, Prosecuting Attorney James A. Wayne filed additional informations charging that the bank became insolvent May 1, and that the banker committed an offense each day he allowed the institution to run after that date. The arraignment of O'Neil occupied but ten minutes in district court Saturday morning. With formality and superfluity omitted by thé prisoner's consent, but one of the nine charges were read in its entirety. The differences in the eight other complaints were detailed. As each of the number was called he pleaded not guilty. The setting of the cases has been left until the coming term which begins in February. O'Neil's bond on these nine counts continues under the ruling of the court at $2000 on each. This makes the total bond $54,000.

16. February 14, 1913 The Meridian Times Meridian, ID

Article from The Meridian Times, February 14, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# IDAHO STATE NEWS Mrs. Alice Shotka, who was injured last September while alighting from a street car in Boise, has been awarded $5,000 damages by a jury. Representative Farmin, of Bonner county, did the feature shooting at the Boise Gun club's shoot last week. He took ninety-six out of a possible 100. To date 2,380 carloads of potatoes from Bingham and Bonneville counties have been shipped east, and 2,500 carloads remain to be sent to the eastern consumer. At Bowman's camp of the Idaho Northern railroad in the canyon near Van Wyck, the crew has been compelled to discontinue the rock work on account of deep snow and bad weather. J. B. Slay, convicted of forgery, was taken to the penitentiary from Caldwell last week. Slay, who pleaded guilty to the forgery of several small checks, will serve from one to fourteen years. The city of Nampa will save $7,398 in its light and power bills during the next twenty-five months, due to the new contract entered into by the council and the Idaho Railway Light & Power company. As a result of the recent action of the council in calling for competitive bids for the city's light and power contract, the monthly electric light bills of the city of Caldwell will be practically cut in two. Reports received from the rabbit-infested districts of Lincoln county indicate the wholesale destruction of the pests as the result of the paris green campaign begun under the direction of the county commissioners. State Engineer A. E. Robinson of Wallace has resigned, giving as his reason that he had been verbally requested to do so by Governor Haines. The term of office of the engineer would not have expired for two years. John Tinsley, a young miner, and a husband of but a few weeks, was fatally injured near Wallace, when he attempted to board a freight train on the Burke branch of the O. W. R. & N. His young wife witnessed the accident. State Game Warden Barber has announced the appointment of W. N. Stephens, former state game warden, as chief deputy of the department, and R. C. West of Moscow as assistant chief deputy for the southern end of the state. Paul Celton, a dope fiend, broke the big plate glass window in the front of a pharmacy at Idaho Falls because the management of the store refused him laudanum, and after he had attempted to break the show cases and had been ejected from the store. Dr. Harvey W. Wiley, the former chief of the government bureau of chemistry, who was making a lecture tour of the United States in the interest of pure food education, was stricken ill on his arrival at Idaho Falls and has left for home. That the average daily overdrafts for the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace for four years prior to its failure were $116,663 or $16,663 more than the capital stock of the bank, was the testimony at Coeur d'Alene of L. C. Wilson, receiver of the bank. At a meeting in Boise of members of the Sons of Jove, an organization of electrical workers numbering 8,000 members in America, one of the principal speakers was John A. Tupper, a pioneer in electrical development, who installed the first are light in Salt Lake. Members of four Pocatello women's clubs have mailed protests to the Bannock county members of the legislature asking that they oppose the bill introduced by Col. H. V. A. Ferguson and known as house bill No. 14, effecting the property rights of married women. Sam Poulous, a Greek, confined in the jail at Pocatello, awaiting trial on a charge of murderous assault, is alleged to have murdered six prison guards in his native country and assisted in the escape of many prisoners. Cablegrams have been sent to the Greek government. J. D. Browning and L. R. Martineau of Salt Lake have filed two surety bonds aggregating $2,500 with the city council as a guaranty of good faith in carrying out the provisions of an electric street railway franchise and an electric lighting franchise recently granted them at Pocatello. In one of the shortest opinions handed down by the supreme court of the state in many years, the Oregon Short Line Railroad company is compelled to pay the sum of $250 to Delbert W. Lott of Rexburg for the loss of two horses at a crossing in the northern part of Rexburg. Seventy-four carloads of Idaho potatoes in two special trains, the largest

17. October 31, 1913 The Twin Falls Times Twin Falls, ID

Article from The Twin Falls Times, October 31, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# MUST CONSIDER O'NEIL CASE Board of Pardons Must Take up Bankers' Case Soon. It is already clear that the state board of pardons at its next meeting will be called upon to consider a strong petition for the pardon of B. F. O'Neil, now in the penitentiary under conviction of having made false returns to the state bank examiner regarding the condition of the State State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, ies of the petition for pardon are to be found in many communities of the state. This is particularly true of those communities in north Idaho in which O'Neil operated most extensively and where he was best known. The petition reads as follows: "That at the time he commenced to serve prison sentence he had been incarcerated in various jails upon said charge for more than one year; that at the time of the suspension of the State Bank of Comemrce of Wallace, Ida., he transferred and assigned all his property, both real and personal, to the representatives of said suspended bank, and that he is now wholly without means or property; that in all his dealings with his fellow men he has always been honest, just and generous, and up to the time he was charged with having made false report he had never been accused of any crime of wrongdoing, but on the contrary was noted for his generosity and liberality, particularly with the poor and needy. "We believe that Mr. O'Neil's offenses were mere technical offenses, and that in the commission of the same he followed out long established customs of other bankers; that he did not intend to defraud the bank or any of its patrons. "We are informed that Mr. O'Neil is the only officer of the suspended bank of Wallace who has been or will be prosecuted, although all of the other officers were in a position to know, and must have known, of the technical violations of the law, and we do not consider it fair that he alone should suffer the penalty. Mr. O'Neil has a wife and child who are without funds and means of support and require and need his assistance, and we believe that he has been punished sufficiently and that the ends of justice have been met; and that it will serve no good purpose to further continue his confinement in the penitentiary. We therefore respectfully pray that your honorable board grant to said B. F. O'Neil a full and unconditional pardon, with full restoration of his civil rights." - Statesman.

18. November 7, 1913 The Idaho Republican Blackfoot, ID

Article from The Idaho Republican, November 7, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

# PETITION FOR O'NEIL TO BE SENT PARDON BOARD TO BE ASKED TO FREE EX-BANKER. Strong Petition Filed and Consideration in Some Form Will Be Necessary by the State Body Controlling Such Affairs.-North in Favor. (Exchange) It is already clear that the state board of pardons at its next meeting will be called upon to consider a strong petition for the pardon of B. F. O'Neil, now in the pennitentiary under conviction of having made false returns to the state bank examiner regarding the condition of the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, says the Statesman. Copies of the petition for pardon are to be found in many communities of the state. This is particularly true of those communities in north Idaho in which O'Neil operated most extensively and where he was best known. The petition reads as follows: "That at the time he commenced to serve prison sentence he had been incarcerated in various jails upon said charge for more than one year; that at the time of the suspension of the State Bank of Commerce of Wallace, Idaho, he transferred and assigned all his property, both real and personal, to the representatives of said suspended bank, and that he is now wholly without means or property; that in all his dealings with his fellow men he has always been honest, just and generous, and up to the time he was charged with having made false report he had never been accused of any crime or wrongdoing, but on the contrary was noted for his generosity and liberality, particularly with the poor and needy. "We believe that Mr. O'Neil's offenses were mere technical offenses, and that in the commission of the same he followed out long established customs of other bankers; that he did not intend to defraud the bank or any of its patrons. "We are informed that Mr. O'Neil is the only officer of the suspended bank of Wallace who has been or will be prosecuted, although all of the other officers were in a position to know, and must have known, of the technical violations of the law, and we do not consider it fair that he alone should suffer the penalty. Mr. O'Neil has a wife and child who are without funds and means of support and require and need his assistance, and we believe that he has been punished sufficiently and that the ends of justice have been met; and that it will serve no good purpose to further continue his confinement in the penitentiary. We therefore respectfully pray that your honorable board grant to said B. F. O'Neil a full and unconditional pardon, with full restoration of his civil rights."

19. March 12, 1914 Idaho County Free Press Grangeville, ID

Article from Idaho County Free Press, March 12, 1914

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BARNEY O'NEIL'S PARDON. Attorney for Ex-Banker Clashes With Member of Pardon Board. Advices from Boise, where the state board of pardons held a session Monday, are to the effect that the con sensus of opinion holds the view that the ex-Wallace banker and former can didate for the nomination for governor of the state will not be granted an unconditional pardon. A Boise dispatch under date of March 9 tells interesting ly of the board's meeting in part as follows: A stormy and exciting special session of the state board of pardons was held today on the application of B. F. ''Neil, the convicted Wallace bank er, for an unconditional pardon, during which charges of political intimidation and the maintenance of a rich men's lobby to fight the pardon were made and O'Neil's record of high finance was reviewed. The board took the application un der advisement and Governor Haines said they would not reach a decision for several days. Robert E. McFarland appeared for O' Neil and James A. Wayne, former prosecuting attorney for, Shoshone county, opposed the application. L. C. Wilson of Wallace, receiver of the defunct State Bank of Commerce, of which O'Neil was president, and who was convicted for falsifying its reports appeared as special representative for the commissioners of Shoshone county in opposition to the pardon, but did not address the board. Basing his claims for O'Neil's pardon almost entirely on a plea for elemency, Attorney McFarland said it was sig nificant that O'Neil was the only olii cer and director of the bank prosecuted and said his conviction was secured largely on the prejudice of two jurors. He declared the people of north Idaho not only requested the pardon, but they demanded it, as shown by their petitions. Turning to the board, McFarland said: "There is a primary law in this state giving the people the right to express their choice of candidates. They put you in office. They have a right to expect that you listen to their requests, and, having expressed a wish that O'Neil be pardoned, that you pardon him." "I do not accept your theory,' said Attorney General Peterson. Ignoring this remark, McFarland declared a rich men's lobby had been maintained in Boise for several days block the 'Neil pardon. "The wealthy men who placed O'Neil in the penitentiary have been here several days conducting a lobby, and you know it," cried McFarland. 'Where else is your opposition? Your only op position is the monied interests of Shoshone county. Are there any of the depositors who lost money here protesting? Is there a written protest from any one from Shoshone county except that of Herman Rossi, who was a witness against O'Neil!'' McFarland and the attorney general clashed after the former said Taft had the nerve to pardon Clarence W. Robnett and President Wilson to pardon Kester and Kettenbach, and the at torney general half humorously cut in with, 'yes, look what happened to Taft." "If you do not grant this pardon you may look out for what may happen to you," angrily retorted McFarland, turning on Attorney General Peterson, who objected to the remark, saying he did not propose to let any man come before the board and theraten him with political downfall or to politically in timidate him. Wayne flayed O'Neil unmercifully. He asserted the convicted banker had been crooked in his dealings in the banking business prior to the organization of the Bank of Commerce, which he launched on a bad paper, for while at Wallace assets a the he head bolstered of a up small its bank in with false entry of $97,000 to fool the examiner. Wayne claimed many of the petitions had been signed through misrepresentation; that the bank had paid its depositions and Harry L. Day had given assurance they would get dollar for dollar; that O'Neil got $336,000 of the bank's money. FOLKS SEE ECLIPSE. pepples

20. March 12, 1914 The Blackfoot Optimist Blackfoot, ID

Article from The Blackfoot Optimist, March 12, 1914

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

The application of B. F. O'Neil, the Wallace banker now serving a term in the state penitentiary, for a full and complete pardon, was taken under advisement last Monday by the state board of pardons following a hearing that lasted all morning and part of the afternoon. It was stated after the hearing by Governor Haines that the board wished to go into the record to clear up a number of points in the case before reaching a definite decision on the application. O'Neil's case was presented by Robert E. McFarland and was opposed by James A. Wayne, former prosecuting attorney for Shoshone county. L. C. Wilson, receiver for_ the defunct State Bank of Commerce, of which O'Neil was president and for the falsification of the report to the state bank commisaloner, of which he was convicted, was present as special representative of the board of commissioners of Shoshone county. The hearing on O'Neil's application did not lack in interest or, in fact, excitement. It was punctuated with charges that a rich man's lobby was being conducted in Boise to keep the convicted Wallace banker in the penitentiary; that O'Neil had been orooked and dishonest in the manipulations of the affairs of the bank he is alleged to have wrecked and that even when he organized the Bank of Commerce he did DO on a false and fradulent transaction. Many other similar allegations were made. The sarcastic inference was left with the board that O'Neil was only honest in this, that when the Bank of Commerce failed, he left the fixtures, the vaults and the safe. False Representation In protest to the petition and in reply to Attorney McFarland, Attorney Wayne outlined his argument by following the plea for pardon as contained in the petitions circulated and signed. He claimed there had been false representation in the circulation of the petitions, one of which he pointed out was the statement O'Neil had turned over all his property to the bank which had made it posible

21. March 12, 1914 The Blackfoot Optimist Blackfoot, ID

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BOARD REFUSES PARDON TO B. F. O'NEIL to pay the depositors in full. To show The application of B. F. O'Neil, the the promiscuous circulation of the peWallace banker now serving a term titions, he said a negro porter had in the state penitentiary, for a full circulated them in Boise, getting signand complete pardon, was taken uners from everyone he ran across on der advisement last Monday by the the streets. He said he could have state board of pardons following a secured counter petitions, but he did hearing that lasted all morning and not believe that was the way to try part of the afternoon. It was stated out the case, that he did not believe after the hearing by Governor Haines it was right to try out matters by that the board wished to go into the appeal to the "mob." He then re record to clear up a number of points viewed at length the charge that two in the case before reaching a definite of the members of the jury were decision on the application. O'Neil's prejudiced against O'Neil, denying the case was presented by Robert E. Mccharge and asserting that the defense Farland and was opposed by James A. thought one of them, Cotello by name, Wayne, former prosecuting attorney was friendly to them and later when for Shoshone county. L. C. Wilson, the verdict was returned they were receiver for the defunct State Bank angry that he would not "stay fixed of Commerce, of which O'Neil was if he was fired." president and for the falsification of the report to the state bank commisO'Neil Scored sioner, of which he was convicted, was O'Neil was scored for leaving Idaho present as special representative of and going to Canada and Wayne asthe board of commissioners of Shoserted those pleading for his pardon shone county. had the nerve to set up as one of the The hearing on O'Neil's application reasons that he should be shown clemdid not lack in interest or, in fact, ency because he had been in jail for excitement. It was punctuated with so long. "It took us eight months to charges that a rich man's lobby was bring him back to Idaho," said Wayn', being conducted in Boise to keep the "at a cost of from two to three thouconvicted Wallace banker in the penisand dollars." He later said that tentiary; that O'Neil had been orookafter O'Neil's conviction he wanted ed and dishonest in the manipulations to start service of his sentence in the of the affairs of the bank he is al penitentiary, but O'Neil preferred to leged to have wrecked and that wait in jail and then to delay, by pereven when he organized the Bank of fecting an appeal and waiting in jail, Commerce he did DO on a false and until the court passed on the appeal. fradulent transaction. Many other similar allegations were made. The Shows How O'Neil Worked sarcastic inference was left with the At the time of O'Neil's trouble his board that O'Neil was only honest in assets, Wayne pointed out, were two this, that when the Bank of Comlots in Wallace, some Payette land, merce failed, he left the fixtures, the some timber land in Canada and a vaults and the safe. worthless bunch of mining stock, part False Representation of which the receiver had to redeem In protest to the petition and in reand which when sold brought the bank ply to Attorney McFarland, Attorney $100. The two lots were taken over Wayne outlined his argument by folby the receiver and the Payette land lowing the plea for pardon as consold for $2900. He said O'Neil practained in the petitions circulated and ticed potty theft to get hold of the timber land. He said a contractor signed. He claimed there had bee!! false representation in the circulation named Jamison was building a hotel of the petitions, one of which he at Harrison and was in debt $15,000 and had an overdraft in the Harrison pointed out was the statement O'Neil had turned over all his property to bank, of which O'Neil was presidentthe bank which had made it posible This indebtedness was taken over by

22. April 17, 1914 Bonners Ferry Herald Bonners Ferry, ID

Article from Bonners Ferry Herald, April 17, 1914

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FINANCIAL NOTES. The Mission State bank is the name of a new bank at St. Ignatius, Mont., which starts business with a paid up capital of $20,000. The First National bank of Almira, Wash., has made application to the comptroller of the currency for a charter. The organizers are: C. W. Fike, J. C. Keller, B. Thompson, F. H. Hyde, W. C. Shrock and J. Molton. All the remaining cases against B. F. O'Neil, the Idaho banker who is serving time for misuse of the funds of the State Bank of Commerce at Wallace, have been dismissed. The depositors have been paid about 98 per cent by the receiver. The location of the regional banks under the new reserve banking law was announced last week, and are as follows: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas and San Francisco.