First National Bank (Brattleboro, VT)

Episode Information

Episode UID
47000966
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
4700 national
Charter Number
470
Start Date
June 16, 1880
Location
Brattleboro, Vermont (42.851, -72.558)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
f861bb30a38e55a9

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
100.0%
Date receivership started
1880-06-19
Date receivership terminated
1885-10-12
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
14.6%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
85.4%

Description

Failure due to large forgeries/defalcation by President Silas M. Waite; receiver appointed and bank described as ruined.

Events (6)

1. June 30, 1864 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. June 16, 1880 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Insolvency from large forgeries and poor investments perpetrated by President Silas M. Waite (defalcation estimated between $100,000 and $450,000).
Newspaper Excerpt
The First National Bank is insolvent; ... A receiver will take charge of the bank tomorrow.
Source
newspapers
3. June 19, 1880 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. June 21, 1880 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Mr. Linus M. Price arrived ... to take the temporary receivership of the First National bank.
Source
newspapers
5. August 13, 1880 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The comptroller of currency has levied an assessment upon the stockholders of the First National Bank of Brattleboro, of $25 a share, payable at the office of the receiver immediately.
Source
newspapers
6. September 22, 1880 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The telegram announcing the arrest at Omaha of the defaulter, S. M. Waite, late president of the First national bank of this place, created an excitement ...
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (16)

Article from The Rock Island Argus, June 17, 1880

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CRIMINAL. BRATTLEBORO, Vt., June 16.-The rumors upon which yesterday's dispatches were based concerning the insolvency of the First National Bank of Brattleboro are more than realized, although a thorough investigation has not begun. At 2 c'clock enough is already known to war rant the statement that the loss will reach upwards of $250,000 through the forgeries of the President, S. M. Waite, who has undoubtedly left the country as the direc tors believe, and has taken a large sum with him; how much can only be deterwined by a searching investigation which will be begun on the arrival of Bauk Examiner Hendee to day. and who will act as receiver for the present. The forged paper includes the Connecticut River railroad for about $50,000; Frederick Billings.$20,000: Trenor W. Parker,$20,000; Lyon & Healy, of Chicago, $20.000; C.J. Amidon, Hinsdale, $15.000; Vermillye & Co., New York, some $75,000, and others whose names will be published as the investigation proceeds. How much of this paper has been used by Waite as collateral upon which he may have raised large amounts for individual use, the directors are unable to say. Waite has insisted on having DO cashier, as being an unnecessary expense, and has officiated himself as that officer of the bank. It is believed the frauds have been going on over ten years, having begun when $70,000 was loaned Waite's brother in Chicago to help him out of difficulties in a bank. He took fraudulent notes as collateral for this debt. and these he passed on the directors as assets. Bank Examiner Hendee first discovered the discrepancies and notified Waite of his discovery, and it is supposed that be granted Waite's request and allowed him a week to make up the missing amount. Waite improved his time by bidding his wife good bye on the pretense of going to New York on business and he next wrote from Portland, "Shall quit the country." Detectives believe that he committed suicide. Certificates of stock have been issued for which as yet there has been no record found. and a double incne will undoubtedly be unearthed. The books 110 insutution are badly garbied. The present board of directors consists of S. M. Waite, J. M. Tyler, (at present member of con-


Article from The Daily Intelligencer, June 17, 1880

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BRATTLEBQRO, Vt., June 16.-The First National Bank is insolvent; lia. bilities, $100,000. Cause, poor investments. It is believed that tomorrow's investigation of First National Bank affairs will reveal astonishing forgeries, and that large sums in forged papers will be brought to light bearing names of some of the most prominent men in this and other States. President Wait was last heard from in Portland, Maine. where he is supposed to have embarked for Europe, though his relatives fear from the tone of their latest advices from him that he bas committed suicide, A receiver will take charge of the bank tomorrow. MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 16-On the Prairie du Chion division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul Railroad no trains can cross the Mississippi on ROcount of high water. Trains on other roads have been stopped. Reports from Prairie du Chien say that the water in the Mississippi is subsiding slowly. A report from La Crosse says the Mississippi rose five inches today and is atill rising. but no further damage bas occurred. Black river is falling. WHEELING. Va, June 16-A cloud burst over the cemetery, today, which washed away earth from coffins leaving them expesed totheair. Rain has been very heavy and damaging hereabouts, bridges and crops being badly damaged. The Potomac river is very high, also the Monongahela. LEAVENWORTH, Kansas, June 16.Judge Beckwith, of Chieago, made a concise and able argument in the U.S. Court in behalf of the W. U. Telegraph Company in the cases against the American Union Company for contempt of court. After responsive argument the Court took the matter under advisement. WASHINGTON, June 15-The conference report on the bill relating to publie lauds, and finally agreed to by both houses, provides that when any lands of the United States shall have been entered and the Government price paid in full, no criminal suit or proceeding by or in the name of the United States shall thereafter be had or further maintained for any treepass on account of material taken from said land; that no civil suit shall be maintained for any trespass upon or material taken from said lands in the ordinary clearing of land, in working mining claims, or for agricultural or domestic purposes in maintaining improvements on land of bona fide settlers, or on account of treapase by any person without knowledge of trespass, or without fraud or collusion by any person who, in good faith, has paid officers of the United States for the same; provided, the provisions of this section shall apply only to trapasses committed prior to March 1, 1879; and provided further. that defendants in such suit shall exhibit to the proper officers evidence of such en try and pay all accrued costs. It also restores the provision reducing the price of lands within six miles of railroads to $1 25 per acre where they were placed in the market at $2 50 per acre prior to 1861. General E. D. "Townsend. Adjutant General of the army, will be placed on the retired list tomorrow. He will be succeeded by General Richard c Drum, at present Adjutent General. CHIPPEWA FALLS, June 15 From Friday night to Sunday, the Chippewa river rese 24 feet, and the entire upper river is cleared of lega. Both bridges at Chippewa Falls were swept away, and Descen Creak,


Article from The Silver State, June 17, 1880

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TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. The President has vetoed Bayard's Marshals bill, which provided that the Deputy Marshals shall be drawn equally from both political parties, instead of being all Republicans, as heretofore: that they shall be appointed by the United States Courts. instead of by the partisan Marshals, and that they shall be men of good moral character, instead of, as heretofore the scum of society. Mr. Hayes in his veto says that he regards the bill as in conflict with the intention of the Federal election laws, The up stage from Carson to Bodie was again robbed Tuesday night, by the same two men who roobbed it last Wednesday night, and at the same place, Dalzell's station, 18 miles south of Wellington's. "They took Wells, Fargo & Co.'s treasure box, but on this occassion nothing from the passengers. To the stage driver they expressed regret that they did not have his watch, which they took from him on Wednesday night, as they would return it with pleasure, also the jewelry which they had taken at the same time. The down stage, with bullion and shotgun messengers, passed the same place an hour later but was not molested. It is believed that the inves tigation now being made of the affairs of the First National Bank of Brattleboro; Vermont, will reveal astounding forgeries, and that even as large sums as $200,000 in forged paper will be brought to light, bearing the names of the most prominent men in that and other States. President Waite was last heard of in Portland, Maine, where he is supposed to have gone to embark for Europe, although his relatives fear, from the tone of his latest letters, that he has committed suicide. A receiver will take charge of the bank. There has perhaps never been such a tame close to a session of congress, The Senate reassembled at 9 o'clock yesterday, and after passing some private bills, immediately went into executive session. Upon coming into open session, Senator Anthony insisted that the Democrats ought not to put such an indignity upon the President as to decline to read his veto message, and insisted on recording his vote upon that question. The Democrats, however, declined to have the message read. "A special from Fort Keogh says: Five hundred of Sitting Bull's band from the other side of the Canadian boundary, came in and surrendered to Lieutenant Whistler, representing cral Miles. The Indians were in a starving condition and were fed and cared for. It is said that more are about to come in. A Leadville dispatch says. Every mine, except the Duncan and the Carbonate, are running with full force. The strike is over and everything quiet. From present appearances the camp will produce in a few days as much as ever. The Grant men are quite angry at what they term the singling out of their friends for punishment, in regard to officials taking part in the Chicago Convention. They seem to think that the civil service rules are being made to apply in one direction only. Both Houses of Congress adjourned sine die. All the regular annual appropriation bills were signed by Mr. Hayes in time to announce their approval before the hour of adjournment, and consequently all became laws. Seymour has written a letter, positively refusing to be a candidate before the Cincinnati Convention.


Article from Gold Hill Daily News, June 17, 1880

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National Bank Failure. BRATTLEBORO, Vt., June 15. - The First National Bank has failed. It is believed that tomorrow's investigation of the bank's affairs will reveal astounding forgeries, and that even as large sums as $200,000 in forged paper will be brought to light, bringing the names of the most prominent men in this and other States into it. President Waite was last heard from in Portland, Maine, where he is supposed to have embarked for Europe, although his relatives fear from the tone of the latest advices that he has committed suicide. A receiver will take charge of the bank tomorrow.


Article from The Middlebury Register, June 18, 1880

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STATE ITEMS A child living in Irasburg has a mother 15 years old and a grandmother 31 years old. Frank McDonald, a little boy of Winooski, was drowned in that place last Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Baker, a Waterbury widow of 80, fell and broke her hip, while walking across the room, Thursday, and will die of the injury. The general conference of the Congregational churches of the State, at Chester, has chosen as president Hon. John B. Page of Rutland; vice president, Rev. L. H. Elliott of Bradford. Charles Gater of Peacham and Harvey Morse of South Danville disputed about. a horse trade, involving not more than $25, and a suit ensued which has resulted in the curious double verdict of $10 for the plaintiff and $15 for the defendant, after costing the litigants and the State each $500. There is great excitement over the reported insolvency of the First National bank of Brattleboro, whose capital is $300,000, surplus $60,000.. The bank's affairs will be investigated. The bank has sued its president, Silas Waite, for $200,000 damages. Waite left for parts unknown on Thursday. The bank's deficiency may reach $100,000. The losses are largely due to poor investments. The St. Albans Messenger says the farmers of Fairfax and Georgia have become much alarmed at a disease that has broken out among the cattle of several herds in North Fairfax. The symptoms are first, signs of weakness, drooping; then violent trembling and 'diffit culty of breathing, swelling of the throat, followed by a mucous discharge from the mouth and nose-and death. A vicious cow belonging to J. James, i near Alburgh Springs, dangerously inI jured a little grandson of Mrs. Richardson, at that place, the 9th instant. The e cow was turned into the road to bait, I and as the boy attempted to pass she caught him on her horns and carried him some distance, running one horn r through his leg below the thigh, while the other entered his groin and abdomen. It is thought the child cannot live.


Article from National Republican, June 22, 1880

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The Broken Brattleboro Bank. BRATTLEBORO, VT., June 21.-Mr. Linus M. Price arrived from Washington, D. C., to-day to take the temporary receivership of the First National bank. He expects to conclude his business in three months, when a permanent receiver will be appointed. Nothing is yet known as to Waite's whereabouts. H. C. Willard, a druggist and one of the bank directors, filed a petition in bankruptcy to-day.


Article from Butler Citizen, June 23, 1880

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A National Bank Suspension. BRATTLEBORO, VT., June 16.-The First National Bank is insolvent and the President is missing. Poor investments is partially the cause of the de= ficiency, which will probably reach $100,000. It is believed that the investigation of the bank's affairs will reveal astounding forgeries and that even as large syms as $200,000 in forged paper will be brought to light, bearing the names of the most prominent men in this and other States. President Waite was last heard from in Portland, Me., where he is supposed to have sailed for Europe, though his relatives fear from the tone of the latest advices that he has committed suicide. A receiver will have charge of the bank to-day. -Four hundred thousand dollars is the reported loss of the syspended First National Bank of Newark, and still the directors profess not to know where the money went. If they tell the truth it may be impossible to send them to jail; but they would not be out of place in an asylum for idiots,


Article from Vermont Phœnix, July 2, 1880

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-the necessity for using every legitimate effort to bring outa full Republican vote in our local and State election. At the conclusion of his speech the crowd, numbering some 400 or 500 persons, were invited inside, where they were most hospitably received, and a pleas- ant social hour was spent. -The New York and Boston train, due here at 10:30 last evening, was an hour and ten minutes late owing to the Boston train running off the track at Northfield station in consequence of a misplaced switch. The train was moving slow at the time, having just left the station, so nobody was hurt and no great damage was done to the machinery. The locomotive, baggage and express car and the front end of the passenger car were off the track. The Connecticut River engine, with one car, backed down from South Ver- non for the passengers and baggage and brought the train through to Brattleboro. -A few weeks ago Miss Jane Hunt, sister of the late Wm. M. Hunt, submitted a propo- sition to the Unitarian society to place a me- morial window in the pulpit recess of the church, which should be a copy of Mr. Hunt's great painting of the "Prodigal Son." Messrs. A. B. and J. L. Hall supplemented the proposition by offering to pay the expense of making the opening for the window and put- ting it in position, and at a meeting of the society held on Monday evening last the prop- osition was accepted. Some months, at least, must elapse before the window is com- pleted. -To-morrow, 3d inst., will be very gener- ally observed in this vicinity in honor of the Fourth. Estey & Co.'s shops will be closed during the day, the stores about town will be generally closed after 12 o'clock noon, and the post office will observe its usual holiday hours, being open only from 8 to 12 A. M., and from 5 to 7 P. M. The bailiffs will con- fine the firing of squibs and the blowing of horns by the boys strictly to to-morrow morn- ing. Special police will be put on for the oc- casion, and we are authorized to positively state that any boy or other person who at- tempts any demonstration of the kind after to-morrow night, or during the day Monday, will be summarily dealt with. We are also requested to remind all persons of the neces- sity of observing unusual précautions against fires, as in the present terrible drouth, every- thing, including even the grass on lawns, is like tinder, and a little carelessness may be productive of the most disastrous results. In order to accommodate the business of the savings banks, all the banks will be open to- morrow and will close on Monday, as will be the case with all city banks. -There was rather more than an average attendance (for this year) of voters at the Re- publican caucus held last Saturday evening to elect delegates to the county convention. Capt. R. W. Clarke was made chairman and O. L. French secretary. After the organiza- tion Col. Hooker addressed the meeting, say- ing that, ever since he received a handsome complimentary vote in the county conven- tion of two years ago it had been understood that Col. L. K. Fuller would be candidate for State Senator this year, and his friends were anxious to elect a delegation to the county convention who would support him for that office. He moved, therefore, that the dele- gation to be elected be requested (not in- structed) to support Col. Fuller in the con- vention for State Senator. This motion was carried. Col. Hooker then said that as the shortest way to get at the business he had prepared a list of 21 names of delegates which he desired to submit for the consideration of the meeting, this list to be subject to any change or criticism which might be suggested by any person. This list was as follows: J. M. Tyler, B. D. Harris, K. Haskins, Geo. Howe, Edward Crosby, F. Goodhue, W. W. Lynde, J. G. Eddy, A. Starkey, D. Eddy, jr., T. J. B. Cudworth, E. W. Stoddard, E. P. White, E. Cook, D. F. Brackett, J. H. Hol- den, R. E. Gordon, O. L. French, C. B. Dickinson, Geo. E. Selleck, G. W. Hooker. No opposition being made, the gentlemen named were formally placed in nomination and duly elected delegates. Wm. S. Newton, C. B. Fairbanks and H. E. Taylor were chosen Republican town committee for the ensuing two years. Mr. Fairbanks declining to serve, J. H. Wright was elected in his place. The meeting then adjourned. Va- cancies were filled by the delegation by the choice of R. W. Clarke in place of F. Good- hue and F. A. Whitney in place of Edward Crosby. # THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK AFFAIRS-NO NEW DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK. -There is nothing which is new, or which gives any additional information about the af- fairs of the First National bank. The receiver is busily at work and, as fast as is possible, is getting at the bottom of things. With every- thing in a state of absolute chaos, however, and with not a single balance or account on the books correct, as is actually the case, the work of touching bottom is not an easy one, and it is more than probable that it will nev- er be fully accomplished. Enough is already known, however, to convince Mr. Price that there has been no capital in the bank for at least five years past. Such being the case, it becomes more easy to understand where all the money has gone to, as semi-annual divi- dends of from $9,000 to $12,000 have been regularly paid. It is evident that Mr. Waite's straits were rapidly growing more serious, and that a climax must in any case have been reached within the next six months. Of money borrowed on worthless paper there is to be added a block of $20,000 at the North Bennington National bank, and rumor men- tions one of $25,000 in a place not in this State, as security for which First National stock was deposited. These two sums, add- ed to those mentioned last week, bring late or existing loans of this character up to from $80,000 to $90,000. This money was un- doubtedly used to pay maturing loans in oth- er places, Waite's operations having for years been a regular robbing of Peter to pay Paul. There is no question but he drew and used the $10,000 life insurance belonging to his sisters. It is a matter, however, for further decision as to who finally loses the money. Some further special deposits of bonds which have disappeared, have come to light, as have also some interest-bearing deposits in small amounts, which do not appear on the books. It now comes to the memory of per- sons more or less familiar with Mr. Waite's affairs that he furnished the financial bottom for the Burdett organ works which were de- stroyed in the Chicago fire, and by this means the disappearance of a large sum of money is accounted for. # LAST WEEK'S HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. PROGRAMME. Wednesday Afternoon-English Grammar. Thursday Morning-U. S. History. Philosophy. Latin Grammar. Cæsar. Virgil. Thursday Afternoon-Arithmetic. Spelling. French. Friday Morning-Algebra. Trigonometry. The examinations commenced with a bril- liant recitation of Miss Howe's English Gram- mar class. It is gratifying to note that not only the work in this important branch was much more practical than in years past, but that the tendency of the school is continual- ly growing more suited to the needs of ear- nest every day life.


Article from Litchfield Enquirer, August 12, 1880

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The Litchfield Enquirer, LITCHFIELD, CONN. Thursday, Aug. 12, 1880. The wheat reports continue excellent. Mr. Gladstone's health is very much im. proved. The Vermont Democratic outrage turns out a boar." There was not even a shred of truth to base it upon. Prof. Mommsen the sixth volume of this history of Rome burnt with his library. It was just ready for the press. The Buffalo Presbytery have suspended Rev. E. P. Adams for denying the doctrine of eternal punishment. Tramps multiply on us again. They pretend to mend umbrellas, grind hand-organs, or otherwise impose on the public. Dwight Marcy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is proposed by the Republicans of Tolland county as a successor to Gen. Hawley in the national House of Representatives. Early rising is said to be the fashion now with Parisian ladies. We hope the American belles who are so ready to copy Paris for the worse, will not forget to imitate her in this instance for the better. To complicate things still further, there is an -Masouic candidate for the presidency. Gen. John W. Phelps, of Brattleboro, Vt., is the man, and he firmly announces that all the political corruption in the country is due to Masonry. The latest census reports put the total pop. ulation of the country at a little over fortynine millions. New York has the largest population of any state; Pennsylvania ranks next and the third place is contested by Ohio and Illinois. Republican bull-dozers have been breaking up a temperance convention at Augusta. Me. A similar performance by Democrats at Augusta, Ga, would have been very loudly censured in Republican journals, The overwhelming success of moderate republicanism in the French local elections of the 1st inst,, is a very reassuring symptom. The rural voter in France has no notions favoring another social upset. That of 1789 gave him his little farm, and he is satisfied, Southern census reports, 80 far as published, do not bear out the notion that the next appointment of the members of Congress will largely reduce the political strength of that section. The rate of gain there, 80 far, is twenty-five per cent, fully equal to that of the North as a whole. A Hartford inventor has nearly finished a road carriage, to be propelled by compressed air. The compact machinery is under the rear axle, a reservoit holds enough air for a run of many miles, and the steering 18 simply done. Ex. How completely such an invention would revolutionize the livery business! The Springfield Republican suggests that Gen. Grant makes a great blunder in accepting the presidency of any mining company. The chances of failure greatly exceed the chances of success, and the failure of any such enterprise is almost sure to be followed by injury to, if not loss of, reputation. Congressman Tyler, a director in the broken First National Bank of Brattleboro, Vt., has been havinga rather anxious session with the stockholders of that very unhealthy fi nancial concern. His defence is the poor old defence of abused confidence, followed by ig. norance and inattention. Great Britain supports a general for each 222 of her other soldiers. Mighty few of this regiment of generals, however, is worth any thing for active operations. In au army which has seen little serious fighting for twenty. five years, the men who are fit to lead large commands are very hard to find. The attempt to reconcile the Democratic readjusters and debt-payers of Virginia has failed, and now the war is to be fought to the knife. Northern Republicans would naturally sympathize with those who favor an honest payment of the State debt, but Virginia Republicans combine with the readjusters, an alliance that seems more politic than holy. There was a great serenade to Garfield at New York on Friday evening. Addresses were made by Messrs. Garfield and Arthur, Gen. Logan, and others. Among those pres. ent from Connecticut were Marshall Jewell, Frederick Miles, Sabin M. Sayles, N. T. Sper ry, Albert S. Bolles and Joseph Selden. Boston proposes to have a grand celebration at the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the city. One of their plans is to invite both candidates for the presidency and have them ride in the same barouche in the procession. There has been a serious fall from the path of rectitude on the part of a distinguished Methodist preacher-the Rev. Philip Krohn D. D., pastor of a church in West Troy. He is involved in a financial scandal connected with the loss of certain bonds and obtaining money from a friend on misrepresentation. The Spanish right of search of vessels is based on an old treaty of 1795 which provides that either nation shall be allowed that privi lege in case of war or insurrection. Thi


Article from Burlington Weekly Free Press, August 13, 1880

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THE BRATTLEBORO BANK-STOOKHOLDERS TO BE ASSESSED TO MAKE UP WAITE'S DEFALCATION -The comptroller of currency has levied an assessment upon the stockholders of the First National Bank of Brattleboro, of $25 a share, payable at the office of the receiver immediately. A number of the stockholders will be unable to meet this assessment, having lost all with the wiping out of this stock. It is the impression of Receiver Price that but one assessment can be legally levied, unless new liabilities are found. The amount of the liabilities is yet unknown, but they will probably reach at least $110,000, not including the capital stock. Nothing is known of Waite's whereabouts. His son has gone to Colorado, where, it is said, he has purchased, by the help of relatives, a large ranche.


Article from Essex County Herald, August 20, 1880

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Vermont. Acres of grass in the town of Addison, which had the appearance of being dead or dried up, upon a closer examination was found to be covered with a small black or brown bug, the ground also being thickly covered with them. There is much speculation as to whether they are the chintz bug or Hessian fly. The receiver of the ruined First national bank of Brattleboro has made an assessment of $25 per share upon the stockholders. Tne full amount of the liabilities is yet unknown, but it is believed that they will reach $110.000 outside of the capital stock. Francis Lock's barns on Ober hill, Johnson, are burned; loss $2000, partly insured. The dwelling of John Healy at Bennington was totally destroyed by fire a few mornings since, the family barely escaping. The fire was of incendiary origin. Loss, $5000; partly insured. The war department will appoint a regular army officer professor of tactics at Norwich university, vice ex-President Curtis, resigned. J. E. Oakes, 19 yearsold, has fatally stabbed R. L. Riney, 15 years old, on the road near Danville. The hay crop is só heavy in parts of Orleans county that the farmers have to build temporary shelters. The roof is going on Moore & Arm's new mill at Bellows Falls, covering 14,260 square feet, and Robertson, Moore & Co. will build another near by, covering 8,000 feet. There will be still enough head of water left in the canal for another mill, to make room for which a heavy river wall, twenty-five feet high will be built at once. A hail-storm recently destroyed the crops at Brookfield, broke over 2000 panes of glass, and did other damage. Seven hail-stones weighed a pound. Joseph Jefferson, the actor, who has been summering at Burlington, has bought 12 short horn cattle to improve his stock at Iberia, La. James H. Dyer, one of the prominent young men of Rutland, well known in the state, was killed recently by the accidental discharge of his gun while hunting for squirrels. His body was found with a gaping wound in his groin. By his side was a slip of paper directing the disposal of his property, appointing his wife administratrix, and asking a well-known citizen to settle his estate.


Article from New-York Tribune, September 8, 1880

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DIMINISHED VOTE IN brattleboro. Brattleboro, Vt., Sept. 7.-Notwithstanding the hard campaign work, the returns show that 300 less votes were polled than were on a check list, and the Republican majority falls off six from four years ago, Farnham receiving 946, Phelps 290, a gain of twenty-one for the Republicans and twenty-six for the Democrats. Tyler, candidate for Congress from the Ild District, and a director of the ruined First National Bank. received 651 votes as against upwards of 900 in 1876. Tyler's vote in the country IS materially increased over two years ago, though he runs behind his ticket in every town.


Article from The Cheyenne Daily Leader, September 23, 1880

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8 BRIEF TELEGRAMN. New York: Donald McKay. the well known ship builder is dead. e Denver: Hon. Emery A. Storrs arrived here last hight and will make a speech to-night. St. Louis: The republicans of the second congressional district nominated ) M. A. Rosenblatt. Cincinnati: Only $50,000 more to raise for the art museum fund, which now amounts to $250,000. Milwaukee: The democrats of the $ second district nominated J. C. Gregory, of Madison, for congress. Norristown, N.J.: The democrats of the fifth congressional district nominated Augustus W. Cutler for congress. Montgomery, Ala.: The republicans of the seventh district nominated exState Treasurer Arthur Bingham for congress. Denver: At Las Vegas this afternoon Samuel Matthews, while under the influence of liquor,killed his girl and committed suicide. No cause is assigned. Washington: The first order for silver certificates, based on gold deposit in New York, was received by the United States treasurer to-day. It was for $25,000. Memphis: The city is jubilant, and having a grand holiday to celebrate its continued good health. Many people from the outside, including the governor and other notables, were present. Shurburn, N. Y.: Whalen's brick block, Medbury's hotel, Congregational church, C. H. Reynold's grocery, and half a dozen other minor buildings, were burned to-day. Loss $30,000; insured for $26,000. Brattleboro: The telegram announcing the arrest at Omaha of the defaulter, S. M. Waite, late president of the First national bank of this place, e created an excitement only equalled by the first news of his defaulcation and flight last June. Wm. E. Waite, son of the defaulter, said to-night: "If father is brought back here others will have to be punished for complicity.


Article from Vermont Phœnix, September 24, 1880

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AND RECORD AND FARMER. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1880. WINDHAM COU telling him they would, he said he wished he ranks and surmise, and much of this has been telehad run. The officers waited for two hours September To if mended graphed to the city press. All of this is gosARREST OF SILAS M. WAITE. at the house, after the arrest, for the return of election Fayette W. Knapp vs. sip and conjecture, however, and would better an action on the case to of the Buck family when they returned, have been left unsaid. It is announced that Maine. account of injuries recei Waite was allowed an interview with his He is Apprehended at Omaha, Neb., W. E. Waite, son of the criminal, denies that insufficiency of a highw and Brought Home for Trial. sister-in-law. They then went to a hotel, and Survives he has seen his father since his flight, or the plaintiff tended to si left for the East at 4 P. M. the same afternoon. known anything of his operations. It is also ing of October 19, 1878, The Work of the Detectives. the for A very surprising and suspicious developsaid that he affirms that his (young Waite's) his horse and buggy thro ment which Mr. Shields unearthed at Omaha in in the village of Willian heresy recent alleged purchase of a cattle ranch was forward wheels of his by is the fact that for a year and a half past Mr. of sections bona fide, and was accomplished by the aid of THE FULL PARTICULARS OF HIS CAPTURE AND end of the pole to a la Buck has been receiving large sums of monof these his uncle, Truman Buck. The belief among THE MEASURES WHICH LED TO IT. throwing plaintiff out up the sucey from the East. This money amounts in by our people, however, that young Waite has ducing a partial dislocati The fact of the arrest of Silas M. Waite, all to $200,000 been invested in railrebeen in communication with his father, and specie otherwise injuring him. the fugitive president and cashier of the First road sceurities and county bonds. These seThose has seen him on both of his trips to the west, wagon, owned by the tea National bank, first became known in this curities now lie in the First National bank of imdecided stood partly in the higl is fixed and unshaken. With regard to the been suffered to remair village. on Wednesday morning, when the a such Omaha, in Mr. Buck's name. About home large sums of money said to have been sent weeks. That children f news was contained in a brief press dispatch Mr. Buck is reputed to be worth only some of west to Waite, we have now no reliable inforprice the pole, turning it one published in the Rutland Herald. The $15,000 to $20,000. When Mr. Shields inmortgages. mation, beyond the fact that the sum of $2000 and sometimes leaving i Springfield and Boston papers of that mornformed the Omaha bank officials of Waite's cirmoney has recently been raised on the homestead in over a portion of the ing had despatches the same in substance as crimes, and of the facts which he had ascerno are highway. That on this this illage by mortgage. that contained in the Herald, but no particuturned, and, being a v tained, they replied that that accounted for those who Mr. Waite returns as a criminal under the lars of the arrest were known until the arrival plaintiff could not see th the large sums of money which Buck had men United States laws, and will undoubtedly be cent., to avoid running into it, of the New York Times by the White Mounto been receiving. Mr. Buck is a manof Southtried in the United States courts. It is undercanpay plenty of room beyond, tain express in the afternoon. The first deern birth and of intense rebel sympathies. Constood, however, that the grand jury at the wide. That plaintiff w tailed intelligence of Waite's arrest appears In 1875 to 1878 he was deputy county treasthe mbraced from labor for two or th present term of our Windham county court to have been given to the public through a urer at Omaha and ran for the office of treasarm was still partially were found indictments against him under our they special dispatch to the Times on Tuesday dence of defendant tend urer in 1879, but was defeated on account of State laws. see that the night. This dispatch was as follows : freight wagon stood who be to the his political proclivities. The question is repeatedly asked, "Of what its of the travelled part OMAHA, Sept. 21.-A decided sensation was the Last year Mrs. Buck bought a fine building crime has Waite been guilty under the United during plaintiff was not in the created in Omaha to-day by the arrest of Silas realized lot in Omaha and the present year has erectStates laws, and what is the provision for his care, in that he was trott M. Waite, the absconding president of the than Demoed 11 large and well-appointed house on itFirst National Bank of Brattleboro, Vt., suffered it to diverge ou punishment The answer to this inquiry is whose defalcation amounts to $450,000. He rural and grass part of the hi secfound in the 5209th section of the U. S. rethe whole cost of the place being about $19,was arrested at the house of his brother-ining into the travelled po in vised statutes 1878 000. The money to pay for this place was ran against the pole law, Truman Buck, a well known and reinto that furnished by Waite. He (Waite) alleges that Every officer or director [of a national bank] thrown out, and thereby spected citizen, the arrest being made by W. who embezzles, abstracts or wilfully misapplies this money was a sum given Mrs. Buck by harped was tried one year ago, H. Llewelyn and W. H. Shields, special any money of the bank, or without authority classes. her sister, Miss Eager, just before or soon afagents of the Department of Justice, assisted toagree. Verdict for tl issues or puts into circulation notes, bills of banks ter her recent marriage. It was at this new damages. S. T. Daven by Charles Sweezy, of the Omaha Post Office. exchange or certificates of deposit, or makes At the time of the arrest Mr. Buck and his Haskins for plaintiff I house that Waite was arrested. held was false entries in the books, reports, or statethe defendant. family were away from home attending the from the ments with intent to defraud or deceive the Last Friday W. E. Waite sent a dispatch to State Fair. The house was surrounded, Warren R. Hildreth In officers of the association, and every one who brief, his father from Northampton, Mass., saying, when Waite ran into the cellar and tried to apt. This was an action aids in so doing, shall be guilty of a misdethe "I will send $2000 by express to-morrow. country make his escape through a back door. When of a sleigh. The evid meanor and shall be imprisoned for not less which caught he threatened to commit suicide, and Nothing new from New York." many tended to show that he than five nor more than ten years. precautions were taken to prevent any such led are to On his way East Waite has maintained in question of one Dexte Under this provision, it will be seen, sevedeed. He was taken to jail to await further and caused the same to were offered much of his old-time nonchalance, except action. It is said that during the last three ral different indictments, or counts, against in the charge and posse lead that at times he has talked about suicide and many months he has made occasional visits to the Waite may be found. cutt, since deceased. I are paid has appeared greatly depressed on account of city, always stopping at his brother-in-law's E. A. Plimpton sued ou The following despatch was sent to Mr. is business house. When he fled from Brattleboro in his family. He said his purpose was to ester Wait and placed it it Price at this place last Tuesday June last, it was generally supposed he had of tablish a home for them in the West, and fendant as constable of every OMAHA, Sept. -Grain shipment, twentygone to Europe, but in time it was discover. then he cared not what became of himself. tached said sleigh the one, twelve six, thirteen twenty-three started. ed that he was still in this country, and the sold it on execution. He thought in that wild country he should be WM. H. SHIELD. Government took hold of the case. He was worth $65. The defer eans safe from discovery. When he took his famtraced by way of Duluth to the Winnepeg To the ordinary reader this dispatch has no his process, and also ily to their ranche he intended to absent himcountry, thence to Wyoming, where he inspecial significance. To Mr. Price it meant tending to show that s have town tended to stock a ranch. He had already be. self for some time, until an officer had had an "We have found Waite." Mr. Price was in only about $35. And a its telling gun to carry out his project. It is suspected had not been a sufficier opportunity to visit the place and find that he New York at the time this dispatch came, and its with low that during the past eight or nine years he ion of the sleigh, but th was not thera. it was forwarded to him there. week. has invested his money in Nebraska or elseplaintiff was entitled to He freely admits that he took the money where, having sent money here quite freof them, question submitted was quently. The officers who arrested him claim from the bank, but professes a determination interest. WAITE'S ARRIVAL. give that quite a large sum was telegraphed to to make a stout fight against conviction, on Verdict for plaintiff s information, him here from New York a few days and He is Brought to Brattleboro by the man for plaintiff. Dave the ground that he has never applied a dollar evithat it is now here and can be recovered. angible Detectives this, Friday. Morning, and fendant. of the money to his own benefit. How this in Carried Direct to Newfane. and down, State Some further particulars are contained in plea can avail him, it is not easy to see. He which $100 the Springfield Republican's special Omaha The following indictr DETECTIVE SHIELDS' STORY OF WAITE'S WANsays that the first money he took was $25,000, months. dispatch published on Thursday morning: the Grand Jury which he gave his brother to establish a coalDERINGS-WHAT HE DISCOVERED AT OMAHA We OMAHA, Sept. 22.-The arrest of Silas M. say. State vs. Arthur J. B yard in Chicago, from which he expected a MYSTERIOUS $200,000. definite Waite was made Tuesday morning by W. H. in State VS. Edgar C. return of 15 per cent. per annum. The great Shields of New York and W. H. H. Llewellyn S. M. Waite was brought to Brattleboro this, knowingly receiving sto accompanied of Omaha, special agents of the department fire wiped this out, however, and the investState VS. Milton Wa other Friday, morning, by the 10:30 train, in charge person, of justice. Shields arrived here Friday, and ment was a total loss. He also claims to have ceiving stolen goods. of detectives L. A. Newcome and W. H. or refers, on Sunday Waite was positively located at the State VS. Chas. N. D. furnished the money for the Burdett organ or Shields. In order to avoid the expected nowledge, house of Truman Buck, his brother-in-law, receiving stolen goods. works, and to have sunk the whole half millof the crowd at the station, the train was stopped, where he has been for several weeks past. State VS. S. Cotton W ion in ways similar to these. He professes to Great care was taken not to flush the game. has ever by order of the Central Vermont officials, at second offence. Bail $ Tuesday morning a fugitive warrant was obhave taken only $800 away with him. In his State VS. Edson E. the Brooks farm crossing, a mile below the a us to tained, and Buck and family having gone to second offence. Bail $ personal appearance he is not changed, exvillage, and Waite and the officers there left item copthe State fair, the officers, with Charles State vs. Sarah Hart, cept that he wears no glasses and has his hair the the train and took carriages in waiting for furnish Swesy, went to the house, posting the latter State VS. Chas. Cleve cut and face shaved, as stated above. He rethem under direction of Receiver Price. The brand at the rear and going in at the front door, in State VS. Frederick St fuses absolutely to talk with any interviewer spite of the servants' resistance. Waite fled and carriages drove by a round-a-bout way up boor, tery. or reporter. all through the house, down cellar and out State vs. Burton Stree who will through the village, avoiding Main street, the back way, where he was seen by Swesy. State VS. Frank Mont Gen. W. W. Henry of Burlington, U. S. and, by Waite's request, went to his residence, a personal He was followed close by Shields and LlewelState vs. Frederick Jo Marshal, and Gen. J. S. Peck. Assistant Diswhere he was allowed a short interview with drubbing lyn, but he locked the doors on them. He State vs. John Man trict Attorney, came to Brattleboro Thursday man then ran around the house to the front and his family. The party then left immediately young Verdict $50 and costs, $ P. M., ready to receive the prisoner, in their into the arms of Llewellyn. Shields said, the evfor Fayetteville, where it is expected that the State VS. Geo. F. W official capacity. "Silas M. Waite, arrest you." Waite threw second offence. Bail $ wear the prisoner will be turned over by the United his hands to his forehead and exclaimed, The detectives have, in the best sense, State VS. Chas. Sull States officers to our Windham county officers "Oh, God, my poor babies!" He made no Fined $80 and costs, $1 made a clean and workmanlike job of their to be dealt with by our State courts. resistance, but asked the officers if they would State vs. Henry H. part in this case. Railroad have shot him if he had run, and said he second offence. Bail $ It is unnecessary to say that the credit for wished he had run if they would. He desired State VS. Henry Stoc Detective Shields's Story. to be allowed to commit suicide and said the the institution of the proceedings which have Fined $50 and costs, $ Hampshire From an interview with Mr. Wm. H. great mistake of his life was that he had not resulted in Waite's return to justice is due to State vs. Jesse T. We N. H., alpole, Shields, the detective who has so successfully killed himself. Search revealed nothing but uor. Fined $50 and co Receiver Price, whose whole course in rea Jusby a watch, pocket-knife, etc. He kept the State VS. Frank E. worked up this case, we learn the whole stogard to the bank's affairs has been marked provisions watch, saying he would give it to his wife. Fined $80 and costs, $ ry of Waite's wanderings, of his discovery by the greatest wisdom, prudence and effiThe call He afterward became more cool, but talked State vs. Henry C. w and arrest, and of certain very suggestive deciency. Gov suicide to the last. He said he would plead of second offence.


Article from St. Johnsbury Caledonian, November 5, 1880

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reg oadly crushed by a large ston falling upon him from a staging whil at work on the foundation of the new f Southeastern depot, Thursday after 1 noon. f ORANGE COUNTY. 1 The hotel of C. P. Simpson of Wait 0 River has been burned loss $2000. S Mr. Charles Rogers, aged 85 years walked from Bradford to Orford, miles, to hear Hon. Walter Harrima B speak on the political issues of the day V The late censns of the town of Ran V dolph shows that there are tour person e over 90 years and less than 100; 4 persons over 80 and less than 90; 14 persons over 70 and less than 80, an 194 exceeding the common age of mar y M. G. Flanders of Bradford too d down to market this week 5 cattle an ; 62 sheep. Among the cattle was a pai r of 6 years old oxen fed by Samue 7 Eastman of South Newbury which h bought last fall, late. They worked i the woods lumbering till 2 weeks afte t snow went off, and worked throug d spring's work, haying and the grai e harvest. They made a net gain of 95 n lbs. up to Oct. 1st, and in 13 days gain ed 94 lbs. They were one of the be pairs in the market, and sold for 8 ct a dressed weight-the top of the marke d ORLEANS COUNTY. d Mrs. Edwin Gregory of Troy has jus e received a pension for herself and chi dren amounting to $1,700. 0, 11 Mr. George, father of Clement Georg of Holland, recently attempted to con e mit suicide by cutting his throat. H S, was discovered in the act and his li 11 was spared. The boss on the bridge job at New 7 port Centre fell from the top of th bridge a few days ago, striking in tl water 30 feet below; he was badl hoped. bruised but not seriously hurt, it n. WASHINGTON COUNTY. 'S Lewis Cardell of Warren was strue t, at a railroad crossing near Roxbur n recently, thrown from his wagon on 1 the cow-catcher of the engine, and re 1mained there until the train was stop ped. He was not much hurt, but h Bteam was badly used up, E: The passenger train on the Montpe g ier and Wells River railroad going int ff Montpelier last Thursday evening wa thrown from the track by the engin 8 jumping the rails. No damage wa done, though it took about four hou es to right the matter. is Judge Redfield of Montpelier has re turned from his attendance upon th y triennial convention of the Episcop lians of the United States, which b: been in session at New York. RUTLAND COUNTY. Col. A. F. Walker of Rutland ha te gone to England on professional bus 8ness. Wednesday was pay day on the Ru 2. land division of the Vermont Centr ; railroad. Charles Olmstead the pa it ployees. master disbursed over $10,000 to en y Rutland lumber merchants report a busy and prosperous season. There h more stock on hand than there was the corresponding period last year. WINDHAM COUNTY. d Receiver Pierce, of the First Natio as al bank, of Brattleboro, expects to pa 15 per cent. dividend to the credito of the bank next week, making 90 p y cent. in all. 13 The body of the late Horace Bure E. ard, of Brattleboro, has got to be mov ix from its present resting place, beçau L. Waite, in his loose way of doing bus


Article from Burlington Weekly Free Press, December 31, 1880

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STATE NEWS. Addison County Court held a very short session. Only one case went to the jury and that was the slander of case White vs. Conway. The jury returned a verdict in favor of White for $150 dollars damages and costs. Twenty-seven divorce suits were on the docket which denotes a bad state of things in the county. Lewis Jilison of Evansville is a great sufferer from what is supposed to be consumption. He recently coughed up, what those who saw them, called two live creatures, having the form of worms. They were about three inches long, and as large as a big fish-worm. It is thought that the decision in the United States Supreme Court, through which J. D. Whitney recovers from the First National Bank of Brattleboro, the amount, with interest, of bonds stolen from the bank at the time of the robbery several years ago, cannot in a pecuniary sense materially affect the stockholders of the ruined institution, as this decision lifts the attachments on Waite's personal property, and allows the bank to share with other creditors in the receipts from its sale. The mausoleum which is being erected in the village graveyard of Cuttingsville, a little hamlet near Rutland, at a cost of $60,000, by Mr. Beaman of Chester, N. Y., to the memory of his wife and daughter and infant granddaughter, is a magnificent affair. Nearly 100 men have been busy on various departments of the labor for months past. In general exterior character it is a mussive granite mausoleum vestibule sheltering the vault that contains the dead. The granite blocks inclosing the sides and the roof are of immense massiveness, that of the roof weighing nine tons, The door is a granite monolight of eight tons weight, designed to be kept closed at inclement periods of the year. At other times the entrance iskept by an open grating door of massive bronze to cost $5,000. The whole interior is of choice white marble, not in ashlars or thin scale-work, but in massive blocks, that of the ceiling weighing five tons in a single stone, deeply wrought into domed roof-work, with emblems and tracery of the most elaborate character. The chief features within are statuary memorials of the dead on richly-wrought console At the four angles are placed mirrors, SO set as to be protected from the elements. The only externa statue is the angel of immortality kneeling at the door with the key to the portals of the tomb in the hand.