gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
5c2dc1b9c3d32122
Response Measures
None
Description
Private partnership bank dissolved by the president's death; receiver later appointed and insolvency reported.
Events (3)
1.February 5, 1906Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Runs followed revelations/investigation and the suicide of the bank's president amid grave charges about his conduct.
Newspaper Excerpt
There was a run on the bank yesterday and by 10 o'clock this morning a large crowd surrounded the building clamoring for their money.
Source
newspapers
2.February 6, 1906Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank closed after runs and the suicide of its president; partnership dissolved by his death leading to winding up of affairs.
Newspaper Excerpt
The People's Savings bank ... did not open its doors this morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on.
Source
newspapers
3.February 16, 1906Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Receiver Wilton of the People's Savings Bank ... discovered the missing deed to the bank building. ... Receiver Wilton, of the People's Savings bank has discovered the deed ... Receiver John B. Wilton of the People's Savings bank today discovered the deed ... John Wilton, receiver of the People's Savings bank, tonight made the first official statement of the bank's condition, placing the liabilities at $145,049 and the assets at $108,827.32
Source
newspapers
Newspaper Articles (22)
1.February 6, 1906The Topeka State JournalTopeka, KS
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
POLITICS FATAL. Causes the Suicide of a Peoria, III., Preacher. Became Manager of Gov. Yates' Senatorial Campaign. STORIES CAME OUT Which Led to an Investigation of Moral Character. Runs on His Banks Were Added to His Troubles. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and the People's Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He nas been the object of investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, by two banks, and his congregation on grave charges and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. The body was found by his wife when she called Him to breakfast. Simmons left a letter in which he said this was his last night on earth. It said: "No blame must attach to ex-Governor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using. The last line, "time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages," indicates Simmons was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Bank Didn't Open. The People's Savings bank. of which Simmons was president, in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors this morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determine.1 on. There was a run on the bank yesterday and at 10 o'clock this morning a large crowd surrounded the building clamoring for their money. The Interstate Savings bank of which he was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted and E. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Early this morning the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. Dr. Simmons same to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago, by advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ, He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., before coming here.
PREACHER- BANKER DIES UNDER CLOUD Peoria Clergyman, Head of Two Banks, Is Found Dead, a Suicide. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and the People's Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He has been the object of investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, the two banks and his congregation, on the gravest charges, and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. He had remained downtown until a late hour last night disposing of some business matters. Death Premeditated. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. He said this was his last night on earth and he wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part it said: Also no blame must attach to exGovernor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using. The last line, " but that time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages, indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Three physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner Baker took charge of the remains. His Bank Closed. The People's Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors this morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on. There was a run on the bank yesterday, and by 10 o 'clock this morning a large crowd surrounded the building clamoring for their money. The Interstate Savings bank, of which he was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted, and E. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday and today Early this morning the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Ancker said they would be able to stand the drain. Gained National Notice. Dr. Simmons came to the First Bap tist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and has been remarkably successful. He secured national public ity two years ago by advocating a dra matization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the sen atorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. States Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday and secure some sensational confessions from boy of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old an leaves a widow. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville Kv., before coming here.
3.February 6, 1906Santa Fe New MexicanSanta Fe., Santa Fe, NM
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
e PROBABLE SUICIDE. Prominent Preacher Connected With Banks Had Grave Charges Against Him and Found Dead. Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-Reverend George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist Church, president of the Interstate Savings Bank and the People's Savings Bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates Senatorial cam. paign in Peoria County, was found dead in his bed this morning. He had been the object of investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, by the two banks and his congregation on grave charges, and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. Physicians expressed the opinion that death was caused by cyanide of potassium. The People's Savings Bank, in the workmen's quarters, did not open its doors this morning. There was a run on the bank yesterday and a large crowd gathered this morning. The Interstate Savings Bank was also subjected to a run yesterday and today. Dr. Simmons came to the First Bap tist Church five years ago and has been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago by advocating a dramatization of the Life of Christ. He became the local manager of the Senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after that serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday and secured some senational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old. He had held charges in Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky, before cmoing here.
4.February 6, 1906Evening Times-RepublicanMarshalltown, IA
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
YATES MAN SUICIDES Rev. George H. Simmons, of Peoria, III., Found Dead in Bed This Morning--Grave Charges Made Against Him by State's Attorney, Two Banks and His Congregation. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings Bank, and People's Savings Bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign, in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He has been an object of investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, two banks, and his congregation, on the gravest charges, and it is presumed that it is a case of suicide. The body was found by his wife when she called Simmons to breakfast. The letter found beside him showed death had been premeditated. He said this was his last night on earth and he wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part, it said: "Also no blame must attach to exGovernor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity, which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using." The last line, "That time fails me should I attempt to write a personal message," indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Three physicians who were hastily summoned, are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide potassium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the remains. The People's Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president in the workingmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors this morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on. There was a run on the bank yesterday and this morning a large crowd surrounded the building clamoring for their money. The Interstate Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted, and E. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Early this morning the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago, by advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after stories affecting his morals were circulated. States Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday, and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years of age and leaves a widow.
5.February 6, 1906Every Evening, Wilmington Daily CommercialWilmington, DE
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
WAS A BAPTIST PREACHER Also President of Two Savings Banks and Manager of the Yates Senatorial Campaign. HIS DEATH WAS PREMEDITATED Left a Message of Undying Love to All. RUNS ON THE BANKING INSTITUTIONS Associated Press Dispatch by Special Wires, Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmone, pastor of the First Eaptist Church, president of the InterPeople's Bank and state Savings Savings bank Yates recently and senatorial the appointed manager f the campaiga 10 Peoria county, was found de d in bed this morning. lie had been the object of investigation at the hands of the State's attorney, the. two banks nd bis congregation un the graveat charges, and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. the body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. He remained downtown until late last night, disposing of some business matters. A letter found beside him showed that death was premeditated. He said this was his last night on earth and he wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part, stips Also no blame must attach to exGov. Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which big opponents and my enemies have prevented my using. 19 The last line, Time fails me should [attempt to write personal messages, indicates be WAS dying when he brought the letter to a close. Three physicians, who were hastily summoned, are of the opinion that death was caused by cyanide of potassium. The People's Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president, did not open this in rning, Cashier Looks said the bank would remain closed until some plan of action could be determined. There was a run on the bank yesterday, and today a large crowd surrounded the building. The interstate Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted, was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Mr. Simmens came to the First Baptist Church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. be secured national publicity two ye IS 820 by advocating a dramatiza. tion 01 the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Gov. Yates a week ago, and shortly after serious stories affecting bis morals were circulated, State's Attorney Scholes undertook 80 investigation yesterday and secured scme sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Mr. Simmons was 40 years old and leaves a widow.
6.February 7, 1906Arizona RepublicanPhoenix, AZ
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
A PREACHER KILLS HIMSELF He Was Too Intimately Connected With Finance and Politics. Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-Rev. George P. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Inter-State Savings Bank and the Peoples Savings Bank and recently appointed manager of Yates' senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He had been the object of the investigation by the states at: torney by two banks and his congregation on grave charges. Physicians say it was a case of poisoning by cyanide potassium taken with suicidal intent. The Peoples Savings bank of which Simmons was president, did not open this morning. There was a run on the bank yesterday and a large crowd surrounded it today clamoring for their money. The Inter-State Savings bank was also the object of a run but it was believed it will be able to stand the drain. Sensational stories concerning Simmons' morals brought out the investigation yesterday.
7.February 7, 1906Rock Island ArgusRock Island, IL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
ONE BANK SAVED Interstate Savings at Peoria Weathers Run Caused by Simmons Suicide. OTHER ONE STILL IN DOUBT Excitement in Financial Circles Largely Allayed-Few Depositors Demand Money. Peoria, Feb. 7.-The bank situation was greatly relieved today. Much of the excitement caused by the suicide of Dr. George H. Simmons, interested in two banks, had subsided. The banks of the city all came to the relief of the Interstate Savings and Trust banks, and there were but few people demanding their money today. Ruins One Bank. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 7.-The People's Savings bank, a private institution owned by the late Dr. George Simmons, who committed suicide Monday night. and L. N. Kelly, has been ruined by the Simmons suicide. It has liabilities of $115,000 and assets variously estimated at $75,000 to $100,000, principally in real estate. Officers of the People's bank refused last night to give out a statement of the result of the investigation of the bank's condition which has been conducted, other than to firmly insist that the bank would be solvent. Under the law, the partnership is dissolved by Simmons' death, and the affairs of the bank must be wound up in probate court. No proof has been produced to show the suicide was a defaulter, although the secrecy maintained by the officials of his private bank has led to much uneasiness. a Simmons Had But Little Property. C Simmons had little property himself, and his estate is not expected to run above $30,000. His interests in the a Interstate bank was but $1,000, and it S is said by the officials that in the bank le he was but a figurehead, retained for d the prestige of his name. S The Interstate bank suffered withis drawals of $20,000 yesterday, but paid F all demands. +
8.February 7, 1906The Madison Daily LeaderMadison, SD
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
REV. DR. SIMMONS, BANKER, MIN. ISTER AND POLITICIAN, SUICIDES AT PEORIA, ILL. HAD BEEN ACCUSED OF IMMORALITY STATE ATTORNEY SAID TO HAVE SECURED DAMAGING TESTIMONY AGAINST HIM. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 7.-Rev. Dr. G. H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and the People's Savings bank and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed, having committed suicide during the night. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. Three physicians who were hastily summoned gave as their opinion that death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner Baker took charge of the remains. The People's Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, located in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors during the morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on. There was a run on the bank the previous day and by 10 a. m. a large crowd surrounded the building, clamoring for their money. Second Bank Pays Depositors. The Interstate Savings bank, of which he was president up to Monday, when his resignation was accepted and E. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also the object of a run, but depositors are being paid as fast as possible. Dr. Simmons came to the First Bapn church five years ago from Terre ute, Ind., and had been remarkably ccessful. He secured national pubficity two years ago by advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was forty years old and leaves a widow. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., before coming here.
9.February 7, 1906Daily Kennebec JournalAugusta, ME
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Suicide of a Prominent Peoria, III., Clergyman. Also President of Two Banks ---Investigation Was On. Stories Regarding His Moral Character Also Recently Appeared. Preoria, III., Feb. 6.-Rev. Geo. H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings Bank and the Peoples Savings Bank and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peepa county was found dead in bed this morning. He was an object of investigation at the hands of the State's attorney, the two banks and his congregation on the gravest charges and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. A letter found beside him showed that death was premeditated. In part it said: "Also no blame must attach to exGov. Yates nor his associates, He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using." Physicians believe that death was caused by cyanide of potassinm. The People's Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president, did not open this morning. There was a run on the bank yesterday. The Interstate Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted. was also the object of runs vesterday and today. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. Mr. Simmons same to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably success. ful. He secured national publicity two years ago by advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of Former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after stories affecting his moral were circulated. States Attorney Sholes yesterday secur ed some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 10 years old and a widow survives.
, CLERGYMAN FOUND DEAD. Head of Two Banks and Was Object of Investigation. Peoria, III., Feb. 7.-Rev. Geo. H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and the People's Savings bank, nad recently appointed manager of Yates' senatoral campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed. He has been the object of an Investigation at the hands of the state's atorney, the two banks, and his congregation on grave charges. It is allgeed to be a case of suicide. The People's Savings bank. of which Simmons was president, in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not- open its doors Tuesday. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on: There was a run upon the bank Monday, and this morning a large crowd surrounded the building clamoring for their money. The Interstate Savings bank, of which he was president up to Monday, when his resignation was accepted and E. G. Heldrich elected in his stead, was also the object of a run Monday. Early Tuesday the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity a few years ago, by advocating the dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago and shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. State Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation Monday and secured some sensational conefasions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons, who was forty years of age, leaves a widow. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., before coming here.
11.February 7, 1906The Salt Lake TribuneSalt Lake City, UT
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
PREACHER LIFE Fearing Exposure, H. Simmons Swa Deadly Poison MIXED POLITICS RELIGION 1 Was President of the Institution Now Defunet PEORIA, III., Feb. George H. Simmons, pasts, Baptist church, president state Savings bank and Savings bank and recently manager of the Yates Sena paign, in Peorla county, dead in bed this morning the object of investigation of the State's Attorney, and his congregation on and It Is presumed to be cide. The body was found by him to she called breakias a letter he last on his left night In which earth "No blame must attach Yates nor his associates game me an opportunity ponents and my enemles my using." His Pen Fails The last line, "that should I attempt to write sages," indicates his letter Simmons as he brought to Physicians who were moned are of the opinion caused by cyanide of pota bank The People's Saving Simmons was president men's quarter of the city, doors this morning its said remain It would closed action was determin a run upon future was the and by 10 clock this more crowd surrounded the buildi Toe ing for their money Savings bank, of which dent up to yesterday, when tion was accepted and E elected in his stead, was ject of runs yesterday and ly this morning the bank crowded with depositors their money. Cashier Anick would be able to stand the Was Successful Pre Dr. Simmons came to tist church five years Haute, Ind., and had been successful. He was a tucky. He secured nati two years ago by advocati tization of the life of local manager of for former ago and campaign came shortly after Gov. affecting morals were circu Attorney Scholes undertook gation yesterday and BECOM sational confessions from congregation Dr. Slau years old.
12.February 8, 1906Omaha Daily BeeOmaha, NE
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
NEBRASKA WEATHER FORECAST Fair Thursday and Friday. Temperature at Omaha Yesterday: Hour. Deg. Deg. Hour. 35 5 a. m 15 1 P. ⑉ 36 6 a. m 16 2 D. m 36 7 a. m 16 3 D. m 35 8 a. m 17 8 p. m 34 9 a. m 18 is p. ⑉ 32 10 a. m 23 6 P. m 29 11 a. ⑉ 27 T p. III 12 ⑉ 26 32 S P. in 24 9 P. m SITUATION AT PEORIA BETTER Bank Depositors Gain Confidence. but Doors of One Institution Remain Closed. PEORIA, III., Feb. 7.-The bank situation is greatly relieved today. Much of the excitement caused by the suicide of Dr. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church and Interested in two banks. had subsided. The banks of the city all came to the relief of the Interstate Savings and Trust bank and accepted their paper at par. They met every demand for deposits yesterday, the run continuing through the day. Today confidence has been restored and but few people have made demands for their money. All comers are accommodated the other banks being willing to render such assistance as necessary. Funeral services for the late Dr. George Simmons will be held from the First Baptist church. of which the dead man was pastor, at 10 o'clock Friday morning The sermon will be preached by a minister from out of the city who has not been selected. A storm of protests which was raised in the church this morning when there was talk of holding services in the church has quieted down and there will be no strenuous objections. Coroner Baker concluded his inquest this afternoon and the jury returned a simple verdict of death from cyanide of potassium taken with suicidal intent. A mass meeting of the depositors of the People's Savings bank. of which Dr. Simmons was chief owner, was held tonight and a report made there indicates that the bank will pay from 80 to 100 cents on the dollar. The plan of the coroner to go into the investigation of the charges which brought disgrace on the dead minister was abandoned under pressure of public opinion.
Relieved. Bank Situation Peoria, Ill., Feb. 7.-The bank situation here was greatly relieved today. Much of the excitement caused by the suicide of Dr. Simmons yesterday has subsided. Other banks of the city came to the assistance of the Interstate and Trust Bank, and the run has subsided. The People's Savings-Bank is still closed.
14.February 14, 1906Omaha Daily BeeOmaha, NE
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
BANKER SIMMONS ROBBED WIFE Took Money from Her and Gave Her Forged Notes for Amount. PEORIA, Feb. 13.-Sensational developments in the case of Dr. George H. Simmons, the banker-preacher who killed himself a week ago today, were made in the probate court today when the widow asked the appointment of an administrator of the estate. Her statement showed that her husband had dissipated $9,000 she held at the time of their marriage, giving her worthless notes representing the amount. Since his death investigation conducted by the sheriff showed these notes to be forgeries. Mrs. Simmons further said her husband had destroyed all his private papers, will etc., a few hours before his death. A meeting of the depositors of the People's Savings bank has been called for Frlday evening, when Receiver Wilton will present his report.
15.February 14, 1906The Manning TimesManning, SC
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
TAKES HIS OWN LIFE. The Meteoric Career of a Preacher Ends in Diagrase. At Paris, Ill., B.V. Goo. H. Sim. mone, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank, and of the People's Savings bank, and resently appointed manager of the Yates sensterial campaign in Psoria county, it found dead in bed Wednesday. H3 has been under investigation by the Siste's attorney, the two banks and his congregazion on the graves charges. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. He remained down town until late Tuesday night, diseosing of some business matters. In a lstter tousd beside him he said this was his last night on earth, and wanted to leave 8 message of undying love to all. Is part it said: "Also no blame must attach to EXGov Yates or his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my epemies have prevented my using." The last lime, "time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages," 1 dicates be was dying as he brought the letter to & close. Physicians believe death was caused by ovanide of potassium. The Pecple's Savings bank did not open Wednesday morning. Cashier Lock said the bank would remain closed until some plan of action could be determined upon. There was & run on the bank Tuesday and Wednesday a large crowd surrounded the building. The Interstate Savings bank was also the object of runs. Cashier Anicker said they would to able to s'and the drain Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been ICmarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago by ad. vocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. H8 became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Gov. Yates a week ago, and shortly after serious stories affecting hi: circulated. State's As Scholes an torney morals were undertook sensational investigation and secured some confessions from boys of his congraga. tion. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old and leaves a widow. He held charges in Taxas, in Jackson, Tenn., and in Luisville, Ky., before coming to Peoria.
MINISTER A SUICIDE A Prominent Pastor Takes His Own Life CONFRONTED BY UGLY CHARGES Prominent Baptist Minister. Under Investigation on Grave Charges, Takes His Own Life-Run on Two Peoria Banks, of Which He Was President. Peroria, III., Special.-Rev. Geo. H. amous, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the inter-state Savings Bank, and of the People's Savings Bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign was found dead in bed. He has been under investigation by the State's attorney, the two banks, and his congregation on the gravest charges. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. He remained down towwn until late at night, disposing of some business matters. In a letter found beside him he said this was his last night on earth. and be wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part it said "Also no blame must attach to ex4 Governor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave the an opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using." The last line-"Time fails me should I attempt to write personal e messages" indicates that he was dying as he brought the letter to a close. Physicians believe that death was caused by eyamide of pottasium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the x body. The People's Savings Bank did not open Tuesday morning. Cashier It Look said the bank would remain in closed until some plan of action could be determined. There was a run on Il the bank and a large crowd surroundIt ed the building. The Inter-State Savings Bank was also the object of runs Monday and Tuesday. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. he
17.February 16, 1906Evening StarWashington, DC
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Peoria Bank's Depositors Lose Building. Receiver Wilton of the People's Savings Bank, at Peoria, III., yesterday discovered the missing deed to the bank building. The deed had been missing since Dr. G. H. Simmons, president of the bank, killed himself. While the building was bought with the funds of the bank, the deed was made out to George H. Simmons only, though Dr. Simmons' partner, Rev. E. L. Kelly, had an equal interest in the bank. The discovery of the deed has caused consternation among the 900 depositors of the bank. The building had been regarded as the chief asset, its value being placed at $40,000.. As it is in the name of Dr. Simmons, the widow will receive her dower rights, and the personal creditors of the estate an allowance of their claims, the residue, if any, going to the depositors pro rata.
18.February 16, 1906The Paducah SunPaducah, KY
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
SWINDLED PARTNER Is the Latest Development in the Simmons Case. Peoria, Ill. Feb. 16.-Receiver Wilton, of the People's Savings bank has discovered the deed to the bank building, which had been missing since Rev. George H. Simmons killed himself. While the building was bought with the funds from the bank the deed was made out to George H. Simmons only. thus revealing an effort to swindle his partner, the Rev. E. L. Kelley, who owned a half interest with him. The discovery of the deed caused consternation among the 900 depositors of the bank, as the building had been regarded as the chief asset, its value being placed at $40,000. As it is in the name of Simmons the widow will receive her dower rights and the personal creditors of the estate an allowance of their claims, the residue, if any, going to the depositors pro rata.
19.February 16, 1906Omaha Daily BeeOmaha, NE
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
DEED TO PEOPLE'S BANK FOUND Simmons Used Bank's Funds, but Took Title in His Own Name. PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 15.-Receiver John B. Wilton of the People's Savings bank today discovered the deed to the bank building which had been missing since the minister killed himself. While the building was bought with the funds of the bank, the deed was made out to George H. Simmons only, thus revealing an effort to swindle his partner, Rev. E. L. Kelly, who owned a half interest with him. The discovery of the deed has caused consternation among the 900 depositors of the bank. It had been regarded as the chief asset, its value being placed at $40,000. As it is in the name of Dr. Simmons, the widow will receive her dower right and the personal creditors of the estate an allowance of their claims, the residue, if any, going to the depositors pro rata.
20.February 17, 1906Omaha Daily BeeOmaha, NE
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
SIMMONS' FINANCIAL METHODS Peoria Preacher Purchased Bank Building with Funds Belong. ing to Depositors. PEORIA. III., Feb. 16.John Wilton, receiver of the Peoples Savings bank. the private bank run by the late Dr. Simmons and Rev. Kelly, tonight made the first official statement of the bank's condition, placing the liabilities at $145,049 and the assets at $108,827.32 The report further shows that the partnership never had a dollar of money invested in the bank. but that all its assets, including the building which it occupied, were purchased with the deposits and that the bank has been insolvent for at least six months. The receiver expects the assets to shrink to $95,000.
21.February 17, 1906The Birmingham Age-HeraldBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Expects Assets to Shrink. Peoria, III., February 16.-John Wilton, receiver of the People's Savings bank, the private bank run by the late Dr. Simmons and Rev. Kelly, tonight made the first official statement of the bank's condition, placing the liabilities at $145,049, and assets at $108,827. The report further shows that the partnership never had a dollar of money invested in the bank, but that all its assets including the building which it occupies, were purchased with the deposits and that the bank has been insolvent for at least six months. The receiver expects the assets to shrink to $95,000, or 65 cents on the dollar.
22.February 18, 1906The Salt Lake TribuneSalt Lake City, UT
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
PREACHERS' BANK RUN ON DEPOSITORS' COIN More Rascality Shown Up in Life of Rev. Simmons of Peoria. PEORIA, III., Feb. 17.-John Wilton, receiver of the People's Savings bank, the private bank run by the late Rev. Dr. Simmons and Rev. Kelly, tonight made the first official statement of the bank's condition. placing the liabilities at $145,049 and the assets at $108,827 The report further shows that the partnership never had a dollar of money invested in the bank, but that all its assets, including the building which it occupied, were purchased with the deposits and that the bank had been insolvent for at least six months. The receiver expects the assets to shrink to $96,000. or 65 cents on the dollar.
Bank runs are almost always and everywhere a deterioration of bank fundamentals.
But not for you.
You are the measure-zero exception: great fundamentals, solid bank, and yet the Diamond Dybvig fairy spread its rumor. Depositors woke up. Your collateral was not prepositioned. The Clearinghouse had it for you.
Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to jail… or worse.
