5166. Interstate Savings Bank (Peoria, IL)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run Only
Bank Type
state
Start Date
February 6, 1906
Location
Peoria, Illinois (40.694, -89.589)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
c424dfc2

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals

Description

Multiple articles report runs on the Interstate Savings Bank following the suicide of its president, Rev. G. H. Simmons, amid grave moral charges. The Interstate met demands, depositors were paid, and other banks accepted its paper at par; there is no evidence the Interstate suspended or entered receivership in these reports, so classify as run_only. The People's Savings Bank (also mentioned) was closed temporarily, but the target bank for this task is Interstate Savings Bank.

Events (1)
1. February 6, 1906 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suicide of the bank president (Rev. G. H. Simmons) amid grave moral charges and investigations, which sparked heavy withdrawals.
Measures
Paid depositors as demands came; other local banks accepted its paper at par and provided assistance; depositors being paid as fast as possible.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Interstate Savings Bank ... 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.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (10)
1. February 6, 1906 Evening Times-Republican Marshalltown, IA
Article from Evening Times-Republican, February 6, 1906

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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.

2. February 6, 1906 Deseret Evening News Salt Lake City, UT
Article from Deseret Evening News, February 6, 1906

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Article Text

When His Wife Went to Call Him To Breakfast She Found Him Dead. EVIDENTLY A CASE OF SUICIDE Was Under Investigation by State's Attorney, Two Banks and His Congregation. . Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-The 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 had 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-Gov. 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 falls me hould I attempt to write personal messages," indicates Simmons was dying as he brought his letter to a close. Physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinton that his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. 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 upon the bank yesterday and by 10go'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 objeet 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 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 Gov. Yates a week ago and shortly after serious stories affeeting morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an investisensational gation yesterday confessions and secured from boys some of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old.

3. February 6, 1906 Every Evening, Wilmington Daily Commercial Wilmington, DE
Article from Every Evening, Wilmington Daily Commercial, February 6, 1906

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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.

4. February 7, 1906 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, February 7, 1906

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Article Text

THE SIMMONS SUICIDE. Runs on Banks at Peoria SubsidedConfidence Restored. PEORIA, III., February 7.-The bank situation is greatly relieved today. Much of the excitement caused by the suicide of the Rev. 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 Bank and the Trust Bank and accepted their paper at par. Every demand made yesterday for deposits was met. Today confidence has been restored and but few demands for money have been made. All comers are accommodated, the other banks being willing to render such assistance as necessary. The People's Bank is still closed. E. L. Keley, the surviving partner, says it will probably not open until the estate of Dr. Simmons has gone through the probate court. Coroner Baker is holding the inquest today behind closed doors.

5. February 7, 1906 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, February 7, 1906

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PEORIA PREACHER HAD BAD MORALS Rev. G. H. Simmons Kills Himself Rather Than Face Charges of State. A POWER IN THE PULPIT Clergyman Rose to Presidency of Two Banks and Political Leader in Five Years. (By Associated Press.) PEORIA, ILLS., February 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Bapast Church, president of the Interstate Savings Bank, and the People's Saving Bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial camraign 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 ch urges 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 down town 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 wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part, it said. "Also no blame must attach to exGovernor Yates or 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 he was dying as he brought the letter to a close. Run on Two Banks. Physicians are of the opinion that death was caused by cyanide of pottassium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the body. The People's Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president, did not open this morning. Cashier Look 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 of which Simmons was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted, was also the object of runs yesterday and to-day. Early this morning the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Anicker said they would be able to stand the drain. Corrupted Morals. Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist Church five years ago from Terre Haute, Indiana, 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. Siminons was forty years old. and leaves a widow. He held charges in Texas, in Jackson. Tenn., and in Louisville, Ky., before coming here.

6. February 7, 1906 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, February 7, 1906

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Article Text

SUICIDE OF A MINISTER. Charges Had Been Brought Against Pastor and Bank President. Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-The Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist Church, president of the Interstate Savings Bank and the People's Savings Bank, was found dead in bed this morning. Grave charges against him were under investigation by the State's Attorney, the banks and his congregation. Physicians say death was caused by cyanide of potassium. A letter found beside him showed that death was premeditated. It said that was his last night on earth, and he wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. The People's Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president, did not open this morning. 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 to-day.

7. February 7, 1906 Okolona Messenger Okolona, MS
Article from Okolona Messenger, February 7, 1906

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Article Text

George H. Simmons Suicides. The Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church. president of the Interstate Savings Bank and the Peoples' Saving Bank and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peoria county, Peoria, Illinois, was found dead in bed Tuesday morning. He has been the object of investigation at the hands of the State attorney, the two banks and his congregation on the gravestcharges and is presumed to be a case of suicide. The body was found by his wife when she called him to breakfast. He had remained down town until a late hour Monday night disposing of some business matter. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. said this was his last night on earth and he wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part is said: "Also no blame must attach to Ex. Gov. 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 personal messages," indicated he was dying as he brought his letter to a close. Three physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinion that bis death was caused by cyanide of potas sium. The Peoples' Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president in the work men's quarter reoria 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 Tuesday morning a large crowd surround ing the building, clamoring for their money. The Interstate Savings Bank, of which he was president Monday, when his resignation was accepted, was also the object of runs 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 went to the First Bap. tist church, of Peoria, five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national puqlicity two years ago by advocating a dramatization of the life Christ. He became the local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Gov. Yates a week ago and shortly after serious stories affecting. his morals were circulated. States Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation Monday and secured some sensational statesments from members of congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years of age and leaves a widow formerly Miss Loula Ezell, of this city. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky.

8. February 7, 1906 The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, AL
Article from The Montgomery Advertiser, February 7, 1906

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MINISTER A SUICIDE REV. GEORGE H. SIMMONS OF PEORIA TAKES POISON. Involved In Several Senndals Affecting His Moral Character and His Reputation As a BankerExonerates Yates. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist Church. president of the Interstate Saving Bank, and the Peoples Savings Bank, and recently apointed 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 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 down town until a late hour last night, disposing of some business matter. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeilta 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 this opponents and my enemies have prevented my taking." The last line that "time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages," indicates he was dying as he brought his letter to a close. Three physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinion that his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the remains. The Peoples Savings Bank, of which Simmons was president, in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors today. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on. There was a run upon the bank yesterday and 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. G. Heidrich, elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday. Early today 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 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 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. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., before coming here.

9. February 9, 1906 The Red Cloud Chief Red Cloud, NE
Article from The Red Cloud Chief, February 9, 1906

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Rev. George Simmons of Peoria Takes Poison and Dies at Home. Peoria, Feb. 7.-Rev. George 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. 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. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. He said this was his last night on earth and wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. The People's Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, in the workmen's quarter of the city, did not open its doors. The Interstate Savings bank, of which he was president up to Monday, when his resignation was accepted, was also the object of runs. 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 became 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 Sholes undertook an investigation and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation.

10. February 9, 1906 The Washburn Leader Washburn, ND
Article from The Washburn Leader, February 9, 1906

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REV. DR. SIMMONS, BANKER, MIN. ISTER AND POLITICIAN, SUICIDES AT PEORIA, ILL. NAO 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.opinien that death was caused by cyanide of potas. sium. Coroner Baker took charge of the remains. The People's Savings bank, of which Simnons 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 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, 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.