5167. 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
1f4ca103

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Books examined

Description

Articles (Feb 6–8, 1906) report Rev. G. H. Simmons' suicide and related investigations led to runs on two Peoria institutions. The Interstate Savings Bank faced heavy withdrawals but continued paying depositors; the People's Savings Bank did not open (effectively suspended). Because the focus here is the Interstate Savings bank and it remained open and paid demands, I classify the Interstate episode as run_only. The People's Savings bank suspension is recorded as a separate event below.

Events (2)
1. February 6, 1906 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Sensational charges and an investigation into President Rev. G. H. Simmons' conduct, followed by his suicide, prompted heavy withdrawals.
Measures
Paid depositors as fast as possible; cashiers stated the bank could stand the drain and were paying demands.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Interstate Savings bank ... was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Early in the morning the bank building was crowded with depositors demanding their money. Cashier Ansicker said they would be able to stand the drain.
Source
newspapers
2. February 6, 1906 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Runs and the investigation into Rev. G. H. Simmons (president) and subsequent revelations led the People's Savings Bank to keep its doors closed (suspend operations).
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

Newspaper Articles (10)
1. February 6, 1906 Albuquerque Evening Citizen Albuquerque, NM
Article from Albuquerque Evening Citizen, February 6, 1906

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Article Text

TOO MANY IRONS PASTOR ENDS LIFE Prominent Baptist Preacher, Bank President and Politician Kills Himself. WAS FIVE YEARS IN PEORIA Serious Charges Against Him---One Bank Does Not Open Doors. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, the president of the Interstate Savings bank and of 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 an investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, by the two banks and by his congregation, on grave charges, and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. Potassium Cyanide Did Work. Physicians expressed the opinion that the death was caused by cyanide of potassium. The Peoples 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 there this morning. The Interstate Savings bank was also subjected to a run yesterday and today. Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago and has been remarkably succesful. He secured national publicity two years ago by advocating the dramatizing of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly afterwards serious storjes affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook the investigation yesterday and secured some sensational confessions from the boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years of age. He had held charges in Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky before coming here.

2. February 6, 1906 Las Vegas Daily Optic Las Vegas, NM
Article from Las Vegas Daily Optic, February 6, 1906

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Article Text

Minister Takes His Life. Act Follows Entrance into Politics as Man. ager for Governor Yates and Publication of Sensational Stories. / Peoria, III., Februarry 6.-Rev. Geo. H. Simmons, pastor of the First Bap tist church, and president of the terstate Savings bank and People's Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates' senatorial cam. paign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He had been the object of investigation at the hands of the United States attor. ney by the two banks and his congregation on grave charges and it is presumed to be a case of suicide. Physicians expressed the opinior 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 gotheredd this morning The Interstate Savings bank was also subjected to a run yesterday and to day. Dr. Simmoons came to the First Baptist church five years ago and had been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago by advocating the dramatizing of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after a series of stories affecting his morals were circu. lated. United States Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday and secured some sensational confessibns. Dr. Simmons was forty years of age. He had held charges in Tex as, Tennessee, and Kentucky before coming here.

3. February 6, 1906 Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from Rock Island Argus, February 6, 1906

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Article Text

Manager of Yates Came paign, Pastor, President of Two Banks. SHOWN MORAL PERVERT Being Investigated--One Financial Institution Closed, Run on the Other. Peoria, Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and the Peoples' Savings bank, was recently appointed manager of Yates' senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. Had Been Investigated. He had been the object of an 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. Wife Found Remains. The body was found by his wife when she called Simmons to breakfast. A 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. No Blame to Yates. "Also nothing must attach to ex-Gov. Yates or his associates. He simply gave me the 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 F message"-indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Used Cyanide of Potassium. Three physicians, who were hastily summoned, are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. d Coroner Baker has taken charge of the remains. 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 Lokk 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. One Bank Closed. The Interstate Savings bank, of which Simmons was president up to yesterday, when his resignation was accepted, and T. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Early in the t morning the bank building was crowdb ed with depositors demanding their in money. Cashier Ansicker said they would be able to stand the drain, In City Five Years. 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 the dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Gov. Yates a week ago, and shortly afterward stories affecting his morals were O circulated. c Found Evidence. p State's Attorney Scholes undertook e an investigation, and yesterday securvi ed some sensational confessions from M boys of his congregation. Dr. Simet mons was 40 years old and leaves a h widow.

4. February 7, 1906 Albuquerque Morning Journal Albuquerque, NM
Article from Albuquerque Morning Journal, February 7, 1906

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Article Text

SENSATIONAL SUICIDE PASTOR OF PEORIA CHURCH WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION Peoria, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Savings bank and Peoples' Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in Peorla county, was found dead in bed this morning. He had been the object of an investigation at the hands of the states' 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 Peoples 'Savings bank, in the workingmen's quarter, did not open its doors this morning. There was a run on both banks yesterday, and a large crowd gathered this morning. The Interstate Savings bank was also subjected to a run yesterday and today. Dr. Simons came to the First Baptist church five years ago and has been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years ago by advocating the dramatizing 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. States' Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday, and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation, Dr. Simions was 40 years old. He had held charge in Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky before coming here.

5. February 7, 1906 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, February 7, 1906

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Article Text

YATES' MANAGER ENDS LIFE Rev. George Simmons of Peoria Takes Poison and Dies at Home. BANK CLOSED AND DEPOSITORS EXCITED Sensational Confessions from Boys Affecting Morals of Minister Believed to Be Cause of the Suicide. PEORIA, III., Feb. 6.-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 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. 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. In part it said: "Also 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, "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 that death was t caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner 1 Baker has taken charge of the remains. The People's Savings bank. of which Sim/ mons 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 further action was determined upon. Run on Bank. 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 yesI terday, when his resignation was accepted and E. R. Hedrick elected in his stead, was also the object of runs yesterday and toO day. Early this morning the bank building 1. was crowded with depositors demanding I their money. Cashier Anicker said they e would be able to stand the drain. o Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist e church five years ago from Terre Haute, t Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national publicity two years h ago by advocating a dramatization of the S life of Christ. He became manager of the in senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago and shortly after serious n stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an in1. vestigation yesterday and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his cona gregation Dr. Simmons was 40 years e age and leaves'a widow. He held charges n in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, n Ky., before coming here. d Bank Said to Be Solvent. No proof has been produced today to show that the suicide was a defaulter, although 0 the secrecy maintained by the official S of his private bank has led to much uneasiness. d Mr. Simmons had little property himself. and his estate is not expected to run above $20.000 interest bank

6. February 7, 1906 The Madison Daily Leader Madison, SD
Article from The Madison Daily Leader, February 7, 1906

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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.

7. February 7, 1906 Bismarck Daily Tribune Bismarck, ND
Article from Bismarck Daily Tribune, February 7, 1906

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HIS STORY Sad Ending of Life Supposed to Have Been Pure Peoria, Ill., Feb. 7.-Rev. Dr. G. H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist shurch, 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 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.

8. February 7, 1906 Bryan Morning Eagle Bryan, TX
Article from Bryan Morning Eagle, February 7, 1906

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CLERGYMAN FOUND DEAD. Herd of Two Banks and Was Object of Investigation. Peoria, III.. Feb. 6.-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. Heidrich 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 conefssions 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.

9. February 8, 1906 The Manitowoc Pilot Manitowoc, WI
Article from The Manitowoc Pilot, February 8, 1906

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HE TAKES HIS OWN LIFE. REV. G. H. SIMMONS OF PEORIA (ILL.) ENDS HIS METEORIC CAREER SENSATIONALLY. DEPOSITORS START RUN State's Attorney, Two Banks and Congregation Instituted Investigation of Dead Man's Conduct. PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the Interstate Saving bank and the People's Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of former Gov. Yates' senatorial campaign in Péoria 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. It is presumed that his death is a case of suicide. 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. Leaves Message and Dies. 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 matters. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. He said this was his last on earth and wanted to leave a message of fundying love to all. In part it said: "Also no blame must attach to ex: Gov. Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my ettemies have prevent ed my using. The last line, "That time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages," indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. One Bank Kept Closed. The People's Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, in the work men's quarter of the city, did not open ,its doors this morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some was determined on. on the bank by future was a run action yesterday and There 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 Anacker said they would be able to stand the drain. Was Remarkably Successful. 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 drainatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of Gov. Yates a week ago and shortly after stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attor ney 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, Tennessee and Louisville, Ky., before coming here.

10. February 8, 1906 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS
Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, February 8, 1906

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A PEORIAN SUICIDES. Rev.G.H. Simmons Preacher-Banker-Politician Quit Under Fire. SENSATIONAL CHARGES ARE MADE. Moral Character Assailed and Flmances Badly Demoralised-Was Managing Gov. Yates' Senatorial Campaign. . Peoria, III., Feb. 7.-Rev. George H. of the First Baptist of the Simmons, Church, president pastor Interstate Savings bank, and the Peoples Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates senatorial campaign in was found Peoria, county, has dead been in bed the Tuesday morning. He object of investigation at the hand's of the state's attorney, by 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 Monday night disposing of some business matters. 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. In part it said: "Also no blame must attach to exGov. Yates nor his associates. He me an opportunity which and my simply his opponents gave enemies have prevented my using." The last line "that time fails me should I attempt to write personal messages," indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind., and had been remarkably successful. He secured national pub licity two years ago, by advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. He became local manager of the sen atorial 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 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. The Peoples' Savings bank, a private institution owned by the late Dr. Geo. Simmons and L. N. Kelly has liabilities of $115,000 and assets variously estimated from $75,000 to $100,000 principally in real estate. agreement reached between the and his partner a By dead an few the hours Peobefore the poison was taken ples' bank was not to open in the morn ing, having suffered heavily from runs on Monday. Negotiations for the sale of the bank were broken off on the news of the suicide. Officers of the bank Tuesday night ₫ refused to give out any statement of the result of the investigation of the bank's condition which was conducted 85 Tuesday. other than to firmly insist d would be Under a. the D that the law the bank partnership solvent. is dissolved and the by the death of Dr. Simmons affairs of the bank must be wound up in probate'court No proof has been produced to show that the suicide was a defaulter although the secrecy maintained by the officials of his private bank has led to much uneasiness. Mr. Simmons had little property himself and his estate not expected to run above $30,000. His interest in the intenrstate bank was but $1,000. The Interstate bank suffered withdrawals of $20,000 Tuesday but paid all demanda. The coroner's inquest will begin at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. The autopay performed late Tuesday evening was secret, but It is said by the coroner that the comditlois of the body indicated cyanide of potash poinsoning.