1.
February 6, 1906
Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe., Santa Fe, NM
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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.
2.
February 6, 1906
Evening Times-Republican
Marshalltown, IA
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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.
3.
February 6, 1906
Every Evening, Wilmington Daily Commercial
Wilmington, DE
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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
The Times Dispatch
Richmond, VA
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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.
5.
February 7, 1906
New-York Tribune
New York, NY
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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.
6.
February 7, 1906
The Daily Morning Journal and Courier
New Haven, CT
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PASTOR-BANKER FOUND DEAD. Suicide of the Rev. G. H. Simmons of Peoria-Savings Bank Closed. Peoria, Ill., 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 senatotrial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed this morning. He had been the object of investigation at the hands of the state attorney, the two banks and his congregation on the 'gravest charges. A letter found beside him showed that death was premeditated. In parit 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 me from using." The People's Savings bank of which Simmons was president, did not open this morning. Cashier Look said the ibank would remain closed until some plan of action could be determined. There was a run on the bank yesterday, and to-day 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. Cashier Anicker said the bank would be able to stand the drain. Mr. 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. Dr. Simmons was forty years old.
7.
February 7, 1906
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City, UT
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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.
8.
February 9, 1906
The Red Cloud Chief
Red Cloud, NE
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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.
9.
February 9, 1906
The Washburn Leader
Washburn, ND
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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.
10.
February 10, 1906
Deseret Evening News
Salt Lake City, UT
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DR. SIMMONS' PARTNER. Proceedings Instituted Against Him to Close Peoria People's Savings Bank. Peorla, III., Feb. 10.-This morning eight depositors of the People's Savings bank. of which Dr. George H. Simmons, who committed suicide on Tuesday, was president, filed proceedings in the United States court here against the Rev. E. L. Kelly, the surviving partner in the bank. asking that the bank be declared bankrupt. This petition is headed by John G. Allen, who was at a meeting of the depositors held Wednesday evening, naming a committee of five to investigate the affairs of the bank. In their petition to the court they assert that the bank was insolvent at the time of Its closing, and that on Monday. Feb. 5. the day before Dr. Simmons committed suicide, paid out to depositors a sum in excess of $600. making them preferred creditors. It is expected a receiver will be named for the bank some time during the afternoon. The bank owes depositors about $120,000. and 8.8 assets owns its own building, and has several
11.
February 12, 1906
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City, UT
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SCANDAL IN A BANK OWNED BY MINISTER Creditors Declare the Simmons Institution at Peoria Is Insolvent. PEORIA, Ill., Feb 11. -This morning eight depositors of the People's Savings bank of which Dr. George H. Simmons, who committed suicide on Tuesday, was president, filed proceedings in the United States court here against the Rev. E. L. Kelly, the surviving partner in the bank, asking that the bank be declared bankrupt This petition is headed by John G. Allen, who was at a meeting of the depositors held Wednesday evening. naming a committee of five to investigate the affairs of the bank. Declare Bank Insolvent. In their petition to the court they assert that the bank was Insolvent at the time of its closing, and that on Monday. February 5. the day before Dr. Simmons committed suicide, paid out to depositors a sum in excess of $600, making them preferred creditors. It is expected a receiver will be named for the bank some time during the afternoon.
12.
February 13, 1906
The Morris County Chronicle
Morristown, NJ
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# PASTOR COMMITS SUICIDE
Rev. G. H. Simmons, of Peoria, Ill.,
Takes Poison After Threat.
Three Local Editors Had Told Him
That He Must Either Leave the Town
or Die, and He Chose the Latter.
Peoria, Ill.-Back of the suicide here
of the Rev. George H. Simmons, mil-
lionaire pastor of the First Baptist
Church, bank president, manager of
former Governor Yates' campaign for
United States Senator, and known as
"the most strenuous minister in Amer-
ica," lies a story so strange, so terrible,
that its match must be found in the
pages of tragic fiction.
He was told to become an exile or
kill himself, and he chose to die.
His misdeeds had become such that
Peoria rose in rebellion.
A committee of three local editors
sent for the minister and a startling
scene occurred in the office of the
Peoria Journal. The three men who
faced him were H. M. Pindell, editor
of the Journal; Charles S. May, of the
Herald-Transcript, and Eugene F.
Baldwin, publisher of the Star.
They laid before the clergyman a
damning array of facts about his con-
duct with the congregation, and cata-
logued with relentless precision the
charges, some of which were under in-
vestigation by the State's Attorney,
the banks and his congregation.
In so many words the trio notified
Simmons that he must leave Peoria or
kill himself. The minister heard the
edict with white face and trembling
lips. He seemed too stunned to re-
monstrate and left, making no definite
promise. His death was his answer.
"The publicity given to Mr. Simmons'
actions made some action on our part
necessary," said Mr. Pindell. "We
called him into our office and there,
in the presence of myself and Charles
S. May, editor of the Herald-Tran-
script and the publisher of the Star, he
was informed of the grave charge
made against him. 'Your shameless
misconduct leaves but two courses
open to you,' he was told. 'You must
leave Peoria or die.' Mr. Simmons
chose the latter course.
"Nothing became him in life like
quitting it," appears to be the senti-
ment of the press and citizens of
Peoria.
Mr. Simmons spent the night down-
town on some business matters. Ap-
parently when he reached home he de-
cided that death was preferable to
exile or possible arrest and a prison
cell. He took a dose of cyanide of
potassium and was found the next
morning lying on his bed, lifeless.
As soon as the pastor's death be-
came known, a crowd surrounded the
People's Savings Bank, of which Sim-
mons was President. The banks doors
were closed, due probably to a run that
had started on the institution the day
before.
Mr. Simmons was known all through
the Central West as the "most stren-
uous minister in America." Those who
know him declare he was all that the
phrase implied.
Mr. Simmons, who was forty years
old, 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 dramatiza-
tion of the life of Christ. He became
local manager of the Senatorial cam-
paign of former Governor Yates a
week ago, and shortly after that seri-
ous stories affecting his personal char-
acter were circulated. States Attorney
Scholes undertook an investigation
recently, and secured some sensa-
tional statements.
13.
February 14, 1906
The Manning Times
Manning, SC
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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.
14.
February 15, 1906
Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe., Santa Fe, NM
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ANOTHER SWINDLE. Deed to Bank Building Discovered Made Out Fraudulenty to Deceased Purchaser. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 15.-The receiver of the People's Savings Bank today discovered the deed to the bank building, which has been missing since the minister-president killed himself recently. While the building was bought by the bank's funds, the deed was made out to George H. Simmons only, thus revealing an effort to swindle his partner, the Rev. E. L. Kelly, who owned a half interest with him. The discovery of the deed caused consternation among the nine hundred depositors. It had been regarded as the chief assett, its value being placed at $40,000. As it is in the name of Dr. Simmons, this widow will receive her dowry rights in it.
15.
February 15, 1906
Las Vegas Daily Optic
Las Vegas, NM
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Dr. Simmons' Effort to Swindle Partner Shown by Deed to Bank Peoria, III., February 15.-The re- fort to swindle his partner, Rev. E. ceiver of the People's Savings bank L. Kellv, who owned a half inter today discovered the deed IN est with him. The discovery of the feed caused consternation amming the bank building, which has been missnine hundred depositors. It had been ing since Rev. George Simmons kill- regarded. as the chief asset, Hs. value is As It ed himself recently. While the build. being placed at $40,000. was bought by bank funds, the in the name of Dr. Simmons, the ing deed was made out to George H. Sim. widow will receive her dowry rights mons only, thus revealing the ef- in it.
16.
February 15, 1906
The Caucasian
Raleigh, Goldsboro, Clinton, NC
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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, 1906
Evening Star
Washington, DC
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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, 1906
The Montgomery Advertiser
Montgomery, AL
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Article Text
MISSING DEED FOUND. Receiver Wilton of Peoria Savings Bank Makes Discovery. Peoria, III., Feb. 15.-Receiver Wilton of the People's Savings Bank today discovered the deed to the bank building which had been missing since George W. Simmons, 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 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, 1906
The Madison Daily Leader
Madison, SD
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Article Text
IN PRESIDENT'S NAME. Deed to Building Owned by Defunct Peoria Bank. Peoria, III., Feb. 16.-Receiver John B. Wilton of the People's Savings bank has 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 owns a half interest with him. The discovery of the deed has caused consternation among the 900 depositors of the bank. This property 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.
20.
February 18, 1906
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City, UT
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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.