1.
February 6, 1906
The Minneapolis Journal
Minneapolis, MN
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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.
2.
February 6, 1906
Rock Island Argus
Rock Island, IL
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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.
3.
February 6, 1906
Deseret Evening News
Salt Lake City, UT
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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.
4.
February 7, 1906
Rock Island Argus
Rock Island, IL
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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. +
5.
February 7, 1906
The Madison Daily Leader
Madison, SD
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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.
6.
February 7, 1906
Bismarck Daily Tribune
Bismarck, ND
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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.
7.
February 7, 1906
Bryan Morning Eagle
Bryan, TX
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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.
8.
February 7, 1906
Palestine Daily Herald
Palestine, TX
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, 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.
9.
February 8, 1906
Omaha Daily Bee
Omaha, NE
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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.
10.
February 8, 1906
The Manitowoc Pilot
Manitowoc, WI
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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.
11.
February 8, 1906
Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier
Ottumwa, IA
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REV. G. H. SIMMONS OF PEORIA, BANKER AND POLITICIAN, COMMITS SUICIDE WAS ACCUSED OF SERIOUS CRIMES Though Successful as a Minister, as Well as in Business and Politics, Rev. Simmons Was Under Suspicion and Fear of Investigation Caused His Act, Peoria, III., Feb. 6.-Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church and president of the Interstate Savings bank, and of the People's Savings bank, and who was 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 invtstigation at the hands of the state's attorney, the two banks and his congregation, on the gravest charges and his death is presumed to be a case of suicide. Wife Finds Body. The body was found by the dead man's wife when she called Simmons to breakfast. A letter found beside him showed that death had been premeditated. He said this was his last night on earth and wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. It said also: "No blame must be attached to exGovernor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me the opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using." The last line, "Time fails me or I should write a personal message," indicates that he was dying as he brought his letter to a close. Physicians are of the opinion that his death was caused by cyanide potassium. Runs on Banks, The People's Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, did not open its doors this morning. 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 also president, up to yesterday, was also the object of runs yesterday and today. Successful as a Minister. Simmons came to the First Baptist church fixe years ago from Terre Haute toa and had been remarkably success He secured national publicity two years ago by. advocating a dramatization of the life of Christ. Enters Politics. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former GovernI or Yates one week ago and shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. States Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation and yesterday secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Simmons was 40 years old and leaves a widow.
12.
February 9, 1906
The Mitchell Capital
Mitchell, SD
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PREACHER, POLITICIAN, BANKER, A SUICIDE Rev. G. H. Simmons of Peoria III., is Found Dead in Bed. LETTER IN EXPLANATION One Bank of Which He Was President Fails to Open Doors-Enters Politics, and Immoral Life Is Shown Up. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 8.-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 an investigation at the hands of the state's attorney, instituted by the two banks and his congregation, on the gravest charges. Wife Found Him Dead. / 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 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 clients have prevented my using." The last line says: "Time fails me should I attempt to write a personal message." This indicates he was dying as he brought his letter to a close. Three physicians who were hastily summoned are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the remains. Bank Doesn't Open Doors. 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 this morning a large crowd surrounded the building, clamoring for their money The Interstate Savings bank, of which Simmons was president up tc yesterday. when his resignation was accepted, and E. C. Heidrich elected in his stead, was also 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. Entered Politics; Was Exposed. 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 the local manager of the senatorial campaign for former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after a series of stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an investigation yesterday and secured some sensational confessions from the boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old and leaves a widow.
13.
February 13, 1906
The Topeka State Journal
Topeka, KS
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SWINDLED HIS WIFE. Obtained All Her Money, $9,000, on Forged Notes. Peoria, Ill., Feb. 13.-Sensational deH. velopments in the case of Gec 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 her 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 Friday evening when Receiver Wilton will present his report.
14.
February 14, 1906
Los Angeles Herald
Los Angeles, CA
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SWINDLED EVEN HIS WIFE Sensational Disclosures Regarding Preacher Simmons, Who Recently Killed Himself By Associated Press. PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 13.-Sensational developments in the case of 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 $9000 she held at the time of their marriage, giving her worthless notes representing the amount. Since his death investigations conducted by the sheriff showed these notes to be forgeries. Mrs. Simmons further said that her husband had destroyed all her 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 Friday evening, when Receiver Wilton will present his report.
15.
February 14, 1906
Omaha Daily Bee
Omaha, NE
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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.
16.
February 15, 1906
The Oskaloosa Herald
Oskaloosa, IA
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FURTHER CRIME IS DISCLOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN PEORIA'S RECENT SENSATION. LATE DR. SIMMONS A FORGER Disgraced Preacher Who Committed Suicide Dissipated Wife's Little Fortune and Gave Her Worthless Notes. Peoria, III., Feb. 14.-Sensational developments in the case of Dr. George H. Simmons, the banker-preacher, who killed himself a week ago, were made in the probate court Tuesday, whe. the widow asked the appointment 01 an administrator of the estate. Her statement showed that her husband had dissipated $9,000 she held at the these of their marriage, giving her worthless notes representing the amount. Since his death investigation conducted by the sheriff showed the notes to be forgeries. Mrs. Simmon further said her husband had de stroyed all his private papers, wil. etc., a few hours before his death. Partner May Be Arrested. Scandalous methods of banking, Ao clared by many to show woeful laxity if not criminal intent or criminal care lessness in the handling of the depos Itors' funds, threaten to result in the arrest of Rev. E Lewis Kelly, partner of Simmons. Since Simmons' suicide investigation of the affairs of the People's Savings bank, of which he was president, ha disclosed that the Institut had es than $50,000 assets,while the Habil Les mount above $80,000. Depositors of the savings bank, fearing they will lose all they had in th bank, are clamoring for the arrest of Rev. Mr. Kelly. He was in active control of the bank for several months previous to its collapse and is declared to have known that It was insolvent long before the run that was precipitated by the suicide of Rev. Dr. Simmons. At a mass meeting the depositors demanded that warrants be secured for Rev. Mr. Kelly. They declared It was not enough that he be held liable in civil suits for the amount of their holdings. The bank, it was urged, had violated the banking laws in a criminal manner, and they proposed to make every possible person who was responsible therefor suffer the penalty. Kelly Prepares to Give Bail. Mr. Kelly is fully cognizant of the demands of the depositors. He asserts that no banking law was broken, but he is plainly alarmed by the trend of events. He has already made arrangements with powerful friends to go on his bond in case he is arrested.
17.
February 16, 1906
The Forrest City Times
Forrest City, AR
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DISSIPATED HER FORTUNE Dr. George H. Simmons Gave His Wife Forged Notes and Secured Her Little Fortune, Peoria, III., Feb. 14.-Sensational developments in the case of Dr. George H. Simmons, the banker-preacher, who killed himself a week ago, were made in the probate court, when the widow asked the appointment of an administrater of the estate. Her statement showed that her husband had dissipated $9,000 she he'd at the time of their marriage, giving her worthlass notes representing the amount, leaving her practically penniless. 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 Friday evening, when Receiver Wilton will present his report.
18.
February 16, 1906
The Salt Lake Herald
Salt Lake City, UT
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SIMMONS ATTEMPTED TO SWINDLE PARTNER Peoria, Ill., Feb. 15.-The receiver of the People's Savings bank today discovered the deed to the bank building, which had been missing since Rev. George H. Simmons killed himself recently. 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 building had been regarded as the chief asset, its value being placed at $40,000.
19.
February 17, 1906
The Birmingham Age-Herald
Birmingham, AL
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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.
20.
February 17, 1906
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City, UT
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PASTOR'S FRAUD DISCOVERED Rev. George H. Simmons Tried to Swindle Partner as Well as Wife. PEORIA, III., Feb. 16.-The receiver of the People's Savings bank today discovered the deed to the bank building which had been missing since Rev. George H. Simmons killed himself recently 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 building had been regarded as the chief asset. its value being placed at $40,000.