5402. Zion City bank (Zion, IL)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
state
Start Date
November 27, 1903
Location
Zion, Illinois (42.446, -87.833)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
cdb59306

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Receivership appointed by federal court; receivers later dismissed and control returned to Dowie.

Description

Depositors withdrew funds after Dowie's public plea for money (appeal backfired), producing a run. Federal receivers were appointed and the bank was closed/guarded on/around Dec 1, 1903. Receivership was dissolved and control restored to Dowie in early Dec (order signed Dec 8, reported Dec 9). Dates are taken from newspaper reports; run described as driven by Dowie-specific financial weakness rather than a false rumor.

Events (3)

1. November 27, 1903 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Dowie's public confession of financial weakness and frantic appeals for cash prompted depositors to withdraw funds.
Measures
Teller refused immediate payment in one case, requiring 30 days' notice for withdrawal; bank later placed under guard by deputy marshals.
Newspaper Excerpt
Run on Dowie's Bank. ... they lined up at the paying teller's window, drawing out their money. Less than $3,000 was deposited ... while the amount withdrawn was twice as much.
Source
newspapers
2. December 1, 1903 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Federal court-appointed receivers took possession of property after petition by creditors alleging insolvency and a preferential payment; bank closed and guarded by deputy marshals and local guards.
Newspaper Excerpt
The receivers ... went out to Zion City tonight to serve upon Dowie the notice of the receivership. The Zion City bank will remain closed.
Source
newspapers
3. December 8, 1903 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
Zion City, its bank and industries were restored to the control of John Alexander Dowie late this afternoon. Judge Kohlsaat ... signed an order dissolving the receivership.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (11)

Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, December 2, 1903

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PROPHET DOWIE GOES TO W ALL AFTER A SENSATIONAL CAREER Financial Difficulties, Which Have Been Accumulating Since the Disastrous Crusade on New York With the Restoration Host, Culminate in a Crash Which Deprives "Elijah" of All Property Controlled by Him in Zion City-He Makes Last Frantic Appeal for Money. books. Early in the week before last, was started. Then lace and candy indusChicago, December 1.-Financial diffitries were started, and both of these Dowie made a trip through the various culties, which began during the crusade ventures have never been a paying inshops. He told his followers and others of John Alexander Dowie, the self-styled vestment, a great deal of the money bethat they must either wait for their sal"Elijah II.," and his "restoration" host ing tied up. aries or must endure a substantial cut to New York, a month ago, and which Last Wednesday Dowie's first confesin wages. This was agreed to. have been rapidly increasing since sion of weakness was made at a rally in The receivers, with their attorneys and the tabernacle at Zion City. Dowie's return, culminated tonight in the Custodian Rédieski, with six deputy mar"A lot of you people have cash in your federal court taking possession of all the shals, went out to Zion City tonight to pockets," Dowie said to his followers. property controlled by Dowie in Zion serve upon Dowie the notice of the re"Dig down and get it out. It is God's, City, Ills. ceivership. Redieski and his deputies and we need it in his work. You are went to the bank, while the others called This town, which was founded two years cowards of you do not give it up." upon Dowie at his residence. As the offiDowie talked in the same strain for ago by Dowie, has a population of more cers were about to demand admittance to more than an hour, tears glistening on than' 10,000, is the general headquarters the bank, a man ran from the rear door. his cheeks as he told of the financial for Dowie's church, and is said to repOne of the deputies overtook him and a straits in which the Zion industries found resent an expenditure of $20,000,000. second came running from the bank, themselves. Frederick M. Blount, cashier of the Chishouting, "Let me have those papers; I Instead of frightening many into decago National bank, and Albert D. Curwill get away with them.** positing, this appeal sent a long line of Redieski threatened to place them under people to the bank on Friday when they rier, a law partner of Congressman Bouarrest unless they returned at once to lined up at the paying teller's window. telle, were appointed receivers of the the bank. He then placed the bank and drawing out their money. property. Their bonds were fixed at $100.three men under guard. While this was Less than $3000 was deposited in the 000 by Judge Kohlsaat of the United bank on Friday, when the amount withtaking place at the bank, the receivers States district court, who made the apdrawn was twice as large. Wesley G. and their attorneys called upon Dowie pointment on the petition of several credGraham, of Waukegon. tried to withdraw and read to him the petition, and an orhis account of $300 and was told he would der of court which placed Zion City in itors. The receivers left for Zion City have to give thirty days' notice before he the hands of a receiver. tonight to take possession of the propcould get his money. After hearing the petition, Dowie lockerty. Yesterday another effort was made by ed himself up with several of his leading The bankruptcy proceedings against Dowie to get funds, but the depositors subordinates. He refused to allow himDgwie were based on the allegation that who appeared were few and the deposits self to be seen or to make any statewere chiefly in trivial amounts. Today he is insolvent, and that while in this ment, merely sending out word that he Dowie asked the members of Zion more financial condition he committed an act had nothing to say. The order of the urgently than ever for money. He decourt issued today compells Dowie to of bankruptcy by making a preferential clared that he must have $500,000 without appear in court December 11. payment on November 2 to the Streeter delay. In the efforts to remedy the conIt was nearly midnight when the reLumber company for $3770. dition of affairs at Zion City, hundreds ceivers left Dowie. Although he would Dowie has been hard pressed by his of letters were sent out daily to Dowie's make no general statement, he declared creditors, especially since it was anfollowers in other parts of the country. to the receivers that the entir proceeding nounced that his recent mission to New These letters were addressed to Dowieites in court was unnecessary. as he was ento sell their farms and come at once to York had proved unsuccessful finantirely solvent. He declared that the recially. Zion City and take up the work of the ceivership would be very short, as he Dowie is known to have accumulated church. would immediately pay all he owed, and a large sum as the head of the Christian It is declared that the employes of the secure the discharge of the receivers. Catholic church, the assets of the organiIt was decided by the receivers that manufacturing industries have not been the Zion City industries should be operzation being estimated at between $20,000,paid in from four to six weeks. What ated tomorrow as usual. The Zion City little they have received, is said to have 000 and $30,000,000. There was a large outbank will remain closed. been paid entirely in the Zion City coupon lay of money, however, when Zion City


Article from The Birmingham Age-Herald, December 2, 1903

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books. Early in the week before last, Dowie made a trip through the various shops. He told his followers and others that they must either wait for their salaries or must endure a substantial cut in wages. This was agreed to. The receivers, with their attorneys and Custodian Rédieski, with six deputy marshals, went out to Zion City tonight to serve upon Dowie the notice of the receivership. Redieski and his deputies went to the bank, while the others called upon Dowie at his residence. As the officers were about to demand admittance to the bank, a man ran from the rear door. One of the deputies overtook him and a second came running from the bank, shouting, "Let me have those papers; I will get away with them.** Redieski threatened to place them under arrest unless they returned at once to the bank. He then placed the bank and three men under guard. While this was taking place at the bank, the receivers and their attorneys called upon Dowie and read to him the petition, and an order of court which placed Zion City in the hands of a receiver. After hearing the petition, Dowie locked himself up with several of his leading subordinates. He refused to allow himself to be seen or to make any statement, merely sending out word that he had nothing to say. The order of the court issued today compells Dowie to appear in court December 11. It was nearly midnight when the receivers left Dowie. Although he would make no general statement, he declared to the receivers that the entir proceeding in court was unnecessary. as he was entirely solvent. He declared that the receivership would be very short, as he would immediately pay all he owed, and secure the discharge of the receivers. It was decided by the receivers that the Zion City industries should be operated tomorrow as usual. The Zion City bank will remain closed.


Article from The Minneapolis Journal, December 2, 1903

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Early in the week before last Dowie made a personal trip thru the various shops. He talked for more than two hours to the employes. He told his followers and others that they must either wait for their salaries or must endure a substantial cut in wages. This was agreed to. Dowie's New York crusade with his restoration host was extremely expensive and his first public confession of weakness was made at a rally in the Zion City tabernacle last Wednesday. "A lot of you people have cash in your pockets," Dowie said to his followers. "Dig down and get it out. It is God's and we need it in His work. You're cowards if you don't give it up. Deposit it." Dowie talked in the same strain for more than an hour, tears glistening on his cheeks as he told of the financial straits in which the Zion industries found themselves. Run on Dowie's Bank. Instead of cajoling many into depositing, this appeal sent a long line of people to the bank on Friday, when they lined up at the paying teller's window, drawing out their money. Less than $3,000 was deposited in the bank on Friday, while the amount withdrawn was twice as much. Late in the afternoon A. W. Graham of Waukegan tried to withdraw his account of $300 and was told he would have to give thirty days' notice before he could get his money. Then another appeal was made by Dowie for funds, but the depositors who appeared were few and the deposits were chiefly in trivial amounts. Yesterday Dowie asked the members of Zion more urgently than ever for money. He declared that he must have $500,000 without delay. This sum, he said, he was willing to take in short loans, but they must be forthcoming immediately. Hundreds of letters have been sent out daily to Dowie's followers in other parts of the country. Glowing prospects of Zion City's future were painted, and Dowie himself is quoted as praying that all those who believe in him will "follow the Lord." All Dowieites are urged, almost commanded, to sell their farms, stores and everything else and come at once to Zion City and take up the work of the church. Notified of Receivership. The receivers, with their attorneys and Custodian Redieske, with six deputy marshals, went out to Zion City last night and served upon Dowie the notice of the receivership. Redieske and his deputies went to the bank, while the others called upon Dowie at his residence. After hearing the petition Dowie locked himself up with several of his leading subordinates. He. refused to allow himself to be seen or to make any statement, merely sending out word that he had nothing to say. ) The order compels Dowie to appear in court Dec. 11. It was nearly midnight when the receivers left Dowie. Altho he would make no general statement, he declared to the receivers that the entire proceedings in court were unnecessary, de as he was entirely solvent. He clared that the receivership would be very short, as he would immediately pay all he owed and secure the discharge of the receivers. It was decided by the receivers that be the Zion City industries should operated as usual. The Zion City bank will remain closed.


Article from Deseret Evening News, December 2, 1903

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Zion City Shows No Mark of Disturbance Over Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Dowie. DOWIETIES NOT DISMAYED. They Say John Alexander Will Fool Them All; Even Now He Laughs In His Sleeve. Zion City, III., Dec. 2.-Except at the bank here, no sign of disturbance over bankruptcy proceedings against John Alexander Dowie was visible in this place today. The bank was closed and guarded by United States deputy marshals and by Zion guards, the local police. Otherwise the Dowieites' institutions were being conducted as if nothing unusual had happened. Behind closed doors in Dowie's private office today Dowie and his attorney met Custodian Redieski and attorneys representing the creditors. The principal object was to plan for the continuation of the various industries. The secret conference is said to have been stormy at times, when Dowie became angered at what he called "presumption" on the part of his opponents. In Zion City all title to real estate is vested in Dowie. The tract of land on which Zion is built was bought on a five-year payment plan. Several payments are due, the last one falling due Sept. 1, when Dowie paid up the interest and asked for more time on the principal. Mortgages on the land are held by the original owners, and foreclosure would mean forfeiture of the lots and houses of the followers of Dowie. The followers of Dowie apparently were not dismayed to find Zion City industries in charge of the "unhealed." In passing the bank and seeing the deputy custodians on guard, the Dowleites shrugged their shoulders and smiled. "Dr. Dowie will make fools of them all," declared one of the Dowieites. "He is laughing up his sleeve at them now." The policy that might be pursued by the receivers was discussed by Atty, Levison, of counsel for the receivers, and Barnes, Dowie's attorney. hands upon Zion." said the former. "We do not intnd to lay paralytic Atty, Barnes declared that Zion City would pay dollar for dollar. A proposition to make Dowie manager under the receivers appeared to meet with favor on the part of the court officers. GOING OVER THE BOOKS. "Chicago, Dec. 2.-The receivers appointed by the federal court began today going over the books of the Zion industries, instead of Dowie Federal Custodian Paul Redieski is technically the head of Zion City and in control of Its factories employing about 4,000 persons. Efforts made throughout the night by Dowie's supporters are said to have netted nearly $25,000 in cash and it was said today that Dowie might come to Chicago without delay to take steps toward doing away with the receivership. Judge C. C. Kohlsaat, who yesterday appointed the receivers, entered an order today restraining the prosecution of any suits against Dowie pending the results of the receivership appointed for Zion City.


Article from The Topeka State Journal, December 2, 1903

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the Zion City industries should be operated as usual. The Zion City bank will remain closed. A STORMY CONFERENCE. Zion City, Ill., Dec. 2.-Except at the bank here, no sign of disturbance over bankruptcy proceedings against John Alexander Dowie was visible in this place today. The bank was closed and guarded by United States deputy marshals and by "Zion guards," the local police. Otherwise the Dowieite institutions were being conducted as if nothing unusual had happened. Behind closed doors in Dowie's private office today Dowie and his attorney met Custodian Redieski and attorneys representing the receivers. The principal objection was to the plan for the continuation of the various industries. The secret conference is said to have been stormy at times, when Dowie became angered at what he called "presumption" on the part of his opponents. In Zion City all title to real estate is vested in Dowie, the tract of land on which Zion is built was bought on a five year payment plan. Several payments are due, the last one falling due September 1, when Dowie paid up the interest and asked for more time. Mortgages on the land are held by the original owners and foreclosure would mean forfeiture of the lots and houses of the followers of Dowie. DOWIE RAISES $25,000. Chicago, Dec. 2.-The receivers appointed by the federal court began today going over the books of the Zion industries. Instead of Dowie, Federal Custodian Paul Redieski is technically the head of Zion City, and in control of its factories employing about 4,000 persons. Efforts made throughout the night by Dowie's supporters are said to have netted nearly $25,000 in cash and it was said today that Dowie might come to Chicago without delay to take steps toward doing away with the re. ceivership. Judge C. C. Kohlsaat, who yesterday appointed the receivers, entered an order today restraining the prosecution of any suits against Dowie pending the results of the receivership appointed for Zion City. The followers of Dowie apparently were not dismayed to find Zion City industries in charge of the "unhealed." In passing the bank and seeing the deputy custodians on guard, the Dowieites shrugged their shoulders and smiled. "Dr. Dowie will make fools of them all," declared one of the Dowieites. "He is laughing up his sleeve at them now." The policy that might be pursued by the receivers was discussed by Attorneys Levison, of counsel for the receivers, and Barnes, Dowie's attorney. "We do not intend to lay paralytic hands upon Zion," said the former. Attorney Barnes declared that Zion would pay dollar for dollar. A proposition to make Dowie manager under the receivers appeared to meet with favor on the part of the court officers. TRADE CHECKS REFUSED. Zion City, Dec. 2.-At the Zion City general store, where Receiver Curry was introduced to Deacon Clendenen, the general manager of the stores, the question arose as to whether the trade checks in use at Zion City were to be accepted at the store under the receivers' administration. Clendenen said that many residents of Zion had little or no ready money and were depending on trade checks which were given as money. If these checks were refused it would. he said, work areat hardship. After consulting with his attorneys Receiver Curry said that the checks would not be accepted. This decision was also made known to the manager of the fresh food supply of Zion, which includes the butcher shop. In a short time when it had become known through the city it occasioned a panic among those of Dowie's followers whose only assets are the trade checks. How these persons are to live during the coming week unless they are assisted by their more well-to-do néighbors is problematical. Dowie has called a meeting of all his followers in Zion City and vicinity to be held in the tabernacle tonight. presumably for the purpose of taking some action in regard to the court proceedings.


Article from Waterbury Evening Democrat, December 2, 1903

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A ELIJAH BANKRUPT of Take Receivers Possession City. Zion Prophet's BY AGO TWO YEARS DOWIE FOUNDED Financial the During In All Have York Culminated Being Seized. Property Dec. "-Judge Koblsaat CHICAGO, has court district Albert the United Fred States M. Blount bankruptc and for three in appointed Currier receivers John in Alexander Dowie creditors alleging Financial difficulties at the D. Zion property City of on an petition indebtedness of which of $1,168. began of the John during crusade Alexander the self III.," "Elijab styled Dowie, to his and York host New a and been rap ago have which month since idly return Dowie's increasing in the thus court federal culminated of all the property This Zion City. town, taking possession Dowie in two years by has ago Dowie, is the 10,000, general controlled which by was a founded population of over for headquarters is to and said church repreDowie's an of sent $20,000,000. expenditure The against bankruptcy on the were based Dowie proceeding is in he that and while that insolvent he this financial condition committed a of an by act making bankruptcy to 2 the Nov. payment preferential E. for $3, Streeter company Lumber has by hard been pressed it his was since that announced had York proved 770. creditors, Dowie especially his mission to Dowie accumulated a as sam large the tian assets church, Catholic financially. New is known the to head have of the of Chris- the at bebeing and tween of a was large outlay There money, was City Zion when started. however, were and Then candy lace industries of as and both ventures started, been have never paying tied a up. was deal more money great his with brotherDowie's differences the over in-law, manageStevenson. of the cost lace more ment and suits than other recent$100,000, by in Lake county creditors are sum. large first weakness Dowie's in rally was made at ly begun said to confession the of tabernacle in at Zion City. of lot "A cash have you people to his folsaid. your Dowie pockets." It it out. and "Dig get down lowers. his in it we is and work. need God's, it if up. don't give you cowards it deof into many Instead of a frightening line this long sent appeal positing on to the when bank Friday, people at the up they lined teller's paying out their money. drawing the be It that is fact windowdeclared of indusemployees in four from not tries been have paid with their The attorneys, to six weeks. receivers. six depwith and Redieske, Custodian to Zion City went uty of rethe the notice serve upon his and deputies Redieske ceivership to the the while went others bank. As at his called upon Dowie residence. to adthe about demand officers a ran to the man from mission One door. rear overtook deputies and man came him, running the from bank, shouting I will me get "Let have those papers. with them." away to them place Redieske at threatened arrest under unless returned to He did. the they which once bank, the the three then bank placed it in men under guard. at the this was While taking place and the their bank attorneys receivers to the and him read called upon Dowie of the court and which order petition of in the Zion hands receivers. placed the Dowie hearing After petition of his with several himself locked to He refused leading to or seen make allow himself out any sending to say. word to of The order court Dowie compels 11. Dec. Gift.


Article from Richmond Planet, December 5, 1903

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RECEIVERS NAMED FOR ZION CITY Bankruptcy Proceedings Against John Alexander Dowie. HIS VENTURES DO NOT PAY Chicago, Dec. 2.--Financial dificulwhich began during the crusade of Alexander ties John Dowie, restoration the selfstyled "Elijah III," and his to New York a month ago, have been rapidly in host which culminated increasing and since Dowie's return, federal court taking the property controlled by of the all possession Dowie which Zion City, III. This town, founded two years ago by a of over 10,000, the has was in population Dowie. is general headquarters for Dowie`s church. and is said to represent an expenditure of $20,000,000. M. Blount, cashier of the ChiNational Bank, and cago Fred Albert Congress- D. Currier. a law partner of were appointed receivof the property. Their were man ers Boutell, Kohlsaat, bonds fixed at $100,000 by Judge of the United States district made the appointment on the The court, receivers petition who of several creditors. left for Zion City to take possession of the property. The bankruptcy proceedings against Dowle were based on the ellegation he is insolvent, and that while in financial condition act of bankruptcy by ted that this an November he making commit- 2. a preferential payment. on to the E. Streeter Lumber Company hard for $3770. Dowie has been pressed by his creditors, especially since it was announced that his recent mission to New York had proved unsuccessful financially. Dowle is known to have accumulata large stud as the head of the Christian ed Catholic Church, the assets at of the organization being estimated between $20,000,000 and $30,000,000. There was a large outlay of money, however, when Zion City was started. Then lace and candy industries were started. and as both of these ventures have never been a paying investment, great deal more money was tied up. a Dowie's differences with his brotherin-law. Stevenson, over the management of the lace factory cost more than $100,000, and other suits recently begun in Lake county by creditors are said to aggregate a large sum. Attorney Ettleson, representing the petitioning creditors, in his arguments before Judge Kohlsaat, said: "The creditors whom I represent reason to believe that Dr. Dowle is have insolvent. Judgments have been accumulating against him for several indiweeks past, and there was every cation that the overseer of Zion congregation could not pay his debts. In such a crisis, the creditors sought protection for their interests in the bank- esruptcy court. It is impossible to timate the liabilities or assets of Dr. Zion's affairs are complicated, it will take several before any idea Dowie. lieve, and weeks, of Dowie's I befinances can be had." Last Wednesday Dowie's first con- a fession of weakness was made at in the tabernacle at Zion City. of you people in rally "A lot have cash his pockets." Dowie said to fol- I' lowers. your "Dig down and get it out. God's, and we need it in His work. it is You're cowards if you don't give up. Dowie Deposit talked it." in the same strain for than an hour, tears glistening more his checks as he told of the financial on straits in which the Zion industries found themselves. Instead of frightening many into line depositing, this appeal sent a long when people to the bank on Friday, teller's of lined up at the paying they drawing out their money. the window, than $3000 was deposited in Less Bank on Friday, while the amount Late withdrawn was twice as much. of the afternoon A. W. Graham, acWaukegan. in tried to withdraw his would of $300, and was told he he count to give 30 days notice before another could have get his money. Sunday funds, appeal was made by Dowie for were the depositors who appeared in but and the deposits were chiefly trivial few amounts. Yesterday Dowie more asked the members of Zion He deurgently than ever for money. $500,000 that he must have he without clared delay. This sum, he said, but willing to take in short loans, immewas they must be forthcoming the that In the efforts to remedy hundiately. of affairs at Zion City to condition of letters were sent out daily of the Dowie's freds followers in other parts which In these leters, in fucountry. prospects of Zion City's Dowie glowing were painted, and in which that all ture is quoted as saying himself who believe in him will "follow althose Lord," all Dowieites are urged, farms, the commanded, to sell their stores most, and everything else and come


Article from The Watchman and Southron, December 9, 1903

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ELIJAH DOWIE BANKRUPT. Zion City Seized for Debt by Chicago Banks and Receivers Appointed. DOWIE COULD NOT RAISE FUNDS. His Frantic Appeals to His Followers Had the Contrary Effect and Hastened the Finish. Chicago, III., Dec. 1.-Difficulties which began during the crusade of Jno. Alexander Dowie, the self-styled Elijah III, and his restoration host in New York a month ago and which have been rapidly increasing since Dowie's return culminated tonight in the federal court's taking possession of all the property controlled by Dowie in Zion City, Illinois. This town, which was founded two years ago by Dowie, has a population of over10,000, is the general headquarters for Dowie's church and is said to represent an expenditure of $20,000,000. Frederick M. Blount, cashier of the Chicago National bank, and Albert D. Currier, a law partner of Congressman Boutelle were appointed receivers of the property. Their bonds were fixed at $100,000 by Judge Kohlst of the United States district court, who made the appointment at the petition of several creditors. The receivers left for Zion City torright to take possession of the property. The bankruptcy proceedings against Dowie were based on the allegation that he is insolvent and that while in this financial condition he committed an act of bank ruptcy b5 making a preferential payment on November 2 to the Streeter Lumber company for Dowie has been pressed hard by his creditors, especially since it was announced that his recent mission to New York had proved unsuccessful financially. Dowie is known to have accumulated a large som as the head of the Christian Catholic church, the assets of the organization being estimated at between $20,000,000 and $30,000,000. There was a large outlay of money, however, when Zion City was started. Then lace and candy industries were started, and-as both of these ventures have never been a paying investment a great deal of money was tied up. Last Wednesday, Dowie's first con fession of weakness was made at a rally in the tabernacle at Zion City. "A lot of you people have cash in your pockets," Dowie said to his followers. Dig down and get it out. It is God's and we need it in His work. You are cowards if you do not give it up. Deposit it." Dowie talked in the same strain for more than a hour, tears glistening on his cheeks as he told of the financial straits in which Zion in dustries found themselves. Instead of frightening many into depositing, this appeal sent a long line of people to the bank Friday when they lined up at the paying teller's window, drawing out their money. Less than $3,000 was deposited in the bank Friday, while the amount withdrawn was twice as much. Late in the afternoon A. W. Grabam of Waukegan tried to withdraw his account of $300 and was told he would have to give 30 days notice before he could get his money. Yesterday another effort was made by Dowie to get funds but the depositors who appeared were few-and the deposits were chiefly in trivial amounts. Today Dowie asked the members of Zion more urgently than ever for money. He declared he must have $500,000 without delay. In the efforts to remedy the condition of affairs at Zion City hundreds of letters were-sent out daily to Dowie's followers in other parts of the conutry. In these letters all Dowieites are mrged, almost commanded to sell their farms, stores and every thing else and come at once to Zion City and take up the work of the church. It is declared that employes of the manufacturing industries have not been paid in from four to six weeks. What bittle they have received has been paid entirely in Zion City cupon books. Early in the week before last Dowie made a trip through the various shops. He told his followers and others that they must either wait for their salaries or must endure a substantial cut in wages. This was agreed, to. The receivers, with their attorneys, and Custodian Redieske, with six deputy marshals, went out to Zion City tonight to serve upon Dowie the notice of the receivership. Redieske and his deputies went to the bank while the others called upon Dowie at this residence. As the officers were about to demand admission to the bank 8 man ran from a rear door. One of the deputies overtook him and a second man came running from the bank, shouting, Let me have these papers; I will get away with them. Fedieske threatened to place them under arrest unless they returned at once to the bank, which they did. He then placed the bank and the three men in it under guard. While this was-taking place at the bank, the receivers and their atorneys called upon Dowie and read to him the petition, and order of court which placed Zion in the hands of a receiver. Gov. Peabody, of Colorado has issued a proclamation placing Cripple Creek under martial law. He declares


Article from The Sun, December 9, 1903

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DOWIE IN CONTROL AGAIN. Zion City Receivers Dismissed-Great Rejoicing Among the Host. CHICAGO, Dec. 8.-Zion City, its bank and industries were restored to the control of John Alexander Dowie late this afternoon. Judge Kohlsaat, with the approval of the creditors and Receivers Fred M. Blount and A. D. Currier, signed an order dissolving the receivership. There was great rejoicing in Zion City. Dowie was in court when the order was signed. It was his first appearance in the citysince his creditors started action against him. "I thank you," he said, bowing to Judge Kohisaat when he signed the order. The order calling for the dismissal of the receivers had been agreed upon at a conference in the Auditorium Hotel shortly after noon, which was attended by Dowie, Judge V. V. Barnes and a committee of his creditors. consisting of Attorneys W. T. Apmadoc and Frederick Wickett, E. W. Dakin, W. B. Thurston and Edward T. Cushing. Dowie's plan for the payment of his outstanding obligations amounting to $552,267 was acceptable to his creditors. By its terms Dowie will pay 10 per cent. of the amount due in three months, 25 per cent. in six months, another 25 per cent. in nine months and the remaining 40 per cent. in one year. The agreement includes the payment of 6 per cent. interest on the claims. When the news reached Zion City the factory whistles blew and the employees stopped work and sang the doxology. The Zion Banner issued an "Extra" giving news of the action and Dowie was enthusiastically greeted on his return from Chicago од a late train. While the receivers have been relieved the bankruptcy proceedings are still maintained. It is likely that these will be dismissed to-morrow.-


Article from Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier, December 10, 1903

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RECEIVERSHIP DISSOLVED. Zion City is Restored to Management of Dowie. Chicago, Dec. 9.-Zion City, its bank, and its industries were restored to the control of John Alexander Dowie at 4 o'clock yesterdayafternoon. Judge Kohlsaat with the approval of the creditors and Receivers Fred M. Blount and A. D. Currier, signed an order dissolving the receivership which had been in charge of the Zion overseer's property one week.


Article from The Cooperstown Courier, December 17, 1903

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Dowie in Control Again. Chicago, Dec. 9.-Zion City, its bank, and its industries were restored to the control of John Alexander Dowie at four o'clock yesterday afternoon. Judge Kohlsaat, with the approval of the credItors and Receivers Fred M. Blount and A. D. Currier, signed an order dissolving the receivership, which had been in charge of the Zion overseer's property one week.