5736. First Trust & Savings Bank (Hammond, IN)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
savings bank
Start Date
February 2, 1931
Location
Hammond, Indiana (41.583, -87.500)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
4e4b3330

Response Measures

Capital injected, Full suspension

Other: Receivership and later litigation, criminal indictments and prosecutions of officers; equity injection reference refers to president Peter Meyn turning over fortune to cover losses.

Description

Bank experienced heavy withdrawals by major depositors in early Feb 1931 and failed to open (closed/failure). Receivers (Turner & Belman) named later in Feb 1931 and multiple indictments/forgery/unauthorized loans followed, indicating permanent closure. Dates drawn from contemporary newspaper reports (closure Feb 2, 1931; receivers Feb 27, 1931).

Events (4)

1. February 2, 1931 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large withdrawals by major depositors (about $630,000–$660,000 over days) amid falling real estate values; later investigations revealed unauthorized loans and alleged embezzlement by officers.
Measures
Bank closed and failed to open; Hammond National obtained funds to meet its own demands but First Trust & Savings did not resume operations.
Newspaper Excerpt
closing caused ... as the result of $630,000 withdrawals during last 10 days ... Withdrawals from the First Trust and Savings ... President Peter W. Meyn.
Source
newspapers
2. February 2, 1931 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suspension/closure was a direct consequence of heavy withdrawals by major depositors and underlying solvency problems (unauthorized loans, deteriorated real estate collateral).
Newspaper Excerpt
The First Trust and Savings Banks of Hammond ... failed to open its doors following large withdrawals by its major depositors.
Source
newspapers
3. February 27, 1931 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
A. Murray Turner ... and W. C. Belman ... were named as joint receivers this morning by Judge Clyde Cleveland in Hammond Superior court, No. 5.
Source
newspapers
4. August 27, 1931 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Adam Dorsch, official of the defunct $9,000,000 First Trust & Savings bank of Hammond ... under arrest on a forgery charge. Receivers of the bank said they discovered the note on which the forgery charge was based.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (23)

Article from Decatur Evening Herald, February 2, 1931

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PROMINENT BANK OF NORTH INDIANA FAILS Needs of DeposiBlamed for Closing Ind., Feb. Trust and Savings bank Hammond, the largest bank Northwestern closed day as the result of $630,000 drawals during last 10 days. The closing caused the Hammond National bank federal institution, obtain $250,000 from Chicago meet the demands Its depositors Withdrawals from the and Savings which had resources were due pressing needs of depositors and on the bank, according President Peter W. Meyn. Thomas Barr, chief bank examiner, announced Indianathat he Intended take charge of the closed bank, the ever Deposits the First Trust and bank $1,000,000 and


Article from Evening Star, February 10, 1931

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MAN TO GIVE UP WEALTH Indiana Banker to Use Cash to Save Depositors From Loss. CHICAGO, February 10 (AP)-The Herald and Examiner said today that Peter Meyn, often referred to as one of Indiana's wealthiest citizens, would voluntarily turn over his fortune to save depositors and stockholders from loss in the closing of the First Trust & Savings Bank of Hammond, Ind. Mr. Meyn is president of the institution. The newspaper said Mr. Meyn's decision followed a meeting of the board of directors last night. The bank was closed a week ago. Withdrawal of $660,000 within a few days by large depositors and the deflation of real estate values were blamed.


Article from Seward Daily Gateway, February 12, 1931

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DOORS CLOSED CHICAGO, Feb. 11. (AP) - The First Trust and Savings Banks of Hammond, largest bank in northwestern Indiana, with deposits of $5,700,000 and resources of $9,400,000 failed to open its doors following large withdrawals by its major depositors.


Article from The Times, February 27, 1931

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TURNER, BELMAN NAMED BY COURT Judge Cleveland Praised for Appointing Strong Hammond Financial Figures What Mr. Turner Said Turner, "father" of tem, financier of business civie lender, and public in state of made the statement to the after had accepted the joint receiver with of the defunct of the of Honor, the stances will accept your pointment the best order serious confronts "I no intimations of and therefore totally surprised the However, would like to qualify my with the that receive fees for any services render, in view of my past connections with the bank, and that be permitted to appoint a man in whom have greatest faith and responsito assist the matter of policy. give it all the had in and will make effort in my the along orderly, lines." A. Murray Turner, former chairman of the board, and W. C. Belman, former vice president, of the defunct First Trust and Savings bank, of Hammond, were named as joint receivers this morning by Judge Clyde Cleveland in Hammond Superior court, No. 5. Both men accepted. A joint bond of $500,000 then established by the Liquidation will start as It ending to dramatic trial and Judge Clyde Cleveland praise for his selection. Bank directors, depositors, stockholders, attorneys, in fact, one of or 500 interested spectators present, were loud in their unanimous appreciation of the apointments. WILL SERVE WITHOUT PAY Mr. Turner added final flourish the drama of the hearing he informed the court that he would serve as pay. He adopted that stand, he said, result of his former with the bank. Neither Mr. Turner nor Mr. Belhad of the court's intention before the were made. Their selection complete surprise them and seemed to bewilder both, especially after they began to the of the spectators. Mr. Belman was in court when the nominated him. to his judge deafness, he did not hear the words Cleveland therefore of surprised he called to the bench cial of his ACCEPTS Cupping his ear in his hand and leaning far the judge's bench to the was the tense lence of the that he had selected as of the to liquidate the bank under ceivership. He accepted without word. adjourned for 10 Court then in order to notify Mr. Turner working in his office. When Mr. Turner arived in to summons, he, in notified that the court desired him to as Turner in which he that he could any owing but he reserved appoint he desired aid him in the court promptly acceded to the the has from major ation. JUDGE CLEVELAND EXPLAINS Judge Cleveland, his intention to appoint ceivers instead liquidating agent, the that this the that could be made the of the and the He explained that liquidating would act the of the court and might very easily result suits by various had nothing but their welfare at heart. In event, he conthe bank would be thrown tinued, anyhow. Judge Cleveland further stated Continued Page Twenty-Five


Article from Vidette-Messenger of Porter County, February 28, 1931

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TURNER BANK HAMMOND, Feb. Murray Turner, former chairman the board, and W. Belman, former vice president, of the defunct First Trust and Savings bank, of Hamnamed joint receivers Friday Judge Clyde Cleveland Hammond Superior court, No. Both men accepted. joint bond then established by the court. Liquidation will start his selection. Turner added final flourMr. the of the hearing ish to he informed the court that when would serve receiver without he He adopted that stand, pay. result of his former consaid, with the bank. nection GOOD BOWLER PASTOR Seymour, pastor of Lansing rolled local church, alley and scored bowling were used. Bottle soon as possible. whenever want quick dramatic ending Call Classifieds are trial and The Judge action was showered speedy.


Article from The Times, June 6, 1931

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ARGUMENT OF DEMURRERS TO BE FEATURE No Date Has Been Set Yet for Hearing of Bank Assessment Suit Argument of demurrers, of which based on the same points law, feature opening session in the $1,000,000 assessment the receivers the First Trust and Savings when heard by Judge Grant Crumpacker of Porter county, it indicated Crumpacker received the case yesterday venued from the court of Superior Judge Clyde Cleveland in Hammond. What is believed by most attorneys to be obstacle to which was by Attorney M. Eliott Belshaw behalf of his father, Will of the 233 Belshaw member of the Hammond firm of Belshaw, Huebner and Belshaw. His the first to be filed against the suit, declares that the receivers without right common bringing their suit; statute passed in 1915 under which the brought did not apply bank receivers; and, the statute did apply has since been expressly repealed by the legislature 1929. Other which same Tinkham Galvin, William Whinery, John Sawyer, Hammond, Draper Draper, of Gary, and Pattee and McMahon of Crown Point. No has set for the opening argument in the case. Certified copies the local court to Valparaiso, the open next


Article from Vidette-Messenger of Porter County, June 9, 1931

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LOCAL COURT GETS HAMMOND BANK ACTION Argument of demurrers, nine of which are based on the same points of will feature the opening session in the $1,000,000 assessment suit of the receivers of the First Trust and Savings bank, Hammond, against the stockholders, when it is heard by Judge Grant Crumpacker in Porter circuit court, it was indicated today. The case was sent here Saturday when It was venued from the court of Superior Judge Clyde Cleveland in Hammond. What is believed by most attorneys to be the chief obstacle to the assessment the demurrer ed to the local court, and the hearsuit is which was filed by Attorney M. ing is expected to open sometime this week. Elliott Belshaw, on behalf of his father, Will Belshaw, one of the 233 He Got His Price Belshaw is a member of the Jimmy's mother stored all the Hammond firm of Belshaw, Heub- winter bed clothing small shed ner at the back of the house. One day. and Belshaw. His on returning from downtown, the first to be filled against the sult, found that all the bed clothing had declares that the receivers are disappeared. Without delay she without right at common law in sought out Jimmy and asked him bringing their suit: that statute where they were. "Do you mean those old passed in 1915 under which the suit mattresses and things?" be asked. was brought apply to bank did not sold those old things to receivers, the 1915 statute if the man rag did apply it has since been express- His mother, aghast, asked him ly repealed by an act of the legis- how much he had received for them. lature in 1929. "Well," replied Jimmy, with Other law firms which have degreat satisfaction. "after lot of murred on the same grounds are: arguing finally got him to give me Tinkham & Galvin, William six cents. "-Indianapolls News. Whinery, John Sawyer, of Hammond; Draper & Draper, of Gary, Call 14 whenever you want quick and Pattee and MeMahon, of action-the Classifieds are sure Crown Point. and speedy. No date has been set for the opening argument in the case. Certifled copies of the Hammond court records have been forwardalready 666 LIQUID OR TABLETS Relieves a Headache or No ralgia in 30 minutes, checks Cold the first day, and checks Malaria in three days. 666 Salve for Baby's Cold


Article from The South Bend Tribune, August 27, 1931

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BANKER HELD ON SECOND CHARGE By Associated HAMMOND, Ind., Aug. 27.-Adam Dorsch, official of the defunct $9,000,000 First Trust & Savings bank of Hammond, already under indictment with other officials alleged to have made unauthorized loans, was under arrest to-day on a forgery charge. He was placed in the county jail at Crown Point under a warrant charging forgery in connection with an $800 note he was alleged to have signed while an officer of the bank. Receivers of the bank said they discovered the note on which the forgery charge was based.


Article from The Times-Mail, August 27, 1931

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BANK OFFICIAL HELD IN JAIL HAMMOND. Ind., Aug. 27-(AP) Adam Dorsch, official of the defunct $9,000,000 First Trust & Savings Bank of Hammond, already under indictment with other officials alleged to have made unauthorized loans, was arrested late yesterday on forgery charge. He was placed in the county jail at Crown Point under a warrant charging forgery in connection with a $800 note he was alleged to have signed while an officer of the bank. Receivers of the bank said they discovered the note on which the forgery charge was based.


Article from The Times, September 17, 1931

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BY STATE Court Realizes Seriousness Of Bank Failure in Hammond BULLETIN CROWN the jury of First special known that of Tolleston, jury names grand since the been the Aleer, formerly the that, not seen the two Milton Bank He added would Mr. that lenged. Prosecutor stock developed he had been drawn. [SPECIAL TO THE TIMES] CROWN POINT, Ind., Sept. 17 he would point special prosecutor to conduct another grand jury investigation into the failure of the First Trust and Savings bank of Hammond in event depositors raised sufficient money to defray the expenses, Judge Martin J. Smith, of the Lake criminal court, yesterday afternoon continued the case to September 30 so that the depositors might hold a mass meeting on the matter. arguby Meritt Hammond attorney, on of Frank Seliger, conjury prosecutor to conduct probe. John chief deputy prosecutor, bitterly contested petition, stating that the prosecutor was sufficiently capable prosecute the against the indicted officers. HEAT DEVELOPES During afternoon, Metz and indulged comment against other. When ProsecuEstill finally took the floor turned of accusaupon the latter heated animosity developed them. At the conclusion of the Judge Smith said keenly position the depositors and realized of failure to officers of this institution," he said, "should be prosecuted. Also some directors. would depositors hold mass meeting they ficient special prosecutor, county refuses to any more appropriations for this the money could be raised, (Continued Page Seventeen)


Article from The Times, September 17, 1931

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PETITION Putnam for Breakwater Instead of Barge Harbor BITTERLY TEMPERATURE HAMMOND DEPOSITORS WOULD HAVE FIGHT TO KEEP STATE BUILD AT FOR REGION Temperature today Hammond CONTESTED MERCHANT BANK RECEIVERS' REPORT above TAX LEVY DOWN IN 1932 FAVORS AN MOUTH SUICIDES Edition of Pleading for good idea BY STATE By EUENE of Delph Times) cation statements condition paper publish similar of Plymouth, closed district banks, sub- reports from our local bank receivSept. leader in Earl Crawford OF GRAND CALUMET Would Extend to the Port of Indiana Harbor as Refuge for Ships ISPECIAL TO THE TIMES) of CROWN POINT. Ind., Sept. 17.-If the United States government adopts Maj. Rufus Putnam's for waterway development in the Calumet and Chicago area, there will be no inland barge harbor either at Lake Calumet in Cook county, III., or at Wolf lake in north Hammond. This the longthe location of the proposed barge furnished The Times John deputy in today the sheriff's office here president of the Grand Calumet River resident Mr. of Hammond, that Maj. nam, his survey for the tion of Commerce of Chicago, drawn plans for Lake Michigan, which facilities in harbor would for river This harbor, Mr. says, will be created by erection from the mouth of the by river near the InGrand line to the port of Indiana Harbor and would thus form both deep water ships refuge for and The then would proceed Mississippi river, up the from the Sag the Calumet is way of the Grand Caluand by river or the Indiana Harbor canal direct to the Lake Michiship harbor. shipments made from to ship. could be versa. Railroad shipping favice cilities would also be provided for combined water railroad shipMr. Phrommer both Wolf and would rebarge duce for Phrommer on to that to He Maj. former as United for the because of the present Indiana and Illiois his would receive careful sion, attention by the governIn the the of Maj. Putcommend of developing an the barge Wolf lake would die natural Phrommer said. Mr. agencies in the local deeds land along the river that Grand of the harbor He is Chicago the Maj. entire Court Realizes Seriousness Of Bank Failure in Hammond BULLETIN CROWN Sept. will First Judge Smith afternoon during the hearing known that Borman of Tolleston, missioners, drawn the jury have been the sonnel in hearing that defense formerly not seen the too two Milton State Bank Crown He added that he would Kerr appeared the that lenged. destock clared if developed had drawn. [SPECIAL TO THE TIMES) CROWN POINT, Ind., Sept. 17 Indicating he would appoint special prosecutor to conduct another grand jury investigation into the failure of the First Trust and Savings bank of Hammond in event the depositors raised sufficient money to defray the expenses, Judge Martin J. Smith, of the Lake criminal court, yesterday afternoon continued the case to September 30 so that the depositors might hold a mass meeting on the matter. by Meritt Metz, Hammond on the petition of Frank attorney, Seliger, alderman, to conappoint special prosecutor to conduct new probe. John Underwood, chief deputy bitterly the prosecutor, petition, stating that the was sufficiently capable prosecute the against the bank officers. MUCH HEAT DEVELOPES During arguments yesterday afternoon, Metz and indulged against each other. When Prosecutor Robert G. Estill finally took the floor his turned his of tion upon the latter heated developed between them. the of the hearing, Judge Smith said he keenly felt the of the depositors and position realized the seriousness of the also bank failure to Hammond. officers of this institution," he said, "should be prosecuted. Also the directors. would sugthat the depositors hold gest meeting that they may ficient funds pay special prosebecause the county refuses to pass more for this work. "If the money could be raised, (Continued on Seventeen)


Article from The Times, September 28, 1931

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County Council May Balk on Furnishing Funds for Bank Trial [SPECIAL TO THE TIMES] Judge Criminal rule Wednesday morning the petition of Alderman Frank Seliger of Hammond session of for the special to duct another investigation Into the failure of the First Trust and Savbank. Preliminary hearing the peti. tion was held by Judge Smith two weeks He continued the case to Wednesday morning. Merritt Metz, Hammond attorney who represented Alderman Seliger counsel, demanded as special prosecutor. During the last hearing Prosecutor Estill fought against the Metz deputy Since that time, however, has reached an with Metz accept him his which instituted to the failure of the Hammond bank. Judge Smith announced after the hearing would council pass special appropripermit thorough probe (Continued on Page Fifteen)


Article from The Times, October 14, 1931

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SMITH DELAYS HEARING UNTIL MEET IS HELD [SPECIAL TO THE TIMES] CROWN Oct. Judge Martin Smith of the Criminal this granted Monday, October 26, the Alderman Frank Seliger, of for special to conduct other grand jury the failure of the First Trust and Savings Merritt D. Metz, Hammond atAlderSeliger and who is demanded special prosecutor, appeared before Judge Smith today to ask for is to be the High School Friday night permit depositors organize fund proposed investigation. therefore asked the court this had been done. He pointed the meeting being held in conformance with the request of Judge Smith, himself, last depositors to this John chief deeputy prosecutor, who represented the the hearJudge set the Monday, October Judge thus far on this petition.


Article from The Times, October 27, 1931

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First Trust Grand Starts Jury Inquiry on Friday FAILURE CAUSES WILL BE PROBED New Grand Jury Expected to Deal First With Four Murder Cases [SPECIAL THE TIMES) CROWN POINT, Ind., Oct. vigorous investigation into the causes for the failure of the First Trust and Savings bank of Hammond will be started Friday by Prosecutor Robert G. Estill, Chief Deputy John Underwood, Special Prosecutor Merritt D. Metz, of Hammond Special Prosecutor M. W. Madden of Gary. This was made to late afternoon after Judge Martin the Lake Criminal court, had pointed Metz Estill's assistant in the proposed probe. MEDIUM OF GRAND JURY The grand jury, which convened this furnish the medium the inquiry. The jurors expect to clear the records of four murder cases Wednesday and Thursday they may ready devote all their time to the First Trust inquiry beginning Frimorning. made to prosecutor's office has buried the hatchet in its the appointment ready to the fullest inquiry made the depositors' committee, which represents, countered with the announcement that they completely the and staff of the charges of which committee members had originally made public. The joint statement of the prosecutor and the committee stated that work harmoniously toward the single tablishing responsibility for the failure the institution. ALL-DAY HEARING Metz's appointment yesterday followed all-day conducted Judge Martin into the petition Alderman Frank Seliger that the be chief of Estill's connection with the ininto all closed banks. Estill fought the but after the court had granted request Estill hold closed conference with the depositors' committee that he could place before them some pertinent information concerning Metz and connection (Continued Fifteen)


Article from The Times, October 27, 1931

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First Trust Grand Starts Jury Inquiry on Friday FAILURE CAUSES WILL BE PROBED New Grand Jury Expected to Deal First With Four Murder Cases (SPECIAL THE CROWN POINT, Ind., Oct. vigorous investigation into the causes for the failure of the First Trust and Savings bank of Hammond will be started Friday morning by Prosecutor Robert G. Estill, Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Underwood, Special Prosecutor Merritt D. Metz, of Hammond and Special Prosecutor M. W. Madden of Gary. This was made to newspapermen late yesterday afternoon after Judge Martin Smith, the had apMetz the proposed MEDIUM OF GRAND JURY The grand jury, which the medium for the The expect to clear murder Wednesday Thursday that they may be devote all their time to the First Trust inquiry beginning Friday morning. yesterday, prosecutor's office has buried hatchet in its against the appointment of Metz now ready co-operate with him fullest extent that the inquiry may made Metz and the depositors' commitwhich he represents, countered with the announcement that they completely exonerate the prosecutor and of the charges of incompetency which Metz the committee members had originally The joint statement of the prosthat harmoniously toward single of tablishing responsibility for the failure the institution. ALL-DAY HEARING Metz's yesterday lowed all-day hearing conducted Judge Martin Smith into the petition Alderman Frank H. Seliger who demanded that the attorney be designated as chief of Estill's staff in connection the proposed inall closed banks. Estill and the petition from the but after the had the request Estill hold conference depositors' committee that could place before them some pertinent information concerning Metz and his (Continued Page Fifteen)


Article from The Times, October 27, 1931

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FAILURE CAUSES WILL BE PROBED New Grand Jury Expected to Deal First With Four Murder Cases [SPECIAL TO THE TIMES) CROWN POINT, Ind., Oct. vigorous investigation into the causes for the failure of the First Trust and Savings bank of Hammond will be started Friday morning by Prosecutor Robert G. Estill, Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Underwood, Special Prosecutor Merritt D. Metz, of Hammond and Special Prosecutor M. Madden of Gary. This was made late yesterday after Judge Martin Smith, of the Lake had pointed Metz as Estill's assistant in the proposed probe. MEDIUM OF GRAND JURY The jury, which this furnish the medium the expect to clear the four murder cases Thursday they may be devote of time to the Trust inquiry beginning Frimorning. According the announcement the prosecutor's office buried hatchet in against the Metz is ready to with him to the fullest extent that the inquiry made Metz and the depositors' commitwhich he represents, the announcement that they the and his staff of the of inwhich the competency committee had originally The joint statement of the prosecutor stated that work harmoniously toward the single of tablishing responsibility for the failure the ALL-DAY HEARING yesterday followed all-day conducted Judge Martin Smith into the of Alderman Frank petition Seliger that the be Estill's in chief the into all closed banks. Estill and Underwood fought the petition from the outset, but after the court had granted the request of Estill hold closed with the depositors' committee that he could before them pertinent information cerning Metz and his connection (Continued on Page Fifteen)


Article from The Times, November 27, 1931

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STATE NOT War Orient Would Benefit the Calumet Region PREPARED SITUATION STATE HOUSE THANKSGIVING 1901 WAS PLACED UNDER FOR TRIAL CITY'S GLOOMIEST HOLIDAY WATCHED SPECIAL GUARD day of 1901 anniversary, then ACCUSED OF probably the day ever has had such depressing effect CLOSELY IN EXPECTED perienced by the city of upon the DISTRICT One of Few in Nation That Could Supply Nearly All Basic Needs of War Calumet district steel mills and factories will benefit tremendously in event war is declared in the Orient between China and Japan or between Japan and Russia, according to close observers here of the Manchurian controversy. point this area fully to attested ease and speed which it adapted that the World point out that Orient Is equipped to necessary materials for have to look for BENEFIT further that in of the few the virtually needs of war. railroad toluol is base and basic manufactured here. powder is not produced here in the of this be evidenced by the Aetna plant east of Gary during the World and foods tured in Chicago, in the Detroit and farm products are concentrated in Chicago: hence, cording to local observers, this immediate area ready notice to supply all of the war in Asia. The observers recall the early war days in 1914 when the entire into supplies here. mills furnished and their plants furnished the Numerous small machinery for proshells EAST PLANTS The metals refining the aluminum, brass plants East furnished these basic Chicago, The same be done here now. the say, major in Manchuria. the Calumet disIn would the acceleration of production followed the declaration of the World in 1914 and which continued until after the Armistice signed. of these local Because dustrial to watching the situation Some of them already duction for purposes without delay, said. Announcement Is Made By Assistant Prosecutor Underwood TO TIMES] CROWN POINT, Ind., Nov. 27 cases against the five indicted officers of the defunct First Trust and Savings bank, of Hammond, will not be called for trial in the Jasper County Circuit court at Rensselaer until the January term. John Underwood, chief deputy prosecutor, announced this morning. This conflicts with the announceof Robert Estill when he would bring the to trial next Monday In his statement, the prosecutor he delay trial of the that he the the hold the the He said that he was ready any Peter W. president the postponed last Monday to DIFFERENT NEWS TODAY from Mr. Estill for to Monday get of the in time for trial "We therefore agreed with the defense to hold the the January term," Mr. Underconflicting the last day of Joseph the that he would the to an stomach an This is Thomas Homan, Seymour, Ind., former general of Indiana, by W. Norman Mr. The Times he Wednesday had Mr WHAT ESTILL SAID Estill and ready of them the the reporter combat delay until the January Homan, Walter E. to trial what Mr. went conferbank and


Article from Leader-Tribune, December 19, 1931

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ORDERS RECEIVERS TO SUE THEMSELVES FOR DAMAGES Hammond, Ind., Dec. 18. (AP) Murray Turner and Helman, the First Trust and Savings Bank, today by Judge Clyde Cleveland to file damage suits against They must be co-defendants in suit the receivers to collect $3,000,000 or more in damages from officers, directors, and former directors the bank, Judge Cleveland ruled. Turner Helman must file the suit because they are the receivers, and they defendants because they once were directors the bank.


Article from The Waterbury Democrat, January 19, 1932

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CITY OF 64, 000 GETTING ALONG WITHOUT BANK Hammond, Indiana, Is Doing It and It Works By Method of Currency Exchange Hammond, Ind, Jan 19. (UP)Business here ran smoothly and efficiently to-day in practical answer to the question of how a city of 64,000 can operate without a bank. The answer was the currency exchange operated from a window of the defunct First Trust and Savings bank by Young Edward Groth, former teller of one of Hammond's seven closed banks. "We make change for merchants," Groth said. "We charge 10 cents for $50 change. We accept checks for collection. I do the collecting myself with a couple of policemen to see I don't get held up. "It's against the law to run a depository without a charter, so we have the merchants bring in their checks for collection and wait until they need the money before coming for it. We have a service charge on all business and are making money." Meanwhile plans are under way to reorganize one of the banks closed by a series of runs.


Article from The Humboldt Times, February 28, 1932

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Death Claims Young Banker (By Associated Press) MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., Feb. 27. Walter E. Meyn, 33, former Ham. mond, Ind., bank executive died to day in the prison to which he went shield his father from similar fate. Young Meyn, a victim of pneumonia, was February to from two to 14 years in Indiana state prison here on his plea of guilty to making unauthorized loans vice president of the closed First Trust and Savings Bank of Hammond. His father, Peter Meyn, 65, head of the $8,000,000 institution, pleaded guilty to the same charge but young Meyn said the blame was all his. He had expected to return to court and plead for leniency when his father was


Article from The Times-Mail, June 24, 1932

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HEAD FORMER HAMMOND BANK Given Suspended Sentence And Fine For Making Unauthorzide Loan RENSSELEAR, Ind., June 24(AP). Peter W. Meyn, 65, president of the First Trust & Savings Bank of Hammond until the bank was closed, was given suspended sentence of two to 14 years in prison late yesterday upon his plea of guilty to the charge of making an unauthorized loan. A fine of $3,200 was also suspended. Special Judge Elmore Barce said the penalties were suspended because of Meyn's ill health. Since March Meyn has undergone three serious operations, the judge was informed. Meyn's son, Walter E. Meyn, who also was sentenced to prison on his plea of guilty to the charge of making unauthorized loans, died of pneumonia 18 days after entering the prison last February.


Article from The Tipton Daily Tribune, December 30, 1932

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BANK RECEIVER SUES. Seeks to Recover $2,000,000 From Two Directors. Chicago, Dec. 30.-The receiver for the First Trust and Savings Bank of Hammond, Ind., filed suit in federal court yesterday for $2,000,000 damages from Timothy W. Evans. managing vicepresident of the New York Central railroad, and Henry P. Conkey, president of the W. B. Conkey Printing company of Chicago and Hammond. The bill charged the defendants "as directors of the bank before it e losed Feb. 2. 1931, through neglect and illegal conduct. permitted Peter /w. Meyn. former president of the bank. to embezzle funds through illegal loans."


Article from The Times, January 13, 1933

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CHIPMAN HEARS PLEAS OF LAWYERS Indicates That He Will Grant Receiver's Right to Sue Stockholders (SPECIAL TO THE TIMES) Ind., dicating that would grant the receivers of the defunct First Trust and Savings bank, of Hammond, the right to stockholders for 100 per stock assessment, Judge Albert Chipman, of Plymouth, this morning heard arguments in the Porter circuit court here. Attorneys for stockholders contended that the receivers right sue until they certain that all other assets meet depository and credit claims. Attorneys for the on the do time, if, when they do bring they are reasonably sure that of the bank all claims. originally brought by Belman and Murray former of the against 232 stockholders $1,000,000 assessment against stockholders. That represent 100 per cent assesment on capital stock of Now French is ceiver of the institution, he placed Belman and Turner as plaintiff in the action. He ing by Glen Peters, Dr. H. Sharrer, former vice president of the bank heavy is fighting ment. ney Charles Reed, East William Wilke, of Hammond, another stockholder of the bank, the Peter Meyn, former president the stitution, contesting the celver's Attorney Crumpacker. of Hammond, is representhim.