5840. Harrison's bank (Indianapolis, IN)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
July 1, 1884*
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana (39.768, -86.158)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
890c9c99

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Bank was placed in receivership; criminal charges (embezzlement) against J.C.S. Harrison are reported and bail was set.

Description

Multiple July 1884 newspaper articles describe a run (about $132,000 paid out), subsequent suspension and appointment of a receiver (Judge Lamb), discovery of fraudulent/insolvent assets and criminal charges against J.C.S. Harrison. The bank did not reopen and was placed in receivership, so classified as run → suspension → closure. Dates are given to month (July 1884) in contemporary reports.

Events (3)

1. July 1, 1884* Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large undisclosed bad or hypothecated paper and alleged fraudulent accommodations and embezzlement by J.C.S. Harrison led depositors to withdraw funds.
Measures
Bank paid out large withdrawals (about $132,000); anecdote of paying checks in 'trade dollars' indicates liquidity strain.
Newspaper Excerpt
during the run on the bank $132,000 was paid
Source
newspapers
2. July 19, 1884 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suspension followed discovery of deficient assets, large liabilities, and alleged malpractices by Harrison (hypothecated notes, accommodation paper).
Newspaper Excerpt
The failure of Harrison's bank ... The suspension was not unexpected
Source
newspapers
3. July 25, 1884 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Bills receivable in the hands of Judge Lamb, receiver of the suspended bank, are estimated at less than $3,000 in value; cash assets amount to $119 ... the deposits shown ... were $598,729; during the run on the bank $132,000 was paid out. Receiver Lamb has discovered among the alleged assets ... a note given by J. C. S. Harrison ... for $153,800. It is generally believed that this money was lost in stock speculations. (multiple July 25-26 articles.)
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (13)

Article from The Indianapolis Journal, July 19, 1884

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stock of $50,000. A year later the building in present use was erected for them, and a few years later the capital stock was increased to $100,000, at which figure it has since remained. The bank has never done a particularly large business, but it has had a great many heavy depositors and has been the custodian of many trust funds. Nearly all the Catholic societies and orders had their funds here and it was the favorite place of deposit for many farmers of this and adjoining counties. For several years past Mr. Harrison has gone on the bonds of a large number of administrators, guardians and other custodians of trust funds. the presumption being that by doing this he secured the money for his bank. It is known that there are a great many creditors of this kind among his depositors, and the failure on this account will cause increased hardship. Several treasurers of out counties had their accounts here, and City Treasurer Pattison had $38,000 on deposit. He claims, however, that he is amply secured, and it is known that within the past forty eight hours he has been given collateral equal in amount to his claim. It is said that this is in the shape of tile-works stock, which is regarded as good property. AFFAIRS OF THE INDIANA BANKING COMPANY. A peculiar complication of the present trouble arises from the fact that Mr. J. C.S. Harrison is receiver of the Indiana Banking Company, which failed about a year ago with liabilities of about $750,000. In a report made to the court of in March, Mr. Harrison stated that he had $123,000 in cash on hand and a dividend of ten per cent was ordered and paid. This amounted to about $75,000, and it is claimed that since that Mr. Harrison has paid out about $15,000 to protect various securities, but is not known how much he may have collected. It isprobable that at least $50, in cash is now in his hands and it is supposed that the money is in this bank. The securities on his bond, which is for $500,000, are Charles Mayer, William Haueisen William Haerle, George W. Stout, George Manfeld and Alfred Harrison. A private consultation between Mr. Harrison and these gentlemen was held on Thursday night, but its result has not been made public. One of the bondsmen gave this assurance to a Journal reporter yesterday: "You can say positively that the money and assets of the Indiana Banking Company are all right, and that the depositors will not lose one cent through Mr. Harrison's failure. This is authentic.' In connection with this matter various rumors are current, and some of them seem to have foundation in fact. is said Mr. Harrison gave his bondsmen indemnifying security in the shape of tile works stock and mortgages on certain property, but the latter had not been placed on record in the county recorder's office up to a late hour last night. From what several of the depositors said yesterday, it is certain that they have received some assurances or security against possible loss, but what they are remains to be developed. Some have talked about a asking for the appointment of new receiver, but Mr. Harrison cannot be removed during the vacation of court unless he chooses to resign. Those who know him best think that there is little probability of him doing this. POSSIBLE REORGANIZATION OF FLETCHER SHARPE'S. A scheme was developed yesterday regarding the proposed reorganization of Fletcher & Sharpe's bank, and it met with considerable favor. Mr. Joseph A. Moore is leading the movement, and he thinks it will be successful. It is, briefly, to reorganize the bank as a joint stock concern, the heavy depositors to take stock equal in amount to their claims, in addition to some outside capitalists who have expressed a willingness to go in. The small depositors, whose necessities are most urgent, are to be paid 50 cents on the dollar immediately, and to receive certificates of deposit for the remainder, payable in six and twelve months. The old partners are to turn over their real estate to cover the amount of the total deposits, and if their property exceeds this in value. they are to receive the amount of the residue in stock. Under this arrangement. it is expected that Mr. Ingram Fletcher, whose honesty and ability is questioned by no one, is to have the active management of the new concern Mr. W. C. De Pauw is talked of as being a party to the proposed reorganization. Such a scheme has been found to be practicable and to work advantageously in other cities, and there is reason to believe that it will here. There is a very strong desire among the depositors that some such action should be taken. A number of the heaviest creditors, representing claims amounting to $250,000, have already signified their willingness to abide by such an arrangement, and the prospects of its consummation seem to be favorable. THE FEELING ON THE STREET. The failure of Harrison's bank does not seem to have created any apprehension of further disaster. The suspension was not unexpected, and as the bank had no large number of depositors as compared with similar institutions, the distress caused by its failure will not be so widespread. The other bankers of the city who were interviewed yesterday, said that they apprehended no further trouble, and that their business was moving along as usual. PAYING OFF IN TRADE DOLLARS. On Thursday morning a man entered Harrison's bank and presented a check drawn in his favor on that bank for $10. "I won't pay it," said*J. C. S. Harrison. "I need the money badly," the check-holder insisted, "and I hope you'll pay it." "Will you take trade dollars?" said Harrison. "What are they worth?" was the inquiry. "Eighty-five cents on the doltar, and I'll give you ten of 'em for the check." The check holder hesitated a moment and then passed the paper over the counter, receiving therefor $8.50 in trade dollars, and other small checks were paid in like coin. On showing to the drawer of the check the ten pieces of depreciated silver, that gentleman promptly made up the deficit and charged the amount to profit and loss. Mr. Harrison has placed this community under great obligations to him for his recent innovations on old fogy methods of banking.


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, July 24, 1884

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Receiver Harrison Resigned. INDIANAPOLIS, July 23.-Jno. C. S. Harrison, this forenoon resigned his position as receiver of the Indiana Banking company, which failed last August for $750,000, and this action is the result of the suspension of Harrison's bank. Nothing positively is known concerning the condition of his accounts as receiver, but it is understood that his resignation was on account of pressure. His successor will be named to-morrow.


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, July 24, 1884

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Receiver Harrison Resigned. INDIANAPOLIS, July 23.-Jno. C. S. Harrison, this forenoon resigned his position as receiver of the Indiana Banking company, which failed last August for $750,000, and this action is the result of the suspension of Harrison's bank. Nothing positively is known concerning the condition of his accounts as receiver, but it is understood that his resignation was on account of pressure. His successor will be named to-morrow.


Article from The Dallas Daily Herald, July 26, 1884

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BANKING RASCALITY. The Indianapolis Fraud. INDIANAPOLIS, July 25. Some astonishing developments are being made concerning the failure of Harrison's bank. Bills receivable in the hands of Judge Lamb, receiver of the suspende I bank, are estimated at less than $3,000 in


Article from Lancaster Daily Intelligencer, July 26, 1884

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ASLUNISHING DEVELOPMENTS Empty is the Till-Gose Are All the Funds According to a telegram from Indianapo his : there are some astonishing develop ments being made concerning the failure of Harrison's bank The bills receivable in the hands of Judge Lamb, receiver of the suspended bank, are estimated at less than $3,000 in value. while the cash assets amount to $119 Iu April the bank's statement for taxation showed assets of $566,959 and the firm was credited with real estate to the amount of $71,000. The deposits shown by the same report were $598,729 During the run on the bank $132, 000 was paid out. which reduced the liabilities to about $466 000."


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, July 26, 1884

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Crooked Banking. Indianapolis, July 25.-Some astonishing developments are being made concerning the failure of Harrison's bank. Bills receivable in the hands of Judge Lamb, receiver of the suspended bank, is estimated at less than $3,000 in value, while the cash assets amount to $119. In April the bank's statement for taxation showed assets of $566,959, and the firm credited with real estate amounting to $71,000. The deposits shown by the same report were $598,729; during the run on the bank $132,000 was paid, which reduced the liabilities to about $466,000. It is currently reported that J. C. S. Harrison induced Charles Mayer & Co., fancy goods dealers, to draw a note to the amount of $11,000, which Harrison hypothecated, and for which the firm now finds itself responsible. It is also stated that Harrison secured accommodation paper to the extent of $10,000 from W. B. Dixon & Co., lumber dealers, which he also hypothecated. Dixon & Co. are held for the payment, and this unexpected indebtedness caused the failure of that firm.


Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, July 26, 1884

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Crooked Banking. NDIANAPOLIS, July 25.-Some astonishing developments are being made concerning the failure of Harrison's bank. Bills receivable in the hands of Judge Lamb, receiver of the suspended bank, is estimated at less than $3,000 in value, while the cash assets amount to $119. In April the bank's statement for taxation showed assets of $566,959, and the firm credited with real estate amounting to $71,000. The deposits shown by the same report were $598,729; during the run on the bank $132,000 was paid, which reduced the liabilities to about $466,000. It is currently reported that J. C. S. Harrison induced Charles Mayer & Co., fancy goods dealers, to draw a note to the amount of $11,000, which Harrison hypothecated, and for which the firm now finds itself responsible. It is also stated that Harrison secured accommodation paper to the extent of $10,000 from W. B. Dixon & Co., lumber dealers, which he also hypothecated. Dixon & Co. are held for the payment, and this unexpected indebtedness caused the failture of that firm.


Article from River Falls Journal, July 31, 1884

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General News Items. Revivalist Harrison made one hundred converts at Lode Bluff, III., on Wednesday. Suits will be begun against 2,000 Cincinnati saloonkeepers who have failed to take out licenses under the Scott law. State Statistical Agent Young of Minnesota estimates the state wheat acreage at 2,757,218, and the probable yield at 45,000,000 bushels. Aug. 20 has been fixed as the date of the convention of the lumbermen, who will decide whether or not Northwestern sawmills will be shut down after Sept. 15. Charles Crocker, one of the Central Pacific's "big four" millionaires, testified in the Colton case that he began his business life at the age of nine in Troy, N. Y., where he peddled oranges and sold newspapers on the street. It is stated that notes of the National Rubber company, R. L, have been protested. It is denied, however, that the company has failed. the annual statement showed liabilities of $781,294, and assets, $1,520,171. Gov. Bourn, treasurer of the company, states the outstanding paper July 1 was $497,000. Regularly every year Thomas Conroy, an industrious shoemakor of Tanner's Falls, Pa., receives official notice from Dublin, Ireland, that & fortune of £5,000, with the accumulations of twenty-six years, is in bank there awaiting his order, and regularly every year he sends back word that he will never touch a penny of the money until he has had justice done him in another way, an apology from his uncle, who had wronged him. The extensive dry goods house of Wear, Boogher & Co., at the corner of Sixth and St. Charles streets, St. Louis, assigned to Nathan Cole. The assets of the firm are given at about $620,000, embracing goods and merchandise, $440,000; open accounts and bills receivable, $172,000; other matters, $5,000. The liabilities are not definitely known, but will aggregate about $450,000. John C. S. Harrison, resigned as receiver of the Indiana banking company, Indianapolis, which failed last August, for $750,000. This action is the result of the suspension of Harrison's bank. Nothing positively is known conceiving the condition of his accounts as re-


Article from The Pioneer Express, August 1, 1884

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General News Items. Revivalist Harrison made one hundred converts at Lode Bluff, III, on Wednesday. Suite will be begun against 2,000 Cincinnati saloonkeepers who have failed to take out licenses under the Scott law. State Statistical Agent Young of Minnesota estimates the state wheat acreage at 2,757,218, bushels. and the probable yield at 45,000,000 Aug. 20 has been fixed as the date of the convention of the lumbermen, who will decide whether or not Northwestern sawmills will be shut down after Sept. 15. Charles Crocker, one of the Central Pacific's "big four" millionaires, testified in the Colton case that he began his business life at the age of nine in Troy, N. Y., where he peddled oranges and sold newspapers on the street. It is stated that notes of the National Rubber company, R. L, have been protested. It is denied, however, that the company has failed. the annual statement showed liabilities of $781,294, and assets, $1,520,171. Gov. Bourn, treasurer of the company, states the outstanding paper July 1 was $497,000. Regularly every year Thomas Conroy, an industrious shoemakor of Tanner's Falls, Pa, receives official notice from Dublin, Ireland, that a fortune of £5,000, with the accumulations of twenty-six years, is in bank there awaiting his order, and regularly every year he sends back word that he will never touch a penny of the money until he has had justice done him in another way, an apology from his uncle, who had wronged him. The extensive dry goods house of Wear, Boogher & Co., at the corner of Sixth and St. Charles streets, St. Louis, assigned to Nathan Cole. The assets of the firm are given at about $620,000, embracing goods and merchandise, $440,000; open accounts and bills receivable, $179,000; other matters, $5,000. The liabilities are not definitely known, but will aggregate about $450,000. John C. S. Harrison, resigned as receiver of the Indiana banking company, Indianapolis, which failed lawt August, for $750,000. This action is the result of the suspension of Harrisom's bank. Nothing positively is known concoiving the condition of his accounts asso-


Article from Evening Star, August 13, 1884

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HARRISON'S GUTTED BANK.-Receiver Lamb, of Harrison's bank, which lately failed at Indianapolis, Ind., filed a partial report Monday. He finds assets of $138,000. of which $317,000 are available, and that only If there are no offsets. He has not concluded the schedule of the liabilities, but says they will exceed $500,000. Bond was furnished Monday night, at Indianapolis, in the sum of $60,000 for the appearance of John C.S. Harrison to answer to the charges against him.


Article from The Abilene Reflector, August 14, 1884

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Harrison's Frauds. INDIANAPOLIS, August 9.-The attorney of J. C. S. Harrison has filed a petition applying for a writ of habeas corpus, the object being to secure a reduction of the bail demanded. Harrison is still under arrest at his residence, where he is guarded by a police officer in default of $60,000 bail demanded by Mayor McMaster, to answer to the charge of embezzlement. Judge Suit took the petition under advisement and will give a decision on Monday. Receiver Lamb has discovered among the alleged assets of Harrison's bank, a note given by J. S. C. Harrison, dated late in 1881, for $153,800. It is generally believed that this money was lost in stock speculations.


Article from Evening Star, February 10, 1885

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The Harrison Bank Failure. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., February 10.-Judge Lamb says it will be impossible for him to tell anything about the possibility of a dividend for the depositors of Harrison's bank until the pending litigation is decided. Mrs. J.C.S. Harrison, the receiver says, has paid about $10,000 to the most needy depositors, which she was under no legal or moral obligation to do. The money, he says, was raised by the sale of her personal effects.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, November 10, 1885

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THE Superior Court has decided that it cannot enjoin the aldermen and Common Council from considering the petition of City Treasurer Pattison, who asks to be relieved of the payment of $43,000, which he lost by the suspension of Fletcher & Sharpe's and Harrison's banks. The court does well. The Council and the aldermen should assume the responsibility of determining this matter. As the Journal has already said, Mr. Pattison had the undoubted right to offer such a petition, but we cannot imagine that the Council will for a moment seriously entertain the idea of granting it. The question is not worth argument.