gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
e6c9f81b064dd685
Response Measures
None
Description
Closed after a depositor run; later found to be insolvent with receivership/liquidation and litigation over the president's estate.
Events (4)
1.July 6, 1929Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Reports/announcements that Woodlawn had closed (or would close) spread and triggered heavy withdrawals at nearby banks.
Measures
Officials ordered doors closed; state superintendent and bank officials intervened; some banks allowed withdrawals after audit.
Newspaper Excerpt
The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run on the Southside bank which prompted officials order its doors closed.
Source
newspapers
2.July 6, 1929Suspension
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Bank failed to open after heavy withdrawals precipitated by reports of its closing and the subsequent run.
Newspaper Excerpt
Two Banks Are Closed ... affairs of two banks which closed today ... the Woodlawn Savings bank, one of the institutions which closed today.
Source
newspapers
3.July 7, 1929Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Reported Drowning of President of One Closed Bank Increases Excitement ... Dr. A. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn, reported drowned while bathing in the river ... The closing of the two banks brought to total four banking houses to fail to open during the past two weeks.
Source
newspapers
4.August 11, 1929Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Shriners Petition For Bank Receiver ... filed a petition in chancery court asking receiver for the bank. The petition also charges that Thomas has failed to faithfully perform his duties in reference to supervision of the bank ... hearing set for August 21. (Articles later refer to liquidating agent and receiver actions.)
Source
newspapers
Newspaper Articles (23)
1.July 7, 1929Arizona Daily StarTucson, AZ
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Bank President Drowns As Institution Doors
Ala., July (AP) BIRMINGHAM. -Affairs of banks which closed today, bringing total of four banking institutions which have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past ten days, were under investigation of the state banking officials tonight. Meanwhile parties were doubling their efforts to locate the body of Dr. A. W. Bell, president of the Woodlawn Savings bank. one of the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this morning Coosa river near Vincent, He was reported to have gone swimming with party of friends shortly after arrived at his country place for the The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run the bank which prompted officials order its doors closed. Officials of the Southside that closing temporary and that the bank would reopen Judge superof banks, tonight from to take charge the banking here. He attributed the closing of the Woodlawn and Southside banks today to precipitated by the closing the two banks last The banks closed last week the City Bank and Trust company and the bank and savings company president both institutions is New York hospital where collapsed receiving news of the closing John cashier the Avondale bank and savings died the day before the bank closed from bullet through abdomen, by members his family have been inflicted when pistol he handling dropped Coroner Russum verdict of accidental death.
2.July 7, 1929The Richmond ItemRichmond, IN
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
STATE PROBING BANK AFFAIRS
Two More Institutions In Birmingham Closed During Day
Associated Ala., fairs of two day, bringing failed within the days, under the banking searching parties their efforts locate the body W. Bell, president Woodlawn Savings bank, one institutions which closed today Bell morning near gone with friends shortly he his counfor the week end. report the of the bank caused run on the which prompted order doors closed. Offithe Southside bank said that closing temporary that the bank would reopen for business Monmorning Mild were started at other banks. in most that all wishing to withtheir funds would promptly Judge Thomas, superintendent banks, arrived tonight take He attributed the closing the Woodlawn Southside banks precipitated by the today closing of the week. The last week were the City Bank company and the Bank and Savings both York hospital where he after of the closing of the news R. Wallace, cashier of the John Avondale Bank Savings died the day before the pany, closed from bullet his abdomen, members his family he was handling dropped to the floor and discharged. Coroner Russum rendered verdict of Plans for the City Bank and Trust opening company today Roderick Beddow, member of the board of directors and attorney for that than $125,000 the $250,000 proposed for the He said the bank reopen Woodlawn banks capitalized capital $500,000 and had the Avondale bank
3.July 7, 1929Leader-TelegramEau Claire, WI
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
BANKS
State Opens Probe of Failures As Two Officials
July banks which closed today, bringing total four banking which have failed open in the Birmingham district within past ten under investigation of banking officials tonight. Meanwhile searching parties were doubling their efforts locate body Bell, president the Woodlawn Savings bank, one the institutions which closed today. Dr. Bell drowned this mornthe Coosa river near VinAla., Dr. Bell was reported gone swimming with friends shortly after he rived his country for place week The report of the closing of Woodlawn bank caused on the Southside bank which prompted cials order its doors closed. Southside bank closing temporary and that bank would re-open business Monday morning Judge Thomas, state superintendent of banks, arrived night from Montgomery charge banking situation here. attributed the closing the Woodlawn Southside banks today runs precipitated the closing of the two banks last banks closed last bank and Trust the Avondale bank Savings president in New York hospital where he collapsed after receiving news of the closing the banks. John Wallace, cashier of the City bank and Trust company, died day before the bank closed from bullet through his abdosaid by members of his famhave been flicted when pistol he was ing dropped the floor and charged. Coroner Russum dered verdict of accidental
4.July 7, 1929The Sunday RecordColumbia, SC
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Birmingham Banking Circles Stirred By 2 More Failures
Reported Drowning of President of One Closed Bank Increases Excitement
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 6.-Excitement prevailed in bankcircles here tonight, following the failure of two banking institutions to open their doors today and the reported drowning of Dr. A. W. Bell, president of one of the institutions, in the Coose river near Vincent, Ala.
The closing of the two banks, the Woodlawn Savings bank and the South Side bank, brought to total four banking houses to fail to open during the past two weeks. Dr. Bell, president of the Woodlawn, reported drowned while bathing in the river with party of friends his country home Vincent. Search for his body is being made. Runs banks of the city, the the Woodlawn and South Side institutions, officers to houses tonight allow depositors withdraw their money if The South Side bank, which bore the brunt run in the first minutes of business this after the Woodlawn institution had failed to open its doors, reopened Monday, it was announced Judge E Thomas, state superintendent of banks, came from Montgomery tonight make study of situation. He said he the runs and South Side institutions from the the banks last week. The banks failing week were the City Bank Trust the Avondale Bank and Savings company.
5.July 7, 1929The Macon TelegraphMacon, GA
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
BANKER DIES AS BANK SHUTS
(Continued from Page One) It was announced, of heavy withdrawals following closing of the Woodlawn
Two Banks Are Closed BIRMINGHAM. Ala. July (P)The affairs two banks which closed today. totaling four banking institutions have failed to open in the Birmingham district within the past 10 days, under the state banking tonight. Meanwhile, searching parties were redoubling their efforts locate the body Dr. Bell, president of the Woodlawn Savings bank, one of the institutions which closed today. who drowned this morning in the Coosa Vincent Ala. Dr Bell was reported to have gone in with party friends shortly after he arrived his country place for the week-end The report of the closing of the Woodlawn bank caused run on the Southside which prompted officials order its closed Officials the bank said that closing was temporary and that the bank would open for business Monday morning As the report spread throughout the district, runs started other banks. The runs halted in most when nounced that all depositors withdraw their funds would be paid Judge Thomas. state superintendent of banks. arrived tonight from take the He tributed the closing of the Wood lawn and Southside banks today runs precipitated by the closing of the banks last week. The closed last week were the City Bank and Trust company and the Avondale Bank and Savings of both institutions New York hospital. where collapsed after receiving news of the closing of the banks Plans and reopening of the City Bank Trust company completed today and Roderick Beddow. member of the board directors and attorney for the institution, announced that more than $125,000 the $250,000 stock for the reorganized bank had been subscribed. He said the bank probably would reopen early next week
PERKINS SUCCEEDS LEGGE CHICAGO, July Perkins, years in the International company, today stepped the presidency vacated by Alexarder Legge, who resigned become chairman of the Federal Farm His announced by Cyrus McCormick, chairman of the board.
6.July 8, 1929The Anniston StarAnniston, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
COOSA REFUSES TO YIELD BODY
Scores Of Divers Searching River For Birmingham Banker
ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL PUSH INQUIRY
Jefferson Grand Jury To Investigate Financial Disorders
LEEDS, Ala., July 8. Leeds State Bank. failed to open its doors today. Officials ed that the affairs of the institution had been placed in the hands Department, following a heavy run Saturday. The Leeds Bank was the fifth to close in the Birmingham diswithin past two weeks. the E. Linden, president of the which was capitalized at $25,000 and had surplus of similar
-Waters of the Coosa River had failed last night to give up the of Dr. A. Bell. Birmingbody ham banker, despite the fact that of divers the river day. Dr. Bell was said to have drowned Saturday in the Coosa shortly after the Woodlawn Savings Bank, of which he was president, was closed. Dr. Bell went swimming while on an of his farm near Vincent. Ala., and two of his tennants reported his drowning shortly afterward. Hundreds of people watched the search for the body yesterday. Dr. Bell was member of the Jefferson County board of revenue. The drowning of Dr. Bell, is the second death within two weeks of Birmingham bankers whose institutions have closed. A verdict of accidental returned in the case of John R. Wallace, cashier of the Avondale bank. who died from bullet wound. Lassiter, president of the City Bank and Trust Company and the Avondale and Trust Company, continues ill in New York hospital. Attorney General Charles C. McCall has indicated that he will an investigtion of the closing of four Birmingham banks through Jefferson County grand jury. Judge C E. Thomas, state of banks, is in charge of the present investigation and audits now being conducted here. Attempts are now being made to the City Bank and Trust Company with stock of $250,000, of which it is more half has already been subscribed. Several directors of the closed institution have formed organization committee.
Banks Stable, Says Thomas MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 8. banks Birmingham are well provided with collateral and there is no need for further apprehension or Judge C. Thomas, State of Banks stated today on his return from Birmingham, where he spent the week-end conferring with officials of four banks which have clostheir doors there within the last week. Although he did not make definite statement, Judge Thomas indicated that an avalanche of funds had poured into Birmingham since the started on the Woodlawn run Southside banks. He expressed himself highly satisfied with the work of the ers he to audits of the books of the closed "There money available more than there has in in Judge Thomas deto care for any The banks little flurries caused by excited well and do not on the closing of the Leeds Bank this Judge failure to realize quickly on many large frozen loans in the of the directo place the ank in the hands of the Judge chief agent of department, left charge of the bank.
7.July 8, 1929The Index-JournalGreenwood, SC
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Pilots Of Airplane Both Aviation Veterans
ALABAMA BANKS BATTLE BIG RUN
Search Continues for President of One, Thought Dead
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July search continued for the body the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank who was reported to have been drowned Saturday morning, state banking officials and city leaders moved today to guard against further closure of suburban banks and restore the shaken confidence of the citizens relative to the banking situation. Citizens were called upon by banking leaders, the president of the city commission and in newspaper editorials to "quit worrying about the banks and to stop wave of hysteria that has threatened the city since the closing of the four suburban banks." Residents of near Vincent, Ala., where Dr. Bell was reported to have been drowned, dragged the Coosa river through last night but had found no trace of the body. The report of the drowning said Dr. Bell apparently was seized with gramps and carried down by the swift current Meanwhile Lassiter, dent of the City Bank and Trust company and the Avondale Savings and Trust company, continued New York hospital, where he has been since he collapsed when his two banks were closed.
LEEDS. Ala., July The Leeds State bank failed to open its doors today Officials announced that the affairs of the institution had been placed in the hands of the State Banking Department following heavy run, or its deposits Saturday The Leeds bank was the fifth to close in the Birmingham district within the past two weeks. B. C. Lindon president of the institution which was capitalized at $25,000 and had surplus of similar
Have Been Connected With Several Long Distance Hops
NEW YORK, Williams and Lewis who took off from Old Orchard with several distance flight In 1922 Yancey with Teven Lacey one of the entries the New air derby. Shortly after their third attempt start, Yancey piloted the to plane to clinging to strut with Lacey unconscious in the line fumes.
Yancey was with Leboutiller in projected flight from Roosevelt France canal zone December they were forced back the plane had been in the thre Williams was asociated with Clarence D. Chamberlain 1927 on series of attempts new endurance flight record. Their efforts were abandoned after they were forced down their third Attempt. In March Italian ace, announced Williams had been chosen as co-pilot in the plane Roma flight to Rome. The American pilot withdrew from the project, then resumed relations with
After Sabelli's plans failed terialize, Williams plans October, 1928 for flight to Rome Charles A. Levine's Columbia with Pietro Bonelli, other member of the Sabelli crew. The Columbia crashed on the old Westbury golf links when Williams and Bonelli attempted to take off October 11. The flight later was abandoned for the rest of the year because of weather. Williams and Yancey joined forces early this spring to renew the New York to Rome flight attempt.
8.July 12, 1929The Huntsville TimesHuntsville, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
INQUEST FINDINGS TO BE DELAYED
BIRMINGHAM July announced today that in the inquest inthe death Saturday Dr. Bell, preisdent of the defunct Woodlawn Savings bank and a member of the Jefferson county board revenue would not be available for publication until week. The report together with chemcal analysis of the contents of Dr. Bell's stomach will be submitted to Solicitor Paul O. Luck of Shelby county. The viscera forwarded the state chemist at Auburn Dr. Bell drowned in the Coosa rivnear Vincent, county, short while after his bank had closed its doors. Four witnesses were questioned by Coroner Russum and Coroner ker of Shelby yesterday. Dr. S. Wallace Birmingham general hospital testified he was director of the Woodlawn bank and that he had discussed reopening of the bank Dr. Bell shortly before the ter left for his Vincent. said Dr. Bell had declared against of the institution to protect its small depositors. Walter Chancellor, Coosa river ferryman, testified found the fish trap. He in the arms and indicated the victim had been seized with cramps. other witnesses were Tom W. Glenn, caretakers of Dr. Bell's plantation, who were of swimtime his death. They said Dr. Bell cried out that he had been cramps before disappearing. Their efforts were futile to reach him. Funeral services for Dr. Bell were conducted yesterday afternoon with churchmen of the board of revenue acting as
9.July 18, 1929The Sand Mountain BannerAlbertville, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
ONE OF CLOSED BANKS REOPEN IN BIRMINGHAM
Southside Bank Resumes Business Without Incident Monday
Birmingham, Ala., July Southside Bank, which closed its doors during heavy run on its by depositors, opened for business Monday. State bank who completed an audit of the bank's accounts last week, declared "solvent iting the confidence of the public." The reopening was without cident. Manor, president of the institution, said the hours of business were normal as the closing had merely been over the week end. Lassiter, president of the Avondale Bank Savings Company and the City Bank Trust Company, two the five financial institutions to close here early this month, issued his statement on the closings today which he asserted the belief depositors will paid in Lassiter turned from New York Thursday he made an effort to raise money for his banks and prevent their closing. He collapsed when informed the banks and since has been under the care of physicians. not try to run Lassiter said of his trip. went New York in an effort to raise to save the banks, but the money crash came too soon. My first purto the banks and to pose reopen this end will bend my every energy." Meanwhile plans were going forward to the Woodlawn reopen Savings Bank and Leeds State Bank, the other of five banks to close, with national charters.
JURY WORKS ON BANK FAILURES
Alabama Jurors Report On Grave Irregularities
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 26.-(AP) Charges made today in a partial report of the Jefferson county grand jury of "grave irregularities" in the handling of funds of the defunct Woodlawn Savings bank were followed closely by reports here and in Montgomery that the attorney general's office is conducting an investigation to determine if Dr. A. W. Bell late president of the bank actually died by accidental drowning, as his relatives and friends claim. There was no confirmation of reports published in Montgomery that Attorney General Charlie C. McCall has ordered an independent investigation. The Alabama Journal said detectives working under McCall were investigating the case from three angles-that Dr. Bell did accidentally drown, that he committed suicide, was slain and his "ody thrown into the Coosa river. The
11.July 27, 1929The Herald-SunDurham, NC
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
DEATH OF BANKER IN ALABAMA GETS COURT ATTENTION
Institution Failed Soon After Dr. Bell Drowned
IRREGULARITIES
Estate Of Dead Banker Owed Institution Huge Sum, Jury Believes
TO HOLD ESTATE INTACT
In Meanwhile, Inquiry Is On To Discover If It Was Murder Or Accidental Death By Drowning
Birmingham, July 26. (A*) Charges made today in partial report of the Jefferson county grand Jury of "grave irregularities" in the handling of funds of the defunct Woodlawn Savings bank fol lowed closely by reports here and In Montgomery that the attorney general's office conducting an in vestigation to determine If Dr. A W. Bell, late president of the bank actually died by accidental drown Ing as relatives and friends claim. There no confirmation of ports published in Montgomery that Attorney General Charles C. Mc Call had ordered an independent in vestigation. The Alabama Journal said detectives working under Mo Call were investigating the case from three angles-that Dr. Bell did accidentally drown, that he commit ted suicide was stain and his body thrown the Cocoa The pa. per said its "reliable but did not dis close the basis for the Investiga tion. McCall would not comment on the Testimony at the Inquest WRS that Dr. Bell July while swimming with and within an heur after run on his bank had forced closing. The coroner the partial report to Circuit Judge P. McCoy, the grand jurors asserted they had "ascertained that there have been Irregularities In the disposition of funds of the Woodlawn bank." Continuing the report said, "the grand jury in of the opinion. based upon its investigation of the affairs and transactions of said bank, that the of Dr. A. W Bell is to said bank in the sum of many of dollars. The that mediate action be taken by Horace C. Wilkinson, agent for the Woodlawn bank, to dis posal of any assets from the Dell estate.
12.July 27, 1929The Macon NewsMacon, GA
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Two Advance to Bell Death Being Quarter-Finals Probed Following Grand Jury Brief NEW ORLEANS, July 26 long held up only The daily rains
State Hints Suicide in Drowning of Defunct Bank Head as Irregularities Shown
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., July 27. Friday in partial report of the Jefferson coungrand jury of 'grave irregularithe handling of funds the defunct Woodlawn Savings bank were followed by reports here in Montgomery that the torney general's office is conductan investigation to determine Dr. Bell late president the bank. actually died by accidendrowning as his relatives and friends claim There was no confirmation of reports published in Montgomery that Attorney General Charlie McCall has ordered an independinvestigation The Alabama ent Journal said detectives working under McCall were investigating case from three angles-that the Dr. Bell did accidentally drown, that he committed suicide or was slain and his body thrown in the Coosa The paper said its formation came from did not disclose the but basis the investigation. Testimony at the inquest was that Dr. Bell drowned on July swimming with friends and while for Gus Feur enough here Friday Clifford Sutter of of Miami and win their way New finals of the the quarter men's tennis singles matches. Sutter Columbia 6-2 by default from Arch Holder of Atlanta adHarry Gault vanced to the fourth round with his defeat of Holland McTyeire of 6-3, 6-4 within an hour after run on his forced closing The bank had coroner has not returned verdict McCall would not comment on submitting partial In to Circuit Judge report Moody. the grand jurors asserted they had "ascertained that there have been grave in the disposition of funds of the Woodlawn bank Continuing the report said "the grand jury is now of the opinion based upon its investigation the affairs and transactions of said bank. that the estate of Dr W. Bell indebted to said bank in the sum many thousands of dollars The report recommended that immediate action be taken by Horace Wilkinson liquidating agent for the Woodlawn bank to disposal of any assets from the Bell estate.
13.August 11, 1929The Selma Times-JournalSelma, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Shriners Petition For Bank Receiver
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., Aug. 10.(P)-Charging that Judge C. E. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, has shown himself not to be the proper person to act as liguidating agent of the Woodlawn Savings Bank. the Prophets Benefit association of Kamram Grotto, today filed a petition in chancery court asking receiver for the bank. The petition also charges that Thomas has failed to faithfully perform his duties in reference to supervision of the bank and that he is liable for the amount of his bond, $25,000. and also to the extent of loss sustained by the depositors. The association sets forth in its petition that it had on deposit in the bank total of around $80.000 when the Institution closed its doors Hearing has been set for August 21 before Judge William Walker.
WINS GOLF CROWN Lyon. of Pontiac. Ill., 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Illinois, Is western junior golf champion. title acquired after six years of effort. Lyon yesterday conquered Bill Redmond. of Joliet, Ill., also 19 years old and junior at Notre Dame, in the 36-hole final at LaGrange Country club, by a 5 and 4 margin.
14.August 21, 1929The Huntsville TimesHuntsville, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
CONTEMPT OF COURT CHARGE
Thomas And Wilkinson Have Refused To Allow Bank Bell Policies
BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 21 (AP)Judge E. state superintendent of banks now on leave absence, and Horace Wilkinson, who has been acting as liquidating agent for the closed Woodlawn Savings Bank, will face citation for contempt court Monday granting today by Judge William Walker in chancery court to this effect. The petition was filed by C. A. Goodwin and Company named the American Bank for the estate of Dr. A. W. Bell, was president of the Woodlawn bank, party to the bill. Thomas Wilkinson were charged in the petition with having "failed and deliver tain policies the er required by order. The bank in decree handed down by the court August The petition alleges that insurance policies included in the decree and now in Wilkinson had not delivered to the bank ordered. also that Oliver D. Street, counsel for the bank, has been denied the policies. Thomas and Wilkinson are required to appear show why they should be adjudged guilty court contempt for their failure to comply with the court order At the time the hearing Thomas counsel. opposed naming the bank receiver, contending he should be the receiver.
15.August 25, 1929The Huntsville TimesHuntsville, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
WILKINSON CLAIMS HE HAS RETAINING ORDER
BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 24 (AP)Horace Wilkinson, liquidating agent for the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, announced here tonight had obtained an from Judge Walker from hearcharges against him Monday for his produce certain on the life of Bell. late presibank Members of supreme court could be reached ery tonight confirmation Wilkinson Judge C. E. Thomstate banks leave of absence, was dered to appear chancery court here Monday Wilkinson clined to the insurance American Traders Naappointed receiver for the estate of petition filed by persons said of Dr. Bell to give the policies the bank was granted by Judge refusing give the policies to the bank attorney for the estate Bell and dethe ey and its Mrs. Bell, widthe late bank direct-
16.September 5, 1929Birmingham Post-HeraldBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
JUDGE DENIES PLEA FOR BANK RECEIVER Petition Of Prophets Group In Woodlawn Case Refused
Judge William M. Walker. of Chancery Court. Wednesday denied a petition filed by Prophets Benefit Association of Kamram Grotto, asking that receiver he appointed for the Woodlawn Savings Bank. The petition. contending that Judge C. E. Thomas, state superintendent of banks, incompetent to carry out the liquidation of the closed was filed two weeks ago. It set forth that the Kamram Grotto had about $80,000 on deposit at the time the bank closed.
BUS DRIVERS TO MEET
Operators Of Etowah School Vehicles To Get Safety Instructions at school bus drivers in Etowah County have been called to meet at the county high school in Attalla Saturday for special instructions as to future. how they must operate buses in the Dr. T. Y. Greet president of the Etowah County Council. will be the chief speaker. County Superintendent of Education W. Luckie said drivers will be instructed about grade crossings and other matters with the hope of eliminating accidents. railroad clerk, a raflroad mechanic, carpenter, grocer's clerk, steel worker and a news dealer Two of the men are members of unions, one of the Brotherhood of Carpenters, an American Federation of Labor Union, and the other the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen.
17.April 23, 1930The Montgomery AdvertiserMontgomery, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
SUIT FILED FOR BELL'S INSURANCE
Receiver Of Estate Of Woodlawn Bank President Seeks To Recover $150,000
BIRMINGHAM ALA., April 22 Suit for $150,000 insurance policies on the life of the late Dr. A. W. Bell, former president of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, was filed in Circuit Court here today by the American-Traders National Bank against the American Security Life Insurance Company. Dr. Bell was drowned in the Coosa River near Vincent, Ala., on the day the closed several months ago. Filing of the suit followed court litigation of several months during which Judge C. B. Smith appointed the Ametican- National Bank as receiver for the Bell estate, with to take over the insurance policies and convert them into cash. The suit sets out that proofs of Dr. Bell's death have been given the insurance company, and alleges that the company has failed to pay the amount of the policies, although other companies with which the banker held insurance have paid.
18.April 30, 1930Birmingham Post-HeraldBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
COLLECTION BAD, WITNESS CLAIMS
Testimony Given At Trial Of Woman Cashier Of Defunct Bank
Testimony that only $46,241.82 the worth of notes discounts of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank had been collected to date by state late Tuesday in the trial of Margaret Gribbon, former cashier and president of bank. who ing tried charges accepting deposit knowing the bank insolvent or falling condiThe testimony was part of the effort show that the bank long before the deposit accepted by Miss brought by James Dixon, cashier acting liquidating agent for the closed institution. Bank closed on July later president, W. in Coosa River near his farm Attorneys Have Notes Dixon that of the remaining notes the bank in attorneys for and other to depositors the defunct Continued the part the Pritchard, overruled by Judge H. is trying the who first liquidating agent called by state Wednesday morning An instanter subpoena for on him late the The highlight of the testimony came while Howell, bank examiner, was on the stand Howell declared that during his examination of the Woodlawn Bank 1928, told Miss Gribbon that the institution was "busted higher Gribbon to sit down and told her substance, that 'this or here. It's mighty bad.'
"Can't Sleep Very Well" Howell Miss Gribbon replied sleep well" and added worried great deal over the bank's condition. Pritchard's motion to exclude all of overruled by Continued Page Third Column
19.November 5, 1930The Birmingham NewsBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
JUDGMENT GIVEN TO BANK RECEIVER
An additional amount of $134,100 insurance on the life of Dr Bell, former president the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank will be paid to the First National Bank as receiver for Bell estate, as result consent judgment entered WednesJudge Benson in suit day by the American Security Life against Company The original amount of the $150,000 on but the total was because of ad justments on premiums, attorneys The judgment adds this amount to $13,000 entered in another consent judgment in Judge Benson's court made ago, and $3,000 voluntarily paid by Aetna Life makes total of $150.100, nearly the total of $312,000 insurance on Bell's life, that was asked in suits against Bell's The for $13,000 was judgment against the Equitable Life Assurance Society Attorneys representing the First National Bank said they expected speedy settlement of the rest of the suits for the remaining insurance, and as soon as these settlements are made dividend will be declared by the defunct bank, and the Woodlawn Building Loan Association COOLER WEATHER SEEN
Mercury May Drop To Freezing Here, Weather Man Says Cooler weather in Birmingham and vicinity Wednesday night and Thursday, Weatherman Horton announced as he scanned charts and weather maps. His official forecast was: "Fair and cooler Wednesday night and Thursday. Frost Wednesday night Lowest temperature 28 34 degrees. decline degrees would be drop the low mark Wednesday morning, when the mercury stopped at p.m. The highest point reached Tuesday, 61, was marked up at 2:30 p.m.
ALEX GETS TRUST FUND ST. long as Grover Cleveland Alexander, the former major league pitcher, lives, he draw the income from $5,000 trust fund established by Sam Breaowner the Louis Cardinals and once Alex's "boss.
20.November 28, 1930The Anniston StarAnniston, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
Additional $20,000 On Life of Bell Paid by Company
BIRMINGHAM. Ala., Nov. (AP)-William 8. Pritchard, attorney for the First National receiver for the estate of the Dr. A. W. Bell, former president the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, has announced settlement of an additional $20,000 in insurance on the life of the late banker. The sum brought the total amount collected on insurance more than $170,000, Pritchard said, with $142,000 still to be collected, He announced a dividend of 25 to 30 per cent would be paid depositors soen.
21.December 23, 1930The Birmingham NewsBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
DIVIDEND NOT READY
Payments To Depositors In Defunct Woodlawn No will be for depositors in the defunct Savings Bank before Jan. announces cashier Wahouma Savings Bank. which liquidating agent for the closed bank. Dickson said did know when dividend would be stating that he proceeding as speedily as possible Iquidation of its Much of insurance on the life Dr. W. Bell, president defunct was reported drowned. been paid through court settlement. William Pritchard. attorney First receiver for estate Bell, nounced several weeks ago that dividend probably would declared for depositors in the bank soon aftthe life suits were tled and paid.
22.January 7, 1931The Birmingham NewsBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
CLOSED BANK TO PAY DEPOSITORS
With more than $275,000 Insurance claims total of the life Dr. Bell having been collected result of settlements Circuit Court prospects reported bright for claring dividend for depositors the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank, of which he was president. consent judgment was entered Judge Denson in suit by Dent Green, banks, against Protective Life Insurance Company settlement $15,000 policy and Judge Smith issued decree author izing settlement another suit against American Central Life Insurance Company for a $35,000 pol-
William S. Pritchard, attorney for First National Bank, receiver for the Bell estate, said that only few small policies remained to set tled for collection of remaining on the banker's life Attorneys were in conference dur ing the morning endeavoring agreement the insurance that be paid Mrs. widow the Pritchard said agreement had virtually reached to pay her approximately $35,000. although he said the matter had not been set Some of the insurance money however, be paid to the Wood Building Loan Association with the remainder going to the dehe said. Pritchard said he understood that several dollars had collected by liquidating agent for the bank, and this together with the money probably would payment of dividend soon. He said did not know how large the dividend would be. Dr. Bell drowned in Coosa River the day the bank closed its doors.
23.June 5, 1931Birmingham Post-HeraldBirmingham, AL
Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
SCUTTLING CASE RETRIAL GRANTED
Attorney Conversed With Juror Before Verdict, Defense Claims
MOBILE. Ala., June 4-(P)-Capt. John G. Murphy, convicted few days ago on charge that he conspired to scuttle the steamship Rose Murphy to collect insurance, was granted new trial by Judge Robert Ervin late Thursday An order setting aside the verdict of guilty returned by jury Saturday night was given after lengthy argument. The main reason set out by Judge Ervin in setting aside the verdict was that Assistant District Attorney D. R. Coley had spoken to a juror about the verdict before the decision had been read in court, and had been informed as to what the verdict would be. This question was raised by the defense as its ninety fourth and last reason as to why Murphy should be granted new trial. Evidence Thursday was that about
Cotton Week in Birmingham. composed of Craig Smith. Leo Bashinsky and Mrs. Nona Williams. Awards for the best window display in the interest of the campaign were presented Victor Bendersky. of the Burger-1 Phillips Company. first: Joe Appolinsky Loveman. Joseph Loeb, second, and Charles Fant, of Parisian Company. third. BANK AGENTS SEEK BELL'S INSURANCE
Judge J. R. McElroy Starts Hearing In Suit
Hearing was started before Judge J. Russell McElroy Thursday for tlement and distribution $175,250 insurance money on the life of the late Dr. A. W. Bell. president of the defunct Woodlawn Savings Bank Presiding Judge Richard Evans ordered the chancery proceeding set before Judge McElroy Judge McElroy's decision will determine how much of the insurance money will be paid to depositors. Claims on policies on Dr. Bell's life totaling more than 000 al ready have been collected and paid to the First National Bank. receiver for the Bell estate. Of this amount, $40,000 has been paid the bank as of the estate, and $60. 000 to H. H. Montgomery, state bank superintendent, liquidating the closed bank, according to William S. Pritch. ard, attorney for the bank
Bank runs are almost always and everywhere a deterioration of bank fundamentals.
But not for you.
You are the measure-zero exception: great fundamentals, solid bank, and yet the Diamond Dybvig fairy spread its rumor. Depositors woke up. Your collateral was not prepositioned. The Clearinghouse had it for you.
Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to jail… or worse.
