636. Bank of Florence (Florence, AZ)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
January 1, 1910*
Location
Florence, Arizona (33.031, -111.387)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
705dca00

Response Measures

None

Description

Territorial (state-like) bank was closed by the territorial auditor/examiner on Aug 30/31, 1910 and placed in custody; proceedings for a receiver were pursued and the bank remained in receivership into 1911. No newspaper accounts describe a depositor run prior to or causing the closure — closure was by government action due to uncollectible loans.

Events (3)

1. January 1, 1910* Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
A receiver will be appointed at the suggestion of Attorney General Wright. ... partial adjustment of the affairs of the late Bank of Florence took place in district court yesterday when Judge Kent rendered a judgment for Adolph W. Lautz, the receiver of the bank, against W. Y. Price and C. G. Powell in separate actions.
Source
newspapers
2. August 31, 1910 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Closed by territorial auditor/examiner after examination found inability to realize on securities and heavy loans that could not be collected; examiner ordered closure pending further exam.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Bank of Florence, a territorial institution, was closed this afternoon by order of the territorial auditor
Source
newspapers
3. September 2, 1910 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
A custodian was placed in charge and the time lock changed, pending the hearing. Hearing to be held in Tucson Tuesday, September 6. ... A receiver will be appointed immediately after the hearing (announced).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (11)

Article from Los Angeles Herald, August 31, 1910

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BANK AT FLORENCE, ARIZ., SUDDENLY CLOSES DOORS PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 30.-The Bank of Florence, a territorial institution, was closed this afternoon by order of the territorial auditor, who is now there. A receiver probably will be named tomorrow. No details have been given as to assets and liabilities. The capital stock is $100,000. As far as was learned there have been no irregulárities. It is said the bank had securities on which it was unable to realize.


Article from Arizona Republican, August 31, 1910

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FLORENCE BANK CLOSES ITS DOORS AT THE ORDER OF BANK EXAMINER FOSTER The Cause of the Failure Due to Loans Which Could Not Be Collected. The bank of Florence was closed yesterday by order of W. C. Foster, territorial auditor and bank examiner, after a minute examination of the affairs of the institution. An inability to collect certain heavy loans made by the bank is assigned as the cause for elosing the doors. A receiver will be appointed at the suggestion of Attorney General Wright. It was stated by Mr. Foster that he hoped to see the bank pay dollar for dollar though it is difficult to make any certain predictions at this time. It has been known by a /very few during the past month that the affairs of the bank were in a weak condition Mr. Foster has been watching the bank for six months, but the directors continually asked for more time and persuaded him that the resources would be strengthened and enable the bank to pass the crisis. In his several examinations of the affairs of the bank he saw no immediate reason for closing the doors. Yesterday he made another trip to Florence and found things in such bad shape that he could no longer permit the institution to resume business. Until the affairs of the bank are thoroughly examined it will be impossible to state the assets and liabilities. The president of the bank is D. C. Stevens and the cashier E. C. Eagin. In a conversation over the long distance wire last night Mr. Foster stated bis belief that all debts would be paid and the bank be able to resume business. Mr. Foster called up Attorney General Wright at Tucson and informed him of the failure.


Article from Arizona Republican, September 2, 1910

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Article Text

FLORENCE BANK TO HAVE A RECEIVER Hearing to Be Held in Tucson Tuesday, September 6. Next Tuesday the officers and directors of the Bank of Florence, which closed its doors last Tuesday by order of W. C. Foster, territorial bank examiner, will be given an oportunity to show cause why a receiver should not be appointed for their institution. They have announced that they will not take advantage of this opportunity and a receiver will be appointed imemdiately after the hearing which wil be held in Tucson. Examiner Foster returned from Florence yesterday. Tuesday he filed a complaint against the bank. asking that a receiver be appointed, and September 6 was set as the date of hearing. Papers were served on all the officers and directors, restraining them from doing further business. A custodian was placed in charge and the time lock changed, pending the hearing.


Article from Arizona Republican, September 8, 1910

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Article Text

FLORENCE BANK CASE HEARING POSTPONED Lacking in Jurisdiction, New Service Was Secured-Hearing to Be Before Judge Kent. W. C. Foster returned home yesterday from Tucson, where as territorial auditor and author of the complaint against the Bank of Florence, he went to be present during the proceedings planned for a hearing in the case and the expected subsequent appointment of a receiver.


Article from Arizona Republican, September 8, 1910

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WHY F. H. BLIGHTON IS LIBEL DEFENDANT Judge Campbell Dismisses Application for Receivership for Florence Bank. Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 7.-Upon complaint of James T. Williams, Jr., former civil service commissioner, now proprietor of the Tucson Citizen, F. H. Blighton, editor of the Weekly Voice of the People, is under arrest and out on $1,000 bonds. Williams alleges that Blighton impeached his honesty by asserting that Williams recently went to Washington and back on a Southern Pacific railroad pass. Judge Campbell of the Pima county district court has dismissed the application of Attorney General Wright for a receiver for the Bank of Florence, Ariz. -The application was made in Pima county because of the absence of Judge Kent. who has jurisdiction in the county where the bank is located. Judge Campbell holds that the attorney general must await the return of the court of proper jurisdiction.


Article from Bisbee Daily Review, September 9, 1910

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NO RECEIVERS FOR BANK TUCSON, Sept. 8.-Judge Campbell, of the Pima district court has dismissed the application of Attorny General Wright for a receiver for the Bank of Florence, Ariz. The application was made in Pima county because of the absence of Judge Kent, of Pinal county, where the bank is located. Judge Campbell holds that the attorney general must await the return of the court of proper jurisdic, tion. ,


Article from Arizona Republican, September 15, 1910

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FLORENCE BANK CASE.-The application for a receiver for the Bank of Florence will be heard in Forence by Judge Kent on October 3, the opening day of court in Pinal county.


Article from Arizona Republican, October 4, 1910

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DOUGLAS VISITORS.-L B. Carey, H. known and Attorney L. both of Douglas, are a well Noble dentist, visiting Phoenix \on business. WILL ARRIVE TODAY-Mrs. J. C Adams, who is making a cross country the east to in is expected to her drive automobile, from the Francisco coast arrive at the Palace Hotel in San today. MRS. GETSINGER IMPROVINGwhich she operation Having partially recovered recently from under- hos- an one of the Los Mrs. B. W. Getsinger pitals, went in Angeles returned is now from the coast city Friday and at her home. She is rapidly recovering her former health and strength. FROM THE COAST-Chaplain Scott of HOME Winfield Scottsdale returned home from San Diego, Calithe summer at his summer fornia, spent yesterday morning, having resiNormal Heights. He says can beat Arizona for dence, nothing fall to and get winter climate and he is glad home. A RETURNING GUARDSMEN members of the of Arizona, who were Guard great many encamped National Atascadero, returned yesterday at from California. Among those who arrived home were Second Lieutenant William H. Taylor of Company B and Quartermaster Sergeant A. C. Taylor of Company A. THAT PARKER EXCURSION-A meeting of the board of trade has been called at 4 o'clock for afternoon special directorate the for purpose Parker this discussing plans for the proposed for that the general excursion, of is probable October plan 20. out- It lined in The Republican yesterday morning will be followed. SAW THE RUIN-N. P. McCallum returned yesterday from Los Angeles the picture of the Times a sight long to be He was in the city bered. and ruin says is the fire remem- night endisaster and heard the by, but see no the direction they to gines blaze of the in rushing could seemed nor be going, so he did not get up learn that it was an extraordinary event until the next day. CARTER - LYDE-Charles Car :T Pearl Lyde were united in yesterday the bride, No. 231 and marriage home Miss of afternoon at North val- the street. The groon is a ued of the bride is a while Second employer his charming Wellington and cafe eslady who this city. Mr. timable friends in young has and at many Mrs. 231 will make their home Second street for who were guests at Carter North Those the the present. wedding were Mrs. Burkhart, Mrs. G. Caldwell, Miss F. Turner, Mrs. B. Lyde, George Caldwell, M. O'Leary, P. Sullivan, H. Daggs, Frank Turner, P. J. Robinson, E. Robertson, G. White and Mr. Huston. COURT OPENS AT FLORENCEB E. Marks returned from last evening where on legal business Attorney Florence called in connec- he Judge was with the opening of court. is and Mr. tion Kent presiding docket Marks will is of the opinion that the The be cleared in a very few days. half dozen or more damage suit in which that number of deare asking $25,000 Consolidated a fendants cases, the Ray company each as from of the explosion of a dynamite while a motor car result charge continued was passing, came up and were to the next term A formal application was made yesterday for the appointa receiver for the Bank of Among others are I court are Judge Florence. tending ment of who Kibbey Hayes and atFrankl'n, Alexander, from and Attorneys Chalmers Phoenix. Attorney Territorial Auditor Foster and General John B. Wright were also in $ Florence yesterday. SOME FINE DATES-George H 1 Harris, who owns a ranch on the Tempe road has several unprolific Arabian from which he is South usually gathering date palms dates 1 will readily take the fruits of the are among that unusually first Sal: River large rank flavor that is in this fruit, even and tained Valley. of a They seldom in the atwhere they are habitat. Mr. a box of , countries Harris brought office dates of taken the from his trees to the f yesterday the fruit bears out Republican ity of and states the every qual- that made by him. He t considerable cultivation of the claim he to the has given trees attention upon been and as a result has to ealize this season an enabled his ranch tree. av- He erage of $125 from each has shipped quantities of the fruit I to Grand Rapids, Chicago, Milwaukee and San Francisco and has yet to t receive ar. adverse criticism of the goods. AEROPLANE PROPELLERS


Article from Arizona Republican, June 18, 1911

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SOME COMMISSION MR. EAGIN CHARGED The Sum of $4,500 for Loans Amounting To $11,000. A partial adjustment of the affairs of the late Bank of Florence took place in district court yesterday when Judge Kent rendered a judgment for Adolph W. Lautz, the receiver of the bank, against W. Y. Price and C. G. Powell in separate actions. The suit was begun by the Valley Bank with which two notes, one by Price for $4,500 and the other by Powell for $7,000 had been left as collateral. Before the trial however, the notes had been taken up by Receiver Lautz who was substituted for the plaintiff in both actions. Though the defendants admitted the giving of the notes they claimed that they had not received the amount of money for which they were given. Powell stated that he had received only $4,000 and Price stated that he had received only $3,000. Both were corroborated by T. C. Eagin, former cashier of the bank, who made the astounding statement that he had retained $4,500 as his commission for making the loan. Accordingly judgment was given against Powell for $4,000 and against Price for $3,000 and the amount of an overdraft. Another suit was that of Jose Spinas against Eagin and his sureties to recover on a note given by Eagin at a time when the affairs of the bank began to be in a bad way. Spinas was given judgment. The sureties, Messrs. Weedin and Camorlain of Florence, offered in defense that the conditions of the note had been changed; that they supposed that it had been paid when due, whereas Spinas had granted Eagin an extension of time. It was held by the court that that arrangement did not release them from liability.


Article from Bisbee Daily Review, June 21, 1911

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COMMISSION, $4,500 ON LOAN OF $11,000 Remarkable Deal Shown by Inquiry Into Affairs of Florence Bank PHOENIX, June 20.-A partial adjustment of he affairs of the late Bank of Florence took place in district court yesterday which Judge Kent rendered a judgment for Adolph W. Lautz, the receiver of the bank, against W. Y. Price and C. G. Powell An separate actions. The suit was begun by the Valley bank with which two notes, one by Price for $4500 and the other by Towell for $7000 had been left as collateral. Before the trial however the notes had been taken up by Receiver who was tituted for the plaintiff in both actions. Though the adefendants admitted the giving of the notes they claimed that they had not received the amount of money for which they were given. Powell stated that he had received only $4000 and Price stated that he had received only $3000. Both were corroborated by T. C. Eagin, former cashier of the bank, who made the astounding statement that he had retained $4500 as his commission for making the loan. Ao cordingly judgment was given against Powell for $4000 and against Price for $3000 and the amount of an overdraft. Another suit was that of Jose Spinas against Eagin and his sureties to recover on a note given by Eagin at a time when the affairs of the bank began to be in a bad way. Spinas was given judgment. The sureties, Messrs. Weedin and Camorlain of Florence, offered in defense that the conditions of the note had been changed; that they supposed that it had been paid when due, whereas Spinas had granted Eagin an extension of time. It was held by the court that that arrangement did not release them from liabilitv.


Article from El Paso Herald, December 9, 1911

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debtedness $2,098,302.86 Territorial indebtedness 946,972.43 Total debt $3,045,275.29 Banks of Arizona. During the year just ended the banks have generally prospered. Despite the more or less unsatisfactory business conditions in some parts of the territory, the banks, especially the larger institutions, nearly all show substantial growth. During the year the bank at Kelvin, a branch of the Ray State bank, was discontinued, and the Bank of Florence, at Florence, a small and weak institution, was placed in the hands of a receiver and at the close of the fiscal year was still in the receiver's hands. Three new, banks were established. in the territory during the year, as follows: Paid up capital. Buckeye Valley bank. Buckeye$ 25,000 Farmers and Merchants bank, Phoenix 8,900 Phoenix Savings Bank & Trust Co., Phoenix 100,000 At the close of the fiscal year there were the following number of financial institutions operating in the territory: Territorial banks 39 12 Territorial banks, branches National banks 13 6 Building and loan associations Total 70 Statement of Financial Institutions, Aggregate capital of territorial banks on June 7, 1911 $ 1,592,126.00 Aggregate surplus and undivided profits on June 7, 1911 1,169,050.63 Increase in aggregate resources of territorial banks during year 2,292,960.91 Increase in aggregate resources of national banks during year 585,497.03 Total increase 2,878,457.94 Increase of deposits: Territorial banks 1,859,542.62 National banks 449,225.54 Total increase in deposits 2,308,768.16 Aggregate resources of all banking institutions in Arizona for the fiscal year ended June 7, 1911: Territorial banks 16,137,700.S9 National banks 10,733,506.40 Total bank resources. 26,871,207.29