6419. Abilene State Bank (Abilene, KS)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: state
Start Date: November 1, 1910*
Location: Abilene, Kansas (38.917, -97.214)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: bb0aa9d0

Response Measures

None

Description

The bank was closed (ceased receiving deposits and later closed by the banking department) after the cashier J. A. Flack absconded with a large shortage. No explicit public 'run' is described; a receiver was later appointed (Ed. Makins) and guaranty certificates were issued to depositors. Dates: closure Nov 22, 1910; receiver appointed Nov 24, 1910 (reported Nov 24).

Events (3)

1. November 1, 1910* Other

Newspaper Excerpt: The bank continued open, paying its depositors until the number was reduced to one hundred. The department then appointed a receiver to close up the affairs of the institution. We will issue certificates on the guaranty fund for the remaining deposits. These certificates will draw interest at 6 per cent from November 22.
Source: newspapers

2. November 22, 1910 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Discovery that cashier J. A. Flack had absconded after large defalcations/shortages (tens of thousands of dollars), prompting the bank to cease receiving deposits and be closed by the banking department.
Newspaper Excerpt: The Abilene State Bank was closed November 22, 1910, following the disappearance of John Flack, the cashier, who was discovered to be $70,000 short in his accounts.
Source: newspapers

3. November 24, 1910 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: Ed. Makins had been appointed receiver of the bank. ... 'The depositors of the bank are absolutely safe. In a few days we shall issue the certificates provided for under the law.'
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)

1. September 12, 1910 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS

Article from The Topeka State Journal, September 12, 1910

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MAY CLOSE BANK. Abilene Institution's Affairs Complicated by Hallam's Death. Bank Commissioner J. N. Dolley on his return from Maple Hill this afternoon said that the death of President I. S. Hallam of the Abilene State bank probably will not have any alarming effect upon the affairs of that institution. President Hallam owned over half of the stock in the bank at the time of his death and had signed his liability for losses along with the directors prior to his passing. The bank was open all last week, but Saturday ceased receiving deposits. Bank Commissioner Dolley desires to wind up the affairs of the institution without a receivership. The bank has about $150,000 deposits, and it will take $30,000 from the directors to make good the shortage. The other stockholders, who have $25,000 stock, Hallam owning a little more than half, probably will realize nothing. Nothing has yet been heard from Flack. After a meeting Sunday night the directors of the bank decided not to reopen today or Tuesday. The funeral will be held Tuesday, and Wednesday it is expected that the bank will be opened for settlement of its tangled affairs. The remaining directors will go on as before arranged. "Mr. Hallam's death will make no difference in the settlement," said G. W. Hurd, the bank's attorney. "He had pledged his estate to make deposits good."

2. September 12, 1910 The Vinita Daily Chieftain Vinita, OK

Article from The Vinita Daily Chieftain, September 12, 1910

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FLACKS SHORTAGE CAUSED HIS DEATH President of Abilene State Bank Dies in Handsome Home Built By the Defaulting Cashier. e I By Associated Press. , Abilene, Kans., Sept. 12.-After ly) ing unconscious in the handsome I home built by the defaulting cashier, John A. Flack, for forty-eight hours, I. S. Hallam, 67 years old, president of the Abilene State bank, died Sunday evening at 6 o'clock. He had gone to the house to assist an aunt of Flack's to get some family possessions, and collapsed. He had passed sleepless nights since the discovery of the defalcation, and in his feeble health he could not stand the blow. Mr. Hallam was a lumber dealer here for years and had made a comfortable fortune, which he invested in the bank, of which he owned a controlling interest. He was also president of the Abilene Wholesale Grocery company, in which he had a large interest. One daughter, Mrs. J. W. Parker of Kansas City, and his wife are the only heirs. Before his collapse Mr. Hallam had signed a contract, in which, with the other directors, he pledged all his property to the payment of any shortage that might result in the settlemen of Flack's defalcation. However, his death complicates things materially. Deputy Bank Commissioner Watson, who is in charge, went home Saturday night, but is expected here this morning. The bank has been open all week, but Saturday ceased receiving deposits, and it is probable that its affairs will be wound up. Bank Commissioner Dolly desires to do this without a receivership, and it may be that such will be the outcome, but that will be decided tomorrow when Mr. Watson returns. The bank has about $150,000 deposits, and it will take $30,000 from I the directors to make good the shortage. The other stockholders, who have $25,000 stock, Hallam owning a little more than half, will probably realize nothing. Nothing has yet been heard from Flack. Abilene, Kans., Sept. 12. - Deputy Bank Commissioner Watson, who arrived here today to investigate the affairs of the Abilene State bank, whose cashier is missing, countermanded the plan of the directors to close the bank at once, and announced that the bank would be closed until after the funeral of E. I. Hallam, the bank's president, who died yesterday. The funeral probably will be held Wednesday.

3. September 13, 1910 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS

Article from The Topeka State Journal, September 13, 1910

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WILL PAY DEPOSITORS. Abilene Bank Will Probably Settle Without a Receiver. Abilene, Kan., Sept. 13.- Bank Commissioner Dolley's plan of settling the Abilene State bank's affairs without a receivership seems likely to work out. The deposits were reduced some $20,000 by giving depositors notes for their accounts. Flack's motor car was sold to a farmer for $1,200, and all his property is being disposed of as fast as possible. When assets are paid aut directors will make good the remainder.

4. September 16, 1910 The Weekly Chieftain Vinita, OK

Article from The Weekly Chieftain, September 16, 1910

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FLACKS SHORTAGE CAUSED HIS DEATH President of Abilene State Bank Dies in Handsome Home Built By the Defaulting Cashier. By Associated Press. Abilene, Kans., Sept. 12.-After lying unconscious in the handsome home built by the defaulting cashier, John A. Flack, for forty-eight hours, I. S. Hallam, 67 years old, president of the Abilene State bank, died Sunday evening at 6 o'clock. He had gone to the house to assist an aunt of Flack's to get some family possessions, and collapsed. He had passed sleepless nights since the discovery of the defalcation, and in his feeble health he could not stand the blow. Mr. Hallam was a lumber dealer here for years and had made a comfortable fortune, which he invested in the bank, of which he owned a controlling interest. He was also president of the Abilene Wholesale Grocery company, in which he had a large interest. One daughter, Mrs. J. W. Parker of Kansas City, and his wife are the only heirs. Before his collapse Mr. Hallam had signed a contract, in which, with the other directors, he pledged all his property to the payment of any shortage that might result in the settlemen of Flack's defalcation. However, his death complicates things materially. Deputy Bank Commissioner Watson, who is in charge, went home Saturday night, but is expected here this morning. The bank has been open all week, but Saturday ceased receiving deposits, and it is probable that its affairs will be wound up. Bank Commissioner Dolly desires to do this without a receivership, and it may be that such will be the outcome, but that will be decided tomorrow when Mr. Watson returns. The bank has about $150,000 deposits, and it will take $30,000 from the directors to make good the shortage. The other stockholders, who have $25,000 stock, Hallam owning a little more than half, will probably realize nothing. Nothing has yet been heard from Flack. Abilene, Kans., Sept. 12. - Deputy Bank Commissioner Watson, who arrived here today to investigate the affairs of the Abilene State bank, whose cashier is missing, countermanded the plan of the directors to close the bank at once, and announced that the bank would be closed until after the funeral of E. I. Hallam, the bank's president, who died yesterday. The funeral probably will be held Wednesday.

5. October 20, 1910 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, October 20, 1910

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Abilene Bank Affair Is Now in Politics ciated with him daily in the bank. The Abilene State bank has broken These men were intelligent, bright, into politics. Senator George Hodges capable business men. The bank is making statements that the bank clerk you speak of discovered an examiners did a poor job and promis$18,000.00 shortage in 18 minutes; ing if elected governor to have a this was done by running up the inbanking department that will do busidividual ledger after the leaves had ness strictly. The acting bank combeen replaced by Flack. Anyone missioner, W. T. Watson, who is runcould have discovered the shortage ning the office while Bank Commishad the leaves been in the book. sioner Dolley manages the Republi"You also state that by reason of can campaign, replies: carelessness in this institution that "In your speech you say that the farmers, stockmen, widows, orphans inspector had been informed by the and businessmen were caused great stockholders of the bank that they loss and suffering by reason of this desired a very rigid and careful exfailure. You again misstate the amination of this institution for the facts. The facts are that not a single reason that they were suspicious that depositor of the Abilene State Bank everything was not right, that during lost a single penny. Through the the day the bank was examined, at prompt eft TIF 1 the banking departabout 1:30 or 2:00 o'clock, Mr. Flack ment, provision was made for the the absconding cashier, remarked to payment of every depositor dollar for the examiner that it was necessary dollar, for claims they had against for him to hurry and finish within a the bank, and the loss fell on the few minutes as their dinner was waitdirectors of the bank who were reing and would be cold and that they sponsible for these deposits under would be late getting to the ball the law. game. Regarding this I wish to adBank Commissioner Dolley in an vise you officially that the report of interview afte" the failure stated that the examiner shows that the examinahe had been suspicious of Flack for tion of this bank was commenced at over a year but could find nothing 9:00 a. m., and closed at 5 p. m. with wrong. One story is told about the the examiner working every minute examination has never been printed of this time, which for a bank of this The bank was supposed to have at size, gave him ample time to make a least 000 on hand, of which careful examination. I wish also to $6,000 was to be in currency, gold or advise you that not a single stocksilver. This seems to have been in holder in any way intimated to the the vault. Flack claimed that they examiner at any time or to any part had $12,000 in a Kansas City bank of the banking department that they and the rest in Chicago and New were at all suspicious of Cashier York. The examiner wrote letters Flack. to the Kansas City and other banks "Your statement that Flack sugto verify these statements-and gave gested that they quit at 1:30 or them to Flack to mail. Of course 2:00 o'clock and go to dinner and Flack destroyed them. Three weeks later go to the ball game is untrue afterward when the crash came the and probably made for the purpose bank commissioner's office seems not of conveying the idea that the work to have inquired why those letters of the examiner was cut short and were not answered. Had there been not well done. It could not be expect. an investigation it would have shown ed that the examiner could discover a shortage of over $14,000 in the defalcations in this bank which had cash account. If this story is corerct been covered by the removal of leaves it indicates that there should have from a loose leaf ledger and by forbeen a closer check in connection geries in the books, which were not with the investigation. discovered by people who were asso-

6. October 25, 1910 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS

Article from The Topeka State Journal, October 25, 1910

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Hundreds in Kansas Hold Responsible Positions. Wrecking of Abilene Institution Has Brought Attention. # MISS SPECK HAS SAY. Declares Defalcations of Her Sex Are Unknown. Avers They Not Only Are Careful, But Conservative. Since the wrecking of the Abilene State bank by Cashier Flack, attention has been called to the fact that if women had had anything to do with its accounting and management it would have been impossible for any man to cloud and cover up the records and "get away" with it. That is the opinion of Miss Anna Speck of the state bank commissioner's office, whose work is to inspect the reports of the bank examiners and tell the bankers what ails their institutions. Miss Speck probably knows more about the condition of the banks of Kansas than any other person in the state, and she does not hesitate to say that where women are employed in banks there is little danger of a bank wrecking by a designing cashier. The truth is that no woman connected with a bank or an office where public money is handled has ever been known to go wrong. That is the record in this state, and Miss Speck says it speaks volumes for the honesty and integrity of women. "The advance made by women in the banking business, especially in the last five years, is remarkable," she said. "They are now filling positions of responsibility and their keen insight into things, their ability to read people and their absolute honesty have made them invaluable in banking circles. Reports which reach my desk show that any bank whose affairs are managed by a woman is in splendid condition. The banking room, the desk and the entire surroundings of one of these institutions where a woman works always present a neat appearance. The books are in balance, the legal reserve is intact, overdrafts are few, the paper is clean and well secured and the general affairs of the bank are in every way above criticism. Careful and Conservative. "The women connected with Kansas banks are careful and conservative and possess rare judgment, especially as to loans. They bring good returns to their stockholders. Never in the state's history has a woman banker betrayed her trust, nor has a depositor ever lost a penny through any dishonesty or mismanagement on her part. I think this is the greatest tribute I can pay to the women connected with the financial institutions of Kansas." One of the strongest banks in Kansas is conducted by a woman. Five years ago Mrs. S. Alice Halderman inherited a private bank at Girard on the death of her husband. She immediately incorporated it and became its president. She has managed it ever since, and it is making a handsome return for its stockholders Mrs. Margaret Kane of Bucklin, as cashier and active manager of her bank, was able last year to pay her stockholders a dividend of 90 per cent. Mrs. Kane is one of the active business women of southwestern Kansas. At the little town of Pretty Prairie, in Reno county, Mrs. Ella Demoret ran a bank for many years and paid big dividends. She now draws a good salary simply for passing on farm loans. Mrs. Demoret is employed by her brothers, who own the bank in which she works. If you step into the State bank of Langford, in Geary county, you wiil find Miss Isabella Marty in charge. Some years ago her father, who owned the bank, died. Miss Marty, who had been connected with the institution as a helper, took up the thread of the work and is regarded as one of the most efficient bankers of that section of the state. She knows all about loans and discounts, and is watchful as to the interest account. Mrs. Mary E. Cotton is president of a bank at Sabetha, and while she permits subordinates to run it, she keeps in close touch and scrutinizes the loans frequently. Miss Clara M. Hullett is the active manager of a bank at Rusin Center. Scores of women in Kansas are members of bank directories, and the reports filed with Miss Speck in the department here show that they are always present at the meetings of the directors. Hundreds of Women Employed. The list of women who are employed in Kansas banks is large, probably reaching into the hundreds. These young women are trained in this finan-c'al school for the practical business affairs of life, and as wives they find the knowledge gained very useful. Among the active women bankers, including cashiers, assistants, accountants and clerks, are the following: Miss Emma Courtney, assistant cashier Grinnell State bank: Mrs. J. W. Chenoweth. assistant cashier Bank of McCracken; Miss Nannie Goyette, cashier Bank of Elsmore; Miss Myrle Eastwood, assistant cashier Gas City State pank; Miss Lois Wilson, assistant cash-tar LaHarpe State bank: Miss Grace McKitrick, cashier Colony State bank; Mrs. Esther Huffman, cashier Hepler State bank; Miss Anna L. Baty, assistant cashier Condon bank, Oswego; Miss Nan Trinder, cashier Peoples' bank. Cherryvale; Miss Mary E. Cotton, president Citizens' bank. Sabetha; Miss Nora Kreamer, assistant cashier Colony State bank: Mrs. Esther M. Chatterton, assistant cashier State Bank of Admire; Pearl Mathews, assistant cashier First National bank. Logan; Irene Walker, assistant cashier First National bank. Moline: Myrtle Chaffins, assistant cashier Moline bank; Cora Gardner, assistant cashier Citizens' National bank, Ness City; Bessie V. Webb, assistant cashier, First National bank. Nortonville Mrs. F. P. Acten, assistant cashier First National bank. Wetmore; Miss Edna Withrow, assistant cashier First National bank, Conway Springs; Mrs. Mary Sample, cashier Savings bank of Wichita; Miss Jessie Hinds, cashier Turon bank: Miss Anna G. Goodrich. assistant cashier Valley Falls bank; Mrs. A. M. Tomlinson president Brookville State bank; Miss Talmadge; Mrs. C. E. Rhodes, assist-Halmadge; Mrs. C. E. Rhodes, assistant cashier Elmo State bank; Mrs. Grace Taft, cashier Taft State bank. Hanover; Nellie Reimers, cashier Thomas County bank, Colby: Margaret

7. November 24, 1910 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, November 24, 1910

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MAKINS IS RECEIVER. Commissioner Takes Action on Abilene State Bank. Attorney General Fred Jackson 0 Bank Commissioner Dolley and Deputy Examiner Watson were in the city today to meet with directors of the Abilene State bank regarding the closing up of its affairs. After a long conference this morning it was announced that Ed. Makins had been appointed receiver of the bank. Mr. Dolley and Mr. Watson returned to Topeka this afternoon. Just before taking his train, Mr. Dolley said: "The depositors of the bank are absolutely safe. In a few days we shall issue the certificates provided 1 for under the law. They draw six t per cent interest, and are as good as $20 gold bonds." Attorney General - Jackson was questioned regarding the legal status of the bank's affairs. "Why is not the guaranty law in operation in the case of the State bank," he was asked. "It is in operation," Mr. Jackson replied. "However, the assets of the bank will cover all losses, and the guaranty fund is never drawn upon except where the assets are not sufficient." "Under (the law, Mr. Jackson, would the directors have been compelled to assign their personal property to cover the deficit if they had not chosen to do so?" "Well," was the answer, "that of course is a question." "It is too late for them to have any recourse, now that they have given their notes?" "It looks that way to me," Mr. Jackson said, "but of course that is 1 only my opinion." "Don't you think it is rather a pity ( with this state guaranty law in operation, that the Mirectors sho I'd have to submit to such a heavy personal loss?" "I don't believe their loss will be very heavy. The bank has a good deal of property, and I think it will be found that the greater part of the deficit will be covered." Mr. Jackson left for Salina this afternoon.

8. November 24, 1910 Meade County News Meade, KS

Article from Meade County News, November 24, 1910

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Abilene Bank to Pay All. Topeka, Kan.-It is theopinion 01 officials of the state banking department that the Abilene State bank, whose cashier, Flack, absconded some months ago leaving a big shortage, will be able to pay its depositors in full without having to fall back on the state gaurantee fund. This bank was one of the first to enter the guaranty fund. The deposits have all been paid off but $60,000 and the banking department claims that it has enough assets to pay off the rest. However, it will take a little time to realize upon them and the depositors may have to be 1s. sued certificates of indebtedness to run a short while. The stockholders will get nothing back out of their investment. Some of them will not only lose what they put in, but also their double liability.

9. December 1, 1910 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, December 1, 1910

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WILL GET INTEREST. Depositors of Abilene State Bank to Receive Certificates. Topeka Capital: The state guaranty law is being applied to the Abilene State bank which failed because of the defalcations of Cashier J. A. Flack. It is the first time the guaranty law has been put to practical use. It may not be necessary to draw upon the guaranty fund in this case even, but the depositors will be assured of reeciving their money, through the guaranty law and the fund. The fund will simply stand back of the certificates issued until it is determined whether or not the assets of the bank will pay off the deposits. When the bank failed there was $160,000 on deposit in it and there was a small army of depositors— 500. State Bank Commissioner J. N. Dolley held the stockholders of the bank for their double liability and secured enough in this manner and from assets of the bank to pay off all but $54,000 of the deposits. One hundred depositors remain unpaid and the total amount due them is $54,000. However, certificates will not be issued against the guaranty fund for the full fifty-four thousand. A receiver has been placed in charge of the bank's affairs. He will dispose of the remaining assets and it is expected that the amount so raised will be sufficient to pay off the depositors. There is a sufficient number of items now to protect all except $35,000 of the deposits and guaranty certificates will be issued only for that amount. The certificates will be issued to the depositors and will bear 6 per cent interest until they are redeemed. 1 The certificates are negotiable. The depositor may retain his certificate until it is redeemed and draw the interest upon it or he may dispose of M it. The chances are that banks will get most of them ultimately.

10. December 2, 1910 The Chanute Times Chanute, KS

Article from The Chanute Times, December 2, 1910

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Abilene Bank to Pay All. Topeka, Kan.-It is the opinion of officials of the State banking department that the Abilene State bank, whose cashier, Flack, absconded some months ago leaving a big shortage, will be able to pay its depositors in full without having to-fall back on the state guarantee fund. This bank was one of the first to enter the guaranty fund. The deposits have all been pail off but $60,000 and the banking department claims that it has enough assets to pay off the rest. However, it will take a little time to realize upon them and the depositors may have to be issued certificates of indebtedness to run a short while. The stockholders will get nothing back out of their investment. Some of them will not only lose what they put in, but also their double liability.

11. December 3, 1910 Lower Coast Gazette Pointe a La Hache, LA

Article from Lower Coast Gazette, December 3, 1910

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Receiver Chosen for Looted Bank. Abilene, Kan.-E. S. Makins was appointed receiver for the Abilene State bank, from which John M. Flack, an absconding cashier, is charged with defaulting approximately $75.4

12. December 8, 1910 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, December 8, 1910

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Management of the Bank Matter Criticised "I was present" Mrs. Parker said Bark Commissioner Dolley is sendlast night, "in an attorney's office ing to all the state banks a circular in Abilene with my father when he in which 1.0 tiles to explain some and J. L. Kruger and E. H. Forney things in connect on with the Flack made their notes for $40,000. W. affair. He says: Watson, deputy bank commissioner, "The first teet of the guaranty law was there. He said that if my father WAS when the bank at Abilene failed and the other two directors would becaused of the defalcation of Cashier sign eight notes for $5,000 each the Flack. When the defalcation was bank would be allowed to remain discovered the bank had five hunopen, instead of being But into the dred depositors with more than $160,hands of a receiver. We believed 000 deposits. The bank continued then that the shortage amounted to open, paying its depositors until the only about $20,000, and the idea was number was reduced to one hundred. to make the notes double the shortThe department then appointed a reage, Neither of the three men had ceiver to close up the affairs of the any idea that the shortage was $90,Institution. We will issue certificates 000 or $100,000. on the guaranty fund for the remain"The purpose of the three in signing deposits. These certificates will ing the notes was to continue the not be cashed by the fund until all business and not to liquidate it. of the assets of the bank are exTherefore, we feel that these notes bausted. I am inclined to believe should not be used in liquidating, but that the guaranty fund will not be that the guaranty fund should get in called upon to pay any money at in front of them. Mr. Dolley expresses the finish. The remaining assets, I the belief that the guaranty fund believe, will pay the depositors in will not be called upon to pay any full, as we have been and will be in money at the finish. Evidently he a position to realize every dollar posexpects that the $40,000 will be used sible on account of the bank's deposito pay the depositors. He says he tors being fully satisfied to wait." will issue certificates on the guaranThe Kansas City Star contains the tee fund for the remaining deposits, following in comment on Dolley's letbut doesn't say that the bank will ter which indicates that those most be charged 6 per cent interest, the closely concerned believe Dolley is same rate the bank's loans draw." acting "foxy" in the matter: "The Abilene bank was among the That J. N. Dolley, bank commisfirst of the Kansas banks to take out sioner of Kansas, is giving out wrong insurance under the bank guaranty impressions about the application of law," Doctor Parker said. "It paid the Kansas Bank Guaranty Law to in its assessment of one-twentieth of the defunct Abilene State bank is 1 per cent of the average guaranteed the statement of Dr. J. W. Parker, deposits for six months, less the capi4206 St, John avenue, and Mrs. Lulu tal stock and surplus, besides putting Hallam Parker, his wife. Expecially up its $500 bond. Then, why shouldde they take exceptions to the circun't the guaranty fund be used in payiar letter being sent out by Dollev ing the remaining depositors after to the Kansas banks, a copy of which the assets have been exhausted and appeared in the Star yeste day afterthe stockholders doubly assessed as noon. has been done? Mr. Hallam held Mrs. Parker is a daughter of I. S. 127 of the 250 shares and his stock, Hallam, who was president of the ALLtherefore, was assessed for $12,700 lene bank when the defalcation of in paying the depositors." .can A, Flack, cashie: was discov"It makes little difference to us, ered. Mr. Hallam died from worry as father's estate will all be gobbled over the bank's failure and the subup anyway, except the home that is sequent flurries. Mrs. Parker went left my mother," Mrs. Parker said to Abilene when the shortage first "But as a matter of justice we feel became known and remained until that the bank has a right to expect the day before Thanksgiving, when that the guaranty fund will come to a receiver was appointed. She spent its relief. The bank paid for protecthe time looking after her father's tion and should receive it." interests and helping straighten out

13. December 8, 1910 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

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Back Commissioner Dolley is sending to all the state banks a circular in which 1.0 tiles to explain some things in connection with the Flack affair. He says: "The first test of the guaranty law WAS when the bank at Abilene failed becaused of the defalcation of Cashier Flack, When the defalcation was discovered the bank had five hundred depositors with more than $160,000 deposits. The bank continued open, paying its depositors until the number was reduced to one hundred. The department then appointed a receiver to close up the affairs of the Institution. We will issue certificates on the guaranty fund for the remaining deposits. These certificates will not be cashed by the fund until all of the assets of the bank are exhausted. I am inclined to believe that the guaranty fund will not be called upon to pay any money at the finish. The remaining assets, I believe, will pay the depositors in full, as we have been and will be in a position to realize every dollar possible on account of the bank's depositors being fully satisfied to wait." The Kansas City Star contains the following in comment on Dolley's letter which indicates that those most closely concerned believe Dolley is acting "foxy" in the matter: That J. N. Dolley, bank commissioner of Kansas, is giving out wrong impressions about the application of the Kansas Bank Guaranty Law to the defunct Abilene State bank is the statement of Dr. J. W. Parker, 4206 St, John avenue, and Mrs. Lulu Hallam Parker, his wife. Expecially de they take exceptions to the circuiar letter being sent out by Dollev to the Kansas banks. a copy of which appeared in the Star yeste. day afternoon. M Mrs. Parker is a daughter of I. Hallam, who was president of the ALLlene bank when the defalcation of .con A, Flack, cashie: was discovered. Mr. Hallam died from worry over the bank's failure and the subsequent flurries. Mrs. Parker went to Abilene when the shortage first became known and remained until the day before Thanksgiving, when a receiver was appointed. She spent the time looking after her father's interests and helping straighten out the bank's tangles.

14. December 31, 1910 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS

Article from The Topeka State Journal, December 31, 1910

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FLACK PAID HER A PENSION. Now a Poor Abilene Widow Is Being Sued for Money. Abilene, Kan., Dec. 31.-The receiver of the Abilene State bank has sued Mrs. Mary Dalhmamer for $468 pension money paid her by the defaulting cashier, John Flack. She is a poor widow, and Flack, who looked after her affairs, lost her pension papers. For four years he paid her pension regularly with the bank's money. Effort is being made to reinstate her pension. The Abilene Baseball association has just paid to the bank by special assessment $1,200 which Flack took with him. Depositors have been ordered to file sworn statements of claims, but no certificates under the guaranty law have been issued.

15. January 11, 1911 The Columbus Journal Columbus, NE

Article from The Columbus Journal, January 11, 1911

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Iowa is full of candidates for the Dolliver senatorial succession. Five men were killed in a train collision at Cheney, Wash. uary 1st. Senator Elkins of West Virginia died suddenly at Washington. Action was begun at New York to annul the so-called steamer compact. Both houses of congress adjourned as a mark of respect for Senator Elkins. Reapportionment is giving the republican leaders in the house no end of trouble. A Cleveland judge says the high cost of living is responsible for most of the divorces. Rhode Island has three candidates for United States senator and the outlook is for a deadlock. An international railway commission for the United States and Canada is practically assured. Secretary MacVeagh favors issuing gold certificates againts bullion in lieu of the actual coinage. Trinity college, Durham, N. C., was visited by fire which destroyed the Washington Duke dormitory. Convicted members of the naval stores company have asked the supreme court to review their case. If Senator Lorimer retains his seat it will be only after several senators have expressed themselves freely. At Augusta, Me., Charles F. Johnson of Waterville was nominated for the United States senate to suceed Senator Eugene Hale. Gambling houses and kindred resorts have been ordered out of Gary, Ind., as menaces to public safety and public morals. After being in quarantine at her home in Akin, S. C., for more than two years, Miss Mary V. Kirk, a leper died a few days ago. Jere F. Lillis, whom John P. Cudahy cut with a knife March 5, last, retired as president of the Western Exchange bank at Kansas City. The grand jury in the Los Angeles Times explosion case returned 22 indictments. All of the indictments charge murder in connection with that crime. Major William H. Huxford, U. S. A., retired, who for the past 23 years has been recorder of the military order of the Loyal legion, died at his home in Washington. Dr. Donald M. Gallie, of the University of Illinois, was elected president of the Institute of Dental Pedagogics at the sixteenth annual convention in Washington. Governor Hadley, of Missouri, has decided to substitute lectures for written messages to make known to the legislature the needs of the various state institutions. The receiver of the Abilene, Kans., State bank has sued Mrs. Dahlhammer, a widow, for $468 pension money paid her by John Flack, the defaulting cashier of the bank. William T. Wardell, prohibition candidate for mayor of New York in 1896 and for governor in 1900, was taken ill in the subway Tuesday afternoon and died 15 minutes later. Thirty-five hundred men employed as motormen, conductors, elevated railway trainmen, station masters and inspectors by the Boston Elevated Railway company received gold pieces aggregating $82,000. How to meet the inroads of western apples in markets until now held by eastern orchardists is the main concern of the New York State Friut Growers' association, which is holding its tenth annual meeting. President Taft, Secretary of State Knox, Secretary of Agriculture Wilson and Senator Dick of Ohio have accepted invitations to respond to toasts at the annual banquet to be given by the Ohio society this month on the anniversary of the birth of President McKinley. The Aetna Indemnity of Hartford, Conn., and the Farmers' and Mercantile Insurance company of Lincoln, Neb., have been barred from writing new business in Ohio on orders from Superintendent C. C. Lamert, of the insurance department, under penalty of revocation of their license. The question as to how the United States shall be re-apportioned into congressional districts in accordance with the 1910 census was discuessed with the president by Representative Crumpacker of Indiana, chairman of the house committee on census. Mr. Crumpacker thinks the membership of the house should be increased.

16. January 12, 1911 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS

Article from The Topeka State Journal, January 12, 1911

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MORE FLACK ECHOES. Mortgage and Note of Depositor Taken From Deposit Box. Abilene, Kan., Jan. 12.-John D. Cramer, by his attorneys, Moore & Humphrey, filed a petition today in the district court against the Abilene State bank, Edward Makins, receiver, and J. N. Dolley bank commissioner, asking the court to declare certain funds in the hands of the receiver in the sum of $4,223.33 to be a trust fund and belonging to Cramer. Cramer claims that he had a note and mortgage for the aforementioned sum in his private safety deposit box in the bank vault, and that the officers of the bank, presumably the defaulting bank cashier, J. A. Flack, opened his box, and took the note and mortgage out and placed it among the assets of the bank, and afterward the bank sold and indorsed it to a depositor of the bank in payment of the money due the depositor. Cramer's claim is that inasmuch as the assets of the bank were increased and bettered by the wrongful act of the officials of the bank, in unlawfully intermingling his note and mortgage with such assets, he is entitled to have the amount declared a trust fund in his favor.

17. January 12, 1911 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, January 12, 1911

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MORE FCHOES OF FLACK. Mortgage and Note of Depositor Taken from Deposit Box. John D. Cramer, by his attorneys, Moore & Humphrey, filed a petition today in the district court against the Abilene State bank, Edward Makins, receiver, and J. N. Dolley. bank commissioner, asking the court to declare certain funds in the hands of the receiver in the sum of $4223.33 to be a trust fund and belonging to Cramer. Cramer claims that he had a note and mortgage for the above sum in his private safety deposit box in the bank vault, and that the officers of the bank, presumably the defaulting bank cashier, J. A. Flack, opened his box, and took the note and mortgage out and placed it among the assets of the bank, and afterward the bank sold and indorsed it to a depositor of the bank in payment of the money due the depositor. Cramer's claim is that inasmuch as the assets of the bank were increased and bettered by the wrongful act of the officials of the bank, in unlawfully intermingling his note and mortgage with such assets, he is entitled to have the amount declared a trust fund in his favor.

18. January 12, 1911 The Mena Weekly Star Mena, AR

Article from The Mena Weekly Star, January 12, 1911

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GUARANTY LAW SAVED THEM Abilene, Kas., Depositors the First to Benefit by Bank Statute. Abilene, Kas., Jan. 8. - Certificates under the Guaranty Deposit Law were issued yesterday to all depositors in the Abilene State Bank. They are the first ever issued in Kansas. They certify that the depositor has the claim named against the bank and that it draws interest at 6 per cent from November 22. About $50,000 in deposits remains unpaid. After the receiver has collected everything possible the guaranty fund will pay the remainder. The Abilene State Bank was closed November 22, 1910, following this disappearance of John Flack, the cashier, who was discovered to be $70,000 short in his accounts.

19. May 25, 1911 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

Article from Abilene Weekly Reflector, May 25, 1911

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# CRAMER WINS HIS CASE. Court Finds That His Bank Box Was Pilfered. [From Thursday's Daily.] In the case of John D. Cramer against the bank commissioner and the receiver of the defunct Abilene State bank, the court found that J. A. Flack, cashier of the bank, opened Cramer's private box in the bank vault and took out a $4000 note and mortgage and wrongfully placed it among the assets of the bank, and afterward by advice of the bank commissioner was sold both note and mortgage to an innocent purchaser; and that the total value of the note and mortgage was $4339.20, and the court gave Cramer judgment for $4265.89 as a trust fund and preferred claim and ordered the receiver to pay to Cramer that amount out of the first funds coming into his possession as such receiver. The balance of Cramer's claim, $133.33, was allowed as an ordinary claim against the bank. Moore & Humphrey appeared for Cramer and Hurd & Hurd for defendants.

20. May 25, 1911 Abilene Weekly Reflector Abilene, KS

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Hurd for the defendant. The trial of C. M. Garver against the Abilene State bank for the recovery of money was held today and also taken under advisement. S. S. Smith represented Mr. Garver and Hurd & Hurd the bank. The case of Patrick Scanlan of Chapman against the Abilene State bank was tried and was taken under advisement. S. S. Smith was the attorney for Mr. Scanlan and Hurd & Hurd for the bank. The trial of William Miller against the Abilene State bank, Edward Makins, receiver, and S. W. Schenberger was held. C. E. Rugh was the attorney for the plaintiff and Hurd & Hurd and S. S. Smith represented the bank.

21. November 10, 1911 The Chanute Times Chanute, KS

Article from The Chanute Times, November 10, 1911

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Say Flack is in Texas. Abilene, Kansas.-Detectives at Houston, Tex., telegraphed to the receivers of the Abilene State bank that they had located John A. Flack, the defaulting cashier, and would get him for a suitable reward.

22. January 10, 1913 The Chanute Times Chanute, KS

Article from The Chanute Times, January 10, 1913

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CHRONOLOGICAL REPORT FOR YEAR 1912; REVIEW OF THE IMPORTANT HAPPENINGS 24. General showers help Kansas crops. THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS IN 25. Bennington Las $50,000 fire. KANSAS HAVE BECN UNUSUAL 26. Ternado in Montgomery county kills three persons-Town of Monett a IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. most wiped out. 29. Bank Commissioner J. N. Dolley's re: port shows increase of one and Wosst Railsoad Blockades Ever three-quarters millions in Kansas state banks between December 27, Known in the State.-Fatal Plague 1911, and April 2, 1912. MAY. Kills Many Horses-Much 1. Report by Secretary Coburn shows Livestock Dies From Exposcondition of Kansas wheat best in years, 81.2 per cent-Total acreage ure-Democrats Elect 6,065,000 acres. Governor. 3. Tornado between Larned and Offerle -No one injured. 4. Cloudburst sends Smoky Hill out of banks, damaging crops and stock. Wichita, Kan.-While the people of 10. Heavy rains over Kansas--Streets of the Sunflower state have been basking Parsons flooded. in the sunlight of one of the mildest 11. Santa Fe begins laying steel on Dodge City-Co.mar cut off through winters ever known, they are prone to rairoadless counties of Southwestern Kansas. forget that within the past year they Marion county bride found murdered experienced some of the worst weath-rather-in-law held for crime. er of their lives. It is the object of 24. Ten thousand attend unveiling of Pawnee Rock monument. this review to freshen their memories 24. Dip omas withheld from Winfield along this line, as well as to remind high school students who turned class pienic to a beer party. them of some of the other more imJ. N. Harrison, of Topeka, elected state commander Kansas G. A. R. portant happenings of the year just 31. Charles Harris, director State Emclosed. ployment Bureau, issues call for 25,Space will not permit of a compre000 harvest hands. JUNE. hensive review, but the following 1. State tax commission raises assessed dates and occurrences will no doubt valuation of Kansas public service corporations $3,886,022. prove of wide interest: 6. Young husband and wife found with JANUARY. shulls crushed, clasped in each oth2. Two Santa Fe brakemen marooned ers arms in their home at Paolaon snowbound train in Ness county. Slayer not found. 3. Western Kansas cattle and stock suf8. State grain inspection law knocked fering from cold and snow-covered out by supreme court. 9. Kansas soaked by heavy rain-Aver4. Kansas range. A. O. U. W. secedes from inch. one aged supreme lodge. 14. Four small boys drowned in pond 6. Temperature 6 to 12 below zero over near Oakley, while wading. state-Much suffering and loss of Fire at Armourda.e destroys U. P. 21. elevator, half million dollars worth Railroads stock. in Western Kansas deof grain and 30 houses. moralized by snow blockades. 26. Balloonist at Dodge City falls 3,000 19. 150 veterans at Leavenworth soldiers' feet when parachute tails to open, home made ill from ptomaine poisand lives. oning-No fatalities. Kansas wheat harvest starts. Citiz ns of Jetmore seize Santa Fe JULY. train and dig Larned branch open 6. With wheat overripe, call issued for to get food and stock feed. more harvest hands. 11. K. U. at Lawrence, and Southwestern S. New wheat sells at 90 cents. collège at Winfield closed account 9. Temperatures over 100 all over Kancoal shortage. sas. Worst storm of winter ties up all Farmers entice railroad laborers to ra # ads-Western Kansas. harvest fields. Horse and rider freeze to death in 10. S.x bandits hold up Katy passenger storm in Scott county. train near Coffeyville-railed after 14. Ash and, cut off from outside, unable nine efforts to blow express safe and to bury dead because of shortage of fled without molesting passengers. 16. Bank Commissioner J. N. Dolley's reThree coffins. killed in Missouri Pacific port shows increase in deposits in wreck at Lyndon. state banks of $6,000.000 for fiscal 16. Barton county farmers donate feed year. to stocl men of Western Kansa 17. Two women and one man drown in 18. First train in twenty-three days Cottonwood river near Emporia, reaches Ness City. while bathing. FEBRUARY. AUGUST 13. Kansas wheat fields covered with 3. Reports show 16 counties of Seventh heavy fall of snow. district produced over a million bu16. Larned decided upon for location for shels of wheat each. state tuberculosis sanitarium. 21. John A. Flack, defaulting cashier of 19. Ice gorges carry out bridges on Rethe Abilene State bank, arrested in publican, Blue and Delaware rivers New York to face charge of embez-Parm lands flooded. Z ing $75,000 and wrecking bank. 23. Midmind Valley train stuck in snow 24. Mysterious horse epidemic becomes drifts for three days. serious in Western Kansas. 25. State visited by worst snow storm of SEPTEMBER. winter-Railroads blocked and wires down--Drife 10 to 20 feet deep in 1. New $20,000 school at Jetmore, gift of a Hodgeman county farmer, deeuts-Halt many rural mail carriers. stroyed by fire. 29. Railways get main lines open. 3. State tubercular sanitarium located Four Missouri Facific engines wreckat Newton. ed near Hoisington while bucking drifts. 5. Lone bandit holds up Missouri Pacitic train near Osage City. MARCH. 25. Man. wife and daughter slain in a 1. Reported that Kansas gas fields are tent at Wellington-Son arrested for playing out-All Kansas towns exthe crime. perience gas shortages due to cold OCTOBER. weather. 1. Bank Commissioner J. N. Dolley re2. Another snow storm blocks Western kansas railroads-Hignways also ports increase in Kansas bank deblocked, but great for the wheat. posits of seven millions in three months. 7. Orient railroad goes into hands of 5. Postmaster McElheny of Louisburg, receiver. slain in own home by unknown asHill City, 12 days cut off by snow sassin. blockades, short of food. 6. School girl and young veterinary sur8. Snow again blocks Western Kansas rai roads. g on. sweethearts, die in suicide 9. Kansas National Guard expecting orpact near Bennington. Former Senator W. A. Peffer, famous ders to go to Mexico. 7. 10. Wind drifts loose snow into railway Populist leader, dies at home of cuts, blocking several lines. daughter at Grenola. 9. Kansas Natural Gas company goes 14. Another big snow ties up Western Kansas roads again-Branch lines into hands of receivers. still blocked from last preceding .8. Frosts put stop to horse plague. NOVEMBER. 15. K. snow. N. G. gets orders from war de5. Election day-Wilson, Hodges and partment to be prepared to move or Thompson elected. All rest of Refive hours' notice account Mexican publican ticket elected. disturbances. Equal suffrage wins in Kansas. 17. A 12-year-old boy buried under snow 10. J. A. Wayland, owner of Appeal to from Rock Island rotary snow plow Reason, commits suicide at Girard at Smith Center and smothered to worried over federal indictments. at Official count gives Hodges majority 8. 18. War department announces plans for of 31 for governor. gigantic military maneuvers in East23. Fred D. Warren, editor Appeal to ern Kansas. Reason, J. 1. Shepard, Ft. Scott, at20. Melting snows cause floods along the torney. and Eugene V. Debs, SocialBlue river. ist candidate for president, indicted Branch lines in Western Kansas still by federal grand jury on charge of blocked with snow. inducing a government witness tc 23. Kansas gets snowfall of 5 to 15 leave the state. inches. 25. Supreme court denies petition of Cap26. Kansas railroads notify Governor per's attorneys for recount. Stubbs the will haul seed grain DECEMBER. free to Western Kansas farmers. 13. Secretary F. D. Coburn's annual reAPRIL. port for 1912 shows value of farm 20. One killed and 25 injured, several products reached record total of 580 fatally, by tornado which struct million dollars. parts of Rush, Harper and Kingmai 19. $20,000 incendiary fire at Rossville.