6600. Fidelity State & Savings Bank (Emporia, KS)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: savings bank
Start Date: August 9, 1933
Location: Emporia, Kansas (38.404, -96.182)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 7724830d

Response Measures

None

Description

State bank commissioner ordered the Fidelity State and Savings Bank closed in early August 1933 after discovery that municipal bonds the bank held were forged. A general bank receiver was directed to take over the affairs later in August. No evidence of a depositor run or reopening appears in the articles; the bank was placed in receivership and suits followed.

Events (3)

1. August 9, 1933 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Discovery that municipal bonds held by the bank were forged (municipal bond forgery scandal involving Ronald Finney).
Newspaper Excerpt: The three banks whose deposits were secured by the forged bonds, immediately were ordered closed by H W Koeneke state bank commissioner. for examination and for protection of the depositors They are the Fidelity State and Savings bank of Emporia
Source: newspapers

2. August 24, 1933 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: Koeneke, state bank commissioner, said he had directed Charles W. Johnson, general bank receiver, to take over the affairs the Fidelity State and Savings bank of Emporia and the Farmers State bank at Neosho Falls.
Source: newspapers

3. September 26, 1933 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: civil suit for filed late today against Ronald Finney ... for Charles Johnson, receiver for the Fidelity State and Savings Bank of Emporia. The suit charges the amount due the bank because Ronald Finney received that much the sale of forged and worthless bonds to the bank
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (14)

1. August 9, 1933 The Des Moines Register Des Moines, IA

Article from The Des Moines Register, August 9, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BOND FORGERY CLOSES BANKS Kansas Governor Reveals Municipal Swindle municipal bond forgery, which authorities believe may have been a million dollar swindle, caused the closing of three state banks Tuesday and the arrest of one man. Ronald Finney bond broker and son of W. W. Finney, Emporia, Kan banker surrendered after being charged with uttering $20,000 in forged bonds to the National Bank of Gov Alf M. Landon revealed that eight issues of Kansas municipal bonds totaling $329,000 purchased by the state school fund and held in the state treasury vaults had been forged in duplicate, making $658,000 in spurious bonds The three banks whose deposits were secured by the forged bonds, immediately were ordered closed by H W Koeneke state bank commissioner. "for examination and for protection of the depositors They are the Fidelity State and Savings bank of Emporia, of which Finney's father is president, the Eureka bank Eureka and the Farmers State bank. Neosho Falls.

2. August 24, 1933 Kansas City Journal Kansas City, MO

Article from Kansas City Journal, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

W. FINNEY'S BANKS IN HANDS OF Aug. state bank sioner. announced Thursday that he had placed the banks of W. Finney, father of Ronald. in the hands the general bank ceiver. Charles Johnson. the same he said. the banking department had filed lien on the real property of Finney and stockholders the Fidelity State and Savings bank. of Emporia, and the Farmers State bank of Neosho Falls. The elder Finney was president of the banks and was the largest stockholder in them. Mr. Koeneke not estimate the losses to the depositors in the banks but intimated they might go to $500,000, or higher.

3. August 24, 1933 The Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune Chillicothe, MO

Article from The Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

More Against The Bond Broker and Manager, Leland Caldwell, Today. TOPEKA, Kas., Aug. Ronald Finney, unable to $50,000 bond to answer to charges issuing forged bonds, was sent to today shortly after the state banking commissioner placed two of the Finney banks into receivership. the first time the broktwice arrested, had been put hind bars. Koeneke, state bank commissioner, said he had directed Charles W. Johnson, general bank receiver, to take over the affairs the Fidelity State and Savings bank of Emporia and the Farmers State bank at Neosho Falls. A record of $20,000 check from Young Finney to Tom Boyd, state treasurer, has been discovered by Fred Harris, special prosecutor directing the investigation of the fraudulent securities. TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. Ronald Finney, Emporia bank and his Topeka office Leland Caldwell, were arrested today on sixty additional charges in connection with the Kansas forged bond scandal. Finney was arrested Emporia and brought to the Shawnee county here at the direction of county attorney Lester Goddell. Caldwell Was taken in custody here. Each of the men arrested previously on charges uttering forged bonds and released on $25,000 bail. Goddell's move today regarded calculated to increase the bond requirements of the pair, crash of whose financial skyrocket closed three banks and led to the arrest state treasurer Tom Boyd and martial law for the treasury. Doctor Makes Jackets VERONA, Wis., Aug. Sharpe, who his pharmacist, also raises Cheviot sheep from whose wool he manufactures jackets to be worn by pneumonia patients. Congestionbreaking vests of wool from these full-blooded Cheviot sheep are less irritating than others, he said.

4. August 24, 1933 Jefferson City Post-Tribune Jefferson City, MO

Article from Jefferson City Post-Tribune, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FINNEY TO Kansas Probers Claim A $20,000 Transfer from Financier to Official TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. record of $20,000 check from Ronald Finney, central figure in the Kansas bond scandal, to Tom Boyd, state treasurer, has been was announced today by Fred Harris, special prosecutor directing investigation of the fraudulent securities. The announcement came as Finney was being arraigned after his rearrest on counts charging suance of fraudulent bonds. the bond for his release was set at $50,000. Harris, state senator named by Gov. Landon to prosecute the bond scandal cases, said that Finney's check ledger listed $20,000 check made payable to Boyd. He said no further details of the reported transaction had yet been obtained. Boyd is at liberty on $25,000 bail charges of allowing private dividuals to remove securities from treasury vaults. Lester Goodell, Shawnee county attorney, last night drove to Em poria and at m. routed young Finney from bed and returned him here face additional charges based on the Hutchinson bond for geries. Goodell also ordered the arrest of Finney's office manager, Leland Caldwell, who was held under $15,000 additional bail. He was returned to jail default of bond. Finney offered to make bail, and pending an investigation of the financial responsibility of his bondsmen was held the sheriff's office. M. H. Koenke, state bank commissioner, said he had diercted Charles W. Johnson, general bank receiver, to take over the affairs of Fidelity State and Savings Bank Emporia and the Farmers State Bank of Neosho Falls. He said he had filed lien on the real property of W. W. Finney, father Ronald and president of the two hanks, together with liens on the real property of other stockholders of the institutions. Meanwhile, court officials from Topeka were in Emporia to investigate the financial responsibility of persons offering to sign the $50,000 bond required of Ronald Finney at his arraignment.

5. August 24, 1933 St. Joseph Gazette St. Joseph, MO

Article from St. Joseph Gazette, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Record of Paid by Finney to Boyd Uncovered in Kansas. Kan., Aug. record of $20,000 issued Ronald Finney central figure in the bond forgery scandal, and made payable "Tom Boyd, was made public today the office of Lester Goodell, ShawCounty Boyd, treasurer under charge having Sioux funds his own that of Finney's bond the check, Goodell Finney's check register, seized by the after the of the City bond weeks charge of forged The check under date June There for the purpose for which the check issued The register showed disburse ments from the Fidelity State and Savings Bank Emporia, closed, of which Finney's father. Finney, president. Boyd ranged from $500 Several, most them for $1,000 each, were payable David said Finney's Fred M. Harris, state investigator the has reported there "dozens of instances" which checks cashed the state offices. the checks ranging in amounts from $11,000. on Rushville, approx imately three and miles south will use on this job for Fifteen carloads piling, the Wickham Woods Brothers Company has of 100 men north of completed Bilhorn. Bowers Peters struction Company small near Bend and preparing renew operations. Upper River Work Stopped. River above Joseph are points Omaha and Both jobs largely protection the stage where erosion awaited. The Kansas City Bridge Comhas the Omaha job and company has the The contractors now the river completing possible gency appropriation the river year ago.

6. August 24, 1933 Sapulpa Herald Sapulpa, OK

Article from Sapulpa Herald, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ORDER RONALD FINNEY ARREST SIXTY ADDITIONAL CHARGES LODGED AGAINST KANSAS BROKER AND MANAGER TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 24. (LP)-Ronold Finney, Emporia bond broker, and his Topeka office manager, Leland Caldwell, were arrested today on 60 additional charges in connection with the Kansas forged bonds scandal Finney arrested at Emporia and brought to the Shawnee county jail here at the direction of county attorney Lester Goodwell Caldwell was taken in custody here, Each of the men arrested previously on charges of uttering forged bonds and released on $25,000 bail. Goodell's move today was regarded as calculated to increase the bond requirements of the pair, crash of whose financial skyrocket closed three banks and led to the arrest of state treasurer Tom Boyd and martial law for the treasury County authorities said Finney and Caldwell would be arraigned later today. TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 24. (LP)-Lester Goodell, Shawnee county prosecutor today ordered the arrest of Ronald Finney, Emporia broker, and his Topeka office manager, Leland Caldwell. on 60 counts of forgery Each of the men previously was arrested and released on bail on charges growing out of the Kansas forged bonds scandal. TOPEKA Kan., Aug. 24. (LP)Ronald Finney, unable to make $50,000 bond to answer charges of issuing forged bonds, was sent to jail today shortly after the state bank commissioner put two of the Finney banks in receivership. It was the first time the young Emporia broker. twice arrested, was put behind the bars. H. W. Koeneke, state bank commissioner, said he had directed Chas W. Johnson, general bank receiver, to take over the affairs of Fidelity State and Savings Bonk of Emporia and the Farmers State Bank of Neosho Falls. He said he had filed a lien on the real property of W. W. Finney, father of Ronald and president of the two banks, together with liens on the real property of other stockholders of the institutions. Meanwhile, court officials from Topeka were in Emporia to investigate the financial responsibility of persons offering to sign the $50,000 bond required of Ronald Finney at his arThe young broker and his office manager, Leland Caldwell, were arraigned today on a joint complaint against them. Each was at liberty on bond on earlier separate charges. While Finney was being arraigned, Sen. Fred Harris, special prosecutor appointed by Gov. Alf M. Landon, announced that Finney's check ledger listed a $20,000 check payable to state treasurer Tom Boyd. Harris said details of the transaction had not been learned as yet.

7. August 24, 1933 The Wichita Beacon Wichita, KS

Article from The Wichita Beacon, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

JAIL FINNEY Emporia Broker Faces 60 More Charges in Bond Scandal Aug. 24. (UP) Ronald Finney, unable to make $50,000 bond to answer charges of issuing forged bonds, was sent to jail shortly after the state bank put two of the Finney banks in receivership. It was the first time the young Emporia twice arrested, was put behind the bars. Koeneke, state bank comsaid directed Charles Johnson, general bank receiver, take over affairs of Fidelity State and Savings bank Emporia Farmers State Neosho Falls. He he had lien on the property Finney, father of Ronald and president the two banks, together liens the other stockcourt from Topeka the financial responsibility offering sign the bond required Ronald Finney at his arraignment. The young broker and his office manager, Leland Caldwell, were raigned today joint complaint against them. Each liberty on bond earlier separate charges. Probe Check to Boyd While Finney being arraigned, Sen. Fred Harris, special prosecutor appointed Gov. announced Finney's ledger listed check payable State Tom Harris the transbeen yet. Harris, state Landon to prosecute the bond scandal cases, said that Finney's check ledger listed $20,000 check made He further dettails of the reported transaction yet been obtained Boyd liberty on bail charges allowing private individuals remove securities from treasury vaults. Lester Shawnee county attorney, last night drove to Emporia routed Finney from bed and returned (Continued on Page column 6)

8. August 24, 1933 Pawhuska Journal-Capital Pawhuska, OK

Article from Pawhuska Journal-Capital, August 24, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BROKER JAILED IN KANSAS BOND DEAL Ronald Finney Unable to Raise $50,000 Bail on Forged Bond Charge TOPEKA, Kan., (U.P.)-Ronald Finney, unable to make $50,000 bond to answer charges of issuing forged bonds, was sent to jail today shortly after the state bank commissioner put two of the Finney banks in receivership. It was the first time the young Emporia broker, twice arrested, was put behind the bars. H. W. Koeneke, state bank commissioner, said he had directed Charles W. Johnson, general bank receiver, to take over the affairs of Fidelity State and Savings Bank of Emporia and the Farmers State Bank of Neosho Falls. He said he had filed a lien on the real property of W. W. Finney, father of Ronald and president of the two banks, together with liens on the real property of other stockholders of institutions. Meanwhile, court officials from Topekaywere in Emporia to investigate the financial responsibility of persons offering to sign the $50,000 bond required of Ronald Finney at his arraignment. The young broker and his office manager, Leland Caldwell, were arraigned today on a joint complaint against them. Each was at liberty on bond on earlier separate charges. While Finney was being arraigned, Sen. Fred Harris, special prosecutor appointed by Gov. Alf M. Landon, announced that Finney's check ledger listed a $20,000 check payable to State Treasurer Tom Boyd. Harris said details of the transaction had not been learned as yet.

9. September 3, 1933 The Wichita Eagle Wichita, KS

Article from The Wichita Eagle, September 3, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Trace Rubber Used The Stamp in Forgeries to Topeka EMPORIA, Sept. ClarBeck, Lyon county attorney, today he believed rubber stamp, used in an alleged forged the county treason check Topeka Telephone company made the Darling stamp works Topeka and purchased by an Emporia W. Finney, manager of the telephone with embezzling $75,000 in connection with the closing his Fidelity State and Savings bank here following the Kansas milbond forgery case. Beck been an into tax account the telephone company which he resulted in discovering check for the taxes bearing the alleged forged signature. Beck said the account was not actually until this week, then by an attorney for Finney's son, Ronald, is under arrest charges in connection with the bond forgery scandal.

10. September 26, 1933 The Emporia Gazette Emporia, KS

Article from The Emporia Gazette, September 26, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Suit for State Bank Receiver Brings Against Ronald Finney, Emporia and Topeka Bond Broker. IN LYON COUNTY Petition Charges Ronald Finney Sold Forged Bonds to State and Savings Bank. suit asking for money judgment from Finney filed late Monday afterthe Lyon county district court Rees, Emporia torney for Charles the Fidelity State and bank. The petition charged that Ronald Finney sold the bank forged bonds" that the time the bonds forged and The action alleges that the bank on transaction August charges that Finney. this date. sold the bank the alleged $16,000 School District Logan School county: Consolidated School District Thomas county: and School District county The paid Ronald Finney charged the some time Finney the bank $7,000 the leaving balance the second cause of action. the bank alleges that Ronald Finney sold the bank worth forged bonds ported have issued Kan. This transaction. charged. took place February Ronald Finncy Emporia and peka broker. being the county peka for trial on charges forging bonds. forged bonds and using the mails to defraud.

11. September 26, 1933 The Kansas City Times Kansas City, MO

Article from The Kansas City Times, September 26, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FINNEY SUED FOR $89,000. Forged Bonds Sold Emporia Bank. Its Receiver Charges. EMPORIA KAS., Sept. civil suit for filed late today against Ronald Finney, central figure the Kansas bond who now in jail Topeka, H. Rees of Emporia, for Charles Johnson, receiver for the Fidelity State and Savings Bank of Emporia The suit charges the amount due the bank because Ronald Finney ceived that much the sale of forged and worthless bonds to the bank. The suit charges that August 19. 1932. Ronald Finney sold the bank fifteen $1,000 bonds forged on school district No. Logan County, Kanbonds forged district No. Logan County, Kanfour $1,000 bonds forged district No. Thomas Kanbonds forged on rural high school district No. Gove County, These bonds totaled $40,000 and is charged that some time after August 1932. Ronald Finney paid the bank $7,000 on the transaction leaving balance of Finney charged selling the bank. February bonds forged the city of Kansas City, Kansas

12. September 27, 1933 The Weekly Kansas City Star Kansas City, MO

Article from The Weekly Kansas City Star, September 27, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

LINKS THE FINNEYS. Emporia Banker Charged With Forgery Profits. Emporia, bombshell exploded the Kansas bond scandal when the Lyon County attorney Clarence Beck, criminal charges against Warren Finney president the closed Fidelity State and Savings Bank, and manager the Emporia, Sabetha and Paola telephone companies father Ronald Finney. central figure the bond tangle Finney already liberty $25,000 bond after being charged eighteen with from his bank He has those and face the October term district court. charges filed last week the first Finney forged He forged bonds his bank and with dividing the money Thirteen counts involving forging, uttering and spurious papers were filed against Finney today. Count the one which links Finney the bond August 13, 1932, he charged with selling his bank $50,000 bonds forged school district No. 92 County. records show. that Finney $40,000 the money that $10,000 went his Ronald evidence, and photographic copies the leged spurious bank's records, now in charge the banking department, the transactions.

13. September 27, 1933 The Weekly Kansas City Star Kansas City, MO

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FINNEY SUED FOR Forged Bonds Sold Emporia Bank, Its Receiver Charges. Emporia civil suit for $89. filed Monday Finney figure Kanscandal Rees Emporia, receiver for the Fidelity State and Savings Bank of Emporia. The charges the amount is due the bank because Ronald Finney ceived much the sale forged and worthless bonds to the bank.

14. October 2, 1933 The Emporia Gazette Emporia, KS

Article from The Emporia Gazette, October 2, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TO NAME RECEIVER SOON. Bank Receiver Visits Fidelity Bank Today. An assistant receiver for the closed Fidelity State and Savings bank will appointed within announced today Charles Johnson, Topeka, general for defunct state banks. Mr. Johnson Emto confer Starr, chief examiner for the state bankdepartment, has been in charge the Fidelity bank since closed August The appointed as soon Starr completes his examination files his reports in Mr. Johnoffice Several Emporians made plication for the Rees, Emporia, has been engaged as torney for the Aside from the announcement that an receiver will soon, Mr. Johnson had other to make in connection with his visit to Emporia.