6708. Hunnewell State Bank (Hunnewell, KS)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
November 28, 1881
Location
Hunnewell, Kansas (37.005, -97.405)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
a194b65c

Response Measures

Full suspension

Other: Bank officials (Danford and Smith) arrested; cashier Bowers paid depositors collateral settlements.

Description

Multiple contemporary papers report heavy withdrawals/'run' and that Hunnewell (and related Caldwell, Osage City) banks 'closed their doors' or 'suspended' in late Nov. 1881. Depositors menaced officials; owners arrested. No clear report of a subsequent reopening; later legal actions (Feb 1882) concern attachments. I classify this as a run leading to suspension and ultimate closure. Cause attributed to complications with Danford's Caldwell bank (protested draft/removed collateral and alleged malfeasance).

Events (2)
1. November 28, 1881 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Banks closed/suspended amid revelations/accusations of misconduct by owner Danford (removal of collaterals, alleged disposal of bonds, arrests for receiving deposits while insolvent); authorities and mobs acted against officials.
Newspaper Excerpt
Osage City savings bank has suspended, being under the same management as the recently suspended Hunnewell and Caldwell banks
Source
newspapers
2. November 29, 1881 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Run triggered by complications at Danford's other bank (Caldwell) — a protested draft on the Caldwell bank and removal of collaterals prompted heavy withdrawals at Hunnewell.
Measures
Cashier Bowers 'settled with depositors with collaterals, real estate, etc.' and paid up most of those who came (turned over money/notes to creditors).
Newspaper Excerpt
the protested draft on the Caldwell bank caused the run
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (12)
1. November 29, 1881 The Cheyenne Daily Leader Cheyenne, WY
Article from The Cheyenne Daily Leader, November 29, 1881

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Paris advices state that Firman has accepted the governorship of Algeria on terms which reduce it a mere prefect. Victoria Woodhall has arrived in New York with her daughter, who was falsely reported engaged to Lord Colin Campbell. Osage City, Kansas, Nov. 29.-The Osage City savings bank has suspended, being under the same management as the recently suspended Hunnewell and Caldwell banks. Menssonier, the artist, gave a soiree in Paris in honor of the American photographer who invented the process by which photographs can be taken of animals in the swiftest motion. General Sheridan has written to Miss Clara Barton, American representative of the society of the Red Cross in favor of congressional recognition of the soclety in accordance with the terms of international convention of the leading European powers at Geneva. The chief object of the society is the amelioration of the sufferings of the sick and wounded in armies during war. The Chicago Tribune's editorial says: One of the first duties of congress will be to abolish the Hawaiian reciprocity treaty which has simply been the means of enriching a few planters in the Sandwich Islands and a sugar pool in San Francisco and has cost the government a million a year in revenues. The facts about this outrageous sugar monopoly on the Pacific slope has been repeatedly stated and never denied. The Tribune's Washington special says: The latest place for which Chauncey J. Filley has been mentioned is the land commissionership of the Union Pacific railway. Tilley is here interested in securing a cabinet position, and said upon being inquired of that the talk about the Union Pacific position was news to him. To his intimate friends, however, Filley speaks with great confidence of being made postmaster-general.

2. November 30, 1881 The Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from The Rock Island Argus, November 30, 1881

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BANK TROUBLES. HUNNEWELL, Nov. 29.-The excitement at Caldwell still continues at fever heat. Threats are made and will be carried out that Danford must settle before to-morrow or die. At Hunnewell, Cashier Bowers settled with depositors with collaterals, real estate, etc., and paid up within $3,000 of the indebtedness. His course seems to give satisfaction to every one. The de posits at Caldwell were about $50,000. As all the collaterals, books, etc., were removed to Newton, it is impossible to tell how far they will go toward paying up. Danford has offered to pay part, but the depositors refuse to settle. A heavy guard watches Smith and Danford day and night. Sheriff Sherell left for Wellington to-day. He says he can do nothing against the mob and with Danford it is settle or die. The feeling is greatly aggravated by the fact that Danford assigned all his real estate to Col. Hood, of Emporia, Saturday night; that he offered the guards $10,000 each while being brought back, to let him escape, and on account of the removal of the Caldwell property from the bank on Saturday, which he took with him to Newton. although deposits were received up to the last minute. At a meeting a committee of determined men were sent after F. A. Tanner, with instructions to bring him at all hazards. Tanner is thought to have something to do with the removal of collaterals. Danford told the cashier here that he had just disposed of the Carbondale bank. The bank building at Lyndel was finished but not open for business. It is reported that Danford had disposed of Hunnewell city bonds to the amount of $16,000 to parties in New York.

3. November 30, 1881 Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from Daily Globe, November 30, 1881

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SETILE UP OR DIE. A Kanena Bank Breaker is Given this Alternative. HUNNEWELL, Kinsas, Nov. 29.-Excitement at Caldwell still continues at fever heat. Threats are made and will be carried out, that Danford must settle before to-morrow or die. At Hanniwell the cashier, Mr. Bowers, settled up with depositors with collaterals and real estates, and paid up within $30,000 of the indebtedness. His course has given satis. faction to every one. Deposits at Caldwell were about $50,000. As all the collaterals, books, etc., were removed to Newton it is impossible to tell how far they will go towards paying up. Danford has offered to pay part, but depositors refuse to settle. A beavy guard watches Smith and Danford day and night. Sheriff Thralls left for Wellington to-day. He says he can do nothing against the mob and it is with Danford to settle or die. Feeling is greatly aggravated by the fact that Danford assigned all his real estate to Caldwell of Peoria on Saturday: that he offered his guards $1,000 each while being brought back to escape, and the removal of the Caldwell property from the bank on Satuarday, which Smith took to Newton. Deposits were received up to the last minnote. A committee of determined men was sent after F. A. Tanner with instructions to bring him at all hazards. Tanner is thought to have something to do with the removal of the collateral. Danford told his cashier here that he had just disposed of the Carbondale bank. The bank building at Lyndell was finished but not opened for business It is reported and believed that Danford has disposed of the Hunnewell city bonds ($16.000) to some parties in New York. Mayor Hughes and E. M. Ford have gone east to look after this. The cashier here thinks the trouble is entirely uncalled for and biames the Caldwell cashier for not keeping his New York account up, as a protested draft on the Caldwell bank caused the run. All the banks were doing well and nothing but erooked work could have caused the failure.

4. December 1, 1881 The Dallas Daily Herald Dallas, TX
Article from The Dallas Daily Herald, December 1, 1881

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DEFERRED TELEGRAMS, That Bank Failure. HUNNEWELL, KANSAS, November 29.-The excitement over the failure of the Hunnewell and Caldwell Banks is intensifying, and the depositors and citizens generally are loudly and openly ;threatening violence to the officials of the late banks. The deposits"at Caldwell were about 1,000. As all tl e collaterals, books, etc., were removed to Newton, it is impossible to tell how far they will go toward paying up. Danford has offered to pay part, but the depositors refuse to settle. A heavy guard watches Smith and Danford day and night. Sheriff Thralls left for Wellington to day. He says he can do nothing against the mob and it is with Danford to settle or die. The feeling is greatly aggravated by the fact that Danford assigned all his real estate to Colonel Hood, of Emporia, Saturday last, and that he offered his guards $1,000 each while being brought back to let him escape, and also by the removal of the Caldwell property from the bank on Saturday, which Smith took with him to Newton, although deposits were received up to the last minute. At a meeting of the committee a determined man was sent after F. A. Tanner with instructions to bring him at all hazards. Tanner is thought to have something to do with the removal of the collateral. Danford told the cashier here that he had just disposed of the Carbondale bank. The bank building at Syndel! was finished but not opened for business. It is reported and believed that Danford has disposed of the Hunnewell city bonds, $16,000, to some parties in New York. Mayor Hughes and F. M. Ford have gone East to look after this. The cashier here thinks the trouble entirely uncalled for, and blames the Caldwell cashier for not keeping his New York account up as the protested draft on the Caldwell Bank caused the run. All the banks were doing well, and nothing but crooked work could have caused a failure.

5. December 1, 1881 The Emporia Weekly News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia Weekly News, December 1, 1881

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OVER THE STATE. It is estimated that there are 300,000 cattle in Barbour county. The United States circuit court convened in Topeka Monday. Lightning rod swindlers are preying upon the people of Osage county. Ft. Scott is complaining of a raid of gamblers from Chicago and Missouri. Isn't it nearly the time of year for the its Wichita Eagle to come out with awe-inspising pork packing statistics? The case of W. R. Elliott, the Topeka bigamist, has been continued for one week. The defendant could not give bail and was committed. A 16,000 fire occured at Coffeyville, Kansas, on Monday night. There was of no wind blowing or a large portion the city would now be in ashes. Wichita Eagle: The new water mill started its machinery on Tuesday, and It everything moved off satisfactorily. stands the proprietors in $28,500. The funeral of Sister Rhodie, well known throughout the west, took place sisat Leavenworth on Monday. Fifty ters of charity took part in the services. Champion: Within three months Atchison will have three railroad routes to the Rocky Mountains, the A. T. and S. F. road, the Central Branch and the Burlington and Missouri River. The Witchita Daily Times will hereafterb issued by The Times Publishing Company. Judge Campbell, late judge of the Thirteenth district, has purchased a half interest in the paper and will be one ot its editors. The Leavenworth Times of Sunday editorial on "Good We should have sans." has an supposed Looking Kan- that the innate modesty of Col. Anthony would have suggested the impropriety of his tackling such a delicate subject. Mr. Sells, of Topeka, who has had a great deal of experience in feeding and caring for stock says that one ton of timothy is worth two tons of prairie hay, and that Kansas will never reach her best possibilities as a stock state until her farmers grow timothy for winter feed. The Osage City savings bank suspended payment on Monday owing to com- and plications with Danford's Caldwell Hunnewell banks, which suspended last Friday. The friends of the bank have the utmost confidence in its ability to meet all of its obligations in a short time. Governor St. John has written a letter to the Winfield Courier, earnestly denying that he advocated the election of a bolting ticket in Riley county, just before election, as has been charged by some of the papers. No one who knows the governor believed there was any truth in the charge. The Junction City Union suggests that the Kansas Congressional delegation tackle the Kansas Pacificland question and secure such legislation as will compel the railroad to pay taxes like other folks. The Union claims that there are nearly three million acres of this land in a condition not subject to taxation and not likely to be. A meeting of wool growers will De- be held at Larned on the 14th day of cember, for the purpose of organizing an Arkansas Valley Wool Growers Association, for all counties west of Newton. Forty-five individuals or persons of owning over eighty thousand head sheep endorse the call and promise to make the movement a success. The Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal church, as their shows, has aided in the erection of of sixty-five map churches in Kansas, most which are in the small towns and counplaces. Southeast Kansas is dotted all try over with the red crosses, showing that Ft. Scott and Emporia districts are building a large number of these churches. On the 12th of January the Marion Record is to be to a nine column paper, of seven County enlarged and Cottrell from the a fice is to be furnished with a new power press, and new type. We hope the Hoch boys are not attempting morethan their paironage and the increased growth of their town and county will justify. They have stuck faithfully to their business for many years, always being ready to strike for the interests of their town and county, and to defend the good name of both. The increase in the size of the and their facilities for printing, ought paper to give them a largely increased patronage and influence. THE News joins with the many friends of the Rec ord throughout the state in wishing the it that measure of prosperity which faithfuldess and enterprise of its pub. lishers so well deserve.

6. December 2, 1881 Wheeling Register Wheeling, WV
Article from Wheeling Register, December 2, 1881

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THE KANSAS BANKS. Indignant Depositors Choking Cashier Smith Into a Confession. HUNNEWELL KANSAS, December 1.-The excitement over the Hunnewell and Caldwell bank failure still runs high. At one time yesterday it was thought President Danford and Cashier Smith would never see daylight again. They are under a heavy guard A determined crowa of swindled depositors say a settlement must be made at once in full, or Danford and Smith must die. All is quiet here. The latest news from Caldwell is that a rope was put around Smith's neck and gently pulled, which induced him to make a confession, the substance of which cannot be learned.

7. December 2, 1881 The Corvallis Gazette Corvallis, OR
Article from The Corvallis Gazette, December 2, 1881

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Osage City, Ks., Nov. 28.-Osage City Savings bank has suspended, being under the same management as the recently suspended Hunnewell and Caldwell banks.

8. December 3, 1881 Huntsville Gazette Huntsville, AL
Article from Huntsville Gazette, December 3, 1881

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THE Osage City (Kansas) Savings Bank suspended on the 28th, owing to complications with the Danford Caldwell and Hunnewell banks, which closed their doors a few days prevlous. Danford, owner of the latter Institutions, and Smith, his cashier, were arrested and taken to Wellington, upon charges of receiving deposits after they knew their banks to be insolvent. Some hours later a party of men from Caldwell took the two bankers by force from the officers with the avowed intention of taking them back to Caldwell and compelling them to disgorge. There was some apprehension that they might be lynched.

9. December 3, 1881 The Milan Exchange Milan, TN
Article from The Milan Exchange, December 3, 1881

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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. A NATIONAL convention of cottonplanters and manufacturers is to be held at Atlanta, Ga., commencing December 6. THE celebrated Iowa barb-wire cases will come up January 3 in the United States Circuit Court at Keokuk. A full Bench will be present, Judge McCrary presiding. B. F. Butler, of Massachnsetts, and C. C. Cole, of Des Moines, will appear for the farmers. THE Indian Territorial Legislature has voted the right of way for a new railroad. IT is reported that Mr. Jay Gould has secured control of the New York & New England Railroad Company. It is further reported that he has perfected plans for connecting the line directly with New York and with the elevated railroad system. THE Roumanian Government has renewed for a year the prohibition of the importation of pork from the United States and several European countries. THE Osage City (Kansas) Savings Bank suspended on the 28th, owing to complications with the Danford Caldwell and Hunnewell banks, which closed their doors a few days previous. Danford, owner of the latter institutions, and Smith, his cashier, were arrested and taken to Wellington, upon charges of receiving deposits after they knew their banks to be insolvent. Some hours later a party of men from Caldwell took the two bankers by force from the officers with the avowed intention of taking them back to Caldwell and compelling them to disgorge. There was some apprehension that they might be lynched. DECEMBER 9 has been designated as "Mayors' Day" at the Atlanta Exposition. The Mayor or his representative from every city in the Union is expected.

10. December 8, 1881 The Russellville Democrat Russellville, AR
Article from The Russellville Democrat, December 8, 1881

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West. D. P. SINGLETON, indicted at Columbia Mo., for fürgery, was sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary. J. D. WISE was arrested at Kansas City, for alleged complicity in the robbery of the Postmaster at Bolton, Mo, some time ago. THE official vote of the State of Wisconsin for Governor shows Rusk. (Republican) 81,753; Pratt. (Dimocrat) 69,804; Danouse, (Temperance) 13.222; Allia, (Greenbacker) 6,974; Rusk's plurality 11,950. This was the lowest Republican plurality the highest being for Lieutenant Governor Frefield, 14,208 COAL miners to the number of 300, work ing the Richmond, Ray county, Mo., mines. struck for 1 cent advance per bushel on coal. They were getting 6 cents and wanted 7 cents. One or two owners acceded, and about 100 miners are at work. There is a fearful coal famine in St Joseph now. Soft coal retails at $5.50 per ton, and there is none in town. Hard coal $3.50, and only about 100 cars in the yards. A POSTAL card dated Mannette Wis., Nov. 29. signed Capt. I. T Everetts, states a schooner, supposed to be the Kate Gillette, 260 tons burden, owned in Chicago by T. W. Harvey, laden with 30,000 feet of lumber, is ashore at Plum Island and that all hands are supposed to be lost. Her crew consisted of John Sims, captain, and nine men. The owners discredit the report; at least, that part of it regarding the loss of life. The vessel was considered seaworthy, THE excitement over the suspension of the Hunnewell, Kansas, Bank eulminated in the gathering of a crowd of the creditors at the bank. Mr. Bawers' the cashier, promptly turned over the money, notes: e.e. to the creditors and satisfied all who came. As the bank was considered sound of course all were not here, and it is not known how heavy the losses will be. There One are all sorts of reports on the streets. is that Col. Danford, the president of the Caldwell, Hunnewell and Orage banks, has been arrested at Wichita, and that Mr. Smith, the cashier at Caldwell, has also been arrested. It is supposed that there are other banks interested in the failure of the one at this place, Caldwell, Osage, City and Carbondale. THE French visitors spent two days in Salt Lake They were shown about the city by Gov. Murphy, and through the Horn silversmelters at Franklin by Mayor Hill, They visited Fort Douglas, and the young French officers took part in a turkey shooting match. but America won the turkey. Gen. Boulanger, responding to a toast, praised the appointments of the post, which are in every respect a model, and asked that the guard house inmates, in consideration of the day and occasion, be pardoned their offences. Commanding Officer Perry, Gen. McCosh being absant, graciously as sented. Gov. Murphy tendered their a regular Thanksgiving dinner but their arrangements ahead compelled them to de They left for the West on time. and

11. December 10, 1881 The Comet Jackson, MS
Article from The Comet, December 10, 1881

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The Kansas Bank Manager, Who is ⑉ the Haud of the People / The excitement at Caldwell Kansas, still cotinues at fever heat. Threats are made, and will be carried out, that Danford must settle or die. At Hunnewell, the cashier, Mr. Bowers, settled up with depositors with collaterals, real estate, etc., and paid up within $3,000 of the indebtedness. His course has given satisfaction to every one. The deposits at Caldwell were about $50,000. As all the colloterals, books, etc., were removed to Newton, it is impossible to tell how far they will go towards paying up. Danford has offered to pay part but the depositors refuse to settle. A heavy guard watches Smith and Danford day and night. Sheriff Tharls left Washington to-day. He says he can do nothing against the mob, and it's with Danford to settle or die. The feeling is greatly aggravated by the fact that Danford assigned all of his real estate to Col. Hoond, of Emporia, Saturday night; that he offered his guards $1000 each while being brought back to let him escape, and the removal of the Caldwell property from the bank on Saturday which Smith took with him to Newton, although deposits were received up to the last minute. At a meeting of the committee a determined man was sent after F. A. Tanner, with instructions to bring him in at all hazard. Tanner is thought to have something to do with the removal of the collateral. Danford told the cashier here that he had just disposed of the Carbondate Bank. The bank building at Lydell was finished but not open for business. It is reported and believed that Danford has diposed of the Hunnewell City bonds for $16,000 to some parties in New York. Mayor Hughes and E. M. Ford have gone East to look after this. The cashier thinks the trouble entirely uncalled for and blames the Caldwell cashier for not keeping his New York account up, as a protested draft on the Caldwell bank caused the run. All the banks were doing well, and nothing bnt crooked work could have caused the failure.

12. February 9, 1882 The Emporia Weekly News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia Weekly News, February 9, 1882

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. A Point for Danford. $ WICHITA, Kas, Feb. 3.-Danford, the $ Kansas banker, who was so long corralled at Caldwell by his enraged creditors and threatened with hanging, has just scored quite an important point in the courts. Yesterday in the Cowley county district court, before Judge Torrence, his counsel moved to discharge certain attachments laid by his Kansas City creditors. The court granted the motion and the attachments were dis. charged. Danford's counsel now say that he will bring suits upon the attach ment bonds for damages against the Kansas City creditors Danford claims that it was their attachment that caused the run upon his Osage City bank, and also upon his Hunnewell bank. and that these creditors tied up something like $130,000 to secure a claim of $8,000, and that they persistently stood in the way of all settlement, although some $20,000 worth of securities were placed in their hands. Mr. Danford, in Kansas courts, bids fair to rival Mrs. Gaines. He has already brought suits for damages against the chief men of the Caldwell mob, claming $100,000. He will now make-it tively for the Kansas City boys He lis out of business, and having exhausted his resources in Kansas he will now give Missouri is whirl.