7131. First National Bank (Wichita, KS)

View Charter #1913 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
1913
Charter Number
1913
Start Date
August 1, 1876*
Location
Wichita, Kansas (37.692, -97.338)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
43141bfb

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Receiver appointed; sales of assets and dividends declared to creditors.

Description

The First National Bank of Wichita experienced runs and loss of confidence and then suspended (around Aug 30, 1876) and was placed in the hands of a receiver (temporary appointment reported Oct 1876; permanent receiver later). Assets were sold and dividends declared; the bank did not resume normal operations. OCR errors in some articles were corrected (e.g., Comptroller and dates).

Events (5)
1. August 1, 1876* Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Persistent instability, questionable bookkeeping and alleged misconduct by officers (embezzlement/overdrafts and bad notes) led depositors to withdraw funds.
Measures
No specific emergency measures reported; ultimately the bank suspended and a receiver was appointed.
Newspaper Excerpt
The new bank had big run, and even in '73 was propped up and carried over the troubled sea... But the concern was always believed to be unstable, and warnings were now and then thrown out.
Source
newspapers
2. August 30, 1876 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Suspension followed discovery of bad/illiquid assets, questionable entries and overdrafts revealed at the examiner's inspection; insolvency concerns prompted suspension.
Newspaper Excerpt
the day the bank suspended (mentioned repeatedly in officers' explanations and examiner reports).
Source
newspapers
3. October 5, 1876 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Mr. H. R. Brown, of Philadelphia, has been appointed temporary Receiver of the First National Bank. He arrived in this city on Monday morning. ... Mr. Barnard, the United States Examiner, who first took that institution in charge, had the misfortune to lose a child by death, and the Comptroller, therefore appointed a temporary Receiver to relieve Mr. Barnard.
Source
newspapers
4. January 12, 1877 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The Comptroller of the Currency has declared a dividend of 20 per cent. in favor of the creditors of the First National Bank of Wichita, Kansas.
Source
newspapers
5. April 12, 1877 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
RECEIVER'S SALE OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK Wichita, Kansas. REAL ESTATE. 3 Story Brick Bank Building... For a bargain inquire of H. B. CULLUM. Receiver of First National Bank.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (16)
1. September 29, 1876 The Emporia News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia News, September 29, 1876

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SOUTHWEST. Mr. Henry Simpson of Tazewell county, Central Illinois, writes to Mr. J.S. Neville that upon his arrival home he found the grasshoppers as plenty in his county as they were in Kansas. Mr. Simpson was in Wichita the day the hoppers made their appearance, and before he left he made an investment in Sedgwick county lands.-Wichita Eagle. The Wichita Eagle says of the First National Bank of that city: Mr. Barnari, the United States National Bank Examiner, has completed his labors so far as to make his report to the government, which was forwarded yesterday. Quite a respectable per cent. of assets are such as can be realized on immediately, while a large amount will be slow of collection and conversion. J. C. Fraker, president of the bank, turns over everything he has in the world, not even retaining his home and appurtenances, which the law would allow him, being willing to take the brunt of the misfortune, and unwilling that any should suffer so long as he can help it. We have other information in detail, which will be given as soon as it can be without jeopardizing the interests of the depositors and creditors. The appointment of a receiver will probable be made this week. One Myers is the leader of a gang of horse theives with head quarters in Texas. One of his gang was a man named Patten, who lately quarreled on a division of spoils, and "peached' on Myers, and went to Wichita. The latter followed him and boldly prefered charges against Patten and 2 companion named Douglas, for stealing horses at Great Bend. Neither were guilty of this particular crime, and Douglas was not a thiet at all. Nevertheless, Myers and a companion swore so strongly to their guilt that they were committed for trial, and Myers got himself appointed a deputy sheriff to convey the prisoners to Great Bend. Patten persisted that he would be murdered en-route, but the court did not see it. Myers, instead of traveling by railroad, decided to go by wagon, and the two prisoners having been shackled and loaded into the wagon, Myers' comrade took the reins while Myers brought up the rear as guard. When about halt way to Great Bend Myers shot and killed Douglas, and shot and supposed had killed Patten, and the latter, though very badly wounded, feigned to be dead. The two bodies were then dragged 200 yards into some bushes and left for dead. Patten soon revived and managed to get across the Ark. river and reached Sterling. Douglas' body was found as he had described. Patten may recover and If he does refuse to make complaint against Myers, prefering to shoothim whenever he

2. October 5, 1876 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, October 5, 1876

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The First National Bank and its Receiver. Mr. H. R. Brown, of Philadelphia, has been appointed temporary Receiver of the First National Bank. He arrived in this city on Monday morning. By a letter from the Comptreller we see that Mr. Barnard, the United States Examiner, who first took that institution in charge, had the misfortune to lose a child by death, and the Comptroller, therefore appointed a temporary Receiver to relieve Mr. Barnard. Mr. Brown will have charge of the institution and its affairs until the meeting of Congress, at least. Mr. Cullum, the receiver of the First National Bank of Topeka, was recommended very highly for the place, while Mr. Barnard suggested to the Department that no person urged by the creditors be appointed, so at least said the Comptroller's letter, which we think a little odd, it not inexplicable. Nobody is more anxious to have the affairs of that institution wound up carefully and justly than the creditors themselves. Some time last week a large majority of the depositors petitioned for the appointment of D. A. Mitchell, Esq., as receiver. Had their application been a few days earlier he would have been appointed, as would any other gentleman whom a majority might have asked, providing the necessary bonds could have been given. All the depositors want is a prompt and economical settlement of the affairs of the bank, and haying had a committee of investigation who have in their possession a schedule of Habilities and assetts they propose it shall be so wound up. Mr. H. Brown, coming here an entire stranger to our people and to all the surroundings may prove just the man, if not a change can be had at the meeting of Congress. Ordinarily the full dividends of a failing bank, are a long time reaching the proper creditors, whatever the character of the failure, and we do not know that the First National Bank of Wichita promises to be an exception, but we do know from statements of not only the late bank officers themselves, as also statements from the investigating committee and from Mr. Barnard. that at least twenty-five per cent. of the assetts are such as can be realized upon immediately, and that much at least should get back to the impoverished depositors as soon as the red tape of the Department and the law will admit.

3. October 13, 1876 The Emporia News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia News, October 13, 1876

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SOUTHWST. A daily mail runs between Eldorado and Wichita taking in Florence enroute. Time six hours each way. Limber Jim, a trotting hoise of Wichita, was sold at the Kansas City fair for $425. H. R. Brown of Philadelphia, has been appointed receiver of the First National Bank of Wichita. It is claimed the 25 per cent. of the assets can be realized on immediately for payment to the depositors. Capt J. R. Bradley is the republican nominee for State Senator from Chase and Marion counties. Cottonwood Falls is without a barber. A proposition for Butler county to vote $102,500 in bonds for the building of a railroad from some point in Chase county, at a junction with the A. T. &. S. F. railroad, to Eldorado, has been submitted. Eldorado has a Hayes & Wheeler club. Mr. Isaac Kester says there is some complaint among stock men of a disease resembling hollow-horn that results from starvation. The disease at present prevailing he thinks a spinal affection, and he has no trouble in curing it. He applies turpentine in the hollows between the horn, splits the end of the tail and puts in a mixture of salt and pepper, and binds it up. He also washes the spine in a decoction of tobacco, made by boiling a ten-cent plug in a quart of water.

4. October 19, 1876 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, October 19, 1876

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A permanent Receiver for the First National Bank has been appointed, so we incidentally learn. The name was not given, but we judge either D. A. Mitchell, Esq., of this city, or H. C. Cullum, of Topeka, these two gentlemen being the only applicants for the place. Either would make a competent officer, we have no doubt.

5. December 21, 1876 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, December 21, 1876

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# The Younger Boys in Wichita. "There is many a slip between the cup and lip," and a fair tally of the number would probably show as many lucky slips as disastrous ones. What the character of the slip that saved Wichita from, or defrauded her of, the notoriety of Northfield, Minnesota, we must leave our readers to settle. That Wichita was chosen by the Younger and James Brothers as the theatre for the bold robbery committed, and terrible tragedy afterward enacted at Northfield, Minnesota, we have the most satisfactory evidence. To the failure of the First National Bank are we indebted, alone, for an escape from robbery, if not bloodshed. We believe it is not known to our City Marshal or police, to this day, that Cole Younger and a portion of the Younger and James gangs, consisting of the three afterwards hung, and the two now in the penitentiary, were in Wichita at the time of the failure of the First National Bank, for the sole purpose of going through that institution. The fact of the large amount of money necessary to move the Texas cattle and the vast amount of grain that found a market here, no doubt convinced them that Wichita was the most favorable point for the nefarious job. They were in our place between two and three weeks. One of the party was very genteelly dressed, and acted and talked like an intelligent business man, and he thoroughly posted himself as to the ins and outs of all our banks. Another of the party was genteel-shabby--a man at least forty-five years old, whom one would judge to have seen better days. The latter wanted land but was not averse to taking a drink with the boys. The others we know nothing about. and don't that we ever saw them. They were at no time together. Their arrangements, so far as known, were to have gone through the National Bank in daylight, upon the same programme carried out in Northfield, where, it will be remembered, a portion of the gang rode up and down the street, yelling like demons and shooting off their pistols, playing drunk, while others, during the street excitement, entered the bank and robbed its vault and killed the cashier. We venture the assertion that it was a good thing for them that the bank busted, while it might have been a good thing for the bank's stockholders and officers had they succeeded. Upon the one hand, our officers and people would not have been panic stricken or stood, for a moment, any such nonsense as shooting revolvers on the open street, while upon the other hand, the bank, just before closing, was very short of money, and had the robbers went through it, nobody but themselves and the officers would ever have known how much they got. We are not permitted at this time to give the source of our information, but we assure our readers that is perfectly reliable. In truth, the whole matter was known to a few, immediately after the failure of the First National Bank.

6. January 12, 1877 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, January 12, 1877

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WASHINGTON. The $8000 Check. WASHINGTON, January 10. Enos Runyon testified before the Senate committee on elections to t day that the person for whom he drew the $8000 check on December 6th, payable to Ladd & Bush of Salem, Oregon, was Conrad N. Jourden, cashier of the Third National Bank of New York. He also testified that as far as he (witness) knew, W. T. Pelton had no connection with or knowlt edge of the transaction. The committee have ordered that Conrad €. Jordan, who procured the $8000 check from Mr. Runyun be subpoensed to appear before them as a witness. It is stated here to-night that Gov. Tilden is a director of the 3d National Bank of which Jordan is cashier. 1 A Portland, Oregon, despatch says regarding the allegation that $8,000 was sent to Oregon from New York te be employed in influencing Grover's action in the recent electoral muddle, the fact is generally known and admitted that the sum named was sent to Oregon to secure certain political results. That H. Y. Thompson (Repub. lawyer) who made the principal argument before Grover in behalf of issuing a certificate to Cronin, received $3,000 for his services as counsel. Cronin got a similar sum, and the remainder was returned, upon reliable authority that neither Gronin nor Chadwick received a dollar of the money seut from New York. Along the Rio Grande. The government is again in frequent receipt of information of a disorderly condition of affairs along the Rio Grande, caused by the Mexican outlaws, whose plundering prevents the execution of the revenue laws. Financial. The Comptroller of the Currency has declared a dividend of 20 per cent. in favor of the creditors of the First National Bank of Wichita, Kansas. Internal Revenue. The receipts of internal revenue to-day are $304,433.72, and from customs $366,479.79. Pardoned. John Henderson, convicted in New Orleans for committing whiskey frauds, and sentenced to a term in the West Va. Penitentiary, has been pardoned by the President. A Life Position. Alexander Sharp, who was nominated to-day Paymaster in the Army with rank of Major, is the President's brother-in-law. He is now and has been nearly eight years, United States Marshal for the District of Columbia, but intends to resign that office upon confirmation for a life position, which to-day's nomination provides him.

7. January 18, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, January 18, 1877

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Mr. Cullum, the Receiver of the First National Bank, informs us that the Comptroler of the Currency has allowed a twenty per cent. dividend to the creditors of the bank, the certificates for which will arrive to-day. Fully eight or ten per cent. more might have been declared, but the Comptroller thought it best to keep on the safe side.

8. January 26, 1877 The Emporia News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia News, January 26, 1877

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A SAD FATE. Word reached town the other day that J. C. Fraker, late president of the defanet lit first national bank of Wichita, had out." He had been watched ever since the failure of the institution, but finally made his escape. It is intimated that his whereabouts are known, but it is not stated whether steps will be taken to of capture him or not. The worst feature this business is that it has been reported by some ever since the bank collapsed dis that Mr. Fraker had been guilty of the honest action in connection with management of the bank, and his running feel tends rather to augment this and away than otherwise. Had he stood ing faced the music till all its affairs were investigated and settied, and come out be with a clean character, which would worth more to him than all the money he ever saw, his friends would have rejoiced and stood by him to the last. But it now generally conceded that his course will not bear day-light. We regret the late of this man. He came to Emporia as a Methodist preacher in 1850. ne was active and earnest, and became popular and trusted by all who knew him. It was by his efforts that money was raised to erect the Methodist church in this city. He afterwards quit preaching and opened a carpenter shop. Soon he became a candidate for county treasurer. and was twice elected to the office. He also entered into other branches of business, after his election. He believed in having several "irons in the fire" at once. He had great energy. but in was known to be careless and slouchy his business affairs. But those who knew him well had unlimited confidence in his honesty. He was one of those men whom many trusted soft as not to take receipts to for money paid him. They did this tLeir sorrow, as some of them afterwards found out. But they believed him care- wild less rather than dishonest. He got and bought everything. One month he would be reported worth $50,000, and the next penniless. He was a regular Col. in Mulbery Sellers. He saw millions everything, and especially in a bunch of old Texas steers, or a second hand stock of dry goods. Before leaving here, his three or four years' administration as treasurer was thoroughly overbauled, by three different commissioners. Neither head nor tail, beginning or ending, could be made from 8 his books. Finally some sort of a compromise was adopted, and he was receipted to in full. We think he went from here to Elderado. Then Wichita began to offer openings for men of a speculative turn, men of financial genius and expansive views like Fraker. It is but proper to say, though, that before leaving here, the confidence of many of his old friends t had been badly shaken, by his change from devout spiritual life to overreaching worldly-mindedness, and by a few rather We I scaly tricks he had been caught in. heard from Wichita that Fraker was to a national bank there. There was on the faces of those a knowing wink went open broad him, and grin who 'round, knew which said " you'll hear from him before It e long." These prognosticated truly. has been stated that he actually went into the bank with $1,200 of borrowed money. He had got to that point in finances, where men said, "he is sharp." This d and $1,200 was sufficient in a new counand many a bank has probably been t try, established on even smaller capital and cheek. There was an awful business in the new town, and the bank flourished. There were believed to be some financialsound me in the , concern and some n that ly were honest. The new bank had big run. and even in '73 was propped al- up and carried over the troubled sea, though jostled rather roughly against the e rocks. But the concern was always believed to be unstable, and warnings were is now and then thrown out. The story e told. It went down, and carried many trasted friends of the ex-Reverend presii. dent into ruin. Among the rest were several ministers, who had trusted their to Fraker's honesty. But the saddest h part of the story is Fraker's downfall 1from the high esteem in which he was He formerly held by all who knew him. t. risked all in grasping for money, and the of blackness ot ruin now overshadows him, n and will follow him to that bourne from as which no traveler returns. His reputation was priceless. He squandered It for of pottage. There is a lesson in Fraker's brief career.

9. March 1, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, March 1, 1877

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The attention of our readers is called to an advertisement of H. B. Cullum, Receiver of the First National Bank. Houses, lots and lands situated in Wichita and vicinity, Emporia and vicinity, all of it good and desirable property. We think it to the interest of each creditor of the bank to make some exertion towards selling this property and when the opportunity offers itself to call the attention of those wishing to purchase this kind of property.

10. April 12, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, April 12, 1877

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RECEIVER'S SALE OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK Wichita, Kansas. REAL ESTATE. 3 Story Brick Bank Building, Lot 50 Main Street, Wichita, Ks. BRICK RESIDENCE (known as " J. C. Fraker's homestead,) BRICK BLOCK, including banking room. lots 64, 66, and " " 68, Douglas avenue " Interest in Flouring Mill .. East 90 acres choice residence lots " near 190 acres improved farm " near Eldorado, 240 acres improved farm " Brick Store, Commercial street Emporin, 2 story Frame Residence Also large number lots in Residence, Lawrenceavenue, lots No's. 60 and 62, Wichita, Douglas ave., lots No's. 12, 32, ** " 34 and 52 Lawrence avenue, lots No 64 " and 66, frame residence C. Lawrence avenue, lot No. 6 Emporia avenue. lots No. 51, 57, .. 59 and 61 Fourth avenue, lots No's 48, 53, " 55, 57, 61, 63, 77, 70. 81 and 83 Central avenue, lot No's. 33, 35, " 37, 41 and 43 Fifth avenue lots No's. 86, 90, 92 " " and 94 Douglas avenue lots No's. 41, 46, " 48, 52 and 54 Mead's avenue lots No's. 47, 39, East 41 and 43 Mosley avenue lots No's 2, 4, 14 " East and 16 Mos'ey avenue lots No's. 7, 13 East " and 15 (back side) Texas avenue lots No's. 123, 133 " " and 143 Ghisholm street lots No's. 64, 76, " " 77,96, 97, 106, 107 and 87 Chisholm street lots No's 126,136 : 146 and 145 Wichita street lots No's. 14, 27, 5. 57, 37, 74, 94, 107, 124, 114, " 154, 157 and 164 Courtstreet lota No's 21, 70, S1, 60, 104, 105, 115, 126, 133, :49 " and 139 Church street lots No's. 19, 29, 44 54, 64, 69, 94, 104, 129, 114, 119, " 136 and 146 Waco street lots No's. 22, 32, 62 " 126, 8, 10, 124 and 146 " 80 acres unimproved land near 80 acres unimproved land near Emporia, Ks. Rer! estate described above must be sold without delay. For a bargain inquire of H. B. CULLUM. Receiver of First National Bank. 43-3m Wichita, Kansas.

11. May 10, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, May 10, 1877

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The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of Wichita, whose card appears elsewhere in these columns, although comparatively a new institution, is rising rapidly in popular favor and indeed seems to have the most flattering prospects of any concern of the kind in Southern Kansas. During a recent visit to that city we heard from many of the most prominent business men expressions of unbounded confidence and the highest praise of the courtesy and spirit of accommodation of its officers. Almost the entire stock and grain business of that city 18 transacted through this bank. Considering the utter breaking down of confidence in banks generally, which the failure of the First National Bank occasioned in this community, the success of the Farmers' and Merchants'-starting:"right upon the heels of this suspension-is something wonderful and only attests the high character and business qualifications of its managers. They are now ereeting an elegant two-story cut stone bank building on Main street, which is to be completed and occupied about June 15th.-Oxford Independent.

12. May 17, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, May 17, 1877

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RECEIVER'S SALE OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK Wichita, Kansas. REAL ESTATE. 3 Story Brick Bank Building, Lot 30 Main Street, Wichita, Ks. BRICK RESIDENCE (known as " J. C. Fraker's homestead,) BRICK BLOCK, including banking room, lots 64, 66, and " 68, Douglas avenue, interest in Flouring Mill East 0 acres choice residence lots near 90 acres improved farm " 40 acres improved farm near Eldorado, Brick Store, Commercial street Emporia, 2 story Frame Residence Also large number lots in Residence, Lawrence avenue, lots Wichita, No's. 60 and 62 Douglas ave., lots No's. 12, 32, " " 34 and 52 Lawrence avenue, lots No's. 64 and 66, frame residence Lawrence avenue, lot No. 6 Emporia avenue. lots No. 51, 57, " " 59 and 61 Fourth avenue, lots No's 48, 53, " 55, 57, 61, 63, 77, 70. 81 and 83 Central avenue, lot No's. 33, 35, " 37, 41 and 43 Fifth avenue lots No's. 86, 90, 92 " and 94 Douglas avenue lets No's. 44, 46, 48, 52 and 54 Mead's avenue lots No's. 47, 39, " East 41 and 43 Mosley avenue lots No's. 2, 4, 14 " East" and 16 Mos'ey avenue lots No's. 7, 13 East and 15 (back side) Texas avenue lots No's. 123, 133 " and 143 Ghisholm street lots No's. 61, 76, " 77,96, 97, 106, 107 and 87 Chisholm street lots No's. 126, 136 " 146 and 145 Wichita street lots No's. 14, 27, 55, 57, 37, 74, 94, 107, 124, 114, " 154, 157 and 164 Courtstreet lots No's. 21, 70, S1, 60, 104, 105, 115, 126, 133, :49 " " and 159 Church street lots No's. 19, 29, 44 54, 64, 69, 94, 104, 129, 114, 119, " " 136 and 146 Waco street lots No's. 22, 32, 62 " " 126, 8, 10, 124 and 146 " 0 acres unimproved land near 80 acres unimproved land near Emporia, Ks. Rerl estate described above must be sold without delay. For a bargain inquire of H. B. CULLUM, Receiver of First National Bank, 48-3m Wichita, Kansas.

13. May 31, 1877 The Wichita City Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita City Eagle, May 31, 1877

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RECEIVER'S SALE OF : FIRST NATIONAL BANK Wichita, Kansas. REAL ESTATE. 3 Story Brick Bank Building, Lot 50 Main Street, Wichita, Ks. BRICK RESIDENCE (known as J. C. Fraker's homestead,) BRICK BLOCK, including banking room, lots 64, 66, and " 68, Douglas avenue interest in Flouring Mill East e acres choice residence lots near 90 acres improved farm near Eldorado, 40 acres improved farm Brick Store, Commercial street Emporia, 2 story Frame Residence Also large number lots in R esidence, Lawrence avenue, lots Wichita, No's. 60 and 62, Douglas ave., lots No's. 12, 32, .. 34 and 52 Lawrence avenue, lots No's. 64 and 66, frame residence " Lawrence avenue, lot No. 6 Emporia avenue. lots No. 51, 57, " " 59 and 61 Fourth avenue, lots No's 48, 53, .. .. 55, 57, 61, 63, 77, 70. 81 and 83 Central avenue, lot No's. 33, 35, " " 37, 41 and 43 Fifth avenue lots No's. 86, 90, 92 " and 94 Douglas avenue lets No's. 44, 46, " " 48, 52 and 54 Mead's avenue lots No's 47, 39, " East " 41 and 43 Mosley avenue lots No's. 2, 4, 14 " East and 16 Mos'ey avenue lots No's. 7, 13 " East " and 15 (back side) Texas avenue lots No's. 123, 133 " and 143 Ghisholm street lots No's. 64, 76, .. " 7,96, 97, 106, 107 and 87 Chisholm street lots No's. 126,136 145 and 145 Wichita street lots No's. 14. 27, 57, 37, 74, 94, 107, 124, 114, 154, 157 and 164 Court street lots No's. 21, 70, 81, 60, 104, 105, 115, 126, 133, :49 " " and 159 Church street lots No's. 19, 29, 44 54, 64, 69, 91, 104, 129, 114, 119, " " 136 and 146 Waco street lots No's. 22, 32, 62 " 126, 8, 10, 121 and 146 0 acres unimproved land near 80 acres unimproved land near Emporia, Ks. Rerl estate described above must be sold without delay. For a bargain inquire of H. B. CULLUM, Receiver of First National Bank, 8-3m Wichita, Kansas.

14. October 26, 1877 The Emporia News Emporia, KS
Article from The Emporia News, October 26, 1877

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# EXPLANATION OF CHARGES time for the amount of $5,000, the bank receiving no money for it; but which was counted as a cash item by the cashier, and included in the amount of cash till the morning the bank was examined, when it was credited to that account, and taken from the amount of the cash. The bank was not cheated or detrauded out of the value of anything by this transaction; neither was there any intention upon my part, or any one else, so far as I know, that it should be. The amount charged to the "surplus fund" account on the 12th day of July, 1876, the day the bank examiner was there, was $7,941.76, not one cent of which was taken by me. But this amount so charged, was the aggregate of sundry past due and worthless notes, which were charged to that account and credited to "bills receivable." In the evening of the day of examination, I gave the bank examiner, in the presence of the Vice President of the bank, an itmeized list, which I found in the cashier's drawer, giving the number and amount of each note, and which the examiner atter looking it over requested to take with him to be embodied in his report to the department, to which I readily assented without copying it. Had I necess to the bill register and cash journal, I could show this court the names of the makers and the amount of each of these notes. The amount $7.858.86, that I am charged with taking from the bank on the 11th of July, 1876, was the amount drawn on a check against a just and correct balance due Lewis Öge, and by him and in his own hand writing. He is a responsible citizen of Texas, living hear San Antonio. This amount was drawn after banking hours that day In exchange on our Kansas City, Chicago and New York correspondents payable to his order, and collected by him. I had no interest in this account, and was not benefitted by it. The amount of the other two items, one for $4,058.24 charged "surplus fund," and the other for $1,067.36, charged "profit and loss" aggregating $5,125.60, on the 30th of August, 1876, on the day the bank suspended, is the amount of this "cash check," which I have already explained, which, when, it was returned to Mr. Woodcock's account on the balance book, was carried as a cash item till the bank suspended, when it was charged to these two accounts, as they appear on the books of the bank. The former account not being large enough to cover the entire amount, it was divided, and the balance charged to the latter account. I solemnly affirm that I did not have any knowledge of its existence prior to, or on the day it was created. Nor for a balf a month afterwards, and I have never received to the value of one cent on that account, now, sir, these four items, the "certificate of deposit" for $5,000, the amount of notes charged "surplus funds" of $7,94176, the amount of Louis Oge check of $7,858.86, and the amount of this cash cheek of $5,125.60, aggregating an amount of $25,02, was fully explained to the bank examiner, to whom the books, papers and assets of the bank were turned over by sworn statements of the officers of the bank, for the purpose, as it was alleged, to guide the receiver in settling up its affairs, and to prevent needless litigation! The present receiver made out those statements, who was at that time acting as clerk for the examiner, and who, I suppose, has them in his po-session. Sir, it is passing strange, that with these full explanations made to the bank examiner and the receiver of the bank, how they could have been charged to me, in this court, and published to the world, as funds that I had embezzled and stolen from the bank, unless it was to trump up false charges, to prejudice the court, and its officers, and the public mind against me, in advance of trial; as I see that the complaining witnesses before the grand jury, at the time that these indictments were found against me, were these very parties. It seems to me, that they must have known that there is no evidence to show that I got any money whatever, on any of these counts I have named. The parties who are pursuing me, well know that the public mind, just at this time, is sensitive to the slightest touch of suspicion against any one who fails, and more especially, against a bank and its officers. It seems to be a matter of special gratification, with some of these parties, that so many large banks in St. Louis, Chicago, and elsewhere, have so recently failed, thereby adding to this wide-spread prejudice of the people at the time of these trials, under these circumstances, a false report would travel around the world, while the truth is getting on its eboots to follow. Now, as to the last and remaining charge of embezzlement. From the amount of it, it is intended to cover my indebetedness to the bank, as evidenced by sundry notes held by the bank on an overdraft charged to my account, and which was turned over to the bank examiner, and which my sworn statement shows is justly due from me to the bank. The overdraft on the book against me was made a few days before the bank suspended, when I was absent from the bank, and at Emporia, by the charging of a note I owed to an outside party, to my account, which, with added interest, amounted to $629, and which the bank paid for me, my account not being good for the full amount of it, made an overdraft on the bank against me. The vice president, on my return home, told me that the note was presented for payment on that day, was due, and if not paid, would have been protested, and as he supposed it would be a favor to me, he directed it to be paid. The cashier and myself are charged with making a false entry on the 30th of August, 1876, in the account of the St. Louis National bank, of $5.000. This item was a note of mine, which was discounted by the St. Louis bank, and when due, was charged to the account of our bank. It would be unfair to the cashier if I did not explain the circumstances of this note, to show that it was a proper credit to have been made. This note was first made about the middle of March, 1875, to be discounted at the St. Louis National bank, and the proceeds placed to the credit of the First National bank of Wichita, for the purpose of taking up a note of mine, due in that bank, for about that amount. This note was endorsed by the cashier and the vice president and the bank, and also by two friends of mine at Emporis. When this note came due it was renewed, the same parties endorsing it. When it came due the last time, it was charged to the account of our bank, and it was not credited at that time. On the 30th of August, 1876, I gave my notes to the bank, for this amount, with added interest, and the St. Louis National bank was credited. The reason I became involved in so

15. August 19, 1894 The Wichita Daily Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita Daily Eagle, August 19, 1894

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From the Mt. Hope Menton. A Wichita woman says she has looked under the bed fora man every night for twentyseven years and has never found one, till one night the burglars really did come and she found her husband under it. From the Ponco City Courier. Mrs. Lease has written a book with the surgestive caption: "A Compound Man." Mr. Lease is a Wichita druggist, and she wishes to advertise his business. Prescrip. tions carefully compounded! From the Alva Republican. Wichita ways was a hog. She now claims that her old Bill Mathewson was the original "Buffalo Bill." We think that "Tariff Bill" takes the title. It has buffaloed more people than either Mathewson or Cody, From the Topeka Capital. A Vichita girl named Miss Lelia Hardin Bugg has written a novel which sails under the title of ' Orchids." More, it has been published. Still more. it is strictly in the literary swim because sociology is the underlying theme. From the Ha stead Independent. The Wichita National bank, the pride of the people of that town, was forced tosuspend Monday. Halstead parties carried a line of deposits there. It is said that depositors can be paid in full and that the bank will open up again in a few weeks. From the Et Dorado Republican. M. W. Levy's Wichita National bank failed to open Its doors Mon ay morning and is In the hands of the government. This Is one of the oldest national banks in the state. Mr. Levy, the president, is one of the best all around men in Kansas and everybody will be sorry that he is in trouble. From the Clay Center Times. The First National bank, of Wichita, closed its doors Monday. It was one of the oldest banks in the Arkansas valley. M. W. Levy, its president, was treasurer of the old North and South railroad which was never built, but which finally because the Rock Island as constructed through this county. From the Pembody Graphic. A man was found sitting on the steps of the Sedgwick block in Wichita last week entirely bereft of reason. The only way to account for his insanity is that he is some mesmerist who hypnotized the public mind of the Peerless Princess some years ago and then at this late day sought to break the spell. From the Arkansas City Travier. The reason assigned by the officers of the Wichita National bank for the failure of that institution, which has long been regarded us one of the strongest banks in the southwest. shou cause men to stop and think of the great damage that can be done any line of business by lying and slander. This community has suffered sorely by open and unfounded charges. By an investigation of the local situation we learn that none of the ba ks of this city will be affected in the least by the failure reported above. From the Klowa Review. The Wichita National bank closed Its doors Monday. For some time certain parties have been lying about It and finally started a run. For twent wo years the n lehita National has stood like a wall of granite for Wichita and her interests and was one of the soundest moneyed institutions in the world. It would have been better for all concerned if they had stood by the bank and not forced it to the wall. Fools with money should keep it out of the banks If they listen to reports started by men who have no money. We hope the suspension is only temporary. From the Eureka Messenger. The Wichita Nat onal bank. of Wichita. Kansas, was talked to death recently People began to whisper that the bank was not in good conditio and a report of that kind travels night and day. The Wichita National had $600,000 of deposits but they melted gradually away under the influence of bad talk, until last Monday morning. the bank was compelled to close for lack of ready cash although its asset* greatly exceed the Habilities. Th re ought to be a law to punish the busybodies whose wagging tongues wreek important Institutions and bring distress to hundreds of persons.

16. November 20, 1930 The Wichita Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita Eagle, November 20, 1930

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was found hanging in a barn behind his residence late today. The First National bank suspended operations when the directors learned the National Bank of Kentucky, at Louisville, had closed. The Louisville institution was correspondent for the local bank. Daughters of Isabella will hold a benefit bridge Friday at p. m. at the Johnson Brothers Electric club hall, 211 South Lawrence