7503. Peoples Bank (Donaldsonville, LA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
July 14, 1914
Location
Donaldsonville, Louisiana (30.101, -90.993)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
355a4128

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Liquidation/receivership followed suspension; criminal prosecution of cashier and directors alleged.

Description

Heavy withdrawals preceded suspension on July 14, 1914. Examiner found grave irregularities and cashier accused of appropriations; bank placed in liquidation and did not reopen. Liquidator James P. Armitage appointed. OCR errors corrected (People's/Peoples Bank standardized to 'Peoples Bank').

Events (3)
1. July 14, 1914 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
James P. Armitage as special agent to the bank examiner, vice Dr. John S. Thibaut, resigned. Armitage qualified Thursday by filing a bond of $15,000 ... will devote his entire time to the liquidation of the institution's affairs. People's Bank in liquidation ... various suits and dividends later distributed in liquidation accounts show the bank suspended business July 14, 1914 and is in liquidation/receivership status thereafter. (compiled from July 18–Aug 1916 reports).
Source
newspapers
2. July 14, 1914 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Publication of a prior statement and discovery of shrinkage and alleged appropriations by cashier W. J. LeBlanc led depositors to withdraw funds; examiner found grave irregularities.
Measures
Directors hurriedly called together; state examiner notified by telegraph; about $15,000 in cash hurriedly secured to meet withdrawals; examiner/assistant took charge.
Newspaper Excerpt
Heavy withdrawals from the bank during the past few weeks, and particularly on Monday and up to the time business was suspended Tuesday forenoon, depleted the cash on hand to such an extent as to make the closure of the institution inevitable.
Source
newspapers
3. July 14, 1914 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Severe depletion of cash due to heavy withdrawals triggered by revelations of irregularities and alleged misappropriation by the cashier; directors ordered suspension and state examiner took charge.
Newspaper Excerpt
The People's Bank ... closed its doors shortly after 11 o'clock Tuesday morning by order of the board of directors and is now in process of liquidation.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (12)
1. July 18, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 18, 1914

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FAILURE OF THE PEOPLE'S BANK. The closing of the People's Bank of Donaldsonville inflicts another dire misfortune on this community, which has already been sorely tried by a succession of untimely disasters, and in the nature of things the depressing effects of the calamity must be felt throughout this section for a long while. The People's Bank, although 'he youngest of the three banking institutions organized in this city, was one of the most popular and enjoyed the confidence of its patrons and the general public to the fullest extent. It was the depository for the funds of the parish of Ascension, city of Donaldsonville, and parish school board, and carried the accounts of a large proportion of the business interests of the community. While a perceptible decline in the business of the bank had been evident for some time past, this was considered only natural in view of the shrinkage of values caused by the blow to the sugar industry through adverse tariff legislation and the general commercial depression resulting from the failure of the Bank of Donaldsonville in November last, and except in a few quarters not the slightest apprehension was entertained that the institution was in a precarious condition or in any immediate danger of going under. Its suspension is naturally a blow to the community, but everybody seems disposed to make the best of the situation and to work together to mitigate the evil effects of the crash.

2. July 18, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 18, 1914

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PEOPLE'S BANK GOES UNDER. Institution Suspends Business Tuesday Forenoon, Following Heavy Withdrawals of Deposits-Investigation Discloses Grave Irregularities and Criminal Prosecution Likely. "I find that the total deposits in The People's Bank of Donaldsonthe bank on the day it closed were ville, organized in 1900, closed its $163,000, in round figures. The avail doors shortly after 11 o'clock last able assets, in my opinion, should Tuesday morning by order of the realize the sum of $108,602.14. This board of directors and is now in proshould insure a dividend of over 50 cess of liquidation. Heavy withper cent to the depositors. I have drawals from the bank during the every reason to believe the liquidpast few weeks, and particularly on ation of the bank will proceed with Monday and up to the time business the least possible delay. It will, was suspended Tuesday forenoon, dehowever, take time to realize on pleted the cash on hand to such an some of the long-term paper; but extent as to make the closure of with a careful and business-like the institution inevitable, and this liquidation of the affairs of the inaction was decreed by the directors stitution there is no reason why a as soon as they were made acquaintdividend should not be paid to the deed with the situation after being hur positors at an early date. riedly called together. W. L. Young, "I met W. L. Young, state examistate examiner of state banks, was ner of state banks, upon his arat once notified by telegraph, and rival here, and have been constantone of his assistants, Henry N. ly with him since he took charge of Thompson, arrived here on the dethe bank. layed T. & P. south-bound train "He has found a great many grave Tuesday evening to take charge of irregularities which will require crimthe affairs of the institution, Mr. inal prosecution. These he has reYoung himself reaching Donaldsonported to the attorney general, and ville on the early train Wednesday 'they will in turn be transmitted to morning. me for attention. I shall take The drain on the cash resources them up at the proper time before of the bank, which as stated above the court." had been existent for some weeks, was greatly intensified by the publiCharges Against Cashier LeBlanc. cation in last Saturday's Chief of a As the result of evidence unearthstatement purporting to show the condition of the institution at the ed yesterday evening by Assistant Bank Examiner Thom'pson in the close of business on June 30. Accourse of his probe into the affairs cording to this report, which was of the wrecked institution, District furnished in response to a general call issued by Examiner Young, Attorney Gilbert this morning swore out an affidavit charging Cashier there had been a shrinkage of $10,William J. LeBlanc with having ap000 in the bank's surplus since the propriated $2000 of the funds of the publication of the preceding quarterbank for the use of E. J. Rodrigue, ly statement last March, and a deit being alleged that the transacficit of $9000 in the legal cash retions on which the charge is foundserve was indicated. The issuance of this statement caused many large ed took place March 16 and April 17 of the current year. Immediately updepositors to withdraw their funds, on being notified of the accusation precipitating a situation which the bank in its straitened condition was against him, Mr. LeBlanc proceeded to the courthouse and surrendered unable to handle, notwithstanding to Sheriff E. C. Hanson. The disthe fact that some $15,000 in cash trict attorney returned to his home had been hurriedly secured to meet the run it was feared would ensue. at Napoleonville, and there presented a copy of the affidavit to Judge Following is the statement of the condition of the bank published last Charles T. Wortham, of the district court, who fixed bond in the case at Saturday, as though taken from the books on June 30: $3000. Sheriff Hanson was informof this nation by telephone and

3. July 25, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 25, 1914

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relative department findings to the latest bank. of this prior In the examination enclosed report of to made Oct. you of of 1913, there of the 18, certified this copy was of Donaldsonville statement . response a Bank office in condiPeople's called this the as the rendered to for report of on Sept. to a at the close of with a publication. statement clipping tion 10, 1913, screpancies evidencing together between its the pubon Many discremancie and the of the bank shown were lished statement by the books pointed out to you as day that date. in my that October report of 24, of 1913, board Jonaldsonville; visited the in On Bank meeting of its matter convened People's a went into them this that the the atdirectors; detail matter and general. had advised been the reported bank to show credited on torney books of payable was Orleans July The 1, bills and the bank New was debit- on, correspondent $10,000 of amount. this Later made by with a cross entry was was debited credit- with ed July 10, a payable amount correand the New to explain which $10,000 back bills to When the same asked Orleans cashier, Mr. ed the of spondent. this LeBlanc, cross credit was entry, unable from the and this to on furnish New being Orle- loan furwas in such an employe ans ther advise Questioned fact spondent stated entry effected that on the the of I sub- part the of of bank is 1910. mit of any that officer in violation or of section 9 of minutes Act 193 examination of the fails bank to show have An directors directors of this of secthat the complied the with the 193 provisionwinn of 1910, of every re11 of Act the directors at intervals quires bank, twice a examine or to invesstate tion that shall members year business, cause months, its paya into the the bank, joans, tigate commitlee fully and affairs of attention of books, to the with the particular investments the value ing discounts and ascertaining that this render after special view It of is required a sworn writ- its committee thereof. shall within ten days of the same the ten ten report and a report minutes is of recompletion al shall be at watch in the the report appeared what purports full ceived. meeting .On April 16, to dated 1914, be a there report Feb. and 26, of such 1914, com- law, of but a committee, the SO report as to signed comply is not or with sworn no record the to by plete is it appears held during neither There meeting 1914, when July 14, was held, any until meeting suspension 179 ordered 25 of Act diwhich a this special year meeting bank. called Section the a board of in- in of the that banking stitution s each month. of rectors 1902 provides of every shall meet state at least once of Donaldson Donaldsonville, People's in Bank the town of of Ascenville The is located in the parish as are direction sion. Its officers A. and Dalferes, J. C. Bouchefollow to Blanc, J. cashier; cashier. Directors Netter, L. W. J. assistant Adolphe F. K. reau, J. A. Armitage, Dalferes, D. P. D. Armitage, Dalferes, C. D. Elmer Gon- and W. J. Braud, Colomb Hunt, Henry Sims, B. LeBlanc. dran, Trepagnier E. C. A. in accordance 13 to that W. J. the 1910, acting I of writing section submit district so the above may facts direct take whatever Act with 193 of to you the in proper action premises. Yours you attorney you deem to proper in the WM. L. State Banks. State Examiner of July 18, 1914. GenHon onville, La. Attorney Donaldson Pleasant, La. Dear Sir:- from his people's eral, R New G. Mr. Orleans, Young investigation having Bank ibeen of away of the report Donald submitted into called the affairs dsonville, La., 'to a you by him instatement since which structed of on the was 16th me desire to inst., com supplement to the of invest. his his regaltion, report sult, of with I my in investigation accordance LeBlanc, with his the indeparture, structioquestioning . Upon appeared Mr. relative to to have cer- not cashier of the which the but these tain collected items by found `that been for, follows: atcity, sum remitted drafts Sight are as drawn draft as with by 'the Geo.P. bill Lafour for Lafourche of plant lading Mill Mer- the LaMerpeople's ing cantile tached Company Company of $351.76 on and of paid this Company Bank by said of Don- by fourche on the July 3, 1914. of lading Mill- atcheck draft on with Geo. bill P. Plant MerSight drawn on by the Lafourche city, for La. the ing tached Company Company of this paid by said by of Bank of 6, howcantile sum fourche $804.50, Mercantile the People's July and Company amount, 1914. Don- The check on on ting this me in the bank the check was represent found by charged to carried and ever, had of never the been drawer asset of nor the bank. this said sight Upon check and was bill of lading draft as account a item or Mr. to LeBlanc cover this

4. July 25, 1914 The Semi-Weekly Leader Brookhaven, MS
Article from The Semi-Weekly Leader, July 25, 1914

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CASHIER WAS IRREGULAR. Forecast Criminal Prosecutions as Result of Donaldsonville Failure. Donaldsonville, La.-The report of Bank Examiner Young's investigation into the affairs of the People's Bank of Donaldsonville, which suspended business Tuesday, contains, it is stated, charges of irregularities that may entail criminal prosecution. This was made known late this afternoon in a statement issued by District Attorney Philip Gilbert. It is understood that W. J. LeBlanc, cashier of the defunct institution, comes in for much adverse criticism in Mr. Young's final report to the Attorney-general. Attorney Gilbert's statement follows: "I have made a careful investigation of the financial condition of the affairs of the People's Bank of Donaldsonville, and find after a close scrutiny of the available assets that there will be a complete loss to the stockholders. "I find that the total deposits in the bank on the day it closed its doors were $163,000 in round figures. The available assets, in my opinion. should realize the sum of $108,602.14. This should insure a dividend of over 50 per cent to the depositors. I have every reason to believe the liquidation of the bank will be had with the least possible delay. It will, however, take time to liquidate some of the long-term paper, but with a careful and business-like liquidation of the affairs of the institution, there is no reason why a dividend should not be paid to the depositors at an early date. "I met W. L. Young, State examiner of State banks, upon his arrival here, and have been constantly with him since he took charge of the bank. "He has found a great many grave irrégularities, which will require criminal prosecution. These, he has reported to the Attorneygeneral, and they will in turn be transmitted to me for attention. This I shall take up at the proper time before the court."

5. July 25, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 25, 1914

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TRIAL OF CASHIER LEBLANC DEFERRE Continuance Until Next February Granted in Cases Against Accus Official of People's Bank-James P. Armitage Appointed Liquidato Vice Dr. John S. Thibaut, Resigned-Supplemental Inventory. affidavit filed last Saturday agair The charges against W. J. LeCashier LeBlanc of the Peopl Blanc, cashier of the defunct PeoBank, arrived here from New ( ple's Bank of Donaldsonville, will leans Saturday afternoon and not be tried until the next jury plained his connection with the tra term of court to be convened on the action. fourth Monday of February, a continuance having been granted until Mr. Rodrigue is one of the gra that time by Judge Charles T. children of Telesphore Rodrigue, Wortham. This action was taken in wealthy planter of upper Assumpti the district court Monday morning, parish, and he says the New Or after Attorney John Marks, of Naans bank exchange for $2000 whi Cashier LeBlanc remitted to him poleonville, had pleaded that counsel for the accused had not had suffiApril 17 last represented a gift cient time to familiarize themselves that amount made to him by 1 with the facts of the case or map grandfather as a New Year's toke out a plan of defense. He argued It is the elder Mr. Rodrigue's cui further that it would be unfair to tom to present each of his childr try the accused SO soon after the or their direct descendants with closing of the bank, when the presubstantial sum of money during t Judice caused by that fact would holiday season, and as young M prevent a fair weight being given Rodrigue's father is no longer 1 the evidence at the trial. It was ing, this donation has always reve also represented that counsel for ed to him. He declares he has ne the defense had professional engageer borrowed any funds from the Personal ments elsewhere which required their ple's Bank or been a beneficiary immediate attention, that witnesses any accommodation whatsoever fro that institution. from outside the parish could not be secured were the case set for trial Upon returning to New Or at this time, and that a motion for ans Sunday night, Mr. Rodrig a change of venue is contemplated, gave out the following statement: but if a continuance were granted the "I left New Orleans Saturday necessity for such motion may not 12:30 p. m. over the Texas and Pa obtain several months hence. fic Railroad for Paincourtville, n District Attorney Gilbert stated having heard a word to the effe that while he desired to proceed that my name had entered into tl with a hearing of the charges at the affairs of the People's Bank. Wh earliest possible time, he would not I reached Donaldsonville I learn insist on forcing the defense to trial from my friends about the troub before they are prepared. It appears that March 16, 1914, n Judge Wortham thought the ends grandfather, Telesphore Rodrigu of justice would best be served by sent a check for $2000 to the Pe ple's Bank at Donaldsonville, with i a reasonable delay, and granted the motion for a continuance. structions that the amount be rem ted to me as a New Year's preser The argument was preceded by About a month later I called to S the filing of another information my grandfather and he asked me against Mr. LeBlanc by the district I was surprised to receive th attorney, charging the former with amount from him. I assured him making and publishing a false statehad received no amount whatever ment of the condition of the bank from him this year. The next da as of June 30, 1914. Bond was fixhe sent a messenger to the People at $2000 on this charge, and a Bank, and the result was that in du like amount was required as security course of mail I received a New o on the charge filed last Saturday, leans exchange draft for $2000 fro accusing Mr. LeBlanc of appropriatthe People's Bank. ing $2000 of the funds of the bank "I was never in the People's Ban for the use of another party. Louis until last Saturday, and never ha Rodrigue, of Belle Rose, signed as a business transaction with them surety for the full amount. any kind save and excepting the r It was stated by the district atceipt of the above check and other torney that additional charges would of a similar nature from my grand be made against Mr. LeBlanc, and father. The bank examiner inform an agreement was effected between ed me before I left Donaldsonville t counsel whereby the continuance day that my grandfather's check ha granted in the two allegations alturned up, carried as a cash iten ready of record would apply to those His report, I understand, exonerate yet to be preferred. me of any and all blame in the ma Attorney John Marks represented ter. I regret this unenviable pu Mr. LeBlanc at Monday's proceedlicity very much, but I am sure th Ings, and Attorneys Sam. LeBlanc, public in general, and my friends i of Napoleonville, and B. J. Vega and particular, will appreciate that C. C. Weber, of this city, will also have been the innocent victim of ci associated with counse] for the decumstances over which I had abs fense. lutely no control." On Tuesday morning two more informations were filed agaist Mr. Liquidator Armitage Takes Charge LoBlanc, in both of which he is William Sebastian, acting state ban charged with creating an indebtedexaminer in the absence of W. I ess of the People's Bank knowing Young, who has been called to Ch the institution to be in failing and cago to be at the bedside of his sic nsolvent circumstances. It is rebaby, arrived here Wednesday more cited that on July 13, 1914, the day ing to confirm the appointment o before the bank suspended busiJames P. Armitage as special agen ness, Mr. LeBlanc turned over to to the bank examiner, vice Di the Lafourche Mercantile Company John S. Thibaut, resigned. M of this city two drafts with bills of Armitage qualified Thursday by fi ading attached drawn on that coning a bond of $15,000, after Judg ern by the George P. Plant Milling Charles T. Wortham had formall Company, and accepted in payment of ratified his appointment. J. Clai the drafts the Lafourche Mercantile ence Bouchereau, assistant cashie Company's check on the People's of the defunct bank, has been em Bank for $1219.25. Bond was fixed $500 on each charge. ployed as clerk to the liquidator. Th latter will have his office in th District Atorney Gilbert stated People's Bank building, and Will de Thursday morning that he would not vote his entire time to the liquida enter any more charges against the tion of the institution's affairs. accused cashier until the next term court. He will make out the in-

6. August 1, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, August 1, 1914

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24, July 1914 :board met this Donaldsonville of school La., directors day B with The parish President W. Stuart special Ascension in session, the present chair and Henry the third following Dugas ward F members E. N Pugh, ward; J. first first ward LeBoeuf, fourth Louis Bourgeoli Edw. Emile ward; Babin, eight Absent-George seventh ward. Saxon, ward. fifth ward; F. the last preceding Bergeron second minutes of and on motion The were read, adopted, ordered that meeting seconded and exception of which approved duly with the the budget, preshould portion to read: regarding the board, The budget to be was acted ver upsented the next meeting reported on at The superintendent sum of $1500 the advanced police that the board by to be at its public 1914-15, People's jury bally charged to the school to meeting the fiscal on school July year 8, appro 10, Bank had priation been on for the deposited $1300 the morning worth in of of the July only checks about and isand that sussued also when the 14. He $200 of worth against the had the reached deposit, institution the bank to been paid on July $1271.71 pended business that there was fund the the reported the general to credit of $229.32 Dutchand district credit day the the of $6.26 bank Galvez to closed, the school credit No. district of 1. No He 2, all been par town unadvising and that ties stated in that whose school he favor had that written checks said checks to had new drawn, returned some fucollected be be issued at become would funds would for available and ture checks time when provision be made depository. the submitted an The Superintendent st annual which was read following and received President School and To the Honorable of the Board Ascension. of Members Parish of honor and Directors, have the my pleasure the Gentlemen of submitting school this, year the annual beginning report July for 1, 1913, and ending July 1, 1914. Date of Opening. parish white schools in by the your honThe opened All on the date set Sept. 15, 1913. Feborable colored body, Monday, schools opened in ruary, as usual. of Session. all the session of operated During Length were 1912-13 for in schools the first time in order to borrow the nine white history months, carry of for out the this parish, plan, from but, it the bepolice the funds 14 came the jury necessary sum out of $1467, of to the by extra of the 1913- mill poquarter budgeted insufficient revlice expectations months, shortage enua and jury a to contrary operate providing the to our schools for in nine the This consequent 1913-14, together with funds a funds of $1000 in the it of over state, made impossible received shortage from schools to keep the this open year the months, country longer all and one-half usual full nine than seven high schools running as or four smaller months. after sevstate here that planning, eral too the I might years of and study economizing and where of consolidating without sacrificing possible of efficiency, school much reached in the the to way operate conclusion our that have months sesgystem for a of less sion is impossible at an expenditure full the nine happy day comes than When have this system, to $15,000 amount we shall still be money again $40,000. to to us expend when we upon shall less operating our school on neighboring than from our $5000 expending. Notwithstanding parishes revenues are as compared now of our small school of our this fact parishes; to the notwithstanding revenues charge of the the o sister before I took school system the yearly g money fact that $40,000 parish permit school was such as to to $45, of from further fact notwithstanding of and and expenditures 000; the scope efficiency the increased the J the school that work has greatly revenues have st $5000 to secure decreased improved, although $10,000, work to we have the able by hard open schools ty been teachers, to keep months competent four high for nine the small- a each year, and to operate and er schools an for the past I feel that the well parish years. quarter months average of may school eight direc four be or no pa of what they have render or tiv proud ed. tors of Certainly this parish accomplish- can any par- the better account, nor can for h sh show better returns schools. amount of money invested in pa Commencement Exercises. the of graduating exercises schools in CO our located at The state approved high Dutchtown, ar Gonzales as se every boy so the tin Oak he ille-these parish, Grove, schools and and situated girl Donaldson in to a arish the means te school education at a were Du By fford igh to of money obtaining small outvio to each of time satisfactorily or carell planned and these oc. vis ied out. The orators on Nicholson, sm asions were Colonel J. W. L. Himes T. Powers and R. Prof. thi Dr. the D. State University, and the Isiin C. Henson, president of Training Sc. Newman Manual thirtyore chool of New Orleans. from The these ne graduates sent out 1ares S chools this _twenty young well in ies and eleven young men-as large our the graduates sent out in several sch umbers during the past the parish am ears, are a big asset to incurred in the nd justify the expense higher sh miatining these schools of Not nd more efficient training wh proven for these graduates of emselves have young men and women

7. September 12, 1914 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, September 12, 1914

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Charges Against People's Bank Directors. An affidavit against the officers and all but one of the directors of the defunct People's Bank of Donaldsonville, charging them with receiving a deposit of funds knowing the bank to be in a failing and insolvent condition, was sworn out late Wednesday afternoon by Fred. Werner, Felix Acosta, George Landry, Armand Rossi, Frank Medine, Dille Ohlmeyer and Luke Landry, depositors in the moribund institution. The affidavit alleges that on July 13, 1914, the day before the bank suspended business, a deposit was accepted from Bernard Mistretta, when the institution was known to be insolvent and on the eve of failure. The officials named in the affidavit are President J. A. Dalferes, Cashier W. J. LeBlanc, Directors Adolphe Netter, D. D. Dalferes, F. L. Trepagnier, Henry C. Braud, L. W. Armitage, Dr. E. K. Sims and Dr. B. A. Colomb. The only member of the board of directors not included in the charge is James P. Armitage, who is presently serving as liquidator of the wrecked institution. In the absence of Judge Charles Wortham of this district, Judge C. K. Schwing of Plaquemine fixed bond at $250 for all the accused except President Dalferes, whose bond was fixed at $1000 by Judge W. P. Martin of Thibodaux. The required security was furnished in each instance.

8. January 30, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, January 30, 1915

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DISTRICT COURT. Various Cases of Interest Presented for Judicial Consideration. The mills of justice were in operation here last Saturday and Monday, when brief sessions of district court were held, with Judge Charles T. Wortham presiding. Following is a summary of the business transacted: Julius Weiss & Co. vs. Etienne Laiche; exception filed. Kenny et als. vs. Marchand et als.; continued indefinitely. Mary Hebert vs. Paul Fontana; default entered. A. W. Bel vs. Mrs. J. T. Smith; exception and answer filed. Joseph A. Dalferes Vs. Alcide Leroy; default entered. Reeves Grocery Co. VS. T. W. Johnson; exception filed. James Pinkins VS. Lydie Adams; plaintiff granted absolute divorce. B. Lemann & Bro., Inc., vs. R. L. Steward; third ropposition of Steward Scale and Supply Company filed. People's Bank in liquidation vs. R. N. and E. K. Sims, C. Kline, and R. N. and E. K. Sims and J. Rumsey Duke; defaults entered. R. E. Dill, city tax collector, vs. P. J. Brown; dismissed at plaintiff's cost. Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation vs. Louis Dehon; judgment for plaintiff for $400; mortgage on lot 42 in square bounded by Houmas, Albert and William streets and Railroad avenue, given by defendant to Bank of Donaldsonville to secure loan of above amount, recognized as valid and binding, and property ordered sold by sheriff at public auction to satisfy judgment. E. M. Loeb, receiver of Belle Helene Co-operative Sugar Co., vs. Metropolitan Bank; previous decision overruling exception of no cause of action recalled, exceptio sustained, and suit dismissed; defendant granted suspensive or devolutive appeal to supreme court, returnable March 1, 1915, upon complying with formalities prescribed by law. the conclusion of Monday's session, court adjourned without date.

9. August 14, 1915 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, August 14, 1915

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LET THE DEAD PAST BURY ITS DEAD. The Chief respectfully suggests to the liquidators of the defunct Bank of Donaldsonville and Peoples Bank that they take steps to have the signs erased from the windows of the buildings formerly occupied by these respective institutions. The signs are misleading to strangers who may not be informed of the fact that the banks in question have suspended business, and merely serve as a reminder of unfortunate happenings that are best forgot. Remove them, Messrs. Liquidators, and assist to that extent in dispelling an unpleasant memory and eliminating a possible source of unfavorable suggestion to strangers within our gates.

10. May 20, 1916 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, May 20, 1916

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DISTRICT COURT. ar Spring Term of Judicial Body Now in Progress. th Judge Charles T. Wortham on nch, a regular term of civil disourt for the parish of Ascension onvened Monday, May 1. Sesof the judicial body have since held on the 5th, 10th, 17th and insts., a record of the business cted to date being as follows: thern Bitulithic Company vs. uo execttions J of police jury and school board y district attorney, and on bef city by Attorney Walter Le: Von Lotten vs. United Seating any; dismissed at plaintiff's cost, tion of counsel for plaintiff. eph Rateau VS. Emile LeBoeuf; ent for plaintiff by default in f $200, with 8 per cent interest Oct. 1, 1912, and costs. rbanks E Morse Company vs. ord Transportation Company; sed at plaintiffs' cost, on mof counsel for plaintiffs. . Beer & Company VS. C. Gloriodgment for plaintiffs by default 1 of $147.66, with legal interest osts. ght vs. Wright; default enterainst all defendants. x Acosta vs. Clarence North et lefault entered against all maAdler & Co., Inc., vs. J. G. ms; default entered. W. Bell vs. Mrs. Mary J. Smith, opposition of D. L. Smith; rule sed and case discontinued at costa S,H inick Casso VS. E. E. Reynolds; iff's demands denied, suit disI and sequestration dissolved, plaintiff's cost; motion for new verruled; appeal to circuit of appeals of first district, rele at its next sitting in Donville, granted upon bond being hed in sum of $50. al Bank & Trust Company vs. of Ascension; taken up, tried, fter all evidence had been adcontinued to Thursday, May nard Kelly vs. Joseph Schonet als.; plaintiff's 'demands dend suit dismissed at his cost; 1 for new trial tried contradicand overruled. e Haynes vs. Lucas Braxton; ff granted absolute divorce. ple's Bank in Líquidation VS. Dugas; judgment for plainI default in sum of $161.86, per cent interest from May 1, and costs. ia Ciria vs. Guiseppe Perniciplaintiff granted absolute ditern Union Telegraph Company A. Dalferes et als.; answers $ to L. W. Armitage, D. D. DalF. L. Trepagnier, James P. age, Adolphe Netter, Henry C. and E. K. Sims; on joint mocounsel for defendants, prayer by jury granted unon bond

11. July 22, 1916 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 22, 1916

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PEOPLES BANK LIQUIDATION. Dividend of Six Per Cent to Be Distributed Shortly. James P. Armitage, special agent to the examiner of state banks in the liquidation of the Peoples Bank of Donaldsonville, which suspended business July 14, 1914, has filed his third provisional account of receipts and disbursements, together with a petition asking for authorization by the district court to distribute the funds on hand among the depositors and ordinary creditors of the defunct institution in the proportion of six per cent of their respective claims. Permission is also requested to pay the special agent, Mr. Armitage, on account of services rendered in the liquidation, the sum of $1100, and Pugh & Lemann, attorneys to the liquidator, the sum of $750. The account shows that since the payment of dividend No. 2 a total of $47,628.76 has been collectel. The disbursements aggregate $33,204.41, leaving a balance on hand of $14,234.35. Receipts and disbursements are itemized as follows:

12. July 21, 1917 The Donaldsonville Chief Donaldsonville, Gonzales, LA
Article from The Donaldsonville Chief, July 21, 1917

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# DISTRICT COURT. # Numerous Civil Suits Occupy Attention of Judicial Body. Sessions of district court were held Monday, Thursday and Friday of the current week, with Judge Philip Gilbert on the bench and all court officers and attaches at their respective posts. Pasquale Palermo, who had previously pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with selling beer without a license, changed his mind and entered a plea of guilty. He was fined $200 or six months in jail, and produced the coin. Jack Pack, negro, indicted for carnal knowledge of an unmarried female, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve six months in jail. Joe Fontana, charged with striking with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill and murder, withdrew his former plea of not guilty, and substituted a plea of guilty of assault with intent to kill. A fine of $150 was imposed upon him, with the alternative of six months' imprisonment in the parish jail. He paid the fine. The petit jury panel drawn for the week was discharged Monday morning, there being no further criminal cases on the docket requiring the services of a jury. A record of the civil business transacted this week is contained in the following summary: D. Glenn vs. A. A. Robert, transferred from the parish of St. James; judgment for plaintiff for $1002, with 8 per cent interest from Feb. 14, 1914, and all costs. S. P. Melancon vs. W. A. Poche; continued indefinitely. Miles Planting and Mfg. Co., vs. Gonzales Bros.; exception as to jurisdiction argued and overruled; answer filed by counsel for defendants in behalf of Alex. Gonzales; default as to Joseph Gonzales entered by counsel for plaintiff; case fixed for Thursday, July 26. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., vs. Isaiah Thompson; answer filed. Desire Landry vs. Santiago Truxillo; motion to strike out motion for new trial, and motion for new trial, argued, submitted and taken under advisement. Silas Walker vs. Hopeville Colored Baptist Church; judgment for plaintiff for $320, with legal interest from May 1, 1916, and all costs. People's Bank of Donaldsonville in liquidation vs. L. A. Landry, and same vs. Santiago Truxillo; default entered. Kohlman Bros. & Sugarman vs. Hy. C. Braud; exception taken up and referred to merits; default entered; supplemental petition filed by counsel for plaintiffs. H. B. Howell & Co. vs. Henry C. Braud; exception taken up and referred to merits; default entered. Mrs. Cecelia Boudreaux Brown vs. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., et als.; motion for new trial argued and taken under advisement. Succession of J. Aristide Landry; final account of administratrix approved and homologated. Frank Danna vs. Charles Barber; exception fixed for trial Monday, July 23. Winfield Jumonville vs. Charles Guedry; answer filed; injunction dissolved and suit dismissed as in case of non-suit. Interstate Trust and Banking Company vs. Picard & Geismar, Ltd., et als.; reassigned to Tuesday, Oct. 2. Fixed for Trial. Monday, July 23-Irene Hooper vs. Camille Rome; Dawson H. Savario vs. Louisiana Railway and Navigation Co. Thursday, July 26-Mrs. Ramona Oubre vs. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Court adjourned to Monday, July 23, at 10 a. m.