902. Union National Bank (Oakland, CA)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Suspension → Closure
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 2266
Charter Number: 2266
Start Date: November 12, 1907
Location: Oakland, California (37.804, -122.271)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 1f865b96

Response Measures

None

Description

The Union National Bank suspended during the 1907 financial panic (no explicit run described), resumed operations in late Dec 1907, but ultimately closed and went into receivership on April 13, 1909 after examinations revealed insolvency/mismanagement and ensuing litigation. No discrete misinformation-triggered run is described in the articles.

Events (4)

1. November 12, 1907 Suspension

Cause: Macro News
Cause Details: Suspended amid the 1907 financial flurry/panic and statewide financial stress; articles refer to the broader panic and special session considerations.
Newspaper Excerpt: the temporary suspension of the Union national bank in Oakland.
Source: newspapers

2. December 22, 1907 Reopening

Newspaper Excerpt: The Union National Bank will resume business on Monday with over $30,000 cash on hand ... The bank some weeks ago took advantage of the holidays to suspend operations.
Source: newspapers

3. April 13, 1909 Receivership

Newspaper Excerpt: Special Bank Examiner E. F. Rorebeck ... has taken charge of the institution and will wind up its affairs.
Source: newspapers

4. April 13, 1909 Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Unable to meet obligations after reopening; examiner found problems, lawsuits and alleged misapplication of funds by officers prompted examination and receivership.
Newspaper Excerpt: The Union National bank of Oakland, closed its doors this morning and went into the hands of a temporary receiver.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)

1. November 12, 1907 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, November 12, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

IS NOT YET DECIDED Will Convene Legislature Next Week if It Is Called at All MERCHANTS PETITION Exchange Passes Resolutions Asking for Executive Action at Once Governor Gillett arrived in San Francisco shortly after noon yesterday from Sacramento and spent several hours in consultation with Mayor Taylor and Attorney General Webb concerning the proposed special session of the legislature. He made inquiries as to the financial situation and learned from local bankers that conditions had improved. The governor was also informed of the temporary suspension of the Union national bank in Oakland. No alarm was felt over this suspension, as the latest statements of the institution showed that the assets exceeded the liabilities by a comfortable margin. The governor did not arrive at a final conclusion in regard to the extra session, although he stated last night that he would make a definite decision some time before the end of this week and that he would call the legislature together next week if at all. The governor said: am still investigating matters with a view to determining whether or not to call a special session of the legislature, and have arrived at no conclusion. I am hearing all sides of the question, looking into several points myself, and making an effort to learn whether it is generally desired throughout the state Most of the bankers and businessmen in all parts of the state are urging a special session. while others do not favor it. If I [should decide to issue a call it will be for some time next week, and I shall make up my mind in a few days now. The special session, if it is called, will be convened as soon as possible and as quickly dismissed, and there will be few matters which it will take up Even with a special session all but the most important matters will have to go over until the regular session. "If I should decide to call the session one matter that I will incorporate in the proclamation will be a proposed amendment to the code. which will make it possible for courts to continue their sessions during such holidays as those which we are now having." At a meeting of the board of directors of the merchants' exchange yesterday the question of an extra session was discussed, and the directors expressed their approval in the following letter, which they addressed to Governor Gillett: "We have the honor of informing you that at the regular meeting of the board of directors of the merchants' exchange, held on this date, the f61lowing resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, that the governor of the state of California, in view of the present financial stress and the additional danger to be feared from the Jocking up of large sums of money in the vaults of the city, county and state officials, be earnestly requested to immediately call the legislature of the state of California in special session for the purpose of extending for 60 days the date upon which the first installment of taxes for the year 1907 would become delinquent. "Bespeaking your favorable action. as called for by the resolution, and assuring you that in the opinion of the board of directors of the merchants' exchange, it is of the utmost importance that the legislature of the state of California should be convened at an early date for the purpose mentioned in the resolution, we remain, very respectfully yours, "C.S. LAUMEISTER, President. "T.C. FRIEDLANDER, Secretary. A telegram was received yesterday by Homer S. King, president of the San Francisco clearing house, from the Stockton clearing house offering cooperation to secure a special session Telegrams were also received in the Continued to Cels. 2 and 3, Page 2

2. November 12, 1907 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT

Article from The Salt Lake Herald, November 12, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

NO ALARM FELT. San Francisco Bankers Expect Normal Conditions Shortly. San Francisco, Noc. 11.-Financial conditions in this city today are quiet, no alarm being anywhere manifested. Clearing house certificates are rapidly passing into circulation, and bankers anticipate a resumption of all business on a normal basis before long. Three hundred thousand dollars was transferred to this city through the subtreasury this morning. This gold was consigned to six different banks. four of them in this city. An Oakland bank received $100,000 and another amount went to a bank in Seattle. The new clearing house certificates, made after a complicated design which It will be exceedingly difficult to counterfeit, began to go into general circulation today. The banks exchanged them in large numbers for the certificates of the original issue. The Citizens' State bank, which suspended last week, has decided to remain closed until the end of the period of legal holidays. The closing of the Union National bank of Oakland had no appreciable effect here.

3. November 20, 1907 Vernon County Censor Viroqua, WI

Article from Vernon County Censor, November 20, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Later. At Pana, III, the jury in the case of John Collier, charged with killing his father-in-law, Alphonse Jolly, returned a verdict of not guilty. The Union National bank, the oldest in Oakland, California, was closed. The officers claim they were taking advantage of a legal holiday. Money stringency resulted in the closing of the large mill of the Edward Hines Lumber company at Iron River and 1,500 men are idle. In New York six persons were badly injured and traffic was blocked as a result of the collision of two elevated trains loaded "ith passengers. At Paris Henry Farnam successfully accomplished the feat of flying a kilo* meter with an aeroplane and returning to the point of departure with the machine under perfect control. I Representatives of the switchmen's union and a special committee of general managers of western railroads met in Chicago to discuss the demand for a six cents an hour increase of wages. Lazard Freres of New York engaged two and a half million gold for import. The National City bank cancelled the engagement for one million made in London last week. Total engagements to date $54,000,000. At Danvile, Va., the federal grand jury began an extensive investigation of alleged gigantic frauds by various bonded distilleries in this section and collusion of storekeepers, gaugers, and government employes. Commissioner of Health Evans of Chicago issued an order that all members of the football team of Chicago University be vaccinated immediately. Two students of the university were taken to the isolation hospital suffering with small-pox. President Roosevelt witnessed an exhibition of Japanese wrestling by Mr. Hitachiyama, champion Japanese and his assistant. The bout was arranged by the Japanese ambassador and was witnessed by a number of the president's friends. Three million of gold was carried through the streets of Chicago in four wagons guarded by 50 policemen. The gold was transferred from the sub-treasury to the First National bank and constituted the largest single draft ever made upon the subtreasury. At Trenton, N. J., application was made to the United States court for the appointment of a receiver for the consolidated Arizona Smelting company and Arizona Smelting company. The application was made by Frank L. Crocker of New York, who charges insolvency. The companies are capitalIzed at $17,000,000. Upon motion of Mrs. Emily Hill, president of the Cook county, Illinois, W. C. T. U., a memorial to congress was ordered drafted by the national women's christian temperance union asking that body to forbid the sale of liquor on the lakes and rivers of the country and the United States coast waterways. A pool in which the largest copper consumers of Europe are represented was recently formed in London and has purchased fifty thousand tons of copper at a price slightly above the prevailing price in the market. The copper is to be delivered in November and December. The amount involved is $15,000,000. Miss Etta McLean, stenographer recently arrested in Chicago on a charge of stealing papers from the office of the United States district attorney, relating to the prosecution of John R. Walsh, former president of the Chicago National bank was released on her own cognizance. The trial of Walsh begins today. Alive, unhurt, but in a darkness that never will be lifted, Michael McCabe a miner, is waiting certain death by starvation, 800 feet below the surface of Draper colliery near Washington City, Pa. While McCabe was at work he fired a blast that blew away one of the mine pillars. He fled in the wrong direction and got into a blind shaft.

4. December 7, 1907 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, December 7, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

EDITORIAL Page 8 Concerning consolidation Page 8 One way to stop thuggery Page The cuckoo and the oriole, et al. Down with Shea. Page CITY Following the filing of a petition by the lawyers for the contestant in the Colton will contest case. alleging fraud and mismanagement Walter J. Barnett has been suspended as special administrator of the estate in litigation by an order of the superior court of Santa Cruz Page 1 county. Real estate market shows notable inquiry by merchants for locations in the downtown Page 6 district. Mrs. W H. Broome of Santa Barbara appeals to British government to help her get back home worth $12,000 forfeited for $480 street Page 16 bill. Sbakeup occurs in police department as requit of order by Chief Biggy assigning captains to Page 16 new commands. Mayor Taylor asks that three members of the fire department be removed for political are Page 5 tivity. Finance committee of board of supervisors bolds up expense bills of Oliver grand jury until authority to pass on them is Jeter Page 5 mined Her meals not like those bis mother used to cook. is criticism that leads wife to seek 9 Page divorce. While mother sleeps pretty Santa Barbara girl burriedly packs and joins man she marto ried in afternoon for burry trip 9 Page city. Miss Gladys Van, comedienne, passes through San Francisco on the trail of Ollie Mack. who, Page 16 she alleges, betrayed her. B. B. Lee will be charged today with the murder of Thomas McCarthy, a private detective by shoving the point of an umbrella Page 12 into his eye. Prominent Chinese is slain by San Jose high binder in tong war and murderer is captured Page 16 after pursuit in automobile. Fight trust graft cases assigned to Judge Page 16 Dunne for trial. Bank commissioners will decide this morning whether or not the California safe deposit and trust company shall be per mitted longer time in which to strengthen its affairs. Page 5 SUBURBAN Two young Salvadorans captured in San Francisco accused of many robberies in Oak 4 Page land. Preliminary hearing of Mark A. Wilking charged with the murder of Vernie Carmin. be gun before Police Judge Gearry. Dead woman's busband watches prisover in court. Page 4 Directors of Union national bank of Oakland make announcement that the institution has been declared solvent by the national bank exPage 4 sminer. Prisoner in Alameda temporary jail ents. sets fire to mattress and escapes to be recan 4 tured and charged with intoxication. Page Professor Stephens says the young engineers. the pioneers who blaze the way for civilization. are the only men who have romance connected 4 Page with their lives, Modern 'Raffles' is suspected of the theft of jewels worth $2,000 from a fashionable apartPage ment house in Berkeley Death claims Augustine Galindo, aged 80. sioneer citizen of Oakland and member of one of the oldest Spanish Californian families in the 4 Page west Shangbaied boy held 18 months in Arctic returns to tell of hardships in while Page 4 prison. DOMESTIC Republican national committee stands about even on Kansas City and Chicago as convention cities while few votes will decide Page 1 Coal company fixes number of dead or dying in mine disaster in West Virginia at 380, and is 1 Page said to bare ordered coffins for all. J. L. Bristow. formerly assistant postmaster general. investigates plan to establish government steamship line from San Francisco to Page 12 Panama Clara Bloodgood's suicide explained by friends as due to worries over finances. while manager asserts she played too many one night Page T stands. Attempt made to wreck Julius Kruttselmett's Page 12 special train in Texas. COAST Dynamite is used OD potter poles in attempt to plunge Goldfield in darkness: protest entered against calling of troops: eight companies of regulars depart from California for the secue 1 Page of trouble. Those involved in Imperial valley alleged land frauds seek to obtain ruling absolving them Page 7 from all taint. New flowing well proves south Coalinga oil Page 15 field a great producer. Death at Santa Rosa of John Taylor Bowers, a well known piopeer, who was an active memPage 12 ber of the vigilantes. Majority of Sonoma county hon growers an prove the proposed coast organization. Page 11 | Despite protesis, Japanese church will be built in the finest residence section of Page 15 Vacaville Andrew C. Cozad, founder of Norris & Rowe's circus, kills himself at Santa Cruz. Page 15 Two Portuguese fishermen in launch battle against high seas on ocean for seven days and are finally picked up by vessel and towed 10 Page 11 Capitola FOREIGN Prediction made that Taft's visit will result in Page 1 Russian-American alliance Latest Parisian style-of dress for women fts Page 8 the figure with marked tightness. SPORTS Edith R at 100 to 1 and four other long shots win races at Emeryville in sloppy Page 10 going. George Memsfe coming to San Francisco Page 10 range match with Battling Nelson. inake stake Ten starters in Crocker selling Page 10 hard picking for the tarent. me Three winners at New Orleans races from P. Dunne's barn. Page 10 J. Scott Leary defeats George Bromley in-a match swimming race at the Olympic Page 10 club SOCIAL Winter's garety opens last night with cotilion Page at Fairmont hotel Mrs. Crrus Walker is bostess at largest bridge whist party given in this city in several years. Page 8 LABOR Three contributions from the international union have been received by the carmen of this Page a city. MARINE Suorting southwester makes floating property dance to a lively tune and keeps ships from Page 11 going to ses. Japanese liner America Maru ends storiny voyage across Pacific and brings rich cargo from the orient. Page 11 MINING Sending of troops to Goldfield strengthens

5. December 22, 1907 Arizona Republican Phoenix, AZ

Article from Arizona Republican, December 22, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

A BANK'S PRECAUTIONS The Union National of Oakland Made Sure of Its Position. Oakland, Cal. Dec. 21.-The Union National Bank will resume business on Monday with over $30,000 cash on hand and with depositors representing nine-tenths of the $1,200,000 deposits pledged not to withdraw their money for a sufficient period of time to put the bank on a solid basis. The bank some weeks ago took advantage of the holidays to suspend operations.

6. December 31, 1907 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, December 31, 1907

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

EDITORIAL Page An obscure political situation. Page Standard oil's impudent lying. A Pacific view Page Page Nevada's duty to keep the peace. BANK FAILURE Treadwell. Brown and Bartnett are indicted by grand jury for embezzlements ranging from $17,500 to $45,000. Page 1 Bartnett's request for attorney's fees in estate be tied up was refused by Judge Gra. bam. Page 3 To lack of knowledge rather than guilty in tent is attributed Collins wrecking of Oakland institution. Page 3 Judge Smith of Santa Cruz holds Bartnett responsible with trust company for funds of Colton estate. Page 3 Depositors sue Walker in federal court. ask ing that he be declared bankrupt. Page 2 Depositors have power to give bankers long terms for accepting deposits when institution was insolvent. Page 3 CITY Jere Knode Cooke and Floretta Whaley flee with their child from their Green street fiat to the home of a friend in this city. Abandoned wife writes to San Francisco clergyman urging bim to aid her husband. Warrant for Cooke's arrest may not be served. Page 1 Judge Weller gives freedom to James Davis, "king of the wire tappers," on purely nominal bail. Page 1 Glass seeks release from jail rather than from illness, physicians report after learning be has taken no treatment for bis maladies. Page Supervisors give corporations three years to remove wires in downtown district and will pass special resolution dealing with trolley feeders. Page 14 Weather man advises New Year's ere merry Page T makers to carry umbrellas Death calls Brigadier General H. P. Bush. one of the best known officers of the national guard of California, Page 14 Clubwomen angry at lawrers' assertious that clubs lead to cigarettes, wine drinking and divorce. Page 14 "Sign of the Cross is most creditably presented by stock company at the new Alcazer tbeater. Page 14 Disputed ownership of curly necked French poodle leads to unique decision by police judge. Page 14 SUBURBAN Wilkins, accused of murder of Vernie Carmin at Eimhurst, arraigned in Oakland superior court. Page 4 Case of Olive Scully, who killed James F. Glorer by throwing acid in bis face, will be 4 submitted to a jury in Oakland today. Page Union national bank or Oakland is completely reorganized; new management announces it will work out policy of its own. Page 4 Mayors of four cities attend the banquet given in celebration of the opening of Hotel St. Marks. Page 4 Woman telephones Oakland police from Gridley that she wed Louis Cowell, suspected bigamist. in 1905 prior to marriage to another bere. Page 4 Biggest book on bee life to be published by Page 4 Ralph Benton of university, COAST Sparks holds martial law as whip over legislature he has ordered to convene to give Gold Page 5 field adequate police protection. Many delegates gathering at Santa Cruz for annual meeting of California teachers' associaPage 5 tion, which begins today. EASTERN Commercial telegraphers preparing for another struggle with companies because of discouragement due to last failure. Page 1 Christ's words lost for 1.300 years are discovered in Egyptian bible and bear out Paul's message of Satan's power fulfilled and the end of sin. Page 1 Aoki, ambassador from Japan, recalled by mikado because of many blunders, leaves Washington for home. Page Mikado sends word to president by Secretary Taft that Japan wants peace with us now and for all time. Page 5 Democrats indorse tariff division issue and views of Governor Johnson meet with their approval. Page 5 Body of murdered woman found in a pond near Harrison, N. J., identified at that of a Page 13 former New York stenographer. FOREIGN Sister of Emperor William named in Harden case as informant of editor of facts about "round table." Page 8 Body of Druce found intact in English cemetery, quashing case of claimants to duke of Portland estate. Page 3 SPORTS Registration committee of the Pacific athletic association begins investigation into the amateur Page 8 standing of Ralph Rose. Jeffries has a talk with Moran regarding rules for the fight with Attell on New Year's Page 8 day. Battling Nelson calls off his proposed match Page with Kid Scaler at Bakersfield. Olympians invite Mayor Taylor and supervisors to accompany them on annual run Page 8 tomorrow. Hugo Kelly and Billy Papke fight a 10 round Page 8 draw in Milwaukee. Northwest wins from Massa and Deutsebland Page in sensational finish at Emeryville, LABOR Labor leaders canvassed to learn opinion on Page 7 Sunday closing of saloons, Typographical union is asked to aid university teacher to write early history of printing in city. Page 7 MARINE Guatemalan officials. afraid of spies, refuse Neke's passengers permission to land uptil PresiPage 10 dent Cabrera gives his consent. MINING Prices of stocks rise on the mining exchange OD reports from Nevada that the legislature will Page 13 be called in extra session. SOCIAL Mrs. William Mintzer's dance for her daughter this evening will be the largest New Year's eve I affair. Page a

7. January 4, 1908 Los Angeles Herald Los Angeles, CA

Article from Los Angeles Herald, January 4, 1908

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BROWN ALLOWED TIME IN WHICH TO ENTER PLEA Disgraced Banker Must Answer to Grand Jury Indictments in Judge Dunne's Court on January 8 By Associated Press. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 3.-J. Dalzell Brown was today given until January 8 to plead to the indictment charging him with embezzlement in connection with the disappearance of the Colton estate securities from the California Safe Deposit and Trust company, of which he was formerly general manager. Judge Dunne made an order allowing Brown to visit the vaults of the insolvent bank today for the purpose of getting some private papers. Yesterday was dividend and interest day with the banks, and large sums of money, approximating $6,000,000, were paid over the counters of the savings and trust banks. The panicky feeling which existed some weeks ago has wholly disappeared and conditions in the various banks are practically normal. The savings banks alone paid out in excess of $2,500,000, or were prepared to do SO. It had been thought by some that savings depositors would wait until dividend day and make that an opportunity to draw considerable sums out of the banks. But this prediction failed of fulfillment. Nothing of an unexpected or unusual character occurred at any of the banks. The Union National bank of Oakland reopened its doors yesterday, after seven weeks of inoperation.

8. April 13, 1909 The Tacoma Times Tacoma, WA

Article from The Tacoma Times, April 13, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK CLOSES (By United Press Leased Wire.) OAKLAND, Cal., April 13.-The Union National bank of Oakland, closed its doors this morning and went into the hands of a temporary receiver. In this capacity E. P. Rorebeck, a national bank examiner will act The bank suspended during the recent financial flurry but later, under a new management, resumed business. It was unable. however, to meet its obligations.

9. April 14, 1909 Los Angeles Herald Los Angeles, CA

Article from Los Angeles Herald, April 14, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

LARGE BANK AT OAKLAND FAILS DOORS OF UNION NATIONAL ARE CLOSED SPECIAL EXAMINER ACTS AS RECEIVER Officers of Institution Made Brave Fight After Recent Panic, but Were Unable to Keep Concern Solvent [By Associated Press.] OAKLAND, April 13.-The doors of the Union National bank in this city were closed this morning. Special Bank Examiner E. F. Rorebeck, who has been looking over the books of the bank for the past week, has taken charge of the institution and will wind up its affairs. In a public statement he has just issued Mr. Rorebeck declines to give any special reason for his action, referring the question to the comptroller of the currency in Washington. He says, however, that the directors of the bank have made a strong fight to repay old obligations and that they have assured him that depositors will be paid in full. The Union National bank was originally the property of the Adams Bros. and Thomas G. Prather. They sold it to J. Dalzell Brown and it failed in 1907-08. Some of the old directors afterward attempted to start the bank again. The failure will in no way affect the other banks in Oakland, which Special Examiner Rorebeck says are perfectly sound. Bank Examiner Rorebeck, who is temporary receiver, made the following statement at noon today: "As the national bank examiner, temporarily in charge of this bank, I am not authorized to make a public statement relative to the causes which led to the closing of the institution. Such a statement must be obtained from the comptroller of the currency or from the directors of the bank. Brave Fight Made "I will say, however, that the bank has been fighting bravely against almost insurmountable odds since it reopened, after suspension during the panic. The present management appears to have worked hard to rehabilitate the institution and restore it to its old-time prestige, and during the past eighteen months they have liquidated large liabilities due depositors and other creditors. I understand the directors are confident that the depositors will be paid in full, and I trust that such will be the case." President George Roeth, when seen this morning, said: "I have very little to say. I have done the best I could under the circumstances and I hope we will be able to pay the depositors dollar for dollar. The affairs of this bank are now in the hands of Receiver Rorebeck, and I have nothing more to say." During the past few months there have been a number of suits in which the Union National bank was interested; some as plaintiff and some as defendant. Many depositions were taken in these cases in which the affairs of the Union National bank were shown up in an unenviable light. It is said that these depositions were called to the attention of the comptroller at Washington, with the result that he sent Mr. Rorebeck here to make an examination of the finances of the institution. There is due the depositors the sum of $538,302.

10. April 18, 1909 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT

Article from The Salt Lake Herald, April 18, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

EXAMINER SUSPENDED. Washington, April 17.-Immediately after the suspension of the Union National bank of Oakland, Cal., a few days ago, Comptroller of the Currency Murray ordered the suspension of Bank Examiner Charles G. Reed, pending an investigation to determine whether the bank was insolvent during the time Mr. Reed had examined it and reported it solvent. A full investigation of the condition of the bank for some time past will be made by the comptroller.

11. April 24, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, April 24, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

WILL PRESS BURRELL CLAIM AGAINST BANK / Suit Grows Out of Financing Government Contracts OAKLAND, April 23.-The Burrell suit for $50,000 damages against the Union national bank will be pushed in spite of the fact that A. W. Burrell, plaintiff, died in voluntary absence from this city during phases of the preliminaries to the suit. Attorney M. C. Chapman, who was associated with E. G. Ryker in prosecuting the claim, announced today that the death of Burrell would have no influence in killing the action. The Burrell suit involved the relations between three successive managements of the bank over the financing of contracts which Burrell held for the government at Prescott, Ariz. The contracts were awarded Burrell while Edson F. Adams and Thomas Prather had control of the bank, and they gave him $50,000. J. Dalzell Brown followed and then the bank was closed during the panic. When George Roeth took charge with the reopening of the bank Burrell's advances had totaled $150,000 and then credit was shut off.

12. April 30, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, April 30, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK SHARE HOLDERS SUE FOR RETURN OF MONEY Misrepresentation by President Alleged in Suits OAKLAND. April 29.-Arthur Brown petitioned the superior court today to annul the purchase of $3,000 worth of stock in the Union national bank, now under a receivership. Brown said he had $3,000 on deposit July 8, 1908, but that he was induced by representatives of President George Roeth to accept stock in exchange. Brown asked the court to compel Receiver Edwin F. Rorebeck to place him on the lists of the bank's creditors for the full amount of his former deposit. George Roeth, James L. de Fremery, R. W. Kinney and George D. Gray were defendants. A similar suit was filed by C. E. Frank, who said that he purchased $500 worth of stock under the same conditions.

13. May 8, 1909 Los Angeles Herald Los Angeles, CA

Article from Los Angeles Herald, May 8, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

of va., Cabell Richmond, lected to succeed John G. Capers of South Carolina as commissioner of internal revenue. Mr. Capers is ill. To License Clubs - Governor Hadley sent a special message to the legislature at Jefferson City, Mo., yesterday in an effort to obtain the enactment of a law requiring a state license for the sale of intoxicants in social clubs. Hearing Delayed-The habeas corpus proceedings for the release of W. F. Ford, cousin of Tirey L. Ford, from the county jail at Oakland, were again put over yesterday by Judge Brown, after listening to two hours' argument. Six Beds Stolen-Six beds and the furnishings of the pest house at Alton, Ill., were stolen by burglars who broke into the unoccupied building. The city authorities now fear an epidemic of smallpox, as it is expected the beds and coverings will be sold. Lumberman Dies-Mrs. Mary Campbell, widow of Capt. John Campbell, lumberman of Port Blakely, Wash., whose sawmill was the largest in the world, died yesterday at Seattle, aged 87 years. The family is widely known in shipping and lumber circles. Shot in Quarrel-Con Enright and William M. Iverson, teamsters, quarreled yesterday at Portland, Ore., over the harnessing of some horses, and in his anger Enright shot Iverson in the back. The latter is seriously but not fatally wounded. Enright escaped. Mrs. Thaw Pays-Evelyn Nesbit Thaw did not go to jail yesterday. Instead. representatives of her counsel paid the receiver appointed to take charge of Mrs. Thaw's affairs the amount of $250, the fine imposed for contempt in failure to appear in supplementary proceedings. There still remains to be paid nearly $100. Triple Tragedy - James A. Dawson, night watchman for a mill company at Three Lakes, a small town near Everett, Wash., yesterday morning shot and killed his wife and 14year-old daughter and then killed himself. The daughter lived long enough to run to a nearby house. It is supposed family trouble caused the shooting. Train Blockaded - The Denver-bound train on the Denver, Northwestern & Pacific railroad (Moffit road), which left Steamboat Springs last Friday morning, is still snowbound within 1000 feet of the snow sheds at Corona. If the blockade is not broken today the mail on the train will be taken by stage to Wolcott and thence to Denver. Court Sustained-The Fresno county court is sustained in a decision handed down yesterday by the appellate court involving the right to irrigation waters. Frank Silva won a suit in the Fresno court against C. H. Hawn to prevent him from obstructing the flow of water in a ditch which led onto the plaintiff's land. The appellate court declares the defendant's appeal to be without merit. Mother to Protect DaughterThe mother of Hazel Moore, the girl to whom the Seattle authorities attribute the downfall of Adjutant General Hamilton of Washington, says she expects her daughter to leave Seattle at once for Oakland. The mother, who lives at 466 Rose street, Oakland. said today: "I will do everything I can for her, because she is my daughter." They have not met for ten years. D. of C. Convention - The delegates to the ninth annual convention of the Daughters of the Confederacy devoted yesterday to pleasure. During the forenoon they took observation cars to many places of interest in and about San Francisco, crossing the bay at noon for luncheon upon the campus of the University of California. In the afternoon they were the guests of Joseph LeConte chapter at Berkeley. Sues for Deposit-During the attempt of George Roeth, James L. De Fremery, R. W. Kinney and George D. Gray to reorganize the defunct Union National bank at Oakland, with a capital stock of $300,000, Leon Veiller, a depositor, was induced to invest $500 in the capital stock of the institution, he alleges in his complaint to recover that amount from the bankers, filed yesterday in the superior court at Oakland. Breaks All Records - Private advices received by Col. N. E. Linsley, chairman of the Spokane naval trophy cup committee, state that the armored cruiser Washington broke all previous records of the United States navy in the recent target practice at Magdalena bay. This means that the Wash-

14. August 29, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, August 29, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Page 38 the morning moderate west wind. EDITORIAL The weak point in the defense of Ballinger. Page 28 Page 28 About banking and politics. Page 28 Wise lumbermen admire Pinchot. Page 28 Not more law, but better reason. Page 28 The dukes have few friends. POLITICAL Independent republicans will indorse Crocker's Page 17 candidacy for mayor. Credentials of delegates to political conventions will not be ready until next Tuesday. Page 40 Good government league in trying situation regarding the candidates for mayor and sheriff. Page 40 CITY Multimillionaires not behind California safe Page deposit and trust company. Promoter of ideal commonwealth comes to grief. Page 19 Clubwomen of the state will debate merits of Page 32 study and civic sections. Police arrest former convict and woman companion on charge of burglarizing several residences. Page 32 Supervisors. satisfied that County Line water supply is not dangerous to drink, to recommend city purchase. Page 27 Spanish dragoons will be escort of Portola at festival. Page 48 Thomas Prather sued by receiver for using funds of Union national bank of Oakland for his personal profit. Page 23 Military court to try soldier accused of murder. Page 24 American saloonman at Chefu brought to San Quentin to serve time for what may have been Page 21 accidental killing of Chinese. SUBURBAN Death of Charles J. Wilder. pioneer railway official. Page 23 Walter Burckhalter will not be extradited. Page 22 Wife obtains divorce from cruel Berkeley dentist. Page 22 Chess tournament for the Shreve cup at university. Page 22 Good program to be presented at the Orpheum. Page 22 Delinquent water tax paid in full by Contra Page 47 Costa water company. Mrs. Nellie St. Clair of Piedmont files answer to husband's suit for property, alleging gross cruelties, Page 23 COAST Homes of mighty rich in Pasadena atremble Page 17 at visit of state assessor. Pacific fleet sails from Seattle for San Francisco on winter cruise. Page 40 Young Ledies' Institute of San Rafael to give musical comedy. Page 29 Prince-adherent win resolution fajories federal control in national conservation con gress. Page 20 Survivors of wrecked steamer Ohio reach Vancouver, clad in motley array of improvised garments. Page 21 EASTERN Taft to name judges of customs court and former Congressman de Vries considered probable nominee. Page 21 FOREIGN American residents of Mexico fear outbreak of Reyes' followers on national independence day. Page 17 Hundreds dead and thousands homeless by cloudburst that almost wipes out Monterey. Mexico. Page 17 Glenn H. Curtiss, American aviator. wins Bennett trophy for fastest aerial journey of 20 kilometers ever made by man. Page 17 SPORTS Sacramento athletic club wins at state fair field meet, Captain Gannon being the star of the daj. Page 33 Nearly four score golfers take part in qualifying rounds in men's competition at Del Monte. Page 33 Race meet under auspices of Chico driving Page 33 association is brought to close. Nat Niles of Boston successfuly defends title as Canadian international tennis champion. Page 88 Bicycle riders meet in relay race on San Leandro road today. Page 35 Work of McLoughlin and other California play Page 35 ers in east was a revelation. High school to form union to govern its own sports. Page 34 Committees make few changes in program of athletic sports to be held during Portola week. Page 34 Local anglers have royal sport among schools Page 84 of salmon outside the heads. Fresno again downs the Oakland outlaws at Grove street park, Page 34 Coast league scores Vernon 3. San Francisco 2: Portland 6. Los Angeles 1; Sacramento 5. Oakland 3. Page 34 State league scores Fresno 4, Oakland 2: Stockton 3. Sacramento 2. Page 34 San Mateo kennel club's bench show promises Page 35 to be an important affair. MARINE Liner Manchuria makes fast run from Honolulu and brings 365 passengers from island port and the far east. Page 39 BEGIN GOOD ROADS ROND ISSUE WORK

15. October 24, 1909 Los Angeles Herald Los Angeles, CA

Article from Los Angeles Herald, October 24, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FILES SECOND COMPLAINT AGAINST BANK'S OFFICERS SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23.-H. N. Morris, receiver of the Union National bank of Oakland, filed today in the federal circuit court a new complaint against Thomas Prather, Edson F. Adams and John C. Adams, setting forth more specifically the charges previously made against these officers of the suspended bank. They are accused of having fraudulently withdrawn funds from the institution and lent large sums of money to friends at lower rates of interest than were charged other patrons of the bank.

16. November 2, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, November 2, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

PUZZLING DELAY IN JAILING BANKER Failure to Arrest Prather or to Show Indictment Against English Causes Gossip OAKLAND, Nov. 1.-Why has not Thomas\ Prather, former president of the Union National bank. been arrested as the result of the indictment that the federal grand jury brought against him last week? And why is it that the indictments against Prather and former Congressman Warren B. English are still on the secret file? These questions have been asked frequently in Oakland ever since the news was given out that the pair had been indicted for their alleged violation of the national banking laws in the Union National bank. Prather has not been in hiding. His attorney, Milton S. Hamilton, has gone to San Francisco repeatedly to try to bring matters to a head. Prather could be notified of the charge against him with no delay, and could be taken into custody at once, but no move in this direction has been made against him by the United States marshal, in spite of the fact that the indictment was returned against Prather as long ago as last Friday. CHARGES MAY BE OUTLAWED Speculation among these familiar with the affairs of the Union National bank has developed the theory that the indictments against Prather and English may be defective. The statute of limitations, it is hinted, has got in its work. and the charge that Prather made dummy loans while acting as president of the bank and that English acted as one of the dummies, is outlawed, Attorney Darwin de Golia was indicted at the same time as the other two Oaklanders, the charge against him being that he used the United States mails for fraudulent purposes. The indictment against him was returned Friday, with those against Prather and English. De Golia was placed under arrest Saturday. Prather was not, although he was in Oakland. and no attempt has been made to haul him to jail. Attorney Hamilton has spent most of his time since Saturday in San Francisco, trying to find out officially the exact nature of the charge against Prather. He has been entirely unsuccessful, he declares. He visited the federal court again today and returned baffied, unable to learn the nature of the indictments, or to discover the cause for the delay in serving them. DELAY PUZZLES LAWYER "So far as I could ascertain after visiting the city today there has been no change in the situation since Satur: day," he said. "Mr. Prather has not been served with official notice that he is under indictment and no move has been made in that direction of which I have heard. I do not know why there has been such delay." Frank L. Rawson and James P. Montgomery, attorneys, today called a meeting of the depositors of the Union National bank for the purpose of forcing Receiver H. N. Morris to make a settlement, or at least to issue a statement of the bank's affairs. They declared that they had been unable, though depositors of the institution, to obtain any satisfaction from Morris. The latter said tonight that every one entitled to information as to the condition of the Union National bank could get it from him: He said also that he had always given such information, and could not remember ever having been asked by either Montgomery or Rawson as to the bank's affairs. They are depositors in the defunct bank

17. November 10, 1909 Arizona Republican Phoenix, AZ

Article from Arizona Republican, November 10, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

GRAND JURY NET CAUGHT BIG FISH ONE OF THEM FORMER CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMAN English and Prater Arrested in Connection With Failure of Oakland Bank San Francisco, Nov. 9.-As a result of the failure of the Union National Bank, of Oakland, Thomas Prather, who was president of the bank, and former Congressman Warren B. English, former director of the defunct institution, surrendered themselves to the United States marshal this afternoon when they learned that he held warants against them on indictments drawn by the federal grand jury, charging them with misapplying the funds of the bank. The indictments were returned secretly several days ago, but no attempt was made to serve warrants until today. The accused men were notified that they were wanted early in the day, and when they appeared at the office of United States Marshal Elliott, they were provided with bondsmen. who put up $5,000 for the release of each. The bank in which the alleged frauds were committed was acquired August, 1906. by the California Safe Deposit and Trust company, and shortly after that institution failed the Oakland bank suspended business. At the time an investigation was commenced by the comptroller of the currency, but no formal charges were made against the officials of the bank until the last session of the federal grand jury for the northern district of California. The two bankers are jointly indicted on the charge of making various dummy loans. The first count charges Prather with making a loan of $2.203.50 to English on insufficient surety, and without the knowledge and consent of the directors. The count charges that Prather knew at the time the note was not good for the amount borrowed, and the bank lost the sum" loaned. The second count is a repetition of the first, except that the sum of $1.100 is involved. The third count charges that Prather loaned $34,000 to I. Harrison Clay on an agreement that the money aws to be for the use and investment of the bank president. It further alleges that subsequently, without the knowledge and consent of the directors, he compelled the bank to accept $19,000 and the promissory note of I. H. Clay for $15.000 in full satisfaction of the sum, $34,000. Both the indicted men are well known in financial and political circles. English was elected to congress on the democratic ticket, and has been an active worker in the national councils of the party. Besides having held the 'presidency of the Union National Bank, Prather is connected with some of the largest corporations in the state.

18. November 10, 1909 Albuquerque Morning Journal Albuquerque, NM

Article from Albuquerque Morning Journal, November 10, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FEDERAL WARRANTS FOR BANKERS IN SAN FRANCISCO Prominent California Financiers Required to Give Bond on Charge of Misapplying Funds of National Bank. [By Morning Journal Special Leased Wire] San Francisco, Nov. 9.-As the result of the failure of the Union National bank, of Oakland, Thomas Prather, who was president of the bank, and Former Congressman Warren B. English, who was a director in the institution, surrendered themselves to the United States marshal today when they learned that he held warrants against them on indictments drawn by the treasury department, charging them with misapplying the funds of the bank. The indictments were returned secretly several days ago, but no attempt was made to serve the warrants until today. When the two men appeared at the office of United States Marshal Elliott they were provided with bondsmen, who put up $5,000 for the release of each of the bankers. The bank in which the alleged frauds were committed was acquired in August, 1906, by the California Safe Deposit & Trust company and shortly after the latter institution failed the Oakland bank suspended business. The two bankers are jointly indicted on the charge of making various dummy loans. The first count charges Prather with making two loans, one for $2,203.50 and another for $1,100. to English on insufficient surety and without the knowledge or consent of the directors. A third count charges that Prather loaned $34,000 to I. Harrison Clay on the agreement that the money was to be for the use and investment of the bank. Former Congressman English said: "I am not guilty of any wrong-doing. I did not know what the charge is and am not conscious of having violated any laws of the United States." Both of the indicted men are well known in financial and political circles. English was elected to congress on the democratic ticket and he has been an active worker in the national councils of his party. Besides having held the presidency of the Union National bank. Prather is connected with some of the largest corporations in the state.

19. December 16, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, December 16, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Suburban Brevities HUNTER ARRESTED-Oakland Dec. 15.-E. McKeon was arrested last night by Deputy Game Warden Silva for hunting without a license and brought to the county jail. He was released on $10 cash bail. ALAMEDA ELKS IN COMEDY Alameda, Dec. 15.-The theatrical company of Alameda lodge of Elks will present the musical comedy. "The Purple Goat Inn," before Oakland lodge of Elks tomorrow night. The proceeds of the play will be used in providing Christmas dinners for the poor. EXPECT DIVIDEND CHECKS-Oakland, Dec. 15.-H. N. Morris, federal receiver of the Union national bank, expects the checks in payment to depositors of the first dividend in liquidation of the Union National bank to artomorrow. The checks left Washington. D. C., December 9. The first payments will cover 23 per cent of the claims. The largest depositor is Mrs. R. S. Farrelly of San Leandro, whose claim is slightly more than $60,000. ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON-Oakland, Dec. 15.-J. A. Bright, secretary of the butchers' exchange, and R. T. Kessler, president of the restaurant keepers' association, wil Italk before the Tricity Rotary club at luncheon Thursday, on meat inspection. "Why Flour Is High" will be discussed by R. D. Holmes. FORMER CONVIOT ,REARRESTEDOakland Dec. 15.-John Lewis, who was released from San Quentin two days ago after serving a sentence for robbery, was arrested this morning on suspicion of stealing a pair of shoes from H. Alexander's store at 917 Broadway.

20. December 17, 1909 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, December 17, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

PRATHER AND ADAMS TO PAY BANK FOR LOANS Three Defendants. Compromise Suit, Paying $120,000 Each The three suits brought in the United States circuit court by H. N. Morris, receiver of the Union national bank of Oakland, against Thomas Prather, Edson F. Adams and John Charles Adams, were dismissed yesterday by Judge Van Fleet upon a compromisé agreement by which the defendants must each pay to the bank $120,000. The suits were filed \with a view to discovering what use the former president and the two former directors had put large sums borrowed from the bank without interest and invested in private ventures. The reason for the compromise, which has the consent of the comptroller of the treasury, is that many of the loans have been outlawed and others would be hard to trace. POWDER PLANT BLOWS UP-Vaneouver. R. €., Dec. 16.-The mixing house of a powder making plant owned by Ironsides. Rannie & Campbell of this city blew up today. fatally injuring two Chinese. The powder plant "is situated 15 miles from Vancouver.

21. December 21, 1909 Tonopah Daily Bonanza Tonopah, NV

Article from Tonopah Daily Bonanza, December 21, 1909

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ANNOUNCES DIVIDEND FOR BANK DEPOSITORS By Associated Press OAKLAND, Dec. 20. -Announcement was made today by H. N. Morris, receiver for the defunct Union National bank, that he had recently received from the comptroller of the currency at Washington checks for depositors of 25 per cent dividends. He also states that a second dividend of 30 per cent will probably be paid next January, and that the depositors will have been paid in full with interest by the time the bank has been in the receiver's hands for one year.

22. February 25, 1910 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA

Article from The San Francisco Call, February 25, 1910

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

METCALF AIDS TWO INDICTED BANK OFFICALS Reported to Have Effected Compromise in Cases of Prather and English Said to Have Gone to Washing= ton Seeking Dismissal of Federal Indictments That Victor Metcalf, former secretary of the navy, has had an important part to play in the final settlement of the cases resulting from the failure of the Union national bank of Oakland was reported yesterday in dispatches from Washington to the effect that Metcalf had brought about a compromise with the government in the cases of Thomas B. Prather and Warren English. The real object of Metcalf's present visit to Washington is said to have been to prevail upon Attorney General Wickersham, if possible, to have the criminal indictments against Prather and Warren English, growing out of the bank failure. dismissed. Prather and English were indicted by the federal grand jury for the alleged misuse of $120,000 of the funds of the bank, and at the same time a suit was begun against them in the name of H. N. Morris, the federal receiver, to recover this amount. Metcalf was apointed by the federal receiver to determine the amount due from Prather and English and set the sum at $120.000. This money was paid into the bank and it was announced a few days ago that the creditors of the institution would be paid dollar for dollar. Within the last few days, also, the papers in the case were taken out of the hands of United States Attorney Devlin and forwarded to Wickersham. Metcalf is credited with having effected the compromise by which Prather and English paid the $120,000 in settlement of the alleged misuse of funds. Knight & Heggerty, attorneys for Prather, said yesterday that they had no knowledge of Metcalf's entrance into the case in behalf of their client.