Miners National Bank - Henryetta, OK

1. December 17, 1923 Henryetta Daily Standard Henryetta, OK

Article from Henryetta Daily Standard, December 17, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MINERS NATIONAL BANK SUSPENDED Steady Withdrawals Finally Forced Bank Officials To Suspend For Reorganization. Following a steady run of several weeks, during which time $274,000 in deposits were withdrawn, the Miners National Bank suspended business this morning, pending a reorganization. The affairs of the bank have been placed in the hands of Roy Cooper, federal bank examiner. A hastily called meeting of bankers and business men was held Sunday afternoon, where it was explained that the bank officials had been making a game fight against the run, but that they would be forced to remain closed Monday. Bank officials stated that a quiet and yet steady run had taken $274,000 or nearly 40 per cent of the bank's deposits, from the institution since September 14. H. J. Butterly, president of the closed bank, and his assistants, had made a brave fight against the gradual run, and it was only decided to close the bank when it was seen that such action would best serve the depositors and the community. Business men who have been active in assisting the bank officials to avoid suspension are high in their praise of the courage and integrity of the officers of the Miners National Bank. It was reported at yesterday's meeting that the bank was entirely solvent, being only short of ready cash, due to the prolonged run, and the generally quiet business conditions. The statement of the Miners National Bank of September 14th, showed deposits in the amount of $714,061.84, whereas Saturday night the deposits totaled $440,957.00. Sunday night the notice of the board of directors decision to place the bank's affairs in the hands of the federal examiners was posted on the door. A small crowd of citizens gathered to read the notice, quietly discussed the closing and then departed homeward. The two remaining banks of the city, the Citizens Bank and the Henryetta State, met all demands made on them this morning, promptly and cheerfully and are carrying on all business as usual. Large stacks of bills of big denominations conspicuously displayed soon convinced skeptical persons of the ability of the banks to care for any demands. Prominent business men were quick to express their faith in the stability of the two banks here. The efficient, courtesy of the bankers, together with the well understood strength of the institutions has restored any wavering of public confidence. Out-of-town friends of the two remaining banks, rushed large deposits of currency to the city by automobile after hearing of the difficulty of the Miners National Bank. Henryetta Coal Field Has Wonderful Future Testimony of J. M. Johnson, Katy Railroad Fuel Inspector, Develops Fact That Katy Desires To Extend Line Into This Field To Secure Coal Supply. The following is a further installment of the testimony of J. M. Johnson, fuel agent of the Katy railroad in the hearing recently held at Okmulgee before the Corporation commission. Mr. Johnson's testimony shows the wonderful possibilities of the Henryetta field as a coal producing district. The hearing was held following the application of the Katy railroad for permission to build a line into the Henryetta coal district. This information will help give Henryetta people a better idea of the extent of the coal resource of the district. The first installment of this testimony was printed Sunday in the Daily Standard. Other installments will follow from day to day until the entire story has been told. Mr. Johnson is answering the questions asked by the court as follows: Q. Do you know anything about the use of coal by glass companies? A. I am not familiar with that. Q. Do you know about refineries using coal? A. I know that Cosdon at Tulsa is using coal. We are just putting in big trackage for coal mines that they have at Broken Arrow. Q. State whether or not the development of this field would benefit users in this territory, and give your views about the development of that new field as soon as the Katy can reach it? A. Well, just for our railroad lines I am not sure, but I think I could use about 150 tons per day, or pretty nearly a half million tons per year. That would mean, roughly, about $500,000.00 any way to labor, and I don't know now just how much capital would get out of it. Q. State whether or not the mines on the K. O. & G. are capable of furnishing the Katy coal? A. No sir. Q. Why not? A. The coal is very poor quality for the reason that it is crop coal. Q. Do you try to buy that kind of coal? A. I did during the war, and stored it, and we had an awful time getting rid of it. Q. Well, state whether or not, at the present time, this coal you have discovered will be satisfactory? A. Yes, sir. There is other coal on the Frisco, good coal, for instance the Creek Coal Mining Co., which have it at 126 feet deep, but those shafts on the extension out here will average 50 feet each, which, naturally, the deeper the coal the better the coal. Q. State whether or not in the exercise of good judgment the Katy ought to be allowed to build this extension and develop the field? A. I would hate to be an operating executive of a railroad as big as the Katy without having a coal field like this to provide fuel for it if the oil should play out or get too expensive. Q. What about the development of this field other industries on the Katy? A. I would say that it would mean the serving of other industries on the line with coal when the fuel oil gets scarce. Q. State whether or not all competing lines with the Katy in this territory have coal deposits and surplus on their lines? A. Yes, sir, the Missouri Pacific has a great coal acreage, the Santa Fe has a great coal acreage, the Frisco has a big coal acreage in Kansas. Q. Is or not the Katy railroad the only trunk line that has not available an adequate coal reserve on its line in this territory? A. Yes, sir. Q. State whether on not, in your judgment it is necessary that these extensions be built from the standpoint of the Katy Railroad? A. It is very, very essential that the Katy be permitted to get into this coal field like we were just talking about. Comm. Cobb: You are general fuel agent for the Katy? A. Yes, sir. Q. What mileage has the Katy—that they operate? A. I would say about 3400 miles. Q. By Mr. Pierce, Who controls the Kansas coal fields, what railroads? A. The Frisco has the biggest part, I believe. Q. Who controls the McAlester fields? A. As far as the McAlester fields are concerned, I guess we control that ourselves. Q. Is that unsatisfactory or not, from a fuel standpoint, and has the Katy any reasonable expectation of an adequate fuel supply? A. As coal, it is good coal, but the mining cost is heavy, but that is the only supply we have, and should we go back to coal on our Texas lines that is the only supply we have. Q. Would, or not, that be adequate? A. No, sir. During the war we were able to get considerable coal from our Kansas mines, and, of course, we drew heavily on the Illinois mines, which was foreign delivery to the Katy, and then the McAlester fields went entirely to Texas. A. If conditions should occur that existed five or six years ago, I believe the commercial demand for coal would be possibly 100 per cent more than for company coal. Q. State whether or not the development of this new field along the Southwest Extension would be cheaper to the smelter in this territory? A. Yes, sir. Q. Give your views about that? A. To begin with, while the cost at the mine would be cheaper in Illinois and not very much cheaper, either we have the foreign freight charges to St. Louis and then the haul to the delivering point, which, after you leave Franklin Junction, where we stop, it is prohibitive to use Illinois coal, therefore I believe this coal would be cheaper to the commercial consumer that had to have it is Kansas City, Omaha, St. Joseph or Texas or some other place. Q. If you had to get coal from Illinois, would you not have to store it—store a good deal of it? A. Yes, sir. Q. How would that effect its chemical use? A. Our experience in storing coal has been very unsatisfactory both from the standpoint of cost in handling, resulting deterioration and it's firing. Cross Examination Q. (By Mr. Stuart): When did your road first commence to using oil? A. In December, 1919. Q. A. In December, 1919? A. Yes sir. Q. And you still use largely that fuel for your road at this time, do you not? A. In December, 1919, we commenced using oil from Mexico on a five year contract and we are still using that oil. Q. You had a lot of coal mines at the time you commenced to use fuel oil, did you not? A. We had two coal mines of our own. Q. And at the time the Frisco commenced to use oil as a fuel it had coal mines, did it not—plenty of them—I am speaking about railroad ownership? And the Santa Fe, too? A. These roads you speak of had coal mines in operation, the Santa Fe and Frisco, yes, sir. Q. And they commenced using oil notwithstanding the fact? A. Yes, sir. Q. And you had them in operation when you commenced to use oil as a fuel in your locomotives? A. Yes, sir. Q. And you have some mines at McAlester? A. We have some at Atoka. Q. You have perfect connection with the coal mines at Krebs, have you not? A. Yes, sir. Q. And they furnish you lots of coal? A. They did, but not now, though. Q. You have a connection at Wilburton, too, do you not? A. Not that I know of, no, sir. Q. Isn't there a claim there of 25,000 acres under lease owned by the Central Coal & Coke Company? A. Well, they have claimed for the last quarter century that there is coal around Vinita, but I have never seen any there that was worth anything. Q. Do you know this Henryetta field here? A. Very well, yes, sir. Q. You have studied it thoroughly? A. Yes, sir.

2. December 18, 1923 Okmulgee Daily Times Okmulgee, OK

Article from Okmulgee Daily Times, December 18, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

CATCH TWO BANKS SHORT OF CURRENCY Miners of Henryetta and First of Schulter Had Failed to Provide for Rush of Pay Checks. The Miners National bank of Henryetta failed to open its doors for business yesterday morning and the First National bank at Schulter was closed shortly after opening for the day. The Henryetta institution failed to open because of a shortage of ready cash due to the large number of mine payroll checks Saturday which came at a time when its cash reserve was at a low ebb. A temporary advancement of cash with which to meet the heavy demands of the mine pay day which failed to materialize was said to have attributed to the bank's embarrassment. The Miners National is declared to be in a sound condition insofar as its loans are concerned but failure to have sufficient cash on hand with which to run the bank during yesterday's business hours is said to have been the cause of its failure to open. The Miners National bank has a capital stock of $50,000 and deposits totalling approximately $475,000. Efforts will be made to reopen the bank many believe that such a move can be accomplished because of the condition of its assets. The First National bank at Schulter, with a capital stock of $25,000 and deposits totalling approximately

3. December 20, 1923 Weleetka American Weleetka, OK

Article from Weleetka American, December 20, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MINERS' NATIONAL BANK AT HENRYETTA SUSPENDS Following a steady run of several weeks, during which time $274,000 in deposits were withdrawn, the Miners' National Bank suspended business this morning, pending a reorganization. The affair of the bank have been placed in the hands of Roy Cooper, federal bank examiner. A hastily called meeting of bankers and business men was held Sunday afternoon, where it was explained that the bank officials had been making a game fight against the run, but that they would be forced to remain closed Monday. Bank officials stated that a quiet and yet steady run had taken $274,000.00 or nearly 40 per cent of the bank's deposits, from the institution since September 14. H. J. Butterly, president of the closed bank, and his assistants, had made a brave fight against the gradual run, and it was only decided to close the bank when it was seen that such action would best serve the depositors and the community. Business men who have been active in assisting the bank officials to avoid suspension are high in their praise of the courage and integrity of the officers of the Miners National Bank. It was reported at yesterday's meeting that the bank was entirely solvent, being only short of ready cash, due to the prolonged run, and the generally quiet business conditions. The statement of the Miners National Bank of September 14th, showed deposits in the amount of $714,061.84, whereas Saturday night the deposits totaled $440,957.00. Sunday night the notice of the board of directors decision to place the bank's affairs in the hands of the federal examiners was posted on the door. A small crowd of citizens gathered to read the notice, quietly discussed the closing and then departed homeward. The two remaining banks of the city, the Citizens Bank and the Henryetta State, met all demands made on them this morning, promptly and cheerfully and are carrying on all business as usual. Large stacks of bills of big denominations conspicuously displayed soon convinced skeptical persons of the ability of the banks to care for any demands. Prominent business men were quick to express their faith in the stability of the two banks here. The efficient courtesy of the bankers, together with the well understood strength of the institutions has restored any wavering of public confidence. Out-of-town friends of the two remaining banks, rushed large deposits of currency to the city by automobile after hearing of the difficulty of the Miners National Bank.—Henryetta Standard.

4. December 21, 1923 Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat Muskogee, OK

Article from Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat, December 21, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

HEIRLOOMS FOUND IN STRANGE PLACE J. Campbell Smock of Eufaula Put Jewels in Old Vault; Discovered In Closed Bank (Special to the Phoenix) HENRYETTA, Dec. 20.—That truth is often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of an old bank vault shipped from Eufaula to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man, emigrated to the then wild Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and social fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Valuable Jewels Lost Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in a Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks had three children. The eldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second a son, J. Campbell Smock, jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula High school and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter 10 years of age. The elder Smock who had become a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago, and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Now shift the story from Eufaula for the moment to Henryetta. Found in Old Vault Lee Boerstler, of the Boerstler Brothers Wholesale grocery company, of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract company. It is one of those big vault safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Boerstler, upon searching through the various compartments, found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish Rite ring holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin, and a valuable gold watch. These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice-president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, jr. Bank Was Closed Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners' National bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. The party called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault, and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers, emblems and jewels.

5. December 23, 1923 Okmulgee Daily Democrat Okmulgee, OK

Article from Okmulgee Daily Democrat, December 23, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MASONIC EMBLEMS LOCKED IN VAULT Jewels Owned by the Late J. Campbell Smock Found at Henryetta HENRYETTA, Dec. 22.—That truth is often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of an old bank vault shipped from Eufaula to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man emigrated to Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and sociable fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in the Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks were blessed with three children. The eldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second was a son, J. Campbell Smock, Jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula high school, and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter ten years of age. The elder Smock who had become a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago, and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Safe Purchased Now shifting the story from Eufaula for the moment to Henryetta. Mr. Lee Boerstler, of the Boerstler, of the Boerstler Brothers Wholesale Grocery company, of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract company. It is one of those big vault safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Mr. Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Mr. Boerstler upon searching through the various compartments found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish Rite ring holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin, and a valuable gold watch. These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice-president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened to him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, Jr. Mr. Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners National bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. Mrs. Smock lost no time but immediately came to Henryetta accompanied by Mr. Young of the abstract company who sold the safe to the Boerstler Grocery company. Together the party called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault, and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers and emblems and jewels left by her late husband and which rested in the old safe undiscovered for so many years yet where she could have reached in her hand and grasped them any day had they given the ancient vault a thought in their search.

6. December 23, 1923 Okmulgee Daily Democrat Okmulgee, OK

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Banker Thanks Henryetta People HENRYETTA, Dec. 22. — President Harry J. Butterly of the Miners National bank, thanked the people of Henryetta through the Rotary club today for confidence imposed in him and the assistance afforded, and stated that with the present condition of the bank and the volunteer help being offered the bank would again soon be re-opened. Mr. Butterly was followed by a number of other Rotarians and substantial business men, who voiced the confidence of an early resumption of business by the bank. These talks of confidence took the place of the regular program. The club also voted a volunteer subscription of $2 per member to assist in defraying the expenses of the Rotary Christmas tree which is to be presented Christmas morning in connection with a program, vaudeville and picture entertainment for the children. William Seymour of the Retail Merchants association and Ben C. Eastin, of the chamber of commerce, were also designated a committee to encourage the local merchants to carry more and continuous advertising in the local newspapers. FREE DINNER Free Christmas dinner at the Methodist Church, 908 South Oklahoma, especially for the poor and needy.

7. December 27, 1923 The Eufaula Indian Journal Eufaula, OK

Article from The Eufaula Indian Journal, December 27, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

HEIRLOOMS FOUND IN STRANGE PLACE J. Campbell Smock of Eufaula Put Jewels in Old Vault; Discovered in Closed Bank HENRYETTA, Dec. 20.—That truth is often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of an old bank vault shipped to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man, emigrated to the then wild Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and social fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Valuable Jewels Lost. Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in a Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks had three children. The eldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second a son, J. Campbell Smock, jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula High school and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter 10 years of age. The elder Smock who had became a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago, and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Now shift the story from Eufaula for the moment to Henryetta. Found in Old Vault. Lee Boerstler, of the Boerstler Brothers Wholesale grocery company, of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract Company. It is one of those big vault safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Boerstler, upon searching through the various compartments, found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish rite ring holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin and a valuable gold watch. These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened to him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, jr. Bank Was Closed. Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners' National bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. The party then called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers, emblems and jewels.

8. December 27, 1923 The Indian Journal Eufaula, OK

Article from The Indian Journal, December 27, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

HEIRLOOMS FOUND IN STRANGE PLACE J. Campbell Smock of Eufaula Put Jewels in Old Vault; Discovered in Closed Bank HENRYETTA, Dec. 20.—That truth is often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of an old bank vault shipped to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man, emigrated to the then wild Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and social fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Valuable Jewels Lost. Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in a Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks had three children. The eldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second a son, J. Campbell Smock, jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula High school and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter 10 years of age. The elder Smock who had became a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago, and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Now shift the story from Eufaula for the moment to Henryetta. Found in Old Vault. Lee Boerstler, of the Boerstler Brothers Wholesale grocery company, of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract Company. It is one of those big vault safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Boerstler, upon searching through the various compartments, found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish rite ring holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin and a valuable gold watch. These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened to him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, jr. Bank Was Closed. Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners' National bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. The party then called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers, emblems and jewels.

9. December 28, 1923 The Harrodsburg Herald Harrodsburg, KY

Article from The Harrodsburg Herald, December 28, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FORTUNE IN JEWELS FOUND J. Campbell Smock's Widow Recovers Masonic Gems Given Up As Lost The editor of the Herald is just in receipt of a long personal letter from his old time friend Rodney M. Jones, who is now a prosperous business man of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rodney was very reminiscent and recounted scenes and school mates of old Harrodsburg Academy of some forty years ago. He sent his regards to his boyhood friends both the girls and boys and wished them a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. In his letter he enclosed a newspaper clipping from the Tulsa Tribune of December 23, containing a very interesting fact about an old Harrodsburg boy, J. Campbell Smock now deceased some four years. Mr. Smock was the son of the late Sheriff John Smock and upon the death of his father went west seeking health and fortune. He succeeded in both cases and when he died he was considered the leading man in Eufaula. His family are known here where they visited as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Smock. The clipping is as follows: That truth is, often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of and old bank vault shipped from Eufaula to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man, emigrated to the then Wild Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and social fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in the Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks had three children. The oldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second a son, J. Campbell Smock, Jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula high school and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter 10 years of age. Died Four Years Ago The elder Smock who had become a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Now the story shifts from Eufaula to Henryetta. Lee Boerstler of the Boerstler Brothers wholesale grocery company of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract company. It is one of those big vault safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Boerstler, upon searching through the various compartments found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish Rite ring holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin, and a valuable gold watch. Bequeathed to His Son These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, Jr. Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners' National Bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. The party called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault, and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers, emblems and jewelry.

10. December 31, 1923 The M'Alester News-Capital McAlester, OK

Article from The M'Alester News-Capital, December 31, 1923

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Eufaula Vault Held Lost Treasure Trove for Masonic Family HENRYETTA—That truth is often more strange than fiction, is evidenced in the recovery of a quantity of heirlooms and precious jewels through the sale and delivery of an old bank vault shipped to Henryetta. In the late years of the last century, J. Campbell Smock, a young man, emigrated to the then wild Indian Territory in search of fortune, and located at Eufaula. He was accounted a bright and social fellow and made many friends among both the white pioneers of that time and among the Indians. As years passed, he wooed and won the heart of Miss Eloise Grayson, daughter of the late Chief George W. Grayson, of Eufaula, and they were married in 1900. Young Smock engaged in the insurance business, and later became an officer and stockholder in a Eufaula bank. Among his other activities he engaged with an abstract company, and thereby hangs the discovery of the long lost heirlooms and jewels. The Smocks had three children. The eldest, a daughter now grown and married; the second a son, J. Campbell Smock, jr., who is now a senior in the Eufaula high school and is in his seventeenth year, and the third, a daughter 10 years of age. The elder Smock who had became a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, died some four years ago, and after his death his wife and children hunted in vain for the lodge jewels and emblems and other valuables which the deceased was known to have possessed in life. Now shift the story from Eufaula for the moment to Henryetta. Lee Boerstler, of the Boerstler Brothers Wholesale grocery company, of Henryetta, heard of a certain big safe owned by the Eufaula Abstract company. It is one of those big vaults safes about seven feet high with spacious compartments, and which Boerstler believed he could use to advantage in his office. A trade was made through Manager Young of the abstract company, and the Boerstler Brothers truck was sent to Eufaula to bring the safe to Henryetta about three weeks ago. Upon receiving the vault Boerstler, upon searching through the various compartments, found a package containing a number of letters and jewelry. Among them was a Scottish rite holding a valuable diamond, and inscribed "J. Campbell Smock." There were also a Shrine emblem and a diamond stick pin and a valuable gold watch. These articles were accompanied by a letter signed by Smock on a letterhead of the Eufaula bank, showing him as vice president. The letter was in the nature of a will in so far as these emblems were concerned. It stated that it was the wish of the writer that, in the event anything happened to him, these articles should go to his son, J. Campbell Smock, jr. Boerstler being a Mason and Shriner himself, turned the emblems and other articles over to William Seymour, president of the local Shrine club, who in turn deposited them in the vault of the Miners' National bank. Mrs. Smock was then communicated with and asked to come to Henryetta. The party then called at the bank to recover the precious heirlooms but greatly to their disappointment they were told that the bank having closed its doors Saturday, federal seals had been placed on the doors of the bank vault and that Mrs. Smock would have to wait until the bank receiver was in position to place in her hands the valuable papers, emblems and jewels.

11. January 6, 1924 Okmulgee Daily Democrat Okmulgee, OK

Article from Okmulgee Daily Democrat, January 6, 1924

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MOVE TO REOPEN MINERS NATIONAL New Capital Stock of $50,000 to Be Subscribed by Henryetta Men HENRYETTA, Jan. 5.—At a meeting of the stockholders of the Miners National bank, and receiver James H. Gerner, the receiver intimated that if a new capital stock of $50,000 was subscribed, together with additional sum of practically the same amount, to take up certain assets of the bank criticised by the examiner, he would be disposed to recommend to the comptroller of currency that the bank be reopened. A good part of this new capital has been subscribed and paid into the receiver to be held, pending the reorganization of the bank. It was pointed out by banking officials that if a new national bank was organized locally the comptroller of currency would require a capitalization of $100,000 before granting a charter, whereas the charter of the Miners National bank can be continued if only the $50,000 in new capital is subscribed and paid in. The need for additional banking facilities in Henryetta is expressed by the business interests, and public spirited citizens lending their aid in the reopening of the bank.

12. January 6, 1924 Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat Muskogee, OK

Article from Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat, January 6, 1924

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MAY REOPEN BANK If $50,000 Additional Capital Stock Is Subscribed (Special to the Phoenix) HENRYETTA, Jan. 5.—At a meeting of the stockholders of the Miners' National bank, and receiver James H. Gerner, the receiver intimated that if the new capital stock of $50,000 was subscribed, together with additional sum of practically the same amount, to take up certain assets of the bank criticized by the examiner, he would be disposed to recommend to the comptroller of currency that the bank be reopened. A good part of this new capital has been subscribed and paid into the receiver to be held, pending the reorganization of the bank. It was pointed out by banking officials that if a new national bank was organized locally the comptroller of currency would require a capitalization of $100,000 before granting a charter, whereas the charter of the Miners' National bank can be continued if only the $50,000 in new capital is subscribed and paid in

13. January 25, 1925 Okmulgee Daily Times Okmulgee, OK

Article from Okmulgee Daily Times, January 25, 1925

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

HENRYETTA BANK SITE OF OLD Many Depositors in Defunct Institution Stockholders in Venture. HENRYETTA. Okla., Jan Arising phoenix like from the ashes of the defunct First National bank. which closed its doors by orders of the national bank examiner, July 20. 1923. the new Peoples National bank will open its doors for business Wednesday 28, according to the statement of James Cameron, president. and one of the largest depositors of the defunct Institution. The serial number of the new bank will be 12,629. The closing of the First National bank, the oldest financial institution of the city, was disastrous blow to more than three thousand accounts, and brought stagnation to the business interests generally, yet the was confident suspension was only that the bank would and when certain accounts were reopen realized upon. This confidence maintained and though badly hampered in finances, and the business inthe depositors terests generally had accepted the situation and were taking more cheerful mood when the Miners National bank suspended Saturday, December 15, thus dealing second blow that put the remaining banks to the acid test. and sending thousands of dollars that would otherwise found circulation into postal savings, bureau drawers, cubby holes and hiding places. However, the two remaining banks met every demand, and although general depression of business hovered these two banks showover the city, gradual increase in their, deposits which were greatly augmented by the reopening of the coal mines in the late summer and also the returns from the largest cotby and other crops in decade. all this time Mr James During Cameron and Joseph Hillman, two heaviest depositors in the deof the funct First National bank. assisted by cher depositors worked with build new bank the receiver the of the old. Nineupon wreck tenths of the actual claim holders against the defunct bank, embracing more than 700 of the larger depositors, become stockholders in the new institution. The Peoples National bank will begin business Wednesday, January 28, capital stock $100,000 and surplus of $25,000. The officers James Cameron. president; Joseph Hillman, vice president: active vice president. and cashier. Cameron and Hillman came to Henryetta together 20 years ago and assisted in the opening and exploitation of the vast coal deposits were opened and exploited. K. Wilder native Aurora, III., while Mr Calvert's former home was in Kas.

14. May 12, 1926 Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat Muskogee, OK

Article from Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat, May 12, 1926

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TO SELL BANK ASSETS Receiver of Three Okmulgee County Institutions Authorized to Clean Up Affairs By The Associated Press OKMULGEE May 11 Final steps will be taken at once under authorization of the comptroller of the federal currency and the Okmulgee district court, to sell the remaining assets of three national banks which falled in the south end of Okmulgee county four years ago. Irving Page, receiver for the banks was authorized today to sell the few remaining assets in any manner he may see fit. either at private or public sales. The banks are the First National banks of Henryetta and Schulter and the Miners' National of Henryetta.

15. July 28, 1927 Okmulgee Daily Democrat Okmulgee, OK

Article from Okmulgee Daily Democrat, July 28, 1927

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

ESTATE LOSES $1,376.64 IN FAILURE OF BANK Suspension of the Miners Na tional bank of Henryetta. Dec. 15. 1923. resulted in loss of $1,376.64 to the estate of Joe Mitchell Sey mour. it 18 stated in petition filed late yesterday in county court by the guardian, William Seymour, seeking the authority to charge the loss the guardianship account The total dividends paid by the bank was 32.2 percent on deposit of $2,007.77 from the estate, It is asserted. It resulted in a payment of

Miners National Bank (Henryetta, OK)

Episode Information

Metadata

Response Measures

Receivership Details

Description

Events (5)

Newspaper Articles (15)

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Episode Information

Metadata

Response Measures

Receivership Details

Description

Events (5)

Newspaper Articles (15)

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Article Text

Bank runs are almost always and everywhere a deterioration of bank fundamentals.

Flag Article for Review

Flag Episode for Review