Meyer Kiser Bank (Indianapolis, IN)

Episode Information

Episode UID
20005571577
Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
2000557 routing
Routing Number
20-0055
Start Date
May 11, 1931
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana (39.768, -86.158)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
c65df8de961d4795

Response Measures

None

Events (4)
1. May 11, 1931 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Long period of heavy withdrawals reducing liquid resources; contemporaneous runs on other banks and local banking distress contributed to depositor withdrawals.
Measures
Directors voted to close the bank and place assets in hands of state banking department for liquidation.
Newspaper Excerpt
The closing of the bank... 'is result of long period of withdrawals of deposits which decreased liquid resources of the institution'
Source
newspapers
2. May 11, 1931 Suspension
Cause Details
Directors voted to close the bank and place it in liquidation after sustained withdrawals and liquidity depletion.
Newspaper Excerpt
assets of the Meyer-Kiser bank... were placed in the hands of the state banking department for liquidation today.
Source
newspapers
3. May 12, 1931 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
assets of the Meyer-Kiser bank were placed in the hands of the state banking department for liquidation today. Suit for appointment of receiver for the Meyer-Kiser Corporation... was filed in superior court today.
Source
newspapers
4. April 19, 1933 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Formal request... for an immediate examination of affairs of the Meyer-Kiser bank... depositors' committee citing that no dividends have been paid since liquidation of the bank began nearly two years ago.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (24)
1. May 12, 1931 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, May 12, 1931

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BANK FAILURE 'LUCK' TO WOMAN ON TRIAL Convicted of Liquor Charge, She's Given Time to Pay Fine. Bad luck followed Mrs. Lyda Mann into municipal court today, but before her case was ended. Lady Luck had made a bid to aid her. Police told Judge William H. Sheaffer that in a raid on Mrs. Mann's home recently they found a quantity of home brew. Mrs. Mann admitted she made it "for my use and I never sold or gave any away." Sheaffer fined her $100 and costs and suspended a thirty-day sentence at the Indiana woman's prison. Then Sheaffer suspended the costs. As Mrs. Mann prepared to leave the court, her attorney told Sheaffer that Mrs. Mann's only money was in the Meyer-Kiser bank that closed late Monday. Sheaffer placed her on probation, allowing her sixty days to pay the fine.

2. May 12, 1931 Dayton Daily News Dayton, OH

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BANK FAILS IN INDIANAPOLIS AMERICAN AGUE Batting White Runs INDIANAPOLIS. May Red Assets of the Meyer- Kiser bank Bluege were placed in the hands of the state banking department for liquidation today. Gehrig The had total capital and surplus of $600,000 with deposits of approximately $2,240,000. and SCRANTON. Pa., May Carbondale Mechanics' bank at Carbondale. ordered closed today. There had been run on the bank for several days. bu. basket Thorabay mostly steady standard TREASURY RECEIPTS receipts for BAR SILVER Bar

3. May 12, 1931 The Kokomo Tribune Kokomo, IN

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MEYER-KISER BANK AT INDIANAPOLIS IS CLOSED sets of the Meyor-Kiser bank, one of the state's largest banking institutions, were placed the hands of the state banking department for liquidation today. The directors voted at meeting last night to close the bank "in order. as nearly as possible. is president o: the bank, organized in 1805. Thomas D. Barr. assistant state banking commissioner. will make the bank's an examination books preparatory to liquidation the assets. ^ statement issued by the directors indicated that their opinion "their assets exceed them liabilities to depositors and credThe closing of the bank. the di. rectors stated. "is result of long period of withdrawals of deposits which decreased liquid resources of the institution in riod three years by nearly $4.000,000, in of which. the remaining assets, while considcred perfectly good by the directors, were not of immediate conversion into cash with which to pay Estimates last night were that the bank total capital and surplus of $600,000. with deposits approximately $2,240,000 Sult for appointment of receiver for the Meyer-Kiser Corporation, holding company controlled stockholders the MeyerKiser Bank. was filed in superior court today. The suit was filed by Blessing Fischer, assistant the president of the bank. She represented herself as the holder of $1,000 an issue of $1,327,150 in collateral real estate mortgage bonds. One at ALiami, Also Miami Fla., May Bank of Miami, closed its doors this morning after rcmaining open little more than 311 William C. Chadwick vice president and manager the bank, said the closing was caused by remors that the closing of the bank in Indianapolis would affect the concern. He said run begin on the bank shortly after opening time this morning. Chadwick said statement of the condition of the bank would be isadded the comptroller in Tallahassee had been advised of the closing. The capitalized at $125,000 and had surplus of $25,000 Deposits. Mr. Chadwick said, were approximately $174,000.

4. May 13, 1931 Washington Daily News Washington, NC

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MATCH TO BE IN CLEVELAND CLEVELAND, May 12.-(AP)Any doubt that the heavyweight championship fight between Max Schmeling and W. L. "Young" Stribling would not be held in Cleveland's new municipal stadium July 3 was removed today. The contract was signed last night by city officials and the Madison Square Garden Corporation of Ohio, organized by the promoters. Closiig of the deal came after the City Council passed a resolution accepting a flat guarantee of $5.000 for the boxing commission instead of the usual six per cent of the réceipts. MIAMI BANK CLOSES MIAMI, Fla., May 12 (AP) The Meyer-Kiser Bank of Miami closed its doors this morning after remaining open little more than an hour. William C. Chadwick vice-president and manager of the bank, said the closing was caused by rumors that the closing of the Meyer-Kiser Bank in Indianapolis would affect the Miami concern. He said R run began on the bank shirtly after opening time this morning.

5. March 15, 1933 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, March 15, 1933

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EIGHT MILLIONS PUT IN BANKS Deposits Are Heaviest in City's History, Report Officials. (Continued from Page One) cepting deposits which may be withdrawn in full. These included the Aetna Trust and Savings bank, Virginia Avenue State bank, Belmont State bank, Marion County State bank, Peoples State bank, and Citizens State bank of Beech Grove. State banking officials announced a large number of banks open throughout the state and they were working at top speed today checking condition of other banks in preparation for issuing permits for their reopening as soon as possible. It was announced at the statehouse today that practically every county in the state has at least one bank open. Bankers pointed out that the heavy excess of deposits over withdrawals was not caused by the limitation on cash withdrawals. The banks were forced to ask very few persons to sign affidavits that heavy withdrawals were for necessary purposes and not for hoarding. Gold coins and gold certificates today continued to pour into banks, officials reporting more than $100,000 in gold received in exchange for currency Tuesday. It was estimated that more than $700,000 in gold coin and gold certificates has been shipped to the federal reserve bank at Chicago in the last week. Heavy Penalty Provided A maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and ten years in prison is provided for persons hoarding gold and gold certificates. Banks of the country have until Thursday to furnish the government with lists of persons who have withdrawn gold or gold certificates in sizeable quantities in the last few years without returning it. Building and loan associations reported increased business Tuesday and today as payments were made on loans. During the banking holiday no payments were made on loans and PA borrowers hastened to make paye ments as soon as funds were available. S Most of the money received was in cash, with few checks being tendered, it was said. Operations of these financial in] stitutions have been on a restricted basis for several months.

6. April 19, 1933 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, April 19, 1933

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MEYER-KISER FIGHT LOOMS Closed Bank's Depositors Organize: Suit to Be Heard April 27. Formal request to Richard A. McKinley, state banking commissioner, for an immediate examination of affairs of the Meyer-Kiser bank was made by the bank's officials today. Action by the liquidating agents followed closely the announcement of plans for formation of a permanent committee representing depositors for the purpose of demanding an accounting. A joint statement issued by J. J. Kiser, M. S. Cohn and F. S. Meyer, liquidating agents and former officers of the bank, branded allegations concerning the bank as "of such a ridiculous nature that they are not even worthy of a denial." "Nevertheless, we have made a formal request to Richard A. McKinley, state banking commissioner, asking him that he make an immediate examination of this bank and the progress of its liquidation," the statement declared. "We are hopeful this request will be granted and that the banking department will thereupon be in a position to make an authoritative statement to all interested parties. At a meeting Tuesday, a resolution was adopted by a temporary depositors' committee citing that no dividends have been paid since liquidation of the bank began nearly two years ago, and that no information has been given to depositors. Charles D. Babcock, attorney, was named temporary chairman of the depositors' organization. Appointment of a receiver has been asked in a suit filed in circuit court by Mrs. Jessie B. Powell, 78, of 5132 East Washington street. Circuit Judge Earl R. Cox has set April 7 as date for the receivership hearing.

7. April 24, 1933 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, April 24, 1933

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BANK QUESTIONS COURT'S POWER Meyer-Kiser Attorney Puts Jurisdiction Issue to Fore in Hearing. Jurisdiction of the state bank examiner's department and circuit court in the affairs of the MeyerKiser bank was questioned today in a receivership hearing before Circuit Judge Earl R. Cox. According to arguments advanced by Paul Y. Davis, counsel for the bank's liquidating agents, the state banking department, or 25 per cent of the creditors, must take receivership action. The petition for receivership was brought by Mrs. Jessie Powell, aged widow, who alleges that conspiracy exists in liquidating the bank's affiars. Edward Little, attorney for Mrs. Powell, raised the question of the bank's present status, declaring that its suspension of operation in July, 1931, and institution of liquidation, removed it from the supervision of the banking department and placed it in the status of a business concern. Ruling on the contentions will be given by Cox late today. At the time of the bank's suspension, a supreme court decision was given prohibiting the Marion superior court from intervening in the situation. Mrs. Powell's suit preceded a meeting of Meyer-Kiser depositors, at which plans were made for demanding information regarding the progress of liquidation. According to Charles D. Babcock, chairman of the depositors' committee, no information has been given depositors and repeated demands for information have been refused. Liquidating agents of the bank, J. J. Kiser, Ferd Meyer and Mel Cohn, later requested investigation of their activities by the state banking department. Bank examiners have been assigned and expect to announce their findings this week.

8. April 24, 1933 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN

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in Hearing. Jurisdiction of the state bank examiner's department and circuit court in the affairs of the MeyerKiser bank questioned today in receivership hearing before Circuit Judge Earl Cox. According to arguments advanced by Paul Y. Davis, counsel for the bank's liquidating agents, the state of the must take receiverThe petition for receivership brought by Mrs. Jessie Powell, aged widow. who alleges that exists in liquidating the bank's affiars. Edward Little attorney for Mrs. Powell, raised the question of bank's present status, declaring that its operation July, 1931, and institution of liquidation, removed it from the supervision the banking department and placed it in the status of Ruling on the contentions will be given by Cox late today. At the time the bank's suspension, supreme court decision was given prohibiting Marion superior court from intervening in the Mrs. Powell's suit preceded which plans were for manding information regarding the progress According Charles D. Babthe depositors no has been given and repeated mands for information have been Liquidating agents of the bank. Kiser, Ferd Meyer and Mel later of their activities by the state banking department. Bank examiners and expect nounce their findings this week.

9. May 18, 1933 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, May 18, 1933

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BONDING FIRMS TO PAY $150,000 TO COUNTY No Litigation in Settlement for Deposits in Meyer-Kiser Bank. Marion county is to collect immediately, without litigation, $150,000 of county deposits in the defunct Meyer-Kiser bank when it closed, May 11, 1931, according to agreements with bonding companies, announced today by Charles A. Grossart, county auditor. The Fidelity and Casualty Company of New York will pay $50,000 of general deposits which totaled $96,987. The remainder of general deposits will become a general claim against the bank's receiver. The Amsterdam Casualty Company and Fidelity and Casualty Company, sureties for Barrett law deposits, will pay $60,000 and $40,000, respectively, on Barrett law deposits. Bonds securing the $99,528 in such deposits will be paid in full.

10. November 8, 1933 The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, IN

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GARVIN PROBE BANK CASE TODAY Audit Shows Meyer-Kiser Institution Insolvent Long Before Close. When the hearing on activities of the bank resumed in Circuit court today Thomas A. Garreceiver will attempt obtain detailed relative bank and its subsidiaries in Florida real subpenaed testify in the hearing by the the last hearing in June an bank been pleted which disclose the bank was insolvent more before closed the banking Three Factors in View. The new hearing requested by Garvin determine three things he as follows determine much money taken from funds deposited the bank and placed companies and turn paid out Florida the money vested in Florida real estate positors money money the sale of preferred stock the subsidiary companies determine salaries drawn from bank by officials stock dividends the said can not declare dividends. Seldom Used Statute Invoked. Approximately $2,000,000 18 said to been taken from bank deposits Florida real the Floridian hotel Miami numerous apartment properties The Puritan Investment Corporation subsidiary comthe major part Florida Sol Meyer president the funct be first witness testify The hearing will conducted under seldom used Indiana statute that gives bank receiver the legal right question officials relative the financial of the institution The receiver also will inquire into financial of the Chase National bank of New York the diana and the former the bank at the time of its closing Grand Jury May Be Called The officials be questioned whether any committed that would warrant grand investiKiser Kiser presidents of the also testify hearing the receiver obtained considerable to operation of the reality Meyer and Sol Kiser Little however given on the Florida investments Garrecently returned from Florida where he defended merous behalf depositors of bank

11. November 14, 1933 The Indianapolis News Indianapolis, IN

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OF BONDS CLEARED Continued from Page of Mrs. Sol Meyer to be her personal which, said, customary ship Florida for her season. Melville Cohn recalled that the of bonds to York was in order that the might be protect surety bond posted for public deposits. Regular Incident. Meyer that shipment of by mail was regular cident the of department and that when such the bank on the department for an escort to the postoffice was by the bank's special policeman. employe the bank, questioned receiver concerning the recalled one shipment that said had been prepared by Sol Meyer and which he was addressed to Sol Meyer in Florida. He he was escorted to the detail tectives was Date Not Fixed. He could not, however, fix the exdate and he failed to find of insurance of the package that Judge Cox the recess in being the had reached him that large securities were from the MeyerKiser Bank closed. He instructed the to these stories, that they might either be discarded or ascertained to be based on fact. Barber Shop Item. The that Garvin, of the now has barber shop the building, conMonday hold item among the losses of the bank designated as "on the Glass. Sol Meyer explained that it purchase price fixtures the barber shop that was known as "the Looking Glass" and which charged the bankbooks said fixtures were the property of the bank. Other Bank Losses. Other of the bank from 1924 to the total to only about short of the capital. Meyer asked the receiver to take that the profit account of the bank that period greatly its losses. Among the losses item charged against James Goodrich, former Governor, who, Meyer said, supposed be very wealthy.' the transaction something to with the efforts WarMcCray. former Governor, from admitted McCray's debacle had cost the bank approximately $13,000. Purpose of Consolidation. The purpose, Meyer said, of consolidation several realty corporations into Pilgrim Properties, Inc., enable the Meyer and Kiser families place their holdings the down $300,000 profits in the transaction. Examined by Little. Over his objections, Meyer examination by Edward W. Little, which the torney both the Meyer and Kiser families. In course of the examination, Kiser got permission of the court explain cerning which Little was asking Kiser said Little had posted collateral for the Kiser bond and that the was changed from bonds to stock in plan which the of the holder the consented under court order. To Return Thursday. Little to that without notice had the he owned. Kiser the substituwith consent of the holder the collateral notice to Little not necessary. Meyer, anxious for Florida, where his son, in business, was ordered to court for examination with the that he would not be tained longer.

12. March 5, 1934 The Indianapolis News Indianapolis, IN

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REPORT IS MADE IN MEYER-KISER CASE Supplemental Study Deals With Alleged Overt Acts by Officials. A 120-page supplementary report was filed by Saul I. Rabb and William B. Miller before Judge Earl R. Cox in circuit court Monday in connection with the failure of the Meyer-Kiser Bank. Cox, who had appointed the men as investigators after the first report on the defunct bank was filed by Alvah J. Rucker, former prosecutor, indicated he would decide later in the day whether he would include it in the regular report. The supplementary study, investigators said, set out overt acts by the bank officials while the first study merely listed general banking transactions. The Marion county grand jury is considering evidence in the bank case. Herbert E. Wilson, Marion county prosecutor, decided not to proceed with the prosecution on affidavits which had been presented by Rucker.

13. April 5, 1934 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, April 5, 1934

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SEEK REIMBURSEMENT IN MEYER-KISER CASE Bonding Companies Sue to Recover Public Fund Payments. Four intervening petitions seeking preferred claims in the MeyerKiser bank receivership in circuit court were filed yesterday by the Fidelity and Casualty company of New York and the Amsterdam Casualty company. The insurance companies sought recovery of funds of the state board of finance and the Barrett law funds of the Marion county board of finance which they had bonded and in turn paid to the state and county upon those bonds. The petitions in intervention claimed funds on bonds of approximately $211,000.

14. June 13, 1934 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, June 13, 1934

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TRANSFER IS SOUGHT IN BANK BOND SUIT Remand Litigation to County Court, Receiver Asks. A motion to remand the litigation between the receiver of the MeyerKiser bank and the Fidelity and Casualty Company, New York, from the federal courts to Marion county circuit court was filled today in federal court. The action was taken by Walter Myers, attorney for the bank's receiver, Thomas E. Garvin. In his brief, the attorney charges that the Fideltiy company is attempting to evade the jurisdiction of state courts. The company recently transferred the litigation to federal courts. The suit involves the payment of liability bonds taken out by the defunct bank with the company.

15. June 13, 1934 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN

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TRANSFER IS SOUGHT IN BANK BOND SUIT Remand Litigation to County Court, Receiver Asks. A motion to remand the litigation between the receiver of the Meyer-Kiser bank and the Fidelity and Casualty Company, New York, from the federal courts to Marion county circuit court was filed today in federal court. The action was taken by Walter Myers, attorney for the bank's receiver, Thomas E. Garvin. In his brief, the attorney charges that the Fidelity company is attempting to evade the jurisdiction of state courts.

16. June 15, 1934 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, June 15, 1934

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COX ASKS REPORTS ON DEFUNCT BANKS Probability of Dividends Is Sought. Letters asking receivers of four Indianapolis banks in receivership to inform the court as to the probability of early dividends for depositors were sent yesterday by Circuit Judge Earl R. Cox. Judge Cox asserted that bank depositors are entitled to know whether they are going to receive any dividends soon. Banks in receivership in circuit court are the Washington Bank and Trust Company, City Trust Company, State Savings and Trust Company and the Meyer-Kiser bank.

17. July 29, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, July 29, 1934

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JURY GETS BANK CASE Deliberations Over Embezzlement Charges Begin. INDIANAPOLIS, July 28 (AP).-A Criminal Court jury that heard the trial on embezzlement charges of Melville S. Cohn, former vice president of the Meyer-Kiser Bank here, began its deliberations this afternoon. Three other former officers of the bank, which is in receivership, await trial on similar charges. Cohn was charged specifically with embezzlement of $37.50 with which to pay a dividend to a preferred stockholder of the Frailich Realty Co. of Indiana Harbor.

18. October 2, 1934 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Times, October 2, 1934

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"NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE MEYER-KISER BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA." Pursuant to an order made by the Circuit Court of Marion County on the 22nd day of September, 1934, in the case of State of Indiana, ex rel Richard A. McKinley, vs. The Meyer-Kiser Bank, the same being cause No. 48067 in said court notice is hereby given to all creditors of The Meyer-Kiser Bank of Indianapolis, Indiana, that December 1, 1934. has been fixed by said court as the last day for creditors of said bank to file claims with Thomas E. Garvin, Receiver of said bank and on failing to file a claim on or before said date any such creditor shall be

19. April 13, 1935 Muncie Evening Press Muncie, IN

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3 EX-BANKERS FACE ARREST Indianapolis Men Named as Embezzlers. By Associated Press. INDIANAPOLIS, April 13.—Affidavits were filed in criminal court here today against three former officials of closed banks in Indianapolis, nearly five years from the time the alleged offenses were committed. Those named in the affidavits are Sol S. Meyer, former president of the Meyer-Kiser Bank; Dick Miller, former president of the City Trust Company, and Mark V. Rinehart, former vice-president of the Washington Bank and Trust Company. Each is charged with embezzling deposits. The affidavits were signed by John Dugan, investigator for the office of Herbert M. Spencer, county prosecutor. The failure of these three banks brought losses to approximately 35,000 depositors whose deposits totaled approximately $12,000,000. Meyer, who is said to be in impaired health in Miami, Fla., is alleged to have knowingly and fraudulently received a deposit when he knew the bank to be insolvent. Similar charges are contained in the affidavits against Miller and Rinehart. One Under Sentence. Meyer already is under indictment for embezzlement in connection with the failure of his bank. He and Julian J. Kiser, Melville S. Cohn and Ferdinand S. Meyer, other officers, were charged in an indictment returned last summer with having illegally paid a $27.50 dividend to a stockholder in the Fralich Realty Company of Hammond, Ind., a subsidiary of the bank, when the company had not earned a dividend. Cohn was found guilty and the case is now pending on appeal to the Supreme Court. Trial of Kiser is set for May 6 in criminal court here. The other officers of the bank are at liberty under $15,000 bond each. Miller, who lives in Indianapolis, also is said to be in impaired health. Rinehart has been living in Louisville, Ky. He was vice-president of the Washington Bank and Trust Company until 1929, when he resigned to become president of another trust company. He retained his directorship in the former institution, however, until it suspended business October 27, 1930. The City Trust Company had failed four days previously and the Meyer-Kiser Bank failed five months later. Extradition papers for the return of Meyer and Rinehart will be prepared next week, the prosecutor said. Scott R. Brewer, former president of the State Savings and Trust Company here, was named in affidavits filed by the prosecutor's office last week on charges of embezzlement and perjury. Brewer is in ill health in a hospital at Washington, D. C.

20. April 13, 1935 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN

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NAME RINEHART, MILLER, MEYER IN AFFIDAVITS Officials of Defunct City Banks Charged With Accepting Deposits Knowing Institutions Were Insolvent. BONDS ARE FIXED BY JUDGE BAKER Capias Warrants Are Issued for Arrest of Trio After Filing of Counts in Criminal Court. Dick Miller, president of the defunct City Trust Co.; Mark V. Rinehart, vice president and director of the wrecked Washington Bank and Trust Co., and Sol S. Meyer, president of the closed Meyer-Kiser bank, were charged today, by affidavit, with the embezzlement of deposits. The affidavits, presented in the Marion County Criminal Court by Prosecutor Herbert M. Spencer and signed by John F. Dugan, investigator for the prosecutor's office, culminated months of effort in probing closed banks in Indianapolis by grand juries and special investigators. Criminal Judge Frank P. Baker fixed bonds on the charges at $15,000 for Mr. Miller and Mr. Rinehart and $5000 for Mr. Meyer who is now out on a $15,000 bond in connection with a similar charge. Capias warrants were issued for the arrest of the three bankers. Extradition proceedings to bring Mr. Meyer back to this city from his home in Miami, Fla., and Mr. Rinehart from his residence in Louisville, Ky., will be started next week, Prosecutor Spencer said. Mr. Miller has been reported ill at his home, 3130 N. Delaware-st. The three affidavits are identical in that they charge each former bank officer with accepting deposits with the knowledge that each of the banks was insolvent on or about the date of the closing of the three institutions.

21. April 13, 1935 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN

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THREE MORE CITY BANKERS ARE CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT Miller, Meyer and Rinehart Accepted Cash Deposits Knowing Institutions Were Solvent, Affidavits Allege. BONDS ARE FIXED BY JUDGE BAKER Capias Warrants Are Issued for Arrest of Trio After Filing of Counts in Criminal Court. Dick Miller, president of the defunct City Trust Co.; Mark V. Rinehart, vice president and director of the wrecked Washington Bank and Trust Co., and Sol S. Meyer, president of the closed Meyer-Kiser bank, were charged today, by affidavit, with the embezzlement of deposits. The affidavits, presented in the Marion County Criminal Court by Prosecutor Herbert M. Spencer and signed by John F. Dugan, investigator for the prosecutor's office, culminated months of effort in probing closed banks in Indianapolis by grand juries and special investigators.

22. May 3, 1935 The Anderson Herald Anderson, IN

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Indiana News Briefs INDIANAPOLIS, May 2 (AP) — A four-ton digester, one of battery of thirty-two, exploded at the city garbage reduction plant today. The sanitary board took one sniff and decided immediately to advertise for bids on $62,830 worth of new equipment. GREENCASTLE, Ind., May 2 (AP) — Two DePauw University seniors received cups in recognition of outstanding achievements at a special chapel service today. Robert Fribley of Fort Wayne received the Guy M. Walker cup awarded annually to the senior contributing most to fame of the university. Fribley's performances in football and track gained wide recognition. Robert Lee of South Bend, track and baseball star, received the Sigma Delta Chi cup for high achievements in both scholarship and athletics. CLINTON, Ind., May 2 (AP) — Tom Gravich, 45, who admitted in city court today he clubbed three neighbors for the alleged stealing of his axe, received a six months sentence on the Indiana State farm and a $500 fine. Victims of Gravich's anger were Paul E. Long, 78; his wife, Mary, 57, and their son, Paul, 17. All were severely beaten but will recover. INDIANAPOLIS, May 2 (AP) — Alexander G. Cavins, special judge, declined the request of Julian J. Kiser for postponement of his trial on a charge of bankers' embezzlement. The trial is to open Monday. Kiser is one of the four officers under indictment in connection with the failure of the Meyer-Kiser bank. INDIANAPOLIS, May 2 (AP) — A four ton truck lurched through heavy traffic with its driver, Herman Vornhol, 51, dead at the wheel today. It stalled against a curb before causing any damage. A physician attributed Vornhol's death to heart disease. BRAZIL, Ind., May 2 (AP) — More than 24 hours of rain sent Eel river spreading over the bottoms tonight, cutting off transportation of mail and passengers to Poland and Bowling Green on state roads 42 and 46. BRAZIL, Ind., May 2 (AP) — Frank Watts, 15, and George Scott, 14, both of Portland, Ind., were detained today by police who said the boys took keys from a parked automobile. Officers said the boys had a loaded revolver and explained they were on their way to California. INDIANAPOLIS, May 2 (AP) — The state highway commission

23. May 15, 1935 The Times-Mail Bedford, IN

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Voting Of Itself Will Not Bring State-Wide Change Even If Prohibition Is Repealed ATLANTA, May 15—(AP)—Georgia for the first time voted today on the prohibition issue. Although the state has been "bone dry" for 27 years, previous action on liquor has been by legislative steps or proclamation and not by popular vote. Even if prohibition of hard liquor, the major issue of today's wet-dry referendum, is repealed, the voting will not of itself bring state-wide change. Each county must decide whether liquor can be sold in their boundaries. Defeat of repeal, however, would not affect the lighter beverages, beer and wine, since they are separate issues. Beer and wine will be legal immediately if accepted by the voters. NEWS BRIEFS (By the Associated Press) LAFAYETTE, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Seven-year-old Don Kline-Smith died in the Home Hospital here late Tuesday of a fractured skull received Saturday when an automobile struck his bicycle in Mulberry. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morris E. Klinesmith of Mulberry, survive. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—Carl Kretsch will learn Thursday where and when not to emit the cry of "whoopie-e." Kretsch, charged with larceny, greeted Judge Charles J. Karabell in municipal court yesterday by shouting the word. The judge ordered a charge of drunkenness added and postponed both cases until Thursday. BRAZIL, Ind., May 15—Police held Hulet Mischler, 30, today for the six-month-old theft of a watch and $9 in cash while attending the funeral of Oscar Pinkston. VALPARAISO, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Painter Red, 45-year-old former state game warden, paid a fine of $10 and costs yesterday for possessing a fish spear. CLAYPOOL, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Ronald Grisso, 18, was killed and Harold Boyer, 17, was seriously injured when their automobile was struck by a westbound Nickel Plate passenger train east of here Tuesday afternoon. The youths were residents of Sidney, Kosciusko county, where Grisso was graduated in this year's high school class. Grisso is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grisso and a twin brother, Donald. MARION, Ind., May 15—(AP)—A charge by Mrs. Evaline Wessner that her husband, Sam, 65, beat her with an iron poker and an ax handle, brought him a one to ten year prison sentence. He was convicted yesterday of a charge of assault and battery with intent to commit murder. VINCENNES, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Knox circuit court will hear arguments May 27 on Prosecutor Horace Foncannon's petition for a permanent injunction to prevent violations of a state code by the Fritch Chevrolet Company. Foncannon alleged, in obtaining a temporary order yesterday, that the concern is making larger trade-in allowances than allowed by the code, charging an excess of $111 was allowed in one instance. JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Thirty-four graduates of the new Washington grade and high school received diplomas in the Christian Church last night, after fire destroyed the school. William E. Wilson, Clark county superintendent, said the school will be rebuilt this summer. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—William Suggs, 19, negro, was caught in a safety gate of a freight elevator here yesterday, and died of his injuries. RUSHVILLE, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Mrs. Morton Gray is dead of burns received in a fire that followed explosion of a chicken brooder two months ago. Her death occurred at Ball Hospital at Muncie. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—Women called as prospective jurors for the embezzlement trial of Julian J. Kiser indicated today they are less opinionated than the men on the jury panel. The women, almost without exception, asserted they had formed no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of Kiser, vice-president of the defunct Meyer-Kiser bank. Several men were excused when they said they would be unable to overcome their prejudice in the case. Selection of a jury was started Tuesday. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—Dr. John A. Salb, deputy coroner, awaited arrival today of relatives of Harry A. Kraft, 60, before returning a verdict in the death of the Auburn shoe cobbler. Kraft died here Monday night an hour after he was found injured near the Central Normal College at Danville. He had a head injury and several broken ribs. Dr. Salb said he believed Kraft was either the victim of foul play or a hit and run motorist. MITCHELL NEWS The opening game for the Mitchell Merchants baseball team will be played Sunday afternoon, May 19, at 2:30 p. m., when they meet the fast stepping Bedford Vonsox nine, here at the new Legion Park. Special dedication services have been arranged through the cooperation of the Mitchell merchants and baseball fans of this community. Mayor Lyle B. Root will make a short talk and will throw out the first ball of the season. Bedford has one of its best teams of all time, and promises to be tough competition for the local nine. Lefty Arnold of Mitchell will oppose Lefty Gates on the mound, while Farrell will catch for Bedford and Menlo Miller will be behind the bat for Mitchell. Members of the Mitchell team for the 1935 season are as follows: Manager, Lawrence "Chub" Day, Lee Walls, Menlo Miller, Robert Guthrie, Zack Brooks, Mendell Mayden, Paul Jolliff, Robert McNeely, Ernest Martin, Denzil Fortner, Louis Arnold, Cecil Trowbridge, Robert Sheeks, Elmore Sylvester, and B. Ramey. The Rebekah lodge, No. 76, gave a social last night in the lodge dining room. Forty-five members and guests enjoyed the pitch-in-supper that was served. Quilts made and donated by Mrs. Dell Robertson, were offered as prizes and were won by Mrs. Ruby Wicker of Campbellsburg and Mrs. Noble McCoy, Mitchell. The cake baked and donated by Mrs. Dell Robertson was won by William Briscoe. The social was given to raise money for the lodge, the money going to pay for the heating stove that was placed in the dining room. Sufficient funds were raised. People of this locality have been highly enthusiastic over the opening of the local Lehigh Portland Cement Plant. The whistle that blows at 7:00, 12:00, 12:45 and 2:45 o'clock has been missed for the past few months. The familiar note is now being heard, indicating better times in this community. The Kappa Kappa Kappa Sorority met last night at the home of Miss Lois Sanders. Refreshments of strawberry short-cake and coffee were served. Mr. and Mrs. William I. Jenkins and son, Bill, spent Sunday visiting Dr. and Mrs. R. M. Jenkins, at Cortland. Lyman B. Crawford is visiting his son, James, and Mrs. Crawford at Lima, Ohio.

24. May 15, 1935 The Times-Mail Bedford, IN

Article Text

MARION, Ind., May 15—(AP)—A charge by Mrs. Evaline Wessner that her husband, Sam, 65, beat her with an iron poker and an ax handle, brought him a one to ten year prison sentence. He was convicted yesterday of a charge of assault and battery with intent to commit murder. VINCENNES, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Knox circuit court will hear arguments May 27 on Prosecutor Horace Foncannon's petition for a permanent injunction to prevent violations of a state code by the Fritch Chevrolet Company. Foncannon alleged, in obtaining a temporary order yesterday, that the concern is making larger trade-in allowances than allowed by the code, charging an excess of $111 was allowed in one instance. JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Thirty-four graduates of the new Washington grade and high school received diplomas in the Christian Church last night, after fire destroyed the school. William E. Wilson, Clark county superintendent, said the school will be rebuilt this summer. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—William Suggs, 19, negro, was caught in a safety gate of a freight elevator here yesterday, and died of his injuries. RUSHVILLE, Ind., May 15—(AP)—Mrs. Morton Gray is dead of burns received in a fire that followed explosion of a chicken brooder two months ago. Her death occurred at Ball Hospital at Muncie. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—Women called as prospective jurors for the embezzlement trial of Julian J. Kiser indicated today they are less opinionated than the men on the jury panel. The women, almost without exception, asserted they had formed no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of Kiser, vice-president of the defunct Meyer-Kiser bank. Several men were excused when they said they would be unable to overcome their prejudice in the case. Selection of a jury was started Tuesday. INDIANAPOLIS, May 15—(AP)—Dr. John A. Salb, deputy coroner, awaited arrival today of relatives of Harry A. Kraft, 60, before returning a verdict in the death of the Auburn shoe cobbler.