Central Bank (Indianapolis, IN)

Episode Information

Episode UID
3039161291001
Episode Type
Suspension โ†’ Closure
Bank Type
private
Bank ID
303916129 hash
Start Date
May 5, 1883
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana (39.768, -86.158)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
dbc16f78b07226c3

Response Measures

None

Events (3)

1. May 5, 1883 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Contemporary reporting describes a suspension/failure of the bank (no specific rumor or external shock cited).
Newspaper Excerpt
the announcement of the suspension of the Central Bank.
Source
newspapers
2. July 21, 1884 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
He is at present receiver of the Central Bank, whose failure was at the time thought to be most disastrous. He managed its affairs so admirably that he has already paid 75 cents on the dollar, and he is now about to declare an additional dividend of 10 per cent.
Source
newspapers
3. May 30, 1885 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Judge Lamb has reported that he is ready to pay another dividend of 10 per cent. in the Central Bank Receivership. This makes 85 per cent. in dividends in this bank.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (3)

Article from The Indianapolis Journal, May 5, 1883

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Article Text

ESTEEMED contemporaries which carefully avoid the publication of any news, both from necessity and choice, have had something to say in disparagement of what has appeared lately in the columns of the Journal exclusively. Of course, this paper is a newspaper, Its readers pay for the news, and they are entitled to it, and it mat- ters little what critics say who, by reason of nature or circumstances, may not be able to either know or to secure fresh information. Yet the repeated chatter respecting sensational pub- lications warrants a word or two. One of the Journal's "sensations" which worried our contemporaries, was the announcement of the suspension of the Central Bank. No other paper in the city knew of it, but in the morning the truth was very thoroughly demonstrated to the public and the creditors. Another "sensation" was the publication of the facts in regard to the Marion Trust Company, followed by the expos- ure of other similar swindles. The public knows whether these Journal "sensations" were true or not, or advantageous. Another troublesome "sensation" was the publication of the recent loss of a five thousand dollar money package. Not a little dust has been raised over this; but the reports printed in the Journal were given upon the authority of one who knew, and it is enough to say that they have never been chal- lenged. Then came the failure of the Argentine Insurance Company, the accompanying details of the affair being based upon statements made by Mr. A. A. Helfer and Mr. G. R. Root. Then followed the publication of the facts with re- spect to the relations between Dr. Pierson and the Second Presbyterian Church. The Journal did not say the Doctor had resigned his charge, but gave the fact of his having written a letter to the board of elders in which he intimated a probability of retirement in certain contingen- cies. The truth of what appeared in these col- umns as to this has not been controverted by any reliable person. The last "sensation" which has gaffed our sleepy Cheap-John prints, is the publication of the facts re- specting the negotiations for the transfer of the Bates House property to Mr. W. C. De Pauw, of New Albany. Such negotiations have been had, and the details made public were given upon the authority of Mr. Louis Reibold, the lessee of the house, who certainly ought to know. To some people all news is of the nature of "sensation," but in the current significance of the word the Journal does not publish "sensa- tions." What finds its way into its columns will be found to be reliable, and although it may


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, July 21, 1884

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Article Text

THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. Judge Robert N. Lamb Appointed Receiver for Mr. Harrison's Bank. The Real Condition of Its Affairs Yet Unknown-The Proposed Plan for Reorganizing Fletcher & Sharpe's. Upon petition of numerous depositors, Judge Walker, of the Superior Court, on Saturday ap pointed Judge Robert N. Lamb receiver of Harrison's Bank, fixing his bond at $100,000, a reduction of $200,000 from the amount originally proposed. Judge Lamb consented to accept the trust, and during the afternoon gave the required bond, his sureties being I. N. Pattison, N. N. Morris, W. G. Wasson, J. E. Robertson and Ralph Hill. The appointment gives general satisfaction, for Mr. Lamb is known to be a man of excellent judgment and ability. He is at present receiver of the Central Bank, whose failure was at the time thought to be most disastrous. He managed its affairs so admirably that he has already paid 75 cents on the dollar, and he is now about to declare an additional dividend of 10 per cent. Judge Lamb took possession of Harrison's bank Saturday evening, and an examination of the vaults showed that the amount of cash on hand was just $63.25, mostly in nickels and other fractional currency. Mr. Lamb will this morning begin an examination of the books and papers, and he thinks he will be able to make public a statement of assets and liabilities by to morrow or Wednesday. Mr. Harrison still declines to make any statement to the reporters. MORE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. On Saturday afternoon an amended complaint was filed by Alfred Harrison in the SuperiorCourt, reciting the facts set forth in the petition for the appointment of a receiver and setting forth in addition that he is the owner in his individual right of certain real and personal property and that the defendant, John C.S. Harrison, is the owner in his individual right of certain real and personal property, that the partnership assets of the firm are not sufficient to pay their liabilities, wherefore the plaintiff surrenders all his individual property, saving the amount legally exempt from execution, and asks the court to take possession of the property by the receiver and apply it to the payment of the partnership debts in the same manner as the receiver takes possession of the assets of the partnership. The complaint further avers that the plaintiff is informed and believes that the defendant, John C. S. Harrison, is willing to surrender his individual property for the payment of partnership debts of the firm, and the plaintiff asks that the defendant be required to answer the complaint, and in case he consents to such surrender of his individual property, the court to direct the receiver to take possession of the individal property of the defendant in the same manner and for the same purpose as that of the plaintiff. To this an answer was formally made by J. C. S. Harrison, admitting the allegations made. Later in the day three mortgages were placed on record by the Harrisons, conveying the residence property of Alfred and John C. S. Har rison and the Parker Block on North Delaware street. They are executed to Charles Mayer, William Haueisen, William Haerle. George W Stout and George Mannfeldt, sureties on John C.S. Harrison's bond as receiver of the Indiana Banking Company, for the purpose, as stated, 'to secure and indemnify the mortgagees against any and all loss on account of their liability as sureties of John C. S. Harrison, re ceiver of the banking company, and to secure the mortgages on account of any money they may be required to pay as such sureties. The mortgage on the Parker Block is also "to secure the mortgagees against any indebtedness of Alfred and J. C. S. Harrison. PROPOSED REORGANIZATION OF FLETCHER & SHARPE, Exclusive mention was made in the Journal of Saturday of the proposed scheme to reorganize Fletcher & Sharpe's Bank, which is meeting with much favor from depositors, and there now seems to be a probability of its consummation. The plan of reorganization is detailed as follows in a circular sent out to depositors: It is very desirable, and unquestionably to the interest of all depositors in the bank of Fletcher & Sharpe, that their affairs be taken out of the hands of the court, and the bank continue business. and to this end it is now proposed to form stock company, under the name of Fletcher & Sharpe's Banking Company. each depositor being stockholder to the amount of his or her deposit, and with limited liabil ity, Messrs. Fletcher and Sharpe holding all stock above the amount due to depositors This will make a bank with capital of about $1,750,000 paid up and out of debt. The plan is as follows: 1. Fletcher & Sharpe convey to said company all of their real estate and turn over, also, all notes, bills, cash and other assets. now held by the receiver, estimated to amount to $1 800,000. 2. The depositors hold stock to the amount due them, being about 1,550,000, leaving $250,000 for Fletcher & Sharpe. 3. The said banking company to be managed by a board of directors, to be composed of nine members, four of whom shall be the members of the firm of Fletcher & Sharpe, who shall continue in charge of the details of the business, and the remaining five, elected by the depositors, as their representatives; this management to continue for five years. The advantage of this plan would be: 1. Saving of cost of litigation, lawyers's fees, forcing of real estate on the market at an unfavorable time, and sacrifice of assets as IS always the case under receivership, because, the bank being entirely out of debt, would have ample time to convert its assets, instead of being compelled to sell, in order to close such large estate. 2. Each depositor being a stockholder. would be interested in the success of the bank, and by continuing his or her business at the bank, in which he or she would then be interested would be adding to the profits of the institution, by providing funds with which to make discounts and accommodate borrowers. 3. The sales of real estate would be made at more satisfactory prices, and money would thus be constantly added to the business, and eventually a very large capital provided with which to carry loans; and the larger the profits the more rapidly would the stock appreciate in value. 4. Dividends on stock would be made in the following order, viz.: That held by depositors would be entitled to a dividend first; after that, the stock held by Fletcher & Sharpe should participate, the depositors' stock being considered preferred stock. It is believed that this is the best course to pursue, as any one can see at a glance the necessity of saving the assets, instead of allowing them to be frittered away through court and attorneys fees, and all the attendin costs of winding up so large a business. It is also believed that, within two years, dividends on the stock could be made, and such as would make the stock a very desirable investment for any one. With in five years the stock would be worth its face, and the strongest bank in Indiana would be the Fletcher & Sharpe Banking Company The undersigned agree to the above arrangement, and request a able response from you. Please reply promptly as it is desired to reopen the bank by the 15th day of August. This places in the hands of the depositors the entire means of the firm and the management of the business, and there would, therefore, be no waste, but the entire benefit over the actual running expenses would to the depositors, who are then participating stockholders, as there would


Article from The Indianapolis Sentinel, May 30, 1885

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Article Text

Picnic, which will be held June 24, at Lafayette, Ind. A woman giving the name of Walker has been perpetrating petty swindles by begging for an alleged fair to be given at Christ Church. Patrons of the library are requested to use the Pennsylvania street entrance for a few days, until the Ohio street entrance can be painted. John P. Frenzel is a candidate for re-election as School Commissioner in the First District. Albert Beck is said to be a candidate also. Meridian Street Church and Sunday-school will have a grand picnic near Philadelphia on the Pan-Handle Railroad on next Saturday, June 6. The old gentleman named Brown, who broke his thigh at the residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor, is reported to be in a critical condition. Judge Howe yesterday rendered judgment on the verdict in favor of Francis Switzer against the Odd Fellows' Mutual Aid Association for $3,753 75. Judge Lamb has reported that he is ready to pay another dividend of 10 per cent. in the Central Bank Receivership. This makes 85 per cent. in dividends in this bank. The Postoffice will close to day at 12 o'clock promptly. One collection will be made in the business portion of the city at 3 o'clock, and the hotel delivery in the evening at 9 o'clock. Louis Habeney was arrested on a warrant yesterday, charging him with shooting inside the city limits, mention of which was made several days ago in the Sentinel. He gave bond. The footpads tried to rob a railroad man at the corner of Washington street and Highland avenue, Thursday night, but failed for the reason that the railroader had the best pair of legs. The Secretary of the Board of Agricultura says that there will probably be 62 per cent of an average wheat crop in the State. The prospects for a heavy corn crop are better than ever before at this time a year. Complaint is made in every part of the city of children jumping on vehicles in motion. The owners are annoyed by it and the children run many risks in this sport. A case was reported yesterday of a woman who struck a boy in the eye with her parasol while hanging on her buggy, injuring him badly. The Indianapolis Light Infantry will attend the Philadelphia encampment of the "Blue and the Gray" next month, as will also the Light Artillery. The Richmond Grenadier Guards will attend as Governor Gray's escort. The encampment promises to be the largest gathering of the kind held since the war. There was a large crowd in attendance at Virginia Avenue Rink last night to witness the trick and fancy bicycle riding of Miss Minnie Rouchelle and Mr. Clarence H. Smith. Their movements upon the machines surpassed anything ever before witnessed in this city, and showed a wonderful knowledge of the subject of gravitation. Their performances will be repeated this afternoon and evening.