Mohall State Bank (Mohall, ND)

Episode Information

Episode UID
77022171451
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
7702217 routing
Routing Number
77-0221
Start Date
November 23, 1920
Location
Mohall, North Dakota (48.763, -101.513)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
fb9f5140c9b1567b

Response Measures

None

Description

Closure followed allegations of embezzlement, arrests of officers, and appointment of a receiver.

Events (2)
1. November 23, 1920 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The bank went into the hands of a receiver Nov. 23, 1920.
Source
newspapers
2. November 23, 1920 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Allegations of embezzlement and large bad loans leading to insolvency and closure.
Newspaper Excerpt
The bank went into the hands of a receiver Nov. 23, 1920.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (15)
1. November 24, 1920 The News Scimitar Memphis, TN
Article from The News Scimitar, November 24, 1920

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Article Text

Grain. Chicago.-Accepting the government's figures on crop and carry-over from and assuming home consumption is at prewar rate, we find about 70,000,000 bushels of wheat remaining for export in the next seven months. New export business is averaging around 1,000,000 bushels daily. This is not a comfortable showing for those who believe that deflation is not yet complete.-T. & M. Chicago.-Julius H. Barnes, former president of the United States grain corporation. who was in Chicago yesterday, said: "I think we have seen worst of the liquidation in the grain markets, security and commodities markets. I do not see anything especially bullish in the wheat situation, but the apprehension regarding the grain and commodity markets has placidly subsided. The export situation is healthy. Sales running around 1,000,000 bushels per day on the average. However, we have not as yet used up our exportable surplus owing largely to the fact that domestic consumption is smaller than usual this season. Chicago.-Estimated today hogs left over 14,356. Average price hogs yesterday $9.90 against $12.45 week ago and $13.20 year ago.-C. C. & Co. Grain receipts-Duluth. wheat, 291; Minneapolis, wheat, 495; Winnipeg, wheat, 884; Kansas City, wheat, 155; corn. 21; oats, 1. St. Louis-Cars: Wheat, 42 local and 45 through; corn, 31; oats 27 local and 18 through. Chicago-Very little doing in hogs; bidding sharply lower: one load choice medium butchers. $10.00; quality fairly good.-Wagner to Shepard & Gluck. Chicago.-Private bank at Homer, III., in heart of corn belt, has failed for $280,000. One report says 5,000,000 pounds of January lard was bought Monday by packers. January ribs at $12 and January lard at $14 represent around $9 hogs. Western hogs dropped 50 cents to $1 and are around a $9.90 average.-Wild to Shepard & Gluck. Omaha.-Hogs 50c lower. Chicago.-Local fresh pork resumed its downward course this morning with a drop of 2 to 3 cents per pound. Pork loins at 32 cents are lowest for this cut since the early war days. Chicago.-United Kingdom: Reduction in wheat prices by the wheat commission is expected shortly. Merchants here are able to offer at prices below official rates. Chicago.-Cargo of 150,000 Canadian dark No. 1 spring wheat arrived at South Chicago yesterday. Chicago.-Bartlett Frazier out with opinion that country banks are loaded and farmers must sell corn. The very weak opening in grain has led to some lack of confidence on part of break buyers.-Wild. Chicago.-Winnipeg wires: Lots good buying November wheat. Must have been business worked some place.Wild to Shepard & Gluck. Chicago.-Main cause of break and selling at opening was caused by following message before opening: "There are 300,000 barrels of flour here at Philadelphia, three elevators in distress and losses terrific and final draft on unpaid much more to arrive. I understand same conditions prevail in other terminals. It will break up a lot of mills.-O'Brien to McFall. Minneapolis.-Mohall State bank, Mohall, N. D., closed. Chicago.-Wild says: On account of big receipts Friday believes March wheat will sell at $1.47 and May corn at 70c. Chicago.-New York wires 2,000,000 wheat worked to Spain and Italy. Chicago.-Thomson McKinnon's Wichita, Kas., office wires: "A plan of advancing farmer a dollar a bushel on wheat with contract that he can deliver now and sell any time he wants to have been adopted by large line elevator houses and mills. This will move considerable wheat and stop lot of talk about foreing farmers to sell." Stock. New York-National City bank, New York, places $10,000,000 at disposal of Cuban sugar planters. Great pressure be brought on congress next month for immediate legislation to aid business, tax reform and foreign trade promotion up; shoe prices cut ZU per cent in St. Louis; United States government holds over-$11,000,000,000 of foreign securities. Wall Street Journal: Reading road orders 20,000 tons of rails; Gary says business conditions are good, no panic in sight, smaller profits ahead, labor 85 per cent unorganized. New York-1A leading banker expressed opinion that big liquidation is over. He acknowledged there are two or three sore spots in the market; says that these will be undoubtedly taken care of.-Hensley.

2. January 10, 1921 Grand Forks Herald Grand Forks, ND
Article from Grand Forks Herald, January 10, 1921

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Mohall Bank Receivership To Be Settled In Court Mohall, Jan. 1.-Shareholders of the Mohall State bank, closed about a month ago, have made an application to have George Sconeld former sheriff of Renville county, appointed receiver. The state bank examiner is in charge of the bank and he is seeking to have another receiver appointed. The case is now in the courts and the matter will be threshed out in the district court at Rugby this week. Attorneys McGee and Goss of Minot appear for G. E. Lofthus, state bank examiner.

3. January 20, 1921 Grand Forks Herald Grand Forks, ND
Article from Grand Forks Herald, January 20, 1921

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MOHALL BANKERS ARE ARRESTED Three Officials of Closed Institution Face Embezzlement Charges. Mohall. N. D., Jan. 20.-J. C. Peters, president, F. W. Weibe, vice president, and W. W. Bergman, cashier of the Mohall State bank which closed several weeks ago, were arrested by Sheriff James McKechnie late Tuesday on warrants issued by State's Attorney Percy S. Crewe. The warrants, sworn out by John Bena, deputy state bank examiner, charge the three bank officers with embezzlement of $9,000 in Liberty bonds SCVeral months ago. Bonds were fixed at $10,000 each and arrangements are being made for preliminary hearings before the end of the week. W. H. McIntosh of the state bank examiner staff, whose appointment as receiver of the institution was confirmed by Judge Burr in the district court at Rugby Tuesday, has not completed his examination of the affairs of the institution, but it is stated in some quarters that the bank's shortage will amount to several hundred thousand dollars and that other criminal actions are probable. In the court action in the district court at Rugby yesterday officers of the bank sought to have George Schofield, former sheriff of Renville county, appointed receiver instead of W. H. McIntosh. Bottineau banker. who was appointed by O. E. Lofthus, state bank examiner.

4. January 20, 1921 The Ward County Independent Minot, ND
Article from The Ward County Independent, January 20, 1921

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Article Text

MOHALL BANKERS ARRESTED FOR EMBEZLEMENT Mohall, N. D., Jan. 19.-J. C. Peters, president, F. W. Weibe, vice president, and W. W. Bergman, cashier of the Mohan State bank, which closed several weeks ago, were arrested by Sheriff James McKechnie late yesterday on warrants issued by State's Atty. Percy S. Crewe. The warrants, sworn out by John Bena, deputy state bank examiner, charge the three bank officers with embezzlement of $9,000 in Liberty bonds several months ago. Bonds were fixed at $10,000 each and arrangements are being made for preliminary hearings before the end of the week. W. H. McIntosh, of the state bank examiner's staff, whose appointment as receiver of the institution was confirmed by Judge Burr in district court at Rugby yesterday, has not completed his examination of the affairs of the institution but it is stated in some quarters that the bank's shortage will amount to several hundred thousand dollars and that other criminal actions are probable as a result In the action in district court at Rugby yesterday, officers of the bank sought to have George Scofield, former sheriff of Renville county, appointed receiver instead of W. H. McIntosh, Bottineau banker, who was appointed by O. E. Lofthus, state bank examiner.

5. January 21, 1921 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, Mandan, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, January 21, 1921

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REPORT ARRESTS AT MOHALL IN BANK FAILURE Mohall, N. D., Jan. 21.-J. C. Peters. president; F. W. Weibe, vice president, and W. W. Bergman, cashier of the Mohall State bank, which closed several weeks ago, were arrested by Sheriff James McKechnie late yesterday on warrants isued by the state's attorney, Percy S. Crewe. The warrants, sworn out by John Bena, deputy state bank examiner charge the three bank officials with embezzlement of $9,000 in Liberty bonds several months ago. The thrée were held in bonds of $10,000 each and arrangements made for preliminary hearings late this week. W. H. McIntosh of the state bank examiner's staff, whose appointment as receiver of the institution was confirmed by Judge Burr in the district court at Rugby late yesterday, has not completed his examination of the affairs of the institution and the extent of the alleged defalcations has not been learned. It was stated at the office of the state examiner today that no word had been received from Mohall concerning the action. O. E. Lofthus, examiner, is out of the city.

6. February 21, 1921 Grand Forks Herald Grand Forks, ND
Article from Grand Forks Herald, February 21, 1921

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Suit For Slander Grows Out Of Bank Closing At Mohall Mohall, Feb. 20.-George A. Scofield. former sheriff of Renville countv. has instituted a $20,000 damage action against S. H. Sleeper of Mohall. The plaintiff alleges slander. The case is one of the developments following the closing of the Mohall State bank. Sleeper was first named temporary receiver for that institution but was removed and succeeded by Scofield. The banking board took the matter into court and had its appointment of W. E. McIntosh of Bottineau sustained. It is understood Mr. Scofield takes exception to certain statements alleged to have been made by Sleeper concerning the manner in which Scofield discharged the duties of sheriff.

7. January 26, 1922 The Bottineau Courant Bottineau, ND
Article from The Bottineau Courant, January 26, 1922

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There will be due and owing on said mortgage on the day of sale the sum of Five Thousand, Six Hundred Sixty-seven and 77-100 ($5,667.77) Dollars, besides the costs and disbursements of this foreclosure. Dated this 17th day of January, 1922. Mohall State Bank of Mohall, North Dakota, by W. H. McIntosh Receiver. Percy S. Crewe, Mohall, North Dakota, Attorney. Jan. 26 to March 2.

8. February 20, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, Mandan, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, February 20, 1923

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W. H. McIntosh, receiver of th: Mohall State bank, was a business visitor here today.

9. April 3, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, Mandan, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, April 3, 1923

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BANK CRASH BRINGS BIG CIVIL SUIT ght Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand Dollars Is Demanded Unot, N. D., April 3.-Coming as ceho of the senational crash of Mohall State bank of Mohall is $869,000 civil action instituted W. H. MeIntosh receiver of the against C. D. Griffiths of Minnapolis, former president. This sum alleged to represent the losses inurred by depositors in the closed ank. Edward P. Kelly, formerly of Carmgton, but now residing in Minnspolis, is counsel for Mr. McInThe Mohall bank receiver is Minot today. The civil action according to Mr. Teintosh is brought against Griffiths the grounds of negligence in suervision while the defendant was resident of the bank. The comTaint alleges that the money was isdirected, embezzled and used for rsonal purposes. It is not in evionce according to Mr. MeIntosh hut any of the money was used by ffiths. Griffiths, reputed to be a wealthy nesota banker escaped trial on a harge of conspiracy to use the mails to defraud at the last term the federal court in Minot a few nths ago after the prosecuting atvrney had made a nolle proseque gainst J. C. Peters, W. W. Bergman Frank W. Wiebe on the conspircharge. Peters, Bergman and Wiebe are ow serving sentences in the federal ison at eavenworth, Kan. Peters serving four years, Bergman two ears and Wiebe one year and a day. Tiebe recently was granted 10 days herty to enable him to return home nd visit his wife who was ill. He mained in Mohall only three days nd then returned to complete his entence.

10. April 20, 1923 The Producers News Plentywood, MT
Article from The Producers News, April 20, 1923

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BANK HEAD SUED Minot, N. D., April 4.-Coming as an echo of the sensational crash of the Mohall State bank of Mohall is the $869,000 civil action instituted by W. H. McIntosh, receiver of the bank against C. D. Griffiths of Minneapolis, former president. This sum is alleged to represent the losses incurred by depositors in the closed bank. Edward P. Kelly, formerly of Carrington, but now residing in Minneapolis, is counsel for Mr. McIntosh. The Mohall bank receiver is in Minot today.

11. November 8, 1923 Grand Forks Herald Grand Forks, ND
Article from Grand Forks Herald, November 8, 1923

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Mohall Bank Receiver Sues C. D. Griffith to Recover Half Million Minneapolis, Nov. 7.—Action has been started in Hennepin county district court by W. H. McIntosh, receiver for the Mohall State bank of Mohall, N. D., against C. D. Griffith, former president of the bank, to recover $500,000 in losses incident to the closing of the bank. McIntosh charges that Griffith is liable for damages because of the losses which, he alleges, were due to bad loans and poor management. The bank went into the hands of a receiver Nov. 23, 1920. McIntosh has started in federal court another action by which he seeks to establish liability of the stockholders for the losses. Judge W. A. Cant, in United States district court here Wednesday, directed that the books of the bank be audited.

12. November 10, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, Mandan, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, November 10, 1923

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FORMER BANK HEAD HELD Mohall N. D., Nov. 10.-W. H. McIntosh, receiver of the Mohall State bank of Mohall, N. D., has begun action in Hennepin county, Minnesota, against C. D. Griffith of Minneapolis, former president of the bank, to recover $500,000. McIntosh charges that Griffith is liable for bad loans and poor management. The bank closed Nov. 23, 1920.

13. December 6, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, Mandan, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, December 6, 1923

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McIntosh was named receiver of 1 the Mohall State Bank, which closed January 18, 1921. Under the new law he is removed and L. R. Baird,

14. December 6, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, December 6, 1923

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1923 McIntosh was named receiver of the Mohall State Bank, which closed January 18, 1921. Under the new law he is removed and L. R. Baird, appointed general receiver, takes charge. The supreme court previously upheld the validity of the law now questioned.

15. December 6, 1923 The Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, ND
Article from The Bismarck Tribune, December 6, 1923

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by attorneys for W. H. McIntosh, receiver of the Mohall State Bank, in answering the state, a copy of which was filed in the district court. It is alleged the 1923 law deprives the defendant corporation and debtors of property without due process of law, grants privileges to one class of citizens not granted other classes, by local law attempts to regulate the practice of courts and thus violates the constitution, attempts to provide change of venue in civil cases, gives the supreme court unconstitutional powers, prescribes duties for the court not judicial, and violates the constitution of the United States in depriving citizens of property without due process of law.