Bank of Fayetteville (Fayetteville, NC)

Episode Information

Episode UID
7984011291262
Episode Type
Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
798401129 hash
Start Date
February 18, 1905
Location
Fayetteville, North Carolina (35.053, -78.878)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
40b1517b4c9a1865

Response Measures

None

Events (3)
1. February 18, 1905 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
the North Carolina Corporation Commission ... directed State Bank Examiner J. E. Ellington to take charge ... R. T. Gray ... temporary receiver
Source
newspapers
2. February 18, 1905 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Shortage of about $28,000 discovered in accounts of cashier and teller due to embezzlement and falsified checks
Newspaper Excerpt
a notice over his signature on the door of the institution stating that there was a shortage of $28,000 ... and that the bank would be closed for an investigation
Source
newspapers
3. April 10, 1905 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The Bank of Fayetteville ... reopened to-day under reorganization. ... There was no run by depositors
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (18)
1. February 19, 1905 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, February 19, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

RECEIVER APPOINTED. Believed That Cashier and Teller Can Clear Their Skirts. (Special to The Times-Dispatch.) RALEIGH, N. C., Feb. 18.-At the request of the directors of the bank. the North Carolina Corporation Commission to-day directed State Bank Examiner J. E. Ellington to take charge of the Bank of Fayetteville until a. receiver could be appointed. Application was then made to Judge Ferguson, who was in the city, and an order obtained appointing R. T. Gray, of Raleigh, temporary receiver. He will go to Fayetteville Monday to take charge. The arrests, as well as the bank's failure, have created a great sensation. The general bellef, though, is that both gentlemen will be able, to clear their skirts of the suspicion of criminality. Haigh Is a vestryman in St. John's Episcopal Church and Myrover an elder in une Presbyterian Church.

2. February 19, 1905 The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, AL
Article from The Montgomery Advertiser, February 19, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

OFFICIALS SHORT. Bank Examiner in Charge of Fayetteville, N. C., Institution. Charlotte, N. C., Feb. 18.-State Bank Examiner J. O. Ellington, took charge of the bank of Fayetteville, at Fayetteville, N. C., today, a notice over his signature on the door of the institution stating that there was a shortage of $28,000 in the accounts of the cashier and teller and that the bank would be closed for an investigation of the books by expert accountants. Cashier John C. Haigh, and Teller George Myrover were put under arrest but later released on $10,000 bonds. The January statement showed deposits of $318,000; total assets $520,000, and capital stock $160,000. The State commission says that there will be no trouble in paying the depositors in full, but as yet it is not known what will be the loss to the stockholders. The bank was organized in 1870, and has always ben regarded as an exceedRaleigh, N. C., Feb. 18.-Judge Ferguson, sitting in chambers here today, heard the application for a receiver for the Bank of Fayetteville and appointed R. T. Gray, an attorney-at-law of Raleigh. The evidence of irregularities showed irregularities for the past four years in amounts of from $10 to $3,000. these irregularities consisting in falsifying checks drawn on balance in correspondent banks. Moreover, the teller has confessed to embezzling several sums. The directors say the closing of the bank and putting it in the hands of a receiver was to prevent a run by local parties on the savings department,

3. February 19, 1905 Daily Press Newport News, VA
Article from Daily Press, February 19, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Regarded as Strong Institution. The January statement showed de posits of $318.000 total assets $520.000 and capital stock $160,000. The State corporation commission says there will be no trouble in paying the depositors in full but that as yet it is not known what will be the loss to the stockholders. The bank was organized in 1870 and has always been regarded as a strong financial institution: Receivers Appointed. RALEIGH N. C.. Feb. 18.-Judge Ferguson, sitting at his eambers here this afternoon heard the application for a receiver for the Bank of Favetteville, and appointed R. T. Gray. an attorney-at-law of Raleigh. The evidence of irregularities showed peculations for the past three years in amounts of from $10 to $3.000. these irregularities consisting in falsifying checks drawn en balance in correspondent banks.

4. February 21, 1905 The Semi-Weekly Messenger Wilmington, NC
Article from The Semi-Weekly Messenger, February 21, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

run by depositors which cannot be met on short notice on account of large savings deposits; and whereas the directors are confident that the general as well as the savings depositors will be paid in full, the loss finally to be borne by the stockholders, but desire that no one depositor shall obtain any preference over another: therefore Resolved, That, to prevent any preference and to protect all who have trusted the bank with their money, the corporation commission be requested at once to take charge of the bank's assets, pending a more complete examination of its affairs and possible arrangements for a reorganization of the bank. In compliance with the above resolution the North Carolina. Corporation Commission ordered the Bank of Fayetteville Fayetteville, N. C., closed. I am in possession pending the appointment of a temporary receiver. This will be done as early as possible. If you desire any of them protested please return and I will have it done. Very respectfully, JNO. O. ELLINGTON. State Bank Examiner. Charlotte, N. C., February 18.-State Bank Examiner J. O. Ellington took charge of the Bank of Fayetteville, at Fayettéville. N. C., today. A notice over his signature on the door of the institution stated that there was a shortage of $28,000 in accounts of the cashier and teller and that the bank would be closed for an investigation of the books by expert accountants. Cashier John C. Haigh and Teller George Myrover are under arrest, but were released on $10,000 bond. The January statement showed deposits of $318,000; total assets $520.000 and capital stock $100,000. The state corporation commission says there will be no trouble in paying the depositors in full but that he has as yet not known what will be the loss to the stockholders. The bank was organized in 1870 "and has always been regarded as a strong financial institution. RECEIVER APPOINTED. Raleigh, N. C., February 18.-Judge Ferguson, sitting at chambers here this afternoon heard the application for a receiver for the Bank of Fayetteville and appointed R. T. Gray, an attorney at law of Raleigh. The evidence of irregularities showed peculation for the past three years in amounts of from $10 to $13,000. These irregularities consisting In falsifying checks drawn on balance in correspondent banks. Myrover, the teller, has confessed to embezzling certain sums. He and Haigh have been released on bond of $10,000 each. The directors say the closing of the bank and putting it in the hands of a reciver was to prevent a run by local parties on savings deposits, and to prevent any creditor obtaining a preference.

5. February 21, 1905 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, February 21, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

MAY REOPEN DOORS Bank of Fayetteville Awaits Examiner's Report. Could Write Off Shortage Without Inconvenience. and Depositors Are Protected Dollar For Dollar. (Spcial to News and Observer.) Fayetteville, N. C., Feb. 20.-There seems to be the greatest confidence here on the part of the depositors of the Bank of Fayetteville that they are protected dollar for dollar. Apparently there is no uneasiness whatever and only annoyance at the delay and inconvenience. There is a strong sentiment that the bank will reopen as soon as the examiner can report. The National Bank this afternoon advertises to lend money on other bank deposits to secure the citizens against any inconvenience. They are carrying over $100,000 in cash, with as much more in easy call. The whole community is quiet, and are seeming to rest in the utmost confidence. If there is no further shortage the Bank of Fayetteville could without any inconvenience, write it all off from the surplus account and, on the report of the examiners, reopen its doors emporary receiver R. T. Gray, of Rateigh, left yesterday for Fayetteville to take charge of the bank.

6. February 21, 1905 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, February 21, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

TELLER CONFESSED. Speculation for Three Years in Various Amounts. (Special to The Times-Dispatch.) RALEIGH, N. C., Feb. 20.-Judge Fergusson, sitting at Chambers here Saturday afternoon heard the applicuation for a recelver for the bank at Fayetteville and appointed R. T. Gray, an attorney at law, of Raleigh. The office of irreguInrities showed speculation for the past three years in amounts of from $10 to $3,000, these irregularities consisting in falsifying checks drawn on balance in correspondent banks. Moreover, the teller, has confessed to embezzling certain sums. He and Haigh have been released on bond of $10,000 each. The directors say the closing of the bank and putting it in the hands of a receiver was to prevent a run by local parties on savings department and to prevent any creditor obtaining a preference.

7. February 23, 1905 Goldsboro Weekly Argus Goldsboro, NC
Article from Goldsboro Weekly Argus, February 23, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SENSATION IN FAYETTEVILLE CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE BANK. Shortage of $28,000 in Accounts of Cashier and Teller Disclosed by Expert Accountant and State Examiner. R. T. Gray, Receiver. Wil. Star. The Bank of Fayetteville, until a week ago, regarded as one of the strongesi financial institutions in the Cape Fear section, closed its doors Saturday morning and its affairs are now in the hands of State Bank Examiner J. O Ellington. Cashier John C. Haigh and Paying Teller George G. Myrover, the trusted employes and officials of the bank and among Fayetteville's most highly esteemed citizens, have been arrested and are now under bond of $10,000 until the responsibility for a shortage of $28,000, discovered by an examination of the State Bank Examiner and an expert a countaut, is fixed. It is claimed that the bank is perfeetly solvent and that depositors will receive dollar for dollar upon their deposits. The capit di sto Is of the bank is $160.00. The January statement of the bank showed deposits of $318,000; total assets, $510,000; surplus and profits about $26,000. The men arrested have many firm friends here, who still maintain the utmost confidence in their integrity. Raleigh, Feb. 18. -Judge Ferguson, sitting at chambers here this afternoon, heard the application for a receiver for the Bank of Fayetteville and appointed R T. Gray, an attorney at law of Raleigh.

8. February 26, 1905 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, February 26, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

REORGANIZE BANK Chances Against Going Into Hands of Permanent Receiver. (Special to News and Observer.) Fayetteville, N.C., Feb. 24.-From present indications the Bank of Fayetteville will be reorganized without going into the hands of a permanent receiver. Looking to a conference to this end notices have been sent out to the stockholders for a meeting on the 15th ult., when the question of a reorganization will be definitely determined. Pending this meeting Judge Ferguson has postponed hearing, of which notice to the bank was given to appear at Whiteville on the 2nd of March and show cause why a permanent receiver should not be appointed. Acting under the authority of an order of the court the receiver has paid in full depositors of the bank who paid in their money on the day before the doors of the bank were closed. It was known on that day that the bank would be closed and all deposits were kept separate by the officers of the bank. They have been paid in full with the exception of course of a charge off in cases of over-drafts on checks against balances. There is now no doubt whatever that all depositors will ultimately be paid in full and the general impression is that a re-organization of the bank is most likely.

9. February 28, 1905 The Semi-Weekly Messenger Wilmington, NC
Article from The Semi-Weekly Messenger, February 28, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

PARTRIDGE WILL HANG. / No Appeal Will be Made-The General Society of the Sons of the Revolution to Meet in Washington. (Special to The Messenger.) Raleigh, N. C., February 25.-Gentlemen from Fayetteville who are here say that the Bank of Fayetteville, which went into the hands of a temporary receiver this week will be re-organized very soon. One of the gentlemen added: "If the lawyers would only let it alone." The Fayetteville people spoke about the conviction and sentence of Walter Partridge, who is to be hanged April 5th, and say their people were very well satisfied with the promptness for conviction and said no appeal would be made. Partridge was well defended. It is the second time that a trial for such a crime has been held there during the past five years, everything being done in the most orderly manner without any attempted lynchings. The police here were notified today of the murder last night at Osgood of a negro named Will Allen, by another negro Will Carrington. A pistol was used. Jack Allen, the father of the murdered man lives here and the police took him the news of his son's death. The regular trinnenial meeting of the General Society of the Sons of the Revclution will be held at Washington April 19th, 20th. Headquarters to be at the Willard Hotel. On Wednesday the members and their guests will go to Annapolis on a special train, and will meet in the Senate Chamber of the capitol there where Washington resigned his commission as Commanding Chief of the Continental Army. Afterwards the members and guests will be received by the governor of Maryland, luncheons will be served at Carvel Hall, in the afternoon there will be a special drill and dress parade by the United States Naval Academy cadets April 20th the members and guests will go to Mount Vernon, remaining there for several hours and on the evening of that day the general society will entertain its members and guests at a banquet at the Willard. Colonel Thos. S. Kenan is the president of the North Carolina Society and F. H. Busbee, Esq., its vice-president.

10. February 28, 1905 The Semi-Weekly Messenger Wilmington, NC
Article from The Semi-Weekly Messenger, February 28, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

THE BONDS GIVEN. The Matter Goes Over to the May Court-Receiver in Charge of Bank. Superior Court. (Special to The Messenger.) Fayetteville, Feb. 23.-Yesterday the justified bonds, in the sum of $10,009 each, of the cashier and teller of the closed Bank of Fayetteville were tendered in court, were accepted, and the case goes over to May term. The correspondent learns that Mr. R. L. Gray temporary receiver of the Bank of Fayetteville, enters upon his duties today. Yesterday afternoon superior court entered upon the civil docket. In the case of John Woodell VS. Effie Woodill, white, an absolute divorce was granted. In the case of Jesse Leak ve. Herbert Leak, colored, a divorce from bed and board was granted. Mr. J. A. Ratoliffe, of this city, and Miss Maud Scott, of Bowling Green, Mo., were united in marriage last evening in the parlors of the Donakdson Academy on Haymount, Rev. V. G. Smith performing the ceremony. The rooms were beautifully decorated and the wedding march was beautifully rendered by Mrs. W. M. Martin as the bridal party took their places. The maid of honor was Miss Ella Dowing, who wore pink crepe de chine; the bride's gown was of gray erep de chine.

11. March 14, 1905 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, March 14, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Mr. R. T. Gray receiver of the Bank of Fayetteville, after spending Sunday here returned to Fayetteville yesterday. He says that the directors of the bank are to meet this week.

12. March 16, 1905 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, March 16, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

III on Early Reorganization STOCK TO BE SCALED The Institution Was Solvent and Surplus Sufficient to Pay Shortages of Cashier and Teller. Act of Directors in Shutting Doors Endorsed. (Special to News and Observer.) Fayetteville, N. C., March 15. a meeting of the stockholders of the Bank of Fayetteville, which was closed during February by reason of shortages in the accounts of Cashier Haigh and Teller Myrover, to the amount of about thirty thousand dollars, it was today determined to re-organize the bank with a capital stock reduced from $163,000 to $100,000. The re-organization will be completed as soon as possible and the bank will resume business within a few weeks at the latest. The institution has proved to be solvent and there have been offers of assistance from several important banking firms, which, however, will not be availed of. It is thought that in the re-organization the president of the bank, Dr. H. W. Lilly, will be re-elected. The stockholders met at the court house at o'clock, with Mr. H./MeD. Robinson in the chair and Mr. E. R. McKethan as secretary, 1,618 shares out of 1,630 being represented in person or by proxy. Dr. H. W. Lilly, the president of the bank, explained the purpose of the meeting and made a plain, frank statean ment and explanation but not apology of the action of the directors in closing the doors on the 18th of February, stating that while the bank was solvent and offers of assistance were freely made, the apprehension of a run by the depositors in the excited state of the community and of the disastrous consequences of such a run, had caused the directors after a care. ful discussion to take a step which seemed best to them and which, though at first criticised; had since been approved by nearly every pe son interested, both at home and abroad. He stated that the surplus and undivided profits would he suwflicient to meet the amount of the shortages, that the bank had a valuable managed, business, was conservative for lorge but that the capital was the amount of the deposits and urged a reduction from $163,000 to $100,000 in capital by a voluntary scaling on the part of the stockholders of their holdings. The remarks of Dr. Lilly, in whose integrity, prudence and business sagacity the people of this section have perfect confidence, were mainly, frank and straightforward and made a decidedly favorable impression, Temporary Receiver R. T. Gray, of Raleigh, made a statement of the condition of the bank up to March 10th, which, after charging off the losses, showed the result stated in Dr. Lilly's statement, and State Bank Examiner Ellington, who was present by request of the directors and with the permission of the corporation commission, confirmed the statement of the president and receiver except as to their estimates on doubtful paper, which he stated he considered that Dr. Lilly had estimated to be of too little value out of an excess of caution. An amendment to the charter auMr. S. H. McRae then offered a reso the thorizing reduction of the capital stock was unanimously adopted and Mr. S. M. Mc. Rae then offered a resolution providing for a reduction of the capital stock to $100.000 by voluntary scaling by the stockholders, and directing the board of directors to take the necessary steps to close the receivership and resume business early as possible. A stock vote being called for. only ten shares voted in the negative and it is understood that the holder of these will assent to the plan. Col. Chas. W. Broadfoot. with a few introductory and feeling remarks Cffered the following resolutions, which he had prepared without the suggestion of anyone and which were unanimously adopted 'The stockholders of the Bank of Fayetteville in special meeting duly called and held in Fayetteville, N. C., March 15. do resolve, That we heartily endorse and approve all that the president and board of directors have don in our behalf during the late trouble and we hereby tender them, each and all, our thanks and assurar.ces that we are ready. now and here to stand by them with confidence increased rather than lessened in their business capacity. fidelity and integrity: that we thank State Bank Examiner J. O. Ellington for his manly discharge of an unpleasant duty: that we thank the officers of the National Bank of Fayetteville for many courtesies extended to us and our customers; that we thank Messrs. Grainger and Yates cashiers respectively of the Murchiof son and Atlantic National Bank Wilmington for their midnight ride to Fayetteville with proffered aid most politely and cordially tendered; that we are profoundly grateful to the good people of our city and surrounding country for words of confidence, for their patience in bearing temporarily the locking up of their money, for their kindly forbearance of harsh critiour we are now our and cism the termined. go general of on, acts taking of good: and again here. that officers to reorganize place, taken sus- de- for pended but not forfeited, as a sound

13. March 21, 1905 The Progressive Farmer and the Cotton Plant Raleigh, NC
Article from The Progressive Farmer and the Cotton Plant, March 21, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

STATE NEWS FROM CURRITUCK TO CHEROKEE. Items of Interest Gleaned from Our Correspondents and Exchanges. Mr. Andrew Carnegie has given $12,500 for a library at Livingston College, the colored institution at Salisbury. On the 10th inst. the Senate confirmed the nomination of Hunter Sharp, of North Carolina, as consul at Keobe, Japan. Governor Glenn has accepted an invitation to deliver the commencement address at the colored A. & M. College in Greensboro, April 27th. It is announced that the bucket shops or exchanges in various parts of the State have united in the matter of retaining counsel for the purpose of contesting the anti-bucket shop law passed by the recent Legislature. Raleigh dispatch: It was decided to-day by the building committee of the A. & M. College to have no interruption in the work on the agricultultural building. The contract had only been let for exterior work, but to-day a further contract was given for completion, so it can be equipped for the opening of the fall term. Fayetteville dispatch 15th: At a meeting of the stockholders of the Bank of Fayetteville, which was closed during February by reason of shortages in the accounts of Cashier Haigh and Teller Myrover, to the amount of about thirty thousand dollars, it was to-day determined to reorganize the bank with a capital stock reduced from $163,000 to $100,000. State Auditor B. F. Dixon finds that the cost of the Legislature just adjourned was $69,179.16, and there may be odds and ends yet to come in that will run it up to $70,000. The cost of the 1903 session was $67,000. Possibly a thousand dollars of the additional cost of the recent session was due to expenses connected with the Code Commission and the Code Committee. It is a matter of note that Republicans in the last Legislature passed a resolution expressing their thanks and appreciation for the courtesy and uniform consideration shown them throughout the session. This polite action is creditable to both Democrats and Republicans, and shows that when the political heelers are far removed men can meet one another in the open. After June 1, 1905, the standard weight of a bushel of corn meal in North Carolina shall be 48 pounds, and all bags shall contain two bushels or one bushel or one-half bushel or one-fourth bushel or one-eighth bushel respectively, each bag to be marked whether the meal is bolted or unbolted, the amount it contains and themic 1

14. April 4, 1905 The Progressive Farmer and the Cotton Plant Raleigh, NC
Article from The Progressive Farmer and the Cotton Plant, April 4, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

STATE NEWS FROM CURRITUCK TO CHEROKEE. Items of Interest Gleaned from Our Correspondents and Exchanges. Strawberries are reported to be growing finely in the trucking sections of Eastern Carolina. Carnegie adds $10,000 to his gift to the Charlotte library for the enlargement of the building. Active work has begun on the new Charlotte depot. The building will be completed by September. The City National Bank, of Greensboro, will, about June 1st, move into the finest bank building in North Carolina. The dispensary fight. in Asheville is getting warm. Both sides are claiming they will win next Thursday in the election. Henry Gassaway Davis, the Democratic candidate for Vice-President last fall, will visit Asheville next week. He is 84 years of age. The report of the Audubon Society shows that much progress has been made during the past year in protecting the birds of our State. The case against Bynum, for the murder of Alford in Raleigh about January 1st, came up in Wake court this week and was continued for the second time. It goes over to the July term. The report of the Census Bureau issued Thursday shows that 743,404 runing bales were ginned in North Carolina in 1904. This was equivalent to 697,452 bales of 500 pounds, as compared with 528,707 bales ginned in 1903. Andrew Carnegie, the multi-millionaire and philanthropist, announces that he will donate $50,000 toward the erection of a library building for the North Carolina State University provided a like amount is contributed by our own people. Dr. C. A. Misenheimer, a Charlotte physician, has been bound to the Superior Court on the charge of violating the Watts law by giving prescriptions for whiskey to persons not under his care for treatment. A colored physician of Charlotte has been bound over on a similar charge. The Bank of Fayetteville, which was closed recently on account of shortages in the accounts of the cashier and teller, will resume business April 10th. Mr. J. O. Ellington, present State bank examiner, will be vice-president and general manager, and Miller Hughes, of Raleigh, will be cashier. Charlotte Observer: It is learned that the sales of fertilizer tax tags by the Department of Agriculture this year are about what they were two years ago, showing a falling off of about 20 per cent, as compared with the great sales of last year, when the total reached the great figure of $97,000, that of the year before having been about $80,000. Statesville Landmark: People who patronize blind tigers have their troubles. A Greensboro paper tells that in that town last Sunday a young white man was approached by a negro and asked if he didn't want some liquor. The young man did and he promptly handed the colored man a dollar and sat down to wait

15. April 11, 1905 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, April 11, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Bank Reopens. (Special to The Times-Dispatch.) FAYETTEVILLE, N. C., April 10.-The Bank of Fayetteville, recently closed by State bank examiner, reopened to-day under reorganization. H. W. Lilly, president: J. O. Ellington, vice-president; C. M. Hughes, cashier; John Hightower, teller. There was no run by depositors, more money being paid in than paid out up to date.

16. April 14, 1905 The Semi-Weekly Messenger Wilmington, NC
Article from The Semi-Weekly Messenger, April 14, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

FAYETTEVILLE BANK OPENS Business Going On as Usual-Laying Corner Stone of Church-A War Story-Home Marriage. (Special to The Messenger.) Fayetteville, N. C., April 10.-The Bank of Fayetteville, recently closed by State Bank Examiner Ellington, reopened for business today under the reorganization: Dr. H. W. Lilly, president; J. O. Ellington, vice president: C. M. Hughes, of Raleigh, cashier; John Hightower, teller. There was no indication of a run by depositors, about $8,000 paid in, and only $300 paid out in first three hours. The bank building had been renovated in the interior and repainted on the exterior for the reopening. Very interesting exercises took place at Holt-Morgan Mills village at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the occasion being the laying of the corner stone of the New Coloney Methodist church. The address was delivered by Rev. D. H. Tuttle. pastor of Hay Street Methodist church of this city, and a very excellent song service was given by the choir of the village, led by Mr. A. A. Cain. A prominent society woman of Wilmington, who has been paying a visit in this city, tells a good war story. Colonel J. W. Atkinson, of Wilmington, was captured during the war and c.mfined on Johnson's Island, having, among the few possessions of a prisoner, a pair of remarkably fine field glasses. One day a Federal officer, attracted by their superiority, asked to look at them, and, after examination, remarked with the brutal coolness of one in authority, "I believe I'll keep these: "Don't you mean," asked Colonel Atkinson, "that you intend to anpropriate my property?" "That's it," replied the other, with a triumphant leer. "Well," said the Confederate prisoner, "the Union soldier, with a star on his collar has turned thief, it seems," and he gave way to sundry other strong language-but bis keeper retained the glasses. The other day Colonel Atkinson 1eceived a letter from this officer in a some northerntown, reminding him that when on Johnson's Island he had given to the writer a set of glasses, which he wished to return. Colonel Atkinson's reply was emphatic, prompt and to the point: "I did not give them to you; you stole them. Send back my glasses!" Mr. Byrd, of the Wooten Grocery House on Gillespie street, and Miss Ellen Sedburry, youngest daughter of the late Bond E. Sedberry, will be married at 8:30 o'clock tomorrow evening. at the home of Mrs. Bond E. Sedberry on Person street, Rev. Dr. D. H. Tuttle, pastor of Hay Street Methodist church, performing the ceremoney. Miss Sallie Cazeaux, of Wilmington, is the guest of the Misses Hart on Coo! Spring street. Past Grand Chancellor J. W. Atkinson has been elected representative to the Grand Lodge Kinghts of Pythias, at Charlotte, in June, from Cumberland Lodge, No. 5.

17. November 22, 1905 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, November 22, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

O RESTITUTION OF PART When Case Was Called the Bank Joined With Solicitor in Asking for Suspension "of Judgment. Bonding Company Pays Bank $17,500. (Special to News and Observer.) Fayetteville, N. C., Nov. 21.-Messers. John C. Haigh and George Myrover. formerly cashier and teller of the Bank of Fayetteville, plead guilty to the charge of embezzlement in the Superior court today and judgment was suspended on payment of costs, restitution having been made to the bank. Hon. Fred Moore, Judge presiding had the forlowing order entered in the several cases: North Carorina, Cumberland County, In the Superior court. Nov. Term. 1905. State vs. John C. Haigh and George Myrover. The defendants, J. C. Haigh and George G. Myrover came into court accompanied by their counsel and plead guilty to the bill of indictment pending against them and it appearing to the court that restitution has been made, upon the recommendation of the Bank of Fayetteville, the private prosecutor, and by the consent of the solicitor, it is ordered that judgment be the same is hereby suspended upon the payment of the costs of this, action to be taxed by the clerk of this court.' Immediately after court met this afternoon the argument. of counsel in a petty larceny case was stopped and the case of Messrs. J. C. Haigh and G: G. Myrover. charged with embezzlement was called. N. A. Sinclair, Esq.. of counsel for Mr. Haigh, addressed the court and entered the plea of guilty. He said a settlement had been arrived at whereby the bank and the Bonding Company were satisfied and that the ends of justice would be met if judgment was suspended on payment of costs. Judge Sutton made a like statement in behalf of Myrover. Hon. John G. Shaw. of counsel for the Bank of Fayetteville, said a thorough investigation had been made and a conference of those interested had been had and that he thought the ends of justice would be met if this was done. Solicitor Lyon gave his approval. The amount restituted was $17,500. the total amount of the trust company bonds. Mr. Haigh was represented by N. A. Sinclair, Rose and Rose and H. L. Cook: Mr. Myrover, by Judge Sutton; The Bank of Fayetteville, by Robinson and Shaw and S. H. McRae: and the Trust Company by Edmond Watkins, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A great sensation was created last February by the closing of the doors and the appointment of a receiver for the Bank of Fayetteville upon the discovery that peculations had been going on for some time by the cashier and the teller, both of whom had long been trusted officers of the institution. On application of the bank Mr. R. T.Gray. of Raleigh, was receiver and the doors of the bank pending investigation were kept closed until its reorganization a month or so later. A thorough examination of the books showed shortages in the atcounts of the two men involved, which amounted in the aggregate to about $31,000. which was fully covered by the bank's surplus. The re-organization was effected with a reduced capital. so as to provide a surpius fund which had been seriously impaired by the embezzlements, The settlement by which the bank obtains from the Trust Company $17.500. will strengthen the institution. although the expense of closing the doors, of the receivership, counsel and expert accountants' fees was of course heavy. The teller of the Bank, Mr. Myrover. made soon after the closing of the doors a full and complete statement of his connection with the shortages, which he stated had been going on for several years. chiefly by manipulation of accounts with corresponding banks. Cashier Haigh for a whiie contended that he was not criminally responsible and it was thought that he would resist conviction.

18. December 7, 1905 The Caucasian Raleigh, Goldsboro, Clinton, NC
Article from The Caucasian, December 7, 1905

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

A Farce in the Name of Justice. Progressive Farmer I The following dispatch was printed in last week's Progressive Farmer: "Fayetteville, Nov. 21st: Messrs. John C. Haigh and George Myrover, formerly cashier and teller of the Bank of Fayetteville, plead guilty to the charge of embezzlement in the Superior Court today and judgment was suspended on payment of costs, restitution having been made to the bank." Fairbrother's Everything calls attention to the fact that the same day Haigh and Myrover were turned loose on the people they had robbed of $28,000, a negro in Salisbury was sentenced to five years for stealing $35, and another negro was senteneed to one year for stealing a plug of tobacco. "Everything" also reflects the general sentiment of the press-and our opinion-so clearly that we reprint herewith what it says in lieu of any comments of our own: "Webster's Dictionary, defining the word embezzlement, says: Larceny denotes a taking by fraud or stealth, from another's possession ; embezzlement denotes an appropriation, by fraud or stealth, of property already in the wrong-doer's possession.' Thus it will be seen that the man who embezzles not only steals but violates a sacred trust. It certainly was a sublime spectacle to see men standing up in a court of justice and stating that they believed the ends of justice would be met if the brace of thieves would pay the costs in the case after they had pleaded guilty to taking nearly thirty thousand dollars that did not belong to them, and by SO doing caused the bank to temporarily suspend. * * * Suspension of judg. ment, upon payment of costs, and the men confessing that they took twenty-eight thousand dollars of money entrusted to their keepinggreat God ! with such a farce, why should court-houses be built "