First National Bank (Moore, MT)

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Episode Information

Episode UID
853901488
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
85390 national
Charter Number
8539
Start Date
December 10, 1923
Location
Moore, Montana (46.976, -109.697)

Metadata

Model
gemini-3-flash-preview (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
fbbfd9ee9583028b

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
53.5%
Date receivership started
1923-12-20
Date receivership terminated
1929-10-25
OCC cause of failure
Economic conditions
Share of assets assessed as good
19.6%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
58.0%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
22.4%

Description

The bank closed as a 'precautionary measure' due to runs on its parent/affiliate bank in Lewistown; it never reopened and entered receivership.

Events (5)
1. February 8, 1907 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. December 10, 1923 Suspension
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Closed as a precautionary measure following a heavy run and suspension of the First National Bank of Fergus County in Lewistown.
Newspaper Excerpt
At Moore, 18 miles from Lewistown, the State bank of Moore and the First National bank of Moore, both were closed Monday as a precautionary measure
Source
newspapers
3. December 20, 1923 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. December 20, 1923 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Joseph A. Gamble, who has been receiver for the First National Bank of Moore since it closed
Source
newspapers
5. October 20, 1929 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
paying... dividend of 8 1/2 per cent to the depositors of the old First National of Moore. ... bring the total for that bank up to 53 1/2 per cent.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (16)
1. December 11, 1923 Great Falls Tribune Great Falls, MT
Article from Great Falls Tribune, December 11, 1923

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Rumors Spread The rumors continued to spread all day Sunday and by evening of that day it was foreseen that a very heavy run was inevitable. For the protection of the depositors as well as the bank itself, the directors decided to not open the bank Monday. A notice reading "Bank closed by order of directors" was posted on the door and greeted the crowds that gathered at 9 o'clock Monday morning. The closing was taken very quietly. The deposits of the bank, all told, at the last published statement, were approximately $3,000,000. Empire Weathers Run At the Empire & State bank, everything was in readiness to meet an eventuality that might arise Monday morning. At one window a line of persons waited to get their money, but at another window there was another line of depositors. The net result at the end of the day's business at the Empire was that the deposits were within about $15,000 of the total withdrawals. When it was seen that the bank was able to meet all demands, withdrawals slackened very materially and it is likely that the run is over. In any event, the Empire is entirely safe. At Moore, 18 miles from Lewistown, the State bank of Moore and the First National bank of Moore, both were closed Monday as a precautionary measure and a small bank at Roy, in the eastern part of the county, also was closed. Has $300,000 Capital The First National has a paid in capital of $300,000 and a surplus of $100,000, its total resources being set out as around $5,000,000. The officers are: W. L. Johnson, president; O. W. Belden, chairman of the board; P. J. Osweiler, vice president; T. C. Sherman, vice president; J. L. Steinbarger, cashier; J. R. Miller, assistant cashier. The board is composed of Johnson, Belden, Sherman, Osweiler, T. T. Taylor, H. C. Brown, J. B. Elliott, David Hilger, C. H. Kelley, J. E. Lane, C. R. McClave, E. C. Sweitzer, Donald Waite, A. R. Warr, G. J. Weideman and J. E. Woodard.

2. December 13, 1923 Thomas County Clipper Seneca, NE
Article from Thomas County Clipper, December 13, 1923

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Article Text

Run on Banks in Central Montana The First National Bank of Fergus county in Lewistown, the largest banking concern in central Montana, suspended business last Monday morning on action taken by the board of directors as a means of protecting all of the depositors against an impending run. Public opinion is largely to the effect that the bank was in good condition to meet ordinary conditions. Plans were immediately begun for re-opening the bank on a basis that will protect the depositors and the directors have assurance of ample new capital from local and outside sources. The bank had a paid up capital stock of $300,000 and a surplus of $100,000, its total resources being set out at around $5,000,000, and deposits around $3,000,000. Suspension of business by the First National Bank is directly traceable to rumors that grew out of the recent closing of several smaller banks in Fergus county. These rumors resulted last week in a feeling of uneasiness that manifested itself Saturday in a considerable number of withdrawals. The rumors continued to spread all day Sunday and by evening of that day it was foreseen that a very heavy run was inevitable. For the protection of the depositors as well as the bank itself, the directors decided to not open the bank Monday. A notice reading "Bank closed by order of directors" was posted on the door and greeted the crowds that gathered at nine o'clock Monday morning. The closing was taken very quietly. At the Empire State Bank everything was in readiness to meet an eventuality that might arise Monday morning. At one window a line of persons waited to get their money, but at another window there was another line of depositors. The net result at the end of the day's business at the Empire was that the deposits were within about $15,000 of the total withdrawals. When it was seen that the bank was able to meet all demands, withdrawals slackened very materially and it is likely that the run is over. In any event, the Empire is entirely safe. At Moore, eighteen miles from Lewistown, the State Bank of Moore and the First National Bank of Moore, both were closed Monday morning as a precautionary measure, and a bank at Roy, in the eastern part of the county, also was closed. Fergus county is traversed by the Milwaukee & St. Paul and Great Northern railroads.

3. December 13, 1923 Roundup Record-Tribune Roundup, MT
Article from Roundup Record-Tribune, December 13, 1923

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At the Empire & State bank, everything was in readiness to meet any eventuality that might arise Monday morning. At one window a line of persons waited to get their money, but at another window there was another line of depositors. The net result at the end of the day's business at the Empire was that the deposits were within about $15,000 of the total withdrawals. When it was seen that the bank was able to meet all demands, withdrawals slackened very materially. At Moore, 18 miles from Lewistown, the State bank of Moore and the First National bank of Moore, both were closed Monday as a precautionary measure and a small bank at Roy, in the eastern part of the county, also was closed. The First National has a paid in capital of $300,000 and a surplus of $100,000, its total resources being set out as around $5,000,000. The officers are: W. L. Johnson, president; O. W. Belden, chairman of the board; P. J. Osweiler, vice president; T. C. Sherman, vice president; J. L. Steinbarger, cashier; J. R. Miller, assistant cashier. The board is composed of Johnson, Belden, Sherman, Osweiler, T. T. Taylor, H. C. Brown, J. B. Elliott, David Hilger, C. H. Kelley, J. E. Lane, C. R. McClave, E. C. Sweitzer, Donald Waite, A. R. Warr, G. J. Weidman and J. E. Woodard. In a statement issued Monday night the board announced: "The directors of the bank have assurance of ample new capital from local and outside sources of such financial strength that they have every reason to feel that an early resumption of business will occur."

4. December 13, 1923 The Mountaineer Big Sandy, MT
Article from The Mountaineer, December 13, 1923

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LEWISTOWN BANK CLOSED MONDAY Lewistown, Dec. 10.—The First National bank of Fergus county, the largest banking concern in central Montana, suspended business Monday morning on action taken by the board of directors as a means of protecting all of the depositors against an impending run. Plans were immediately begun for reopening the bank on a basis that will protect the depositors and the directors were busy with this work throughout the day. Public opinion here is largely to the effect that the bank was in excellent shape to meet ordinary conditions. It is confidently expected that the concern will be able to resume its former position among banking institutions in this part of the state and that the depositors will sustain no loss whatever. Suspension of business by the First National is directly traceable to rumors that grew out of the recent closing of several small country banks in Fergus county. These rumors resulted last week in a feeling of uneasiness that manifested itself Saturday in a considerable number of withdrawals. The rumors continued to spread all day Sunday and by evening of that day it was foreseen that a very heavy run was inevitable. For the protection of the depositors as well as the bank itself, the directors decided to not open the bank Monday. The closing was taken very quietly. The deposits of the bank, all told, at the last published statement were approximately $3,000,000. At the Empire & State bank everything was in readiness to meet an eventuality that might arise Monday morning. At one window a line of persons waited to get their money, but at another window there was another line of depositors. The net result at the end of the day's business at the Empire was that the deposits were within about $15,000 of the total withdrawals. When it was seen that the bank was able to meet all demands, withdrawals slackened very materially and it likely that the run is over. In any event the Empire is entirely safe. At Moore, 18 miles from Lewistown, the State bank of Moore and the First National bank of Moore, both were closed Monday as a precautionary measure and a small bank at Roy, also was closed.

5. December 14, 1923 The Producers News Plentywood, MT
Article from The Producers News, December 14, 1923

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WIDESPREAD MISERY RESULT OF CRASH Special to Producers News. DON'T PITY THE Lewistown, Dec. 10.-The First NaPOOR FARMER! tional Bank of Fergus County, the largest banking concern in central and eastern Montana went to the wall These Raised Horses Instead of Pole last Menday morning as the result of Cats, and Sold Them for $1.07 Per a run last Saturday by a huge crowd Head. of frightened depositors, who made a mad rush to get their money upon the Forsyth.-Ranchers in the vicinity failure of several small town State of Rosebud who have been shipping banks in Fergus county during the range horses to eastern markets reweek, which banks are the property of port receiving very lew prices for the First National Bank of Lewis their stock. One man who shipped a county. carload of 29 horses to a Nebraska $300,000 CAPITAL market received a check for $31.03 The First National Bank of Fergus for the carload of $1.07 per head County has a capital stock of $300,net. Other shippers of smaller un000, and a surplus of $100,000: it has broken horses did not get enough for deposits in the sum of $5,000,000 and them to pay the freight. The only was the principal bank of deposit in local buyers for this class of horses Central Montana and was a discount are the hog feeders, who are paying bank for several smaller banks in around $2.00 per head. Fergus county, all of which have reThe demand for small horses is a cently failed. thing of the past and there are thousFIRST COPPER BANK TO FAIL ands of these worthless animals on The Lewistown Bank is the first the ranges in Rosebud county. Stockbank known in the state as a "Copmen and farmers are putting forth bank to fail, and is the largest every effort to dispose of them as banking institution in the state to they are consuming the feed that succumb in the impending financial could be utilized in the production of and economic wave that is engulfing more beef. wool and mutton. the nation. DEPOSITORS DISAPPOINTED The first heavy withdrawals from the bank occurred Saturday and the NELS MOE KNOCKS news of the condition of the bank spread after the bank closed. Saturday and all day Sunday and Monday OUT STEVE O'BRIEN morning a long line of depositors waited for the opening of the bank Coming Young Pug Floors Hug to withdraw their deposits, when one Irishman in Second Round-Figh of the employes appeared in the door Sensational While it Lasted. and posted from the inside the notice to the effect that the bank had been closed by orders of the Board of DiHoldfast Sask., Dec. 23.-Before à rectors. The crowd was excited, packed house at Holdfast, Sask., O some were crying, while others were Saturday night, December 8th, Nel cursing. Many lost the saving of a Moe knocked out Steve O'Brien in life time, and it is understood that the second round of a ten round sched the bank will never be able to pay ule. O'Brien took the county of eigh out but a small fraction of the dein the first round. The match wa posits, the bank having taken huge fast and furious while it lasted losses as a result of deflation and the O'Brien stands six feet six and weigh agricultural wreck of the past couple over 200 pounds and has a reach o of years the result of the deflation 82 inches while Moe stands 5 feet 1 policy of the Federal Reserve Bank. inches and weighs 174 pounds with BELDEN RUINED reach of 78 1/2 inches. It was a cas 0. W. Belden, prominent in bankof speed and science against size ing and financial circles of the state, weight and strength. reported as ruined, as is also, W. L. Johnson, president of the bank, who T. U. MEETING has been considered one of the leading bankers of the state for many years. The W. C. T. U. met in its regula Among the other officers of the monthly meeting at the 8th grad bank are Rep. T. T. Taylor of Ferbuilding Tusday evening at 8 o'clocl county, who did yoeman service Mrs. E. T. Mitchell, the Evangelisti the legislature last winter in beSuperintendent led the meeting. Ro of the banking fraternity. call was responded to by giving som OTHER BANKS FAIL current event concerning Prohibition On Tuesday, following the failure Miss Isabel Malcolm read an inter the Lewiston bank, the State Bank esting paper on "The Significance ( of Moore and the First National Bank the "C" in W. C. T. U. and Mrs. C. C of Moore both were closed as a result Christianson gave a well prepare of the wreck and State Bank of Ray in paper on "Prayer and Faith-the Ke eastern part of the county also closed. note of Success." Come to the All of these banks were closely allied o meetings every second Tuesday with the First National of Lewiston. each month that the forces of goo Practically all of the small town may be as weil organized and a.tiv as the forces of evil. (Continued on Page Four)

6. December 20, 1923 Thomas County Clipper Seneca, NE
Article from Thomas County Clipper, December 20, 1923

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Run on Banks in Central Montana The First National Bank of Fergus county in Lewistown, the largest banking concern in central Montana, suspended business last Monday morning on action taken by the board of directors as a means of protecting all of the depositors against an impending run. Public opinion is largely to the effect that the bank was in good condition to meet ordinary conditions. Plans were immediately begun for re-opening the bank on a basis that will protect the depositors and the directors have assurance of ample new capital from local and outside sources. The bank had a paid up capital stock of $300,000 and a surplus of $100,000, its total resources being set out at around $5,000,000, and deposits around $3,000,000. Suspension of business by the First National Bank is directly traceable to rumors that grew out of the recent closing of several smaller banks in Fergus county. These rumors resulted last week in a feeling of uneasiness that manifested itself Saturday in a considerable number of withdrawals. The rumors continued to spread all day Sunday and by evening of that day it was foreseen that a very heavy run was inevitable. For the protection of the depositors as well as the bank itself, the directors decided to not open the bank Monday. A notice reading "Bank closed by order of directors" was posted on the door and greeted the crowds that gathered at nine o'clock Monday morning. The closing was taken very quietly. At the Empire State Bank everything was in readiness to meet an eventuality that might arise Monday morning. At one window a line of persons waited to get their money, but at another window there was another line of depositors. The net result at the end of the day's business at the Empire was that the deposits were within about $15,000 of the total withdrawals. When it was seen that the bank was able to meet all demands, withdrawals slackened very materially and it is likely that the run is over. In any event, the Empire is entirely safe. At Moore, eighteen miles from Lewistown, the State Bank of Moore and the First National Bank of Moore, both were closed Monday morning as a precautionary measure, and a bank at Roy, in the eastern part of the county, also was closed. Fergus county is traversed by the Milwaukee & St. Paul and Great Northern railroads.

7. January 29, 1925 The Argus-Farmer Lewistown, MT
Article from The Argus-Farmer, January 29, 1925

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NOTICE OF SHERIFFS SALE. William Samuel Jennings. plaintiff. V8. Albert S. Francis and Jennie Francis, bis wife: Bank of Fergus County. a corporation; The First National Bank of Fergus llams. as Receiver thereof: The First Na. tional Bank of Moore. a corporation. and Joseph Gamble Receiver thereof; Capital Trust and Savings Bank. a cor. poration Atwood Larson Company. a cor poration. and Stephen Thelan, defendants. To be sold at Sheriff's on Saturday the fourteenth day of February, D. 1923, at two o'clock p. m. of that day. in at the front door of the Court House the City Lewistown, County of Fergus, State of Montana, the following described real property. situated in Fergus County. Montuna. The southwest quarter of the northwest quarter (SW% NWN) of section three (3); lot one (1). and the south half of see of the northeast quarter (S% NEW) tion four (4): the southeast quarter (SE%). lots two (2) and three (3), the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter (SEV) NWM) the southwest quarter of the north (1), east quarter (SWV NEW). lot one the southeast quarter of the northeast (5). quarier (SE% NEW of section five all in township thirteen north, Mer- of range seventeen (17) the east. southeast of Montana quarter of idian the In southwest Montana: quarter (SEM SW4). and the south half of the southeast quarter (S1g SEM) of section thirty two (32). in township fourteen (14) north. of range seventeen (17) cast of Montana Meridian ing to the Government survey thereof Lees, however, the following described land Beginning at the southwest corner of southwest quarter of northwest quar the (8WV NW%) of section three (3). ter running thence east eighty rods, and thence six north eighty rods, thenee west seventy rods. and thenee southwesterly to place of beginning. containing about 37 neres. Together with all and singular the tene Dated at Lewistown. Montana, 1925 this 19th By H. L. LINN. Undersberiff. attorney for plaintiff. NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE. Mrs. Hardy, plaintiff. versus June

8. January 29, 1925 The Argus-Farmer Lewistown, MT
Article from The Argus-Farmer, January 29, 1925

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George Joseph Smith * minor; Joseph Gamble as Receiver of The First NationBrantingham Implement Company corporation. and The First National Bank of Moore, Montana, a corporation. defendTo be sold at Sheriff's sale on Saturday, the 14th day of February. A. D. 1925. at two o'elock p. m. of that day at the front door of the Court House the City of Lewistown, County of Fergus, State of Montana to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand. all the right, title and interest in and to the following described real propSouth half of the northeast quarter (8% NEW) north half of the southeast quar ter (N½ SE%), southeast quarter of the southeast quarter (SEV NEW) of section eleven (11): the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter (SW NW %) of sec tion twelve (19); the northwest quarter (NW), the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter (SW% NEW), the north weat quarter of the southeast quarter (NWW) SEM) of section thirteen (13), all in township thirteen (13) north, of range seventeen (17) east. of the Montana Meridlan in Montana, containing 480 acres, more or Dated at Lewistown. Montana, this 19th day of January. 1925. GUY TULLOCK. Sheriff. torney for plaintiff. NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE. George Hilton. Plaintiff. versus Albert Meyer, a single man; Leon M. Bolter Company a corporation. formerly Bankers Holding and Investment Company, a corporation: C. C. Konrad, trustee for Leon M. Bolter Company. corporation Emily Marshall: Robert Marshall, her husband: Fergus County, a corporation. and Union Investment Company, a corporation, defendants. To be sold at Sheriff's sale on Saturday, the 14th day of February A. D. 1923. at two o'clock P. m. of that day at the front door of the Court House the City of Lewistown, County of Fergus. State of Montana. to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand. all the defendants right, title and interest in and to the following described real property. The northeast quarter of the southeast quarter (NEW SEV) and the east half of the northeast quarter (E% NEW) of section twenty-nine (29): and the south half of the southeast quarter (81/2 SEV), northwest quarter of the southeast quarter (NWM) SEV). the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter (SWV) NE%) and the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter (NEV SW%) of section twenty (20) in township twenty-two (22) north, of range seventeen (17) east, of the Montana Meridian in Montana, containing 320 acres, more OF less, according to the Gov ernment survey thereof. Together with all and singular the tenements. hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in appertaining. and the rents, issues and profits thereof from and after the date of the Sheriff's certificate of sale, providing that the premises have been abandoned by the owner thereof. Dated at Montana, this 19th day of GUY TULLOCK. Sheriff. By H. L. LINN, Undersheriff. A. J. Schmidt. Lewistown, Montana. at. torney for plaintiff. NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE. S. J. Ranehwarter, plaintiff. versus Charles Cox, and Lillian Irene Cox, his wife; John Sinclair & Company, a corporation: Sarah M. Cox: Winnett State Bank. a corporation: Fergus County, a municipal corporation: First State Bank of Winnett corporation and The Farmers and Mer. chants Bank of Winnett, a corporation, defendants. To be sold at Sheriff's sale on Saturday the 14th day of February, A. D 1925, at two o'clock D. m. of that day at the front door of the Court House. in the City of Lewistown, County of Fer. gus, State of Montana, to the highest and best bidder for cash In hand, all the defendants right, title and interest in and to the following described real property, The northeast quarter (NE%): the east half of the northwest quarter (E½ NWM) and the north half of the southeast quar ter SEM) of section fourteen (14). in township sixteen (16) north, of range twenty (26) east, M. P. M., in Fergus Dated at Lewistown. Montana, this 20th day of January GUY TULLOCK. Sheriff. By H. L. LINN. Undersberift. AL Hansen, Baker, Montana, attorney 1-22-40 NOTICE OF SHEHIFF'S SALE. Louise J. Noreross. plaintiff, versus Denis A. Baker: State Bank of Grass ceiver of State Bank of Grass Range, defendants. To Bold at Sheriff's sale on Saturday, the 14th day of February, A. D. 1925. at two o'clock D. m. of that day the front door of the Court House. in the City of Lewistown, County of Fer gue, State of Montana, to the highest and best biddet for cash In hand, all the defendants right title and interest in and to the following described real property, to-wit: The northwest quarter (NWM), and the north half of the southwest quarter (N½ SW% of section twenty five (25), in town ship sixteen (16) north. of range twenty five (25) east. Montana Meridian. Forgus County. Montana. Together with all the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise ap pertaining. Dated Lewistown, Montana, this 20th day of January GUY 1923. TULLOCK. Sheriff. By H. L. LINN Undersheriff McKenzie & McKenzle. Great Falls. Mon

9. March 7, 1925 Great Falls Tribune Great Falls, MT
Article from Great Falls Tribune, March 7, 1925

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J. A. Gamble Called to Washington for Important Position Special to The Tribune. Lewistown, March 6.—Joseph A. Gamble, who has been receiver for the First National Bank of Moore since it closed and who before that was receiver for a Harlowton bank, has been summoned to Washington by the comptroller of currency for some important work there in connection with receiverships. He will be engaged in this work for 60 days and during his absence A. E. Everson will be in charge of the Moore bank. BUREAU MAN IN POPLAR. Special to The Tribune. Poplar, March 6.—William G. Flood, contact man for the United States Veterans' bureau, is in Poplar this week visiting veterans of the world war who are receiving compensation, and seeing that all is well with them. CHARGED WITH INSANITY Special to The Tribune. Lewistown, March 6.—A

10. March 8, 1925 The Independent-Record Helena, MT
Article from The Independent-Record, March 8, 1925

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Gamble Called Washington Important Position Lewistown, March Gamble, who has been receiver the First National bank of Moore since closed and before that receiver for Harlowtown bank, has been summoned to Washington by the comptroller of currency for some important work there in connection with receiverships. He will be engaged in this work for days and during his absence Everson will be in charge of the Moore bank.

11. March 8, 1925 The Independent-Record Helena, MT
Article from The Independent-Record, March 8, 1925

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Gamble Called Washington Important Position March Joseph Gamble, who has been receiver for the First National bank of Moore since it closed before that was receiver for Harlowtown bank, has been summoned to Washington by the comptroller of currency for some important work there nection with receiverships. He will be engaged in this work for days and during his absence Everwill be in charge of the Moore bank.

12. March 14, 1925 The Billings Gazette Billings, MT
Article from The Billings Gazette, March 14, 1925

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Call Bank Receiver To Washington Job Harlowton. March (Special) Joseph A. Gambel. receiver of the First National bank of this city and at Moore, received word last from the comptroller directing him Washington immediately to assist in the handling of receiverships of national banks The comptroller stated In his telegram that he might need Mr. Gamble's Mr. Gambel left immediately for Washington

13. November 29, 1927 Lewistown Daily News Lewistown, MT
Article from Lewistown Daily News, November 29, 1927

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TREASURER HAS A VERY BUSY DAY WITH TAXPAYERS BIG RUSH AT THE COURT HOUSE WILL COME TOMORROW, THE CLOSING DAY-NEWS OF THE COURTS. Tomorrow at m. the tax paying period. for this year will come to an end and unpaid taxes will after that be declared delinquent and 4 penalty imposed. Monday there was constant procession to County Treasurer Hedrick's office and the of tax settlements made was the largest for this season. The courteous and efffcorps of clerks took care of all the visitors very promptly The rush tomorrow will doubtless bring about a' little Jam during part of the time, as ft always does on the last day, but so many advance payments have been made this year that this will not be all serious: TO COMPOUND BANK CLAIM. Receiver Joseph A. Gamble of the First National bank of Moore. was on Monday authorized by Judge J. C. Huntoon to compound the bank claim of $3,900 against CJ II. Loney for $3,000 cash. Mr. and Mrs. of Denton spent Monday visiting and shopping to the county seat. E. C. Dilley of among those attending to business matters in the city Monday. Effie Pearson of Piper spent Mon day the county seat visiting and a G. Thielman of Rossfork was among the Monday business visitors in the county seat of Great Falls was attending to business matters in the city Monday R. R.Higgins of Billings spent Mon day in Lewistown attending to busi ness Will Brulo of Helena was among the Monday business visitors in the city. George S. Craig of Great Falls spent Monday in the city atending to business matters. M. T. Campbell, prominent Denton rancher, and his son were among the Monday visitors in the county) seat. Leslie McGrau of Harlowton spent Monday in Lewistown attending to business Mrs. Perry J. Moore of Twodotispent Monday visiting with friends and shopping in the W C. Burnett, prominent Gilti Edge stockman, was transacting business in the county seat Monday. C. L. Nelson of Great Falls was among the Monday business visitors in the city

14. April 15, 1928 Great Falls Tribune Great Falls, MT
Article from Great Falls Tribune, April 15, 1928

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3 Bank Receivers Are Authorized to Compromise Debts Three petitions for compromise settlements between receivers of insolvent banks and debtors and a petition to sell the assets of another were authorized by Judge Charles N. Pray in the federal court Saturday. China R. Clarke, receiver of the First National bank of Fairview. was authorized to sell at auction the assets of the insolvent bank. consisting of bills. promissory notes, overdrafts. warrants and real estate, for not less than $7,000. subject to the approval of court. R. Miller, receiver of the First National bank of Moore, was authorized to accept $1,000 and certain realty from J. H. Morrow to compromise a debt of $11,803.31 The court empowered John A. Sanderson, receiver of the First National bank of Forsyth to accept 8600 in compromise settlement the First Presbyterian church of Forsyth and to deliver its notes of indebtedness. Sanderson. as receiver for the Commercial National bank of Miles City, was also authorized to accept in full settlement $900 from Roy Gibbs of Van Norman on an indebtedness of approximately $10,000. Earl V. Cline of Billings was appointed United States for the district of Montana and James M. Kerr of Los Angeles was admitted to practice as an attorney in the federal court.

15. March 15, 1929 Lewistown Daily News Lewistown, MT
Article from Lewistown Daily News, March 15, 1929

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NOTICE The undersigned Receiver of the First National bank Moore. Mont.. offer at public sale to the highest bidder, for cash. subject to the approval of the Comptroller of Currency of the United States, without recourse and without warranty of any kind or character, at his office in the Cook Reynolds building in Lewistown, Mont., on the 21st day of March. 1929, at 10 o'clock m., all remaining assets of the First Nation al bank of Moore, Mont., and judg ments obtained upon stock assess ments, less such items as may be paid or otherwise disposed of prior to date of sale heretofore mentioned. The sale of any real estate is also subject to confirmation by a court of competent jurisdiction. A list of the assets so offered for sale will be on file at the Receiver's office in Lewistown, Mont., and the United States postoffice in Moore, Mont., for inspection by interested parties. J. R. MILLER,

16. October 20, 1929 Lewistown Daily News Lewistown, MT
Article from Lewistown Daily News, October 20, 1929

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CALL HUNTOON SIT IN NOTED CASE BOZEMAN THE RINGLING CUNNINGHAM BIERING SUIT COMES BE FORE LEWISTOWN JUDGE. $250,000 INVOLVED. Judge J. C. Huntoon returned home yesterday from Bozeman where he was called to sit for Judge B. B. Law. He found on reaching Bozeman that instead of hearing some formal matter he had stepped right into famous lawsuit. involving perhaps a quarter of million dollars, this being the RinglingBiering action. The Bozeman Chronicle says of the matter: Sensational charges were brought yesterday by Dan Kelly of Butte, plaintiff's attorney in a suit involving about quarter million dollars, against Franklin D. Tanner, one of the defense attorneys. Judge John C. Huntoon of Lewistown. veteran jurist of Central Montana, heard the arguments and testimony which were on motion of the defense to file supplemental pleadings in their answer to the amended complaint. He is sitting in the case as the result of Judge B. B. Larv's disqualifying himself some time ago. The speech by Kelly was his opening statement in hearing on motion of the defendants in the Richard T. Ringling against M. S. Cunningham and Hans Biering suit. the motion being for permission to file supplementary pleadings featuring the "Helena agreement. Kelly said that the plaintiff intended to prove by witnesses called in this action that the robbery had been staged with the intention, by the defense, of providing an excuse he said, there was considerable doubt as to its existence. He ab- solved Defense Attorneys Choate and Peterson of Bozeman, but inti- MILLER PAYING mated that Tanner had framed the holdup. Among witnesses whom Kelly and M. S. Gunn of Helena, as the plain- TWO DIVIDENDS ner, Mrs. A. M. Sackett and Abc Catler were put on the stand. Others summoned to the hearing TO DEPOSITORS on subpoenaes by the plaintiff were M. S. Cundingham, one of the defendants. and Judge C. C. Stong of Billings, who was with Tanner MONEY GOING TO CREDITORS when be was robbed of the valued paper. Stong was not in the state OF THE OLD WINIFRED NA. at the time the subpoena was issued TIONAL AND MOORE NA and did not appear, statement by him of what he knew of the robTIONAL-LOCAL BANK bery was, however, entered in the testimony, with the consent counsel for both sides. Receiver J. R. Miller, wwho has At the noon recess, tension had four closed banks his care, is become 80 great between Tanner especially busy just now He 18 enand Kelly that the two engaged in gaged in paying 12.3 per cent a physical combat which ceased dividend to the depositors of the only when bystanders separated the old Winifred National and divitwo. dend of 8% per cent to the deposiTanner told. under examination tors of the old First National of by Kelly and Gunn, his version of Moore. the holdup in Billings, saying that These payments will make he had shown the valued document total of 22.3 per cent to the deposito Judge Stong in a Billings hotel tors of the Winifred bank and will lobby after Stong had met him wind up the affairs of that concern. there to take care of some other The payment to the depositors legal of the Moore institution will bring The two men then went for the total for that bank up to 53% walk, he said, and as they walked cent. were accosted by a masked man In addition to these duties, Mr with gun, who commanded them Miller is making checks for to put up their hands. About $20 a dividend of per cent to be paid was taken from the two and the the depositors of the old First Nastickup then snatched Tanner's tional Bank of Fergus County next brief case and told them to "keep month which will. alone, distribute on going." The brief case was Inter about $200,000, nearly all to Forgus found in as yard which joins the county people This will make a alley down which the robber Irad total of 49 per cent for this bank made his escape, but on examinaand it is certain that there will be tion by Tanner at police headanother very small dividend to quarters It was found that the follow. agreement was missing The receiver is given credit for Mrs. Sackett, at whose hotel in having handled the affairs of these Billings Cuaningham had stayed banks, as well as those of the old was called upon to testify to the First National of Denton, whereabouts of Cunningham on the fully. It has called for a lot of field night of the robbery. work, in addition to the labor in Abe Cutler. whom the plaintiff's the office here and the result all attorneys said they suspected of around speaks for isself. being the holdup man, and who is in the employ of Cunningham at OFF FOR TENNESSEE. the Rising Sun ranch, told of his Walter Madox. genial rancher of having gone to Billings and then the Heath section spent Saturday to Hardin, in an effort to take care in the city attending to business of Cunningham, whom he described matters. Mr. Maddox expects to as being "on a toot." He admitted leave Tuesday with a shipment of in his testimony that he had regiscattle for the eastern markets. Afttered at a Hardin hotel under an er making the delivery he will go assumed name but had done that, on to his old home in Granville, he said, to prevent Cunningham Tenn.. and spend several weeks from finding him. after he became visiting with his father, who is now disgusted at the latter's inability to over 84 years of age. keep sober. He was in Billings, he said. on the night of the robbery. but was in his room at the hotel, he said, and had company for about an hour. Cunningham. he said, had come on home to Bozeman, riding the train to Livingston and hiring a car to bring him here. At the conclusion of testimony, the plaintiff's attorneys argued the lack of bearing on the case which the document should have if introduced. Judge Huntoon allowed the plaintiff's attorneys 20 days in which to file a brief and the defense 10 days in which to answer, after which he will, he said, take the motion under visement.