93024671477 9302467
routing
93-02463a21dcb5ce2f5e09None
Click image to open full size in new tab
HARDIN BANK CLOSES. News that the Hardin State bank suspended Tuesday reached Billings when local banks received notice from Examiner S. L. Kleve to stop all payments for the Hardin institution and send in statements. The Hardin State bank was capitalized at $50,000. C. W. Green was president. Wedding rings must be of standard gold in England, according to statute of 1855.
Click image to open full size in new tab
OLD TIME CANNON SHELL UNEARTHED THOUGHT TO BE RELIC OF HUDSON BAY FUR TRADING DAYS IN THIS SECTION. W. E. Fearis, librarian of the Big Horn county library at Hardin, received from Chris Bordewick, the merchant, a shell on antique origin which he has placed on display in the show case provided for such relics. The shell is one of two recently plowed out of the ground in the Yellowstone valley near the mouth of the Big Horn river. One was presented to Mr. Bordewick and the other was forwarded to the Montana State Historical society at Helena. The shell weighs ten pounds, is six inches in length and three inches in diameter. It is encircled with a lead band an inch and one-half in width, about one-third the distance from the bottom and from the top protrudes a metal plug about an inch long, apparently connected with a detonating cap, designed to explode the shell on contact, but which, in this instance, at least, evidently failed to perform that function. The shell is totally unlike any that have been used in this country within the memory of any who have seen it and it is thought probable that it was fired by members of the Hudson Bay Fur company in repelling an Indian attack in the early days of this country. HARDIN BANK CLOSES News was received that the Hardin State bank suspended Tuesday when local banks received notice from Examiner S. L. Kleve to stop all payments for the Hardin institution and send in statements. The Hardin State bank was capitalized at $50,000. C. W. Greening was president.
Click image to open full size in new tab
Receiver Asked for Bank. HELENA, Mont., March 13.-Application for a receiver for the Hardin State bank of Hardin was filed with the district court of Big Horn county this morning by Attorney General W. D. Rankin. The application followed transmission by Governor J. M. Dixon of a report on the institution by State Bank Examiner L. Q. Skelton. who closed the bank on January 15.
Click image to open full size in new tab
ASK BANK RECEIVER. Helena, March 13.—Application for a receiver for the Hardin State bank of Hardin was filed with the district court of Big Horn county Tuesday morning by Attorney General W. D. Rankin. The application followed transmission by Gov. J. M. Dixon of a report on the institution by State Bank Examiner L. Q. Skelton, who closed the bank on January 15.
Click image to open full size in new tab
ASK BANK RECEIVER. Helena, March 13.—Application for a receiver for the Hardin State bank of Hardin was filed with the district court of Big Horn county Tuesday morning by Attorney General W. D. Rankin. The application followed transmission by Gov. J. M. Dixon of a report on the institution by State Bank Examiner L. Q. Skelton, who closed the bank on January 15.
Click image to open full size in new tab
# HARDIN BANK SUED Hardin—The county attorney of Big Horn County has filed suit against the Hardin State Bank which recently suspended for the recovery of $74,372.03 which the county had on deposit in the bank at the time it closed.
Click image to open full size in new tab
BANK BOND PROPERTY CAN BE HELD ROPERTY of bondsmen who have P gone surety for the protection of county deposits in banks is subject. to attachment, according to a decision handed down by the state supreme court. An opinion delivered recently by Associate Justice Galen holds that such a bond is a contract for the direct payment of money, and as such will sustain an attachment. The suit was decided five days after It was submitted. The case was entitled the State of Montana on the relation of Harvey H. Barnett as county treasurer of Big Horn county against S. G. Reynolds, receiver of the Hardin State bank, C. W. Greening, Bert Barey, Dan Sullivan, Walter O. Lee, J. R. Boyd and Henry Skaug. The Hardin bank executed a bond of $75,000 to secure the deposit of county moneys. When the bank closed its doors there was on deposit by the county the sum of $74,372.05 and suit was instituted to recover on the bond the amount of the deposit. The court in its decision declared "But one question arises determinative of the case, namely: was an attach ment of the defendant's property war ranted?" and the court held that 1 was, therefore that the trial court was warranted in refusing to dissolve the attachment on the property of the bondsmen.
Click image to open full size in new tab
Hardin Bank Officials Face Perjury Charges HARDIN, Feb. 23.—(Special.)—Under Sheriff John Kifer has returned from Columbus, O., with Bert Rarey in custody. Rarey is held under charge of grand larceny. Charges against him were recently filed by J. R. Boyd in connection with the alleged misappropriation of an item said to be about $1,500. Rarey was formerly vice president of the Hardin State bank, which was closed about a year ago. Senator C. W. Greening, formerly president of the Hardin State bank, appeared before the district court Thursday, charged with perjury. Since the failure of the Hardin bank, Mr. Greening has been receiver of the First National bank at Roundup. Henry Skaug, formerly cashier of the Hardin State bank, is also charged with perjury and was given a hearing on the same day. Mr. Skaug is now with the office of superintendent of banks, being in charge of a Lewistown bank.
Click image to open full size in new tab
BANK RECEIVER POSTS BOND IN PERJURY CASE HARDIN.—Three former officials of the Hardin State bank which closed its doors about a year ago, were arraigned before Judge R. C. Stong, two of them denying charges of perjury and the third pleading not guilty to a charge of grand larceny. Bond of $1,000 was fixed in each case. C. W. Greening, former president of the bank and now receiver of the First National bank of Roundup, and Henry Skaug, former cashier and now an assistant examiner in charge of a bank at Lewistown, were charged with perjury in connection with the execution of a personal bond pertaining to the deposit of county funds. Bert Rarey, former vice president, faces the embezzlement charge. Trials of the cases were set for March 11. Rarey was recently extradicted to Montana from Columbus, O., where he was placed under arrest.
Click image to open full size in new tab
Three Former Hardin Bankers Plead Not Guilty In Dist. Court C. W. Greening, state senator from Big Horn county, and president of the former Hardin State bank; Bert Rarey, vice president and Henry Skaug, cashier of the defunct Hardin bank, were arraigned before Judge R. C. Stong at Hardin Thursday, and plead not guilty to the charge of perjury in connection with the execution of a personal bond pertaining to the deposit of the county funds. Greening and Skaug were released on $1,000 bonds, and the trial of the cases are set for March 11. Mr. Greening is receiver of the First National bank of Roundup. Mr. Skaug is an assistant examiner in charge of a defunct bank at Lewistown. Rarey was recently returned from Columbus, Ohio, to answer to this charge. Rarey is not only charged with misappropriation of an item said to be about fifteen hundred dollars, but was arraigned in district court on three separate charges—grand larceny, perjury and unlawfully having in his possession intoxicating liquor. To all three he entered pleas of not guilty and bail was fixed at $2,000 on the grand larceny charge; $1,000 on the perjury charge, and $250 on the liquor charge.
Click image to open full size in new tab
SEN. GREENING ARRESTED FOR PERJURY Hardin.-On a charge of perjury, State Senator C. W. Greening of Big Horn county was arrested in connection with the affairs of the defunct Hardin State bank, as was Bert Rarey, both being former vice presidents of the institution. A complaint also was filed in justice court and a warrant issued for Henry Skaug, former cashier, who recently has been a deputv state examiner. All three of these men are charged with perjury alleged to have been committed when they swore to their true worth in connection with a surey bond given by them to the county treasurer of Big Horn county as security to the county for the money deposited from time to time by the county treasurer in the Hardin State bank. In addition to these charges there is a charge of grand larcenv placed against Mr. Rarey by J. R. Boyd of Wyola in the sum of $1,500 alleged to have been taken on September 20, 1922. Senator Greening was arrested at Roundup where he is receiver of the First National bank of that city, and gave bond to appear in district court. Rarey was located at Columbus, Ohio, (where he has been employed in a bank the past year) through the efforts of Sheriff Gilmore, who wired the chief of police to put him under arrest. He refused to return to Montana without requisition papers and County Attorney Haven went to Helena, where the necessary papers were issued by Governor Dixon. On his return to Hardin, County Attorney Haven turned the papers over to Undersheriff John H. Kifer. who left on the sâme train for the east. It is expected that he will return with Rarey this week.
Click image to open full size in new tab
SEN. GREENING ARRESTED FOR PERJURY Hardin.—On a charge of perjury, State Senator C. W. Greening of Big Horn county was arrested in connection with the affairs of the defunct Hardin State bank, as was Bert Rarey, both being former vice presidents of the institution. A complaint also was filed in justice court and a warrant issued for Henry Skaug, former cashier, who recently has been a deputy state examiner. All three of these men are charged with perjury alleged to have been committed when they swore to their true worth in connection with a surety bond given by them to the county treasurer of Big Horn county as security to the county for the money deposited from time to time by the county treasurer in the Hardin State bank. In addition to these charges there is a charge of grand larceny placed against Mr. Rarey by J. R. Boyd of Wyola in the sum of $1,500 alleged to have been taken on September 20, 1922. Senator Greening was arrested at Roundup where he is receiver of the First National bank of that city, and gave bond to appear in district court. Rarey was located at Columbus, Ohio, (where he has been employed in a bank the past year) through the efforts of Sheriff Gilmore, who wired the chief of police to put him under arrest. He refused to return to Montana without requisition papers and County Attorney Haven went to Helena, where the necessary papers were issued by Governor Dixon. On his return to Hardin, County Attorney Haven turned the papers over to Undersheriff John H. Kifer, who left on the same train for the east. It is expected that he will return with Rarey this week. Sen. Greening mentioned above is the same Sen. Greening who introduced all the Bankers' legislation in the 1923 session of the Montana Legislature. One of his bills provided that the Mortgagee shall receive the increases from livestock and several other similar measures. Sen. Taylor of Sheridan County was his chief opponent and through his efforts most
Click image to open full size in new tab
Bert Rarey Given From 3 to 6 Years Bert Rarey, former vice president of the Hardin State Bank, was found guilty on Saturday evening on the charge of grand larceny, the jury reaching this decision after nine hours of deliberation. He was sentenced by Judge Stong on Monday morning to from three to six years in the state penitentiary. His council have asked for an appeal of the case. The trial began on Thursday morning of last week before Judge Robert C. Stong, with C. S. Prater, official stenographer, taking the testimony. County Attorney Louis E. Haven was assisted in the prosecution by Attorney General Wellington D. Rankin of Helena, while the defendant was represented by Former Judge C. J. Dousman of Baker, Campbell & Carolan of Forsyth, and T. H. Burke of Hardin. The regular jury panel was exhausted and it was necessary to call a special venire of 22 men before the following jury was selected to try the case: Pete Sikkenga, Roy B. Reed, B. H. McCarty, Geo. W. Sullivan, J. R. Sullivan, Harry H. Stimpson, L. E. Newman, Fred Mitchell, Geo. Lammers, Ernest Keeler, all of Hardin; Andrew Miller of Maschetah, and J. E. Keough of St. Xavier. The greater part of the day was consumed in selecting the jury and it was five o'clock when the taking of testimony began, and at 5:30 court was adjourned until 9:30 Friday morning. The witnesses examined for the state were Mr. and Mrs. Johnson R. Boyd of Wyola, Henry Skaug, former cashier of the Hardin State Bank, now an assistant state bank examiner; R. P. Ross, Carl Rankin, and H. W. Bunston, receiver of the Hardin State Bank. Witnesses for the defense were the defendant, Bert Rarey; C. W. Greening, a former vice-president of the Hardin State Bank, now receiver of the defunct First National Bank of Roundup; Henry Skaug, W. O. Lee, Dan W. Maddox, J. W. Warren and Mrs. Bert Rarey. The information charges that the defendant was vice-president of the Hardin State Bank, and that as such officer he had in his custody on or about Sept. 20, 1922, the sum of $1,500, which he appropriated to his own use. The evidence introduced by the state was to the effect that defendant made an unauthorized transfer of funds from the account of Johnston R. Boyd of Wyola, one of the depositors of the bank, in the amount of $1,500, to the account of Bert Rarey, the defendant. Henry Skaug, former cashier of the bank, testified as to the entries on the books of the bank, explaining different transactions and identifying entries alleged to have been made by Defendant Rarey. The cases against Greening and Skaug, former vice president and cashier, respectively, were dismissed on Saturday afternoon upon motion of Attorney General Rankin, due to lack of evidence. After the local committee which was selected recently at a meeting of the depositors and directors of the bank have had time to make a thorough investigation of the records of the bank, it is anticipated that a grand jury will be called and further action taken to insure the righting of any wrongs that may have been sustained by any customer of the bank. The jury panel was dismissed on Saturday evening and court adjourned on Monday after passing sentence upon Mr. Rarey and attending to some routine work in completing the term.
Click image to open full size in new tab
YOU CAN HELP THE COMMITTEE BY COOPERATING The committee recently selected by the depositors of the defunct Hardin State Bank have mailed out letters to all depositors, asking them to write to the committee at once of any grievance they or anyone else may have in their dealings with that institution. It is very necessary that any grievance that any one may have be presented to this committee, that they may ferrit out any and all irregularities in the management and conduct of the bank and see that justice is meted out to all. Your co-operation will be appreciated by the committee.
Click image to open full size in new tab
JURY FINDS BERT RAREY, HARDIN BANKER, GUILTY Sentenced To From Three To Six Years In Deer Lodge Prison---Was Former Vice President of Hardin State Bank and Charged With Embezzlement of $1,500 From J. R. Boyd From three to six years in the Montana state prison was the sentence imposed on Bert Rarey, vice president of the defunct Hardin State bank, by Judge Stong at Hardin Monday morning. The charge against him was misappropriating $1,500 from the bank, the proceeds of a note by J. R. Boyd of Wyola, in September, 1922. Rarey was found guilty of grand larceny in the district court before Judge Robert C. Stong. The jury reached the verdict after nine hours of deliberations. The state's case was handled by Attorney General Wellington D. Rankin and County Attorney L. E. Haven. Judge Dousman of Baker, Attorneys Campbell and Carolan of Forsyth and Attorney T. H. Burke of Hardin, representing the defendant. This is the first of the bank cases growing out of the failure of the Hardin State bank, which was closed in January, 1923, and considerable difficulty was experienced in securing the jury. After exhausting the entire regular panel, it was necessary to call a special venire of 22 men. Charge Against Rarey. The information charged that Rarey as vice president of the bank, on September 20, 1922, accepted a note signed by J. R. Boyd of Wyola, a depositor of the bank, and that $1,500, the proceeds of this note, was wrongfully appropriated by and credited to Rarey's personal account. Evidence introduced by the state was to the effect that the Boyd note was for $10,000, secured by a mortgage on the Boyd ranch. That was executed by Boyd to the bank for the purpose of securing a loan through the bank, from the War Finance corporation, which loan never was consummated. Mr. Boyd, the complaining witness, testified that a short time after the execution of the note and mortgage, that he was informed by Rarey, that the loan had been turned down by the War Finance corporation. The note and mortgage was not returned to Boyd. Never Given Credit. Later, when Boyd undertook to secure a loan elsewhere, he learned that the mortgage had been put on record in Big Horn County. The note was introduced as evidence, bearing endorsement of the payment of $8,500 and was accepted and carried by the bank with an unpaid balance of $1,500 still due from Boyd. The evidence failed to show that Boyd had ever been given any credit in connection with this note, neither had he made the payment of $8,500 as endorsed on the note as having been made. The defense contended that the Boyd note which had been accepted by Rarey, and which bore the payment endorsement of $8,500 had been used by Rarey in obtaining the fifteen hundred dollars credit to his own personal account, was fully and completely authorized as a loan from Mr. Boyd to Rarey. Evidence in the case was completed Friday evening and the case given to the jury at 12 o'clock Saturday. Rarey was recently arrested at Columbus, Ohio, and returned to Hardin, having been released under bond about two weeks ago.
Click image to open full size in new tab
BIG HORN COUNTY HEADS GIVE THANKS TO RANKIN Appreciation of the "valuable services and co-operation rendered" by Attorney General Wellington D. Rankin in the prosecution and conviction of Bert Rarey on charges growing out of the failure of the Hardin State bank, is expressed in a resolution of the county commissioners of Big Horn county received in Helena Wednesday. Mr. Rankin assisted in the prosecution of the case at the request of local authorities. The convicted banker was charged with appropriating money of the bank to his own use and was sentenced to from three to six years. The resolution follows: "Commissioner M. H. Tschirgi offered the following resolution and moved its adoption. Commissioner Roush seconded the motion and upon vote the chairman declared the same adopted." " 'Whereas, Wellington D. Rankin, attorney general of the state of Montana, has recently assisted in the trial of criminal cases at Hardin involving the defunct Hardin State bank, " 'Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the board of county commissioners of Big Horn county, Montana, extend a vote of thanks and appreciation for the valuable services and co-operation rendered by Mr. Rankin and his office.
Click image to open full size in new tab
NOT AN EARTHQUAKE A few months ago we were called upon to contribute to a neighboring county, suffering from an earthquake. This community has experienced two bank failures in the past three years. It was recovering nicely from the effects of the failure of the Hardin State Bank and is now met with the loss occasioned by the closing of the First National Bank of Hardin. These failures are directly the result of the inflation period during the World war and the heavy deflation period following the war, and resemble a condition quite generally prevalent in the Northwest in particular, on account of its lack of industrial enterprises and its dependence for its prosperity on agricultural conditions. The closing of the First National Bank of Hardin has come as sudden as an earthquake and has cast a gloomy atmosphere about our community that will retard to some extent our progress and development, but unlike an earthquake it leaves the community intact and its people unimpared in body and mind. Someone has wisely said, "Give me my health and mental faculties and I will overcome financial adversities, but take away from me my health and mental faculties and endow me with abundant wealth and I an poor Big Horn county embraces a vast, fertile area of agricultural land as yet practically undeveloped, still under these conditions many people on farms have 66 year realized an income from the farm equal to the value of it. Beets have produced a very fair return and beans at present prices are a profitable crop; grain prices are quite satisfactory and the live stock valuations are certainly encouraging. Having the facilities at hand to rehabilitate the losses incurred, it would scem that it behooves the people of the community to band themselves together in an endeavor to re-establish ourselves on a sound financial basis. Our schools should assist the rising generation by instructing their pupils how to analize financial statements and to judge the actual market value of the assets listed therein-anything that concerns the public should be subject to analysis. The Big Horn County Bank has the utmost faith in this community and pledges its undivided co-operation (in so far as conservative banking principles will permit) in the task before us. 49-1 BIG HORN COUNTY BANK, By W. E. Warren, Pres.
Click image to open full size in new tab
STATE EXAMINER'S ANNUAL REPORT MONTANA OFFICE OF STATE EXAMINER We of herewith submit report of the examination Helena, of the books July 15, 1926. aminer, ords BIG on July HORN 6th COUNTY, to 13th, 1926, as made as follows: by F. E. Williams, Deputy State and rec- ExCOUNTY TREASURER To balance in funds August 15, 1925 MR. R. P. ROSS $182,632.66 To Receipts from August 15, 1925, to July 8, 1926, 486,904.11 619,586.77 410,566.20 $208,970.57 Security $1,200.00 None Some None None None None None None None None 115.00 115.00 EXAMINER'S NOTES COUNTY TREASURER Transfers, distribution of protested taxes and-distribution of month's tax collections business. should be made on the cash book below the close personal of the An over-deposit of $2,170.63 existed in the First National Bank of money Hardin at the time of closing. The County Treasurer should deposit the tal and under his control in solvent banks of the county on basis of CapiSurplus, as provided by law. He should under no circumstances deposit in excess of the security pledged by the bank. legal From the records of the Clerk of the Dictrict Court we find that the proceedings concerning the personal bond furnished by the First National Bank of Hardin, have been very promptly and ably handled. Judgcess ment of was the entered amount of of record the judgment. some months The ago and properly attached in expromptly to levy against such property If settlement County of the Treasurer judgment should is not proceed made CLERK AND RECORDER The claims were examined and the warrants checked against the recfollows: ord of "Warrants and Bond Issued," and reconciled to July 1, 1926, as The official bonds of the various Increase county officials $ were $1,653.87 examined and found The to be approved by the District Judge and properly filed. minute book was examined and found to be written up to date and properly signed. CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT Book. Greater care should be exercised in entering fees in Registers and Fee was In ordered the case of State of Montana VS, Craig, & bond in the sum of $1,000 deposited with forfeited the County by the Treasurer. Court All fines and forfeitures should - be SHERIFF Great care should be exercised in writing up the records of the office. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR The county is without a Public Administrator at the present time. The CORONER Board of Commissioners should appoint some one to fill this office CLAIMS We are pleased to find that the Coroner has his record written up. Claim No. 22915, Bessette Stork Co., $27.50, is signed "Chas. Bessette." of Claims some of official corporations or the should corporation. bear the full corporate name followed by that Claim No. 22921, C. W. Wilson, $66.45, is not sufficiently itemized. The points of travel are not shown, 545 miles having been traveled. The hotel expense of $9.35 is not segregated. Claim No. 22928, Robert A. Vickers, $41.00, in signed, but not sworn to, Claim No. 24070, $88.75, contains an Item of $20.00 for hay and grain fed to horses used for assessment purposes. The proper charge would be for charge to be made for the use of the horses rather than the feed. Claim 24019, Tractor & Equipment Co., $4,700.00 shows an allowance of $800.00 for a used 75 Holt Tractor No. 2528. The disposition of county property is thoroughly covered in the statutes, which provide that property belonging to the county can only be disposed of by sale at public auction for cash. A sale should have been held of the old tractor, no which sale the company selling the new tractor could have been a bidder. and The claims of M. H. Techirgi, No. 24182, Henry G. Campbell, No. 24182, J. W. Scally, No. 24184, have not been signed by the claimants The claims of the Commissioners show that in some instances work have made inspections of roads and bridges where construction or repair they was not in progress. The Attorney General has ruled that members of the Board of Commissioners can legally make claim for per diem and expensé where they make inspections of roads and bridges when work to to progress on some and before payment is made. Respectfully submitted. JAY G. LARSON, State Examiner Deputy State Examiner. To Balance in Funds July 8, 1926 ACCOUNTED FOR AS FOLLOWS: Balance Hardin State Bank, Hardin (closed) $74,372.05 First National Bank, Hardin (suspended) 62,170.63 American Surety Co., continuous Approved by Board of Commission $ 10,000.00 Personal Bond, expires December 31, 1925 50,000.00 Demand has been made and Judgment has been entered against bondsmen. $ 60,000.00 Little Horn State Bank, Wyola Fidelity & Deposit Co., expiring November 1, 1926 Approved by Board of Commissioners 7,500.00 School County District and County Warrants of Big Horn 151.31 $49.70 9.12 40.58 1917 to 1926 Property Disposition None None None None None None None None None 1 qt. whiskey Mr. Echstrom None None None None Do Fund General Road Poor Bridge Contingent Library Seed Grain Bonds outstanding Lass Sinking Fund County debt INDEBTEDNESS JULY 1, 1925 Fund General Road Poor Bridge Contingent Library Seed Grain Bonds outstanding Less Sinking Fund County Debt COMPARATIVE COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS $454,231.32 $525,875.19
Click image to open full size in new tab
Sterling M. Loaney, assistant manager of the Hardin Motor and Miss Gracia Dillon, assistant cashier of the Big Horn County Bank, stole march on their friends, Easter Sunday, by slipping to away Billings and getting married. Immediately after the ceremony the happy couple left for Banff, Alberta, will Canada, where they spend a brief honeymoon at this famous winter pleasure resort. They expect to be absent from Hardin about ten days or two weeks. The groom native of Bozeman, but has been a resident of Hardin since boy in his early teens. He attended the public schools of this city, graduating from the Hardin high school with the class of 1917. He attended the Northwestern University at Chicago and later. for two years, was employed by the Western Electric Co. at Los Angeles. In the fall of 1924 he returned to Hardin and accepted the position of assistant manager of the Hardin Motor Co. The bride has been resident of Hardin number of years, coming here from her home at Lamoni. Iowa, about 12 years ago to accept position as in the Hardin State Bank, with which institution she remained until the bank suspended in January, 1923, when she returned to her Iowa home. In September, 1924, she returned to Hardin as assistant cashier of the then neworganized Big Horn County Bank, a position she still fills and will continue to hold. Mr. and Mrs. Loaney are among the most popular of Hardin's of friends wish them much joy and prosperity in their new relation.