Chamberlain Banking House (Tecumseh, NE)

Episode Information

Episode UID
9361184291232
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
936118429 hash
Start Date
August 30, 1902
Location
Tecumseh, Nebraska (40.367, -96.196)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
c1a553c72b3f95f4

Response Measures

None

Description

Cashier Charles M. Chamberlain absconded and large shortages/embezzlement discovered.

Events (3)
1. August 30, 1902 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
State banking board took charge and closed the bank after discovering virtually no cash on hand and the cashier's disappearance amid alleged removal of securities.
Newspaper Excerpt
The state banking board today took charge of the Chamberlain banking house at Tecumseh, and closed its doors.
Source
newspapers
2. September 11, 1902 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
A receiver for the defunct Chamberlain bank of Tecumseh will be appointed tomorrow. Judge C. B. Letton ... appointed William A. Campbell receiver of the Chamberlain institution at Tecumseh.
Source
newspapers
3. September 12, 1902 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
On the recommendation ... District Judge Letton has appointed William A. Campbell receiver ... report ... few of the assets are of any value and that the loss will not be less than $115,000.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (24)
1. August 31, 1902 Arizona Republican Phoenix, AZ
Article from Arizona Republican, August 31, 1902

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NEBRASKA BANK CLOSED: The State Examiner Found It Almost Empty. Lincoln, Neb., August 30.-The state banking board today took charge of the Chamberlain banking house at Tecumseh and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest in Johnson county and its suspension caused a great surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there was practically no cash on hand when the examiners arrived. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, left last Monday for the least. taking, it is alleged, a valise full of securities with which to raise money for the bank. It is asserted that he has not been heard from further than that he was at the Union station in Chicago on Tuesday. Former State Senator W. R. Barton is president of the bank, but Chamberlain was its active manager. Its capital stock was $50,000.

2. August 31, 1902 The Morning Astorian Astoria, OR
Article from The Morning Astorian, August 31, 1902

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OLDEST BANK CLOSED DOORS. Chamberlain Banking House at Tecumseh Forced to Close. LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 30.-The state banking board today took charge of the Chamberlain banking house at Tecumseh, and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest one in Johnson County and its suspension caused a great surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there was practically no cash on hand.

3. August 31, 1902 The Saint Paul Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from The Saint Paul Globe, August 31, 1902

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NEBRASKA BANK HAS NO CASH ON HAND Had Deposits of $100,000, but the Institution Had to Close Up. LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 30.-The state banking board today took charge of the Chamberlin banking house at Tecumseh and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest in Johnson county, and its suspension caused the greatest surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there is practically no cash on hand. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, left last Monday for the East, taking, it is alleged, a gripful of securities, with which to raise money for the bank. It is asserted he has not been heard from further than that he was in Chicago Tuesday.

4. August 31, 1902 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, August 31, 1902

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CASH IN THE BANK IS SHORT Cashier Chamberlain of Tecumsch Takes Away Collateral to Sell. NEITHER MONEY NOR CASHIER RETURNS Assistant Unable to Transact Business with $30 and Notif the State Banking Board. (From a. Staff Correspondent.) LINCOLN, Aug. 30.-(Special.)-The disAppearance of Cashier Charles M. Chamberlain of the Chamberlain Banking house at Tecumseh, led to the sudden and unexpected closing of that institution today. Chief Clerk A. N. Dodson of the State Banking Board, has been placed temporarily in charge, but will be relieved soon by Examiner Hartwell, who was notifled by telegraph this morning to hasten to Tecumseh and take possession on behalf of the board. Cashier Chamberlain departed a week ago, saying that he intended to dispose of a large block of the bank's collateral in exchange for currency. He intimated that he would make the transaction in Chicago. On Tuesday a massage was received from him, dated at the Union depot in Chicago, and saying that he would return the next day with the currency. NothIng further was heard of him and as there was only $30 of cash in the bank's vaults this morning, the assistant cashier declined to open the doors. President W. R. Barton had nctified Attorney General Prout in the meantime of the affairs of the institution and recommended that an examiner be sent on to take official charge. In the absence of Secretary Royce and all other members of the Banking board the attorney general instructed Chief Clerk Dodson and Examiner Hartwell to go to Tecumseh. Mr. Dodson arrived there, at noon, but up to the time the office of the Banking board closed this afternoon had submitted no report. Comparatively nothing is known here of the actual condition of the bank. The last statement, made on June 3, showed that the bank had deposits amounting to $102,884.53; loans, $100,787.56; capital, $50,000; cash, $24,953, and due from other banks, $10,013.96. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, has had practically exclusive charge of the bank. The president of the institution is W. R. Barton and the vice president, F. A. Taylor. So far as known here, the only shortage will be in the collateral. The books have balanced up to the paper taken away by Mr. Chamberlain, but it is not known here how much this paper amounts to. Probably all of it has been sold to the Chicago correspondents of the bank. Two other banks in Johnson county were heavy depositors in the Chamberlain Banking house, but it is not believed the failure of the latter will seriously affect them, unless the assets are much poorer than expected. Several months ago Mr. Chamberlain caused the State Banking board some trouble by the organization of two branch banks, one in Vesta and one in Graff. The board investigated and determined that both organizations were clearly unauthorized and illegal. They were since incorporated, however, with Mr. Chamberlain as their principal stockholder. Many Stories About Failure. TECUMSEH, Neb., Aug. 30.-(Special Telegram.)-State Bank Examiner W. D. Hartwell of Pawnee City is in charge of the Chamberiain banking house of Tecumseh, the institution having been turned over to the State Panking board this morning. The bank became so embarrassed that it could not open today, but at present it cannot be definitely said in what condition it is. Many stories are rife on the streets and some little excitement prevails, but just what shape matters will take since the examiner has taken charge cannot be forecasted. The bank is a state institution, capitalized at $50,000. W. R. Barton is president, F. A. Taylor, vice president, and Charles M. Chamberlain, cashier, but Mr. Chamberlain has acted in the capacity of general manager. It is said that Mr. Chamberlain is in New York state settling up his father's estate and that he will return to Tecumseh at once. The teller says the bank will pay out in full. That it has $40,000 deposits, $90,000 good paper and no bills payable, besides real estate, etc. Some outsiders are of the opinion that it will not pay out, while others agree with the teller. Many reasons are advanced for the closing of the institution, the most feasible one being that some of the heavy depositors have commenced to lose faith in the stability of the institution within the last sixty days and have drawn heavily on the deposits, scarcely giving the bank an opportunity to prepare for the withdrawal of their money. Branch banks are operated Graf Veste

5. September 1, 1902 Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from Rock Island Argus, September 1, 1902

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Nebraska Bank Closed. Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 1.-The state banking board has taken charge of the Chamberlain Banking house at Tecumseh and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest in Johnson county, and its suspension caused the greatest surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there is practically no cash on on hand. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, left last Monday for the east, taking, it is alleged ,a grip full of securities with which to raise money for the bank.

6. September 3, 1902 Manchester Democrat Manchester, IA
Article from Manchester Democrat, September 3, 1902

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Nebraska Bank Closed. Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 1.-The state banking board has taken charge of the Chamberlain Banking house at Tecumseh and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest in Johnson county, and its suspension caused the greatest surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there is practically no cash on on hand. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, left last Monday for the east, taking, it is alleged ,a grip full of securities with which to raise money for the bank.

7. September 5, 1902 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, September 5, 1902

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Wreck of Tecumseh Institution Due to Recklessness and Dissipation. TRUSTED CASHIER PROVES EXPERT CROOK Had Full Confidence of Viotime and Made Use of Their Trust. ONLY BARE WALLS OF BUILDING LEFT Details of Disappearance of Charles M. Chamberlain and Disclosures that Followed Investigation of His Affairs. (From a Staff Correspondent.) TECUMSEH, Neb., Sept. -(Special.) Poor judgment, recklessness in the investment of funds. then dissipation and finally embezzlement and disappearance, all on the part of the trusted cashier and sole man. ager, Charles M. Chamberlain, were the combined causes of the financial wreck of the Chamberlain banking house of this city. A few days ago this was supposedly one of the strongest institutions in the community. The people generally thought Chamberlain was square and they gave him their confidence and their money, and both were manipulated by the shrewd banker in manner which shows now that he was a master in the art of deception. It is impossible for those now in charge of the bank to estimate safely what per centage of the deposits will be paid. From all that has been learned thus far, how. ever, it would be conservative to say that the bank will not pay over 60 per cent. The dividends may amount to a trifle more than that, but will probably be much less Today the Chamberlain banking house stands about as does a building which has been gutted by fire. The walls remain and here and there a pillar or some part of the structure is found intact. but the greater part of the interior is Titerally cleaned out. The value of the mass of notes left in the bank, showing $80,000 on their face, is problematic. In the pile are securities that are long past due, some that have been paid off and many that are worthless. People Know Very Little Comparatively little is known by the people of Tecumseh regarding the actual condition of the bank. They know that the institution is closed and that Cashier Chamberlain has disappeared, but as to the state of the funds they are almost as far in the dark as they were before the failure Little crowds of depositors and creditors gather at the street corners and in the hotels and discuss the situation, but they are able merely to surmise and guess at random. This morning a rumor went fly. ing wildly through the town that Mr Blank of a few miles distant is loser to the extent of $40,000. On the heels of this : was said that'a telogram had been received from Chamberlain announcing that he would return and pay all depositors in full. The former had no foundation in fact and the latter is conceded unlikely. These telegrams have been received since the cashier of the bank disappeared: CHICAGO, Aug. 27.-S. M. True, Tecumseh Neb.: Have securities Am on way east to secure_funds. CHARLES M. CHAMBERLAIN, CHICAGO Sept. 2.-8. M. True, Tecumseh, Neb.: Charlie completely prostrated as delay obtaining funds. Will return and settle with all depositors CHAMBERLAIN. The latter telegram came to Tecumseh Tuesday night, but it was not at that time made public. Some if its contents became known, however, and the news spread rapidly that Chamberlain was coming home to settle all accounts. The rumor was revived this morning, but is not believed by those who are at all cognizant of the bank's affairs. Mr. True, to whom the messages were directed, is the bookkeeper of the institution. Other Institutions Closed. The Chamberlain banking house of Vesta and the Chamberlain banking house of Graf, which were owned by the Tecumseh institution, were closed by order of the State Banking board, but it is probable both will pay all of their depositors in full. The deposits in the bank at Graf amounted to approximately $18,000. The institution has $15,000 of good notes, besides deposit of $7,500 in the bank here. The accounts in the bank at Vesta were smaller, but about as secure as those in the bank of Graf Bank Examiner W. D. Hartwell is tem porarily in charge of the institution here. pending the appointment of a receiver. He is making a thorough investigation, but has not yet determined the extent of the loss that will be sustained through the manipulation of the bank's affairs. New deals come to the surface every day and each serves to illustrate more plainly the bold. ness of the operator. Mr. Hartwell expects to complete his report within the next few days and will then submit it to the State Banking board at Lincoln, following which receiver will be appointed Cashier Chamberlain departed on Monday, August 25, leaving not only the bank and his creditors, but his family as well. Mrs. Chamberlain was an invalid at the time, and her condition has grown rapidly worse since her husband's departure. The home they occupy is mortgaged, but it is generally believed that they were otherwise provided for When Chamberlain Disappeared. Chamberlain told the clerk in the bank that he was off on a little trip to close up of a private deal. intimating that he would be home in the evening. On Tuesday the clerk k began sending telegrams to various places for information regarding the cashier. He directed these to the places he thought Chamberlain would most likely visit. The N cashier evidently learned of the investiga II tion that was being made. for on Wednes day night the first telegram was received The bank had been running low in cash and exchange. The clerk was the sole person in charge, and he was confronted by rious problem He knew there was not enough money in the vault to keep the bank going much longer, but he thought after receiving the telegram that Chamberlain would dispose of some of the securities on the following ay-Thursday- telegraph n a credit for the amount of money raised He proceeded upon the theory that Chamberlain had been unable to dispose of the 4. securities in Chicago, but that kaowing the n condition of the bank would make the necessary negotiations the next day and come promptly to the rescue. He knew the cash. ier could deposit money in any eastern bank, subject to the draft of the bank here. and this is the course he thought Cham berlain would take The next day was an uneasy one for the clerk in the bank. He m remained at his post, paying and receiving

8. September 5, 1902 The Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter Edgerton, WI
Article from The Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter, September 5, 1902

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Nebraska Bank Closed. Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 1.-The state banking board has taken charge of the Chamberlain Banking house at Tecumseh and closed its doors. The bank is the oldest in Johnson county, and its suspension caused the greatest surprise. The deposits are placed at $102,000, but there is practically no cash on on hand. Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier, left last Monday for the east, taking, it is alleged ,a grip full of securities with which to raise money for the bank.

9. September 5, 1902 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, September 5, 1902

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Arnold. "Mr. Chamberlain was a man of strong, likes and dislikes. If he took a fancy for a man he would tend him an unreasonable amount of money, not even exacting security. But if he disliked a man and that man was absolutely reliable and able to pay back at the appointed time, Chamberlain wouldn't lend him a cent. He was continually helping his friends out of trouble. He conducted his business more upon a sentimental basis than upon a purely business one. He is impulsive. He didn't know what he was going to do ten minutes hence. He acted as the spirit of the occasion prompted him." Mr. Arnold and others who have been here investigating the affairs of the institution do not attach any blame to the state banking supervision. "I know that the banking department was after Chamberlain pretty hard for some things that were apparent in the examination, but the true condition was not shown by the books and records," said Mr. Arnold. "The bank examiners were not at fault." S. M. True, the clerk in the bank, is also conceded to be innocent of any crooked work. He knew nothing of the true condition until after the bank had closed and the investigation made. Chamberlain dissipated considerable during his latter months in Tecumseh. He showed interest in horse racing and it is said that he spent money freely. It is also talked around Tecumseh that he paid undue attention to women during the last year or so. The deposits in the Chamberlain banking house were all of small denominations, made up mostly of the savings of farmers and the poorer class of citizens in town. Some deposits ran up as high as $3,000 or $4,000, but there were not many that exceeded $1,000. Because of the character of the deposits the loss will fall particularly hard. One Angered Depositor. P. S. Jones, who conducts a restaurant, became offended at one of the other banks in Tecumseh about a month ago, withdrew his money from the institution and deposited it in the Chamberlain banking house. Immediately after the failure "of the latter Jones went before a justice of the peace and got out a warrant for the arrest of Bookkeeper True. Friends dissuaded him from continuing the prosecution and the warrant was never served. Jones feels keenly the loss, for the deposit formed a large part of his fortune. It amounted to about $1,000. Of Johnson county's funds $6,700 is on deposit in the bank and the county's only security is the treasurer's bond whose sureties, or nearly all of them, are the stockholders in the broken bank. Riley Tucker sold his farm a few miles south of the city and put the greater portion of the money derived from the sale in the Chamberlain banking house, pending an investment in a western ranch. The deposit was approximately $2,100. William Hinton, an employe in the electric power house, had $800 in the bank. Rev. McMann of the Baptist church was caught for $750, and there are scores of others of the same nature. Outside of Tecumseh Chamberlain's reputation has not been so good, some people having gone so far as to denounce him as a trickster. These accusations often found their way to the ears of the bank's depositors, but they were not believed. One Ugly Story. Even the burning of the flour mill several years ago did not shatter their confidence in the head of the bank. Testimony given in the hearing of Michael Yorty on the charge of attempting to burn the mill involved Chamberlain, with Lawyer Osgood of Lincoln, to the extent of having employed Yorty to do the work. Yorty said he was hired to set fire to the mill and Chamberlain's house and barn. He was told to apply the torch to the first mill near the railroad track east of the depot. Yorty got the directions confused and by mistake started the fire at the first mill on the west side of the railroad station. Had the alleged plan been carried out successfully Chamberlain and Osgood would have been the beneficiaries because of the insurance they held on the property. No information whatever has been found regarding Chamberlain's whereabouts and no effort has been made to trace him since last Saturday. He is gone that much is certain and it is the general belief that the robins will be nesting long before he returns. The bank that lived through the panic, that held the confidence of its patrons for fifteen years, is now in ruins. There are two other banks in Tecumseh and both are strong. They experienced no trouble because of the failure, in fact their deposits began to increase the day the Chamberlain banking house closed its doors. It is impossible to determine who are the stockholders in the latter bank. Certificates of stock were issued indiscriminately, without being recorded upon the books of the bank. Chamberlain himself did not own a controlling interest, but he had complete and undisputed management of the bank's affairs. President W. P. Barton and Vice President F. A. Taylor were heavy stockholders, but they took no part in the management of the institution. It is said that Cashier Charles M. Chamberlain of the defunct Chamberlain bank of this city was seen on the streets of Lincoln Friday afternoon of last week. E. F. Jones, formerly of Tecumseh, who now operates a fruit stand at the corner of O and Eleventh streets in the capital city, says he saw Mr. Chamberlain at his place of business the day mentioned. Mr. Chamberlain left Tecumseh Monday and the bank closed Saturday. # CHURCHES MAY BE REUNITED

10. September 11, 1902 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, September 11, 1902

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Court to Name Receiver. TECUMSEH, Neb., Sept. 10.--(Special.)A receiver for the defunct Chamberlain bank of Tecumseh will be appointed tomorrow. Judge C. B. Letton of Fairbury called the district court of this county

11. September 12, 1902 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, September 12, 1902

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RECEIVER FOR BROKEN BANK William A. Campbell to Wind Up Affairs of the Chamberlain Institution at Tecumseh. TECUMSEH, Neb., Sept. 11.-(Special Telegram.)-At a meeting of the depositors of the defunct Chamberlain bank of this city, held this afternoon, William A. Campbell of Tecumseh was selected as proper person to recommend as receiver. Accordingly Judge C. B. Letton of the district court, in chambers, this evening appointed that gentleman. A bond of $50,000 will be required.

12. September 13, 1902 Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from Rock Island Argus, September 13, 1902

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Bank's Break Is a Bad One. Tecumseh, Neb., Sept. 13.-On the recommendation of the depositors and State Bank Examiner Hartwell, District Judge Letton has appointed William A. Campbell receiver of the Chamberlain banking house. In his report to the court Examiner Hartwell says the bank's condition is much worse than at first supposed: that few of the assets are of any value, and that the loss will not be less than $115.000.

13. September 18, 1902 Iron County Register Ironton, MO
Article from Iron County Register, September 18, 1902

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A RECEIVER APPOINTED. Affairs of the Chamberlain Banking House, at Tecumseh, Neb., Worse than at First Supposed. Tecumseh, Neb., Sept. 12.-On the recommendation of the depositors and State Bank Examiner Hartwell, District Judge Letton, Thursday, appointed William A. Campbell receiver of the Chamberlain banking house. In his report to the court Examiner Hartwell says the bank's condition is much worse than at first supposed; that few of the assets are of any value and that the loss will not be less than $115,000. He concludes with this statement: "The cashier, Charles M. Chamberlain, has decamped with about all of the cash and sight exchange, together with a large amount of securities, placing in the note pouch in lieu thereof a lot of past due, worthless and charged off notes, rendering the bank entirely insolvent."

14. September 19, 1902 The McCook Tribune McCook, NE
Article from The McCook Tribune, September 19, 1902

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BAD FOR THE DEPOSITORS. Will Lose Heavily in the Chamberlain Bank Wreck. TECUMSEH, Neb., Sept. 15.-There is much feverish excitement in the Chamberlain bank wrecking case. The bank examiner's report shows the whole affair up in such a bad light that some of the depositors whose only means were wrapped up in the bank are now desperate and threatening talk is made against Cashier Chamberlain's safety, should he have the misfortune to again return to Tecumseh. Crookedness of every kind and even forgery and mutilation of records are charged up against him. It developed that the bank was run in the loosest sort of a way, no check or restraint being placed on Chamberlain's actions. In fact nobody but Chamberlain himself knew anything about the bank's affairs. The farther the matter is investigated the worse the thing appears, till now it is a question of how little and not how much the depositors will get.

15. September 19, 1902 The McCook Tribune McCook, NE
Article from The McCook Tribune, September 19, 1902

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Receiver for Broken Bank. TECUMSEH, Neb., Sept. 15.-At a meeting of the depositors of the defunct Chamberlain bank of this city William A. Campbell of Tecumseh was selected as proper person to recommend as receiver. Accordingly Judge C. B. Letton of the district court, in chambers, appointed that gentleman. A bond of $50,000 will be required.

16. September 19, 1902 The Jasper Weekly Courier Jasper, IN
Article from The Jasper Weekly Courier, September 19, 1902

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RRENT TOPICS. THE NEWS IN BRIEF. ERSONAL AND GENERAL. L. Johnson, mayor of Cleve O., has written to an inquiring paper to say that he is not a for anything except for re as mayor of that city. the session of the great council Men of the United States, at Va., on the 8th. a report showed a balance on hand in funds of $47,217.45. Texas republican state conven adjourned on the 11th, having but two nominations for state s-governor and treasurer. Alvord, the famous train rob outlaw, has surrendered to an sheriff. wave swept over the state of on the 10th. and on the 11th owed. Nebraska state bank examiner that the losses by the default of eashier of the Chamberlain bank house, at Tecumseh, Neb., will less than $115,000. Gov. Horace Boies, of Wa was nominated for congress 11th, by the democrats of the Iowa district. Whitlock, a well-known cattle was accidentally shot and at Roff. I. T., by Deputy Mar Edgar Wilhelm. Beveridge, of Indiana the Utah republican cam on the 11th. at Ogden. department's dispatches from sthmus of Panama, on the 12th that a battle would probably ought somewhere near the line Panama and Colon within succeeding few days, and that the situation there was fires were burning over the and coast ranges from Brit Columbia to the California line he 12th. destroying millions o of timber. many farmhouses and considerable live stock people are known to have los lives. others are missing. opold. King of the Belgians, has his intention of visiting the States durng the St. Louis fair. and looks forward with to being the first king to se on the soil of the great Ameri republic. of Henry C. Frick and H Pierce were arrested at Man Mass., OA the 12th, togethe their chaffeurs, for scorching he streets of that city, It wa by the arresting officers tha were running over twenty mile president, on the 12th. an the appointment of Georg tay to the vacancy on the benel he United States district cour he northern New York district. easury officials call attention t fact that the gross gold in th on the 12th-$577,504,430 a new high-water mark o rnment holdings. j.-Gen. Corbin, on the 12th, de to the German emperor Presi Roosevelt's message about the .ouis World's fair, and Empero said that he would see tha had a good representation send you large parts b.

17. October 23, 1902 Audubon Republican Audubon, IA
Article from Audubon Republican, October 23, 1902

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CASHIER OFFERS TO GIVE AID Says He Can Save Depositors Thousands of Dollars. Tecumseh, Neb. Oct. 20.-A. Campbell, receiver of the defunct Chamberlain banking house, received a letter from Charles M. Chamberlain, the cashier and alleged wrecker. Chamberlain says he is anxious to return to Tecumseh if given a guaranty that he will not be prosecuted, and that with his knowledge of the affairs of the bank he can save the depositors many thousands of dollars.

18. October 25, 1902 Eagle River Review Eagle River, WI
Article from Eagle River Review, October 25, 1902

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A. Campbell, receiver of the defunct Chamberlain banking house at Tecumseh, Neh., received a letter from Charles M.

19. October 28, 1902 Wausau Pilot Wausau, WI
Article from Wausau Pilot, October 28, 1902

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# Cashier to Escape Trial, A. Campbell, receiver of the defunct Chamberlain banking house at Tecumseh, Neb., received a letter from Charles M.

20. March 10, 1903 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, March 10, 1903

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# THINKS GRAND JURY WRONG Examiner Hartwell and Banking Board's Position on Chamberlain Bank. WIFE MUST PAY HUSBAND'S DOCTOR BILL Supreme Court Hands Down a Num- ber of Opinions Which Are of In- terest to General Public. (From a Staff Correspondent.) LINCOLN, March 9.- (Special.) - State Bank Examiner W. D. Hartwell of Pawnee City, who was censured by the Johnson county grand jury In connection with the failure of the Chamberlain banking house, was in the city today and emphatically denied the allegations of the grand jury. This body charged that Mr. Hartwell's ex- amination of the bank was superficial and that had the examinations been thorough and according to law, and had publication been in accord with the facts, the loss to the patrons and depositors would not have occurred. Hartwell stated that he examined the bank but once prior to its suspension, and that was December 5, 1901, nearly nine months prior to the failure, and that he had not been in Tecumseh for several months previous to the date he took charge of the bank, and then only for a short time between trains, notwithstanding the fact that it was rumored and reported that he was stopping in Tecumseh for a week prior to the failure. He said two days were consumed in making the examination, that he made as thorough an examination as could be made, and that none of the invest- igations or rules employed in the exam- nations of banks were omitted, and at the time of the examination the bank was found to be solvent, and so reported. Some irregularities were found, of which due notice was taken by the department, but nothing affecting the solvency of the bank or to give just cause for the board to take charge. Mr. Hartwell insists that the Banking board did its full duty in the premises, and any criticism of the Banking board or Banking department is unjust, uncalled for and unwarranted by the facts. Mr. Royse, secretary of the State Bank- ing board, was seen later and stated that he had seen the account of the Johnson county grand jury's report in the papers and that he was at a loss to know what evidence the jury could have had before it to justify its conclusions. Mr. Royse was not there, nor was any of the examiner's reports, prior to the bank's fallure, before the jury. Banks Publish Own Reports. Mr. Royse said that the only reports of banks that are required to be published under the law are made and published by the bankers themselves and that the pub- lication is made before they reach the Banking board, and that the board has nothing whatever to do with the publish- ing of any bank report. "Mr. Hartwell's examinations are very thorough," said Mr. Royse, "and his serv- ices as bank examiner have proved very satisfactory and reliable, and any crit- icism directed at him or the State Banking board in their actions connected with the Chamberlain bank failure can only be, in my opinion, a result of a lack of a true knowledge of the facts. "My experience with Mr. Hartwell and his examinations," said Mr. Royse, "sat- isfy me that he never hesitates to recom- mend prompt and decisive action when con- ditions warrant it, nor has the board ever hesitated in acting upon his recommenda- tions, and I am sure that had Mr. Hart- well had any idea that the interests of the

21. June 9, 1905 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, June 9, 1905

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Chamberlain Gives Bond. TECUMSEH, Neb., June 8.-(Special.)Charles M. Chamberlain, defaulting cashier of the failed Chamberlain Banking house of this city, has given bond to the district court in the sum of $20,800 to appear for trial on the charge of embezzlement. As the case now stands there are fourteen indictments against him. Four of eighteen indictments were quashed by the court, but the state has filed informations in two counts covered by the quashed indictments. Chamberlain is assisting Receiver W. A. Campbell of the defunct bank in some matters of business.

22. October 31, 1905 The Morris County Chronicle Morristown, NJ
Article from The Morris County Chronicle, October 31, 1905

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DOMESTIC. A step in the dark plunged Bruno A. Bahr, a messenger boy, eleven stories down a ventilating shaft at Chicago, III., killing him. An association was formed of Mutual Life policyholders in Minnesota to oust the McCurdys from the company. John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, denied a rumor that he would resign. Upward of 500 delegates are expected at Chattanooga, Tenn., for the Southern immigration and quarantine conference, November 9 and 10. After a week's trial the charge against Charles M. Chamberlain of wrecking the Chamberlain Bank, at Tecumseh, Neb., has been dismissed. The President of the wrecked Enterprise National Bank. at Pittsburg, Pa., says the shortage will reach $1,500,000. David S. Scott, who forged his wife's name to obtain funds, requested a Pittsburg (Pa.) judge to send him to prison. New indictments have been found at Cleveland, Ohio, against O. L. Hays and Edward Flickinger, charged with violating the National banking laws. Sequoia trees have been sent from the National parks in California to the Yellowstone Park and promise to thrive there. Three hundred Syrians rioted at Liberty and Church streets, New York City. Daggers and pistols were drawn and a dozen men were wounded. Herman Schultz knelt at the coffin of his sucide son at their home in New York City, and sent a bullet through his own brain. Five miners were killed by the cavein of a slope in a Utah copper mine. Receivers took charge of the Tubular Dispatch and New York Mail and Transportation Companies and the pneumatic mail tube service in Manhattan (New York City) was stopped. In ten factories in the mountain distriet 1500 men of the Amalgamated Window Glass Workers of America will go to work at once. Beef Trust men indicted in Chicago, 11., filed a special plea, contending that estimony given by them in the Governnent beef inquiry had been used in obtaining their indictment, and therefore they could not be prosecuted on that finding.

23. November 15, 1905 The Abbeville Press and Banner Abbeville, SC
Article from The Abbeville Press and Banner, November 15, 1905

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DOMESTIC. An association was formed of Mutual Life policyholders in Minnesota to oust the McCurdys from the company. John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, denied a rumor that he would resign. Upward of 500 delegates are expected at Chattanooga, Tenn., for the Southern immigration and quarantine conference, November 9 and 10. After a week's trial the charge against Charles M. Chamberlain of wrecking the Chamberlain Bank, at Tecumseh, Neb., has been dismissed. The President of the wrecked Enterprise National Bank, at Pittsburg, Pa., says the shortage will reach $1,500,000. David S. Scott, who forged his wife's name to obtain funds, requested a Pittsburg (Pa.) judge to send him to prison. New indictments have been found at Cleveland, Ohio, against O. L. Hays and Edward Flickinger, charged with violating the National banking laws. Sequoia trees have been sent from the National parks in California to the Yellowstone Park and promise to thrive there. Three hundred Syrians rioted at Liberty and Church streets, New York City. Daggers and pistols were drawn and a dozen men were wounded. Herman Schultz knelt at the coffin of his sucide son at their home in New York City, and sent a bullet through his own brain. Five miners were killed by the cavein of a slope in a Utah copper mine. Receivers took charge of the Tubular Dispatch and New York Mail and Transportation Companies and the pneumatic mail tube service in Manhattan (New York City) was stopped. In ten factories in the mountain district 1500 men of the Amalgamated Window Glass Workers of America will go to work at once. Besf Trust men indicted in Chicago, III., filed a special plea, contending that testimony given by them in the Government beef inquiry had been used in obtaining their indictment, and there. fore they could not be prosecuted on that finding. The Royal Mail Company began its service between the Isthmus and New York City. James A. Shuttleworth, of Louisville, Ky., announced the gift of fourteen acres as a site for a Presbyterian College for Women. The fiercest storm in years swept over Lake Erie. strewing the shore from Buffalo to Detroit with wrecks. In a revolver duel Mrs. J. S. Stoops and J. A. Armitage, both of Marshfield, Ore.. killed each other. George Pickens confessed at Cripple Creek, Col., that he was guilty of murdering P. E. Walsh, at Louisville, twelve years ago.

24. October 27, 1908 Omaha Daily Bee Omaha, NE
Article from Omaha Daily Bee, October 27, 1908

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People of Tecumseh Enraged. TECUMSEH, Neb., Oct. 26.-(Special.)The people of Tecumseh are indignant and wrought up over the theft of the books of the defunct Chamberiain Banking house Friday night The deed is considered the greatest insult to the people here of anything that has happened in years. It is said the receiver of the bank, John Ward, will offer a reward for the return of the books and County Commissioner W. H. Abbott is of the opinion the county board will also offer a reward. However, most people are of the opinion that the books have been destroyed. It has been suggested that the large ledgers, unless torn to pieces leaf by leaf, would not be totally consumed by fire in several hours, at least, if not longer, unless subjected to furnace heat. There is not the slightest clew to the perpetrators.