by Saint Joseph (Mo.). Education Board - 1895
1880 Washington, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jas. B. Rinney 47 m farmer KY KY KY
Margaret Rinney 42 m KY PA KY
Hortense Rinney 21 dau KS KY KY
Geo. Daniel Rinney 18 son MO KY KY
Maggie Rinney 17 dau MO KY KY attended school
Mary E. Rinney 15 dau MO KY KY attended school; disabled - white swelling
Nancy Jane Rinney 7 dau MO KY KY
Franklin Rinney 3 son MO KY KY
Benjamin Rinney 1 son MO KY KY
James Cravens 62 farm labor widowed KY KY KY1900 Dist 57, St. Joseph City, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Margaret A Riney 63 Jan 1837 widow 8 7 KY Germany Germany
Daniel Riney 38 son Jan 1862 m12 MO KY KY harness maker
Mary E Riney 32 dau Jan 1868 s MO KY KY
Frank Riney 23 son Dec 1876 s MO KY KY bus driver
Ben S Riney 21 son s MO KY KY
John D Riney 10 gr-son s MO MO IA at school
Bernice Riney 7 gr-dau s MO MO IA at school1910 St Joseph Ward 4, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Margaret A Riney 73 wid 55 12 6 KY Hol-German GEr-German
Mary E Riney 41 dau s MO KY KY none
Benjamin Riney 30 m1 7 MO KY KY
Esther Riney 24 m1 7 0 0 KS NY NY salesman dry goods store
Martha Anderson 19 MO IN MO lodger________
Graduates of St Joseph High School:
p 131 1879 Riney, Hortense. (Mrs. Samuel Vanderslice)
----------
http://www.fritziinc.com/tree/pafn983.htm#27671
Widow, Margaret A Riney applied for Civil War Pension on October 29, 1896 as the widow of a veteran. He was in the F25 En MO Mil, per the application.Missouri Death Certificates, 1910 - 1956
Margaret A Riney died of bronchial pneumonia. Informant was Mary E. Vanderslice (daughter)
--------
Children-
Horace RINEY b: 1856-1857 in KS
Hortense RINEY b: 29 Nov 1858 in KS per 1870 census, MO per death certificate
Daniel RINEY b: Jun 1862 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
Margaret "Maggie" RINEY b: 25 Jan 1863 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
Mary Elizabeth RINEY b: 21 Jan 1868 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
Baby Boy RINEY b: Apr 1870 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
Jeannette N RINEY b: 14 Jul 1874
Frank RINEY b: Dec 1876 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
Ben S RINEY b: Dec 1878 in St Joseph, Buchanan Co, MO
1900 St. Joseph City, Buchanan Co, MO
1880 Washington, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jas. B. Rinney 47 m farmer KY KY KY
Margaret Rinney 42 m KY PA KY
Hortense Rinney 21 dau KS KY KY
Geo. Daniel Rinney 18 son MO KY KY
Maggie Rinney 17 dau MO KY KY attended school
Mary E. Rinney 15 dau MO KY KY attended school; disabled - white swelling
Nancy Jane Rinney 7 dau MO KY KY
Franklin Rinney 3 son MO KY KY
Benjamin Rinney 1 son MO KY KY
James Cravens 62 farm labor widowed KY KY KY1900 Dist 57, St. Joseph City, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Margaret A Riney 63 Jan 1837 widow 8 7 KY Germany Germany
Daniel Riney 38 son Jan 1862 m12 MO KY KY harness maker
Mary E Riney 32 dau Jan 1868 s MO KY KY
Frank Riney 23 son Dec 1876 s MO KY KY bus driver
Ben S Riney 21 son s MO KY KY
John D Riney 10 gr-son s MO MO IA at school
Bernice Riney 7 gr-dau s MO MO IA at school1910 St Joseph Ward 4, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Margaret A Riney 73 wid 55 12 6 KY Hol-German GEr-German
Mary E Riney 41 dau s MO KY KY none
Benjamin Riney 30 m1 7 MO KY KY
Esther Riney 24 m1 7 0 0 KS NY NY salesman dry goods store
Martha Anderson 19 MO IN MO lodger1920 St Joseph Ward 4, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Bent Marcell
B R Riney head O 40 MO KY KY carpet man dept store
Esther Riney 32 wife m KS MO MI drapery seamstress dept store
James W Riney 8 son MO MO KS
Dorothy Riney 7 dau MO MO KS
Mary E Riney 49 sister MO KY KY
William Vanderslice 90 wid uncle KY PA KY
Mary E Kiney 28 neice s MO MO KY1930 Washington Twp., St Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Bent Marcell
Mary E Rieny 62 head s O 3500 r MO KY KY proprietor carpet house
Ben S Rieny 50 brother div MO KY KY proprietor carpet houseOwned Riney's Carpet & Shades company
I have not found a death certificate for Mary, can anyone help? CMarcell
1840 Platt Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, George males: 1,2,1,1,_1; females: 1,1,1,-,11850 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffreys, Andrew 23 $1200 MO
Caroline 17 KY
Elisa 1 MO
George 5/12 MO
next door-
Jeffreys, George 49 TN
Elisa 50 VA
James 19 MO
Samuel 16 MO
Thomas 11 MO1870 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, James 39 farmer 6900 2000 MO
Virginia 32 MO
next door-
Jeffers, George 69 farmer 100 TN
Elizabeth 70 VAHistory of Buchanan County and St. Joseph, Mo Supplemented by Biographical Sketches... ; 1899 - 569 pages
p 74
TREMONT TOWNSHIP. One of the first settlers of Tremont Township was Ishmael Davis, father of the late R. T. Davis, who located in the spring of 1837 at the edge of Rock House Prairie. The late R. T. Davis is said to have been the first white child born in the county. The following are mentioned as having located prior to 1840: Ambrose McDaniel, George Jeffers, Harold Miller, Robert Irwin, Samuel D. Gilmore, Stephen Bedford, Daniel McCreary, Jacob Schultz, Henry Jones, Creed Herring, M. D. Finch and William P. Mudgett, who was the first postmaster in the township.
1840 Platt Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, George males: 1,2,1,1,_1; females: 1,1,1,-,11850 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffreys, Andrew 23 $1200 MO
Caroline 17 KY
Elisa 1 MO
George 5/12 MO
next door-
Jeffreys, George 49 TN
Elisa 50 VA
James 19 MO
Samuel 16 MO
Thomas 11 MO1870 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, James 39 farmer 6900 2000 MO
Virginia 32 MO
next door-
Jeffers, George 69 farmer 100 TN
Elizabeth 70 VA
There is a Sally Shultz on the Rappahannock, VA Federal census, age 40 $1870, b. in VA. Only person listed in home. Is this our Sally??? CMarcell, 2007
1900 Iowa Pnt, Doniphan, Kansas Federal Census- transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Isaac Gilmore, Head apr 1859 41, m 8 KS MO TN farmer
& family +
Shultz,Sallie aunt ___ 1817 82 wid 0 0 KY KY VANo children.
1840 Platt Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, George males: 1,2,1,1,_1; females: 1,1,1,-,11850 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffreys, Andrew 23 $1200 MO; Caroline 17 KY; Elisa 1 MO; George 5/12 MO
next door-
Jeffreys, George 49 TN; Elisa 50 VA; James 19 MO; Samuel 16 MO; Thomas 11 MO1860 Rochester, Andrew, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel Jeffers 26 2900 1005 MO
Elizabeth Jeffers 22 KY
Nancy Jeffers 5 MO
George Jeffers 2 MO
James Jeffers 3.12 MO
Martha Jeffers 18 u/a read state of birth1870 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jeffers, Samuel 36 farmer 4000 1000 MO; Elisabeth 33 KY; Ellen 13 MO; Phineas 7 MO; William 5 MO1880 Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samul Jeffers 46 farmer MO TN TN
Elithabeth Jeffers 42 wife KY VA VA
Finis Jeffers 17 son MO MO KY
Willie J. Jeffers 15 son MO MO KY
Maud Jeffers 9 dau MO MO KY
Harry B. Jeffers 4 son MO MO KY
Lena W. Jeffers 2M Apr dau MO MO KY1900 Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel Jeffers 67 Sep 1833 m 46 MO TN VA farmer
Elizabeth F Jeffers 62 wife Aug 1837 m 46 11 6 MO KY VA
Laura Jeffers 20 dau Apr 1880 MO MO MO
-next door is son Harvey Jeffers, wife and son Floyd bp 7/1899.1910 Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel J Jeffers 76 m1 56 MO TN TN farmer
Elizabeth F Jeffers 72 wife m1 56 11 6 KY VA VA
William M Miller 70 bro-in-law S KY VA VA
nearby is-
William J Jeffers 45 MO MO KY and familyThe story published in the 1880 Buchanan Co., MO book states Samuel was married twice and lists kids born to both wives however none of my research supports the notion of the 2nd wife, Mary J Whitson in 1866. All census records gives wife's name as Elizabeth or a derivitive of that. Can anyone shed light on this article??? CMarcell
Missouri Death Certificates, 1910 - 1956, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel J. Jeffers born Sep 20 1833 in Clay Co, MO to Geo Jeffers bp TN & Elizabeth Poteet bp unknown. Informant F E Jeffers of Dearborn, MO. Died Oct 25 1913 in Tremont Twp., Buchanan Co, MO of chronic nephritis. Burial in Elder Cemetery Oct 25 1913.
Missouri Death Certificates, 1910 - 1956, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Elizabeth Francis Jeffers, b. Aug 30 1838 in KY, dau of Hiram Miller b. TN & Nancy _____ b. in VA. Died June 18 1915 in Tremont Twp, Buchanan Co., MO of organic heart disease. Burial in Elders Cemetery. Informant William Jeffers of Frazier MO.
1860 Rochester, Andrew, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel Jeffers 26 2900 1005 MO
Elizabeth Jeffers 22 KY
Nancy Jeffers 5 MO
George Jeffers 2 MO
James Jeffers 3.12 MO
Martha Jeffers 18 u/a read
1860 Rochester, Andrew, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel Jeffers 26 2900 1005 MO
Elizabeth Jeffers 22 KY
Nancy Jeffers 5 MO
George Jeffers 2 MO
James Jeffers 3.12 MO
Martha Jeffers 18 u/a read
1860 Rochester, Andrew, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel Jeffers 26 2900 1005 MO
Elizabeth Jeffers 22 KY
Nancy Jeffers 5 MO
George Jeffers 2 MO
James Jeffers 3.12 MO
Martha Jeffers 18 u/a read
1910 Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Samuel J Jeffers 76 m1 56 MO TN TN farmer
Elizabeth F Jeffers 72 wife m1 56 11 6 KY VA VA
William M Miller 70 bro-in-law S KY VA VA
1900 Irving, Brown, Kansas Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Jos A Wolfley 49 head Aug 1850 wid OH PA OH farmer
James E Wolfley 26 son Nov 1873 m5 KS OH IN farmer
Orie or Anie Wolfley 26 dau-in-law Dec 1873 m 5 1 1 KS NC VA
Harvey Wolfley 2 (grand)son Jun 1897KS KS KS
Earle William Wolfley 21 son Apr 1879 KS OH IN carpenter
Daisy Foley 19 border May 1881 NE Ireland MO servant
John Robinson 23 border Sep 1876 black MO MO MO farm labor
Carl Wolfley 16 son Jul 1883 KS OH IN
Charley Wolfley 12 Feb 1888 son KS OH IN1910 Hiawatha Ward 3, Brown, KS Federal census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
William E Wolfley 30 m1 5 KS OH IN automobile salesman auto garage?
Temperance Wolfley 28 wife m1 5 0 0 KS OH IL
Charles D Wolfley 22 brother KS OH IN automobile salesman auto garage?1920 St Joseph Ward 3, Buchanan Co., Missouri Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell (note Buchanan Co., MO is next door to Doniphan Co., KS)
Wolfley, Charles D. 31 single lodger in Bud Anderson's home, KS OH KS merchant automobiles1930 St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Wolfley, Charles rents 42 m 2 37 KS OH IN proprieter of auto company
Alpha wife 42 m 2 37 MO MO Canada
1930 St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Wolfley, Charles rents 42 m 2 37 KS OH IN proprieter of auto company
Alpha wife 42 m 2 37 MO MO Canada
Family notes give dob as 06 May 1875 in Doniphan Co KS
http://www.kshs.org/library/bf.htm
Kansas State Historical Society - MF 273; Vertical File Index:
Marcell, Helen
Marcell, James E1900 Iowa Twp., Doniphan co., Kansas Federal Census, enum June 2 1900, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Marcell, J. Everett head may 1874 26 m4 KS KY KY Bank Cashier
Mattie D. wife Mar 1874 26 m4 2 2 KS OH OH
Florence day Apr 1898 2 KS
Eloise dau Sep 1899 8/12 KS1910 Iowa Twp., Doniphan Co., Kansas Federal Census, enum May 3 1910, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Marcell, Matie 35 13 years of present marriage 3 3 KS OH OH Own Income
Florence 12 KS
Eloise dau 10 KS
James son 8 KS
living nearby-
Dillon, Zelinda head 71 widow OH PA PA own incomeLooks like divorce was bet. 1910-1920? CMarcell
Headstone reads 1876-1952. Buried beside his son, James Dillon Marcell.
I am not sure this would be our James as middle initial is incorrect. Needs further research- Cindy Marcell, 2005
Minnesota Death Index, 1908-2002 Record for James R. Marcell 5 Dec 1952 Death County: Carlton State File Number: 001988 Certificate Number: 001988 Certificate Year: 1952 Record Number: 1200225Doniphan County Cemeteries-
Marcell James Everett 1876- 1952- High C x
Marcell James Dillon 1901- 1953- High C x
Marcell Margaret 1901- 1903- High C xGray's Doniphan County (Kansas) History, pub. 1905, Pt. 2, Ch. 11
A Broken Bank.
"In January, 1904, the discovery was made that the cashier of the Highland Bank, J. E. Marcell, had been devoting much of his spare time to the disadvantage of the bank and its patrons, and apparently to his own advantage, by forging thousands of dollars worth of notes. The discovery was made January 4th, and his arrest followed on the 6th, when he attempted to escape from the scene of his misdeeds. His crookedness and villainy spread financial distress throughout the country, many of the sufferers being poor men and women, whose hard earned savings he had recklessly squandered for the gratification of his villainous desires. Half a dozen Wolf River farmers who had just sold their stock and had received checks on the Highland Bank lost in the neighborhood of $10,000. For a time the citizens of the town and county were under great excitement, and threats of lynching were freely made. All that was lacking was the right kind of man to head the crowd. Had this man appeared with the necessary "fixin's" the young scoundrel cashier's earthly troubles soon would have been over; but the promises and pleadings of his near friends saved him - delivering him to the calmer fate of the prison. For a time Marcell awed the people with an exposition of an unusual quality and quantity of nerve. He held up his guilty head and smiling complacently declared with well feigned earnestness that "all would come out right side up, and that in the end each man should receive every dollar, etc." As the coils began to tighten about him his splendid nerve deserted him and he finally broke down under the terrible strain of the gloomy situation. His first trial resulted in a hung jury, but there were other charges to be met and answered, and the skies were growing darker. In the second trial his attorneys entered a plea of guilty to one count in each of the seven charges of forgery, and he was sent to the feet of the judge, who sentenced him to serve thirty-five years in the penitentiary. Marcell began serving his long sentence on June 6th, it being just five month's from the time of his arrest to his being placed behind the bars. For some time prior to his arrest he had been sowing broadcast other people's money; but the people seeing, rose up and complained, and the reckless sower left off to sow. The mills of the gods, swift when the occasion demands it, opened up the hoppers and did the rest."
___
Newspaper Info contributed by Tina Murphy, Troy Librarian
Articles taken from the “Highland Vidette”January 7, 1904 Front page
ARRESTED FOR FORGERY
J. E. Marcell, Cashier of the Bank of Highland, Alleged to Have Forged Notes to the Amount of $75,000. Bank Is In Hands of State Bank Commissioner. Depositors Will Lose.
J. E. Marcell, cashier of the Bank of Highland, is under arrest on the charge of forgery and the bank is closed and in the hands of the state bank commissioner.
Marcell’s arrest occurred Tuesday night. He left Highland Tuesday afternoon about 3 o’clock, drove at breakneck speed and made the afternoon Grand Island train going east in half an hour. When the train reached Troy, Sheriff Ramsey boarded the train, put Marcell under arrest and conveyed him to the Troy jail. After a few hours confinement he was released on $30,000 bond signed by H. Dillon, G. W. Overlander and C. L. Marcell.
The forgeries so far reported are enormous and amount to about $75,000. They are in the shape of notes held as security partly by individuals in Highland but mostly by banks in St. Joseph, Atchison and probably Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago.
The first discovery of crookedness was made by the Atchison Savings Bank which held $30,000 in collateral loaned by Hutt & Shonyo. Suspecting something might be wrong this bank sent a representative to Highland last week. The notes were shown to Hutt & Shonyo. There were three notes each for $10,000. One was genuine and the other two were declared forgeries. The notes were drawn in favor of J. E. Marcell. The matter was at once brought to their attention and other securities of the Atchison bank instead.
Rumors of the incident, however, were afloat and on Monday and Tuesday, several depositors who had received a tip drew their money out. It is said about $30,000 was withdrawn.Financial Condition of Bank
Tuesday night deputy bank commissioner Crummer arrived. He went at once to the bank and began an examination of the books. He stated to the Vidette this morning that there was less than $2,000 in cash in the bank. The deposits reached $68,000. Notes held as security amounted to between $46,000 and $47,000. While the books show $30,000 or ___ due from other banks which correspondents he did not believe the actual amount was scarcely anything. He believes that all notes by the bank are all right but to call in person this forenoon to act upon them. He also stated that the first National Bank of St. Joseph held a guarantee for $50,000 signed by H. Dillon, G. W. Overlander and C. L. Marcell. The commissioner was of the opinion the bank might be held liable by this guarantee for whatever securities they might hold by J. E. Marcell. If the bank proper is not held liable for the paper held correspondents, the depositors may be quite well.
The persons whose names are alleged to have been forged to notes are B. D. Williams, Hutt & Shonyo, O. D. Moore and G. W. Moore, Mrs. V. M. Johnson and J. F. Bottiger.
The first arrest is said to have been swore out by Hutt & Shonyo and B. D. Williams.
Yesterday afternoon O. D. Moore swore out another warrant for the arrest of Marcell on the same charge. However, Marcell was worn out from the nervous strain and he was not taken to Troy but remains instead at his home. The county Sheriff is here but it is thought Marcell will furnish additional bonds. The first bond binds him over to trial Tuesday.__________________________________
Great excitement prevails in Highland. All day the town was filled with farmers who had heard of the bank’s closing and came to investigate. Groups of anxious persons were seen in all parts of town. There was a rumor that the First National Bank of St. Joseph had been arranged with to pay off the depositors and all day a group stood outside the bank waiting for it to be opened. Marcell was in the bank in the morning and to a group outside stated they need have no fear as they would be paid in full.
J. E. Marcell has had a remarkable career. He is ambitious and desirous of wealth. When he came to Highland some ten years ago he owned no property and had only a common school education with a year at a business college. He became assistant cashier under J. S. Beeler who was then conducting a small bank in Highland. Later Beeler failed and Marcell took hold of the reins, reorganized it and was himself installed as principal stock holder and cashier. After the banking house of J. P. Johnson closed upon the death of Mr. Johnson, the Bank of Highland seemed to do a good business and to become prosperous. The bank, however, has not at any time received the full deposits of the money in the community. A demand for another bank leads to the organization of an opposition bank by S. M. Allen. The amount of business did not justify his continuing and this bank was dissolved by mutual consent of stock holders after about one year.
J. E. Marcell, in the following few years and to all appearances at least seems to have amassed a considerable fortune. He bought an 1120 acre ranch in Barber County and stocked it with cattle. He also bought a 160 acre farm near Highland. Besides this he owns a good deal of Highland property and one of the finest residences in Highland. He has had unusual good luck in clearing himself in previous troubles. Whether his good luck will continue seems now uncertain.
His amount of gall, nerve and enthusiasm in the wonder of all who has ever met him. And even today he seems unusually optimistic for a man in his position.
The Vidette called on J. E. Marcell at his home this morning. He readily consented to speak about the bank’s affairs. He seemed remarkably cheerful and optimistic and his nerve has by no means deserted him. He authored the following statement.Statement of J. E. Marcell ”The depositors will not lose a cent but will be paid in full as soon as the bank commissioner determines the amount of deposits and credits. We will arrange, and have arraigned, with the banks of St. Joseph to pay all the depositors and have the cash in Highland to do it with.”
“I arranged this by means of my own personal property outside of the bank.”
“The paper that causes the present trouble is held outside of the bank. I own property unencumbered more than sufficient to pay the total deposits and rather than cause any depositor to lose I will turn over everything even including my home. I have not been a plunger. The persons causing me trouble owe me $91,000. It is carrying these fellows that has brought me this trouble. You can also state that I will stay right here in Highland and will furnish a second bond as soon as the bond is presented. I haven’t the least doubt in the world but that I would come out all right when it comes to the trial. As to the alleged $50,000 guarantee held by the St. Joseph National bank on which C. L. Marcell, G. W. Overlander and H. Dillon are signers, I will say if such is held this does not involve the bank affairs but concerns transactions entirely on the outside. The bank will go right on and expects to be run with the same officers with the exception of myself and managed by the First National Bank of St. Joseph which will be largely interested. However it will be reorganized and capital increased.”____________________________________________________
If all the notes now alleged to be forgeries are really so, then it seems certain that similar transactions may have been used for several years past. And it was almost by accident even now that the forgeries came to light. The general supposition is that the officers and directors of the bank knew nothing about them and evidence seems to show that these notes were used to float personal loans outside the bank’s affair.
The officers of the bank are H. Dillon, president; C. L. Marcell, vice-president; J. E. Marcell, cashier; Howard Dillon, assistant cashier. The directors are H. Dillon, C. L. Marcell, G. W. Overlander, J. E. Marcell and C. F. Herzing. C. L. Marcell is the father and H. Dillon father-in-law of J. E. Marcell. H. Dillon and G. W. Overlander are both very wealthy men.
L. L. Marcell who was assistant cashier until three months ago severed his connection with the bank and moved to Chanute where he is now manager of an oil company. The capital stock of the bank is $20,000.
Marcell is married and has a family of three children. He is a member of the church. Last spring he was elected mayor of Highland. Those who incline to the theory that he may commit suicide on account of his trouble are mistaken. He will not give up until the last straw is turned in an effort to clear himself.
In his manner, Marcell has always been most affable. He is also generous. He spent money freely-too freely. He also traveled extensively, mostly on business trips to banks which were his correspondents.
He has been referred to as a second Gillet. Yet his methods were different, Marcell issued notes when he needed money while Gillet mortgaged and re-mortgaged.
The event is a calamity for Highland. If the depositors can be paid it will not be so bad. But it will necessarily have its effect on business. Today two widows who had all the money they owned in the bank were up town and crying bitterly. Many persons who have but little money have it on deposit in the bank.
W. H. Forbes, S. M. Allen and T. G. Hutt were called in to examine the $37,000 in notes in the bank. Their opinion is that nearly half of them are practically worthless.
The deputy bank commissioner states that the Pioneer Trust Co. of Kansas City claim to hold a guarantee similar to the one held by the National Bank of St. Joseph.
The attorney general will be in Highland tonight who will advise as to whether a receiver shall be appointed.
Taken To Jail
Marcell was asked by Justice Hiskey to give bond in the sum of $5,000 on the second warrant issued. He was unable to give it and was taken to jail at 3 o’clock this afternoon. A great crowd was collected outside the house to witness his leaving.January 14, 1904 Front pg.
NORMAN APPOINTED RECEIVER
New Bank will Start Monday. Marcell Still in Jail at Troy. Preliminary Postponed One Week. Amount of Forged Paper Will Reach $250,000. Something About Cashier Marcell’s Record.
About the only topic of conversation in Highland is the bank and Marcell affair. And it is probably the principal topic of discussion in Doniphan County.
Every day brings forth additional rumors to furnish material for discussion. The dailies have printed all kinds of stories. Some accounts are inaccurate and entirely misleading.
A receiver for the bank was appointed by Judge Stuart last Saturday afternoon. County Superintendent C. V. Norman was named receiver. No one in Highland wanted the job as receiver. Most of the business men are too busy. Those who have the time are not very anxious for the job as they realize it will involve an immense amount of litigation. J. C. Misse and Norman Case were suggested to the Bank Commissioner as suitable persons to act as receiver. Mr. Misse declined at once. Mr. Case at first considered the matter favorably. Then he sent word to the district judge that he didn’t want the job. This week it was learned that J. A. Leonard would accept the receivership but this was after the receiver had been named by the court. Some of the depositors feel as though their wishes were disregarded in not being consulted in the matter of the appointment. However the court is the sole arbiter and may appoint whom he chooses. There is no reason why Mr. Norman should not make a competent and acceptable receiver nor why he should not be absolutely fair and in every way protect the right of the depositors.
Deputy bank examiner Crummer closed the bank doors Saturday noon. He then went to Troy where he turned over the cash on hand into the custody of the court. Then he left for Topeka to report to Bank Commissioner Albaugh.
J. E. Marcell is in jail at Troy. He still carries himself erect and wears the cheerfulness and optimism that always characterized him. He still insists that he will be cleared and also that depositors will be paid in full.
The preliminary trial of J. E. Marcell was postponed for one week and will be held before Justice Smith, of Troy, January 29. the attorneys for Marcell are J. H. Atwood, ex-Senator Baker, of Leavenworth; J. J. Baker and C.W. Reeder, of Troy.
County Attorney Brewster who is conducting the prosecution believes he will need no assistance. Marcell is apparently optimistic as ever and states that he expects to be at liberty in a week to ten days, when he would arrange to have all depositors paid in full. C. V. Norman, who has been appointed receiver of the bank, has his bond filed and is in charge.
This bank failure will result in an enormous amount of litigation. The bank books plainly indicate that they were cleverly manipulated during the night following Marcell’s arrest and release on bond. Marcell spent the greater part of the night in the bank. That night many papers were turned.
New Bank By Monday
A new bank will be in operation inside of a week or ten days. Hovey and Ratcliffe, of the Union National Bank of Kansas City, have leased the former banking room of the Bank of Highland. The capital stock will be $10,000. The Kansas City bank is expected to carry the mule buyers, cattlemen and grain buyers of Highland.
Geo. L. Ratcliffe, who will be cashier, is here today.Some of the Losers
Among the heavy losers are Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Frost who had between $4000 and $5000 in the bank on time deposits.
There are 275 depositors. Most amounts are less than $100. Some of those whose losses exceed $100 and as shown by the books are:
W. M. Boone: $615
J. H. Bingham: $204
F. P. Blair: $262
W. M. Boone, treasurer cemetery: $132
Sarah M. Allen: $3,135
J. L. Brim: $454
Martie Boatman: $135
J. F. Butner: $142
R. B. Chandler: $520
Jack DeVault: $1,645
L. Degginger: $337
Andrew Dutton: $215
Frank Davis: $200
Mrs. Lizzie Doan: $600
Arch L. Decker: $300
M. Elshire: $600
Chas. L. Faust: $200
G. W. Foust: $129
W. H. Fenley: $474
Elizabeth Fenley: $2,333
J. L. Ford: $176
J. E. Getz: $221
I. A. Gilmore: $433
W. R. Gilmore: $357
Jas. Gallagher: $338
S. F. Getz: $957
H. D. Guthrie: $370
Z. L. Gilmore & Co.: $154
Mrs. Ida Gibson: $130
Chas. Neel: $236
J. G. Sparks: $899
Richard Hare: $189
Sam Herring: $305
L. Herzing: $299
Lecture Association: $143
C. W. Heikas: $315
H. Hundley: $268
J. F. Ward: $176
Mrs. Ella Jackson: $643
J. A. Jackson, Sr.: $408
John Jenkins: $241
Ladies Aid Society Christian Church: $237
Levine & Brown: $233
Norman Lucas: $175
M. J. Lewis: $175
Tobias Larson: $333
Lafe Lucas: $248
Mrs. C.E. Lyman: $238
Lena Lucas: $100
R. H. Martin: $1,306
D. A. Martin: $249
O. D. Moore: $277
U. Mathewson: $168
J. F. Martin: $101
W. A. Miller: $3,196
C. H. Marston: $125
G. W. Moore: $126
J. B. Nuzum: $182
W. H. Onstot: $302
G. E. Powell: $216
Frank Potter: $754
M. S. Peck: $183
Bert Rankin: $1,048
Mrs. N. Rawles: $421
J. P. Smith: $461
Jas. Shafer: $105
Mrs. L. Shirley: $103
J. G. Sparks: $159
Nannie Trailkill: $261
A. Toothaker: $150
W. C. Winkler: $129
J. C. Weidensaul: $115
Sol Weil: $1,562
A. D. White: $166
Polly Weidemaier: $321
There also stands to the bank officers credit the following :
H. Dillon: $1097
J. E. Marcell: $4,168
Matie D. Marcell: $3,950
C. L. Marcell: $1641
G. W. Overlander: $562
The Christian church building fund amounting to about $925 is also in the bank but it probably appears with Marcell’s personal account. Marcell was treasurer of the building fund.Bank Commissioner’s Statement
Bank commissioner Albaugh gave out a statement concerning the condition of the defunct Marcell bank at Highland, Ks. The deposits aggregate $69,000. The books show that there are $51,000 in notes owing to the bank, but only $45,828 in notes can be found. There are overdrafts aggregating $2,937. The books show that the bank has in cash and on deposit in other banks about $38,000. The actual cash in the safe is $1,788.
Nearly all of the correspondents of the bank had some of Marcell’s paper and they have charged it against the bank’s account, so it is impossible to tell whether the bank will get any money from its correspondents or not. That will depend upon the result of the lawsuit. There is outstanding about $300,000 of paper signed by Marcell as cashier or by Marcell for the bank, or by Marcell and guaranteed by the bank directors individually. Of this amount $100,000 is bona fide paper and $200,000 is forged paper. There is no record of these transactions on the bank’s books. Of the $300,000, probably $150,000 is held by banks within twenty miles of Highland.
Mr. Albaugh says it was possible for Marcell to defraud nearby banks because the people whose paper he forged actually owed big accounts. For instance, if an outside bank were to tell B. D. Williams the grain man that it had $30,000 of his paper , Williams would say that it was all right, as he owed Marcell’s bank even more than that. Williams would be telling the truth and still it would throw the bank of its guard. Williams had $35,000 in bona fide paper outstanding and so far $63,000 in paper with his name forged on it has turned up. Mrs. V. M. Johnson had about $35,000 bona fide paper handled by Marcell. So far $25,000 in paper with her name forged has come to light.He’s a Wonder
Marcell is truly a wonder. Such gigantic nerve is seldom seen. Almost still a boy from the farm and without much education, he has succeeded in accomplishing a feat that staggers imagination. He has successfully floated at least $200,000 in bogus paper and the solid, conservative city banks are the principal victims. It is supposed that about $300,000 of Marcell’s notes are out but about $100,000 is supposed to be genuine. He holds genuine paper on B. D. Williams to the amount of about $45,000 money on which Mr. Williams invested in grain. Yet twice this amount of notes is known to be out against him.
The Story of Marcell
From the Saturday Kansas City Journal
If evidence which has developed during the past few days is not misleading, J. E. Marcell, cashier of the Bank of Highland, is one of the smoothest swindlers that ever came down the pike. He was no respecter of persons in his operations. He seems to have caught everybody he could, both at home and abroad. The returns from outside precincts are not all in, but enough forged paper from other towns has turned up to show that the loss to outsiders will be even greater than to local people.
How long the operations will be even going on no one can tell, excepting Marcell, and he won’t.
Marcell has a record aside from his banking operation. Twice he has been tangled up in social scraps here. He wiggled out each time, however. He is known here as “Everett” Marcell. Everett is his middle name. He is about 35 years old. He was born and reared on a farm in Doniphan County four miles south of here. His parents still live on the farm and are among the most respected citizens of the county. They are honest and frugal and fairly good farmers. After acquiring a country school education, Everett went to the Holton College one term and took a business course. He was a bright chap and showed a liking for “feenance.” He was fine at mathematics. After quitting business college he came to Highland and got a job in Beeler’s bank. This bank went to smash shortly after and Beeler left. Young Marcell had, by close attention, learned the banking business well. He had also by frugal living, saved up a little money.
After the Beeler bank closed he took hold and reorganized the institution. He got some well-to-do local people interested. Among them was Harrison Dillon, who was made president. Marcell was chosen cashier. By some arrangements the depositors of the Beeler bank were paid by the reorganized bank. To reimburse it the bank took over the home of Beeler at Highland and Beeler’s ranch of 1,230 acres in Barber County, Kansas. Later on the state bank commissioner required the bank to get rid of the home and ranch, claiming they were not good assets. Marcell bought the ranch of the bank. Where he got the money has always been a mystery.
About this time he began to flaunt his wealth. To his friends he said he made his “big money” out of his ranch and in commissions on Eastern money he was loaning as a side issue. In due time he acquired a fine 100 acre farm near Highland and several pieces of town property, which still stand in his name. He now resides in the best home in town.
About eight years ago, he married Miss Matie Dillon, daughter of the president of the bank. They have three children, two girls and a boy. Mrs. Marcell was kept in ignorance of his deeds until yesterday. When the news was broken to her she collapsed and is now sick in bed.
Among the Highland men Marcell is known as a high roller. He drove a $1,000 team of blacks, had a coachman, dressed well and was a swell. He made frequent trips to St. Joseph, Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago. In recent months he has been gadding most of the time. He fairly “burned up” money on these trips.
He belonged to the Christian here and was the most liberal contributor to the preacher’s salary. Quietly he let the public know he was a church man. He did not flaunt it though. He was too smooth for that. He simply worked it just enough to give him a good standing. He was also very affable. He was not stuck up. He spoke to the laborer as quickly as to the richest man in town. For this reason he had many friends.
Strange to say the women of Highland suspected him first. Several told their husbands to watch out for him. But the husbands didn’t heed the advice.
Common report here is to the effect that he was a “lady’s man.” They tell of one scrape with the hired girl. After the scandal was well developed Marcell hushed it up. Not long ago it is said he tried to force his attentions on the daughter of a fine family here. A brother of the girl threatened to kill him and tried to get some cartridges. This was hushed up too. His close friends he never pretended to be much of a Christian. He worked it for the good influence it would have on his business. He claimed to be worth $60,000.
Last spring he was elected mayor of Highland. He wanted that position, he said, so he could get a railroad into town. There is none here now. Highland had no railroad. Up to date he has not succeeded in fetching one in. A railroad to Highland would do a thriving business these days hauling in creditors of Marcell’s bank.
Marcell is great on display. He likes to stick a feather in his hat and go on dress parade. He was grand Marshall of the Fourth of July celebration last year.
Widows seemed to be Marcell’s special prey. If there was one in this section of the country who was not caught in the bank failure it was because she had no money to deposit. Several of them lost every cent they had. Two or three churches lost their surplus cash. The Christian church of which Marcell was treasurer, lost $900. However, it has not much room for complaint, as Marcell gave it $1,500 a short time ago for a new building. (This statement is incorrect. Marcell’s subscription was $300.)
As evidence of Marcell’s boldness one instance is here given. B. D. Williams a grain buyer, was a heavy patron of the bank. His office was right across the hall from that of Mr. Overlander, a capitalist. Marcell is said to have forged William’s name on a lot of paper and sold it to Overlander. Williams and Overlander were regular chums and were almost constantly together, yet Marcell worked his scheme right under their noses.
Last week a cattle buyer bought about $8,000 worth of cattle and hogs of farmers near Severance. He gave them checks on the bank of Highland. He shipped the stock to St. Joseph and sold it. All of his checks are back protested and the farmers are holding the bag.
St. Joseph, Atchison and Kansas City banks dealt liberally with the Bank of Highland. Whenever they would demand more security, Marcell would say “certainly” and turn over a few more notes to them. Now it has been found that those notes were forged. Most of the forged notes held by the outside banks bear Marcell’s guarantee as cashier of the bank. This binds the bank.
Wednesday forenoon Deputy Bank Commissioner Crummer drove from Denton to Highland. A mule buyer who was a heavy creditor of the bank, started at the same time. When they reached Severance, Marcell had just arrived from Troy. He got a team and the rigs raced clear to Highland. Marcell beat Crummer there and was fixing up some accounts when the latter arrived. The mule buyer was third in the race. Crummer stopped all proceedings when he reached the bank and took charge of everything.
Marcell showed his nerve last evening when he started for the Troy jail accompanied by the sheriff. Without any display of feeling he kissed his wife and children and lighted a cigar and started off. As the buggy started his little boy threw him a kiss and told him to come back soon. The forgeries were discovered by accident. The Atchison Savings bank, which held three $10,000 notes of Hutt & Shonyo, mule dealers at Highland, sent an inspector to look after the paper. The inspector found that two of the notes were forgeries. He went straight to Marcell’s bank. Marcell said that there had been some mistake made and without quivering, went to the safe, got $30,000 in cash and took up all three notes. This transaction became noised about and the run Monday was the result.Pg. 4, 1st column
It is believed Marcell if convicted, will soon have himself pardoned out of the penitentiary. Such a simple thing as forging a pardon and the governor’s signature and persuading the Warden that it is good paper would be only child’s play with him.Pg. 4, 2nd column
The Folly of Dishonesty
J. E. Marcell, the young man who lately wrecked the Bank of Highland, had an opportunity to accumulate a fortune honestly. He had the confidence and backing of the best men in Doniphan County, but preferred to be a thief. He is now in jail and disgraced.
Had Marcell pursued an honorable course, he might have been a rich, useful and respected man today, instead of a disgraced criminal, with the certainty of a long term of imprisonment staring him in the face.
The man who does a dishonorable thing is a fool. Honesty is not only easier than dishonesty but it pays better. Every human experience proves it. No dishonest man can succeed. Every honest man may succeed. An honest man of small ability will succeed better than a genius who is tricky. Of the truth of this proposition there is no doubt. Marcell’s experience proves it. Every scoundrel in the world’s history has demonstrated the truth of the proposition that no man for his own sake, can afford dishonesty.
In the face of the certainty that retribution will overtake every evil doing, is it not surprising that all the people are not honorable, kind, fair, polite and industrious-Atchison GlobePg. 5, 3rd column
Depositors Meet
The depositors of the defunct bank of Highland met in the Woodman hall Tuesday afternoon to discuss the advisability of employing a lawyer to take care of the interests of the depositors. The hall was well filled, the greater number of depositors being present. Some expressed slight dissatisfaction because they were not consulted in the matter of appointment of receiver. However if Mr. Norman transacts the business of receiver from Highland and shows absolute fairness to depositors there is no question but all will stand by him. And the meeting after some discussion voted to do so. The matter of the selection of an attorney was deferred. It is understood the court will appoint an attorney to act with the receiver, and it being his duty to look after their interests, it was decided for the time being to postpone action. The meeting was perfectly harmonious. There was no excitement in the least. W. M. Boone was made chairman of the meeting and Tobias Larson secretary. Attorneys Brewster, Allen and Hickman were asked by the chairman to make any statement which might advise the depositors what action would be the most advisable. The meeting adjoined without taking any positive action. They will await the advice of the receiver.
Pg. 5, 3rd column
The “Town Idol”
One of the dailies printed an item stating that Marcell was the “town idol” and was “everybody’s confidant.” On the contrary there was hardly a soul in Highland that didn’t suspect Marcell of crookedness more or less. He had no confidant and not one intimate bosom friend. His position put him in respect. His liberality commanded favorable consideration. His business push and manifest business integrity won him the Mayorship. He promised Highland a railroad if he was made mayor-Highland will do anything to get a railroad.
People put their money in his bank because it was backed by two moneyed men, H. Dillon and G.W. Overlander and because they didn’t believe it possible that the sworn statements of the financial condition of the bank as printed in the Vidette could misrepresent its actual condition. And very few people ever dreamed that the cashier was a forger.
There will be no business failures as a result of the bank failure. Few merchants were caught to an extent that will interfere in the least with their business. Few moneyed men in Highland were caught to any extent. Most of the deposits is by the farmers.January 21, 1904 front page
Marcell Bound Over to the District Court
The preliminary trial of J. E. Marcell, cashier of the defunct Bank of Highland, charged with forgery, was heard before Justice Smith in the court house at Troy Tuesday. The court room was packed with persons eager to see Marcell and the trial.
The accusation charged Marcell with forgery of three notes for $10,000 each, one for $10,000 by signing the name of B. D. Williams, and two for $10,000 each by signing the name of Hutt & Shonyo. The Williams note was given by Marcell as security for a loan from L. Degginger, the other two to an Atchsion bank. The state called the following persons to the witness stand in behalf of the state: B. D. Williams, T. G. Hutt, Wm. Shonyo, H. Dillon, G.W. Overlander, C. H. Marker, L. Degginger, H. D. Wyndham, C. D. Walker and Parks of Atchison.
Marcell attempted no defense whatever. His attorneys were present but did nothing. He came into the court room smiling and shaking hands as usual. He looks better than he has for weeks, remarked one of the witnesses whom the Vidette interviewed yesterday morning. He has had time to rest up. If he is worrying to any extent, no body knows it. Which leads some people to believe that he still has a good trump card up his sleeve that hasn’t’ yet been played.
Justice Smith bound Marcell over for trail to the district court, fixing his bond at $30,000. This he has not furnished. It is not probable that he will as it is not likely there is anywhere a person with enough confidence in him at this time to furnish bond. But if released he would be promptly rearrested on other charges.
It is now believed by some that Marcell’s course is to keep quiet and compel the state to prove him a forger. There is no absolute direct evidence that Marcell forged in the sense that he was never caught in the act of actually signing other person’s names to notes. Yet it would seem to an average individual that if the notes are proven forgeries, the only man to be accepted as the guilty party is Marcell who scattered them broadcast over the land and secured loans by passing them as genuine. It is said there are persons in Troy willing to bet that he will never go to the penitentiary.
There are people who believe that Marcell had accomplices. The Vidette believes differently. Marcell was not a man who bestowed confidences. For the same reason he will never make any confessions. He is close mouthed when it comes to telling the truth. We’ll venture the assertion that even his lawyers will learn mighty little from him.
The state bank department has notified the county attorney to institute proceedings against Marcell for making false reports. The sworn statement of November 17, printed in the Vidette and sent to the bank commissioner is a falsification of the books. The commissioner noted certain irregularities about it and called for another report in December. This report was also false. The state department intended to send a special examiner here the first part of January.
F. Drosselmyer arrived in Highland Tuesday from Nardin, Oklahoma. He read about the Highland bank failure. On November 23 he deposited in the bank $3,135 to the credit of Sarah M. Allen, this being the balance due on a loan and asked for the note. Marcell was acting as agent for Sarah M. Allen and promised to send him the note. But the note has never reached him and just now it is a question where the note is. It is not in the bank. Drosselmyer is a good, trusting German farmer. Ten years ago he needed some money and borrowed the amount from David Allen, who acted as agent for Sarah M. Allen. Last fall he sold his farm which was located in Brown County about miles northwest of Highland. He then paid off the borrowed money and moved to California where he bought land. It may be a question in court who loses the money. It will most likely be the Allen estate.
One Nights Work
If Marcell had not been turned loose on bond on the night following his arrest, his conviction would have been much easier, the depositors saved more money and the receiver saved a great deal of trouble as well as lawsuits. That night’s work shows the cleverness of Marcell’s active mind. After being released he drove at once to Highland, entered the bank and with the help of his assistants began work at once. He burned all his correspondence and papers of any description that would present incriminating evidence. Then he commenced altering accounts on the book deposits. “A receiver will be appointed,” he explained to Mr. Overlander, “and we want to fix up the books in good shape.” And he fixed them all right. The deposits of persons he desired to protect were switched to his own personal account to that of his wife or his father. The $800 Christian church building fund account was thus transferred, a deposit of $1,600 by Z. L. Gilmore and the accounts of J. C. Marston and L. A. LeFaivre amounting to seven or eight thousand dollars.Was Bucking The Board of Trade
The credits of Marston and LeFaivre were not actual deposits. These two were persons whom Marcell engaged to manipulate his deals on the board of trade. When they invested for Marcell they drew on their account at the Bank of Highland. Money was placed to their credit on the Highland bank books by J. E. Marcell. At the time of Marcell’s arrest the amount he had placed to the credits of each was between four and five thousand dollars.
It should be understood that the transaction in no manner criminally involves LeFaivre or Marston. They simply bought the one on the Chicago the other on the Kansas City board of trade, or sold for Marcell, acting as his agent, a legitimate transaction.Bank Examiner Exposes Marcell
Bank Examiner Davis examined the Highland Bank February 1891. He found evidence on the bank books that the cashier, Marcell, was dealing in the bucket shops in Kansas City. He made his report to the Bank commissioner and he wrote the president of the Highland Bank explaining about as follows: The personal account of J. E. Marcell on the bank books have been showing an average deposit of $2000 or $3000. On a certain date in the previous December this amount was increased by a deposit of $32,000 sent by Marston from Kansas City, and evidently the proceeds of a cleanup in a buck’s shop deal. The bank commissioner demanded that a meeting of all the directors be called at once that his letter be read to the directors that Marcell be obliged to cease such operations or be discharged as cashier. The commissioner, in due time, received a reply, purporting to come from H. Dillon, president of the bank. This letter stated a meeting of directors had been held, that they positively denied any connection of the cashier with the board of trade and expressed complete confidence in him. We understand however, that Mr. Dillon and Mr. Overlander both deny ever receiving or replying to such letters. If so, then Marcell cleverly deceived the bank Commissioner.Has Made a Killing
It was a current report this week that Marcell had just closed his wheat deal on the board of trade and cleaned up some sixty or ninety thousand dollars. Some say more and some less. Just how much truth there is in the rumor cannot be ascertained. Yet it is almost certain that Marcell’s holdings are large. This heavy recent investment in options may account for the necessity of floating so much “Marcell paper” with the banks of the country. “If Macell had been left alone for a few weeks,” remarked a man who knows something about his board of trade deals, “he would have realized enough to have called in is bogus paper and come out all right.” There is no doubt Marcell has been in a close pinch several times before, for his connection with the board of trade extends back many years.Dillon and Overlander Moving
H. Dillon and G. W. Overlander are both leaving their elegant homes in the city and moving out onto one of their farms. Mr. Dillon to the farm occupied by his son, John R. Dillon, and Overlander to the place occupied by his son-in-law, M. S. Peck. They expect thus, if the worst should follow, and they should lose their property, to retain a homestead of 160 acres. At present they cannot tell whether or not the bank’s failure and their signatures to notes and guarantees will cause their financial ruin.
We have been unable to procure a list of the amount of supposed forged paper issued by Marcell. However L. Degginger holds Marcell’s forged notes for between $3000 and $4000, G. W. Overlander for $2500. The following hold notes which are probably all forgeries: First National Bank of St. Joseph $32,000, St. Louis Bank $40,000, Chicago Bank $25,000, Atchison parties $55,000. Kansas City banks, Atchison banks and other parties also hold Marcell’s notes. $200,000 of bogus notes is a conservative estimate. They may reach $300,000.An Instance of Marcell’s Nerve
The following story will illustrate that Marcell began his forgery several years ago, that he then had plenty of nerve and was also willing to skin a poor, honest boy for all he could.
In 1899 Marcell approached a young man of this vicinity with the statement that he knew a man who wanted to borrow $750 and would pay 8 per cent interest. The young man didn’t have that much money but said he could borrow enough to make the loan. Marcell got the $750 and gave him a note signed by J. M. Corbett, a good and substantial farmer living three and a half miles south of Highland. Every year Marcell promptly paid the interest, remarking that Mr. Corbett had just been in and left some money for him. Occasionally a part of the principal would be paid in addition and the young man had no suspicions. A few days ago he got to thinking-what if the note is a forgery. He took the note and went to Mr. Corbett. Corbett had never borrowed the money and at once declared it a forgery, went before Justice Hiskey and took an oath to that effect. Joe Corbett’s word is good. The young man’s experience cost him about $500._________________________________________
It is noteworthy that the tutor of J. E. Marcell, who wrecked the Highland Bank, is the same man who handled Black Mountain to the ruin of Frank Harpster. Marcell was the cashier of the Beeler bank that failed several years ago. When the failure came on, Marcell reorganized and proceeded to do the thing over on a much larger scale. Marcell was educated in the financial school of ruin. Frank Harpster got touched up and tainted with the same ideas. The one (Marcell) was an apt student while Harpster was what might be termed a good hearted victim and an “easy mark.”-Wathena Times
______________________________________________
The Highland Yell
Trust
Bust
Marcell
Hell --Wathena RepublicanFrom Pryor Plank
To the editor of the Vidette
In your list last week of the depositors caught in the Highland Bank failure you overlooked some two or three in this neighborhood one of whom a widow, Mrs. Mathena, had $800 all the money she had and Isaac Hays, a farmer, had $450 and Mrs. John A. Jackson Jr., is said to have had $100.
It is amazing that such gigantic and wide spread frauds as this bank failure has brought to light could be perpetrated in a community reared in a shadow of an institution of learning designed among other things to guard people against such rascality. Pryor PlankWe call Mr. Plank’s attention to the fact that the Vidette did not obtain a list of the time deposits. Perhaps Mrs. Mathena’s deposit was such. Also that we printed only a list of deposits of $100 or more. And even then, the amount of deposit does not always indicate the total loss. Some held checks or drafts on the bank which does not appear on list of deposits.
An education does not always enable a man to detect a fraud. This cashier came from the country and of honest parentage. His raising was all right. People are more apt to trust a home person than a stranger. No one, whether educated, clever or a fool, is very apt to suspect a sane man of being guilty of wholesale forgery. This thought was beyond the pale of imagination. It is said that honest people suspect the least. Yet, after all, Marcell was suspected to the extent of getting scarcely more than half the deposits he would have had, if people had absolute confidence in him. People didn’t trust Marcell because they knew he did not always adhere strictly to Scriptural truth. But people did have a reasonable excuse for trusting the bank because two conservative moneyed men, H. Dillon and G. W. Overlander were behind it. People didn’t suppose these two men could be fooled.January 28, 1904 Front page
Attorney For Receiver Appointed
Alcid Bowers of Troy was appointed attorney for the receiver. He arrived in Highland Monday in company with Receiver C. V. Norman. They had been busy this week sending out notices to parties who have notes due at the bank. They find that a great many notes are overdue. They have also given their attention to locating and gathering up the notes of the bank which were given out by Marcell as security for his loans. There are several who hold notes of that character.
Attorney Bowers left yesterday for Oklahoma to collect a note due the bank. He will also stop off in southern Kansas on his return.
The bond given by the receiver is $25,000.Another Preliminary
The preliminary trial of J. E. Marcell for alleged forgery of a note with the signature of O. D. Moore is set for trail before Justice Hiskey in Highland tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. This charge is on the warrant sworn out by O. D. Moore. It is not at all certain that Marcell will appear for trial. At his preliminary in Troy last week no aggressive effort was made by his attorneys to defend him and it is hardly probable an effort to disprove the charge of O. D. Moore would be successful. If the trail is held it will probably take a good sized room to accommodate the crowd that would like to witness the trial.______________________________________________
Reports from Troy are to the effect that J. E. Marcell eats well, sleeps well, looks well and smiles pleasantly. That his barber comes to the jail from two to three times a week, at 50 cents per, and gives him a nice clean shave. He has had a rest from business cares and looks better than for a long time. So evidently remorse or fear of a preliminary sentence does not gnaw at his vitals. Such nerve is certainly phenomenal. It is also said that he promises to any anxious inquirer that depositors will be paid off and that he’ll be cleared. He made the same promise and statement, however, the second day after his arrest and for some reason, the anxious depositors are losing faith in the promise of being paid off.
We are informed that on the night following Marcell’s arrest and release on bond, when he was at work on the books in the bank that the accounts to the credit of LeFaivre and Marston were not switched to his personal account or to that of any of the officers but was withdrawn by means of checks bearing their signature. However the manner in which the credits were taken from the books is immaterial. The fact that the credits were not left on the books the same as other depositors is evidence that Marcell had some connection with them and naturally leads to the conclusion the Vidette draws-that Marcell operated on the board of trade. However there is no longer any uncertainty on that point. Our informant also says that Marcell did not place these accounts to their credit but that the deposits were made by the two parties directly. However it matter little technically how the accounts were handled. The deposits might have been made by these parties and still been furnished originally by Marcell.It is reported that Sheriff Ramsey served an attachment on the land of H. Dillon and G. W. Overlander yesterday in favor of D. C. Newcomb and C. D. Walker of Atchison who hold Marcell’s paper.
February 4, 1904 front page
Marcell’s Second Preliminary
The trail of J. E. Marcell before Justice Hiskey in Highland last Friday was of short duration. Marcell was present and his attorney Atwood, of Leavenworth, was with him. The trial was in the Woodman hall and a large crowd of spectators was assembled. When court was called, Marcell waived a preliminary trial and was bound over for trail in the district court. This is the third count against Marcell and was on the charge of forgery brought by O. D. Moore. Marcell was accompanied by Sheriff Ramsey and spent a few hours at his home in Highland. He was taken back to Troy the same evening. While in Highland he did not seem at all depressed but spoke pleasantly and shook hands with the people. Among those he met was Clyde Degginger. Marcell extended his hand. Clyde stuck his hands in his pocket, shook his head and replied, “I don’t’ want to shake hands with you.”Marcell Into Bankruptcy
There was a lot of attorneys and bankers in Highland Tuesday, representative of parties in St. Louis, St. Joseph, Kansas City and Holton. We understand the purpose of the attorneys was considering the advisability of forcing J. E. Marcell into bankruptcy. By this plan all creditors would share alike or proportionately. If some creditors are allowed judgment on his property, those who fail to get in early would get nothing.
It is now claimed that J. E. Marcell, of Highland, the modern Jim, the Penman, had a scheme under way when he was jailed for forgery, beside which all other operations pale into insignificance. It is claimed from a reliable source that Marcell was preparing to negotiate a loan of a million dollars from the Shoe and Leather National Bank of New York, and that he was preparing to put up “collateral” in the sum of two million dollars as security. The collateral was to consist of mortgages on Northeastern Kansas land, and it is understood that negotiations had progressed so far that the New York institution had notified Marcell that its representative would shortly visit Highland. The story goes that a trunk full of worthless mortgages has been found since. Marcell’s arrest.__Atchison Globe (While the Vidette has heard rumors of that million dollar deal, the trunk full of mortgages business is probably nothing but clever fiction.)
______________________________________Every report concerning J. E. Marcell, the Highland banker, makes the people of Highland more indignant. He refuses to worry and is growing fat on jail board and rest. A barber calls three times a week to shave him at fifty cents per, while many men are shaving themselves or going without a shave since the bank failed. Marcell’s refusal to be disturbed is equivalent to rubbing salt on a sore spot.___Atchison Globe
February 11, 1904 front page
About Marcell
J. E. Marcell had a third preliminary trial Monday. This was on complaint of W. H. Noble for forging his name to two notes, one for $2500 the other for $1400. The hearing was before the Justice court at Troy. Marcell waived preliminary trial and was bound over to district court in the sum of $5000. He is now held under a total of $40,000 bonds.
In talking with Receiver Norman and Attorney Bowers we gather that there is a good prospect for the depositors recovering a good per cent of the deposits. Bowers believes that if Marcell had not been permitted to enter the bank the night following his arrest, depositors would have recovered all. There is grounds for the belief that Marcell has taken out of the bank about $30,000 of the bank’s notes, converting them to his own use. There is but $49,000 worth of notes in the bank (and many of them considered practically worthless) while the books seem to show there ought to be about $80,000 worth.
It will be remembered that when the Atchison bank discovered they had $20,000 of bogus notes they came to Highland and compelled Marcell to cough up the equivalent in good notes. The notes given to take up the bogus ones are thought to be good notes held as assets by the bank.
Attorney Bowers says there is enough evidence on a variety of charges to send Marcell to the pen for 1000 years. County Attorney Brewster figures that on a minimum sentence on each count he believes Marcell is good for 100 years behind the bars.
The full extent and enormity of Marcell’s crookedness is not yet realized. Every day brings forth more startling evidence of his rascality. The bank books were manipulated in such a way that it is very difficult to trace his transactions. One instance however, is brought to light of a $1,500 note given to him personally which he turned over as an asset of the bank, taking credit for the amount on his own private account and later selling the same note to a local money lender for face value or better.February 18, 1904 front page
About Marcell’s Nerve
A reporter for the Topeka Capital was here last week and interviewed Marcell. According to the reporter’s story, Marcell says he is a much abused man-that his recent arrest and the stories sent to the papers about him are only part of a conspiracy to ruin him. He says he had no million dollar deal with New York banks in sight and adds that the wrecked bank’s creditors and depositors will be paid in full. He also denies that he has made any $90,000 in wheat since he has been in jail-Troy Chief
Marcell evidently represents himself as injured innocence. What phenomenal gall. In the eye of every man he stands an already convicted criminal. Now that he is discovered the charges against him are so many and varied that escape from the penitentiary seems impossible. He has robbed the community. His best friends he victimized the most. “The conspiracy to ruin him” was laid by himself and executed by himself. He has no one but himself to blame. When he opened for business he had the same chance with others to make an honest living, be respected and happy. He chose the dishonest way, managed to keep his unlawful transactions from the public for a while but he is now reaping the whirlwind. Those from whom in his present hour of need he might have had help and sympathy, he has basely betrayed and robbed. “The stories sent to the papers about him” are mild in comparison to what they might be if all his crookedness was known and could be printed. The idea of Marcell being a “much abused man” is so absurd as to cause a wooden image to grin.February 25, 1904 front page
Law Suits Beginning
Many suits growing out of the Marcell forgeries and bank failure have been filed in the various courts and as the days go by the number will increase.
Receiver Norman will take the position that the notes, or at least the majority of them, given out by Marcell as collateral on his loans are the property of the bank. That Marcell had no right to use the bank notes in this way and that the transaction is therefore illegal. Hence suits will be entered against the maker and holder of such notes as soon as they become due.
Attorney Bowers, representing the Receiver, has brought the following suits in the district court:
Against T. G. Hutt, The Atchison Savings Bank and the Interstate National Bank of Kansas City, one suit for $10,000 and a similar suit for $2,000. These two notes were given by Mr. Hutt to Marcell who turned them over to the Atchison Bank as collateral on a loan. This bank turned the notes over to the Kansas City bank, and becoming due, Mr. Hutt paid them. The Kansas City bank is sued for recovery of the money paid.
A suit against J. B. Dutton and the Pioneer Trust Company of Kansas City on a $3,000 note now due. Dutton as the maker of the note is made party in the suit.
Three suits against L. Degginger on notes as follows: J. O. Marcell, $1,000; Will Walters, $1,000; Boyd Synnamon, $1,000.
One against J. M. Seaver on note for $190.
Also suit in the probate court against estate of B. A. Seaver for $1,100 notes signed by B. A. Seaver.
The Merchants National Bank of St. Louis has entered suit in United States court against J. E. Marcell, Receiver C. V. Norman and all the directors and stockholders of the bank for $40,064. Their suit is in the federal court since it is between citizens of different states. This is also the bank which filed a petition in the United States court to have Marcell declared as bankrupt which will in all probability be done.
Mr. Newcomb of Atchison has filed suit in the district court against the directors, J. E. Marcell and the Bank of Highland for $17,000.
The St. Louis and Atchison parties represented by Newcomb hold paper alleged to be forgeries. By alleged guarantees, etc., they will attempt to recover the value of paper they hold.From the Troy Chief
Mrs. J. E. Marcell visited her husband in jail here Monday. It is the first time she had visited him since he was brought here to jail six weeks ago for bank wrecking and forgery.March 10, 1904 pg. 4, 2nd column
It is said that J. E. Marcell no longer laughs. Now that is much better. After being duped and defrauded, a community doesn’t like to be laughed at, especially by the man who caused the ruin. When we heard that Marcell blew smoke out of ten cent cigars, smiled pleasantly and laughed merrily in the presence of Highland people who went to the jail to see him, any sympathy for him was killed. But if he has quit laughing it shows some evidence at least of sincere thoughtfulness. One would naturally suppose that a man who had voluntarily blighted his own career and slapped his home community in the face would have no stomach for laughter.April 7, 1904 front page
For a Change of Venue
Effort will be made by the attorneys of J. E. Marcell to secure a change of venue from the district court of Doniphan County to some other judicial district, possibly Atchison. An Atchison attorney visited Highland last week to secure signatures to a petition to be presented to this court praying for a change of venue. The argument used was that on account of the prejudice against Marcell, he could not get a fair trail in this court. The attorney was a man of striking appearance and a clever talker. He induced several to sign the petition, after thorough consideration, most of them were sorry they had signed and will write the county attorney that their signature to petition is not to be considered. We understand that the clever attorney is going over the county to procure signatures to the petition. There is very little probability that Judge Stuart will grant a change of venue. There is no reason why the judge should be prejudiced. And no reason why a perfectly fair jury cannot be empanelled which will give Marcell a fair hearing. It is sad comment if Marcell really believes his acts are so atrocious that men cannot be found in this county who are not prejudiced against him. Taking the case to another court would only involve more expense for this county, and infinitely more trouble, expense and loss of time for the witnesses as well. The prosecution of the Marcell cases will cost the county and the tax payers enough as it is.
Marcell should have a perfectly fair trail. He is guaranteed that right under our bully constitution. But if he can’t get justice in the county where he was born and raised under a judge, the peer of any in Kansas, he can’t get justice anywhere else.Marcell Case in Federal Court
Topeka Capital-The docket for the federal court , which will convene here April 11, is about completed. There will be forty-eight cases, criminal and civil. One of the cases which will be of interest is that of the Merchant’s National Bank of St. Louis against J. E. Marcell, the Highland bank cashier.
This case is brought about by the attorneys for the bank attempting to throw Marcell into involuntary bankruptcy. His attorneys allege that there is nothing in the charges made in the petition, which showed that any of the acts of bankruptcy law had been violated, and they demanded a jury. It is very seldom that a bankruptcy case gets a jury trial, and for this reason the case is attracting some interest.Brought Suit Against Directors
Herman Brudern who made a deposit in the Bank of Highland a few hours before its doors were closed has brought suit against the directors for the bank receiving money when known to be in a failing condition.Pg 4, column 3
Attorneys Atwood of Leavenworth and Reeder of Troy were in Highland Tuesday in the interest of J. E. Marcell. They are trying to have Marcell’s trial postponed or taken before some other court. They argue that if Marcell is convicted and sentenced, that the depositors and creditors will stand no show of getting anything but that if Marcell can be kept from going to the pen a compromise or settlement may be reached. In answer to the question why such a settlement has not been affected in the three months since his arrest, the reply is made that all the property of Marcell and directors is tied up in court by attachment suits, etc. It is said that if Marcell’s bond can be reduced he has three relatives who are ready to sign his bond, though the mortgaging of all their property be necessary. And if Marcell can be let out on bond he will be enabled to better straighten matters and arrange for a settlement of claims against the bank. The Vidette takes little stock in all this talk but we print it for what it is worth.
April 14, 1904 front page
Marcell’s Trail Postponed
On account of the illness of his attorney, J. H. Atwood of Leavenworth, the trial of J. E. Marcell has been postponed until April 25th. Marcell is not looking so well after his three months confinement in jail. If Marcell could manage to get a settlement of the claims of the depositors and creditors of the bank, there is no doubt but what it would mitigate the feeling against him and help him in his trial. It would cause a sentiment in his favor that would help him at the trial and bring him the sympathy of home people.April 21, 1904 front page
Adjudged A Bankrupt
Some time ago the Merchants National Bank of St. Louis filed papers forcing J. E. Marcell, the Highland bank cashier, into involuntary bankruptcy. Marcell through his attorneys filed an answer, stating that the allegation set out in petition were not true and that he was not a bankrupt. He called for a jury trial. His attorneys withdrew the answer and Marcell was adjudged a bankrupt.April 28, 1904 front page
Two Suits Against Marcell
Topeka, Kan., April 25-Two suits were filed against J. E. Marcell, the defaulting Highland banker, in the federal court today. One was for $63,650 and the other was for $12,403.
The first is brought by the First National Bank of St. Joseph, for guaranteeing paper for Marcell, and the second by the Merchant’s National Bank of St. Louis on promissory notes.
The Merchant’s bank has also another suit against Marcell, one for $40,000 on the same cause. It was filed at Leavenworth some time ago.
Marcell is in jail at Troy. His codefendants in the suits brought this morning are Charles V. Norman, receiver; H. Dillon, president; C. L. Marcell, vice-president and G. W. Overlander, director-Kansas City JournalMay 5, 1904 front page
Marcell Property Deeded to Bank
Shortly after J. E. Marcell was arrested on the charge of forgery, he deeded to the directors all his real estate and personal property, except his home in Highland. This property consists of the Barber County ranch and cattle, a farm in this county and lots in Highland. It is reported at the time that the purpose of this transfer was to save the depositors, that the proceeds of the sale of his property should go to the assets of the bank to help pay depositors.
Since then J. E. Marcell has been force into bankruptcy. The directors realized they could not hold the property on ordinary grounds and probably not even though it was deeded them in trust for the depositors. They therefore deeded all this property over to C.V. Norman as receiver. The value of the property is estimated at nearly $50,000. Mr. Norman will fight in the courts for the retention of this property on the ground that it properly belongs to the depositors.
The banks holding Marcell’s forged paper and which will doubtless secure judgment against him will, of course, fight the validity of these transfers of Marcell’s property, the depositors can feel reasonably certain of being paid in full.Not Crazy
Troy Chief-A squib to the effect that J. E. Marcell is showing signs of insanity is going the rounds of the newspapers. If Marcell is getting nutty there is no one in this neck of the woods who is cognizant of it. If given the opportunity he could probably “feenance” successfully the affairs of all the newspapers which are claiming that he is crazy and give the editors pointers on how to handle a pen. Handling a pen, however is what is probably going to put him in the pen.May 12, 1904 front page
Marcell Bankruptcy Case
The principal creditors of the J. E. Marcell bankruptcy case are: the Merchant’s Nation Bank of St. Joseph, $52,470; First National Bank of Buchanan County, St. Joseph, $60,900; National Bank of St. Joseph, $15,000; Bank of Highland, $12,000; City National Bank Kansas City, $29,200. The assets are $2,200 in cash and about $30,000 worth of real estate claimed by the Bank of Highland. The business of J. C. Misse, trustee for Marcell’s property, will be mostly in the Federal Court at Topeka. If C. V. Norman is unable to hold the real estate deeded to the bank, then Mr. Misse will have considerable property to handle and dispose of. He gave a cash bond of $10,000 furnished by a bond company.May 19, 1904 front page
About the Marcell Case
In the Marcell case a jury was secured Wednesday morning. The names of the jurymen are as follows: William Silver, Burr Oak Township; John Humphrey, Washington; Emil Haas, Center; George Hanson, Wolf River; J. A. Gillen, Union; Clarence O. Dehart, Washington; L. N. Linder, Marion; John Tucker, Marion; Frank Denton, Union; Abe Baker, Wayne; John Alfrey, Iowa. About 85 men were called to the jury box before a jury was selected.
S. M. Brewster was the first witness called on part of the state. He testified as to the genuine signature of J. E. Marcell. He was followed on the stand by Thos. G. Hutt the complaining witness who testified as to the forgeries of the firm name of Hutt & Shonyo.
Much interest is being shown in the trail and every seat in the court room is filled. The defense has indicated somewhat of their line of battle. It is discovered that in every genuine holder is given the authority to renew the same without notice. It will be claimed that the paper denied by Hutt was simply a renewal and that Marcell had the power of attorney granted him in the body of each note and therefore could be guilty of no wrong.Later-This morning the news from Troy is that the testimony was all in on both sides and the arguments were finished about 11 o’clock. They are now waiting the verdict of the jury.
May 26, 1904 pg. 5, 4th column
Hung Jury
The jury in the first of the Marcell cases failed to agree after being out 48 hours. On the first trail vote the jury is said to have stood nine for conviction and three for acquittal. After a time the vote stood 11 to 1. The juryman who stood out for acquittal is John Alfrey of near Highland Station, the only Iowa Township juryman who qualified on the jury. He failed to vote with the other eleven and the jury was finally discharged.
John Alfrey is now in jail on the charge of perjury. There are several witnesses to prove that prior to the trail he expressed his opinions regarding J. E. Marcell and the case. To qualify as a juror it was necessary to testify that he had not expressed an opinion in the case. He is held for preliminary trail May 28 on a $1000 bond.
The trail was void of anything of a startling nature. The prosecution put only a few witnesses on the stand. The case was the one by Hutt & Shonyo claiming the forgery of a $10,000 note which Marcell had given the Atchison bank and containing their signatures. The defense had not witnesses. Marcell was defended by the two supposed best lawyers in the state. Atwood of Leavenworth and Waggoner of Atchison and also Reeder of Troy. They made great speeches to the jury, enlarging on technicalities in connection with the evidence introduced. Their main argument consisted in the claim that unless the time and place of the commitment of the forgery could be proven, Marcell could not be convicted. They also worked on the sympathy of the jury to the fullest extent. Brewster seemed not the least bit alarmed by the presence of the big lawyers and held his own easily. All the evidence and speech making was completed in one day.
The same case will come up for trial again today. The east end of the county has been scoured to secure a second jury.June 2, 1904 front page
Marcell Pleads Guilty
The second trial of J. E. Marcell had a sensational ending last Friday. The last witnesses had been examined when Marcell’s lawyer entered a plea of guilty on all five counts for forgery against him.
Judge Stuart gave his sentence at once, the sentence being from one to seven years on each count, in all from five to thirty-five years in the penitentiary. Under the new law the judge does not fix the sentence. After five years, Marcell stands a show of being released. The costs in all cases were assessed against Marcell but as he is a bankrupt, only a small per cent of the costs can be paid and the county will have to bear the rest.
The plea of guilty saves the county the heavy expense of the prosecution of the other four cases against him. The total amount of forgery charged in these four cases was $33,000.
His wife and mother were in the court room when the plea of guilty was entered. All were greatly affected. While Mr. Marcell did not seem greatly affected in the court room he has frequently broken down of late and wept.
Highland has a great deal of pity for Marcell. What might have been an honorable and prosperous career is ruined. With his business ability and a correct moral balance he would have been one of the most respected and in time perhaps one of the wealthiest citizens of the community.
He was taken to Leavenworth on Tuesday to begin his sentence. The jail at Troy is not a desirable place in which to stay and he was anxious to get away.What Will Depositors Get?
What amount the depositors of the lamented Bank of Highland will get depends upon two things, these being as to whether the banks holding forged paper will get judgment against the bank and whether as receiver Norman will be able to hold title to the $40,000 worth of Marcell property deeded him. The receiver has now collected about $40,000 and has some $28,000 yet to collect. He has also an equity in an Atchison bank of $10,000. The total liabilities of the bank are about $80,000. If it were not for those outside claims therefore depositors could be paid in full.
But if Norman fails to hold the Marcell property and if the outside claimants get judgment against the bank, the depositors will get less than 25 per cent. Unless depositors are paid in full they are almost certain to bring action in the courts against the directors of the bank on the charge that they are liable to the depositors for neglect of duty in not thoroughly investigating the business methods and actual financial condition of the bank.June 9, 1904 pg. 4, 2nd column
Appraised at $70,500
Deputy U.S. Marshal, Mike McGrath, who visited Highland last week attached the real estate property of H. Dillon, C. L. Marcell and G.W. Overlander, directors of the bank. W. S. Faust, C. E. Miller and Frank Troxel assessed the valuation of the property at $70,500. The attachment is in favor of the First National Bank of St. Joseph who holds a claim alleged to be secured by the directors to the amount of $62,000. The property seized consists of 640 acres of farm land belonging to G.W. Overlander and also his residence and brick store building now occupied by Morton’s drugstore. The upper story of this building, the Odd Fellow’s Hall is not the property of Mr. Overlander. His brick house near the Congregational Church and the farm occupied by W. S. Peck were not attached. There are two quarters on the Peck farm and Mr. Overlander will claim as his homestead the one containing the buildings. Doubtless the other quarter will be attached later. The late residence property in town of H. Dillon and 220 acres of farm land was attached. The west quarter section of land of C. L. Marcell was attached. The farm upon which Mr. Marcell lives contains less than 160 acres. If the worst comes, each director will save their homestead, which explains why Mr. Dillon and Mr. Overlander each moved to their best farm shortly after the bank’s failure.Pg. 4, 3rd column
Works at Tailoring
J. E. Marcell has commenced prison life at Lansing and has been assigned to the tailoring department and is working under Emmet Dalton. His health was poor and it was decided to give him light work. Report says he will not be made prison clerk over older prisoners, many of whom want these places. Dalton who was a bank robber is an expert tailor and cutter. He generally fits suits for the officers. Marcell is at present “wetting down” cloth and measuring. He will not operate a sewing machine for some time.
This editor feels sorry for Marcell. Before his confession and sentence feeling at Highland was bitter against him as the people feared that on a technicality of some kind Marcell might escape punishment. But now that he has confessed, has been sentenced and is serving in the penitentiary there is usually only sorrow and pity expressed for him. Money became his absorbing passion and to get it he sacrificed honor. He must have known that a crash must eventually come and the stupendous nerve that sustained him was great. Perhaps he thought a luck stroke on wheat would have given him enough to call in all forged paper. If such had happened and he had ceased forging he might have continued as banker and the people would never have been the wiser.Of special note from Cindy Marcell’s family research-
The “bank family” was innocent of charges and involvement though it appears their trust in Everett Marcell led the bank to fail through his misdeeds.
H. Dillon, president of bank, was Harrison Dillon, father of Everett’s wife Mattie Dillon Marcell.
G. W. Overlander, a director of the bank, was George Washington Overlander, father of Everett’s sister-in-law Mary Virginia "Jean" Overlander Marcell.
C. L. Marcell, vice-president of bank, was Charles Louis Marcell Jr., father of Everett Marcell.
L. L. Marcell, a cashier at bank till 3 months before Everett was caught, was Louis Lee Marcell, brother to Everett Marcell.
Howard Dillon, assistant cashier at bank, was brother-in-law to Everett Marcell
C. F. Herzing, no relationship known with Everett Marcell.“W. S. Faust, C. E. Miller and Frank Troxel assessed the valuation of the (bank) property at $70,500” June 1904. C. E. Miller is Curtis Erffmeyer Miller, brother-in-law to Everett Marcell.
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Cindy, I just found the article where it says he got a pardon from the Governor and will be released February 25, 1908 then I went further and found in June of 1909 he gets discovered again in Kansas City for forgery. I am getting to that part now, so will send the stuff from the papers in a few days after I do some more digging. It says that he told his wife and children goodbye and would never see them again. This is when I think he went to California and went by the names James A. Woodbury and remarried (while never getting a divorce from the first one) I know that the Kansas City firm trys to sue his wife Mattie for the money he swindled, so I will get all of that info as well. Tina Murphy, Troy Librarian
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1910 2-Wd Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Maystrik, Anton 53 widowed m @24 Boh Boh Boh immig 1860 bricklayer
Agnes dau 18 NE NE Bohemia Boh dressmaker
Bessie dau 16 NE
next door- (could this be a brother to Anton???)
Maystrick, Fred V. 48 m1 27 Bohemiah Boh Boh bricklayer
Mary wife 48 m1 27 8 6 NE Boh Boh
Edward R. son 19 NE Boh OH bricklayer
Frank R. son 13 NE Boh OH
Clara dau 8 NE Boh IL1930 Highland, Sarpy, Nebraska Federal Census, transcribed by Cindy Marcell
Yost, Herman F. own 7000 40 m 24 NE Germany Germany Cooper at Packing House
Agnes M. wife 38 m 22 NE Czech Czech
Phyllis dau 13 NE
Maystrick, Anton J. fa-in-law 73 widowed Czech Czech Czech immig 1865
Could he be Anton MEJSTRICK? or MEJSTERICK?Omaha, Nebraska Directories, 1889-90 Record
Anton Maystrick 2009 S 20th bricklayer