Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-06-08
Extensive FORGERY CASE.
Vermont Banks Heavy
E< Losers
THE FoReER ARRESTED AND LODGED
IN RUTLAND JAIL.

Mr.. n. g. Copeland, Cashier OF the First
National Bank Of Brandon, made discov-
cries on Wednesday, May 31st, which
implicated James E. Sawyer, of Whiting
Station, in series of forgeries OF paper
at that bank.
Sawyer, 1t seems, has been in the habit
for several years past of borrowing con-
siderable money of the First National
Bank of Brandon, Offering notes purport-
ing to be signed by two or three parties
in each case, we'll known to the directors
of the bank, and these notes were invarl-
ably discounted for him. The notes
when due were paid in full, or in part, or
renewed when they came due, and every
thing went smoothly for the forger until
last wednesday, May 31st, when Cashier
Copeland, thinking Mr.. Sawyer was using
considerable money, made some inquiries
If Mr.. F. Ellsworth, one of the parties
whose name was frequently signed on
notes. about the responsibility of Sawyer
Mr.. Ellsworth replied be knew nothing
obout il. The bank officer thought this
s,ranpe aud remarked so to Mr.. Ellsworth,
and told him that he should think that
he would know about the means OF a man
who he was Hedging his credit for. This
brouoht the matter to focus suddenly
Mr.. Ellsworth was shown the notes, and
denied all the signatures. Writs were
Immediately made, and N. I Sprague, Jr''
ESQ. President of tho Bank, with
Officer Buttles proceeded.to Whiting and
arrested Sawyer, and he was brought to
Brandon and held in custody for two
nights and a day, during which time Mr.
Copeland got confession reluctantly
made, showing that the transactions were
not confined to his bank alone but had
been extented to several other banks.
Sawyer was brought before Hon. Ezra
June, for examination on complaint Of
the First National Bank of Brandon and
was put uEder bonds of $4,000, for trial al
the next county court, in default OF which
he was committed yesterday to the HUT
land Jail by officer Buttles of Brandon.
The other banks who are losers, vii
probably make complaints against him
and his bail be increased in amount.
The losses so far as discovered vii
amount to the various banks on paper
forged by Mr.. Sawyer, as follows:
First National Bank of Brandon, $4,000
Brandon National Bank, 2,lOI
First National Bank of Orwell, 1,6OC
National Bank of Middlebury, 1,5OC
Vergennes National Bank, 8Ot
Cashier Copeland showed the HERALI
reporter a large package of forged notes
which have been paid by Sawyer, by re
repeated renewals, or money borrowed o
one bank on forged paper to pay another
which the prisoner unwillingll
gave up, amounting it was stated t.
over $4,000.
The names forged were A. f. Ellis
worth, Philo Jewett, A. d. Hayward
Abiiah stearns. Isaac Stearns and Atel
Ketchum. All of these parties beinl
considerered responsible, all the bank
readily discounted their purPorted paper
Sawyer is a blacksmith and wheel
wright by trade, and keeps hotel a
Whiting, we learn, and has wifi
and five children, with little or n
means. He does not give any satisfac
tory account of what he has done wit
most of the money he has received. 1t
thought he must have an accomplice
has lost by gambling, or has secreted tn
money.