The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1889-04-12
AR.d C..hi.r Wrecks . Rank.

The doors of the First National bank OF
Anoka. Minn., are closed. The cashier il in
Canada. There il q woman in the case, and
she is as handsome as she is wicked. T.. T.
Pratt. cashier OF the First National Bank of
Anoka: went to Minneapolis week ago last
Thursday, complaining that he was nnwell.
On Saturday he telephoned to the assistant
cashier about some matters of business, and
to the inquiry as to the condition of his
health jokingly remarked, ~ am sick nbed
and looking tor Watchers" lie is still look.
ing. On Friday the bank officials were
startled by notice from the Merchants
Bank Of st. Paul that the account of the
First National was Overdrawn $4,000. A
trusty messenger was at once dispatched to
st. Paul to investigate, and the discovery
was made that Pratt had drawn out about
$4,000 due the bank and over twice as
much more on his cashiers cheek
The examineIwas notified ofthe situation,
and in company with the cashier of the
Minneapolis bank expert gave hasty
overhauling Of the affairs. Enough was
learned to show that matters were in a bnd
mess, and that Pratt is thief to the
amount of nearly 100000. Not knowing
whom or where the end might he. the dircc-
tors concluded to place the bank in the eands
Of the bank examiner, and he will appoint
business 1t is Impossible to tell how great
has been Pratt's villany, as the bank u cor
respondent in both Chicago and New York
allowed it to overdraw to the amount OF
$15, 900. 1t is probable that he has drawn
to the full limit of both banks. They have
been telegraphe1 to refuse payment on all
he raised about &3O,00O on his personal
note endorsed by Mrs. NelIan, un aged wid-
ow living III Dayton, who trusted Pratt TO
manage her business matters to large ex-
tent. Last summer the good people of
Anoka were shocked and Mortified to learn
that Pratt had been on dangerously inti-
mate terms with handsome young woman
of doubtful antecedents, and who, it was
said was supported by Pratt. The scandal
became public property when Pratt's vile,
highly esteemed lady, took her two children
and removed to Boston, where her brother
lived. Gossip said the young lady, who was
reported to be grass widow, was in deli
cate condition. Soon after the wife left the
said she was in Minneapolis and soon
bright-eyed little stranger appeared on the
scene. Pratt made weekly visits to Mime
apolis, and there il every reason to believe
that the woman and their illegitimate child
are now receiving brevet husbands aud
fathers care in some Canadian retrent.
Pratt'managed bis rascality very cleveny.
nho uo IaT dS ~ "ds pobstu" W iedIh III Tue
limited time for Investigation the books Of
the bank appeared oil right on their face
He had made no entry of the checks on the
Merchants hank at st. Paul.
The capital stock was $4,000. Most of
the holders were local business men, the
heaviest losers being A.C. Frauman, f. L.
Reed, c. T. Woodbury., W. Hammons. d. G.
Durham and II. Peck Of Minneapolis.
Pratt has been an intimate friend of Gov.
Merriam for years, having both been former.
ly connected with the old State Bank Of
Anoka. Pratt some time ago disposed Of
all his real estate. and leaves nothing behind
hut All accursed name and many defrauded
victims, Who can i'll afford to stand the loss
that will fall unto them.