New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-08
STEALING ALL HE COULD.
A MINNESOTA CASHIER TAKES REFUGE m
TILE DOMINION.
TEMPTED BY WOMAN. HE DISAPPEARS wTTR
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THs TnIBUxE.l

tBr TELEGRAPH TO THs ThBUxEl
St Paul, April 1.-THE cashier Of the Firs1
National Bank of Anoka Mimi, is in Canada.
f. +. Pratt, the cashier, went TO
Minneapolis a week ago last Thursday,
complaining that he was unweil. On
Saturday he telephoned to the assistant cashier
about some matters of business, and to the in
quiry as to the condition of his health, iokingly
replied:
- am sick abed, and looking for Watchers
On Friday the bank officials were startled by
notice from the Merchants Bank of ST Paul
that the account of the First National was over
drawn $4,000 A trusty messenger was at oncs
sent to ST. Paul. and the discovery was
made that Pratt had drawn out about
$4,000 due the bank and over twice ss
much more on his cashiers check. The bank ex-
aminer was informed, and in company with the
cashier Of the Merchants National Bank Of 81
Paul and Minneapolis bank expert gave
hasty overhauling of the affairs. Enough was
learned to show that matters were in bad mess,
and that Pratt is thief to the amount of nearly
100000 The directors concluded to place the
bank in the hands Of the bank examiner, and he
will appoint receiver TO settle the affairs and
close up the business 1t is impossible to tell how
great has been Pratts villany, as the banks cor
respondents in Chicago and New-York allowed it
to Overdraw to the amount Of $4,000. 1t Is
probable that he has drawn to the full limit
They have been telegraphed to refuse payment on
all checks signed by Pratt In addition be raised
about S30,00o on his personal note, Endorsed by
Mrs. Nellan, an aged widow of Dayton, who
trusted Pratt to manage her business.
1t also appeared that Pratt was
side partner with H. s. Sparks, of this city,
who has been experimenting with the bulls and
bears in the Minneapolis Exchange, and Sparks
was allowed to overdraw his account several
thousand dollars as the venture has been reported
to have been losing one. The bank viii be out
at least 81 1000 on this score Pratt also loaded
the bank with considerable bad paper of lumber
concern, but part of it was indorsed by Seth
Preble, of this city, and thus another victim was
caught. The former teller Of the bank, G. ].
Giddings, it is supposed, left 81 900 Of his bank
stock to be sold and the officials have reason to
believe that he sold the stock and pocketed the
money. He also had $4,000 Of stock HIM
self, and this has disappeared, too. No transfer
of it was ever made the bank books As the
bolders of this stock will be liable TO twice its
face value, he will probably stand his loss in
silence
Last summer the people of Anoka were shocked
to learn that Pratt had been on intimate terms
with young woman of doubtful antecedents.
The scandal became pubic properly, ana fraUts
wife, a,highly esteemed lady, took her two child.
rem and moved to Boston, where her brothe1 lived
The young woman went to Minneapolis, and there
is every reason TO believe that she and her child
are with Pratt in Canada.
Pratt managed his rascslity cleverly, and as far
as was learned, the books OF the bank appeared
all right on their face. He had made no entry
of the checks on the Merchants Bank at St.
Paul. He got the cash in the Northwestern Bank
Of Minneapolis, one check passing the Clearing
House on March 80 and the other April L. There
was q contest on the part of the directors
at the January meeting over his election,
on account Of the domestic scandal COM
promise was finally effected, the understanding
being that he should close up certain business mat
ters. with which be was familiar. at reduced
salary. From that moment he went deliberately
to work to steal every cent that he could.
The president of the bank is H. Q. Tcknof, one
of the pioneer citizens Of the Northwest we'll
known business man Of AnolSs. He has s., 200 in
stock and as much more on deposit end will prob
ably be called upon to sink several more thou
sands. The capital stock was $4,000. Most OF
the holders were local business men. AL tho
money taken on deposit yesterday will be returned
in full but that previously deposited VIII have to
await settlement Unless matters prove worse
than expected, the depoators will probably be paid
in full. AS yet, no steps have been taken to hunt
down the absconding cashier, but a reward for his
capture will probably be offered at once. AS he
had had week the start, he is undoubtedly on the
safe side of the Canadian line. He was prom
inent member of the Baptist church. He is thirty
five years old. Tne woman went by name OF
Mrs. Jacobson She is said 70 be grass-widow.