The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1889-04-11
A Bad Cashier RreekS q Bank.

The doors of the First National bank OF
Anoka, Mimi, are closed. The cashier is in
Canada. There is woman in the case, and
she is as handsome as she is wicked. P. T.
Pratt, cashier of the First National Bank of
Anoka, went to Minneapolis week ago last
Thursday, complaining that he was unwell.
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, Il am sick abed
and looking TOR watchers" He is still look
ing. On Friday the bank officials we're
startled by a notice from the Merchants
Bank of St. Paul that the account of the
First National was overdrawn $4,000. A
st. Paul to investigate and the discovery
was made that Pratt had drawn out about
$4,000 due the bank and over twice as
mnch, more on his cashiers check.
The examiner was notified of the situation,
and in company with the cashier of the
Merchants National Bank of st. Paul and
q Minneapolis bank expert gave a hasty
overhauling of the affairs. Enough was
learned to show that matters we're in bad
mess, and that Pratt is a thief to the
amount of nearly 100000. Not knowing
whom or where the end might be, the dircc-
tors concluded to place the ban in the hands
of the bank examiner, and he will appoint
business. 1t is impossible to tell how great
has been Pratt's villany, as the banks cor
respondent in both Chicago and New York
allowed it to overdFaw to the amount of
$4,000, 1t is probable that he has drawn
to the full limit of both banks. They have
been telegraphed to refuse payment on all
checks signed by Pratt, In addition to this
he raised about $4,000 on his personal
note endorsed by Mrs. Nellan, an aged Wild
oW living in 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 wife, n
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 a grass widow, was in o deli
cate condition. Soon after the wife left the
grass widow disappeared. but knowing ones
said she was in Minneapolis, and soon o
bright eyed little stranger appeared on the
scene, Pratt made weekly visits to Mime
apolis, and there is every reason to believe
that the Womap and their illegitimate child
are now receiving brevet husbands and
fathers care in some Canadian retreat
Pratt managed his rHscality very cleverly
and as far as it was possible to learn in the
limited time for Investigation 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
The capital stock was $4,000. Most of
the holders we're local business men, the
heaviest losers being A. G. Frauman, E. L.
| Reed, C, T. Woodbury., w. Hammons ID. G.
Durham and M, Peck of Minneapolis.
Pratt has been an intimate friend of Gov.
Merriam for years, having both beenformer.
ly connected with the old State Bank Of
Anoka. Pratt some time ago disposed of
all his real estate, and leavesnothing behind
but an accursed name and many defragded
| victims, who can i'll afford to stand the loss
! that will fall unto them.