The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-01-01
SUICIDE OF a BANKER
GEORGE I'd. WILKINS, OF SELMA
ALA, KILLS HIMSELF IN CHURCH.
Wedn esday His Bank Failed for Over
Half n Million-DaiIy Recof8 of
business Troubles.

SELMA, Ala. Dec. 31.-.The suicide of
George a. wilkins, vice president of the
Commercial Bank of Selma, has caused a
profound sensation here. All day long the
details OF the tragedy and the probable
cause leading to IL were discussed in sub
dued tones. but not one unkind word has
been sai6 OF the dead banker. 1t is be-
iieved that the crisis in the banks affairs
proved too much for him, and that his
mind became unbalanced.
Mr.. Wilkins was treasurer of the princi-
pal diocese of Alabama, OF St. Pauls par
ish. OF the St. Andrew Brotherhood, of the
Odd Fellows and Y. NJ. C. \. The funds
p belonging to each of these societies was de-
posted in the bank, and il is known that
when the crash came it was suggested to
him that he withdraw the funds CIR certain
amounts OF them. and he replied regretfuily
IL was impossible. Besides these moneys
he had individual funds on deposit and his
friends and relatives were heavy depositors
and owned stock in the bank Ii is known
that one depositor. a lady. reproached him
bitterly for not advising her of the bank s
condition. thing which he could not hon
orably do as an officer OF the institution
Mr.. Wilkins. after conference with the
officers OF the bank left for home saving
he would try to get much needed rest Ills
vile. VINO shared her husbands anxiety.
sat up for him. and became alarmed at =
a m and sent friends In search OF him
After visit 10 the bank his friends know
ing Mr.. Wilkins's love and attachment for
MS church. went there. As they were en-
terms there was a report near the altar
and a few seconds later the banker was
found lying full length uDOn the floor INSIDE
the ehancel railing. with a pistol BAN
wound through the back OF his head and
the pistol with which the act had bean
committed still smoking and graSped tight
" In his hand. MIR. Wilkins died shorty
:ttter being taken 10 his home He Lest no
letter explaining his rash act but ff j. be
lleNed ~ was the result OF the intense mon
Ial strain through which he had passed
Mf. wilkins WAS forty years OF age 10
came 10 Selma more than twenty wears
ago, and has been In the employ OF the
commercial Bank OF which he WAS recent
~ elected vice president. since 1881 lie
leaves a widow and one child.
ne New York Evening Post to-day saws:
oome very unpleasant stories We're I'm cir
culation this morning in connection with
tne failure Of the Commercial Bank of 81
ma, AID, which was announced yestcrdav
lhess rumofs included talk OF The e.xtsf.
ence OF some fraudulent or forged irtDet
which II Is said had been Dut out bv The
Dsnk- SO far az can De ascertaiued to-daN-
ne~eVer, the only basis for this report WIS
nc sale - the vice president OF tho bopl
1eorge Wilkins. 10 a firm Of foreign ham,
- ~ this city OF draft IN reichsrnarlfs
rqNfalent 20 about $1,000 which was si1h-
ss.qhntiy returnes unDaid from Cserraank.
a. tfslit bore tho Enforcement. of course
ne otiIus bank and when 70 was re-
se~isd unpaid the foreign bankers. IL is