Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-10-26

materially reduced by a substantial sum,
of which there is fair prospect of recovery"
Alvord had been with the bank for
20 years and was one of the most trust
ed men in the institution. His steeaings
extended over long period, but no
suspicion of the truth was known I'M
TIL ten days ago, when he sent word
that he was i'll at his home. After he
had been away for a day or two the
bank put experts at work, and some
irregularities were found. AS the ex-
perts delved deeper and deeper into
Alvord's books the extent of the rob-
berry began to dawn on the officers, I'M
til they were overwhelmed to find that
it reached the enormous figure of $780,
900. Whether that sum is all that he
took is not yet known.
It has not yet developed how the
note teller was able to put his hands
on so much money. But one of the d.
rsotors is reported to have said that
Alvord was enabled to take such large
sum because, as note teller, he was In
charge of the mail. This he opened
| every morning, and he had ample OPP
portunity to abstract notes, drafts and
checks as we'll as money. OF course, he
had to be especially skillful to make
his accounts balance. This director
admitted that he was at loss to ac-
count for the failure of the bank ex-
aminers to discover Alvord's irregu-
| larities at their last examination. For
rest Raynor, is in charge of the ma
tional bank examiners office here.
What Alvord did with all the cash is
also mystery as yet, except that as
usual In such cases, it is said that a
large amount of it went in stock spec
ulation. One story is that he had lost
| $4,000 in one deal, but what deal it
was is not stated. 1t has been discov-
cred that during the summer Alvord
visited Saratoga, where he cut great
| figure, spending money like a prince.
He rented a cottage, kept fine stable
OF horses, and besides playing the
races, is said to have frequented gam
bling houses.
| # these stories are true, Alvord dis
| played entire different characteristics
than those he showed at home. In
this city he was known as man of very
regular habits. Among his associates
he was looked up to, and on Wall street
was known as Happy Alvord." because
of his CHEEKY ways. His home was in
the suburb of Mount Vernon. This
homesis magnificent place, located on
Chester hill one of the most aristocrat-
10 sections of the suburb. 1t is sur
| rounded by luxurious grounds, and
| there are extensive stables. Alvord has
| long been considered one of the big men
of the town. His family entertained
lavishly, and gave large sums to char
| ity. He was prominent in church cir
cles, and his wife is considered one of
the most beautiful women in Mount
| Vernon.
The First national bank is consid-
cred one of the strong financial insti-
tutions of the city. George F. Baker,
its president, is also president of the
clearing house. William B. Reed is
| the cashier. The directors are George
f. Baker, Fisher A. Baker, William B.
Reed, Harry C. Fahnestock, William
Fahnestock, f. l.. Hine and James A.
Garland. The bank has capital of
100000. The First national was the
first to organize under the national
bank act, and President Baker and
his associates have been in charge for
Is years. 1t was founded by Jacob
Thompson, who was publisher of the
Bank Note Detector. President Baker
and Director Fahnestock are among
the directors of the Central railway
| of New Jersey