Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-02-09
PREACHER BANKER
DIES IN disgrace
REV. G. H. SIMMONS, OF PEORIA,
WHEN SCANDAL is REVEALED
COMMITS SUICIDE.
CITY ASTOUNDED BY
AWFUL REVELATIONS
Occupied Prominent Pulpit, Was
President Of Two Banks and Cam
paign Manager of County for Elk
Governor Yates.

Peoria, H., Feb. death by suicide
H. Simmons, clergyman and banker,
one Vi the leading citizens of Peoria
and chairman of tie Yates campaign
in this cu.;iity. A naus2dting scandal
in which III. Simmons had become in
voIraJ MADE him see welcome r-lief
in t.eath. As a direct resalt of the
revelations one bank has closed and
there is Il run on another.
When the cody of the minister was
foGli Tuesday morning the climax
was reached in sensation which has
shaken Peoria religious, financial and
political circles worse than did the
case of N. c. Dougherty, the superin-
tendent of schools, last fall.
Pastor of Baptist Church.
Simmons had been pastor OF the
First Baptist church for five years.
The doctor had made an unusual sue
cess as minister of the Gospel, but
recently became president of two local
banks, having announced his intention
of leaving the pulpit May to devote
himself to business interests.
Former Gov Yates made visit to
Peoria January 2, and at luncheon
rendered DR.. Simmons the manage
ment of his campaign in Peoria coun-
ty. A few days later DR.. Simmons
accepted in letter in which he stated
that he did so only to raise politics
to higher standard and that nothing
IN his management would be for any
other purpose.
Several days ago stories of a scan
dalons nature began circulating
throughout the city. These involved the
minister and some of the boys of his
congregation. States Attorney Scholes
began an investigation Monday and
during the day had large number of
boys before him. Three of them made
confessions of a startling nature, and
the states attorney threatened the
doctors arrest
Runs on His Banks.
Such circulation had the stories
gained that runs were started on both
the Peoples Saving bank and the In
terstate Savings bank, of which he was
the president. Realizing that prompt
action was necessary, the directors of
both banks accepted his resignation as
president, and installed new officer
in his stead. Tuesday morning the
run increased Oh both banks, and at
an early hour the Peoples bank closed
its doors This bank is in the south
end of the city, and it's depositors are
on the Interstate Savings bank con-
tinues, but the officers say it is per-
fectly solvent and are paying as rap
idly as the depositors can be waited
on.
The trustees of the First Baptist
church accepted Simmons resignation
Monday. Monday night he remained
downtown until late hour, disposing
of some business matters. He did not
reach home until nearly midnight. He
went to bed whistling, his wife says,
and apparently in his usual good spir-
Its. When she went to call him short
ly after seven o'clock he was dead.
Leaves Letter and Bonds.
Two packages we're found beside the
body. One contained bonds left for
his wife, while the other was brief
note, in which he stated mat this was
his last night on earth. 1t was evil
dent he started writing the letter after
taking drug and was dying as he
concluded it. 1t reads:
my business associates must not be
held responsible for my failure to car
ry out my plans. Others failed me in
not making good financial promises,
and was compelled to disappoint my
associates. This is of no local refer
.ence Also no blame must be attached
to ex-Gov. Yates or his associates.
He simply gave an opportunity which
his opponents and my enemies have
prevented my using.
u regret most keenly the disap-
pointment and suffering have brought
to those who have loved and still love
and trust me. Believe me when say
/ have earnestly tried to have the pres.
ent other than it is. But short time
May the merciful and kind God deal
gently with those whom can help no
more. ] have preached the truth. but
my ability and conditions beyond my
control have prevented my realizing it.
] believe it and trust it, yet the time
fails me should ! attempt to write
personal messages. Undying love is
my thought for ALL
Popular as Preacher
Dr.. Simmons came here five years
ago from Terre Haute, Ind He was
about 40 years old, and leaves widow
and sister, who lived with him. He
became immensely popular immeiia'e-
ly, and soon had the largest audiences
in the city. Several years ago he Sc
cured national recognition by advocat-
ing religious theatricals, and for sew
eral Sunday evenings filled the inn
mense Coliseum here with his illus
trated lectures on Bible topics, an or
chestra being one of the features. HI
also held charges in Texas, Jackson,
Tenn. and Louisville.
Regardless.
"You want what?" gasped the rich
mans secretary.
Jest what said,' replied Windfall,
decisiyely; ut seems these old families
are turnin' UP their nose at us, and / hear
that one OF 'em said we amt got no an.
csstors. Now you hustle out an cit ua
-,.Y- 3 IL