Henryetta Daily Free-Lance – 1922 (George Riley Hall, Editor & Publisher)

March 22, 1922

GRAND JURY RETURNS 23 INDICTMENTS AFTER THREE WEEK SESSION

Chief Executive and Former Bank Commissioner Among Those Against Whom Bills Were Returned – Many Prominent Business Men Named.

OKMULGEE, March 22 – A joint indicated charging Governor J. B. A. Robertson of Oklahoma and Fred G. Dennis, former state banking commissioner, with accepting bribes to permit the Guarantee State Bank here to continue to do business after it had been found insolvent, was returned by the district court grand jury yesterday, it was learned today by the Associated Press.

Sheriff Frank Sowers, of Okmulgee County announced he now has a warrant for Governor Robertson’s arrest but said he expected to hear from the executive some time during the day and that he did not intend to serve the warrant today.

John P. Cook, prominent oil man and John Rebold, well known oil and lumber operator, were arrested today on indictments returned by the grand jury.

Cook was president of the Guarantee State Bank, which was merged with the Bank of Commerce on January 3, 1921, and Rebold was vice president.

Eight separate warrants were served on Re bold for accepting deposits in an insolvent bank in four cases, bribing an officer, accepting bribes, perjury and unlawfully borrowing money from one bank while an active officer of the institution. He immediately perfected bonds totaling $15,000 for his release pending trial.

Cook was arrested under five warrants charging, accepting deposits in an insolvent bank in four cases and bribing an officer. He was released under bonds amounting to $6,000.

John W. Hammond, president of a local wholesale grocery concern and formerly a director of the Guaranty State Bank, later was arrested on a charge of unlawfully borrowing money while an acting and managing official in a bank. He was allowed bond of $1,000.

The bribes charged against Rebold and Cook, made in a joint indictment, alleged that on September 27, 1920, the two men acting together, did “willfully, unlawfully, feloniously and corruptly,” give $25,000 in a cashier’s check to J.B. A. Robertson, governor of Oklahoma and Fred G. Dennis, former state bank commissioner.

The indictments charge that the money was paid to the governor and Dennis with the “felonious intent to influence the acts, decision and judgment of them,” after Dennis had conducted an examination of the bank’s affairs on the same day and found the institution to be in an insolvent condition and that Rebold was liable to the bank for money borrowed in the sum of $400,000.

It was alleged that Dennis failed to close the bank or make any true report as to its condition to the state banking board and that he and Governor Robertson agreed with the defendants that $150,000 in state funds would be deposited in the bank and that it would be permitted to continue to do business.

The indictments further avert that Governor Robertson and Dennis accepted $25,000 and applied it to their own use.

CLEANEST JAIL OF COUNTY IS IN HENRYETTA

In returning the twenty-three indictments last night in the district court at Okmulgee, the grand jury also handed in an exhaustive report. Most of this was given up the recommendation that at least $50,000 be expended on the improvement of the poor farm and the greater part of the remainder to the conditions of the jails in the county.

Not a word is said relative to the investigation of the affairs of the failed banks of the county, but it is explained that this is by reason of the fact that the arrests would not have been made at the time of the filing of the report.

The grand jury, however, finds space to say something about election frauds, as follows:

“One of the most important crimes presented to us for investigation was wherein the sacred right of franchise has been said to be lost. In this matter the Grand Jurors were awakened to the quick, and our investigation of that matter was rigid and painstaking to the end that the innocent might not suffer, but that the guilty might be brought to justice.” In that part of the report relating to jails, the fol

In that part of the report relating to jails, the following is said of the Henryetta city jail:

“Henryetta jail was clean, fumigated, and a safe place for prisoners. The jail is in the basement of the City Hall, with special accommodations for women. The cages are separated from any portion of the walls, and have a run-around. We would recommend that one additional peep-hole be made on the corridor leading to the jail, and that all peep-holes be made large enough so that a gun may be used through them. We also suggest that the City immediately proceed to relight the jail in such shape that there will be no dark corners, and that all lights be worked from one switch block, conveniently located on the outside of the office of the Chief of Police, in the main corridor of the basement. We found the jail well fumigated.”

Of the jails at Kusa and Dewar the report says:

“At Kusa found reinforced concrete jail, cement floor, all in one room. Jail was clean, had no inmates. The door on the outside was gone. The grated door was in place, and in good shape and secure. Would recommend that a new door be placed on the outside of the grated door. There did not seem to be any bedding or bed accommodation of any kind in this building. However, we presume that this is only used for a temporary and daytime goal. If this is the case, it should have a chair, or at least a box for the use of those who may be incarcerated.

“Dewar jail is brick outside, cake inside, concrete floor. Seems to be in two apartments. No special accommodations for female prisoners, and no prisoners were in the jail. The building seems to be used more as a storage place than for a jail. We consider that this building needs cleaning, fumigating, and general repair. It is not a credit to the town of Dewar.

BUSINESS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT TODAY

Superior court convened this morning after having recessed from last week, Judge H.R. Christopher presiding. A jury had been summoned and the men so called appeared and the jury was impaneled. On sounding the docket it was found there was no jury case ready for trail today on account of the absence of witnesses and the first case to be heard by a jury will be taken up in the morning. A number of court cases were heard.

The following were the proceedings in the court this forenoon:

W.H. Dill vs. Minnie Hunter et al., stricken from trial docket.

Bertha Morton vs. King Carlile, continued for the term by agreement.

Lucy Fisher vs. S. Arblett et al., continued for the term by agreement

J.T. Hagler vs. H. Swartz, settled out of court; dismissed.

Dewar State Bank vs. Fred Wright, settled out of court; dismissed. Blanche Jones vs. Okmulgee Northern Railway

Blanche Jones vs. Okmulgee Northern Railway Co., defendant allowed 20 days in which to answer; continued for term.

Charles Kawalz vs. The Blake Coal Mining Company, continued for the term by agreement.

The State vs. Mabel Moore, et al., suit on peace bond; dismissed on motion of the county attorney.

H.L. Moore vs. T.B. Norton, et al., dismissed by agreement.

W.L. Randell vs. Annette Rendell, decree of divorce granted the plaintiff.

Jack Watson vs. Delila Watson, decree of divorce granted the plaintiff.

Alma Norvelle vs. Floyd R. Norvelle, decree of divorce granted the plaintiff.

Nellie Gresham vs. W.E. Gresham decree of divorce granted the plaintiff.

In re-petition of Paul Kauffman; majority rights conferred on petitioner.

Dollins & Rorex vs. Luther Melton et al., judgement for plaintiffs in the sum of $500.

The Minnetonka Lumber Company vs. Will C. Nee, judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $557.65.

Mattie Smith vs. S.O. Smith et al., defendant S.O. Smith cited to appear at 9:00 o’clock A.M. March 25, and show cause why he should not be held to answer for contempt by reason of his failure to obey the mandate for the court to pay to plaintiff the sum of $100 as attorney fees and not to pay out money wherein he had been restrained by order of the court.

FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

Rev. D.W. Braseaer delivered a short address yesterday before the Lions Club in the interest of the Oklahoma Children’s Home Society of Oklahoma City.

He spoke at the Rotarian luncheon today, and in both speeches dwelt on the work his society is doing in providing homes for friendless children.

This society is entirely non-sectarian, and does good for the sake of the children, and without regard for the antecedents of the child Contributions are sought, and in that way alone the expenses of the institution are met. Two thousand orphans have already been placed in suitable homes, and still the need is great for further service.

During the stay here of Mr. Brashear, those people who want to render substantial aid to the cause may seek him out, and he will be glad to have any help.

All persons who investigate this work are favorable to it. The fact that John Embrey is chairman of the board of directors is a sufficient guarantee that it is a worthy work, and is not to fall under the lease suspicion.

March 23, 1922

EDITOR’S NOTES

These are big days. Things are happening. Oil wells burst out like blossoms, and Henryetta finds little time to take stock of its condition on account of the rush to meet the new and ever changing conditions. No sooner does the excitement subside from one big well until another is reported “on the sand,” and then the scene shifts – possibly a hundred yards to the newest wonder, and possibly a longer distance. Thus far the big finds are southwest of town; but if the Henryetta Development well in 22-10-13 comes in as a gusher, excitement will be at fever heat. The reason for this is that the well in question is several miles from the present big production – east and south of Henryetta. A gusher there will be either a new pool, or proof that the Lyons-Quinn pool extends far around the southern rim of Henryetta in a golden half circle. Such a condition is not improbable, because what is said to be the highest gas pressure in this section is found southeast of town. If oil is there too, it will come out with such an impetus that gushers are the only means of exit for the oil.

DIVORCE CASE FILED

Susie Jefley has filed suit in the superior court against her husband Tewee Jefley, for divorce. She alleges in her petition that they were married April 15, 1917, and from the time of their marriage the defendant has been guilty of gross neglect of duty, in that he has failed to provide for her support; that although he is ab able bodied man, she had to buy all the groceries and clothing for both of them, the defendant, she alleges, spending all his money and income in gambling and drinking. She asks that she be restored to her maiden name, Susie Davis.

MORGAN TODAY

If you like a picture with an appeal that is irresistible, a picture that will awaken fond memories of a bygone day, a picture that contains humor, pathos, and clean wholesome entertainment, then you will not miss Wesley Barry, the freckle-faced screen idol, in his latest photoplay, Gus Edwards’ “School Days,” which will be shown at the Morgan Theatre, two days, beginning today.

This picture will revive the days of your youth – the days of irresponsible, untamable childhood. It was produced amid the beauty of rural life, and the splendor of society. It is a picture that will please young and old, and it contains a cast of screen players in support of the freckled-faced youngster that are superb in their various characterizations.

Also a Mack Sennett comedy entitled “Home Talent,” a scream from start to finish.

A FEW WORDS CONCERNING THE BOND ELECTION ON MARCH 30

First, permit me to say that I do not wish to appear in a light of trying to sell you these bonds. Personally, there will be no benefit from either issue to me as I enjoy all these conveniences already, and so does each member of the council. We feel that you want these improvements, and for that reason, we are offering you an opportunity to vote on them and get them if you wish. The issues have been purposely separated in order that you can vote one issue and not another which I figure is a square deal.

Of course, you should not be narrow in your voting and lose sight of what your neighbor wants and needs while trying to get what you need, also be sure not to vote them down on account of any feeling you may have against anyone connected with the preset administration as we may none of us be here another term, I give you my word that I will not be here. (The scenery doesn’t suit me.)

If you want to spend the money, I will say this for the present administration. We are reasonably honest and we are in perfect harmony which makes a good combination.

I feel that this town is as much yours as it is ours and that God has given you a mind of your own to judge for yourself what you want and what you do not want.

There are four propositions, any or all of which, if voted, will be charged to the city at large:

Proposition One: Amount $45,000, for Water Works Extension.

Proposition Two: Amount $85,000, for Sewer Extension and Disposal Plant.

Proposition Three: Amount $75,000, for Storm Sewers.

Proposition Four: Amount $25,000, for Fire Equipment.

Proposition Two, you must put over. It is a matter of health. We must not impose on our neighbors to the east longer with the sewer and disposal plant conditions as they now exist.

Proposition One, Three and Four, use your own good judgement. I think we need them all, but if you are not of the same opinion, it is nothing against either of us, simply a difference of opinion, that’s all.

You have now $625,000 bonded indebtedness, about $50,000 of which is accounted for in the sinking fund. If you vote all four of these issues your indebtedness will be approximately $800,000, your 1921 assessed valuation was over four and onehalf millions, and 1922 will undoubtedly be five and one-half millions at least, and on this basis you would be owing approximately 15 percent of your assessed valuation, or perhaps 10 percent of your real valuation.

It has been my effort since the beginning of this bond talk to take you entirely into my confidence. This administration has nothing to sell you and does not care to slip anything over. We feel that this city belongs as much to you as it does to us and we want you to consider well and vote for the good of Henryetta.

James Hawes, Mayor