Blacksburg, Virginia, Bank Embezzlement Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Blacksburg, Virginia, Bank Embezzlement Collection, Ms2011-080, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
The eight documents (ca. 1865) within the collection detail a bank embezzlement case from the Blacksburg Branch of the Farmers Bank in Virginia. Nicholas M. Ronald, supposedly swindled patrons into writing him checks that would pay off their account deficits. Much of the collection consists of testimonials attesting to that suspicion.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Blacksburg, Virginia, Bank Embezzlement Collection, Ms2011-080, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The eight documents (ca. 1865) within the collection detail a bank embezzlement case from the Blacksburg Branch of the Farmers Bank in Virginia. The testimonies recorded within the collection name Nicholas M. Ronald, a bank teller, as the main suspect.

Ronald's modus operandi involved him instructing patrons to write him checks that would supposedly pay off account deficits. One Oscar Callison "paid N. M. Ronald, Teller of the Farmers Bank..$131.30 the balance of Mrs. M.A. Callison's Account." Another George T. Gray "paid...Ronald...$135 to be placed to the credit of P. w. Evang [Evangelist?]." Ronald supposedly pocketed these, and many other, checks.

Biographical / historical:

Nicholas M. Ronald was the son of William S. Ronald and Mary Crow. Before the American Civil War, Ronald worked as a merchant in Blacksburg, Va. He and his fellow merchants served as an original director of the Blacksburg Savings Institute. Ronald was the younger brother to confederate soldier Charles A. Ronald. The latter led the 4th Virginia Infantry Regiment of the Stonewall Brigade during the Civil War, but he resigned from service in September 1863 after a debilitating thigh injury sustained in battle. Both brothers owned the Phillips-Ronald house (Five Chimneys) in Blacksburg--the home of their widowed sister Sarah Kent.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in August 2011.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Blacksburg, Virginia, Bank Embezzlement Collection was completed in September 2011.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type