Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1905 — FORGERY FRAUD IN PHILADELPHIA [ARTICLE]

FORGERY FRAUD IN PHILADELPHIA

Certificates for a Few Shares of Stock Raised to Represent Hundreds. Philadelphia, June 22.—Details of forgeries which have caused a loss of from $750,000 to $1,000,000 to certain banks and trust companies of this city have been brought to light through the closing up of the estate of Benjamin M. Gaskill, recently a prominent figure In financial circles, who died four weeks ago. Those who have been examining his financial affairs announced that certificates for a few shares of stock in a number of instances had been fraudulently raised to represent hundreds of shares and corresponding loans had been obtained with the forgeries as security. In its scope the fraud is one of the most sensational that Philadelphia's financial district ever has known. Gaskill was the sole member of the banking and brokerage concern known as Benjamin H. Gaskill & Co. He had offices In the financial district, and his credit was considered gilt edged.