Bank Embezzlement Circa 1873

History buffs will enjoy this interesting story we found concerning the embezzlement of $150,000 from two New Hampshire banks in 1873 by a certain Nathaniel Appleton Shute. Shute was apparently a well-respected citizen who served as cashier and treasurer at the two banks. After commiting the crime, Shute fled to Cuba and never returned to the United States. The crime shocked his family, several of whom - including an aged father - were forced to make payment on bonds they had signed to help Shute obtain his position at the banks.  Shute was apparently driven to the crime after suffering over $42,000 in stock market losses. See the full story here. It is an interesting read that proves, among other things, that while times change, human nature is consistent.