"Bankers' tiff turned fatal"

       Berne M. Mead, the bank's cashier (and a member of the Creve Coeur Club), was fatally shot by Edgar A. Strause, the bank's president, who said he had acted in self-defense. A new bank president was appointed that afternoon after Strause resigned. On June 8, 1918, a jury found Strause guilty, and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Two appeals resulted in hung juries. Strause died on Nov. 3, 1936. His obituary made no reference to his banking career.
Berne M. Mead, left, was shot dead by Edgar A. Strause, right, who said he had acted in self-defense.
(Barr, Keith L. "Bankers' Tiff Turned Fatal." Peoria Journal Star. 13 Feb 1995: B3
Barr, Keith L. "Banker's Self -defense Claim Survived Appeal Process." Peoria Journal Star. 27 Feb 1995: B3)