Charles W. Morse

Charles Wyman Morse was an American businessman and speculator who committed frauds and engaged in corrupt business practices. At one point, he controlled 13 banks. Known as the "Ice King" early in his career out of New York City, through Tammany Hall corruption he established a monopoly in New York's ice business, before buying several shipping companies and moving into high finance. His attempt to manipulate the price of copper-shares set off a wave of selling that developed into the Panic of 1907. Jailed for violating federal banking laws, he faked serious illness and was released. Later, he was indicted for war profiteering and fraud.