York County, Nebraska - Chapter 16: Banking and Financial Institutions, 1921

Chapter 16: Banking and Financial Institutions

The first bank in York County, a scalping concern, was establislied in York in 1875 by William McWhirter. The laws governing banks were very lax in those days, and no one ever knew wliat the capital stock of the bank was, but it is thought by H. C. Kleinschmidt, who was employed as clerk in the bank, that Mr. McWhirter had about $1,500 invested in the banking business. There were no bank examiners in those days, and no law against usury, and one of the rules of the bank was not to buy any paper unless it was gilt-edged, ami not to pay more than iifty cents on the dollar for good notes, and to pay forty-five cents on the dollar for county warrants, and charge three to five per cent a month for the choicest loans.

The first bank ledger in York County was opened by William McWhirter January 1, 1877. The book was six by seven inches and one-fourth of an inch thick.

It seems from reliable information that Mr. McWhirter had been doing a private brokerage business for some time, but in 1877 he procured a little room on the west side of the square and started York County's first bank.

The total of the deposits at the end of the first month was $3,186.38. The first balance sheet showed up clear and plain. It never was footed u]).

The banking business commenced by Mr. McWhirter was continued after his death by D. E. Sayre, who held the agency for Union Pacific lands, and F. K. Atkins, who had prepared a set of abstract records for York County. This business

The Commercial State Bank

This bank was incorporated under the state laws October 4, 1881, to continue twenty years. It succeeded to the general banking business of Sayre & Atkins. Its officers during the first part of its few years of existence were: D. E. Sayre, president; F. Baldwin, vice president: F. K. Atkins, cashier; F. B. Daggy, and F. 0. Bell also directors witli the aforenamed officers. It was capitalized for $oO,000, and by 1883 had a paid-up capital of $33, .500. A fine brick building was built for its home. In February, 1886, the Commercial State Bank purchased the stock, charter, good will and real estate of the old First National Bank and moved the books and papers of that institution into its own location. But while the location of the old Commercial State was retained, tlie amalgamated institution took the name of First National, and the separate identity of the Commercial State disappeared. Shortly preceding its amalgamation with the First National, the officers of this bank had been: F. 0. Bell, president; D. E. Sayre, vice president; W. J. Wildman, cashier; H. C. Kleinschmidt, assistant cashier, who it will be noticed were the corps of officers who took the helm after the merger.

Following the pioneer l)anking venture of William McWhirter, and competing with the Sayre & Atkins banking firm, came the private banking business of C. Langworthy, started in 1877. Mr. Langworthy became cashier, along with N. C. Eogers as president of the York County Bank. This bank operated through 1880 and 1881 as the competitor of the Sayre & Atkins banking firm, and its successor, the Commercial State Bank, and of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, with E. W. Mosher as cashier and W. A. Mosher assistant cashier. In 1883 Mr. Langworthy was president and A. C. VA^ard was cashier. Mr. Langworthy conducted the York County Bank in connection with the Seward County Bank at Seward. In 1881 he erected a two story banking building, Six.")!), on Lincoln Avenue and Sixth Street. Before coming to York Mr. Langworthy had been cashier of the Monticello National Bank at Monticello, Iowa, and was eipiipped with fourteen years of experience in banking work.

The First National Bank

As already mentioned, W. A. Sharrar came from Lincoln, Neb., in 1879, and opened a private bank known as the Farmers Bank, which for some time bore the official title of Farmers and Merchants Bank. The business grew to proportions that led Mr. Sharrar and business associates to seek a larger field than that of the private or small state liank, and resulted in the organization of the First National Bank, which was chartered on April 33, 1882. It was started out with a capital stock of $.50,000, and the following complement of officers: E. C. Outealt, president; W. A. Sharrar, vice president; E. C. Outealt, C. W. Mosher, E. W. Mosher, W. A. Sharrar, directors; and E. W. Mosher, cashier. This centered the banking activities of the community into two channels - the Commercial State, succeeding Sayre & Atkins, and the Firrt National, conducted by the men who had promoted and built up the old York County Bank and the Farmers and Merchants Bank, which now disappeared from the boards. No one in York County in 1882 would have dared to prophesy that thirty-five years later there would be a bank in York with a capital and surplus of more than $400,000, and in less than forty years a bank possessing a fine four story In-iek office building, one of the most palatial in the state. Yet that is the record necomplished by the First National Bank of York.

The banking situation in York was widened from two to three competing banks in a very short time by tlie entrance of a private banking business, which became the York Exchange Bank.

On February U. 1886, the stock, good will, charter and real estate of the First National Bank was purchased by the Commercial State Bank, which moved it i»to the building of the Commercial State, but retained the name and identity of the First National for the new concern.

In February, 1886, articles of incorporation were filed for the York Savings Bank, designed to carry on a general banking business and also the business of a safe deposit and trust company. The capital stock was placed at $100,000 and was very largely taken before starting business. This concern occupied the building vacated by the First National when the merger with the Commercial State was made, and its incorporators were D. E. Sayre, F. 0. Bell, E. M. Cheney, F. L. Mayhew and Mrs. Kate Harrison, these names presenting a somewhat interlocking intereist with the new First National Bank holdings. Mr. H. C. Kleinschmidt assumed the duties of cashier of the York County Savings Bank until the resignation of Cashier W. J. Wildman of the First National in December, 188G. He then took the post in the First National vacated by Mr. Wildman, and E. M. Cheney took his place with the York County Savings Bank for a time. Mr. Wildman retired to remove to Marquette, to be associated with F. K. Atkins in real estate and cattle interests.

The steady growth of the First National during this period is evidenced by its statements. Its resources on March 7, 1881, under the Outcalt-Mosher-Sharrar management, were $154,705.19. In 1892 its statement showed resources of $223,477.55.

In 1893 another radical cJiange occurred in the management and owiiership of the First National Bank when George Wallace Post, president of the York Nalinnal Bank, and his associates bought the First National and consolidated the two l)anks.

The York National Bank

This bank was an outgrowth (jf the York Ex-change Bank, which was started in September, 1882, as a private bank. In April, 1884, it was organized under the national laws as the York National Bank, with a capital of $50,000. It soon accuinidated an undivided sur))lns of $G,000 on the credit side of the ledger.

Its ofScers and board of directors during the next few years were : President, Geo. W. Post; vice president, J. C. Kingsley; cashier, Lee Love; assistant cashier, E. J. Wightman. Directors: G. W. Post, Lee Love, Jesse Love, J. C. Kingsley, E. M. Cheney and W. L. White. The personnel of this board needs no fulsome comment. G. W. Post, familiarly known as "Judge" Post, was eight years district judge: was connected with the internal revenue department four years as collector, and was identified with the growth of York from its infancy. Messrs. Kingsley and Cheney were prominent real estate men, while Messrs. Lee Love, Jesse Love and W. L. White were capitalists and bankers, having interests in several financial institutions throughout the state. The York National Bank grew rapidly, and in 1891 had resources of over $311,000, and before its merger with the First National Bank had outgrown its competitor. The personnel of the directorate and officers had changed slightly before its merger in 1893, when it stood: G. W. Post, president; W. K. Williams, vice president; E. J. Wightman, cashier; E. M. Cheney, Lee Love, G. P. Chessman and Jesse Love as the other directors.

E. J. Wightman, known commonly as "Jud," was promoted liy the York National to cashier in March, 1891, after four years of faithful service as assistant cashier. Mr. Wightman, of course, went to the First National after the merger in 1893.

The Citizens State Bank

In February, 1886, still another candidate for public favor in the banking field showed up in York, with the organization of the Citizens State Bank. It started with a capital stock of $50,000, and built a new brick building during the first two years of its existence. Its officers were : J. W. Barnes, president, interested in buying and selling western land ; vice president, D. E. Sedgwick, one of the pioneer physicians of York ; ca.'?hier, W. A. Sharrar, who had been instrumental in the founding and development of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and the First National Bank, for its first few- years of existence. C. A. McCloud, destined to play a very important part in later years of York County banking activities, was assistant cashier, and the other directors wore E. P. Warner, later assistant cashier, an old resident of York and experienced operator in real estate and loans, and J. F. McConaughy, a prominent dry goods merchant, and later David Fisher, a grain buyer.

The Mead State Bank

Another banking venture started in York in April, 1888, when articles of incorporation were filed for the Mead State Bank. An account of the organization of this bank detailed it as follows: The capital stock is placed at $100,000 with an authorized capital of $500,000. The articles are signed by F. F. Mead, W. D. Mead, Geo. H. Jerome, S. H. Sedgwick, D. T. Moore, L. L. Mcllvain, J. V. Gardner and S. C. Grippen. At a meeting of the stockholders held on Tuesday evening the following officers were elected: W. D. Mead, president; F. F. Mead, vice president; S. H. Sedgwick, assistant vice president; S. C. Grippen, cashier; L. L. Mcllvain, assistant cashier. The new concern starts out with flattering prospects, and gives promise of becoming one of the strongest institutions in the city. Their elegant new building will be commenced on the northeast corner of the square in a few days, and will be an ornament to the city. The many friends of Mr. Gripjien will be glad to learn that he has identified himself with the new bank, as it insures that he will remain one of the pushing, enterprising men who are making York a great city.

The Mead State Bank succeeded or rather is an outgrowth of the Nebraska Land and Loan Company that had operated for five years previous to May 1, 1888, when the present bank was organized under the state laws of Nebraska, with a paid up capital of $100,000 and an authorized capital of $500,000, each subscriber being directly obligated to twice the amount of stock held by him. The bank is vested with full power to act as trustees, administrators or guardian; also to issue debenture bonds, which are secured by real estate mortgages, upon improved real estate representing in no case over forty per cent of the appraised value of the jjroperty, and deposited with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company, Chicago, 111., whose capital is $1,600,000 and who hold said mortgages in trust for the lawful holder or holders of the company's debentures. The debenture bonds are issued in series of $100,000, divided into $300, $500 and $1,000 each, and drawing six per cent interest annually, which is paid semi-annually at the Title Guarantee and Trust Company of Chicago. The Mead State Bank, on the day it opened its doors, had no deposits assured, and at the end of thirty days issued the following statement :

And still thirty days later, and sixty days from date of its organization, the totals are swelled to $150,839.96. To practical financiers those statements duly attested speak volumes on the manner in which the management is handled. The elegant new structure of Warrensburg blue sandstone that is being built for the bank's quarters on the northeast corner of the square will, when finished, be the costliest and best equipped l)ank in this section of the country. The furnishings will be of antique oak, plate glass and brass finishings; it will be heated liy steam and lighted by incandescent lights; one of the latest improved Herring double burglar proof safes will be used for cash and paper valuables. The officers and directors of the bank are as follows: W. D. Mead, ])resident; F. F. Mead, first vice president; S. H. Sedgwick, second vice president; S. C. Grippen, cashier; L. L. McUvain, assistant cashier; directors, F. F. Mead, S. C. Grippen, W. H. Brevoort. L. L. Mcllvain and I. H. Sheeks.

\\". It. ^fead, the president, came to York ten years ago and opened a broker's oflice. Ill 1882 he took in as a partner his son, F. F. Mead, who is now first vice president. In 1885 they organized the Neliraska Land and Loan Company, which was succeeded by the present organization.

Mr. Sedgwick, second vice president, is an attorney of York, and from his standing in liis profession and reputation throughout the state needs no fulsome comment.

Mr. Grippen, the cashier, was for years identified witli the hardware Ijusiness, and has a very extensive acquaintance with the farmer and agriculturalist throughout this section.

Mr. Mcllvain was formerly a bookkeeper in the land and loan office, and later assistant cashier of the Tamora State Bank, until this bank was organized, when he accepted the present position.

The new building, a cut of which appears on the opposite page, is 31.x6(), three stories, and will cost when furnished and completed $15,000. Mendelsohn, Fisher and Lowrie of Omaha are the architects : the floor will be tile and windows of plate glass with cathedral transoms.

While this bank is organized under the state laws of Xebraska to do a general banking business, it also deals in municipal, county and school bonds and makes first mortgage real estate loans a specialty.

Another bank which flourished in the late nineties was the Nebraska X'ational of York. Earnest Davis was president for a time, and he was succeeded by T. B. Clawson, then cashier of the State Bank of Lushton. This bank met difficulties in the summer of 1897 and disappeared from the banking roster of the county.

During the period between October, 1893, when George W. Post and his associates took the management of the First National Bank, until August, 1912, when Judge Post retired, the First National Bank showed a remarkable growth. During this [jeriod Judge George W. Post served as president and E. J. Wightman as cashier of this bank. Cashier Wightman w'as vice president a portion of this time. August Zimnicrer was assistant cashier during most of this period. By 190^' this bank bad reached a point where its statement of resources showed $.S1."'),47S.97; iu May, 1905, this had reached .$981,188.01, and in December, 1907, had passed the million mark, being $1,021,237.32, and the deposits were over $700,000. Before 1916 the deposits had passed the million dollar mark. The directors who served with the above named officers through most of this period were G. P. Chessman, N. A. Dean, George W. Neill, T. W. Smith and George M. Spurlock.

During the regime of Judge Post and his associates at the helm of the First National Bank, they became associated with a number of other banks in York County. This tended fn build up a cohesive system and made lioth the banks in these other towns and the bank at York that much stronger. During tlie regime of Judge Post he and his associates formed the First Trust Company in 1911. Before he came to the First National and during his connection with the old York .National, Judge Post had organized and became president of the Bank of Benedict, November 27, 1889, and continued as its president until February 8, 1906, when that bank was converted into the First National Bank of Benedict. In 1910 G. W. Post was president, E. J. Wightman, vice president, and B. B. Crownover was cashier of that bank.

On May 14, 1897, Judge Post and his associates organized the State Bank of Bradshaw. He served as president until in 1906, when this bank was convertetl into the First National Bank of Bradshaw, of which new banl^ he served as president until August, 1912.

In 1910 the other officers of this bank were: E. A. Wells, vice president; ,T. F. Houseman, cashier; and C. B. Palmer, Jr., assistant cashier. In 1921 Mr. Wells is still vice president and C. B. Palmer, Jr., has succeeded to the cashiership. But since the change of ownership in the First National Bank at York, Charles A. MeCloud has become president of this bank.

In June, 1889, Judge Post became president of the Blue Kiver Bank of McCool and served as such until Augiist, 1912. In 1910 T. AV. Smith was vice president and Arthur I. Moore was cashier.

In April, 1903, Judge Post bought a controlling interest in the Bank of Lushton and served as its vice president until 1912. In 1910 E. J. Wightman was president and J. L. Ashmore cashier of this bank. Judge Post w^as also president of the Bank of Thayer, organized in 1890, of which E. J. Wightman was vice president, Otto Wutke cashier, and Ambrose Retzlalf assistant cashier.

In May, 1885, Judge Post had liecome president of the Farmers and Traders Bank of Waco and served continuously as its president until August, 1912.

Thus it will be seen that when Judge Post and his associates sold the First National Bauk of York and their holdings in banks at Benedict, Bradshaw, McCool, Liishton, Tliayer and AVaco, they had formed prnftically a county-wide banking system.

In August, 1905, another bank had been organized in York, named the Farmers National Bank, with a capital stock of -1550,000. Charles A. McCloud was president of this bank, C. A. Schrandt, vice president, A. B. Christian, cashier, and in October, 1906, William E. MeCloud came from the cashiership of the Bank of Lushton and took the assistant cashiership until his election to the county treasurership of the county in 1909.

But the purchase of the First National Bank in 1912 by the officers and stockholders of the Farmers National and the consolidation into the First National ended the separate career of this bank.

Upon the occasion of the sale of interests, of Judge Post and his associates to the new owners, the management of the First National issued the following letter of farewell, explanation and greeting:

By the time this letter reaches you, you will no doulit have learned uf the change in the presidency of this bank. On account of health conditions in his family, Judge Post has sold his interest in the bank to Charles A. McCloud, George H. Holdeman, Robert E. Copsey, J. E. McCloud, Mrs. Hattie E. Conway and others. Mr. Charles A. McCloud has been elected as director and president of the bank.

Plans are under way looking to the consolidation of the Farmers National Bank with this bank, with an increa.sed capital and surplus sufficient to meet fully the needs of the community.

It is a source of deep regret to me, as it is to all of the other officers and directors of the bank, to be compelled to sever the close business relations of many years of service with our retiring president. To Judge Post a large measure of credit is due for the success of the business in the past.

It is hardly necessary for me to introduce our new president. Mr. McCloud has been known to you as one of the successful business men and bankers of Y^ork for the past thirty years or more, and is well known throughout the state as one of our leading citizens.

I bespeak for him your hearty support and confidence. The other new stockholders are also well known to you as successful and responsible business men closely associated with the business affairs of our city and county. It is gratifying to know that none of the stock of the bank goes outside of York County. The bank will continue to be as in the past, a strictly home institution. All the stockholders of the bank live in York County except three, who own forty-five shares out of a total of 1,000 shares.

At the earnest request of the new stockholders I am retaining my interest in the bank and will remain in the same capacity as heretofore. The same familiar line of faces will greet you at the counter, and the business of the bank will be conducted on the same liberal yet conservative lines as in the past. I sincerely hope that everyone of you will remain loyal to the First Xatimial Bank and that you will help us in building up an even better and stronger institution.

The period since 1012 has brought but a few changes in the official directory of the First N^ational Bank. Prior to the last sale, E. J. Wightman was vice president and cashier, and August Zimmerer and A. C. Hubbell were assistant cashiers. In 1916 the officers were: C. A. McCloud, president; E. R. Copsey, vice president; J. E. McCloud, cashier; August Zimmerer, assistant cashier; Mamie Wood, assistant cashier; and H. E. Nordlund, assistant cashier. The officers in 1!»17 were: C. A. McCloud, president; T.W.Smith, George M.Spurlock and R. R. Copsey, vice presidents; J. E. McCloud, cashier; August Zimmerer. Allan C. Hubbell and Mamie Wood, assistant cashiers; and Harry Xordlund, auditor. In 1018 the officers were: C. A. McCloud, president; R. R. Copsey, vice president; G. M. Spurlock, vice president; T. W. Smith, vice president; J. R. McCloud, cashier; August Zimmerer, assistant cashier; Mamie \Yood, assistant cashier; H. E. Nordlund, assistant cashier. Directors: George M. Spurlock, E. A. Wells, 0. M. Moore, R. R. Copsey, Geo. W. Shreck, C. M. Moyer, H. D. Hall. L. S. Loonier, J. R. McCloud, T. W. Smith, A. W. Thompson, Dennis Meehan, C. A. McCloud.

The First National Bank of Bradshaw lias as president C. A. McCloud, with E. A. Wells remaining as vice president and C. B. Palmer, Jr., as cashier.

At McCool Junction C. A. McCloud is president of the Blue River Bank, with T. W. Smith remaining as vice president and R. F. Lord as cashier in 1920.

C. A. McCloud became president of the Farmers and Traders Bank of Waco, T. J. Kirby succeeded E. J. Wightmau as vice president, and J. H. Fisher, who was cashier, remained with the new management.

The City Xatioxal I5Ank

Tlie City National Bank of York was organized in 1801 and through years of steady growth has built up a substantial banking institution in York, and its principal stockholders and officers, co-operating with the capitalists of the other towns of the county, have somewhat emulated the example of the First National group and built up a number of contributing and co-operating institutions throughout the county.

For many years Harris M. Cliilds was president of this institution, D. S. Zimmerman was vice president, Fred S. Bodie, cashier, and L. W. Childs, assistant cashier, and later C. H. Kolling became cashier.

Histoey Of York Couxty 747

Harris M. Childs, one of York's bankers and one of the county's foremost citizens, died at his home at 615 East Sixth Street, Monday afternoon, September 10. 1917. Mr. Childs has been ill for many months and his death was not unexpected. The final services were held Wednesday afternoon.

Born in Iowa on June 31, 18.59, he attended the public schools of his native state, and while yet a boy began work in his father's store. In 1890 he came to Nebraska, locating at Sterling where he organized a bank. Successfully conducting the Sterling Bank for nine years, he disposed of his interests therein and came to York. He bought an interest in the City National Bank and became its president, which position he held until his death. While not a politician Mr. Childs took an interest in public questions, and in 1904 he was a delegate from Nebraska to the repul)lican national convention. He is survived by his wife and one son and two daughters.

Mr. Childs was a man of charming personality, a level-headed man of business and a progressive citizen. He took an interest in civic affairs and gave liberally of his time and money to advance every good cause brought to his attention. In his death the community loses one who performed splendid service, and whose place will not easily be filled.

The officers in 1920 are: C!. N. Beaver, president; J. M. Bell and D. S. Zimmerman, vice presidents; J. I. Moore, cashier; and G. G. Stoll and J. E. Sheigley, assistant cashiers. J. E. Hart succeeded H. M. Childs, but in 1919 was appointed secretary of state banking board and later secretary of department of trade and commerce at Lincoln. This bank in 1920 has a capital stock of $100,000 and surplus of $128,000.

The group of capitalists and liankers who have managed the affairs of the City National Bank and built up that institution have developed the Farmers State Bank of Benedict, which was organized in 1912, and for a few years its principal officers were: H. M. Childs, president; W. S. Jeffery, vice jDresident, and W. J. Sahling, cashier. Its officers in 1920 are C. N. Beaver, president; F. R. Waid and W. S. JefEers, vice presidents, and E. W. Witten, cashier.

As mentioned before J. E. Hart, formerly cashier of the First National Bank of Gresham, was connected with the City National Bank at the time he was appointed in 1918 as secretary of the State Banking Department, which position he now holds as secretary of finance in the new civil code cabinet. When he removed to Lincoln, C. N. Beaver became president of the City National Bank.

The City Trust Company was organized in 1916, with H. M. Childs as president, J. M. Bell as vice president, and J. E. Hart as secretary and treasurer.

111 1905 was organized a bank wliieli has grown until it has reached the second rank in the roster of York County banks. The German-American Bank was organized with a roster of officials some of wliom have remained at its helm throughout the remarkable growth herein noted. Joshua Cox, formerly of Hampton, has been and is now president; James Forbes, vice president; R. S. Carscadden, casliier. and C. F. Stroman, assistant cashier. R. S. Carscadden became vice president before 1916 and C. F. Stroman, cashier. E. L. Brott was assistant cashier in 1918. In 1920, Joshua Cox remains president, E. S. Carscadden, vice president; E. S. Lawrence, cashier, and J. H. Krumbach, assistant cashier. H. W. Brott is a director and a vice president with E. S. Carscadden, also secretary of the American Trust Company. In 1918 this bank changed its name to American State Bank.

The youngest member of the lianking institutions of York is the Farmers State Bank, organized in 1916, with John Doraii, formerly of Burwell, Neb., as president; S. A. Myers, vice ijresident ; A. C. Hubliell. cashier, and B. E. Doran, assistant cashier.

In 1920, John iJoran remains as president, S. A. Myers and J. \V. Myers are vice presidents and A. C. Hubliell, cashier, and the renuiining directors are Charles P. Hildebrand and Jasper Lawrence.

Many of the other banks in the county have been somewhat covered in the notes made upon the historical development of the respective towns of the county. Both banks at Benedict and the First National at Bradshaw have been lieretofore covered.

An interesting chapter of early banking history of the county was recited in the press of York, in May, 1889, concerning the incorporation of the first bank started at Bradshaw:

"The Bradshaw bank, at Bradshaw, has been incoriDorated with a capital, fully paid in, of $20,000. The incorporators and board of directors are W. M. Kerr, president; 6. W. Kirby, vice president; T. M. Shallenberger, cashier; John M. Ragan and Otto G. Smith. This bank will soon be one of the strongest financial institutions in the county. The president, Mr. Kerr, is one of the heavy capitalists of Hastings, and John M. Ragan, of the same place, is well known to our people. The cashier, T. M. Shallenberger, has been engaged in the banking business for the past six years at Bradshaw, and by his integrity and close attention to the demands and needs of his patrons has built up a well established and desirable class of custom. Mr. Shallenberger enjoys a personal acquaintance with nearly every man in the western portion of the county and by his genial and social disposition is enabled to count his friends by the hundred. The family of the Shallenbergers is one of successful business men. vSix brothers are now in this state and all are actively engaged in the banking business. The four older brothers read law in their father's office at Toulon, 111., and fitted for the practice of law. One by one, they came west and to Bradshaw and from there branched out in the banking business. The four older brothers are now cashiers - T. M. at Bradshaw, Eugene at Elwood, Ashton at Alma, and Onslow at Imperial. Percy is also in the bank at Imperial as assistant and Herman at Bradshaw, in the same position. Eugene served during the Cleveland administration as postmaster at Bradshaw. The Adams County Bank at Hastings, one of the strongest financial institutions at Hastings, is more or less interested in all of the above banks, and, working together, they are enabled to materially assist each other at certain times. All are strictly honorable young men, who are bound to come to the front in the near future as the solid men of the state. The incident is a very rare one, six brothers, all engaged in one line of business and all successful in their business ventures. The Democrat wishes this illustrious family continued success in their undertakings and a bright business career in the rustling state of their adoption. Every one of the six is a rustler and they must reap the rustler's reward."

For many years Bradshaw had only one bank. In 1912 the Farmers State Bank of Bradshaw was organized, with J. M. Cox as president, C. H. Bedient, vice president, and F. R. Belleville was cashier in 1916. In 1920, B. F. Mincks is president, C. H. Bedient still vice president; A. M. Strunk, cashier, and C. D. Mincks, assistant cashier.

Gresham has had the First Xational Bank since 1890: W. C. Norton, president; R. E. Byers, vice president; S. C. Oaks, cashier; W. E. Norton, assistant cashier; George R. Colton, Paul DuUum and R. S. Hirsch, directors. Noah Clem later became vice president and then president, W. N. Hylton was vice president. J. E. Hart succeeded Oaks as cashier.

Til 1010 W. X. Hylton was president, R. S. Hirsch, vice president, J. E. Hart, cashier, and C. H. Eyan, assistant cashier. Later, H. 1. Hylton became cashier, and in 1920 was vice president. E. B. Hart and H. E. Brown were assistant cashiers in 191 f), and in 1920 H. E. Brown was cashier and J. E. Sperry, assistant cashier. W. X. Hylton was still president in 1920. C. E. Brown, H. E. Brown. A. L. Clem and B. K. Sperry were directors.

Gresham State Bank was organized in 1910. Its first officers were: A. F. Johnson, president; J. T. Quigley, vice president; W. B. Thorp, cashier. Board of directors: W. M. Rasp, D. W. Rogers, Ole Olsen, Charles Xeujahr, George Cook, J. T. Quigley, Adam Schmidt, W. B. Thorp, and A. F. Johnson. Succeeding presidents were H. A. Eyestone and S. A. Lindstrom. Succeeding vice president was A. A. Eklund. Succeeding cashiers have lieen George B. Cainphell, S. R. Severn; and David Jung.

The present directors and officers are: George Bond, Charles Xeujahr, Herman Diers, Robert Heineka, S. A. Lindstrom, A. A. Eklund, David Jung, S. A. Lindstrom, president; A. A. Eklund, vice president; David Jung, cashier.

The banks of Henderson have been mentioned at length in the notes on that town. The Bank of Henderson was organized in 1889 and for many years G. W. Friesen has been president, J. Friesen, Sr., and A. J. Friesen, vice presidents, the latter in 1920 still being vice president; P. L. Friesen, cashier, and P. P. Braun, assistant cashier.

The Farmers State Bank of Henderson, formerly the First Xational Bank, was organized in 1902. Its early officers were Jacob I. Kroeker, president; D. J. Kroeker, vice president; J. J. Kroeker, cashier, who now in 1920 is president; A. Franz, for many years assistant cashier. J. J. Goossen is the present vice president and B. E. Naclitigal, cashier.

The Bank of Lushton, the Bank of Thayer, the Blue River Bank at McCool and the Farmers and Traders Bank at Waco have been discussed in connection with the First Xational of York group.

The Farmers & Merchants Bank of McCool was organized in 1904. In 1910 E. R. Lincoln was president, W. C. Smith, vice president; W. W. Seng, cashier, and W. L. Seng, assistant cashier. In 1920, W. W. Seng was president, X. L. Seng, vice president, and W. L. Seng, cashier.

The Waco State Bank was organized in 191(i by II. M. Childs, as president; J. B. Erwine, vice president, and V. A. Warfield, cashier. In 1920 F. 0. Steffen was president and L. E. Cooper, cashier.

The Farmers & Traders Bank of Waco had been organized July 7, 1884, with J. H. Sheeks as vice president, and then president. In 1885 Judge G. W. Post became president. C. 0. Wilcox was the first cashier and W. L. White succeeded him. Following Judge Post, the presidents of this bank have been W. L. White, E. J. Wiglitiiinii. and V. A. McCloud. Its vice presidents following Sheeks have been: H. C. Smith, T. J. Kirby, E. J. Wightman, and Henry Stulir. Succeeding White, cashiers have been E. L. Harris, D. W. Hoyt, L. E. Bickley, E. S. Carscadden, L. J. Wilkins, and J. H. Fisher, who died in January, 1921. 'J'lie directors in 1920 were C. A. McCloud, president; T. J. Kerby, vice president; J. H. Fisher, cashier; Robert Beckord, and R. R. Copsey.

As a means of couipari.sou of the various bauks of York C'uunty with each other, and making a survey of the banking field of the county, a table is hereto appended giving the condition of tlie banks of the county in 1917, and another giving their condition in 1020. This table somewhat reflects the effect of the agricultural mishaps of the county in not showing a better ratio of growth for these tliree years.

of York County, Nebraska, at the time of the last call. The state banks under date of August 21, 1917, aud the national banks September 11, 1917, show a

York County bankers took advantage of the presence of the Liberty Bond drive managers in 1918 and organized the York County Bankers' Association. The following officers of the association were elected for the first year: J. E. Hart, York, president; Jarvis Yates, Bradshaw, vice president; E. S. Lawrence, York, secretary and treasurer.