Clark County, Wisconsin - Chapter 16: Banks and Banking, 1918

There are eighteen banks in Clark County, seventeen of which are State and one of which is National. They are located as follows: The Neillsville Bank, of Neillsville; The Commercial State Bank, of Neillsville; The First National Bank, of Neillsville; The Farmers Exchange Bank, of Thorp; The Peoples State Bank, of Thorp; The State Bank, of Withee; The State Bank, of Owen; The Curtiss State Bank, of Curtiss; The Abbotsford Bank, of Abbotsford; The Colby State Bank, of Colby; The Dorchester State Bank, of Dorchester; The Loyal State Bank, of Loyal; The Citizens State Bank, of Loyal; The Chili State Bank, of Chili; The First State Bank, of Humbird; The Farmers State Bank, of Granton; The State Bank of Greenwood, and The Farmers and Merchants Bank, of Greenwood. The State Bank of Unity is in Marathon County.

Although the first bank in Clark County was not organized until 1875, nevertheless the county was credited with a bank as early as 1857. August 1, of that year, the Clark County Bank was organized with a capital stock of $500,000, of which C. D. Chase subscribed $100,000, and W. H. Marston, $400,000. Both these gentlemen lived in New York, but acknowledged the articles of incorporation in Dane County, Wis. According to its incorporation, the bank had its office for discount and deposit, located in the town of Neillsville, in Clark County. This was in the days of banking, and no effort was made to do business in Clark County, the evident object being to issue paper money. Early in 1858 the legislature passed an act authorizing the bank to reduce its capital to not less than $50,000. Nothing more was heard of the institution.

The first financial institution in Clark County was the banking house of Telling, Wood & Co., the members of the company being John Telling, Hiram O. Wood and Frank §S. Kirkland. Kirkland was the resident manager. Differences soon arose between Kirkland and the other members of the firm. Out of Kirkland's connection with this firm, came the Clark County Bank, the first organized bank in Clark County.

The Clark County Bank, of Neillsville, was organized under the laws of Wisconsin, Aug. 20, 1875, with a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of transacting a general banking and exchange business. The officers at that time were: Richard Dewhurst, president; J. F. Kirkland, vice-president ; F. S. Kirkland, cashier; John Reed, Daniel Gates, James Hewett, James O'Neill and F. 8. Kirkland, directors. In the course of two or three years, dissensions between the directors of the bank, as to its management, led to the withdrawal from the directorate of Messrs. Dewhurst, Reed and Gates, who sold their holdings, and from thence on had no connection with the bank. Then the officers were: Levi Archer, president; James Hewett, vice-president ; D, B. Dickenson, cashier; Chauncey Blakeslee, Robert Scho- field, M. C. Ring, and L. A. Arnold, directors. The bank continued in business with varying success until the summer of 1897, when it closed its doors. The Neillsville Bank of Neillsville was started as a private bank in 1879, by J. L. Gates and Daniel Gates under the firm name of J. L. Gates & Co. Doors were opened for business in the O'Neill Block, now ocecupied by the postoffice. This business was carried on for nearly four years, when it was sold to Richard Dewhurst and others, and organized on Sept. 1, 1883, under the banking laws of Wisconsin as the Neillsville Bank, the name which it has borne since the beginning. Soon after its organization the bank moved into the Gates Block, just completed, which it occupied until its present building was erected on the same site. The first president was Richard Dewhurst and the first cashier, Joseph Morley. Judge Dewhurst served until his death and was succeeded by Charles F. Grow, who likewise served until his death, followed by Wallace L. Hemphill.

In 1909 the bank completed at Neillsville on the southwest corner of Fifth and Hewett streets, a fine stone veneer bank building, two stories in height, well adapted for its purposes, and is not only the handsomest bank building in Neillsville, but also one of the finest in Central Wisconsin. Its officers and directors are as follows: Officers, W. L. Hemphill, president; Thomas Lowe, vice-president; Herman North, cashier; W. F. North and F. P. Jorgenson, assistant cashiers. Directors: W. L. Hemphill, Thomas Lowe, Herman North, W. J. Rush, William Kurth, W. J. Marsh, H. O. Huckstead. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $50,000.00; deposits, $573,418.09; S. & N. P., $64,509.00; loans and discounts, $528,- 111.22; cash and due from banks, $86,732.23.

The Commercial State Bank of Neillsville was organized June 30, 1898, the doors being opened for business in the O'Neill Block, now occupied by the postoffice, July 1, 1898. The bank then purchased quarters across the street in the Gates Block, and moved there in October, 1898. The structure was rebuilt in the summer of 1917, and now presents an imposing appearance, being most admirably adapted for its purpose in every way, beauty, stability and utility being the predominating keynote. The institution has been a factor in the commercial and agricultural development of the county, having taken an especial interest in the distribution of seed corn to farmers. The first officers were: President, S. M. Marsh; vice president, S. H. Esch; cashier, H. M. Root; directors, Ernst Hilert, La Mont E. Brown, Henry S. Mulvey, Eugene D. Webster and Ezra Tompkins. In 1914, 8. M. Marsh moved to California and W. J. Marsh was made president. He served until 1916, when H. M. Root took office. The first vice president, S. H. Esch, held office until his death. Following him the vice presidents have been: 1904, Charles Cornelius; 1908, Carl Rabenstein; 1915, E. J. Rossman; 1916, W. J. Marsh. There have been but two cashiers, Homer M. Root being succeeded in 1916 by E. J. Rossman. Fred Huntzicker, the first assistant cashier, moved to California in December, 1899, and was followed by H. W. Bryden. In January, 1903, Mr. Bryden having accepted a position as cashier in a bank at Rib Lake, Wis., E. H. Schoengarth was chosen in his place. Mr. Schoengarth served until 1916. The present officers are: President, H. M. Root; vice president, W. J. Marsh; cashier, E. J. Rossman; directors, O. W. Schoengarth, H. E. Korman, W. L. Smith, A. F. Radke, F. D. Calway, E. J. Rossman and Carl Rabenstein. A. N. Haderer is the teller. The statement of May 15, 1918, shows the following items: Resources - Loans and discounts, $152,360.60; overdrafts, $702.57 ; United States, municipal and other bonds, $13,433.46; banking house, $7,500; furniture and fixtures, $1,975; other real estate, $1,400; due from approved reserve banks, $10,287.22; checks and cash items, $4,096.24; cash on hand, $10,620.48. Total, $202,375.57. Liabilities: Captial, $25,000; surplus, $5,000; undivided profits, $810.43; deposits subject to checks, $81,456.29 ; time certificates, $76,474.14; savings department, $7,654.71; bills payable, $6,000. Total, $202,375.57. This bank was preceded by a private bank started in what is now the postoffice in January, 1897. H. M. Root and Fred Huntzicker bought out the institution in May, 1898, and became the working force of the Commercial State Bank that fall.

First National Bank, "the first and only" National bank in Clark County, was organized and erected in the year 1909, through the efforts and business foresight of its president, Charles Cornelius, who is still with the bank, and has seen it become one of the leading banking institutions of the county. At the same time that Mr. Cornelius supervised the construction of the bank building he also looked after the building of his beautiful home, located on Clay Street, in the residence section of the city. The charter of the bank was received Sept. 28, 1909, and the officers at that time were: President, Charles Cornelius; first vice president, S. M. Marsh; second vice president, W. H. Woodworth; cashier, F. P. Ainsworth. The directors were George A. Ure, John P. Kintzele, A. F. Dankemyer, A. B. Marsh, F. P. Ainsworth, E. W. Crosby and George C. Crothers. The bank opened for business Jan. 17, 1910. Years passed along and the bank continued to grow and prosper under the management of its officers and directors, with changes occurring such as time brings to all lines of business, until at the present time the bank enjoys a large patronage, which is shown by its accumulated resources of over $500,000. Mr. Cornelius is still president; A. B. Marsh is first vice president ; George A. Ure, second vice president, and Ray A. Clemens, cashier, The directors are: George A. Ure, John P. Kintzele, A. F. Dankemyer, A. B. Marsh, A. E. Dudley, O. E. Schoengarth, Carl Stange and George C, Crothers. Mr. Clemens came to the bank from McGregor, lowa, having been employed there for over six years in the First National Bank, which was owned and controlled by ex- Governor Larabee of Iowa. Paul Bartell, who served as assistant cashier for a number of years, entered the service of the United States army during the summer of 1917, and was succeeded in office by Carl Stange, who is one of the most experienced bankers in the county, having served for over thirty years in the business. The bank now has over 113 stockholders, the greater number of them being Clark County residents and patrons of the bank. The bank building is of Bedford white stone, and is modern in every particular, with a mahogany and marble finish interior, the walls being decorated with a hand-painted design of neat appearance. On the out- side of the building is suspended a beautiful chime clock, which was a gift to the bank from Mr. Cornelius, and serves as an accurate timekeeper to the public, and displays the interest taken in the community by this up-todate banking house. The building is wired and equipped with a day and night burglar alarm system, which, with its fire and burglar-proof vaults, gives absolute security to its funds and records.

The Farmers Exchange Bank of Thorp was incorporated Sept. 19, 1912, by Herman Friess, Geo. Burke, T. O. Mosher and Joseph Klouda. The first officers were : T. O. Mosher, president; Herman Friess, first vice president; John E. Geiger, second vice president; George Burke, cashier, The first directors were John Verkuilen, Theodore Broeren, George Burke, John N. Boie, Val. Przybylski, William Krause, Herman Friess, John E. Geiger, N. P. Hansen, George A. Ure and Thomas O. Mosher. The bank building was erected in the summer of 1913, the bank opening its doors for business September 15, that year. Since the date of organization a number of changes have taken place both in the official board and board of directors, as follows: John E. Geiger, in place of George Burke, resigned, was elected cashier Oct. 30, 1918, at which time John Slota was elected assistant cashier, which position he still holds. At the first meeting of the newly elected board of directors held Jan. 13, 1915, George Burke was elected cashier in place of John E. Geiger, and on the same date John E. Geiger was elected president in place of T. O. Mosher. On Jan. 12, 1916, Herman Friess was elected president in place of John E. Geiger. At the stockholders' annual meeting, Jan. 13, 1913, A. O. Rhea was chosen director to succeed Theodore Broeren. On Jan. 14, 1914, Joseph A. Bogumill took the place of George Burke as director; Jan. 13, 1915, George Burke succeeded T. O. Mosher in the same capacity; Jan. 12, 1916, Rudolph Verweyst became director in place of John E. Geiger, and on Jan. 10, 1917, Math. Greisch succeeded George A, Ure. The present officers and directors of the bank are as follows: Officers, Herman Friess, president; W. Krause, first vice president; John Verkuilen, second vice president; George Burke, cashier; John Slota, assistant cashier; Ruth E. Burke, bookkeeper. Directors: John N. Boie, George Burke, Math. Greisch, William Krause, A. O. Rhea, R. Verwyst, Jos. S. Bugumill, Herman Friess, N, P. Hensen, Val Przybiski and John Verkuilen. This bank, though having an older institution to compete with, has made remarkable progress, its policy, "A square deal for all, and special favors to none," having met with general appreciation. Its banking house, with furniture and fixtures, is valued at $9,723. Its report for Dec. 31, 1917, showed a capital stock of $30,- 000.00; surplus fund, $6,000.00, and total deposits of $213,717.09.

The Peoples State Bank of Thorp was established Jan. 1, 1885, and was incorporated as a state bank, June 10, 1903. The officers are: Melvin Nye, president; W. R. McCutcheon, vice-president; R. G. Lawrence, ¢ashier. The directors are: W. R. McCutcheon, W. F. Hudson, M. Wiltgen, Melvin Nye and George Zillmann. Statement, May 1, 1917: Capital, $30,000.00; deposits, $166,695.72; surplus and undivided profits, $7,963; loans and discounts, $181,543.48; cash and due from banks, $29,122.25.

The Bank of Withee, a private institution, was started about two weeks before the State Bank of Withee, but after two years the Bank of Withee retired from business and from the town.

The State Bank of Owen was incorporated Aug. 14, 1907, by A. R. Owen, J. G. Owen, E. A. Owen, W. C. Tufts, J. F. Hughes, H. B. Crane, J. J. Selmar, W. G. Royer and J. P. Weirich. John G. Owen was elected president, with H. B. Crane, vice president, and W. C. Tufts, cashier, the board of directors being constituted of the above mentioned officers with the addition of E. A. Owen and W. G. Royer. The bank opened for business Sept. 5, 1907. In 1909 the building now occupied by the institution, a substantial brick structure with Bedford stone front, was erected. E. A. Owen was elected vice president June 1, 1910, in place of H. B, Crane, who resigned, and on July 9, 1912, V. F. Shereda was elected assistant cashier. The present official board consists of John G. Owen, president, Edward A. Owen, vice president; W. C. Tufts, cashier, and V. F. Shereda, assistant cashier. The present directors are John G. Owen, Edward A. Owen, A. R. Owen, W. G. Royer and W. C. Tufts. A recent statement of the bank showed the following condition: Resources - Loans, discounts and bonds, $117,871.84; banking house, $3,375.00; furniture and fixtures, $4,200.00; other real estate, $805.55; cash and due from banks, $22,732.04; personal property, $300.00; total, $149,283.93, Liabilities - Capital, $12,000.00; surplus and profits, $3,719.91; deposits, $133,564.02.

The Curtiss State Bank of Curtiss was established July 23, 1912. The officers are: Ole Thompson, president; T. B. Peterman, vice president; Glen Reibsamen, cashier. The directors are: Ole Thompson, C. J. Karsten,

The Abbotsford Bank of Abbotsford was organized Jan. 14, 1902, and was incorporated as a state bank, Aug. 17, 1903. The institution has had a successful career, the result of generally favorable local conditions and good management on the port of the officers and directors. These officials (1917) are: H. H. Fiebig, president; A. J. Young, vice president; G. M. Ouimette, cashier; Dora Lundahl, assistant cashier, with H. H. Fiebig, A. J. Young, F. B. Wing, A. M. Steinwand and G. M. Ouimette as directors. The bank's statement of condition, May 1, 1917, showed the following items: Capital, $25,000.00; surplus and undivided profits, $16,747.79; loans and discounts, $155,407.28; cash and due from banks, $50,042.05; deposits, $171,089.40.

The Colby State Bank of Colby was incorporated in 1900 by William Johnston, Erastus Bowen, Cullen Ayer, R, B. Salter and K. Andrews. The first officers were: Erastus Bowen, president; William Johnston, vice president; K. Andrews, cashier. The directors were: Erastus Bowen, Cullen Ayer, A. Emerson, R. B. Salter and Ed. Kayhart. The bank opened its doors for business Sept. 1, 1900, in a building erected that year. Mr. Bowen and Mr. Andrews have held their respective offices as president and cashier from the time of organization down to the present. Mr. Johnston served as vice president until 1906, when he was succeeded by Ed. Kayhart, R. B. Salter was vice president from 1907 to 1914, when Mr. Kayhart again assumed the duties of that office and is still serving. In 1901 Roland Johnston became assistant cashier, serving until 1907, when he was succeeded by R. G. Salter, who has held that office. The present directors are: Erastus Bowen, Ed. Kayhart, Sarah E. Salter, K. Andrews and R. G. Salter. The policy of the bank may be embodied in the words "A square deal," which it gives to all its patrons. Its most recent financial statement showed the following condition: Resources: Loans and discounts, $241,312.00; U. S. bonds and certificates of indebtedness, $45,- 100.00; real estate, $45,000; due from reserve banks, $141,270.09; cash on hand, $13,810.88; total $446,493.05. Liabilities: Capital stock, $25,000; surplus and undivided profits, $30,420.07; deposits, $391,072.98; total, $446,493.05.

The Dorchester State Bank of Dorchester was incorporated June 29, 1906, by H. M. Nedrey, W. D. Chamness, Fred Gutwasser, G. N. Schultz, John Hollenbach, Andrew Sorenson, Hiram Kayhart, John Sturner, Knute Iverson, Julius LeClare, Andrew Lieders, Martin Musala, Ed O. Brecke, Fred Lindner, Herman Marquardt, Fred Laack, Frank Nagel and William F. Bieman. The bank opened for business July 9, 1906, with H. M. Nedry, president; G. N. Schultz, vice president, and William F. Brieman, cashier. Fred Gutwasser succeeded H. M. Nedry as president on Jan. 2, 1908; Orlando J. Koll succeeded William F. Brieman as cashier March 2, 1908, and C. E. Blodgett succeeded to the presidency on Aug. 4, 1908. The capital stock was increased from $10,000 to $20,000 on Dec. 5, 1908. In the fall of 1908 the erection of a bank building was begun, the building being completed Jan. 9, 1909. August Homsted became vice president July 19, 1910, but died Nov. 9, the same year. E. O. Erickson was elected vice president and H. A. Maurer cashier, July 18, 1911. Bert Wells was elected vice president; H. A. Maurer, cashier. The policy of the bank is "Credit to whom credit is due." The last statement of this bank issued previous to Feb. 21, 1918, showed the following items: Resources - Loans and discounts, $182,- 234.79; liberty bonds and W. 8. S., $23,425.00; banking house, $3,000.00; furniture and fixtures, $2,500.00; due from reserve agents, $56,137.28: cash on hand, $5,731.31; total, $273,028.58. Liabilities - Capital, $20,000; surplus $8,000.00; undivided profits, $4,729.24; deposits, $240,299.34; total, $273,028.58.

The Loyal State Bank of Loyal was organized in 1903 with a capital of $25,000.00, the institution opening for business on May 10, that year. The prime moyers in establishing the bank were H. S. Mulvey and A. A, Graves, and the first officers were: A. A. Graves, president; B. W. Colby, vice president; H. S. Mulvey, cashier, and C. E. Tucker, assistant cashier. The first board of directors was composed of A. A. Graves, N. S. Mulvey, Andrew Emerson, B. Christman, William Lenling, Ed. Kayhart and J. H. Eddy. The president, Mr. Graves, has retained his office up to the present time. The changes in the other offices and in the board of directors have been as follows: 1n 1904 C. E. Tucker became assistant cashier in place of R. M. Jenks, the board of directors consisting of the president and cashier, together with B. Christman, William Lenling, James Richmond, M. D., E. W. Romaine and Frank Vetter. In 1905 R. M, Jenks became cashier in place of H. 8S. Mulvey, and H. M. Haslett, assistant cashier, in place of R. M. Jenks, and J. S. Sayles succeeded E. W. Romaine on the board of directors. The official staff as now constituted remained the same until 1911. In 1906 William Luchterland became a director in place of Frank Vetter, In 1907 W. W. Lyons and Ed Kayhart took the places of Dr. Richmond and J. S. Sayles on the directorate, and in 1908 A. Sayles took the place of William Lenling. Early in 1909 the directors were B. Christman, W. W. Lyons, Ed Kayhart, William Luchterland and F, Luchterland, with the president and cashier, A. A. Graves and R. M. Jenks, but Mr. Lyons dying, his unexpired term was filled out by H. M. Haslett, the assistant cashier. In 1910 the directors were: B. Christman, Ed Kayhart, William Luchterland, Dr. James Richmond and F. Luchterland. In 1911 Dr. James Richmond became vice president in place of B. W. Colby, who had hitherto held that position, R. M. Jenks continuing as cashier. The board of directors was the same as the previous year, except that C. H. Young replaced James Richmond. The only change made in 1912 was that the vice president was made a member of the board in place of the cashier, and this arrangement was continued thereafter. In 1913 the official staff was the same, the directorate being composed of B. Christman, C. H. Young, Frank Shupe, F. Luchterland and William Luchterland, with the president, A. A. Graves, and vice president, Dr. James Richmond. C. H. Young resigned from the board of directors in 1914, his place being taken by John Beaver. In February, 1915, James Richmond died and B. Christman was elected vice president in his stead, Thomas Froeba succeeding Dr. Richmond on the board of directors. On March 16 the same year, the board of directors was increased to nine, Ed Kayhart and William Ayer being elected to it for the balance of the year. In 1916 the officers were: A. A. Graves, president; B. Christman, vice president; R. M. Jenks, cashier, M. S. Griffin being elected assistant cashier April 15, The directors that year were William Luchterland, F. Luchterland, F. Shupa, John Beaver, Thomas Froeba, William Ayer and Otto Weyhmiller, with the president and vice president. On May 24, 1917, W. Luchterland resigned as director, R. M. Jenks being elected to fill the vacancy, and on July 31 the same year, M. S. Griffin resigned as assistant cashier. No change in either the official staff or board has since been made. In the period from 1911 to 1917, the average deposits nearly doubled in amount, In 1917 the bank erected its present building, one of the finest and best in the county. It is of two stories with full basement, the front of Lake Superior brown stone, and with fire-proof side-walls. There are two large vaults on the main floor and one in the basement. The large rotunda is furnished with leather upholstered seats, and there are ladies' and gentlemen's waiting and writing rooms, a special private room for individual business, a president's office, officers' room, directors' room, and in the basement a barber shop with tiled floor, baths and toilets. The bank floor is of oak throughout, with marble slabs, the general business room for employees back of the railings being large and spacious, while all the equipment is in keeping with the modern type which prevails. The building is electrically lighted and is heated by the hot water system. All in all the institution is one in which the officers, patrons, and the citizens of Loyal and the county generally can take a just pride. The building and equipment were completed at a cost of about $22,000.00.

The Citizens State Bank of Loyal was incorporated Dec. 20, 1909, by M. F. Doyle, Dr. H. H. Christofferson, C. H. Brown and W. J. Rush. The first officers were: M. F. Doyle, president; C. H. Brown, vice president; Harry Haslett, cashier. The board of directors consisted of M. F, Doyle, C. H. Brown, B. W. Colby, H. Haslett, Dr. H. H. Christofferson, William Lenling, C. B. Esselman and Albert Davel. The bank opened its doors for business Dec. 20, 1909. It occupies a good purchased building, in which a room is specially set apart for the convenience of its patrons, either as a resting-place or the transaction of business, a leading policy of the bank being the maintenance of a high standard of personal service. The officers of the bank in 1917 were: C. H. Brown, president; B. W. Colby, vice president ; Harry Haslett, cashier; J. R. Colby, assistant cashier. The directors were: C. H. Brown, Joe Bertz, F. W. Draper, William Lenling, Albert Davel, C. B. Esselman, Harry Haslet, H. H. Christofferson and B. W. Colby. The bank's report for Nov. 20, 1917, showed the following condition: Resources - Loans and discounts, $272,905.83; overdrafts, $20.42; U. S. Liberty bonds, $16,244.00; banking house and fixtures, $6,000.00; cash and due from banks, $47,212.60. Liabilities - Capital stock, $25,000.00; surplus, $6,000.00; undivided profits, $6,697.54; reserve for interest and taxes, $2,000.00 deposits, $302,685.31.

The Chili State Bank of Chili was established Aug. 13, 1912, The officers are: W. H. Happe, president; Geo. A. Ure, vice president; A. P. Sample, cashier; James F. Farning, assistant cashier. Directors: W. R. Happe, Geo. A. Ure, Henry Nebel, Anton Hogenson, William Wagner, Ernest Neinas, Herman Portz. Statement, May 1, 1917: Capital, $13,000.00; deposits, $111,233.08; surplus and undivided profits, $2,692.33; loans and discounts, $102,645.91; cash and due from banks, $13,992.56.

The First State Bank of Humbird was organized and incorporated Dec. 8, 1904, with a capital of $5,000.00, with John Babler as president, Rosina Babler, vice president, and C. H. Saunders cashier. On Jan. 1, 1909, the bank was reorganized and the capital stock increased to $10,000.00, B. J. Stallard becoming president, Fred Theiler, vice president; H. Babler, cashier, and Etta Babler, assistant cashier. These with others comprised the directors. The present officers are: C. D. Fowler, president; M. Kretschmer, vice president; B. J. Stallard, cashier; W. E. Waters, assistant cashier. The directors are: C. D. Fowler, B, J. Stallard, P. A. Hemmy, M. Kretschmer, George Iffland, H. L. Lunn, Fred Theiler. The bank's report of conditions on Dee. 21, 1917, showed the following items: Resources - Loans and discounts, $150,723.18; overdrafts, $481.42; bonds, $97,000.00; banking house, $5,000; furniture and fixtures, $2,000.00; due from approved reserve banks, $16,858.38 ; due from other banks, $3,000.00; checks on other banks and cash items, $650.87, cash on hand, $7,083.81; total, $212,797.66. Liabilities; Capital stock, $10,000.00; surplus fund, $10,000.00; undivided profits, $1,214.36; individual deposits subject to check, $64,368.35; time certificates of deposit, $102,414.95; notes and bills re-discounted, $24,800.00; total, $212,797.66.

The Curtiss State Bank of Curtiss was organized July 23, 1912, and has been a useful and reliable factor in the commercial life and general development of the community. Its statement issued May 1, 1917, showed a capital of $10,000.00; surplus and undivided profits, $4,600.00; cash and due from banks, $20,300.00; deposits, $90,000.00; loans and discount, $84,- 000.00. The officers and directors (1917) are: Officers: Ole Thompson, president ; T. B. Peterman, vice president ; Glen Reibsamen, cashier. Directors: Ole Thompson, C. J. Karsten, B. B. Green, T. B. Peterman and Glen Reibsamen.

The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Greenwood was incorporated in 1912, by C. H. Clute, John Stanton, H. R. Schofield, Charles Cornelius, H. F. Stabnow, R. Schofield, John W. Arends, Robert Huntzicker, E. J. Rossman and John Huntzicker. The first officers were: Charles Cornelius, president ; C. H. Clute, first vice president ; John Stanton, second vice president; John Huntzicker, cashier. The directors were: Chas. Cornelius, A. E. Dudley, A. E. Darton, Harry Hewett, H. R. Schofield, C. H. Clute, William Morgan, J. A. Steiger, William Vollrath, John Stanton and H. F, Stabnow. The bank opened for business Oct. 12, 1912, in its own building, which had been erected that year, and which is of cement block construction. In January, 1916, C. H. Clute was elected president, and Geo. A. Ure and H. F. Stabnow were elected vice presidents. At this time EK. R. Brown was elected cashier, and A. C. Baker, assistant cashier. In November,

1916, L. E, Bopp was elected cashier. He was succeeded in that office by A. C. Bucker, whose election took place in June, 1917, R. P. Rossman at the same time being elected assistant cashier. The present officers of the bank are: C. H. Clute, president; John Huntzicker and H. F. Stabnow, vice presidents; A. C. Buker, cashier, and R. P. Rossman, assistant cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $30,000.00, with a surplus fund of $3,000. The total deposits at the close of business, Dec. 31, 1917, were $135,517.76.

The Greenwood State Bank of Greenwood was organized July 30, 1891, with a capital stock of $25,000, by Joseph Gibson, Cullen Ayer, Andrew Emerson, J. C. Miller, L. W. Larson, L. W. Gibson, W. H. Begley, Louisa A. Withee, G. L. Buland, W. H. Hilton, John Stewart, Nils Johansen, Henry Thielen, James Bryden, H. W. Hunt, William Johnston, W. H. Bryden, EH. G. Herrell and Lorenzo Sperbeck. The first officers were: Joseph Gibson, president; Cullen Ayer, vice president; L. Sperbeck, cashier, and L. W. Gibson, assistant cashier. The bank opened its doors for business Oct. 19, 1891, in its own building, which had been previously erected. R. Sperbeck was cashier from Jan. 1, 1901, to July 1, 1904; J. B. Stair was cashier from July 1, 1904, to July 1, 1906; E. F. Wollenberg was assistant cashier from July 1, 1904, to July 1, 1906, since which time he has served as cashier. Erastus Bowen is now president, with John Shanks, vice president, The directors are: Erastus Bowen, John Shanks, H. H. Hartson, E. F. Wollenberg and William Huntzicker. The bank building, which stands on the corner of Main and Division Streets, is built of solid brick, with vaults, the counting rooms being located in the rear of the cages. This bank was burglarized on the morning of Nov. 4, 1902, and $7,000 was taken. Two weeks later the burglars were taken in Chicago and brought to Neillsville, Wis., and tried and acquitted by a jury. The statement of the bank at the close of business, Nov. 17, 1917, showed a capital stock of $25,000; surplus fund, $5,000; value of banking house, furniture and fixtures, $13,500; total deposits, $240,787.26.

The Farmers State Bank of Granton was established Jan. 5, 1904. The officers are: Robert Kurth, president; John P. Kintzele, vice president; W. Seott Davis, cashier; C. A. Wilke, assistant cashier; directors, Robert Kurth, John P. Kintzele, W. Scott Davis, A. J. Knorr, C. C. Berg, William Kurth, Geo. A. Ure. Statement, May 1, 1917: Capital, $10,000.00; deposits, $201,774.76; surplus and undivided profits, $2,993.21; loans and discounts, $187,405.75; cash and due from banks $21,813.70.

The Unity State Bank of Unity was established May 20, 1909, and has since filled an important and necessary place in the business life of the community. It is capitalized for $10,000.00, other items in its statement (May 1, 1917), being as follows: Surplus and undivided profits, $2,236.15; cash and due from banks, $9,087.94; loans and discounts, $79,446.84; deposits, $75,455.91. The officers and directors (1917) are: Officers - J. H. Clark, president; O. C. Hamann, vice president; S. J. Falck, cashier; directors - J. H. Clark, O. C. Hamann, S. J. Falek, Ed. Ayer, Philip Klein.