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bank in different capacities ever since. From the first the success of the bank was assured. Every stockholder felt that he had a personal interest in it and as they constituted a large share of the business part of town, their influence was quickly felt and the results of this influence have been shown all through the years of its existence. From the start the motto of the management was safety first and that remains the policy today and while at times they have been criticized for being too conservative yet the experience of the panic of 1893 has but strengthened them in the belief that no bank can be--and remain--a sound, safe institution unless it is managed on the lines of conservatism.
Twice during its existence have business panics swept over the country--in 1884 and 1893. The first came too soon after the organization of the bank to be severely felt. At no time during the ordeal of 1893--when banks were suspending all over the country--was there a whisper of trouble at El Paso and the bank was ready at all times to pay any depositor or creditor on demand. In common with all other lines of business, the business of the bank was curtailed by that panic and necessarily the business of a bank is reflected by the condition of the community in which it is. An era of short crops and low prices means less business in every way for merchants and banks.
In 1894 the old Bank building was destroyed by fire and the loss not covered by insurance was about $2000. No papers or books of any importance were lost or injured and the vault stood the test and came through in excellent shape, the nickel trimmings on the safe not even being tarnished. The new building was at once commenced and was finished in the winter of 1894-5.
In a country bank the management and control of the institution naturally falls into the hands of one person largely and here there has been no exception to the rule, though the directors have always been consulted on any matter of importance and the whole list of loans is passed upon by them at regular meetings. Mr. Rogers was cashier and manager until his death, Nov. 10, 1884. He left his stamp upon the bank's future and his memory is cherished and his wholesome advice remembered yet. F. B. Stitt, at that time bookkeeper and but 23 years old, was elected to the vacant place in December, 1884, and still occupies it.
The first board of directors was A. S. McKinney, C. Schafer, David Evans, J. Gilmore--who still are with it--Dr. F. Cole, J. M. Dunn, W. A. Johnston--who have made their homes elsewhere-- and J. Q. Adams and George Thorpe, who have gone to their rest. Of the later members W. H. McClelan, who took J. M. Dunn's place, and Aug. Strathman, who succeeded Johnston, have also passed to the grave. The present members of the board are A. S. McKinney, David Evans, C. Schafer, J. Gilmore, M. A. Adams, J. I. Kerr, A. VanScyoc, Robert Hitch and F. B. Stitt. In addition to the names mentioned above, Walter Bennett served as director from January, 1888, until his removal to Arizona in the spring of 1892. The present officers are A. S. McKinney, president; David Evans, vice-president; F. B. Stitt, cashier, and L. K. Evans, assistant cashier. Mr. L. K. Evans began with the bank as bookkeeper in April, 1885, and has been with them ever since with the exception of about nine months spent at Knox college, during which time Oscar Stitt acted as bookkeeper. Mr. Evans was given the title of assistant cashier in April, 1892.
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