Grayson County TXGenWeb

State National Bank
1900s

100 South Rusk Avenue, west side
Looking north toward State National Bank on right side of photo
L. B. Burns truck visible on this side of State National Bank
Source: Paddock, B. B. History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906.

In January, 1900, the following board was elected: A. W. Acheson, E. H. Lingo, J. W. Madden, W. W. Elliott, J. B. McDougall, A. F. Platter, D. N. Robb, W. C. Tignor, Courtenay Marshall, G. L. Blackford. Mr. Marshall became actively associated with the affairs of the bank at this time, and continued so until 1902, in which year he moved to Beaumont, Texas, to become secretary and treasurer of the Security Oil Company, who erected there the largest refining plant in the southwest. On leaving Denison he resigned the position of second vice president, and this office has since been discontinued.
The present board of directors of the State National are: A. F. Platter, J. B. McDougall, A. W. Acheson, D. N. Robb, W. W. Elliott, E. H. Lingo, J. W. Madden, P. H. Tobin, Elihu B. Hinshaw, G. L. Blackford — all men of the highest integrity and financial reliability.

The sworn statements of the bank as issued from time to time convey graphically the best idea of the status of this institution in Grayson county and northern Texas. In the first official statement published December 31, 1883, the bank showed $48,288.29 on deposit, with an undivided profit and surplus of $475. By December, 1885, the deposits had increased to $121,000, with $16,000 in undivided surplus and profits. Two years later the deposits were $168,000, with $45,000 of undivided surplus and profits. At the close of 1889 the deposits were $509,000. When Mr. Johnson's controlling interest was purchased in that year the larger part of the surplus and divided profits were distributed among the stockholders. On December 2, 1891, $508,000 was on deposit, and the profits and undivided surplus was $43,000. December 19, 1893, the corresponding accounts showed $580,000, and $52,000, respectively. This year it will be remembered, was the beginning of the hard times, when so many banks large and small throughout the country went to the wall. December 13, 1895, the prosperity of this institution was evidenced as shown by the figures, $705,000, deposits; $48,000, surplus and profits. September 15, 1897, under the same heads were $674,000, and $40,000; on December 2, 1899, $675,000, and $27,000; on December 10, 1 901, $893,000, and $38,000; and on November 17, 1903, $822,000 and $81,000. On September 6, 1904, the statement shows deposits to the amount of $814,000, and the surplus and undivided profits to be over $92,000. On December 31, 1905, deposits were $1,026,000, with surplus and undivided profits of $100,000. The officers are now G. L. Blackford, president; A. F. Platter, vice president; W. G. Meginnis, cashier; George Rue and T. F. Foley, assistant cashiers — young men connected with the bank for some years past, who were promoted to fill these positions on account of its increased business. The total assets therefore foot up to over a million dollars.

The State National Bank of Denison, Texas [300 W. Main St.] - 1903

Among the monetary institutions of the country which bear the prestige of years of useful and faithful service to the community wherein located, none stands forth more prominently or possesses in a greater degree the full confidence of the public than the State National Bank. The Bank has been established since 1883, and its history has been one of steady progress and advancement along the lines of conservatism and good judgment; and during all the years of its business career this institution has been responsive at all times to the financial wants of the community, alike in periods of depression as in days of prosperity. The bank is today one of the riches, most influential and most substantial financial institutions in the Southwest. A general banking business is transacted, the bank being equipped with the most modern facilities. It has a capital of $100,000.00 surplus fund of $100,000.00, undivided profits $28,616.62, and deposits $1,083,550.54, according to statement of Oct. 24, 1908.

Its officers include the following prominent gentlemen: Messrs. G. L. Blackford, Prest.; A. F. Platter, Vice-Prest.; Wm. G. Meginnis, Cashier; Geo. Rue, Asst. Cashier; T. F. Foley, Asst. Cashier. Directors: A. F. Platter, Vice-Prest., Waples-Platter Grocer Co.; J. B. McDougall, Vice-Prest., Denison Light and Power Co.; A. W. Acheson, M.D., M., K. & T. Railway Co.; D. N. Robb, Stockman; W. W. Elliott, Merchandise Broker; E. H. Lingo, Lumber; J. W. Madden, Dry Goods; P. H. Tobin, Treasurer, Denison Crystal Ice Co.; Elihu B. Hinshaw, Real Estate; G. L. Blackford, President, all widely known, and each name inspires confidence. The Bank is surpassed by no institution here, nor is there any institution whose interest in the development and prosperity of this city is keener or more identical. Its great resources stand out conspicuously as one of the great bulwarks of that financial safety and strength which give to Denison is pre-eminent prestige as a leading commercial and industrial city.

[Source: “Denison, the Texas Gateway: A Busy, Progressive City with Golden Opportunities.” 16pp. Brochure. N.p.: N.d. [ca. 1908].

At least two painting by local artist Ted Schirmer were hung in the Bank in 1948. The first being a sketch a street scene of Denison's Main street soon after the town was settled with the bank building being the center of the scene. A few months later Mr. Schirmer's painting of the first Katy train coming into Denison in 1872 was hung as well on the west wall of the bank. As of 2016 that painting of the 1872 Katy train by Ted Schirmer is hanging in the board room of the Denison Chamber of Commerce.

Denison Street Scene
painting by Ted Schirmer

"Each mural involved many months of research. Schirmer was active in the local Fine Arts Society at the time he did both paintings, and earned many blue ribbons in art shows....Schirmer’s bank mural, depicting early Denison, was titled ‘Denison Street Scene” and shows the State National Bank in its 1883 setting. That painting had been hung on the west wall in the lobby at the bank a year earlier and now is located at the Denison Chamber of Commerce office. Schirmer, a professional artist for 20 years, considered the two paintings his best work to that point. The painting depicts the bank as it Quotatappeared in 1883, only a few months after it was established and shows much of the north and east sides of the bank. A horse-drawn street car can be seen struggling up the street and an ox wagon is portrayed at the intersection. This was before a rear addition was added to the bank in about 1906. Denison’s early gas lights illuminate the streets to add reproduction of the pioneer scene. "

Katy Station, January 1873
painting by Ted Schirmer

"Schirmer’s second mural depicts a muddy Denison with a southbound Katy train pulled by No. 15 engine that had just stopped at the Union Station east of Number three track. In the picture Pat Tobin, who piloted the first Katy train into Denison, had just left the cab and was talking with another gentleman. Both were elegantly dressed with Tobin wearing a derby hat and Prince Albert coat. Nodler explained that 'Engineers did not stoop to overalls in those days, M. Schirmer’s research disclosed'. The time was just before sundown. "An infant town depicted in tents is faintly visible to the left of the tracks and two train-shy horses thresh nearby in a mud puddle while their riders watch the Iron Horse. Old-timers, many of whom were interviewed by Schirmer before he started the painting, told him they felt at home in his Denison of 1873. Some said they recognized other Denisonians depicted in the painting. "

Quotations from:
Donna Hunt. "Yesteryear". June 2016

Denison Press
Friday, 3 December 1943
W L Peterson, President, announced new officers of the State National Bank :
J. Hetley Hutt – assistant national bank examiner
Hal P. Watkins – cashier

Denison Press
February 6, 1939
HOMER WILSON GOES TO DENISON BANK
Durant, Feb. 6 (Special) - Mr. and Mrs. Homer Wilson of Bokchito, moved today to Denison, where Mr. Wilson has accepted a position with the State National bank, one of North Texas' largest banking institutions.
Since his graduation from the University of Oklahoma a year ago, Mr. Wilson has been associated with the First State bank of Bokechito, as assistant cashier. The bank was organized more than 25 years ago, and operated by his father, the late H.S Wilson, until his death in 1937.
R.J. Miller, formerly connected with the Bokchito bank, will become assistant cashier.
Mrs. Wilson is the former Mildred Hess, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C harles Hess, of Durant.

The State National Bank is the United States depositary at Denison, and its affairs throughout have been conducted by men of such high financial and business standing and with such due regard to the importance of the institution as a factor in the life of Texas that its reputation is as substantial and men rely up its acts as confidently as upon the government itself.