Baylor County, TX - History - Origin of Farmers National Bank in 1904

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Farmers National Bank Organized in 1904
Short History of Institution Given

The Farmers National Bank of Seymour was organized on November 14, 1904, with a capital stock
of $30,000. The first officers were: H.P. Branham, president; R.E. Fowlkes, vice president and cashier; 
W.T. Britton, assistant cashier; Horace Henson, teller. The first board of directors were:
John R Henson, Hiram F Stamper, William R Martin, W.T. Britton, Horace Henson and 
H.P. Branham.

In 1906, the extension of the capital stock of $50,000 and the acquisition of the present site. 
The first quarters of the bank were on the ground floor of the McLain Hotel, in 1907, the present
building on Washington street was constructed, and this has been the location of the bank since.

The present building of the Farmers National Bank is a substantial two-story structure. The 
bank occupies most of the first floor, while the rest of the lower floor and second floor is occupied
by offices of various kinds. This substantial rock structure, located on the corner of Washington
and McLain Streets.

In 1907, Mr. Fowlkes resigned as cashier and was succeeded by W.T. Britton. In 1911, Mr.
Branham resigned as president and was succeeded by E.A. Fancher. Mr. Fancher filled
this position until 1923 when he resigned. Mr. Britton was chosen to succeed him. Mr.
Britton served as president until his tragic death in 1927. At that time, R.E. Baskin was
elected to succeed him.

The capital stock and surplus of the bank are $100,000. 

The present officers are R.E. Baskin, president; W.B. Craddock, J.W. Ross and E.L. Craddock,
vice presidents; D.A. Holman, cashier; Charles Randal and C.S. Whiteside, directors.

R.E. Baskin, now president of the Farmers National bank in 1940 was born in Dallas County. He lived
there in his early boyhood days, he moved to Seymour with his family on 2 February 1890.