Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

American State Bank

(pages 24-26)

The history of the American State Bank has been an unbroken record of progress since its inception. It has been conducted upon the soundest and most conservative business principles, and its management is characterized by sagacity, energy and ability, coupled with liberality and honorable methods, closely identifying itself with the many movements that have helped in the growth of the city and contributing liberally to its prosperity. Not only does it aid in the upbuilding of the town, but fosters many business undertakings by affording financial aid.

The American State Bank was opened for business in January, 1905, with J.F. Rowe as president, Sol Hutton, vice president, E.V. Cumberford, cashier and I. R. Mort assistant cashier.

They do a general banking business, extending courtesies when consistent with the sound rules of banking which have characterized the institution since its beginning. It has made itself a bank of the people and has acquired a general and deserved popularity.

Though a young institution it ranks third in the county, in the amount of deposits. The following is an official report of the condition of the American State Bank at the close of business on the sixth day of April, 1906:

RESOURCES.

Loans and discounts……………………$54,391.91

Loans on real estate………………500.00

Overdrafts……………………………5,223.74

Expense account ……………………573.91

Cash items other than reserve items…506.45

Cash and sight exchange, legal reserve…19,702.49

Total…………………………$80,898.50

LIABILITIES.

Capital stock paid in…………………$20,000.00

Interest…………………………………1,153.31

Undivided profits………………………643.07

Exchange……………………………287.79

Individual deposits…………………54,765.58

Certificates of deposits……………4,048.75

Total………………………$80,898.50

STATE OF KANSAS, COUNTY OF GRAHAM, SS.

I, E. V. Cumberford, cashier of said bank, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true; that said bank has no liabilities, and is not indorser on any note or obligation, other than shown on the above statement, to the best of my knowledge and belief. So help me God.

E. V. CUMBERFORD, Cashier.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of April, 1906.

F. T. STEPHENS, Notary Public.

Commission expires on the 8th day of Nov., 1909

Correct-Attest: D. C. Greenwood, David Findley, J. F. Rowe, C. A. Garrison, M. J. Creighton, Directors.

The funds of the patrons of this bank are guarded by a burglar and fire proof vault with Burton and Harris locks and a Yale double time lock attachment. The cash, notes, safe and vault of the bank are insured, that the depositors and stock holders may suffer no unnecessary loss.

Mr. E. V. Cumberford, who discharges the duties of cashier is a young man imbued with a spirit of progress, whose name is of paramount prominence in the American State Bank.

He is a native of Missouri, born in Platte county in 1876, was educated and grew to manhood there and began his business life as assistant cashier of the State Bank at Edgerton, Missouri. Later he became its cashier.

In 1898 Mr. Cumberford went to Colorado Springs where he was employed by the Bond and Banking House of Colorado Springs, having full charge of branch offices at Buffalo and Montreal. He continued in this business until January 1905, when he came to Hill City to become cashier of the American State Bank.

Mr. Cumberford was married in March, 1900, in Cameron, Missouri to Miss Mabel Sturgis. To this union three interesting boys have been born.

Mr. Cumberford owns 18 lots on Capital Hill on which he is erecting a modern $ 3,000.00 residence. In addition to his home property he owns a half interest in the Model Farm.

Though comparatively a new-comer in Hill City, Mr. Cumberford is deservedly popular. His conscientious devotion to every interest entrusted to his care together with his genial and courteous manner, has won for him the highest regard of his fellow citizens.