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

Graham County State Bank

(pages 42-43)

That which best tells of the commercial life of a town is the condition of its banks.

The Graham County State Bank has had a successful career of seven years. Neither boom periods nor seasons of depression have affected it. It has extended such accommodations to its customers as to help them tide their business over in the dullest months. From time of organization to the present, the officers claim this bank has lessened cost of banking to the people. The policy of the bank is also to build up a surplus and undivided profits which is now equivalent to $20,000, making a total capital of $30,000. It is one of the few banks in the state which is on the roll of honor published by State Bank Commissioner.

This is distinctly a bank for the people and has by its own meritorious career earned the confidence of entire Graham county.

This bank was opened for business on January 3, 1899 with a capital stock of $10,000. The deposits in 1900 were $15,305.22 and this year they amount to $80,987.69, showing an extraordinary growth.

The present officers are, President, Dr. I.B. Parker, Vice President, J.W. Jenkins, Cashier, L. Messick, Assistant Cashier, S.G. Wilson. The directors are M.G. Findley, Minnie Craig, F.B. Jordon, in addition to the above named officers.

Graham County State Bank at Hill City, State of Kansas, at the close of business on the 6th day of April, 1906.

RESOURCES.

Loans and discounts...$80,645.04

Loans on real estate...500.00

Overdrafts...1,741.50

Expense account... 699.09

Cash, sight exchange, legal reserve...26,391.99

Total...$109,977.62

LIABILITIES.

Capital stock paid in...$10,000.00

Surplus fund...10,000.00

Undivided profits...5,945.91

Interest...1,489.10

Dividend declared but not paid...1,000.00

Exchange...158.56

Individual deposits...61,322.81

Certificates of deposits...15,847.09

Collections not reimtted...114.15

Total...$109,977.62

L. Messick, cashier and manager came to Kansas in 1886 from Illinois where he graduated from the Illinois State Normal University in 1884 and taught the two intervening years.

In '86 he attended the State Teachers Association at Topeka, from which place he came west to Trego county, to visit his sister, and accepted the position as superintendent of the schools at Hays City.

In 1889 he was married in Carlyle, Illinois, to Miss Jessie L. Cook, and came to Hill City where he established himself in the school furniture business.

Mr. Messick, by his conscientious business principles and genial manner has made himself an important factor in the business life of Hill City.

When the Graham County State Bank was organized in 1899, he became its cashier, which place he has filled successfully for seven years. He also organized the Citizens State Bank of Morland in which he is a Director.

His family consists of a wife and two daughters, Lodema and Jessie Lea.