Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-08-18


Troxell, and in January last, Mr.. A.
j. Thomas was chosen President. No
change has occurred in the cashier
ship, Mr.. Wilson having helped 10
organize both the State aud National
Banks. Of the original board of di-
rectors Messrs. Shut and Mong are
dead.
The bank began business upon
East Martin street in the building
now occupied by G.. l.. Hensell. In
October, 1875. it removed to Scheu's
building, taking possession of the
part now occupied by w. l.. Jones.
In April, 1852 it made another re-
moval to the corner room of the
building. More elegant banking Of
fees or better equipped, are rarely
found, even in the largest cities Of
the country. The building (which
is now the property of the bank is
doubtless the handsomest in the
State. 1t is symmetrical in pro-
portions, its architecture is very
attractive and the edlfice naturally
attracts attention. In brief, it is a
fit abiding place for a bank. The
ceiling and walls of the banking Of
flee was frescoed in oil last year, the
work requiring the time Of two ar
lists for several weeks. The par
tition which, SO to speak, fences in
the Office proper, is tasty c0mbina-
tion of glass and mahogany, and,
while there is nothing meretricious
or tawdry in the display, yet it is
rich, and peculiarly in keeping with
all the surroundings and with the
business. The effect produced is ex-
tremely pleasing to the eye, and be-
speaks most excellent taste upon the
part of the Cashier, who designed it.
Another matter that attracted our
attention was the magnificent vault
and safe. These were constructed
by the Halls Safe and Lock Co., of
Cincinnati, and the work is of
character to reflect credit upon that
company. The vault has double
brick wall, with air space, and is
cased with iron and steel plates one
and half inches thick. Within this
vault are As private boxes for the use
of depositors-such boxes as are fur
nished by safe deposit companies, and
which afford a reliable resting place
for valuables. The next thing that
attracts our eye, as we inspects.the
interior of the vault is the safe or
money chest. -Iti is q trihiBg little
affair, weighs only five tons and pre-
sents thickness of eight inches of
metal upon either side or top or bot
tom. The door swings upon cam
hinges, and is secured by two CON-
bination locks of the latest pattern.
Two massive doors secure the vault,
one of which is fastened by time
lock in other words, every precau'
tion has been taken to secure absO-
lutte protection against fire, and when
"the enterprising burglar goes bur-
glaringo he will be apt to waste no
time upon the Peoples National
Bank. There is still another vault,
but it is fire, not burglar proof, and
is simply designed for the safe keep
ing of books, papers, etc. In the
rear of the bank is a neatly furnish
ed apartment used as a Directors
room, but it calls for no special CON-
ment.
From time to time this, like all
other National Banks, is called upon
to make public a statement of its
condition. AS a matter of general
information we here reproduce the
last statement made by the cashier
at the close of business on the 22nd
of June:
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts ,672 l9
0verdrafts ........................ 1869 92
U. S. Bonds to secure circula-
ton !. $4,000 90
Due from approved reserve
agents ......................... ll,774 20
Due from other National Banks 3,7l3 26
Due from State Banks and
banker. 49,. .....~......... 2,47s %
Peal estate, furniture ana fix
lures. ........................... 1880 90
Current expenses and taxes paid 2,6ol %
Premiums paid ............ 1897 so
Checks and other cash items. 6l8 II
Bills of other Banks 6575 90