The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1889-12-05
THE FIRST NATION
AL BANK
A Solid Financial Institution.

the business and farming interests of
Sank Centre and vicinity, the First Ma
tional Bank was brought into existance
by an organization of tar-sighted and
sagacious men, who felt that the time
had come come for the very material ex.
pansion of the financial facilities. In
May 1884 this institution opened its
doors for business. There was no -four
ish of trumpets, no presumptuous claims
of superiority, no disposition to do any
thing more than secure legimate share
of the banking business which it pro-
posed to transact on strictly business
principles. The bank was orgaizcd with
Henry Keller, president, S. M. Bruce. vice
president and c. M. Sprague, cashier
and there has been no change in the
principal offices since the organization.
From the inception of the enterprise it
enjoyed the confidence of the community
and in consequence thereof prosperous,
and lucrative business, which has in
creased steadily and surely until it now
occupies a permanent position among
the best known and soundest financial
institutions III rural Minnesota. There
have been no extraordinary influences at
work i'll its behalf. An unostentatious
adherence to conservative and vet ac-
commodating policy has wrought out
this satisfactory result. It's Original
capital stock was $4,000. upon which
it pays fair dividends and to which it
has added $4,000 III permanent sur
plus fund, and has several thousand dol
lars to the credit of it's undivided profits.
Its stock is not in market, but today
would find willing purchasers at prem
ium of more than one-third added to its
face valne. This is remarkable show
ing for bank not yet six years old. The
national system of banking-the most
perfect eyer devised-com mends itself to
the business world with greater force
year by year. The objections, never we'll
taken, have been advocated strenuouslv
End even organized opposition has
brought its influence to lear against this
admirable banking system, only to
strengthen that system in the confidence
and esteem of the public. Its superiority
has been indicated and it is now the
confessed model after which all banking
affairs are shaped. Its system of inspec-
ton by experts, it's frequent sworn pub
lished statements. the close scrutiny Of
government officials and the salutary
laws and rules enforced by the national
authorit1es-all there inspire confidence.
But something more is required than a
system. A successful banking institution
must have executive officers behind it
every way competent to make the sys-
tenn success. The cashier is the respon-
sible executive officer and the prosperity
of the bank largely depends upon his
skill and ability. 1t is very evident the
First National Bank made no mistake
when it elected
c. NJ. SPRAGUE
for its cashier.
Cassius Marquis Sprague was born
forty-two years ago upon what was
then the frontier of American civilization,
in Will county, Illinois, and is now in
the prime of mature manhood, The early
years of his life were spent in the state
of his nativity, but at the early age of
eight he removed with the family of his
father, still hale and vigorous man of
remarkable personality and rugged COM
mon sense, to Hastings, Minnesota.
At the outbreak of the war, while yet
a mere boy. his patriotism found ex-
preston at the recruiting office. and he
was mustercd into the service of his
country as a member of the Mounted
Rangers, and later of the Second Mime
sofa Volunteers. At the close of the war
of the rebellion he removed still farther
west and settled at Sank Centre, where
his business career practically commenced
and where it since been so prosecuted
that he has won the conf 1ence and es-
TEEN not only of the immediate commun-
ity IN which he resides, but of Northern
Minnesota, his business relations not
being circumscribed by narrow territorial
limits.
For fifteen years he was i'll the mercan-
tile business business here where lie de-
veloped methodical, conservative and
yet aggressive business habits which led
to his selection as cashier of of the pior-
| Ger chartered financial institution in this
vicinity, the First Natiops Bank of Sank
Centre, position which lie mas held &C
ceptably to its stockholders and its pat
rons since its organization.
Public spirited, and with positive
ideas upon. all questions and measures
affecting the welfare OF the community
in which he resides, he has been ma :ural-
ly chosen to fill positions OF local honor
and trust upon the school board and in
the village government, and served one
term as president of the village. The his
tory of Sank Centre could not be truth
fully written without bearing testimony
to his usesulness as citizen and official.
At it's last session the Grand Lodge OF
Odd Fellows elected him Grand Master
of the state without opposition, the first
time such an honor has ever been con-
ferred, and he makes model officer,
T, r RART0