Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1890-08-27
GUTHRIE'S GREATNESS
A Sketch Of One Of It's Monied Institu.
tiOnS.
The First National Bank ORGANIZED IN OKLA
homa Territory

The following sketch of J. w. Nc
Neal and his business in Oklahoma is
interesting TO his hundreds of friends
here. Mr.. McNeal was one of our most
energetic progressive business men, and
our citizens will rejoice at his success:
Guthrie, Oklahoma Democrat Aug. II. "a
citys reputation and claims for public recocr-
milton abroad is glIaged by the showing of the
volume of its business and the enterprise of it's
citizens. AT this day and time the slow mod
ding fossil has no show in the race for supre-
macy that characteriZes the successful men
or business, nor does the city thrive that is de-
pendent on that class of men for its builders
I'M city where public enterprises meet with
the hearty cooperation of capitalists In the
turtherance of their designs, where magnif-
cent structures adorn the busy thoroughfares
OF trade, where substantial banking institu-
lions supply the money demands of a thrifty
people, and where the artisans are busily and
constantly employed in the erection of blocks
OF buildings of the latest styles of architecture
al design aad finish, in that city can be seen
future of splendor that will not only Justify
the prediction of greatness, but an absolute
safety to those whose energy and pluck are
pushing it forward in spite of all obstacles
| History of the past or knowledge of the pres
ent has no examples of achievements of won
der to compare with the rapid progress made
in Guthrie, the capital city of beautiful Okla
homa. 1t is with pride that our business men
can point to the evidences of their thrift and
which mark the site of the present and future
wonder of the great west. In order to present
to the outside world the basis on which the
| above assertions are founded, the Democrat
herewith presents to its readers brief sketch
| OF one of the solid banking institutions OF
Great Guthrie and which stands to-day as one
of the monuments of the beginning of a great
ness without parallel.
THE GUTHRIE NATIONAL BANK
was among the nrst momed institutions in
Guthrie to open up its treasure vaults for the
| transaction of business. 1t was organized and
| commenced operations May 10th, 1889, as the
McNeal Little Banking Co., with j. W. Nc
Neal as president A. w. Little vice-prcsident.
| and A. g. Heron, cashier. The past expert
ence OF these gentlemen in the banking BUSH
ness showed to them the great field being OPEN
| ed, and their far-seeing business sagacity told
| them of the future importance of Guthrie as n
natural banking and commercial center. They
were quick to realize the necessity of increas-
! ed facilities and in furtherance of their ideas
at once set themselves to work to merge the
private into National Bank. From the day
| OF organization until the change was made
marked an era of great activity in Guthrie
Just think of it, $1,000 people without a house
! in which to live or do business all to be sup
Piled. Everything was push, push, and the
| demands for banking facilities were of the
most important nature. Brick blocks must be
| built, the populace must have houses in which
| to find shelter and the banks must be able to
accommodate the public in meeting these
| emergencies. The McNealLittle company
| was
EQUAL TO THE TASK
| and has never since failed to be able to satisfy
| any demands made on it for large or small
| amounts. 1t very soon became through the
| honest dealings ofits officers deservedly popu-
lar. and to increase its facilities for usefulness
| it was changed from the original to q Nation
al institution July LIST, this year. and was the
! first National bank authorized to do business
Guthrie or Oklahoma territory.
On July 18th, following the change, the sub
| joined published report of its condition will
prove of interest to the public, and attention
is called to a careful perusai of the same
Here is the report at the close of business, FRI
| day. July 18th 1SgO.