Birmingham state herald., 1896-03-01
Berney National Bank.

Berney National Bank.
 The judgment of the capitalist and in- vestor, when new locally is under con- sideration, is largely formed from a study of the banks and banking inter- ests. That the financial institution named above has been one of the most prominent conservators of the finances of this section of the state there can be no room to doubt. As a matter of fact the figures prove it. It is dividends that count. If the banking institutions of the north, operating on the same capital stock. could pay half the dividends that the Berney National has paid, they would consider the record a phenomenal one. The institution began business on January 2S,1SS6, and has ever since been intimately identified with the financial history of central Alabama. It operates on a capital stock of $200,000, and at the last report had an accumulated surplus of $15000 and undivided profits of over $16000.
 During the past year the bank in creased its deposits over $300,000, paid 1000 in dividends and did 271a per cent of the entire business of the Birmingham clearing house, more by far than any other institution. This is a remarkable record. and one of which the manage ment can well afford to be proud. It is a record of which the city can also be proud. as it tells the tale of the resources and the financial condition in painer anu more cOnNlnclTS language lIdi dil the labored disquisitions of the enthu- siast. Since the bank was incorporated it has paid dividends aggregating $220- 000
 Such success means more than good financial condition. As the banking bus mess is largely a matter of confidence, this record means that the public knows the management to be of the highest in tegrity of character and worthy of the utmost confidence and favor. The per sonnel of active officials is composed of Messrs. J. B. Cobbs, president; ". r. G. Harding, cashier; w. F. Aldrich vice president and J. H. Barr assistant cash ier This array of representative names is sufficient guarantee of the most sound finapcering.
 These gentlemen are ably assisted by competent aides, and are sustained by a board of directors composed of the fol- lowing representative men:
 James A. Going, real estate and insur- ance: Charles Wheelock. architect: w. F. Aldrich, member of congress: Walker Percy attorney Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company; B.. B. Conner, planter and mill owner: Robert Jemison, vice-president Birmingham Railway and Electt,c company and Consolidated Elec- tric Light company: T. H. Aldrich, coal operator; Robert Stephens, mine owner and ore contractor
 The bank could not do otherwise than make a success with such efficient and enterprising men at the helm.
 Birmingham Dry Goods Company.
 This company was incorporated in 1S9O with W. c. Bryant president D. D. Bry- ant, vice president, and w. c. Shackei- ford secretary and treasurer. It deals in wholesale dry goods and notions, hav- ing four representatives, who cover the state of Alabama. Eighteen employees are required in the wholesale department. One of the most important features Of the enterprise is the factory on the third floor, where thirty skilled employees are engaged in turning out pants, overalls, work shirts, shirt waists, and knit ho- siery. The manager is MT w. c. Shack elford, who has been In the business all of his active life, starting at the bottom and building up to the successful man. agement of the present venture.