Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-11-05

more and his passing had been antici-
pated for days
Herbert Eugene Casteel was born at
Davenport, March IS, 1860, a son Of
Appleton and Elizabeth (Gardner)
Gasteel, the latter born at Chesterfield,
Ohio. His father was merchant and
one Of the pioneer settlers Of Daven-
port coming to that city July T. 1860,
He left Davenport later, intending to
prospect for gold, but died at Salt
Lake City Utah. in 1871 What edu-
cation the son obtained. was gained in
the public schools Of Davenport. but
when he was Is years Of age he went
to Port Byron and two years later Sc
cured employment with the Port BY
ron Lumber company Prior to this.
however. he had earned a penny
now and then working before and
after school and on Saturdays,
and thus early began TO realize
the value of a dollar and how
hard if was 10 earn one, Having given
the company faithful service as book
keeper for two and Oue-haIf years he
went TO Rapids City in 1875, there to
work for Taylor Williams, holding the
same kind Of position for the same
length Of time
AT the termination Of this associa-
ton Mr. Casteel joined John Shater, Jr,
in establishing mercantile business
at Port Byron and was successful in
his first undertaking He was also
connected with a drug store for year
When he dissolved partnership with
Mr. Shafer, he accepted position as
assistant superintendent OF the coal
mines owned by the Chicago. Milwau
kee & ST, Paul Railroad company at
Perry Iowa. holding the position until
1884 when he again entered the mer-
camille field
Assistant County Treasurer.
Mr. Casteel served as assistant coun-
ty treasurer under John Shafer, Jr., and
was assistant bead clerk under Major
G. W. Halves OF the Modern Woodmen
\ OF America In 1893 he went TO South
Dakota to become cashier of the Park
ston State bank, remaining in that po-
sitlon until 1895. when he became cash
Ter of the Rock Island National bank.
returning to this city for permanent
residence. His ability as a fnancier
was quickly recognized and with the
death Of J + Robinson, succeeded to
the presidency of the institution.
In 1899 Mr. Casteel organized the Cen
trail Trust G Savings banks and was
executive head of both institutions for
years. The Rock Island National bank
was dissolved during the past year.
but Mr.. Casteel remained al the head
Of the Central Trust e. Savings bank
until his death.
A cautious and careful conservatism
had been exerted by MIR. Casteel in the
management of both of the banks and
he rendered both the stockholders and
depositors alike excellent service, COM
bining as he did, rare executive powers
with so wise and truthful administra
tion as to produce a sound and reliable
condition Of affairs in the institutions
under his charge As head of the Cen
trail Trust G. Savings bank Mr.. Casteel
was largely instrumental in the erec-
tion of the beautiful new office and
bank building. the Central Trust build
Ing al the corner of Eighteenth street
and Third avenue. one OF the finest
structures of its kind in the state.
The bank Institution was moved to its
new quarters from Second avenue,
with appropriate ceremony last May.
Mr.. Casteel was in failing health when
the building was completed, the close
attention he gave to the building oper-
atoms adding to his already weakened
condition. He was able TO enjoy the
formal opening but soon after was
obliged to so north for rest. He re-
turned in the early autumn and was
at his desk for short time. but sad to
say. only a short time He was obliged
to give up and retire to his home and
since had been growing gradually
weaker. His indomitable will stood
him well even until the last and