The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-10

Mr.. ]. H. Lee, vice president of the
bank, was elected president. No other
changes were made.
Mr.. Akers was one of the founders
of the Reserve" institutions and be-
came the first cashier of the bank
upon retiring from the office of state
treasurer. He said that to give up the
presidency of the bank of which he Is
so proud was one of the hardest de-
cisions he ever had to make, but in
ducements made to him in the new
enterprise were so great that ne could
not refuse them
The PenweH esta blishment is one
of the largest and most important or
its kind between st. Louis and Denver.
Within a comparatively short time L.
M. Penwell and r. NJ johnson, his
associate, have both died leaving the
manag cement of the big concern in the
hands OF Mrs. johnson, and making
it imperative for the addition to the
Mr.. Akers and Mr.. johnson were lads
together and life long friends
Mr.. Akers says he will always take
the greatest pride and interest in the
wonderful bank which he helped to
establish.
He regards the members of the
board as his close, warm friends. The
harmony prevailing has been an in
spiration to him. While greatly re-
GREETING his resignation as an officer,
main an active member.
Mr.. Lee has already gained a wide
reputation as a successful banker and
stands well not only in Kansas but in
the eastern cities. He has been active
vice-president of the Kansas Reserve
for about two years and his promotion
was natural one and was promptly
and unanim ously made by the board of
directors. Mr.. Lees remarkable abil-
Ity and energy have been large factors
in the wonderful growth and welfare
of the bank.
plated in the board of directors, it re-
mains as follows: ]. H. Lee, Earl
Akers, Theodore Mueller, F. A. Anton,
c.. E. Eldridge,- Frank P. MacLennan,
H. E. Short, George G. Moore, E. D.
McKeever, c. W. Horn, DR.. S. J. Crum-
bine. DIR. c. R. Silverthorne, F. A.
Derby.
In the new organization of the Pen
well company, Mrs. r. NJ. johnson
will continue as president and Mr..
Akers will assume the general man
agement of the business, assisted by
Mr.. E. A. Wall and Milt Diffenderfer
in the same capacities as they have
always occupied with the company
Mr.. Wall having charge of the busi-
ness office and Mr.. D.ffenderfer in
charge of the service departm ent and
general funeral direction. A1essrs
tinue with the firm in their present
capacities as funeral directors.
Mr.. Akers said: 1.-The L. NJ. Pen
well Undertaking company will be
continued upon its present high stan
dard with every possible effort upon
my part to help the fine men who
have been with the firm so long to
make it a still greater institution for
service to Topeka My time viii be
given over to the business mana gc-
ment of the corporation, assisted by
Mrs. johnson. This business was
builded big by Roy PenweIl. one of
the biggest men Topeka ever pos
sessed. It was kept big by Dick John
son. 1t will be our effort to continue
it as monument to these two ftne
men who have gone on
Mr. Lee leaves this evening for a
two weeks business trip to Los An
geles, Cal When he returns he will
take up Immediately his active duties
as president of the Kansas Reserve
State bank.
We all greatly regret fSIr. Akers'
decision to leave the executiveship OF
the bank" Mr.. Lee said today. He
has been a most energetic and inspira-
tional associate We are glad to an
nounce that he will be with the board
of directors and viii continue as al
active stockhoIder in the three insti-
tutioDs here"