Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1924-06-05
Bowen Banking Company 1901
Exchange National Bank 1924

developing, Mr.. Robert V. Bowen as
ssoclated with him several strong bus
mess people of vision and organized
the Bowen Banking Company with a
capital Of SIS, 900, erecting the building
which the Exchange National Bank
now occupies.
In the very beginning the concept
IN the minds of these people was a
Dank OF the strongest and most sub
stantlal proportions and one which
would render liberal and efficient serv-
ice to growing community.
The shareholders in this bank were
chosen from class of people who
were making a success in their own
private affairs, both in business circles
and on the farm, taking in as share
holders only such men as had real fl
nancial- worth and dependable business
Judgment.
Under this name and organization,
operating as state bank, the insti-
tuition prospered from the very first
day, made profits, was managed con-
servatively and rendered a needed SER
vice.
In 1906, the President and directors
Of this bank, desiring to keep in the
current of the general trend toward
making stronger and larger banks, con
cludedi to convert into National Bank
and the Capital Stock was increased
under the National Charter to
$lO0000.00 with surplus of SIS 10000,
Mr.. r. V. Bowen remaining President
of the new National Bank for several
years and as long as he lived.
With this increased capitalization
and with, the experience gained in the
years passed, with a better knowledge
of the needs of increased business, this
institution as a National Bank covered
the local field with its service admira-
bly, and extended its scope of service
into farther outlying territory. This
policy of expanded and thorough
agreeable service has been practiced
until the present day.
All along thru the years since or
ganization the institution has paid nice
dividends out of profits and also Out
of profits the surplus has been increas-
ed to its present extent $125,000.00.
The continuous unbounding faith Of
the public in the strength of this in
stitution has given to it very hand
some patronage, a large line of depos.
its and an abundance of addnirine
friends.
Thru times of panic this bank NOV
ed cautiously and calmly and came
forth from every stormy period with
greater proven strength.
The present institution, of which
Mr. VIM. R. Bowen is President, sue
ceeding his venerable father, stands out
bold, firm and conspicuous against the
commercial and banking horizon OF
Georgia, and by the banking fraternity
as we'll as by the local people, is re-
garded as power of strength and an
instrument of great financial service
Having out-grown the present build
ing and believing that Fitzgerald and
this section of Georgia with its I'M
doubted future expansion and develop
ment is entitled to more adequate and
imposing quarters, the President, di-
rectors and shareholders about a year
ago, in spite of the temporary stress
of times, determined upon construct
ing more adequate building; and as
a result there now stands at the inter
section of Grant street and Central
avenue two-story, fire-proof building
of latest design and choicest arrange
ment, which is often quoted to be a
credit, not only to our city but equal
to the banking rooms of many of the
larger cities of the State.
In a few days announcement will
be made to the banks patrons and the
public as to the date operations will
begin in this new building.
The following are >the officers and
directors of The Exchange National
Bank:
Active Officers In Charge
]. D. Dorminey, Cashier
M. M. Stephens, Assistant Cashier.
J. E. Turner, Active Vice-President.
Supervisory Officers
Vim. r. Bowen, President.
Auditing committee of three.
Loan committee of three.
VIM. r. Bowen, President Empire
Mercantile Company
]. H. Dorminey, President, Planters
Warehouse & Loan Co., Planter.
J. D. Dorminey, Cashier, The Ex
change National Bank.
E. J. Dorminey, Physician and Sur
geon.
P. H. Gaskins, Capitalist.
A. J. Mcdonald, Attorney-at-Law,
TIE Exchange National Bank.
J. d. MCLAUGHLIN, Capitalist.
Jacob Mcmillan Planter.
T. S. Price, President, Union Bank
ing Co., Douglas, Ga, Lumberman.
J. F. Turner, Active Vice-President,
The Exchange National Bank.
D. B. Ware, Physician, Planter.