Evening star., 1936-02-29
W|LL|AMF[ATHER,
BANKER, 6, DIES
Riggs Vice President, So
Years With Institution,
Pneumonia Victim.

William J. Flatner, one Of the vice
presidents of the Riggs National Bank,
who completed 50 years active con-
nection with the institution February
4. died at Emergency Hospital today of
double pneumonia. He was rs years
old.
Mr.. Flather was at his desk at the
Riggs Bank February 20 during the
forenoon. He went out to lunch and
did not return. This caused some sur
prise. and one of the bank officials
went around to his residence at the
Cosmos Club to inquire about him.
He found Mr.. Flather in his room
with a heavy overcoat on and COM
planning of pain in his chest. He had
sent for a doctor. He was rushed to
Emergency Hospital. His condition
grew steadily worse, when double
pneumonia developed. He was given
oxygen treatment. but became steadily
weaker until the end.
Many Years a Leader.
For many years Mr.. Flather was
one of the best-known bankers in
Washington, having great deal to
do with the early growth of the Riggs
National Bank. He started at the very
bottom of the financial ladder, as a
messenger boy with Riggs g. Co.,
which eventually became the present
bank. He was born in Baltimore on
May Z, 1859.
For many years Mr.. F1ather was
treasurer as well as member OF the
Church of the Covenant, Connecti-
cut avenue and N street.
He took his first position with Riggs
February 4, 1877. Alert, energetic and
efficient, he soon began to climb to
banking prominence and became ia
miliar with every department of the
institution. During the most active
part of his banking career he was
known as an authority on credit. He
stood very high in the banking COM
munity, although very quiet and never
spectacular. For many years his
banking Judgment was constantly
sought by other financiers.
During much of the more active
part of his career Mr.. Flather was
very closely connected with Charles
G. Glover, then at the helm at Riggs.
Vice President Since 1903.
He had been one of the vice presi-
dents Of the bank since 1908. One
of his leading characteristics was
punctuality. Other employees could
set their watches by his arrival at
the bank For more than 80 years
he spent every Summer vacation at
the Poland Spring House in Maine
with his closest Washington friends.
After another banker, William j.
Stellwagen, died, he stopped going
there, saying it was too lonesome for
him.
Mr.. Flather is survived by one son,
william J Flather, jr., who is in
the real estate investment business;
by four brothers, Colin e. E., John A.,
Henry H., Edwin D., and q sister,
Mrs. George H. Felt; also by four
nephews, Alfred Chester. George FL
mer, Robert L. and Edwin F. Felt OF
Chicago.
Mr.. Flather held the distinction Of
being the last of the charter directors
of Riggs Bank. He was elected to the
board in 1896 when the private bank
ing firm Of Riggs & Co. was organ
lied and granted q national bank
charter. His associate, the late
Charles c. Glover, was elected mem-
ber Of the board at the same time.
49, - - - - n
pm. Monday at the residence Of his
son, William j. Flather, jr. 1000 Me-
braska avenue. Intefn1ent will be
In Rock Creek Cemetery. Both sery-
ices will be private. ....