Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.28

                   Employment Agreement of Patrick J. Moore
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     This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is effective as of April 1,
1999 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
(the "Company"), and Patrick J. Moore (the "Executive").

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as its Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer; and

     WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have reached agreement concerning
the terms and conditions of his employment and wish to formalize that agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms, covenants and
conditions stated in this Agreement, the Company and the Executive hereby agree
as follows:

     1.  Employment.  The Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive
         ----------
hereby accepts employment with the Company as Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer.  During the Employment Term (as hereinafter defined), Executive will
have the title, status and duties of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
and will report directly to the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.

     2.  Term of Employment.  The term of employment ("Employment Term") will
         ------------------
commence on the Effective Date, and will continue thereafter until three years
from the Effective Date and will be automatically extended for subsequent one
(1) day periods for each day of the Employment Term that passes after the
Effective Date, unless sooner terminated by either party in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.  The intent of the foregoing provision is that the
Agreement becomes "evergreen" on the Effective Date so that on each passing day
after the Effective Date the Employment Term automatically extends to a full
three-year period.

     3.  Duties.  During the Employment Term:
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         (a) The Executive will perform duties assigned by the Company's
     President and Chief Executive Officer, or the Company's Board of Directors
     (the "Board"), from time to time; provided that the Executive shall not be
     assigned tasks inconsistent with those of Vice President and Chief
     Financial Officer.

         (b) The Executive will devote his full time and best efforts, talents,
     knowledge and experience to serving as the Company's Vice President and
     Chief Financial Officer.  However, the Executive may devote reasonable time
     to activities such as supervision of personal investments and activities
     involving professional, charitable, educational, religious and similar
     types of activities, speaking engagements and membership on other boards of
     directors, provided such activities do not interfere in any material way
     with the business of the Company; provided that, the Executive cannot
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     serve on the board of directors of more than one publicly-traded company
     without the Board's written consent. The time involved in such activities
     shall not be treated as vacation time. The Executive shall be entitled to
     keep any amounts paid to him in connection with such activities (e.g.,
     director fees and honoraria).

          (c) The Executive will perform his duties diligently and competently
     and shall act in conformity with Company's written and oral policies and
     within the limits, budgets and business plans set by the Company.  The
     Executive will at all times during the Employment Term strictly adhere to
     and obey all of the rules and regulations in effect from time to time
     relating to the conduct of executives of the Company.  Except as provided
     in (b) above, the Executive shall not engage in consulting work or any
     trade or business for his own account or for or on behalf of any other
     person, firm or company that competes, conflicts or interferes with the
     performance of his duties hereunder in any material way.

     4.   Compensation and Benefits.  During Executive's employment hereunder,
          -------------------------
Company shall provide to Executive, and Executive shall accept from Company as
full compensation for Executive's services hereunder, compensation and benefits
as follows:

          (a) Base Salary.  The Company shall pay the Executive at an annual
              -----------
     base salary ("Base Salary") of seven hundred sixty-five thousand dollars
     ($765,000).  The Board, or such committee of the Board as is responsible
     for setting the compensation of senior executive officers, shall review the
     Executive's performance and Base Salary annually in January of each year,
     and determine whether to adjust the Executive's Base Salary on a
     prospective basis.  The first review shall be in January 2000.  Such
     adjusted annual salary then shall become the Executive's "Base Salary" for
     purposes of this Agreement.  The Executive's annual Base Salary shall not
     be reduced after any increase, without the Executive's consent.  The
     Company shall pay the Executive's Base Salary according to payroll
     practices in effect for all senior executive officers of the Company.

          (b) Incentive Compensation.  The Executive shall be eligible to
              ----------------------
     participate in any annual performance bonus plans, long-term incentive
     plans, and/or equity-based compensation plans established or maintained by
     the Company for its senior executive officers, including, but not limited
     to, the Management Incentive Plan and the Smurfit-Stone Container
     Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.  For the Company's 1999 fiscal
     year, the Executive shall be eligible for a target bonus under the
     Company's annual incentive plan equal to 40% of his Base Salary provided
     that all performance goals set by the Company are met.  The Board (or
     appropriate Board committee) will determine and communicate to the
     Executive his annual incentive plan participation for subsequent fiscal
     years, no later than March 31 of such fiscal year.

          (c) Executive Benefit Plans.  The Executive will be eligible to
              -----------------------
     participate on substantially the same basis as the Company's other senior
     executive officers in any executive benefit plans offered by the Company
     including, without limitation, medical, dental, short-term and long-term
     disability, life, pension, profit sharing and nonqualified deferred
     compensation arrangements.  The Company reserves the right to modify,
     suspend or discontinue any and all of the plans, practices, policies and
     programs at any

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     time without recourse by the Executive, so long as Company takes such
     action generally with respect to other similarly situated senior executive
     officers.

          (d) Business Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse the Executive for
              -----------------
     all reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred in the performance
     of services with the Company, according to Company's policies and upon
     Executive's presentation of an itemized written statement and such
     verification as the Company may require.

          (e) Perquisites.  The Company will provide the Executive with all
              -----------
     perquisites it provides to other senior executive officers.  Such
     perquisites shall not be less than those provided to the Executive on the
     Effective Date.  The Company will also reimburse the Executive for annual
     income tax return preparation and tax counseling up to $25,000 per year.

          (f) Vacation.  The Executive will be entitled to vacation in
              --------
     accordance with the Company's vacation policy for senior executive
     officers, but in no event less than 5 weeks per calendar year.  Unused
     vacation shall be carried over for a period not in excess of twelve (12)
     months.

          (g) After-Tax Payment of LTD Coverage.  The Company will permit the
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     Executive to pay the entire premium for long-term disability coverage with
     his after-tax dollars.  If the Executive elects to pay the entire premium
     for long-term disability coverage with after-tax dollars, the Company will
     reimburse the Executive, at least annually, for the amount of such premium.

          (h) Extended Short-Term Disability Coverage.  If the Executive is
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     unable to perform his duties under this Agreement by reason of illness or
     injury, whether or not such inability leads to long-term disability
     benefits, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive his full Base
     Salary until the earliest to occur of the following: (i) the end of the
     Employment Term, (ii) the end of the Executive's disability and return to
     the usual duties of his employment on a substantially full-time basis, and
     (iii) the date on which long-term disability payments begin to the
     Executive.

     5.   Payments on Termination of Employment.
          -------------------------------------

          (a) Termination of Employment for any Reason.  The following payments
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     will be made upon the Executive's termination of employment for any reason:

              (i)   Earned but unpaid Base Salary through the date of
          termination;

              (ii)  Any annual incentive plan bonus, or other form of incentive
          compensation, for which the performance measurement period has ended,
          but which is unpaid at the time of termination;

              (iii) Any accrued but unpaid vacation;

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               (iv) Any amounts payable under any of the Company's executive
          benefit plans in accordance with the terms of those plans, except as
          may be required under Code Section 401(a)(13); and

               (v)  Unreimbursed business expenses incurred by the Executive on
          the Company's behalf.

          (b)  Voluntary Termination of Employment for Other Than Good Reason.
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     In addition to the amounts determined under (a) above, if the Executive
     voluntarily terminates employment for other than Good Reason, then in
     addition to the amounts determined under (a) above, the Executive shall be
     entitled to a pro rata portion of the target bonus under the Company's
     annual incentive plan for the year in which such termination occurs.

          (c)  Termination of Employment for Death or Disability. In addition to
               -------------------------------------------------
     the amounts determined under (a) above, if the Executive's termination of
     employment occurs by reason of death or Disability, the Executive (or his
     estate) will receive a pro rata portion of any bonus payable under the
     Company's annual incentive plan for the year in which such termination
     occurs determined based on the highest of (i) the actual annual bonus paid
     for the fiscal year immediately preceding such termination, (ii) the target
     bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, or (iii) the
     actual bonus attained for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs.
     For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means the Executive's long-
     term disability as defined under the Company's long-term disability plan,
     or (iii) if the Executive is not covered by a long-term disability plan
     sponsored by the Company, the Executive's inability to engage in any
     substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically-determined physical
     or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or to be of
     long-continued and indefinite duration.

          (d)  Termination by the Company Without Cause, or Voluntary
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     Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. If the Company terminates the
     --------------------------------------------
     Executive's employment other than for Cause, or the Executive voluntarily
     terminates his employment for Good Reason, in addition to the benefits
     payable under (a), the Company will pay the following amounts and provide
     the following benefits:

               (i)  The Base Salary and annual bonus that the Company would have
          paid under the Agreement had the Executive's employment continued to
          the end of the Employment Term.  For this purpose, annual bonus will
          be determined as the highest of (i) the actual bonus paid for the
          fiscal year immediately preceding such termination, (ii) the target
          bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, or (iii)
          the actual bonus attained for the fiscal year in which such
          termination occurs.

               (ii) Continued coverage under the Company's medical, dental,
          life, disability, pension, profit sharing and other executive benefit
          plans through the end of the Employment Term, at the same cost to the
          Executive as in effect on the date of the Executive's termination.  If
          the Company determines that the

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          Executive cannot participate in any benefit plan because he is not
          actively performing services for the Company, the Company may provide
          such benefits under an alternate arrangement, such as through the
          purchase of an individual insurance policy that provides similar
          benefits or, if applicable, through a nonqualified pension or profit
          sharing plan. To the extent that the Executive's compensation is
          necessary for determining the amount of any such continued coverage or
          benefits, such compensation (Base Salary and annual bonus) through the
          end of the Employment Term shall be at the highest rate in effect
          during the 12-month period immediately preceding the Executive's
          termination of employment.

               (iii)  The Company will provide the Executive with the following
          executive perquisites on the same basis on which the Executive was
          receiving such perquisites prior to his employment termination: (i)
          reimbursement for club dues through the end of the Employment Term;
          and (ii) reimbursement of expenses relating to financial planning
          services and tax return preparation through December 31 of the
          calendar year that includes the third anniversary of Executive's
          employment termination.  The Company will bear the cost of such
          perquisites, at the same level in effect immediately prior to the
          Executive's employment termination.  Perquisites otherwise receivable
          by the Executive pursuant to this paragraph shall be reduced to the
          extent comparable perquisites are actually received by or made
          available to the Executive without cost during the 36 month period
          following the Executive's employment termination.  The Executive shall
          report to the Company any such perquisites actually received by or
          made available to the Executive.

               (iv)   The period through the end of the Employment Term shall
          continue to count for purposes of determining the Executive's age and
          service with the Company with respect to (i) eligibility, vesting and
          the amount of benefits under the Company's executive benefit plans,
          and (ii) the vesting of any outstanding stock options, restricted
          stock or other equity-based compensation awards.

               (v)    Outplacement services, as elected by the Executive (and
          with a firm elected by the Executive), not to exceed $50,000 in total.

          (e)  Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
               -----------
     mean the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive's consent
     (i) assigning duties to the Executive that are inconsistent with those of
     the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for similar
     companies in similar industries (except to the extent the Company promotes
     the Executive to a higher executive position); (ii) requiring the Executive
     to report to other than the Company's President and Chief Executive
     Officer, or the Company's Board; (iii) the failure of the Company to pay
     any portion of the Executive's compensation within 10 days of the date such
     compensation is due; (iv) the Company requires the Executive to relocate
     his principal business office to a location not within 50 miles of either
     the Company's principal business office located in the

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     St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area, or the Company's principal business
     office located in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area (provided, that,
     the Company's requiring the Executive to relocate his principal office from
     Chicago to St. Louis, or from St. Louis to Chicago, will not constitute
     Good Reason); or (v) the Company's failure to continue in effect any cash
     or stock-based incentive or bonus plan, pension plan, welfare benefit plan
     or other benefit plan, program or arrangement, unless the aggregate value
     of all such arrangements provided to the Executive after such
     discontinuance is not materially less than the aggregate value as of the
     Effective Date. For purposes of this paragraph, "Company" shall mean the
     Company and, following any Change in Control, the Surviving Corporation or,
     if applicable, the Parent Corporation (as those terms are defined in
     Section 6(d)).

          (f) Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:  (i)
              -----
     the Executive's willful and continued failure to substantially perform his
     duties as an executive of the Company (other than any such failure
     resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a
     written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by
     the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the
     Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed his
     duties, and which gives the Executive at least 30 days to cure such alleged
     deficiencies, (ii) the Executive's willful misconduct, which is
     demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or
     otherwise, or (iii) the Executive's engaging in egregious misconduct
     involving serious moral turpitude to the extent that his creditability and
     reputation no longer conforms to the standard of senior executive officers
     of the Company.

          (g) Timing of Payments.  All payments described above shall be made in
              ------------------
     a lump sum cash payment as soon as practicable (but in no event more than
     10 days) following the Executive's termination of employment.  If the total
     amount of annual bonus is not determinable on that date, the Company shall
     pay the amount of bonus that is determinable and the remainder shall be
     paid in a lump sum cash payment within 10 days of the date that annual
     performance results are finalized.

     6.   Change in Control.
          -----------------

          (a) Payments and Benefits Upon Employment Termination After a Change
              ----------------------------------------------------------------
     in Control.  If within two years after a Change in Control (as defined
     ----------
     below), the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for
     Cause, or the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment for Good
     Reason, the Company will provide the following payments and benefits to the
     Executive, in lieu of those payments and benefits provided under Sections
     5(c) or (d) above, but in addition to the amounts payable under Section
     5(a) above:

              (i)  Three times the Executive's Base Salary as in effect on the
          date of the Executive's termination of employment.

              (ii) Three times the highest of (i) the average annual bonus paid
          for the three fiscal years immediately preceding the Executive's
          employment termination, (ii) the target bonus for the fiscal year in
          which such termination of employment

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          occurs, or (iii) the actual bonus attained for the fiscal year in
          which such termination occurs.

               (iii)  Continued coverage for a period of 36 months from the
          Executive's termination under the Company's medical, dental, life,
          disability and other welfare benefit plans, at the same cost to the
          Executive as in effect on the date of the Change in Control (or, if
          lower, as in effect at any time thereafter).  If the Company
          determines that the Executive cannot participate in any benefit plan
          because he is not actively performing services for the Company, the
          Company may provide such benefits under an alternate arrangement, such
          as through the purchase of an individual insurance policy that
          provides similar benefits.  The amount of such continued coverage
          shall be determined, if applicable, by adding 36 additional months of
          age and service to the Executive's actual age and service as of the
          Executive's termination date and as if the Executive earned
          compensation during such 36-month period at the rate in effect during
          the 12-month period immediately preceding his termination date.  The
          Executive's eligibility for any retiree medical or life coverage
          following such termination date shall also be determined by adding 36
          additional months of age and service to the Executive's actual age and
          service as of the termination date.

               (iv)   The value of continued coverage for a period of 36 months
          under any pension, profit sharing or other retirement plan maintained
          by the Company.  The value of such coverage under a tax qualified plan
          may be provided through a nonqualified pension or profit sharing plan
          and shall be determined by adding 36 additional months of age and
          service to the Executive's actual age and service at the date of the
          Executive's termination of employment and as if the Executive earned
          compensation during such 36-month period at the rate in effect during
          the 12-month period immediately preceding his termination date.  In
          the case of a defined benefit pension plan, such value shall include
          any early retirement subsidies to which the Executive would have
          become entitled under the plan and shall be determined using the
          actuarial factors set forth in such plan.

               (v)    The Company will provide the Executive with the following
          executive perquisites on the same basis on which the Executive was
          receiving such perquisites prior to the Change in Control: (i)
          reimbursement for club dues for 36 months following the Executive's
          employment termination; and (ii) reimbursement of expenses relating to
          financial planning services and tax return preparation through
          December 31 of the calendar year that includes the third anniversary
          of Executive's employment termination.  The Company will bear the cost
          of such perquisites, at the same level in effect immediately prior to
          the Change in Control.  Perquisites otherwise receivable by the
          Executive pursuant to this paragraph shall be reduced to the extent
          comparable perquisites are actually received by or made available to
          the Executive without cost during the 36 month period following the
          Executive's employment termination.  The Executive shall report to the
          Company any such perquisites actually received by or made available to
          the Executive.

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               (vi)  Immediate vesting of all stock options, restricted stock
          and other equity-based awards.

               (vii) Outplacement services, as elected by the Executive (and
          with a firm elected by the Executive), not to exceed $50,000.

          (b)  Timing of Payment. All payments under paragraphs (a)(i), (ii) and
               -----------------
     (iv) above, and paragraph (c) below, shall be made in a lump sum cash
     payment as soon as practicable, but in no event more than 10 days after the
     Executive's termination of employment (or the date of the Change in
     Control, if applicable). If the total amount of bonus is not determinable
     on that date, the Company shall pay the amount of bonus that is
     determinable, and shall pay the remainder in a lump sum cash payment within
     10 days of the date that annual performance results are finalized.

          (c)  Gross-Up Payment by the Company.  In the event that any payment,
               -------------------------------
     benefit or distribution by or on behalf of the Company to or for the
     benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or
     distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but
     determined without regard to any additional payments required under this
     Section) (the "Payments") is determined to be an "excess parachute payment"
     pursuant to Code Section 280G or any successor or substitute provision of
     the Code, with the effect that the Executive is liable for the payment of
     the excise tax described in Code Section 4999 or any successor or
     substitute provision of the Code (the "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall
     pay to the Executive an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such
     that the net amount retained by Executive, after deduction of any Excise
     Tax on the Total Payments and any federal, state and local income and
     employment taxes and Excise Tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to
     the Total Payments.

               (i)  All determinations required to be made under this paragraph
          (c), and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such
          determination, shall be made by the certified public accounting firm
          used for auditing purposes by the Company immediately prior to the
          Executive's employment termination (the "Accounting Firm"), which
          shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and
          the Executive.  The Company shall pay all fees and expenses of the
          Accounting Firm.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be
          binding upon the Company and the Executive, except as provided in
          subparagraph (ii) below.

               (ii) As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Code
          Sections 280G and 4999 at the time of the initial determination by the
          Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that the Internal Revenue
          Service ("IRS") or other agency will claim that a greater or lesser
          Excise Tax is due.  In the event that the Excise Tax is finally
          determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder in
          calculating the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall repay to the
          Company, at the time that the amount of such reduction in Excise Tax
          is finally determined, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment
          attributable to such reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up
          Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local
          income and employment taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being
          repaid by the Executive to the extent that such repayment results in a
          reduction in Excise Tax and/or a federal, state

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          or local income or employment tax deduction) plus interest on the
          amount of such repayment at 120% of the rate provided in Code Section
          1274(b)(2)(B). In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to
          exceed the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the
          Gross-Up Payment (including by reason of any payment the existence or
          amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up
          Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in
          respect of such excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions
          payable by the Executive with respect to such excess) at the time that
          the amount of such excess is finally determined. The Executive and the
          Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection
          with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the
          existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the
          Total Payments. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses of the
          Executive relating to a claim by the IRS or other agency.

          (d)  Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of the Agreement, a
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     "Change in Control" of the Company will be deemed to occur as of the first
     day that any one or more of the following condition is satisfied:

               (i)  The "beneficial ownership" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
          the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"))
          of securities representing more than 20 percent (20%) of the combined
          voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company
          entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Company
          Voting Securities") is accumulated, held or acquired by a Person (as
          defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified, and used
          in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof) (other than the Company, any
          trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
          benefit plan of the Company or an affiliate thereof, any corporation
          owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company's stockholders in
          substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the
          Company); provided, however that any acquisition from the Company or
          any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses
          (A), (B) and (C) of subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph will not be a
          Change in Control under this subparagraph (i), and provided further,
          that immediately prior to such accumulation, holding or acquisition,
          such Person was not a direct or indirect beneficial owner of 20
          percent or more of the Company Voting Securities; or

               (ii) Individuals who, as of the date of the Agreement, constitute
          the Board of Directors (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to
          constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided,
          however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the
          date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the
          Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority
          of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be
          considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent
          Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose
          initial assumption of office occurs as

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          a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to
          the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
          solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other
          than the Board of Directors; or

               (iii) Consummation by the Company of a reorganization, merger or
          consolidation, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially
          all of the assets of the Company or the acquisition of assets or stock
          of another entity (a "Business Combination"), in each case, unless
          immediately following such Business Combination:  (A) more than 60% of
          the combined voting power of then outstanding voting securities
          entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of (x) the
          corporation resulting from such Business Combination (the "Surviving
          Corporation"), or (y) if applicable, a corporation that as a result of
          such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the
          Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries
          (the "Parent Corporation"), is represented, directly or indirectly by
          Company Voting Securities outstanding immediately prior to such
          Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into
          which such Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such
          Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof
          is in substantially the same proportions as their ownership,
          immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Company Voting
          Securities, (B) no Person (excluding any employee benefit plan (or
          related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such
          Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20%
          or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
          securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or,
          if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) except
          to the extent that such ownership of the Company existed prior to the
          Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the
          board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no
          Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) were members of the
          Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement,
          or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business
          Combination; or

               (iv)  Approval by the Company's stockholders of a complete
          liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

          However, in no event will a Change in Control be deemed to have
     occurred, with respect to the Executive, if the Executive is part of a
     purchasing group that consummates the Change in Control transaction.  The
     Executive will be deemed "part of a purchasing group" for purposes of the
     preceding sentence if the Executive is an equity participant in the
     purchasing company or group (except:  (i) passive ownership of less than
     two percent (2%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership
     of equity participation in the purchasing company or group that is
     otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by
     a majority of the nonemployee continuing Directors).

          (e)  Change in Control Involving Jefferson Smurfit Group plc.  Any
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     reorganization, merger or consolidation of, or sale, acquisition or
     exchange of substantially all of the assets or a majority of the voting
     securities between, the Company

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     and Jefferson Smurfit Group plc, shall constitute a Change in Control for
     purposes of this Section 6. If within two years after such Change in
     Control, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for
     Cause, or the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment for Good
     Reason (as defined in Section 5(e)), the Company will provide the payments
     and benefits described in Section 6(a) above.

     7.   Restrictive Covenants.
          ---------------------

          (a)  Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
               -----------
     will be defined as follows:

               (i)   "Confidential Information" shall mean the Company's trade
          secrets and all other information unique to the Company and not
          readily available to the public, including developments, designs,
          improvements, inventions, formulas, compilations, methods, strategies,
          forecasts, software programs, processes, know-how, data, research,
          operating methods and techniques, and all business plans, strategies,
          costs, profits, customers, vendors, markets, sales, products, key
          personnel, pricing policies, marketing, sales or other financial or
          business information, and any modifications or enhancements of any of
          the foregoing.

               (ii)  The term "Business Conducted by the Company or any of its
          Affiliates" shall mean all businesses conducted by the Company or any
          of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date, of whatever kind, within
          or outside of the United States.

               (iii) The term "Affiliates" shall mean (i) any entity that
          directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company, and (ii) any
          entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest.

          (b)  Inventions or Developments.  The Executive agrees that he will
               --------------------------
     promptly and fully disclose to the Company all discoveries, improvements,
     inventions, formulas, ideas, processes, designs, techniques, know-how, data
     and computer programs (whether or not patentable, copyrightable or
     susceptible to any other form of protection), made, conceived, reduced to
     practice or developed by the Executive, either alone or jointly with
     others, during his employment with the Company (collectively, the
     "Inventions or Developments").  All Inventions and Developments shall be
     the sole property of the Company, including all patents, copyrights,
     intellectual property or other rights related thereto and Executive assigns
     to the Company all rights (if any) that the Executive may have or acquire
     in such Inventions or Developments.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, any right of the Company or assignment
     by the Executive as provided in this paragraph shall not apply to any
     Inventions or Developments for which no equipment, supplies, facility or
     trade secret information of the Company or its Affiliates were used and
     which were developed entirely on the Executive's own time, unless: (i) the
     Inventions or Developments relate to the Business Conducted by the Company
     or any of its Affiliates or the actual or demonstrably anticipated research
     or development of the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (ii) the

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     Inventions or Developments result from any work performed by the Executive
     for the Company or any of its Affiliates.

          (c) Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information or Inventions or
              -----------------------------------------------------------
     Developments.  The Executive acknowledges that he has had and will have
     ------------
     access to Confidential Information or Inventions or Developments of the
     Company and/or its Affiliates and agrees that he shall not, at any time,
     directly or indirectly use, divulge, furnish or make accessible to any
     person any Confidential Information or Inventions or Developments, but
     instead shall keep all such matters strictly and absolutely confidential.

          (d) No Diversion of Business Opportunities and Prospects.  The
              ----------------------------------------------------
     Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company: (i) the
     Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in any employment,
     consulting or other business activity that is competitive with the Business
     Conducted by the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the Executive shall
     promptly disclose to the Company all business opportunities that are
     presented to the Executive in his capacity as an employee of the Company or
     which is of a similar nature to the Business Conducted by the Company or
     any of its Affiliates or which the Company or its Affiliates have expressed
     an interest in engaging in the future; and (iii) the Executive shall not
     usurp or take advantage of any such business opportunity without first
     offering such opportunity to the Company.

          (e) Actions Upon Termination.  Upon the Executive's employment
              ------------------------
     termination for whatever reason, the Executive shall neither take or copy
     nor allow a third party to take or copy, and shall deliver to the Company
     all property of the Company, including, but not limited to, all
     Confidential Information or Inventions or Developments, regardless of the
     medium (i.e., hard copy, computer disk, CD ROM) on which the information is
     contained.

          (f) Non-Competition.  The Executive agrees that so long as he is
              ---------------
     employed by the Company and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the
     "Period"), he shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company,
     participate or engage in, directly or indirectly (as an owner, partner,
     employee, officer, director, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or
     in any other capacity calling for the rendition of services, advice, or
     acts of management, operation or control), any business that, during the
     Period, is competitive with the Business Conducted by the Company or any of
     its Affiliates within the United States (hereinafter, the "Geographic
     Area").

          (g) Non-Solicitation of Employees.  The Executive agrees that, during
              -----------------------------
     the Period, he shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company,
     directly or indirectly solicit any current employee of the Company or any
     of its Affiliates, or any individual who becomes an employee during the
     Period, to leave such employment and join or become affiliated with any
     business that is, during the Period, competitive with the Business
     Conducted by the Company or any of its Affiliates within the Geographic
     Area.

          (h) Non-Solicitation of Suppliers or Customers.  The Executive agrees
              ------------------------------------------
     that, during the Period, he shall not, without the prior written consent of
     the Company, directly

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

     or indirectly solicit, seek to divert or dissuade from continuing to do
     business with or entering into business with the Company or any of its
     Affiliates, any supplier, customer, or other person or entity that had a
     business relationship with or with which the Company was actively planning
     or pursuing a business relationship at or before the date of termination of
     his employment.

          (j) Irreparable Harm.  The Executive acknowledges that: (i) the
              ----------------
     Executive's compliance with this Section is necessary to preserve and
     protect the Confidential Information, Inventions or Developments and the
     goodwill of the Company and its Affiliates as going concerns; (ii) any
     failure by the Executive to comply with the provisions of this Section will
     result in irreparable and continuing injury for which there will be no
     adequate remedy at law; and (iii) in the event that the Executive should
     fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this Section, the Company
     shall be entitled, in addition to such other relief as may be proper, to
     all types of equitable relief (including, but not limited to, the issuance
     of an injunction and/or temporary restraining order) as may be necessary to
     cause the Executive to comply with this Section, to restore to the Company
     its property, and to make the Company whole.

          (j) Survival.  The provisions set forth in this Section shall, as
              --------
     noted, survive termination of this Agreement.

          (k) Forfeiture.  If the Executive violates any provision of this
              ----------
     Section, the Executive will forfeit his right to all payments and benefits
     under Section 5(d) and Section 6, except to the extent otherwise provided
     by law.

          (l) Unenforceability.  If any provision(s) of this Section shall be
              ----------------
     found invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision(s)
     shall be deemed to be modified or restricted to the extent and in the
     manner necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, or shall be
     deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this
     Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted
     by law, as if such provision(s) had been originally incorporated herein as
     so modified or restricted, or as if such provision(s) had not been
     originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.

     8.   Assignment; Successors.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
          ----------------------
and be binding upon the Company and its successors.  The Company may not assign
this Agreement without the Executive's written consent, except that the
Company's obligations under this Agreement shall be the binding legal
obligations of any successor to the Company by sale, and in the event of any
transaction that results in the transfer of substantially all of the assets or
business of the Company, the Company will use its best efforts to cause the
transferee to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.  The
Executive may not assign this Agreement during his life. Upon the Executive's
death this Agreement will inure to the benefit of Executive's heirs, legatees
and legal representatives of the Executive's estate.

     9.   Interpretation.  The laws of the State of Illinois shall govern the
          --------------
validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement,
without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

     10.  Withholding.  The Company may withhold from any payment that it is
          -----------
required to make under this Agreement amounts sufficient to satisfy applicable
withholding requirements under any federal, state or local law.

     11.  Amendment or Termination.  This Agreement may be amended at any time
          ------------------------
by written agreement between the Company and the Executive.

     12.  Notices.  Notices given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing
          -------
and shall be deemed received when personally delivered, or on the date of
written confirmation of receipt by (i) overnight carrier, (ii) telecopy, (iii)
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressee only, postage
prepaid, or (iv) such other method of delivery that provides a written
confirmation of delivery.  Notice to the Company shall be directed to:

                    Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
                    150 North Michigan Avenue
                    Chicago, Illinois 60610
                    Attention: General Counsel

The Company may change the person and/or address to whom the Executive must give
notice under this Section by giving the Executive written notice of such change,
in accordance with the procedures described above.  Notices to or with respect
to the Executive will be directed to the Executive, or to the Executive's
executors, personal representatives or distributees, if the Executive is
deceased, or the assignees of the Executive, at the Executive's home address on
the records of the Company.

     13.  Severability.  If any provisions(s) of this Agreement shall be found
          ------------
invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, in whole or in
part, then it is the parties' mutual desire that such court modify such
provision(s) to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid
and enforceable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the
maximum extent permitted by law, as if such provision(s) had been originally
incorporated herein as so modified or restricted, or as if such provision(s) had
not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.

     14.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and
          ----------------
understanding between the Company and the Executive and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter
hereof.  Pursuant to the Addendum dated July 21, 1998, to the Employment
Security Agreement dated July 21, 1998, between the Executive and Jefferson
Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) (the "ESA"), the ESA shall automatically terminate on
the Effective Date.

     15.  Consultation With Counsel.  Executive acknowledges that he has had a
          -------------------------
full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel of Executive's own
choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this
Agreement, and the Company has made no representations or warranties to
Executive concerning the terms, enforceability or implications of this Agreement
other than as are reflected in this Agreement.

     16.  No Waiver.  No failure or delay by the Company or the Executive in
          ---------
enforcing or exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof.  No modification,

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

amendment or waiver of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by the
Executive from any of the terms or conditions thereof, shall be effective unless
in writing and signed by the Chairman of the Company's Board. Any such waiver or
consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for
which given.

     17.  Effect on Other Obligations.  Payments and benefits herein provided to
          ---------------------------
be paid to the Executive by the Company shall be made without regard to and in
addition to any other payments or benefits required to be paid the Executive at
any time hereafter under the terms of any other agreement between the Executive
and the Company or under any other policy of the Company relating to
compensation, or retirement or other benefits.  No payments or benefits provided
the Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any amount the Executive may earn or
receive from employment with another employer or from any other source.

     18.  Survival.  All Sections of this Agreement survive beyond the
          --------
Employment Term except as otherwise specifically stated.

     19.  Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
          --------
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning thereof.

     20.  Counterparts.  The parties may execute this Agreement in one or more
          ------------
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute but one Agreement.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective
as of the date first above written.

                                     Smurfit-Stone Container corporation

   /s/ Patrick J. Moore
-----------------------------
     Patrick J. Moore
                                     By: /s/ Alan E. Goldberg
                                         --------------------
                                     Its: Chairman of the Compensation Committee
                                          --------------------------------------

                                      -15-<PAGE>   1
                               EXHIBIT 10(a)(i)

                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

THE STATE OF TEXAS   )
COUNTY OF SMITH      )

     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between SOUTHSIDE STATE BANK of
Tyler, Texas, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State
of Texas, hereinafter called BANK, and B. G. HARTLEY, hereinafter called
EXECUTIVE, whereby it is agreed as follows:

                                   WITNESSETH:

                                       I.

     The Board of Directors of BANK have determined that the EXECUTIVE services
to the BANK since its formation as its President have been of exceptional merit
and has constituted an invaluable contribution to the general welfare of BANK
and in bringing BANK to its present status of operating efficiency. The Board of
Directors have further determined that the continued service of EXECUTIVE on
behalf of BANK is essential to the future growth and profits of BANK and it is
in the best interest of BANK to arrange terms of continued employment for
EXECUTIVE so as to reasonably assure his remaining in the employ of BANK for the
balance of his work lifetime.

                                       II.

     BANK agrees to employ EXECUTIVE in such capacity as the BANK may from time
to time determine. The EXECUTIVE will continue in the employment of BANK in such
capacity and with such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to him,
and with such compensation as may be determined from time to time by the Board
of Directors. EXECUTIVE agrees to well and truly perform his duties and
obligations as an employee of BANK and will use his best efforts to furnish
faithful and satisfactory service to BANK.

                                      III.

     It is specifically agreed that if EXECUTIVE remains in the employment of
BANK until his permanent disability, death or retirement, whichever occurs
first, BANK agrees to pay the sum and amount of EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND AND
NO/100 ($800,000.00) DOLLARS, to EXECUTIVE or his surviving wife or designated
beneficiaries, as hereinafter provided. Such deferred compensation shall be
payable commencing on the 1st day of the month following the first of the
following events to occur; (1) the permanent disability of EXECUTIVE; (2) the
retirement of EXECUTIVE; or (3) the death of EXECUTIVE. For the purpose of this
agreement, total disability shall be defined as a physical or mental condition
as diagnosed by a medical doctor approved or selected by BANK, that so
incapacitates or disables EXECUTIVE that he is no longer able to perform the
duties and responsibilities assigned to EXECUTIVE and that in the opinion of
such medical doctor, such condition is permanent. Such deferred compensation,
when it commences, shall be payable as follows:

     1.   Sixty (60) equal monthly installments of Five Thousand and No/100
          ($5,000.00) Dollars each, with the first monthly installment being
          payable on the commencement date as above set forth.

<PAGE>   2

     2.   Commencing on the sixty-first (61st) month following the commencement
          date, 120 equal consecutive monthly installments of Four Thousand, One
          Hundred Sixty-Six and 67/100 ($4,166.67) Dollars.

                                       IV.

     EXECUTIVE shall have the right to name a beneficiary other than his wife
provided such designation of beneficiary be in writing and signed by EXECUTIVE
and delivered to BANK. Such designation of beneficiary may provide for
alternative beneficiary if the designated beneficiary fails to survive the
EXECUTIVE or fails to survive the term payout, as provided herein. Failure to
designate a beneficiary in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed an
election by EXECUTIVE that such benefits as provided herein shall go to the
surviving wife or to his surviving children, should his wife die simultaneously
or predecease him.

                                       V.

     If the EXECUTIVE should die prior to retirement, and such death is a result
of a suicide, then, in such event, the death benefits provided in this Agreement
shall not be payable unless such suicide occurs after the lapsing of any
anti-suicide provisions contained in any insurance policy purchased by BANK upon
the life of EXECUTIVE, should the BANK so elect to purchase such insurance for
its own benefit.

                                       VI.

     When used herein, except as expressly provided herein otherwise, retirement
shall be deemed an event as defined or authorized by bank under existing
personnel requirements of bank of hereinafter amended or modified.

     If for any reason other than good cause, the employment of EXECUTIVE is
terminated by BANK, such termination shall not terminate this Agreement and such
involuntary termination other than for good cause shall be deemed the same as
retirement for the purpose of this Agreement. For the purpose of this Agreement,
"good cause" shall be defined as being action or inaction equivalent to habitual
dereliction of duty, misfeasance, willful misconduct, criminal conduct, or gross
negligence.

                                      VII.

     Neither the EXECUTIVE nor any beneficiary designated by EXECUTIVE shall
have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, mortgage, commute or
otherwise encumber in advance any of the benefits payable hereunder, nor shall
such benefits be subject to seizure for payment of any debts or judgment of any
of them, or be transferred by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy,
insolvency or otherwise.

<PAGE>   3

                                      VIII.

     This Deferred Compensation Agreement shall be in addition to and in lieu of
a prior Deferred Compensation Agreement dated May 14, 1979, in the amount of
THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($300,000.00) DOLLARS.

                                       IX.

     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of EXECUTIVE
and his personal representatives and the BANK and its successors and assigns.
However, it is specifically agreed that this is not a contract of employment
between the parties hereto and nothing herein shall restrict the right of the
corporation to discharge EXECUTIVE or restrict the right of EXECUTIVE to
terminate his employment.

     EXECUTED as of the 13th day of February , 1984.

ATTEST:                                    SOUTHSIDE STATE BANK

By:  /s/ ROBBIE N. EDMONSON                By:  /s/ MURPH WILSON
     ----------------------------------         --------------------------------
         ROBBIE N. EDMONSON, Senior                 MURPH WILSON,
         Vice President and Cashier                 Chairman of the Board

                                                /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
                                                --------------------------------
                                                    B. G. HARTLEY, EXECUTIVE

<PAGE>   4

                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

THE STATE OF TEXAS  )
COUNTY OF SMITH     )

     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between SOUTHSIDE STATE BANK of
Tyler, Texas, a Texas banking corporation, hereinafter called BANK, and B. G.
HARTLEY, hereinafter called EXECUTIVE, whereby it is agreed as follows:

                                   WITNESSETH:

                                       I.

     BANK and EXECUTIVE has heretofore entered into a Deferred Compensation
Agreement in 1982, which has continued in full force and effect subsequent
thereto. The parties hereto desire to amend and modify such Agreement, with such
amendment to be effective immediately.

                                       II.

     In such Deferred Compensation Agreement, provided that EXECUTIVE met
certain conditions precedent, the BANK, at his permanent disability, death or
retirement, whichever occurs first, pay agreed compensation to EXECUTIVE, his
surviving wife or designated beneficiaries as the case might then be. The
parties hereto desire to eliminate, and do hereby eliminate, permanent
disability as one of the enumerated events which cause commencement of payment
of deferred compensation. All reference to disability is hereby deleted from
said Agreement. Henceforth, the only occurrence that will cause the commencement
of deferred compensation payments under the terms of such Agreement shall either
be the death or retirement of EXECUTIVE under the terms and conditions of said
Deferred Compensation Agreement.

                                      III.

     Except as amended or modified by this Amendment, the parties hereto do
reaffirm and ratify said Agreement and when construed together, this Amendment
and the original Deferred Compensation Agreement shall constitute the entire
agreement of the parties.

     EXECUTED as of the 28th day of June, 1990.

ATTEST:                              SOUTHSIDE STATE BANK

/s/ SAM DAWSON                       By:  /s/ ROBBIE N. EDMONSON
-------------------------------           -------------------------------------
    Assistant Vice President                  ROBBIE N. EDMONSON
                                              Executive Vice President

                                          /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
                                          -------------------------------------
                                              B. G. HARTLEY
                                              EXECUTIVE

<PAGE>   5

                               SECOND AMENDMENT TO
                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

THE STATE OF TEXAS   )
COUNTY OF SMITH      )

     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between SOUTHSIDE BANK of Tyler,
Texas, a Texas banking corporation ("BANK"), and B. G. HARTLEY ("EXECUTIVE"),
whereby it is agreed to as follows:

                                  WITNESSETH:

                                       I.

     BANK and EXECUTIVE entered into a Deferred Compensation Agreement dated
February 13, 1984. This Deferred Compensation Agreement has been modified by the
First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Agreement dated June 28, 1990. (The
Deferred Compensation Agreement as amended by the June 28, 1990, amendment is
hereinafter referred to as the "Deferred Agreement.") The Deferred Agreement has
continued in full force and effect. BANK and EXECUTIVE desire to amend and
modify the Deferred Agreement, with such Amendment to be effective immediately.

                                       II.

     The Board of Directors of BANK has determined that it is in the BANK's best
interest to encourage EXECUTIVE to continue his employment with BANK. As such,
BANK agrees to increase the amount which EXECUTIVE is entitled to receive under
the Deferred Agreement.

                                      III.

     EXECUTIVE shall receive, in addition to all other amounts which he is
entitled to under the Deferred Agreement, a bonus hereinafter called "Deferred
Compensation Bonus."

                                       IV.

     BANK shall pay the Deferred Compensation Bonus to EXECUTIVE within 120 days
after he retires and serves in none of the following capacities: President or
Chief Executive Officer.

                                       V.

     If EXECUTIVE dies prior to his retirement, BANK shall pay the Deferred
Compensation Bonus to the personal representative of EXECUTIVE's estate within
nine (9) months of EXECUTIVE's death.

                                      VI.

     The amount of this Deferred Compensation Bonus is presently $28,581.38 and
shall increase by $28,581.38 on the 15th day of December each year provided that
EXECUTIVE is employed by BANK on said day in any of the following capacities:
President or Chief Executive Officer.

<PAGE>   6

                                      VII.

     Except as amended or modified by this Amendment, the parties hereto
reaffirm and ratify the Deferred Agreement. This amendment, the First Amendment
to Deferred Compensation Agreement, and the original Deferred Compensation
Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement of the parties.

     EXECUTED the 15th day of December, 1994.

ATTEST:                                     SOUTHSIDE BANK

/s/ SAM DAWSON                              By:  /s/ ROBBIE N. EDMONSON
---------------------------------------          ------------------------------
    SAM DAWSON                                       ROBBIE N. EDMONSON
    Executive Vice President                         Executive Vice President

                                                     - BANK -

                                                 /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                     B. G. HARTLEY
                                                     EXECUTIVE

<PAGE>   7

                               THIRD AMENDMENT TO
                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between SOUTHSIDE BANK of Tyler,
Texas, a Texas banking corporation ("BANK"), and B. G. HARTLEY ("EXECUTIVE"),
whereby it is agreed to as follows:

                                  WITNESSETH:

                                       I.

     BANK and EXECUTIVE entered into a Deferred Compensation Agreement dated
February 13, 1984. Subsequent thereto, two Amendments to such Deferred
Compensation Agreement have been executed and are in full force and effect as of
this date. A question has arisen as to the construction of Paragraph VIII of the
Deferred Compensation Agreement dated February 13, 1984, and the purpose of this
Amendment is to clarify the intent of the parties as to such paragraph.

                                       II.

     It is the intent of the parties that the Deferred Compensation Agreement
dated February 13, 1984, replace and be in lieu of the Deferred Compensation
Agreement dated May 14, 1979, which was then in the original amount of THREE
HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($300,000) DOLLARS. It is not intent of the parties
that there be two Deferred Compensation Agreements for EXECUTIVE and that the
Agreement dated February 13, 1984 and the Amendments thereto represent the only
Deferred Compensation Agreement between BANK and EXECUTIVE.

     EXECUTED as of the 20th day of November, 1995.

ATTEST:                                 SOUTHSIDE BANK

/s/ ROBBIE N. EDMONSON                  By:  /s/ SAM DAWSON
------------------------------               ----------------------------------
    ROBBIE N. EDMONSON                  Name:    Sam Dawson
    Vice Chairman of the Board          Title:   Executive Vice President

                                             /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
                                             ----------------------------------
                                                 B. G. HARTLEY
                                                 Executive

<PAGE>   8

                               FOURTH AMENDMENT TO
                         DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

STATE OF TEXAS  )

COUNTY OF SMITH )

     This AGREEMENT is entered into by and between Southside Bank of Tyler,
Texas, a Texas banking corporation ("BANK"), and B.G. HARTLEY ("EXECUTIVE"),
whereby it is agreed as follows:

                                   WITNESSETH:

                                       I.

     BANK and EXECUTIVE entered into a Deferred Compensation Agreement dated
February 13, 1984. This Deferred Compensation Agreement has been modified by the
First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Agreement dated June 28, 1990, and was
subsequently amended with the Second Amendment to Deferred Compensation
Agreement in 1994, and was subsequently amended with the Third Amendment to
Deferred Compensation Agreement in 1995. The Deferred Compensation Agreement, as
amended, has continued in full force and effect and is continuing in full force
and effect through date of this amendment. BANK and EXECUTIVE desire to amend
and modify the Deferred Compensation Agreement, with such fourth amendment to be
effective immediately.

                                       II.

     The Board of Directors of BANK has determined that it is in the BANK's best
interest to continue to encourage EXECUTIVE to continue his employment and
association with the BANK. As such, BANK agrees to increase the amount which
EXECUTIVE is entitled to receive under the Deferred Compensation Agreement.

                                      III.

     EXECUTIVE, at the earlier of his death or retirement (as the terms are
defined in the Deferred Compensation Agreement), shall be entitled to receive an
immediate cash payment of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY
AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($189,430.00). Such payment shall be paid as a lump sum
within thirty (30) days following the earlier of the two dates herein
referenced.

                                       IV.

     In addition, EXECUTIVE shall be entitled to receive a lump sum amount at
retirement or death, which ever occurs first, equal to the sum of FORTY-FIVE
THOUSAND THIRTY AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($45,030.00) per year beginning with February
1, 2000 and each year thereafter until his retirement or death. The final year
installment shall be prorated if it occurs before February 1 for the year in
question.

<PAGE>   9

                                       V.

     Except as amended and modified by this Agreement, the parties hereto
reaffirm and ratify the Deferred Compensation Agreement. The liabilities of the
parties are governed by the Deferred Compensation Agreement as amended.

     EXECUTED as of the 21st day of December, 1999.

                                       SOUTHSIDE BANK

                                       By:  /s/ SAM DAWSON
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                SAM DAWSON, President

                                            /s/ B. G. HARTLEY
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                B. G. HARTLEY, Executive

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