Escapees November-December 2022

Serving the local community for over 100 years First National Bank of Livingston, Texas By Guest Contributor JOLI PARKMAN First National Bank’s history written by former President and CEO, JOHN G. SLOCOMB

could be erected at the corner of Church and Jackson streets. Mr. J. W. Cochran was elected President and executive of fi cer in 1904. On April 18, 1910, the bank was reor ganized as First National Bank. A new two-story building was constructed, in 1913, on West Church Street. The bank has conducted business at two other bank sites since that time. The downtown branch building, located at 308 W. Church Street, was opened in January 1976 and was expanded in 1983. The bank site was formerly the home place of Addelle Green Peebles, the wife of A. W. Peebles. Mr. A. W. Peebles served as the bank president from 1934 until December 1957, when his son, Allen Peebles, was elected president. The assets of the bank rose from $25 million in 1976 to the current level of over $517 million. In September 1990, First National Bank opened its fi rst branch bank in Onalaska, Texas. Then, in October 1993, the second branch bank, located on Highway 190 West, was opened and named First National Westside Branch.

We are so excited to become a commercial partner with the Es capees organization and provide a seamless banking experience to Escapees members. Please en joy this article about our history, products, services, locations and community. O ver 120 years ago in Livingston, Texas, a small private bank was opened by Charles H. Davison to serve the banking needs of local citizens. This little bank, named Polk County Bank, offered fi nancial services and safety to a growing East Texas town and county. On March 24, 1902, the assets of the Polk County Bank were converted to the Citizens National Bank, and so began the history of The First National Bank of Livingston, Texas. In 1903, the building was destroyed by a fi re, along with most of downtown Livingston, and the bank took refuge in the Polk County Courthouse until a new build ing, utilizing locally manufactured brick,

58

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2022