Banking Institutions.

THE CITIZENS BANK.

This popular banking institution was organized January 10th, 1882. The stock holders at the organization were, William Walker, president; A. L. Campbell, cashier; W. F. Stotts, J. L. Stotts, F. P. Bradley, Nathaniel Hamlin and Theo. F. Myers.

In January 1885 the bank was purchased by Theo. F. Morrow, A. F. Armstrong and E. J. Freeman and under the new firm soon assumed a prominent place among the conservative banking institutions of the state. In July, 1888, Theo. F. Morrow retiring, A. F. Armstrong and E. J. Freeman became the sole proprietors. The personal popularity and sound business abilities of these well known gentlemen brought to the bank ever increasing patronage and prosperity, until now with the capital of $25,000 and a business amounting to $3,000,000 annually, the Citizens Bank is a busy hive of industry from January to January, and with the early spring proposes to erect on the corner of Broadway and Washington streets, the largest, most complete banking house with safety deposit vaults between Council Bluffs and DesMoines.

The official roster now is A. F. Armstrong, president, E. J. Freeman, cashier, D. L. Freeman, assistant cashier and L. J. Yaggy teller.

The Audubon County Bank, the oldest banking house of Audubon county, was founded by Chas. Van Gorder with F. H. Whitney, at Exira, in July, 1876. In December, 1878 it was removed to Audubon, occupying a small building which still remains adjoining the present fine brick building, the house of the banking house since 1879, when erected. In 1885 an addition was made when the structure assumed proportions of 24x80 feet, two story and basement, with a strong and roomy bank vault; one of the solid institutions of western Iowa. In 1884 Mr. Van Gorder became the sole proprietor, having purchased Mr. Whitney's interest, and in 1891 with a capital of $70,000 this strong and conservative bank transacted a business amounting in round numbers to $5,000,000. With F. S. Watts as assistant and Chas. Hensley on the books, Mr. Van Gorder enjoys the supreme confidence of our people, and presides over one of the strongest banking institutions, not of Audubon along, but of Iowa.

Founded January 1886 by Wm. Leet with W. H. Negley. Began business in the rear main room of the Audubon County Bank building. In 1889 Mr. Leet erected on Park Place one of the substantial brick buildings of our town 25x80, two stories, fitting the first half of the lower story expressly for the use of the bank, providing it with the best modern fire and burglar proof vaults. Shortly after the completion of the banks new and fine home Mr. Negley withdrew, leaving Mr. Leet sole proprietor; with L. D. Phelps cashier, and Mr. Frank Leet assistant cashier. With a capital of $50,000 and an annual business of upward of $2,000,000 the Commercial Bank takes rank among the solid financial institutions of Audubon, and Iowa. Wm. Leet is the proprietor of a strong bank at Bradford, Ill., and has large interests in four of Chicago's great banking houses.