Mercer County PAGenWeb


Places McDowell National Bank     

 

The McDowell National Bank of Sharon had its inception in the private establishment of D. C. Strawbridge, who opened for business in that place, May 1, 1868. Early in 1870 the business passed to the control of James Bleakley, Son & Co. At this time Alexander McDowell, the company in the above title, assumed the management and the history of the McDowell Bank began. In 1873 Mr. McDowell purchased the interest of his partners and the title became Alex. McDowell, Banker. The strength of the bank was fairly tested by the panics and related depressions of 1873, 1884 and 1893, always meeting the emergencies with conspicuous strength. In July, 1907, the bank took out a National charter with a capital of $150,000 and surplus of $30,000 and the following officers and directors: A. McDowell, president; F. W. Koehler, vice president; H. B. McDowell, cashier; John R. Willson, Walter S. Palmer, James A. Wright, Edward Buchholz and John L. Morrison, which board was put to a severe test immediately in the panic and depression of 1907-8, showing marked strength in their conduct of affairs. Since organization as a national bank the following changes have been made: Mr. Morrison, owing to continued absence from Sharon, was compelled to resign from the directorate and P. C. Gibbons was chosen to fill the vacancy; the surplus fund has been increased to $40,000. The bank is primarily a commercial bank but has facilities for savings and safe deposit. 

Twentieth Century History of Mercer County, 1909, pages 228-229 


McDowell National Bank 

of Sharon, 1930s

Click to enlarge

 

 

McDowell Bank Token,

 Click to enlarge

 

 

Sharon's Yesterdays and Tomorrow...  a History of Sharon and the McDowell National Bank

 


 


Return to Places Index Page