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| Additional information |
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| The First State Bank |
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Overview:
The First State Bank is the only home-owned bank in Longview and Hallsville providing banking services to its customers for over 100 years. The First State Bank has had the same name since its organization in 1909. The First State Bank absorbed the former Farmers' State Bank of Hallsville in 1933 at the request of banking authorities.
The First State Bank is a good neighbor - actively involved in the communities it serves - Longview, Hallsville and Marshall with two full-service banking offices located in Hallsville and Longview.
The current bank officers are Jon Ruff, President/CEO/Chairman of the Board; David Ruff, Vice President/Cashier; Kimberly Hicks, Vice President-Mortgage Lending.
Current directors include; Jon Ruff, David Ruff, Darlene Smith, James Greer, and B. B. Reese. Jon Ruff has served as President since February 1, 1968.
On May 15, 1985, the bank moved to its current location, 500 W. Main, on the western edge of the city in a 9,000 square foot modern brick building with four auto bank lanes and one drive-up automated teller machine (ATM) open 24 hours - 7 days a week.
On June 1, 1993, a new banking office was opened at 901 N. Eastman Road, near Alpine Road in Longview, Texas. This branch office offers a complete line of banking services including two drive-up lanes, two 24 hour ATM's, and a mortgage loan department.
The First State Bank has an excellent capital ratio. Bauer Financial Reports, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank research firm, presented its highest 5-Star Superior rating to The First State Bank, in recognition of its financial strength and performance. The award is based on an analysis of current financial data filed by the bank with federal regulators, supplemented by historical data kept by the firm. The bank has sustained this high level of excellence which adds to its reputation and staying power. |
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History:
Incorporated August 23, 1909 as:
The First State Bank
Opened for Business October 6, 1909
Cotton was "king" when the bank was organized as evidenced by at least six general merchants, two grocers, two druggists and one cotton ginner, three movie houses, and hotels. The area was teaming with cotton. Every Saturday was a time to "go to town" to shop and socialize at one of many mercantile and grocery stores. The Hallsville Merchants and Businessmen's Association consisted of T. P. Black, J. W. Holloway, Brown & Cullen, H. J. T. Jones, T. H. Etheridge & Son, A. N. Kennedy, L. P. Ponder, Sypert & Woodall, J. C. Hill, Watt Drug Company, H. P. Lynch, John H. Bass and The First State Bank.
The late C. F. Haywood, father to our own Ethelyn Moore, after receiving a call from a friend at Commercial National Bank of Shreveport, Louisiana, became the Bank's first cashier. He moved from Marshall to Hallsville and began a banking career at The First State Bank that spanned almost 50 years. He was originally from Fort Worth where his father worked for the Fort Worth Gazette, that town's first newspaper.
Over the Last 100 years, The First State Bank has occupied four different locations in Hallsville:
1909 - 1918 Center of block, Main Street
(currently C. F. Haywood Ins. Agency)
1919 - 1963 Corner of Central and Main Street
1963 - 1985 123 Main Street
1985 to present 500 W. Main Street
On September 10, 1910 (eleven months after opening) the Total Bank Assets were $42,852.88. This is quite a bit different from our current Total Assets of $39,208,402.34 with capital and reserves of $3,369,592.30 |
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