BAINBRIDGE BANK - Putnam

THE BAINBRIDGE BANK.

The history of the thriving institutions, especially in connection with the business life of Putnam county, would lack an important chapter should the Bainbridge Bank not be given proper mention in a work of this kind, for it has proven to be of inestimable value to the residents of this village and Monroe township and is without question one of the soundest, safest and most conservatively and ably managed banks in this section of the state, having as its prime moving factors men who rank high in the citizenship of the county and noted alike for their integrity and business ability.

The Bainbridge Bank was established December 1, 1904, by F. P. and C. M. Moffett, who came to Bainbridge a short time before that date from Westfield, Illinois, where they had been successfully engaged in the banking business. For a year they conducted their business in Messrs. Black & Ratcliff's mercantile establishment in the Harvey Black room on the corner of Main and Washington streets. During that time the bank erected the first cement block business rooms in the town, and since that time other progressive business men followed the pace set by them and have built modern buildings of a like type. The bank has enjoyed an excellent patronage from the first and has had a steady growth. James M. Reeds, formerly cashier of the First National Bank of Coatesville, became identified with the Bainbridge Bank as vice-president on January 1, 1909. The consensus of opinion in Monroe township is that while the hank has been profitable to its owners it has also been profitable to Bainbridge and vicinity, giving it many advantages that a bank affords besides enhancing the value of property in and around town.

Something of the life records of the gentlemen who have the management of this institution in hand would be of interest here.

F. P. Moffett, president of the Bainbridge Bank, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, November 1, 1852. After receiving a common school education, he launched in the mercantile business in Brocton, Illinois, in which he was very successful, but observing an opening for a bank at Westfield, Illinois, in. 1892, and, believing that his true "bent" lay along banking lines, he accordingly entered the banking business there, building up a very satisfactory patronage until his removal to Bainbridge, Indiana.

Mr. Moffett married Mary L. Beck, of Boone county, Indiana, on December 28, 1872, and this union has resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom reside in this county, Charles M. Moffett and Mrs. Sarah Inez Reeds. Mr. Moffett is one of the progressive business men of Putnam county. Politically he is a Democrat.

Charles M. Moffett, mentioned above, was born September 25, 1877, in Edgar county, Illinois. He graduated from the Oakland high school. He began life in banking circles, and after holding various positions in different banks, he came to Bainbridge with his father, F. P. Moffett. December 1, 1904, and assisted in founding the bank here. On June 22, 1898, he married Cora L. Dunseth, a native of Oakland, Illinois, which union has resulted in the birth of two children, Donovan C. and Bonnie K. Politically he is a Democrat and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is regarded as a young business man of much promise.

James M. Reeds is a native of Douglas county, Illinois. where he was born July 1, 1871. He received his education from the schools of Oakland, his native state, graduating therefrom, and to better fit himself for life's struggle he passed through the high school and Austin College at Effingham, Illinois.

August 28, 1897, Mr. Reeds was married to Sarah Inez Moffett, daughter of F. P. and Mary L. (Beck) Moffett, and to this union two children have been born, Reese and Ileene.

Mr. Reeds has made banking his principal life work and has well learned the "ins and outs" of the same, and as vice-president of the Bainbridge Bank he is discharging his duties in an eminently satisfactory manner. Politically he is a Democrat and for three years he was town clerk of Coatesville.