Our History

First National Bank History

On October 28, 1889 the First National Bank of Primghar was organized under the Laws of the United States concerning Banks and the Articles of Incorporation were adopted. November 11, 1889 is the date on the Charter numbered 4155, issued by the US Treasury Department, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, Washington, DC. That original charter is proudly displayed in the bank's lobby.

An extensive fire on January 25, 1902 burned the bank building. The following day it was business as usual with the bank opening in a temporary location across the street. It was shortly after that the Board of Directors met and decided to purchase some property and a new two story brick and stone building was constructed.

Fifty six years later in June, 1958 the bank purchased the property where it is located today. Remodeling projects were completed in 1975, 1988, and again in 2012. Since the bank's opening on November 11, 1889 the doors were only closed a few days in 1933 by proclamation of the United States Government, when all banks were closed.

The Subscribers to the Capital Stock of the First National Bank of Primghar, met and 50,000.00 of stock in the bank was sold. That stock remains as the Capital Stock of the bank today. Many stockholders have come and gone since that time. The locally and family owned bank can trace their ownership back to the early 1900's. Ralph Hinman, President of the Bank from 1913 until his death in 1952 passed his interest on to his daughter, Doris (Hinman) Smith. She became a director in 1947 and remained on the Board until 1981 when illness prevented her from being active. She continued as a stockholder until her death in 1983. At that time her interest passed on to Jerome Hinman Smith, her Son. Jerome began his banking career in 1949 and was elected President in 1977. Jerome was preceded by Presidents James Metcalf (1964 - 1976) and Frank Bordewick (1953 - 1964). With nearly 50 years of service to the bank and community Jerome's untimely death in 1999 meant the next generation would take over the family management of the Bank. Jay Hinman Smith and Jean (Smith) Fulk, son and daughter of Jerome and Muriel Smith did just that and serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, to this day. Muriel continued to serve as a Director on the Bank Board until her passing in 2010.

The Directors and Staff of First National Bank extend their sincere appreciation to you for the confidence and loyalty you have placed with us. The trust and cooperation of friends and customers like you have and will continue to make this bank successful. We look forward with hope and faith towards a future that holds continued growth that benefits everyone.