The State Bank of Effingham was organized in 1889, and occupies its own quarters in a substantial and commodious brick building on the Main street of Effingham, which was erected in 1897. In 1912 handsome new fixtures and a burglar-proof vault were purchased at large cost. The first president of this bank was Wesley Cummings, and the first cashier was Gilbert Campbell, with Harvey Sharp as assistant cashier and bookkeeper. Mr. Cummings continued as president until his death in 1899, and was succeeded by L. A. Murphy, who in turn was succeeded by T. J. Bohannon, who served until his death, August 29, 1915. A. M. Ellsworth became cashier in 1892, and was succeeded by W. M. Walker, who served in that capacity until 1905, when he is turn was succeeded by Clarence L. Cummings, the present cashier of this substantial and growing institution. The president officers of the bank are as follows: R. G. Bohannon, president; A. E. Mayhew, vice-president; C. L. Cummings, cashier; Carl B. Searls, bookkeeper. The directors are: H. A. McLenon, A. E. Mayhew, R. G. Bohannon and C. L. Cummings. The capital stock is $20,000, with surplus of $13,500 and deposits average $100,000. This institution is one of the most flourishing banks in the county, and its officers and directors are substantial business men and farmers, who are not only highly regarded in Effingham and vicinity, but throughout all of northeastern Kansas. The State Bank of Lancaster was organized March, 1896, by W. W. Stepp, Mark S. Cloyes, C. L. Cummings, T. J. Bohannon, and Dr. A. L. Charles. T. J. Bohannon was elected its first president, and C. L. Cummings its first cashier. It had a capital stock of $5,000, which subsequently was increased to $10,000, and in 1915 it had a surplus of $5,000, with deposits aggregating $80,000. The present directors of this bank are as follows (1915): M. J. Hines, C. E. Smith, A. J. Smith, J. F. Shell and M. E. Smith, and its present officers are: M. J. Hines, president; C. E. Smith, vice-president; A. J. Smith, cashier, and C. G. Stickler, assistant cashier. The State Bank of Cummings was organized by H. J. Barber and E. W. Kaufman in 1908, with a capital stock of $10,000. E. W. Kaufman was elected president; B. F. Cline, vice-president, and H. J. Barber, cashier. The capital stock in 1915 was $10,000, with a surplus of $5,000 and deposits aggregating $60,000. A neat and substantial brick building was erected for banking quarters and equipped with handsome fixtures and burglar-proof vault, at a cost of $3,500. The officers of the bank in 1916 were as follows: President, John Ferris; cashier, H. J. Barber, and the directors were John Ferris, H. J. Barber, C. A. Lewis, William Hegarty and F. W. Kaufman. The bank is in a thrifty condition, and has shown a steady increase in growth from the date of its organization.