It needs no high-sounding advertisement to tell that times in Franklin County, Kansas, are prosperous. The fact advertises itself. Corn and wheat bins are bursting with importance of it. Enjoying the full share of this general good fortune, the People’s National bank of Ottawa, Kansas, greets its friends, and those whom it hopes to make its friends, with the congratulations due the season of the country’s harvest home. The story of the People’s National Bank is the story of Franklin county – a story of pioneer beginnings, of many hardships overcome, of broad growth, and finally a substantial prosperity. The People’s National Bank enjoys the distinction of having maintained ? management longer than any other business house in Ottawa. In this proud sense of seniority, and in the belief that it, like FranklinCounty, has attained lasting success through deserving it, the bank extends this greeting and its good wishes. “A HOME INSTITUTION,” is the title which accurately serves to describe the People’s National Bank. Organized almost forty years ago, it has been continuously owned and controlled by men who live in Ottawa whose interests lay in the upbuilding of the town and county. Throughout the many years of its growing success, the bank’s earnings have all been paid out in Ottawa, in making better homes, in helping promote public improvements of whatever character, which make a legitimate demand on public subscriptions. From the Santa Fe shops project down to the last church building to be constructed in Ottawa, no worthy solicitation has been made in vain upon the bank whose first and last interests is in Ottawa, and the country around it. From its small beginning in a little frame building in the pioneer town, The People’s National Bank now has on its books 2200 separate accounts. And to care for and give proper attention to its business, 12 persons are employed. The following is a list of officers and directors of this bank: J. P. Harris, president; Peter Shiras, vice president; W. B. Kiler, cashier; F. M. Shiras, assistant cashier, R. A. Harris, F. M. Harris, Oliver Shiras. This banking institution is located at the corner of Second and Main streets, a reproduction of which appears in this issue. The bank is finely furnished and well equipped with the latest improved and modern vaults, safes, etc., for the conducting of a large and ever increasing banking business. Illustrations appear in this issue of the members of this firms, their residences and various buildings erected by them. They are men of sterling worth and the strictest business integrity and have been more prominent in the up? of Ottawa that the members of any other enterprise. They are all highly esteemed as public spirited and influential business men.
Source: Ottawa Kansas Souvenir c. 1909-10
Name of Business: People's National Bank
Date Business Began: 1871
Persons: Harris, J. P.
Additional Assoc. Persons: Shiras, Peter, Kiler, W. B., Shiras, F. M., Harris, R. A., Harris, F. M., Shiras, Oliver