Items in newspaper in 1885 indicates he was connected with the Farmers Bank...

NOTE: I really goofed on this one! J. Frank Balliet of Winfield was a cousin of Frank E. and R. L. Balyeat, Arkansas City, but he spelled his name as "BALLIET."

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

THE SOCIAL CIRCLE. Miss Anna Hunt opened her pleasant home Thursday to our young society people. The occasion was most enjoyable, distinguishing Miss Anna as a successful entertainer. She was very agreeably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt in doing the honors of the evening. Those present were Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hosmer, Mrs. Frank Balliet; Misses Bertha Williamson, of Cincinnati; Clara Lynch, of Wichita; Corinne Cryler, of Parsons; Edith Hall, of Burlington, Iowa; Nona Calhoun, of Maysville, Kentucky; Mollie Brooks, Sarah Bass, Sarah Gay, Bert Morford, Jessie Millington, Nellie Cole, Mary Randall, Lizzie McDonald, Maggie Harper, Ida Johnston, and May Hodges; Messrs. R. B. Norton, of Arkansas City; M. J. O'Meara, T. J. Eaton, M. H. Ewart, Lacey Tomlin, S. D. Harper, J. R. Brooks, Chas. Dever, Addison Brown, Everett and George Schuler, James Lorton, Chas. Hodges, and Frank H. Greer. With a bright moon, balmy atmosphere, and vivacious young folks, the lawn, adorned with Chinese lanterns, was indeed a lovely scene. Restraint was completely banished by the charming entertainment. Social promenade, music, a banquet of choice delicacies consisting of ices, cake, etc., the "light fantastic," with cribbage and other games made the evening fly very happily, to remain among the pleasant memories of the participants.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.

F. E. Balyeat, cousin of our Frank, of the Farmers' Bank, was up from Arkansas City Wednesday, where he resides.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.

The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, 917 Mansfield street, was the scene of a most happy gathering Monday evening. The occasion was the celebration of the 20th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Shearer. Though the rain interfered with the attendance of a number, by nine o'clock over eighty were present, in their happiest mood. Soon after nine o'clock the "bride and groom" were presented and re-united in the bonds whose sweet and bitter they had thoroughly experienced. Rev. J. H. Reider re-tied the knot in a novel and jolly ceremony, the groom consenting to all the compulsory vicissitudes of a "hen-pecked" husband, and she to clothe, feed, protect, scold (in foreign language) until death. After the ceremony and hearty congratulations, a collation of choicest delicacies was served in profusion and most thoroughly enjoyed. The presents were handsome and valuable, the most prominent being an exquisitely painted china dinner set. It embraced a hundred and twenty- five piecesthe handsomest thing obtainable in china ware. It was a token from the following persons: Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Rev. and Mrs. B. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Dr. and Mrs. F. M. Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Bliss, Mrs. R. B. Waite and Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. E. M. Albright and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Col. and Mrs. Wm. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Nelson, Prof. and Mrs. I. N. Inskeep, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Burnett, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Dr. and Mrs. H. L. Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Finch, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. D. Taylor and Miss Minnie, Mr. and Mrs. A. Herpich, Mr. and Mrs. L. Conrad, Mrs. A. Silliman and Miss Lola, Mrs. C. Strong and Miss Emma, Mrs. Dr. Bailey, Misses Fannie, Jessie, and Louie Stretch, Miss March, Misses Mattie and Mary Gibson, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Lydia Tyner, Maggie Herpich, Maude Kelly, Ida Johnston, and Maude Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, and Miss Lena Walrath. Among the other presents were: Fruit holder and saucer, by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Burgauer; individual pepper and salt holders, Miss Burgauer; cup and saucer, Wm. Statton; fruit dish, Dr. and Mrs. C. Perry and Mrs. Judd; China Plaque, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balliet; soup bowl, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Newton; pickle dish, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Harrod; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lynn; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Johnston; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. R. Bates; fruit plate, Geo. D. Headrick; fruit plate, John Roberts and Mrs. Reed; fruit plate, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Randall; cut glass fruit and pickle dish, tooth-pick holder and finger bowl, Mesdames G. H. Allen, D. L. Kretsinger, A. H. Doane, C. S. Van Doren, and John Tomlin; plate, bowl and pitcher, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bullene; water pitcher, Mr. M. Hahn; cake stand, Kate Shearer; $20 gold piece, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Shearer of Geneseo, Illinois. A good majority of the donors were present, and under the agreeable hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Shearer, nicely assisted by their daughter, all passed the evening most enjoyably, departing at a late hour, wishing that the bride and groom might have many more such happy anniversaries, clear down to the one of gold, with its silvery locks and ripened years.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.

OFFICIAL LIST OF PREMIUMS

Awarded at the Cowley County Fair, September 21st to 25th, 1885.

The list given below shows money premiums only. Checks for same will be ready after October 1st, and must be claimed by November 1st, 1885, or forfeit to the association. (See rule 12.) Diplomas for exhibits having no competition may be had by calling at the Secretary's office.

Class G.HOUSEHOLD.

Lot 2. Jellies. Grape jelly, red. Mrs. J. F. Balliet 1st, Mrs. W. McEwin 2nd.

Class J.FINE ARTS.

Fancy painting in oil, done by exhibitor. Mrs. J. F. Balliet 1st, Mrs. F. R. Raymond 2nd.

Fancy painting in water colors, done by exhibitor. Mrs. J. F. Balliet 1st, Minnie Fahey 2nd.

Specimens of pencil drawing, by exhibitor. H. L. Snyder 1st, Mrs. J. F. Balliet 2nd.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.

At an early hour the large double parlors, sitting room, and hall were filled almost to overflowing by the following friends.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Capt. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Rev. and Mrs. H. D. Gans, Col. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Ed P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Judge and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Senator and Mrs. J. C. Long, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Senator and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. R. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Richards; Mesdames J. C. Fuller, A. T. Spotswood, E. P. Hickok, Ed Beeny, T. B. Myers, A. C. Bangs, Judd, H. H. Albright; Misses Emma Strong, Sallie McCommon, Nettie R. McCoy, Annie McCoy, Anna Hunt, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Ida Johnston, Leota Gary, Sadie French, Hattie Stolp, Lena Walrath, Minnie Taylor, Huldah Goldsmith, and Lillie Wilson; Messrs. R. E. Wallis, C. Perry, Geo. C. Rembaugh, C. F. Bahntge, W. C. Robinson, E. Wallis, Ad Brown, Lewis Brown, Ed J. McMullen, Frank H. Greer, P. H. Albright, I. L. Millington, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O'Meara, M. H. Ewart, R. B. Rudolph, M. Hahn, James Lorton, C. D. Dever, E. Schuler, F. F. Leland, Lacey Tomlin, Jos. O'Hare, Eli Youngheim, H. Sickafoose, H. Goldsmith, Moses Nixon, L. D. Zenor, and George Schuler.

Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. E. Beeny, and Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, silver and cut glass jelly dishes.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.

Frank E. Balyeat, cousin of our Frank, of the Farmers' Bank, spent Sunday in the metropolis. He is one of Arkansas City's handsomest young men.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Last night was the eleventh anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson's marriage. For years back they have celebrated their wedding anniversary with a social gathering, and this New Years was no exception. Their home was the scene of a very happy party composed of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bahntge, and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole; Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mrs. E. H. Nixon, and Mrs. B. H. Riddle; Misses Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Sadie French, Nellie Cole, Anna Hunt, Mamie Baird, Johnson, Nona Calhoun, and Bert Morford; Messrs. J. L. M. Hill, Ray Oliver, M. J. O'Meara, C. P. and Harry Bahntge, Everett and George Schuler, Tom J. Eaton, Byron Rudolf, L. B. Davis of Chicago, R. E. Wallis, Jr., E. M. Meech, Will and Frank Robinson, and Frank H. Greer. The opportunity for an evening in Mrs. Emerson's agreeable home is always hailed with delight. Her graceful and hearty hospitality completely banishes any formal feeling and makes all go in for a good time. A jollier gathering than that last night would be very hard to find. The "light fantastic" tripped to the excellent time of Master Olmstead, with whist, and a collation unexcelled, afforded genuinely enjoyable pastime till almost one o'clock, when all bid their genial hosts appreciative adieu, wishing them many returns of such happy wedding anniversaries, all declaring that no city can afford more admirable entertainers than the Doctor and his vivacious lady.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.

The agreeable home of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller was a lively scene Tuesday evening. It was the occasion of the twentieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, which fact was unknown to the guests until their arrival, making the event all the more appropriate and lively. It was one of the jolliest gatherings of married people, old and young, composed as follows, as near as we can recall: Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Tandy, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Col. and Mrs. Wm. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Ed G. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stone, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Buford, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warner, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Alice Bishop, Mrs. Scothorn, Mrs. R. B. Waite, Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. Wm. Whiting, Mr. J. R. Brooks, and Mr. D. Taylor. The warm-hearted hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was at its best, and their admirable entertainment made the freest and heartiest enjoyment. The collation was exceptionally excellent. In the folding doors was a handsome banner inscribed 1866-1886, indicative of the anniversary. Not till after twelve o'clock did the guests depart, in the realization of having spent one of the happiest evenings of the winter.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.

Never did Winfield have a more successful and thoroughly pleasurable social event than last Thursday night at the Opera House, the fifth annual Bal Masque of the Pleasant Hour Club. It was the talk of the town from the issuing of the invitations and fully met the fondest expectations. The enthusiasm of the city's young society people has been warm all winterkeener than for years, which insures supreme enjoyment of their every social gathering. But of course this was the eclat affair, as to arrangements and anticipation. By 9 o'clock the maskers, under the expeditious carriage accommodation of Arthur Bangs, were about all present, and the hall represented a novel and romantically interesting scene. The devil and the heavenly angel, wings and all, pooled issues and consorted as though the millennium was indeed at hand. The peasant and the lord clasped arms and drowned all distinction, while Uncle Sam watched the antics of the clown, the Castle Garden twins, and pussy kids with a satisfaction banishing all weights of state. At a little past nine, the grand promenade was formed and then the fun for the large audience of spectators, as well as for the weird and ghostly maskers, began in earnest.

On with the dance, let joy be unconfined!

No sleep till morn when youth and pleasure meet,

To chase the going hours with flying feet.

With the superb music of the Roberts' orchestra, the splendid prompting of Chas. Gay and J. L. M. Hill as chief floor manager, the dances went on with a smoothness admirable. In manipulating the floor Mr. Hill, agreeably assisted by A. H. Doane, was perfectly at home, with a genial promptness at once recognized. About 65 couples were in mask, just enough to nicely fill the floor, without the crowd and jam too apt to mar the pleasure of such an occasion. The number of really fine costumes, especially among the ladies, was unusual and the disguises were remarkably good. At 11 o'clock the jolly maskers were lined around the hall and the masks lifted, when the usual "Well, who on earth would have ever thought it!" "Why, I knew you as soon as you took off your mask!" "How completely you fooled us, and what a dumpling of a suit." A thousand ludicrous surprises were vented, as the "great unknown" confronted each other.

J. F. Balliet was unique as Mikado, and like that opera, was all the rage. His suit was novel and pretty.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.

The G. O. Club gave another of its very enjoyable parties last evening in the agreeable home of Miss Anna Hunt. The juicy consistency of real estate didn't interfere in the least with the attendance. Cabs were out and annihilated any weather inconvenience. Those participating in the gaiety of the evening were: Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, and Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt; Misses Nettie and Anna McCoy, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Ida Ritchie, Nellie Cole, Maggie Harper, Ida Johnston, Mary Berkey, Eva Dodds, Hattie Stolp, Minnie Taylor, and Leota Gary; Messrs. C. A. Bower, A. G. Haltinwanger, Frank F. Leland, Addison Brown, Charles F. and Harry Bahntge, Otto Weile, Willis A. Ritchie, Lacey T. Tomlin, H. D. Sickafoose, G. E. Lindsley, P. S. Hills, James Lorton, Eugene Wallis, Will E. Hodges, George Schuler, and Frank H. Greer. The graceful entertainment of Miss Anna, appropriately assisted by Capt. and Mrs. Hunt, was most admirable. With various popular amusements and the merriest converse, supplemented by choice refreshments, all retired in the realization of a most delightful evening, full appreciating the genial hospitality of Miss Hunt. The G. O.'s will probably have but one or two more meetings this season. Successful indeed have been its parties during the winter, affording a very pleasurable alternate to the Pleasant Hour Club. The young ladies have certainly shown themselves adepts in the art of entertainment. The boys readily deliver the laurels.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.

The most fashionable novelty is five o'clock luncheon, a full-dress reception of ladies only, for tea and an hour or two of social chat, such as only ladies, when untrammeled by the awkward presence of menwho were never made to talkcan enjoy. Last evening Winfield had the first full-fledged introduction of this pleasurable novel. It was a reception by Mrs. A. H. Doane and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, two of the city's most delightful entertainers, at the home of Mrs. Doane. A little after four the invited guests began to arrive and by 5 o'clock the parlors were a scene of the liveliest mirth and social freedom, the following prominent ladies being present: Mesdames C. H. Taylor, C. L. Harter, Ray Oliver, George Raymond, George Rembaugh, J. F. Balliet, G. H. Buckman, O. Branham, W. H. Albro, Ela Albright, E. M. Albright, J. J. Carson, L. M. Williams, J. A. Eaton, J. C. Miller, Col. McMullen, J. F. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, C. C. Collins, Henry Brown, Lewis Brown, J. H. Tomlin, E. P. Young, J. N. Young, Dr. Van Doren, M. J. Darling, W. H. Shearer, R. E. Wallis, D. A. Millington, Wm. Mullen, H. L. Holmes, W. P. Hackney, Dr. Brown, M. L. Robinson, Geo. Robinson, S. D. Pryor, Dr. Emerson, M. L. Whitney, J. L. Horning, J. D. Pryor, Geo. W. Miller, Edwin Beeny, Frank Doane, and Miss Lena Oliver. At the appointed hour a luncheon of choice delicacies, with a sprinkling of appropriate substantials, was bounteously and gracefully served. It was one of the happiest gatherings imaginable. The ladies were all handsomely and fashionably attired. By half past six all had departed, realizing the pleasantest reception for many a day. The main object of the "five o'clock luncheon" is to dissipate the inconveniences of the "fashionable call," where all is prim form, with little opportunity for forming genuine friendships. It is certainly a most admirable mode of widening friendships among the ladies of the city, as all will attest who experienced the very agreeable hospitality of Mrs. Doane and Mrs. Kretsinger, on this occasion.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.

Tuesday was the 46th milestone in the path of Dr. Geo. Emerson. In the evening he went uptown perfectly innocent of the impending fate his wife and a number of warm friends had decreed. He was telephoned for at 8:30 to rush home at once, which he did to find his home had been entered by Messrs. H. B. Schuler, F. C. Hunt, J. F. Balliet, L. H. Webb, G. W. Robinson, J. N. Harter, R. B. Rudolph, J. C. Fuller, D. A. Millington, W. J. Wilson, and Tom J. Eaton. The surprise was most complete and happy. Enjoyment prevailed throughout the evening, in the indulgence in whist and a choice luncheon. The evening will long remain a pleasant memory to the surprisers and the surprised.

1891.

J. F. Balliet...

Daily Calamity Howler, Tuesday, October 27, 1891.

Rain! Rain! All those interested in having a rain in Cowley County will please meet at the courthouse Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock for the purpose of devising means to employ the rain-makers to come and experiment.

A. F. Dauber, J. N. Harter, G. W. Sanderson, H. L. Edwards, J. F. Balliet, W. C. Robinson, S. E. Burger, J. H. Anderson, J. B. Lynn, J. O. Hawley, F. J. Sydal, P. H. Albright.

NOTE: On Page 44 of the March 14, 1901, Supplemental Edition of THE WINFIELD COURIER, is a photograph of J. F. BALLIET. The article covered the "Cowley County National Bank." [Portions of this article follows.]

As a rule the important part played by a bank is not fully appreciated by the public. A majority look upon them as simply a place of safe keeping for money, and have no adequate conception of the fact that they constitute a most important factor in the success of all legitimate enterprises, and the feeling afforded to a business community by the possession of a responsible banking institution, whose methods and principals are founded upon ripe judgment and broad experience and whose financial status is beyond question, may not be over estimated. Of such a character is the Cowley County National Bank. For seventeen years this staunch institution has done business in this city continuously, never having closed its doors save on legal holidays; never having repudiated an obligation, and when financial panics and periods of depression brought disaster to banks all over the country they safely weathered it all without ever missing a dividend to its fortunate stockholders.

This bank was organized as the Farmers Bank in 1883. Its officers were Robert Kerr, president; John A. Eaton, vice president; Thomas J. Eaton, cashier, and J. F. Balliet, assistant cashier. In 1896 this bank consolidated with the business of the Farmer's State Bank. In the consolidation the following officers were elected: J. E. Jarvis, president; Ed. Pate, vice president; Thomas J. Eaton, cashier; and M. F. Jarvis, assistant cashier. The bank is located on the northeast corner of Ninth Avenue and Main Street in a large three story stone building. The bank apartments re neat and handsomely furnished and the fixtures are of the most modern. They have three fire proof vaults, two large Hall & Debold safes, with Hall, Sargeant & Greenleaf automatic, double time locks. Such a bank is a credit to our financial stability and its policy and management worth of emulation.

Mr. J. F. Balliet, the cashier, is a native of Ohio, who received his education by taking advantage of the city and high schools of Nevada in that state. He is an accountant such as is rarely found behind any counting house counter, and his superior knowledge and sixteen years experience in the business has lent much to the success of the Cowley County National Bank. He was married in 1879 to Miss Jessie Lieth. They have one daughter, Miss Jessica. He lives at 915 Mansfield street.

I do not agree with some of the items in the 1901 Supplemental edition.

For instance, the information about Eaton is not correct and the bank was erected at a later date than that given in the Supplemental edition.

1884.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.

Mr. John A. Eaton, of Bucyrus, Ohio, who visited this city some time since, will in a short time become a permanent resident of Winfield. He becomes a partner in the Farmers Bank, and will on his arrival assume the management of that institution. Mr. Eaton bears the reputation of being a thorough businessman and a fine lawyer and we have no doubt will prove a valuable acquisition to the business interests of our city.

Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.

Mr. John A. Eaton has purchased an interest in the Farmers' Bank and assumes the position of cashier. He will return to Ohio, wind up his law business, and return with his family at an early day. In Mr. Eaton Winfield gains a splendid citizen, a perfect gentleman, and one possessed of much more than ordinary ability. He is at present a law partner with the Attorney General of Ohio.

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.

Mr. John A. Eaton, of the Farmers Bank, returned from Ohio last week. He brings his law literary and family and will remain permanently. A part of friends looking up western investments accompanied him.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.

THE FARMERS BANK. This bank was instituted over a year ago by Ohio capitalists, whose capital and assets reach seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Robert Kerr is president; John A. Eaton, cashier; M. H. Ewart, assistant cashier. John A. Eaton, cashier and resident manager, is a man of much ability, enterprise, and affability, and is placing the bank in the front rank of Western institutions of its kind. He has had large experience as an attorney and financier and is one of our staunchest citizens. The transactions of the Farmers Bank have been universally satisfactory and it is gaining a prominent place in the confidence of our people.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

John A. Eaton showed us some very fine architectural drawings Friday, done by Willis A. Ritchie, the gentleman from Lima, Ohio, who is here to get up plans for Mr. Eaton's new bank building.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

[Description of Farmers Bank Building and Eaton's Law Office.]

The Farmers Bank building, on the corner of Main Street and 9th Avenue, will be by far the best building in this part of the State. It will be built of the gray stone, with blue stone trimmings, and will have a galvanized iron cornice, crestings, and dormer windows, with a slate roof, mansard and gothic front on the third floor part of the building. The building will be 50 x 115 feet, of which the front 50 x 75 feet will be three stories, and the 40 x 50 feet at the rear, fronting on 9th Avenue, will be two stories high, but will have the same style of finish and general appearance of the front part except the mansard front. Mr. Eaton's part of the building (25 x 75 feet of the corner) will have two good basement store rooms, well lighted and ventilated, with a fire-proof vault for each. The first floor will contain the Banking rooms, with Mr. Eaton's law office with side entrance at the rear, and a large burglar and fire-proof vault for the bank. Two broad, easy stairs will give access to the second floor rooms of the building; one stair in the center of the Main Street front, the other near the center of the 9th Avenue front. The second floor of this building will contain three suites of offices of three rooms and a closet to each. Mr. Short's part of the building will have a good cellar, but no basement rooms. The first floor will have three good store rooms with a rear light and entrance to each. The second floor will have ten suites of offices of two rooms each, connected by wide folding doors. They do not contemplate finishing the third floor at present; but when done, it will make at least six good office or sleeping rooms. This building will be the "Office Block" of the city, and will contain thirteen suites of the best lighted and ventilated offices in the city. The building will cost $20,000. A fine drawing of the building will be completed soon and will show what it will be when completed.

Bank was completed in 1886.