THE BANK OF LEWIS.

This notable financial institution of Cass county, doing business at the old county seat, Lewis, was founded as a private bank in 1879 by L. O. Reinig, who conducted it as such until his death in 1886. He was succeeded by Wilcox & Piper, who were in charge of the institution but a few months, when R. C. Kennedy, Wooster J. Woodward and W. J. Harris became the owners. They continued in control until about 1900, when Mr. Kennedy retired and left the ownership in the hands of Messrs. Harris & Woodward. In 1904 they dissolved partnership, Mr. Harris taking the old bank and Mr. Woodward founding the present State Bank of Lewis. In the same year Mr. Harris erected the bank building he now occupies, Peter Hopley became interested in the bank with him, and B. C. Harris was made cashier, with W. J. Harris president, Mr. Hopley vice-president, and W. B. Davis assistant cashier.

The bank does a general banking and real estate loan business, and has a large, representative and appreciative body of patrons. With plenty of capital for its needs, and the most systematic, progressive and at the same time safely conservative management, the directorate has established the institution firmly in the confidence of the business world and the public in general. It is recognized as a great source of financial inspiration and aid for public and private enterprise in the community, and as such is a potential factor in the progress of the town and surrounding country.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pp. 357-358.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, August, 2018.