The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In June of 1903, the Illinois State Auditor gave permission to S.D. Stoner, Edgar Hull, Robert Gibson, and John Pettit to organize a bank in Burnside. On January of 1904, the four men saw their dream for a bank come true. With $25,000 in capital, the State Bank of Burnside opened its doors.
While the bank prospered there, it was felt by the directors that it would grow even more if it was in a larger town. So, in 1941, the bank moved from Burnside to La Harpe and the name was changed to the State Bank of La Harpe.
Officers were W.J. Singleton, President, George W. Singleton, Vice President. Directors were Homer W. Thompson, E.P. Hull, F.J. Reu and E.F. Northrup.
Northrup served as cashier until 1953 when William Sexton took the position, followed by Ron Peterson in 1982. Mr. Peterson still serves as its president today.
In 1954 and 1973, the bank undertook remodeling projects.
In 1981 an addition of a drive-up window was added.
In 1988, a holding company was formed known as the LaMoine Bank Corp. Inc. It became known as First State Bank of Western Illinois.
In 1989, the Carthage Bank known as First Midwest Bank was purchased.
In 1990, the Macomb branch of Gem City Savings and Loan was purchased.
In 1997, the Express Branch that was located in Thompson Food Basket was moved to its present location in HyVee in Macomb.
In 2000, the Hamilton Branch of Associated Bank was purchased.
In 2004, First State Bank of Western Illinois announced the purchase of the Blandinsville Branch of Union Bank West.
The facility has grown to employ 65 people in six locations with 18 of those employees working in the corporate office in La Harpe.
This Friday, April 2, 2004, First State Bank of Western Illinois is celebrating 100 years of progress and growth by hosting an Open House.