”MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK.

The Merchants National Bank was founded by John Ware in 1875, its charter being dated October 23 of that year, and it was opened for business January 1, 1876. The first board of directors was made up of John Ware, Geo. C. Getchell, Chas M. Barrell, Colby C. Cornish of Winslow, Gideon Wells of Clinton, John C. Manson of Pittsfield and John Ware, Jr. John Ware was first president and Geo. H. Ware, his son, cashier. John Ware, Sr., died in 1877 and hi5 son John Ware, succeeded him as president and holds the office at the present time. Geo. H. Ware resigned his office as cashier in 1879 on account of ill health and the present incumbent, Horatio D. Bates, was elected June 1, 1879; Luke S. Spencer, assistant, entered the bank in 1886. The present board of directors is composed of John Ware, president; L. H. Soper, vice-president; Geo. H. Ware, J. M. Winn of Clinton, Ira E. Getchell of Winslow, Fred Pooler and Chas. F. Johnson. Others who have served as directors are the late Geo. S. Flood, the late E. F. Webb and A. P. McMaster of Pittsfield. The bank has always occupied its present location, having bought the property of Chas. F. Barrell. The total dividends of this bank have been $160,500 to July 1, 1902, and total net earnings to April 30, 1902, $205,520. The Merchants through its connection with Brown Brothers and Company, draws its own drafts on any foreign country.”

Reference Data:

The Centennial History of Waterville, Kennebee County, Maine, by Edwin Carey Whittmore, 1902, page 373