Our History

In 1902, a group of Prophetstown area businessmen decided to pool their finances to form a new bank. The efforts and vision of these individuals helped to create the success and growth of Prophetstown and the surrounding area.

Some major events in the history of Farmers National Bank include the bank’s formation on August 13, 1902. It all started with $40,000 in capital. The first president was Nathan Thompson. George Paddock was one of the originators and the first cashier. He purchased a lot at the corner of Washington and Third where the first building was constructed (the building is now Prophetstown’s Historical Society). Within less than one month after the bank opened, it had deposits of $26,000 and loans of $22,000. The first board of directors consisted of George P. Richmond, J.W. Hill, H.A. Sturtevant, P.H. Smith, H.W. Paddock, C.P. Sturtevant and E.S Ellithorpe.

When the country entered the Great Depression in 1929, banks across the nation closed. Farmers National was the first bank in Whiteside County to reopen following this economic decline. Today, Farmers National has four full-service banking offices located in the communities of Prophetstown, Geneseo, Morrison and Mount Carroll.

Over the years, Farmers National Bank has been recognized by several banking analytical research firms as being one of the most outstanding financial institutions in the United States for safety and strength. After more than a century of serving our many customers, assets have now grown more than $800,000,000. The bank is still locally owned, locally managed, and locally controlled. Going forward, FNB will continue to work hard in serving its customers and enhancing its reputation as A REAL COMMUNITY BANK.