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Our History

A Real Community Bank

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 three full-service banking offices located in the communities of Prophetstown, Geneseo, and Morrison. 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.
view of bank in 1902

Photo of Farmers National Bank and Surrounding Area in 1902

LOOK . . .
A Prophetstown bank flyer from 1955!

Click the image to view full size.

Farmers National Bank Historical Timeline

1902
Farmers National Bank Founded

Formed with $40,000 in capital by local business and farm leaders in the community.

1902
Bank President Elected
Nathan Thompson

Nathan Thompson named first bank president.

1902
Bank Location & Building Selected
view of bank in 1902

The bank's original building still stands at 302 Washington Street and is the current home of the Prophetstown Historical Society.

1954
New Building Constructed
1954 view of the new construction of bank

New building constructed in Prophetstown at 114 W 3rd Street.

1955
Bank Drive Up
old car pulled into the bank drive up

View of the 1955 bank drive up.

1950s
Interior View of Prophetstown
early view of Prophetstown lobby in the 50's

Early view of the bank's interior.

1972
Prophetstown's New Addition

FNB adds 2400 sq. ft addition to the east and north sides of the building.

1994
Holding Company Formed

Prophetstown Banking Co., the holding company for FNB, was formed.

1997
Geneseo Construction Wraps Up
front view of geneseo building

Construction is finished on the new Geneseo location.

2002
100 Years and Counting

FNB celebrates its 100th anniversary.

2007
Morrison Construction Wraps Up
outdoor view of morrison office building

Construction is finished on the new Morrison location.

2012
110 Years and Counting

FNB celebrates its 110th anniversary.

2013
Geneseo Gets New Addition

FNB adds 1500 sq. ft addition to the Geneseo location.

2017
115 Years and Counting

FNB celebrates its 115th anniversary.

2018
Another Addition at Prophetstown

FNB adds a 900 sq. ft addition to the Prophetstown location.

2020
First ITMs Installed
FNB adds a 5500 sq ft addition, which includes a 2nd floor conference room to the Prophetstown location

ITMs installed at the Prophetstown location.

2021-2022
Prophetstown Expansion

FNB adds 5500 sq. ft addition, which includes a 2nd floor conference room at the Prophetstown location.

2021
Additional ITMs
drive through interactive teller machine

ITMs are installed at the Morrison & Geneseo locations.

2022
120 Years and Counting
bank's 120 year anniversary logo

FNB celebrates its 120th year serving the local community.

2022
Prophetstown Lobby Remodel
new lobby view of Prophetstown bank

FNB remodels the Prophetstown lobby.