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First National Bank, A Local Dynasty Retires
The "Bankers House" at 319 North Lafayette Street. It was built in 1876 by Jessie Jenkins. Six bank Presidents lived there. The last being George Blanton, Jr.
   In 1874 H.D. Lee and Jesse Jenkins organized a private bank known as J. Jenkins and Company, the only bank between Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina. A few months after the bank was organized Burwell Blanton became an investor and partner with Jenkins and Lee. Burwell Blanton would become the first of many in the Blanton family to lead the bank.   In 1879 the name was changed to H. D. Lee & Company and on July 10, 1895 the name was changed once again to B. Blanton & Company. The bank was composed of Burwell Blanton and his two sons Charles and George. In 1903 the bank received a national charter on May 9th and it became First National Bank of Shelby. The bank survived the depression of the 1930s. The President during this time, Charles Blanton, paid $100,000 from his personal assets to depositors of the bank so that no customer would lose any money. First National through the years developed an extended family of loyal and community oriented employees. The banks slogan “Your  Hometown Bank” was not just a slogan, it was a belief and commitment. The constant and tremendous involvement in Shelby and the surrounding area made First National Bank truly a hometown bank. Charles C. Blanton became President of First National Bank in the 1930s followed by his brother George Blanton Sr. in 1937 and George Blanton Jr. in 1947.  Perhaps the banks greatest growth was under President George Blanton, Jr. who became president of the bank at the age of 32.  At that time he was the youngest president of a national bank in America. George Blanton Jr. was President from 1947 to 1979 and then served as Chairman of the Board and CEO. Next in the Blanton family to serve as president was  Edward Blanton Hamilton and then Adelaide Austell Craver. Beginning in 1874 with Burwell Blanton, Burwell or a descendent has led the way for our Hometown Bank. Today the bank has 14 offices in Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford counties.
   On January 24, 2013 an announcement was made that Bank of the Ozarks, of Little Rock, Arkansas  had entered into an agreement to purchase First National Bank. The transaction is expected to be completed by the third or fourth quarter of 2013. Bank of the Ozarks is a very strong bank holding company with $4.04 billion in total assets. The present President and CEO of First National Bank, Helen Jeffords emphasized that it was important to join “a company with a strong sense of community and an outstanding reputation for strong leadership”.
   For over 140 years First National Bank has been a part of our community. First National Bank provided Santa’s House and Toyland and put smiles on our children’s faces. So, take the time to look back and feel a great sense of pride that First National Bank truly has always has been our “Hometown Bank”.

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