History of the Bank of Gleason

                     Bank of Gleason - Gleason, TN                             Bank of Gleason - McKenzie, TN                   

On February 25, 1901, Bank of Gleason was granted a charter by the Tennessee Department of Banking. The first order of business was the purchase of a lot on Front Street facing the railroad for $150.00. The original bank facility constructed on the lot is now occupied by Jozelle's Beauty Shop. The oldest available records of the bank's financial condition shows total assets of $75,533.28.

In 1907, another bank was organized in Gleason, Farmers & Citizens Bank. It was located on the northeast corner of Main Street, just across the street from the present location of the Bank of Gleason. In 1930, the directors of the two banks reached a merger agreement and the merger officially occurred on December 31 of that year. The newly merged bank operated from the original Bank of Gleason building under the name and charter of the Bank of Gleason. Some difficult years soon followed, but through the depression years, Bank of Gleason was able to remain open while many area banks were forced to close.

In 1940, after years of disagreement between the stockholders and directors, Bank of Gleason moved from its original location to the building occupied by the former Farmers and Citizens Bank at the corner of Main and Front streets. Bank of Gleason remained in that location until 1963, when the present facility was erected at 203 Main Street. In 1989, the bank was renovated and combined the 1963 structure and an adjacent building which had housed the bookkeeping department since 1971. Another structure, between the bank and the Gleason Superette had been demolished in 1978 to create a drive-through facility.

Bank of Gleason opened its branch office in McKenzie in 1990 at 105 South Highland Drive in the Highland Mall. In 1998, a new facility was erected in McKenzie at 15865 North Highland Drive to house the growing branch office.

Cash dividends have been paid to stockholders throughout the years. In 1965, 1973, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1994, and 1996, 100% stock dividends were declared, each time doubling the number of shares held by each stockholder. In 1983, Bank of Gleason formed a holding company called Bancshares of Gleason, Inc. In 2000, Bank of Gleason reported total assets in excess of $90 million.

Bank of Gleason is proud to have served this community for an entire century and is committed to continuing its tradition of excellence in financial products and services for many more years to come. The directors, officers, and staff of the Bank of Gleason appreciate the support of our loyal customers throughout the past 100 years.

Presidents of the Bank of Gleason

In Memory of . . .

  Source: Bank of Gleason ~ 100 Year Anniversary Calendar (Provided to Gleason Online  by Woody (Pat) Dewberry

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