The Stock Exchange Bank of Caldwell, the oldest banking institution in Caldwell and Sumner County, received its state charter on November 12, 1881 and opened on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1881. The stone building erected to house the bank in 1881 at a cost of $5,000, has undergone several remodeling projects but still remains at the original location and is in use today. The steer head emblem has always been associated with the bank, which has been allied with the cattle business of the Southwest since its beginning. The first officers were Major A. Drumm, president; Charles H. Moore, cashier; and John W. Nyce, assistant cashier. In 1911 M. N. Overall, nephew of Moore and Nyce, purchased the bank, along with Dr. I. T. Gabbert. M. N.. Overall was president until his death in 1941 and was succeeded by his son Charles G. Overall until his death in 1981. C. Gage Overall followed his father and holds the post today as Chairman.
The Bank has a colorful history being founded on the Chisholm Trail and with Caldwell being a starting point for the The Cherokee Strip Land Run of September 16, 1893. Also, the Cherokee Strip Livestock Association was formed in March of 1883 and housed on the second floor of the bank building, with John Nyce serving as Secretary/Treasurer. The Cherokee Strip Livestock Association was organized by a group of cattlemen that would allow members to lease grazing rights from The Cherokee Nation. At one time in the Bank’s early days, it had over $100,000 in silver dollars in one vault to pay off the Indian allotments as the Indians would not accept paper money.
Today, the Bank has grown through triumph and adversity with its roots planted in agriculture, but growing through providing excellent service, products, and technology. In June of 2011 the bank opened its first branch in Arkansas City KS. Both locations continually strive to provide a community bank atmosphere that our customers have become accustom to for over 140 years. With five generations of continued family ownership, The Stock Exchange Bank remains dedicated to the communities they serve.
