The Commercial Bank
Mason, Mason County, Texas
Marker Inscription
German immigrant Anna Mebus (1843-1925) came to Texas in 1858 and married her merchant cousin, Karl Martin (1828-1879). After his death she continued to operate their Mason store and post office, and by the 1880s was handling the cash of area ranchers. In 1901 she helped establish and became president of The Commercial Bank, opened with $3,000 capital. Before a bank building was acquired in 1903, cash was taken home at night. Her sons, Charles (1861-1940) and Max (1863-1941), served as bank officers and helped coin the bank's motto, "Safety-Service-Silence." The family operated the bank until 1958. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
German immigrant Anna Mebus came to Texas in 1858, married her merchant cousin, and after his death ran their Mason store and post office while quietly handling the cash of area ranchers. In 1901 she helped found The Commercial Bank and became its president, opening with just three thousand dollars in capital and, before a bank building was secured, carrying the money home each night for safekeeping. With her sons as officers, she led a family bank that endured until 1958.
Why it matters
Anna Mebus Martin's rise from immigrant storekeeper to bank president is a remarkable early instance of a woman commanding a financial institution in the American West.
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Related people
- · Anna Mebus Martin
- · Karl Martin
Themes & tags
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