Winters State Bank

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about the Winters State Bank, right there in Runnels County. Now, every bank has a founding story, but this one's got a man behind it worth slowing down for. John Q.

McAdams founded this bank in 1906, and the whole operation started with a capitalization of fifteen thousand dollars. Not a fortune, even by 1906 standards, but enough to plant a flag. McAdams came in as cashier, and he held that post for seventeen years before moving up to president.

Seventeen years as cashier. That's not a man passin' through. That's a man buildin' something.

The bank's first home was just south of where it stands today, and in 1909 it moved to this very site. Then came the acquisitions. In 1913, the Winters State Bank bought the Farmers and Merchants State Bank.

In 1937, it absorbed the First National Bank of Winters. The building itself grew with the institution, enlarged in 1924 and again in 1954. And through all of it, McAdams kept climbing.

He served as treasurer of the Texas State Bankers Association in 1918, then as its president from 1931 to 1932. The State of Texas named him Banking Commissioner, and he held that office from 1941 to 1944. Then came the capstone: president of the State Banks Division of the American Bankers Association, from 1950 to 1951.

A man who started with fifteen thousand dollars and a cashier's desk in Winters, Texas, eventually sat at the head of a national banking division. That's a long way from south of this corner.

What the marker says

Founded 1906 by John Q. McAdams, who served 17 years as cashier, and since as president. Original capitalization was $15,000. First located immediately south; moved to this site 1909. Bought Farmers and Merchants State Bank, 1913; First National Bank of Winters, 1937. Building was enlarged 1924 and 1954. Founder was treasurer (1918) and president (1931-1932), Texas State Bankers Association; State Banking Commissioner (1941-1944); held office as president of the State Banks Division, American Bankers Association (1950-51). Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, 1967