The Encyclopedia of Texas Page: 52 of 970

                                
DALLAS BANKING HISTORY
By E. M. REARDON
President American Exchange National Bank

ROM the standpoint of
Banking, Dallas has enjoyed
an era of conservative,
yet continual progress.
The history of Dallas
banks extends over a period
of half a century and in the
memory of a number of citizens
still active in Dallas
circles, the banking business
of Dallas was born.
Among the Beacon Lights
of the banking history, who
have been identified with the
financial institutions of this
city, is the venerable Royal
A. Ferris, pioneer banker,
who for half a century was
actively associated with the
banking business of the State, nearly forty years of
which was with the Dallas Banking Institutions,
having come to this city to live in 1884. Another
pioneer banker still living is, William H. Gaston,
who has been connected with the banking business
here since 1870.
The T. C. Jourdan ; --: -1
City National Bank Building, Devoted Exclusively to the
Uses of the Bank

of the South. Mr. Ferris continued as its president
until 1920, the year of his retirement. E. M. Reardon
was chosen as his successor. Mr. Ferris had rounded
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out fifty years in active banking service at the date
of his resignation, the longest term of active service
enjoyed by any living banker in Texas.

The American Exchange National Bank Building, Dallas'
Home of Texas' Largest Banking Institution
The third oldest Dallas Bank is the National Bank
of Commerce, chartered in 1889.    As present
charters run, next came the Dallas Trust