The First National Bank of Whitmire, SC
Charter: 6102
January 1901 - January 1907
The First National Bank of Whitmire pictured after it gave up its national charter and was operating as William Coleman & Co. Bankers.
The building still stands but has been vacant since 1977
William Coleman 1875 - 1924
William Coleman was the first and only president of the First National Bank of Whitmire. He received his undergraduate degree at Wofford College and his law degree from Harvard. He ended up marrying his first cousin and sadly died a fairly young man when he was killed in a car accident on the way to catch a train to see his son graduate from Princeton. In addition to being a successful businessman and banker, he had a failed run for the governor of South Carolina.
A check from The First National Bank of Whitmire signed by William Coleman's mother
The First National Bank of Whitmire bares distinction as the only institution in South Carolina to only issue red seals. Until a few years ago the bank was unreported. A low grade $10 is now known but it is in very strong hands and likely never to be available to collectors.
James K. S. Ray was a vice-president of the bank and signed on the only note known. He was born and died in Asheville; and along with William Coleman, is a Wofford graduate. He could also be a signer on The Central National Bank of Spartanburg where he was a cashier.
Other People Associated with the FNB of Whitmire:
-Lloyd Osbourne - cashier
-Elias Earle Child - vice-president
If you have any further information regarding the First National Bank of Whitmire, such as photos, original documents, or bank notes, please contact me or Chris Prince - csprince@charter.net. The information and photos above where provided by Chris, a part-time historian and life-long Whitmire resident.