The First National Bank of Jonesboro has experienced a varied and unique career.  Originally, it was a private banking firm under the name of The Bank of Jonesboro by David C. Karraker, Dr. W.C. Lence, both of Jonesboro, and Pleas T. Chapman, of Vienna.

On May 15, 1893, the Bank opened for business in a little rented frame building owned by Mr. C. F. Willard.  The Bank started with only a large fireproof safe for books and records, with a money chest in the base of safe.  The books were all kept with pen and ink, this being long before the days of computers, calculators and bookkeeping machines.  At the closing of business on May 15, 1893, the deposits of the Bank totaled $2,957.78.  Seven people made deposits on the opening day.

The first cashier of the Bank of Jonesboro was Henry W. Karraker.  In 1895, Mr. John B. Jackson became the cashier and was made a partner the next year.  Dr. W. C. Lence died in 1900 and the survivors of the partnership purchased his interest in the Bank.  These partners continued to operate the Bank for the next eighteen years. 

In 1895, the Bank moved into a new brick building, which was located on the Northwest side of the City Square.  A vault for records was built in this building and a burglarproof safe with an improved time lock security was purchased.  This building was used for thirty years. 

The brick building was not fireproof, and other changes were considered advisable.  A lot in the next block was purchased and on this lot the present building was built and occupied in 1925.  This building is a modern, fireproof structure with facilities, which enable the Bank to offer a complete Banking service to this community.  Our present Jonesboro facility has been renovated 6 times.

At the time of founding, the State or Federal government maintained no examinations or supervisions of any kind. At the present time, the Bank is audited on a regular basis by governmental agencies.  In 1893, very few people used checks in their daily business, preferring instead the use of “cold cash”. 

In May of 1913, the Bank of Jonesboro was reorganized under charter of the State of Illinois as State Bank of Jonesboro.  This arrangement was maintained until May of 1923, at which time it became the First National Bank of Jonesboro.  The Bank has continued to operate under the charter of the United States Government since that time.  In 1991, the Board of Directors organized a holding company, The Jonesboro Bancompany.  The First National Bank of Jonesboro operates as a subsidiary of this holding company. 

With technology ever changing, the Bank’s Board of Directors purchased in 1996, a lot west of the Jonesboro Square where an ATM was built.  This ATM offered the first colored menu screen in Union County.

The First National Bank owned a piece of property for many years on the East Side of Anna. 

The Board of Directors had a vision of expanding the Bank to Anna to reach current and potential customers.  In June of 1999, this vision became a reality.  The First National Bank of Jonesboro – Anna Facility with its 6,000 square feet was opened. 

Today, with the original location on the square in Jonesboro and the ATM located west on Broad Street in Jonesboro, along with the Anna Facility at 151 Leigh Avenue, we feel that the First National Bank of Jonesboro has the upper hand when it comes to service and convenience.