#1 1902RS Bowman

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National Bank Notes > North Dakota

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Bowman, First NB, W8976 #1
Fr. 589 $5 1902RS
Grade: PMG VF 25 Net    

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This bank was chartered in December 1907 and based on my best guess this note was hung in the bank with pride shortly thereafter. Little did they know that the red ink would be so readily susceptible to fading by the light. This note is new to the census and is only the fifth large note reported. There were just 278 sheets of Red Seals printed. Signed by James E. Phelan, President and Robt. H. Smith, Cashier. PMG notes: splits, discoloration, corner tip missing. James E. Phelan was born at Adrian, Mich., October 2, 1857. He went into railroading when a very young man. He soon received a promotion, becoming division superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He lived at Mandan, Dickinson and Fargo during his railroad career and was still engaged in active work when he became interested in livestock and land. He was elected as secretary of the state railroad commission in 1895 and held office for four years. His business in the handling of livestock and lands became very large. He established his business headquarters at Bowman and devoted his energy to the building up of the community. He was president of the First National Bank of Bowman. Bowman is the county seat of Bowman County; the population was 1,650 at the 2010 census. The territorial legislature created Bowman county in 1883. In the 1903 session it was eliminated due to a lack of settlement. By official proclamation of Gov. John Burke, it was re-established on June 10, 1907. Bowman County is named in honor of Edward M. Bowman, a member of the House of Representatives from the southern half of the territory. This city was founded in 1907 and named Twin Buttes. It was apparently also called Eden for a time until July 26, 1907, when the post office was established as Lowden. On October 19, 1907 Postmaster Arthur L. Lowden changed the name to Bowman for its county.

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