33 of his sound, conservative and wise judgment, and of his genial and sympathetic comradeship; That, bowing to the inscrutable decree of Divine Providence, we lament his death and will cherish his memory. Mr. Charles Triplett Hardesty was elected a director to fill Mr. Gold’s seat. For a while, the pace of banking was such that the employees made a daily trip to Shackleford’s Store (the only one in town with a soda fountain at the time) and drank soda. During this same time Bank of Clarke County was paying 3% on deposits and discussions also began regarding the advisability of operating a Trust Department. By 1917, discussions were conducted about the advantage of a state charter over a federal charter. Mr. Moore told stockholders at their January 11, 1917 meeting that “the observation of your officers of the operation of the Federal Reserve Banks has not persuaded them that it would be wise to change its charter from that of a state bank to that of a federal bank.” Mr. Jetson F. Spates was also hired during this time. Discussions in 1918 turned to possible membership in THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM. The number of employees was also growing as business increased. As World War I raged, President Moore filed a statement explaining the necessity for exempting Lewis N. Glover, Assistant Cashier, from military service. Mr. Levi and Mr. Spates had already been called up. In the fall of 1918, the Cashier was instructed to call on The First National Bank of Berryville and, acting under legal advice, demand full reimbursement for the loss of checks received from that bank. But, in the spirit of harmony, and the amount being small, the Banks agreed to divide the loss equally. President Moore announced to the stockholders at their January 16, 1919 meeting that Bank of Clarke County had “the most successful year in the bank’s history.” Burglary insurance coverage had climbed to $15,000. The Clarke Courier reported that all three Clarke County banks were showing prosperity, even with funds called upon to help float the Victory Loan and heavy drains for Liberty Bonds. It was also revealed that per capita deposit wealth of Clarke County stood at $150. Mr. Neill resigned his position on December 11, 1919 for health reasons. He was regarded as an authority on investments and the bank “has practically sustained no losses from any investments he had made since he has been connected with the institution.” An appropriate commendation was recorded in the Board minutes: Resolved that the resignation of John B. Neill of his position of Cashier of the Bank of Clarke County be accepted to take effect December 20, 1919 that date being suggested by him; his salary to be paid to January 1, 1920. Resolved that the action of the Board in accepting the resignation is taken by it with deep regret that the condition of health renders such action necessary; the Board desiring to place on record its appreciation of his long and faithful service.