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Merchant’s National Bank

Digital image WHS_001_PC_084

1892

In 1892 Joseph Terbrueggen was one of the incorporators the Merchants National Bank and was its first president, and at the time of his death was chairman of the board of directors of the bank.

70th birthday anniversary of Joseph Terbrueggen

1905

05 10

The Merchants Bank is about to install a system of burglar alarms which is by far the most modern and perfect of its kind that has as yet been invented.

The bank vault is to be lined completely with a double steel lining which covers every inch of the vault - floor, walls, ceilings, vestibule and doors. Inside of the vault is an electric cabinet connected containing the storage batteries, switches, timers, etc., that control the system automatically.

On the First Street side of the bank building will be placed a large electrical gong enclosed in a double walled steel housing. Also over the vault doors in the banking room there are to be two more large gongs covered over by heavy steel shields. Inside the vault are still others.

Should burglars so much as touch the combination on the vault door, attempt to drill through the vault door or the vault at any point it would instantly set the entire system of gongs to ringing. When they once begin to ring it is impossible to stop them except from the inside of the vault. There are no wires whatever outside the vault that a burglar could get at.

Another very important feature is an arrangement whereby it makes it impossible for bank employees to forget to lock the vault doors at night. At nine o'clock every evening the system [secured]. If no attention is paid to the warning, then at nine o'clock the whole system of alarms begin to ring and will continue to ring until the vault is locked. After nine o'clock it is as impossible for the bankers themselves to enter the vault as it is for the burglars to do so.

1909

01 22 Officers chosen for the year WG

1957

06 26

Arthur A. Ullrich, a teller at the Merchants National Bank, has retired, it was announced today. He completed his long service with the bank with the close of business last Friday night. His home is at 134 Corner Street. Mr. Ullrich has been with the bank since July 2, 1906, and would be completing an even 51 years of service with the institution tomorrow. Last year, on his 50th anniversary, bank officials and the staff tendered him a testimonial party at the home of the bank president, Col. J. W. Sproesser. Mr. Ullrich joined the bank shortly after graduating from the Watertown High School and remained there throughout his banking career. WDT

Cross references:

Louis Cordes was a director for 20 years.

John Schempf, bank founder and director.

William Sproesser assumed management in 1894

Omar Gaston, architectural engineer, former organizer and president of the Merchants National Bank.