The charter for The Farmers and Mechanics Bank was granted on March 31, 1869. Chauncey Colton founded F&M Bank, was its largest stockholder, and served as its first president. He and his associates chose a name that related directly to the real builders of the town, those hardworking farmers and the shoemakers, blacksmiths, carriage builders, and printers—all who were called mechanics. The original bank offices were located in the elegant corner room of the Union Hotel. In 1903, the bank moved to northwest corner of Main and Cherry Streets. In 1980, the construction of the current main bank and drive-up began. With a charter dating back to 1869, F&M is the 15th oldest bank in the state of Illinois and ranks among the top 4% of the banks of this age in the United States. F&M Bank is proud to have built trust and long-lasting relationships with generations of customers. Throughout our history we have provided quality loan, deposit and trust and investment services to businesses, farmers and individuals.
