H. Klendt, assistant cashier. It has a capital of $20,000, and surplus of $3,000.

The American State Bank of Big Springs was organized in 1917, with $15,000 capital and $3800 surplus. It is officered by John Jensen, president; ( )tto F. Riss, vice-president; and Sylvia Jensen, cashier.

This closes the story of the banks of Deuel county. They have taken an important part in the history of the county, materially as-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

sisted in the development of the country by caring for its financial affairs and during this temporary period of financial stress are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future, when financial depression consequent to the World War shall have passed and the country is again enjoying the normal conditions which existed before the world upheaval.

Bench and Bar

The history of the Bench and Bar in Deuel county begins with the county's organization as a separate unit. The first justice of the peace in what is now Deuel county territory was at Chappell when Ed E. Bennett assumed that office. Ira Brashears was first notary public and for some time contest cases were heard before him. The first cases tried after the new county came into existence, was a contest case in which Isaac Woolf was the attorney. Brashears was also a lawyer by profession, the first to qualify to practice in Deuel county. W. H. Sigler soon after this hung out his sign as a general practicing attorney, and S. P. DeLatour and E. D. Hamilton opened offices for the practice of their profession in the early nineties. Following them came next in order Jacob Keifer and George McAllister, who was afterwards state representative several times, and county attorney a number of years. He became a leader in the legal profession and gained a high reputation for his ability.