WESTERN BANK GROWN LOCAL, SERVING LOCAL
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eliability is a cornerstone for any successful business and Western Bank has a long history of exactly that – being reliable. In business since 1907, it’s the people of Western Bank that have developed and shaped the character of this local community bank. The initial stockholders made many sound business decisions that brought the bank through the early years, but for the past 90 years the bank has been, and still is today, under the steady influence of the Robert C. Martin family. In 1907, New Mexico was still only a United States Territory. Businessmen John McCabe, Frank R. Coon, and W.H. Small led 14 investors to open the doors of First National Bank of Lordsburg in Lordsburg, NM, the small town that would eventually be known as the state’s “Bootheel.” First National Bank of Lordsburg (FNBL) shared space with Eagle Drug Mercantile Co. During the Depression, many banks closed their doors for good and FNLB was the only bank in the region. During this period, many people tried to deal in cash as much as possible but checks were still common. With the absence of an operating bank, Howell Drug Store in Silver City, NM became a collection point for banking PG. 28 :: FALL 2019
business. “Transactions” were then shuttled to Lordsburg for processing. Eventually banks in the region reopened, but the services offered by FNLB helped solidify a reputation for reliability that still exists today. Robert C. Martin was a businessman with a background in ranching and understood the needs of the agricultural community. He began buying stock in the 1930’s and eventually became the majority stockholder. In 1946, he became a member of the Board, a position he would hold for 50+ years. He had a knack for a good judge of character, finding the good in people, and how to have people get along. These attributes served him well during his tenure as a State Representative
from 1952 – 1970. Later in the 1950’s, he became the Bank’s Board Chairman and held that position for 40 years. In 1986, First National Bank of Lordsburg changed its name to Western Bank and in December of 1988, Robert C. “Bob” Martin, Robert C. Martin’s son, became the Vice-Chairman of the Board after a career with the FBI. In January of 1989 Bob Martin began his 10 year leadership as Western Bank’s Chief Executive Officer. Later in 1999, Michael “Mike” Martin, Bob Martin’s son joined Western Bank. Mike graduated from Texas A&M ’87, with a degree in Agriculture Economics, Minor in Finance and earned a Master’s degree in Banking from Louisiana State University. He represents the third generation of Martin’s leading the homegrown community bank. In 2003, Western Bank opened the Silver City Branch to continue the reputation of the local community bank committed to serving neighbors and supporting the growth of local economy. In 2007, Western Bank celebrated 100 years! Western Bank had been serving rural communities in southeast Arizona for decades because the closest bank was in Lordsburg. The opportunity arose to apply for a charter to
