PLEASANTS COUNTY BANK A Legacy of Strong Leadership Succession On Dec. 21, 1896, W. E. Chilton, Secretary of State, issued a charter to the Pleasants County Bank with an authorized capital of $25,000. Incorporators were Newton Ogdin, Dr. A. S. Grimm, Dr. George T. Gale, I. O. Reynolds, C. C. Schauwecker, John Schauwecker and D. W. Reynolds. At the time, St. Mary’s was a small town of 800 inhabitants, and the town had few public improvements: no city water, sewers or electricity. The bank opened for business on March 15, 1897, after selling stock, securing equipment, banking rooms and setting up necessary books. They opened for business at 217 Second Street just below the old Post Office building. Over the years, the town continued to grow with paved streets, a water and sewerage system, good schools and churches, and a bright future. And Pleasants County Bank grew along with it, providing deposit and loan services to the community. From a humble beginning, the Pleasants County Bank has grown into a strong financial institution. The bank and its board take pride in the part they have played in the development of their community, and they look forward with confidence. One of the things that makes PCB unique is that its charter remains true to the first bank that opened in 1897 – its ownership has been continuous, and a family member of the original founder has always served on the board. In a world where true community banks are decreasing in numbers and charters are sold, the legacy of PCB is really in its succession planning willingness of its leadership to put the bank and the needs of their community first. As Pleasants County Bank completes over 125 years of service to the St. Mary’s, Belmont and surrounding area, Mike Nelson, President of the bank for the past 20-plus years, retires and Mark Bias takes the reigns. WVBA had the opportunity to meet with both gentlemen and talk about their perspectives on community banking, PCB’s future, and their role in it. 6 West Virginia Banker
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