STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 124
This gentleman is prominent in financial circles in Winchester. He is a man of sound judgment and possesses an experience in banking covering a period of over twenty years. He was born at Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, March 30,1860, and was reared in that city. He attended the public school and finished his education at the Winchester high school. In early life, when he was out of school, he kept books for Coons & Co., and it was there that his ability was discovered. He advanced rapidly and at the age of seventeen he was appointed assistant deputy revenue collector, under Major Wilkinson, and was given charge of seven counties. Later he was transferred to the Colorado district of the same service, and remained in Denver until August 1881. He resigned his position and came back to Arenzville, Cass county, and engaged in the banking business with his brother and several other parties, filling the position of Cashier. At this time he was twenty-one years old.
He remained at Arenzville until January 1, 1886, when he sold his interest in the bank at that place and came back to Winchester, and associated with himself in the banking business his brother, T. K. Condit, and William Neat. In this connection it is fitting to follow briefly the history of this financial institution.
The banking house of Neat, Condit & Grout was first organized January 1, 1886, under the firm name of Neat, Condit & Co., the members of the firm being William Neat, Thomas K. Condit and Charles H. Condit. July 1, 1887, T. K. Condit disposed of his interest in the bank to A. P. Grout and the style of the firm changed to Neat, Condit & Grout. From its incipiency the business of the bank has been satisfactory, the people manifesting the utmost confidence in the stability of the institution and the integrity of its management. William Neat, the head of the firm, is one of the largest land owners in Scott county and owns about 1,000 acres of land in the vicinity of Alsey. Aside from his land holdings may be mentioned his property interests in Winchester, including business properties on the south side of the square, and the elevators at Winchester and Alsey. He is also interested in the First National Bank at Bushnell, Illinois, and the Bank of Bluffs, at Bluffs, Illinois. When Mr. Neat came out of the army he was a poor man, but had ample business tact and has been successful in his ventures. He is known in business circles as a careful, conservative man. The capital stock of the bank is $50,000, all of which is fully paid up, and in addition there is a handsome surplus which is not withdrawn. As this bank is a private institution, the liability of its stockholders is limited only by the extent of their earthly possessions. Mr. Condit is one of the Scott county gentlemen who is largely interested in Illinois river bottom lands.
Of this institution Mr. Condit was cashier in its early days, but as the business grew he assumed more responsible duties. June 20, 1885, he was married to Miss Abbie Crary, a very estimable and cultured young lady of Milton, Illinois. Two bright daughters, Vera and Mazy, grace his home and gladden his heart. His home and home surroundings, on North West street, are very pleasant, and in the society of his family and the enjoyment of his home he finds his chief delight.