History of Farmers and Merchants National Bank

125 Years of Service to the Ashland Community

Founded on November 15, 1883 by Ernest A. Wiggenhorn, a native of Westphalia Germany, Farmers and Merchants National Bank is the oldest business in Ashland, Nebraska under continuous ownership by one family. Robert C. Fricke, current President is the Great- great Grandson of the founder. Fifth generation family members help out while attending school.

Farmers and Merchants Bank opened with a capital of $10,000 in a small room in a building one block east of its current location. In l887, needing more space, and with assets at 121,677, a new building was constructed at the corner of l5th and Silver Streets. Since then the bank has remained at this location. Farmers and Merchants Bank became a national bank in 1930.

Steady growth of the bank has required four major expansions, including a drive up facility and the Barnes Oil Company Loan Office. The Barnes Facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From three employees in l883, the current staff is now 22 full and part time employees. The assets of the bank reached 61,000,000 in January of 2008.

Local ownership has meant a caring concern for the community over the past 125 years and a promise to continue that dedication to our
customers and the Ashland area into the future.