George William Empey

from: National Archives; DUKE UNIVERSITY Minnesota, its story and biography,

George William Empey. It is as a factor in banking affairs in several Northern Minnesota coun- ties that George W. Empey has been chiefly known during his active career, and at the present time in addition to the executive connection with the Farmers and Merchants State Bank at Hinckley is also an officer and has financial interests in a num- ber of business concerns in that section of the state.

A native of Minnesota, George William Empey was born at Hastings, July 30, 1867, a son of Almond and Augusta (Lyon) Empey. His father was a farmer, was a native of Canada and was a pioneer settler in Minnesota, coming about 1862.

George W. Empey grew up in Hastings, was edu- cated in the public schools there and in 1891 fin- ished a course in the Hamline University at St. Paul. For more than twenty years his time has been chiefly devoted to banking. In 1892 he became assistant cashier in the Bank of Park Rapids, Min- nesota, and when that institution was reorganized as the First National Bank he was made cashier. He also served one year as deputy county auditor in Hubbard County. In 1896 Mr. Empey went to Verndale, Minnesota, as cashier of the Wadena County Bank, and when that was reorganized as the First National Bank he continued as cashier, his total service with the institution aggregating twelve years.

In 1908 Mr. Empey came to Hinckley and effected on October 1 of that year the organization of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank. It was started with a capital of $10,000 and the first officers were: Isaac Hazlett, president; James C. Hazlett, vice president; George W. Empey, cashier; and J. J. Folsom, assistant cashier. The bank owns a sub- stantial building, constructed of brick and hollow tile, 24x40 feet. In 1915, besides the capital stock of $10,000, the bank was well fortified with sur- plus and undivided profits of $13,000. The de- posits at the present time aggregate about ninety thousand dollars. Mr. Empey has been cashier since the organization of this bank, and is also vice pres- ident and one of the organizers of the Brook Park State Bank.

He is secretary and treasurer of the Hinckley Lumber Company, and is secretary and treasurer of the Clover Leaf Land and Cattle Company, a close corporation in which he owns half the stock. Mr. Empey is a past master of the Blue Lodge of Masons, also being affiliated with the Royal Arch Chapter, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.

He has had much to do with public affairs and is a former president of the village council at Hinckley and for the past five years has been clerk of the school board. He has been and is now actively identified with the Hinckley Commercial Club, and is at present chairman of its executive committee. He is president of the Pine County Development Association