Our History

Samuel Gerber, Founder

The Gerber State Bank, Argenta, Illinois, was founded by James W. Brown and Samuel Gerber as a partnership under the names of “Brown and Gerber Bankers” in 1887. The bankers opened for business in a wooden frame building just north of the railroad tracks along North Street. One of the bank’s founders, Samuel Gerber, was elected the first president.

Upon the 1892 death of the other founder, James W. Brown, Mr. Gerber took his sons, Peter E. Gerber and Nelson Gerber, in as partners. The bank’s name then changed to S. Gerber and Sons.

Before the fire that claimed the original structure, the bank moved to a one-story brick building that still stands on the south side of Elm Street along Argenta’s business district. Today, this building is well known to many as Bargenta. The present-day business extends well beyond the original structure, which occupied only part of what exists today.

The bank was incorporated by the State of Illinois in 1911 as “The Gerber State Bank.” The original stockholders were: Samuel Gerber, President; Peter E. Gerber, Vice President; Samuel O. Hilbrant, Cashier; Harry Parr, Assistant Cashier; and George H. Parr. Samuel Gerber died on April 7, 1912, and was succeeded as president by his son, Peter E. Gerber.

In 1914, a new brick structure was erected on the corner of Elm and North Streets and opened for business in January 1915. This structure served as the foundation for the bank’s presence at its current location.

Peter Gerber served as president until July 1925, when he sold his interest in the bank and moved from the area. George H. Parr was then elected president in 1925 and served in that capacity until 1967. Mr. Parr served the bank for fifty-eight years in various capacities.

During April 1958, the bank presented to its patrons a completely remodeled building with an addition, including a new entrance east of the then diagonal corner doorway. The bank’s first drive-up facility was then opened at a rear window.

Lawrence G. Bennett, a great-grandson of Samuel Gerber, was elected president in 1967 and held the office until 1973. Gordon Bennett, Lawrence G. Bennett’s son was president from 1973 to 1979. Edwin M. Wallace served as president from 1979 to 2004.

In June of 1983, the present, newly remodeled and expanded facility was displayed to the public with an open house presentation. This bank building provides a number of private offices, an additional storage vault, three drive-up lanes, including one with an ATM, a more spacious directors’ room and a large bookkeeping area. To this day, the bank performs all the bookkeeping functions and record keeping duties in-house.

In 2001, The Gerber State Bank expanded, adding a branch in Oreana to assist in all banking needs.

Larry G. Bennett, Lawrence G. Bennett’s grandson, was elected as president in 2004. Although retired as President, Larry G. Bennett continues to serve as a valued member of the Board of Directors, a position he has held since 1987.

Austin M. Pletsch was elected as president in 2026. The Gerber State Bank looks forward to the continued success and future growth of the Bank under the leadership of Austin M. Pletsch.

The Gerber State Bank has had only eight presidents in its almost 140 years of existence. Pictures of the presidents and their dates in office are presently displayed in the bank’s lobby.

The bank’s present Board of Directors are: Gregory D. Briggs Chairman, Larry G. Bennett, Thomas W. Hill, Cortney A. Smetanko, Richard W. Stoddard, and Jeffrey T. Sloan.

ROBBERY

Thankfully, the only bank robbery experienced in almost 140 years occurred on Thursday, April 14, 1910. The bank’s headquarters were on the south side of Elm Street in the one-story brick building. The burglars dynamited the bank door but failed to open the money vault. They stole 150 dollars and escaped west of town on horseback, never to be apprehended. This photograph was taken just after the robbery.