Ordinarily, an early bank ledger book would not be of much interest, but this particular ledger book of the Farmers and Merchants Bank covers the years 1892 through 1896. It is of great historical value to Delta because it includes the bookkeeper entry for September 7, 1893 — the day of the great bank robbery by the McCarty Gang, as well as fascinating financial entries for many of Delta’s early pioneers. After the bank robbery, the good citizens of Delta picked up ‘most’ of the money dropped by the gang on their hasty departure. The two McCarty’s killed during the get-a-way were carrying the money- some $700 or so. All but $294.86 was returned to the bank, and the entry “Loss by Robbers” was the official record by the bank of their loss.
The bookkeeper for the Farmers and Merchants Bank was John Trew, cousin of Andrew Trew Blachly, the bank cashier killed during the robbery.
Though the ledger is not on exhibit, the page on which the robbery notation is entered has been copied and is included with the ‘bank robbery’ exhibit. Members are welcome to view the actual ledger and thus view this part of our early history from a different perspective. Just ask for Jim at the archive office and he will get the ledger book for your review.
Jim Wetzel
Director, Delta County Historical Society and Museum
(970) 874-8721
Linda
