In 1856, Benjamin Cheever Lewis entered into business as a banker in the Tallahassee vicinity. His three sons, George, Edward, and William, followed him in the banking business. Though the firm name would change, the bank was continually under the Lewis family ownership until it became a part of First Florida Bank in 1974. The bank was operated as: B.C. Lewis, Private Banker (1856-1870); B.C. Lewis & Son (1870-1873); B.C. Lewis & Sons (1873-1889); First National Bank and State Savings Bank (1889-1916); Lewis State Bank and State Savings Bank (1916-1920); and Lewis State Bank (1920-1974).
The bank has played a significant role in Tallahassee's economic life, serving both the agricultural and state government interests in Leon County. It also is the oldest continually operating financial institution in Florida.
From the description of Records, 1856-1972. (Florida State Archive). WorldCat record id: 32413211
