Florida National Group of Banks of the State of Florida

The Florida National Bank began in Jacksonville as the Jacksonville Savings Bank and functioned with this name between 1886 and 1888. It was founded by merchant turned banker, Samuel B. Hubbard. In October 1888, the bank received a city license with the name of Southern Savings and Trust Company, a name it held until about 1898. In February 1900, the bank became known as the Mercantile Exchange Bank. In January 1905 it became the Florida Bank and Trust Company, the largest bank in Florida. In August 1906 the company received a national charter as the Florida National Bank of Jacksonville. In the 1920s Alfred I. du Pont gained control of the bank, and following his death the bank was controlled by Ed Ball, manager of the du Pont Trust. Ball continued to control the bank either directly or indirectly until the 1970s. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the bank faced acquisition and merger by various groups. In 1989-1990 the bank was acquired by the First Union Corporation.

From the guide to the Florida National Bank Records, 1887-1989, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)

Bank.

The Florida National Banks began in Jacksonville as the Jacksonville Savings Bank and functioned with this name between 1886-1888. It was founded by merchant turned banker, Samuel B. Hubbard. On October 1, 1888, the Bank received a city license with the name of Southern Savings and Trust Company, a name it held until circa 1898. In February 1900, the bank became known as the Mercantile Exchange Bank.

In that same year, the bank renovated a building on the corner of Laura and Forsyth Streets in Jacksonville. In January 1905, it became the Florida Bank and Trust Company and its capital stock reached $1,000,000 - the largest bank in Florida. In August 1906, the institution received a national charter to become the Florida National Bank of Jacksonville.

From the description of Records, 1887-1989. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 50750913