About

The City of Barwick was incorporated in 1903 following establishment of a Railroad Station. Shortly thereafter the Bank of Barwick opened in 1907 and was owned 50% by local individuals and 50% by the Witham Banking Company of Atlanta. Witham provided advise, check clearing, cash orders and examinations and audits. One of the early Bank Directors was the wife of a local doctor, she was one of the only female Bank Directors in the state at that time. In 1939, the Bank became Citizens Banking Company and served the local merchants and farmers. It was operated as an Exchange Bank and charged for deposits and withdrawals. It was owned by C.R. Simmons, Sr., Mrs. W.R. Thrasher, and Strozier S. Humphreys. All were local merchants. In 1946, C.R. Simmons, Jr. purchased the interest of Mrs. Thrasher and Mr. Humphreys and he and his father continued to operate the Bank until 1967. In 1967, the Bank was purchased 50% by five local businessmen and 50% by a banking family from Moultrie, GA, who had interest in other area community banks. The name was changed to Barwick Banking Company. In the 70s, the Bank became 100% locally owned. Fred Jones was appointed President in 1979 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors today. In December 2019, a group of businessmen from St. Augustine, Florida purchased a majority interest in the Bank, while continuing to have local ownership. In the last four years, the bank has been recognized as one of the fastest growing banks in the country, and currently in over $500 million in assets, with offices located in Barwick, GA, Boston, GA, St. Augustine, FL, Daytona Beach, FL, Gainesville, FL and Palatka, FL. Even with this growth, the Bank is sticking to its small-town roots and remains for locals, by locals.