The Only Woman Bank President In New England
April 19, 1906
Summary
The only female bank owner during this time lives in New England, and is the owner “on the basis of her masculine ability.”
Transcription
The Only Woman Bank President In New England
Mrs. E. B. Davidson.
The only woman bank president in new England.
York, Me., is the proud claimant of the only woman bank president in New England, Mrs. Elizabeth Burleigh Davidson. She is the head of the York County National bank. It is a flourishing institution, and in summer many deposits are made by the famous visitors to the harbor.
The bank was organized in February, 1893, with James T. Davidson president and W. M. Walker vice president. Mrs. Davidson at that time was very much interested in her home duties, and these home duties and these home duties were as arduous as the duties of the head of a bank, for in the Davidson family there were six lively children. In 1901 Mr. Davidson died, Vice President Walker was elected as his successor, and Mrs. Davidson, to the general surprise of Maine people, was made vice president of the institution.
Mrs. Davidson was very well informed on the business of the bank. Besides, she is possessed of a bright and alert mind. She stepped into the active life of the institution as though she had worked in the world of finance for many years. From the beginning of her financial career she showed much enthusiasm and acumen. Every day she spent several hours in her office, consulted the director of investment and even ventured to suggest many avenues for profitable use of the funds.
The other officers ceased to regard her as a woman: they accepted her on a basis of masculine ability; they regarded her as one of themselves. Consequently, when the president of the bank died, in 1903, the directors unanimously elected Mrs. Davidson to the office. In her higher position she showed even greater activity and sagacity. She assumed undisputed control of the institution. Other banking men in the state, when they heard of her, smiled; later they said she was a very bright woman. They came to have much respect for her financial shrewdness and cleverness. The York County National bank received a higher rating and has become more successful than ever under Mrs. Davidson’s management.- Boston Herald.
Mrs. E. B. Davidson.
The only woman bank president in new England.
York, Me., is the proud claimant of the only woman bank president in New England, Mrs. Elizabeth Burleigh Davidson. She is the head of the York County National bank. It is a flourishing institution, and in summer many deposits are made by the famous visitors to the harbor.
The bank was organized in February, 1893, with James T. Davidson president and W. M. Walker vice president. Mrs. Davidson at that time was very much interested in her home duties, and these home duties and these home duties were as arduous as the duties of the head of a bank, for in the Davidson family there were six lively children. In 1901 Mr. Davidson died, Vice President Walker was elected as his successor, and Mrs. Davidson, to the general surprise of Maine people, was made vice president of the institution.
Mrs. Davidson was very well informed on the business of the bank. Besides, she is possessed of a bright and alert mind. She stepped into the active life of the institution as though she had worked in the world of finance for many years. From the beginning of her financial career she showed much enthusiasm and acumen. Every day she spent several hours in her office, consulted the director of investment and even ventured to suggest many avenues for profitable use of the funds.
The other officers ceased to regard her as a woman: they accepted her on a basis of masculine ability; they regarded her as one of themselves. Consequently, when the president of the bank died, in 1903, the directors unanimously elected Mrs. Davidson to the office. In her higher position she showed even greater activity and sagacity. She assumed undisputed control of the institution. Other banking men in the state, when they heard of her, smiled; later they said she was a very bright woman. They came to have much respect for her financial shrewdness and cleverness. The York County National bank received a higher rating and has become more successful than ever under Mrs. Davidson’s management.- Boston Herald.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Emma Roberts
Citation
“The Only Woman Bank President In New England,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed March 21, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/427.