Watson D. Jay
In estimating the financial strength of Grant county the banks and bankers of its smaller municipalities are deserving of very prominent mention, for they are the tributaries of larger financial institutions and have an important part in swelling the stream of the county's prosperity. To the town bank comes the farmer, from the surrounding countryside, and deposits the golden fruits of his toil. From the proprietor of that bank his customers may ask and receive sound financial advice. He is their friend and adviser as well as their banker. The farm loan, that solid rock of financial investment, is placed with him or is negotiated through some larger banking institution through his agency. Upon the stability and security of these smaller banks as well as upon the honor and integrity of those in control of them, rests the whole superstructure of the confidence and trust reposed in them.
In this connection may be given a short review of one of Grant county's substantial citizens. Watson D. Jay, assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Jonesboro, an institution which has long occupied an established place in public confidence. Mr. Jay is a native of the county, having been born on a farm in Fairmount Township, May 2, 1872, a son of Jesse Jay, a sketch of whose career will be found on another page of this work. Mr. Jay's education was secured in the public schools of Marion, the Normal School of that city, form which he secured his diploma, and the Stenographic Institute of Indianapolis. For five years he was employed in a business office in Gas City, and then became identified with banking in the First National Bank of Marion, where he arose to the position of teller and remained for ten years. He then came his present position as assistant cashier of the citizens Bank of Jonesboro, and during the past three years has been in practical charge of its affairs. The institution was founded in 1905 under the present officials and is a branch of the Gas City Bank, being practically under the same management, although operated as a private bank under state supervision. The shareholders have a combined net worth of over 1,500,000, which is a pledge for the security of its depositors, and the stock of the bank is largely held by local business men. Mr. Jay has shown himself an able and conservative banker, who may be absolutely depended upon to protect eh best interests of the bank and its patrons. He is courteous and obliging, and during his period in Jonesboro has made and retained numerous friends. He has been active in local matters, although not a politician, and still makes his home with his father on the old Jay farm.
While a resident of Marion, November 16, 1913, Mr. Jay was married to Miss Marian F. Stover, who was born in Grant county and educated in the high school, daughter of William J. and Rose (Housely) Stover, natives of this state, who were married in Grant county and now are residents of Marion, where the father is connected with a large business house. Mrs. Stover is a member of the Baptist Church, and both she and her husband are well known in their community. Their two younger daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, reside at home and are still pursuing their studies. Mr. and Mrs. Jay are attendants of the Friends Church. He is well known in fraternal circles having passed through the chairs of Masonic Blue Lodge No. 109, and Lodge No. 102, Knights of Phythias, and has represented both in the Grand Lodge of the State.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.