About First Trust

History

First Trust and Savings was founded in Wheatland, IA in 1886 by Edward Guenther along with his brother, Henry Guenther, and his father, John Guenther. The Guenthers recognized the agricultural and industrial needs of the community and developed First Trust and Savings Bank as one of the strongest financial institutions in the agricultural area between Clinton, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.

When the Guenthers originally founded the bank, they named it John Guenther and Sons, Private Bankers after themselves, the founders. In 1910 the bank became incorporated and was named German Trust and Savings Bank, and finally, in 1918 First Trust and Savings Bank assumed it's present name.

First Trust and Savings grew rapidly in the late 1880's which led to the development of a branch bank in Lost Nation, IA. In the early 1960's, First Trust expanded with the purchase of Dixon Bank and Trust in Dixon, IA. First Trust continues to grow today with the current addition of two more branches in 1999; one in Calamus, IA and one in Grand Mound, IA. Most recently in 2007, a branch was added in Donahue, IA.