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in a position to liquidate if it had had to. When the run on thousands of banks occurred in 1933 the First National laid money on its counters and told its depositors to come get it. "Sale of the bank coincides with a statement I made some time ago that I'm gradually going out of business and relieving myself of all responsibilities possible," Mr. Bowman said yesterday. "I expect to remain in Nogales the rest of my life where I have lots of interests, and will devote most of my time to ranching." Closing of the bank deal came less than a week following the visit here last week of Walter Bimson of Phoenix, president of the Valley National, and four other Valley National officials. CAME HERE IN 1894 Mr. Bowman, who is closing his career as a banker, and during whose ownership of the First National made it a great success, first came to Nogales as a young man in 1894 with 25 cents in his pockets and baggage consisting of an old wooden 10-pound box containing letters, a change of underwear, and one suit of clothes. He quickly made frinds, saved his money and made wise investments, took an active part in community affairs, and became Nogales' most influential citizen and one of the most public-spirited citizens this community ever had. In all the years his faith in Nogales has never wavered and it can be said he has done more toward erecting business structures and homes here than any other person, in fact, he has built more buildings in this city than any three other persons combined. He erected the Bowman Hotel, the Nogales Theater, the big garage building now owned by Robert Marcus, the Harry Brann residence in (largest Nogales), built several country homes, and bought and rehabilitated several homes and business houses. A few years ago he acquired the Otero Ranch near Tubac and recently purchased the Clyde McPherson Ranch in San Rafael Valley, one of the largest cattle ranches in Santa Cruz County. Prominent Democrat A southern Democrat by birth. born in Mississippi, he has always been one of the Democratic party's foremost leaders in Arizona and served two terms as Democratic National Committeeman from this state. He is a former mayor of Nogales, former president of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, and became collector of the customs of the port of Nogales on July 1. 1943, through appointment by the 'ate President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since acquiring the First National he has been its chairman and upon the resignation a few weeks ago of Otto H. Herold as president of the bank he took on the added duties of vice-president. Following Mr. Herold's resignation, W. W. Barbee, who had been the First National's manager and executive vice-president from the time it was purchased by Mr. Bowman, was elevated to the presidency. "Due to Mr. Barbee's efforts and popularity with the general public, he made the First National a great success and I am proud to have had him with me not only because of his ability as a banker but also his loyalty to me and the institution," Mr. Bowman said yesterday. Prior to becoming vice-president in 1929, Mr. Barbee was with the Southern Trust Company, an affiliate of the bank, for many years.
