People’s Exchange Bank, Wakefield
Incorporated in 1853 in South County, Rhode Island, with a capital stock of $50,000 by William C. Watson, Carder Hazard, Elisha Watson, William B. Robinson and Attmore Robinson.
The National Bank Note Census notes that this institution became the National Exchange Bank of Wakefield in September of 1865. Its president was George G. Pearse and Attmore Robinson was cashier. It was liquidated on October 27, 1877. During its time as a national bank, it issued $83,150 in notes of denominations $1 to $20. Only three original series $1 notes are known to exist to this day.
Receipt for payment of the third installment of the purchase of 10 shares of bank stock by Peter W. Clarke. Dated April 3, 1854 and signed by Attmore Robinson.
A detail map of Wakefield with the National Exchange Bank at lower left, on the left side of Main Street. From D.G. Beers, Atlas of Rhode Island, 1870.
According to the map above, the National Exchange Bank of Wakefield was located in this building, at 457-459 Main Street. It also once housed the Bank of South County. The front has been faced with brick since its original construction.