State Bank of Cochran

A charter was granted on December 22, 1921 for State Bank of Cochran. Operation began in the bank building formerly occupied by Citizens Bank of Cochran, which is located on Second Street. The bank opened for business on January 5, 1922 with $177,572.37 in assets. State Bank purchased assets including the bank building, deposits and loans from Citizens Bank of Cochran during their voluntary liquidation. Original Directors of the bank were J.S. Helms, I. A. Willis, Thomas Wilmore Fisher, Sr., J. E. Lane, H. F. Lawson, J. R. Porter, and Lewis Sullivan Leach. Many of their descendants are still associated with the bank today.

Profits were lean during the twenties and early thirties. During the later thirties and forties the bank prospered. The building was remodeled and additions made to include a drive-thru and add air conditioning. Eventually the bank outgrew its location and in April 1974 a new bank was opened at the corner of Beech and Third Streets. The old location was sold to another institution and still functions as a bank today. Since 1974 the bank has undergone several renovations to remain modern and competitive.

In 1998 State Bank of Cochran purchased the branch of First South Bank in Wrightsville and the name was changed to Community Bank of Johnson County. Much was invested into the Johnson County community to remodel the bank, install the city’s first ATM machine and offer new products to its customers.

In 2001 State Bank of Cochran expanded again by purchasing the branches of Knight State Bank located in Dexter and Dublin. They became known as First Laurens Bank. Computer upgrades and minor renovations were initiated. Soon land was purchased to build a new location in Dublin. The construction of the new office on Veterans Boulevard was completed in December, 2003.

Primary Officers of State Bank have included J. S. Helms, Thomas Wilmore Fisher, Sr., Robert T. Cooper, Lewis S. Leach, L. D. (Jack) Griffin, Taylor Edward Howell and Ernie Tripp. These men and a dedicated staff have seen the bank grow from $177,000 in assets to more than $164,000,000. State Bank is the largest bank in Bleckley and Johnson Counties and second largest in Laurens County.

State Bank of Cochran is proud of the service we have provided our hometown for more than 80 years. We are also proud of the new communities we now serve. We look forward to continued growth in all of our markets and invite you to become a member of our family.