Memories from the Homestead: Frank Long, the Bank of Branson's second president

Last week in my vintage view feature I discussed the beginnings of the Bank of Branson, remembered as perhaps the first building on Commercial Street in 1906. I shared an early bank photo and mentioned Vernon Todd who was the first president. 

     Today I'd like to introduce you to the Bank of Branson's second president, Frank J. Long. He is indeed an interesting topic, and I found a well written obituary after his death in September 1943. By the way, Long still has descendants here in the area. Over here on the south side of downtown Branson, Long Street (named in Frank's memory) starts at the stoplight at Branson Landing Blvd. and continues up the hill to 5th Street and Adams at the John Nygard Memorial Park.

Inside the Bank of Branson on Commercial Street around 1915. Standing left to right: Frank Long, Jess Oliver, Dave Parnell and Albert Parnell.  Seated is Bill Crowder. (Photo courtesy of the Moore Family Collection-White River Valley Historical Society)

Franklin J. Long was born in Salem, North Carolina, on February 26, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Eliza Long. Frank was the first born of six children between 1859 and 1882.

     When he was nine years old, the family moved to Fair Grove, Missouri. On December 18, 1882, Frank married twenty-year-old Susie C. Wilson of Springfield. Within a year after their marriage, they moved to the Christian/Taney County line near Reno, not far from the headwaters of Bear Creek.

     A year or so later they purchased a farm on the White River at the mouth of Bull Creek, and this property would be their home until the construction of Powersite Dam. Selling out they moved to Branson in March 1912, where Frank took the position of President of the Bank of Branson, replacing Vernon Todd.

     In 1915 the Longs purchased the farm on the north side of Branson up the hill from Roark Creek and the railroad. This would later be the site of the Skaggs Hospital, today the Cox Hospital and medical facilities. Frank passed away at the age of 84 at his home on September 15, 1943. The Longs had two children, a son who died in infancy, and a daughter, Maggie, who later became Maggie Hensley. 

     Frank was remembered as the rugged type of a man who made his way in life by the power of his endeavors. In the April 1914 election, Frank ran for an alderman spot against one of his bank employees, winning over Jess W. Oliver.

     In early 1932, well into his seventies, Frank continued to be involved in community endeavors. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Producers Produce Company of Springfield.  The Branson Farmer's Exchange on Main Street worked closely with this co-op activity, and before his death, Frank was the manager of the Farmer's Exchange.