Jesse R. Beggs, president of the First National Bank of Arcola, doubtless enjoys the distinction of being the youngest national bank president in the state. He has occupied this important position since the death of his father, whom he succeeded in February, 1895. He was born in Arcola, August 19, 1868, and was educated in the public schools of the village. His father, James Beggs, was born in Clark County, near Charlestown, the old County seat. He came to Arcola in 1858, where he followed a most successful business career up to the time of his death. His wife was Amanda Brentlinger, who was also born in the same town. On the organization of the bank, in 1874, he was chosen its first president, though he had had banking experience since 1866. The present capital of the bank is fifty thousand dollars, with a surplus of ten thousand dollars, and one hundred and twenty thousand dollars average deposits. Under its present management it is doing a flourishing business, and is one of the most substantial banking houses in central Illinois.
In 1892 our subject was married to Miss Florence M. McMillan, of Arcola. Mr. Beggs has many substantial and devoted friends and no young man is more favorably known throughout the County than he.