De Witt, Jesse A.

The following data is extracted from Muskogee and Northeastern Oklahoma.

     Jesse A. De Witt, whose mental equipment is of that character that enables him to delve to the root of business problems and whose determined energy enables him to conquer obstacles and difficulties in his path, is now occupying a most enviable place in financial circles of Muskogee. He was the President of the Central State Bank until January 1, 1922, and is now a director. He comes to the southwest from Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Montfort, that state, September 23, 1889, his parents being I. G. and Abbie (Taylor) De Witt, the former a newspaper publisher.
     In young manhood Jesse A. De Witt took up the study of law. He spent some time as a student in the University of Wisconsin and also in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, and in 1915 he made his way to the southwest, taking up his abode in Muskogee. Here he turned his attention to the oil business and also to banking, but all personal considerations were put aside after America entered the World war, for in March, 1918, he joined the army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ordnance Corps. He was commissioned a second Lieutenant in the adjutant general's department, thus serving from September 1, 1918, until April, 1919. It was several months after his return from the war, or on the 15th of September, 1919, that Mr. De Witt was elected to the presidency of the Central State Bank and remained at its head until January 1, 1922, directing its business policy and shaping its continued growth and development. He has ever recognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors is the one most worthy of public patronage and support. The large amount of business now annually transacted over its counters indicates most clearly the confidence of the public in the institution and its officers. Mr. De Witt is President of the Hanover Oil & Gas Company and a stockholder in four different banks. If he has a hobby it is horses, and he owns a large number of fine harness horses.
     On the 2d of August, 1918, Mr. De Witt was married to Miss Mabel Smith, of Muskogee, and they have two children: Jack Richard, two and a half years of age ; and Patricia, in her first year. Mr. De Witt belongs to the Town and Country Club, the Sequoyah Club and the Kiwanis Club, and moving in the best social circles of Muskogee, is highly esteemed by reason of his geniality, unfeigned cordiality and sterling worth. His circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

Source: Muskogee and Northeastern Oklahoma

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