Hunt, Herbert and Floyd C. Kaylor.  Washington: West of the 
Cascades.  Vol. III.  Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1917.  
p. 18-19.

FRANCE, EARLE L., an enterprising citizen of Elma, who is cashier 
of the Bank of Elma, was born in Colorado in 1883 and in 1889 was 
brought to western Washington by his father, George W. France, who 
settled in Hoquiam and who is further mentioned in this work in 
connection with the sketch of his son, W. H. France, of Montesano.  
Earle L. France was at the time a little lad of six years.  He at once 
began his education in the schools of Hoquiam and when his textbooks 
were put aside he entered the field of banking, believing that he would 
find in it a congenial vocation.  He was appointed assistant cashier of 
the Montesano State Bank, in which capacity he served for several years.  
In 1903 that bank opened a branch known as the Bank of Elma and Mr. 
France was placed in charge.  In 1906 this was organized into a separate 
institution under the same name, with A. D. Devonshire, of Montesano, 
as president, George W. Ninemire as vice-president and Earle L. France as 
cashier.  In 1911 George Simpson succeeded to the position of vice 
president and is now acting in that capacity.  They erected a modern and 
substantial bank building in 1906 and an excellent business is now being 
carried on.  Mr. France has had charge of the bank continuously since its 
organization, being the chief directing spirit in establishing its policy 
and promoting its development.  
	In 1905, in Montesano, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. France and 
Miss Leo Fosnot and to them have been born two daughters, Elizabeth and 
Lillian.  Fraternally Mr. France is connected with the Masons and the 
Knights of Pythias at Elma and with the Elks lodge at Aberdeen.  In politics 
he is a republican and is active in all affairs of the town.  He was served 
as a member of the city council and he cooperates in all plans and measures 
for the general good.  Realizing the value of organized effort for the benefit 
of the community, he became one of the founders of the Elma Commercial
Club and was its president in 1910 and 1911.  His efforts in behalf of the 
city have been far-reaching and effective and he is justly accounted one of 
the representative business men and citizens of Elma.

Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen

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Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project.  Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.