An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893 NORVAL H. LATIMER - Among the representative and successful financiers of Seattle, we find the subject of this sketch, who though one of the youngest financiers is manager of the oldest banking house in the State of Washington. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, May 7, 1863. His parents, William G. and Martha J. (Pierce) Latimer, were natives of the same locality, and descended from pioneers of the State. Norval H. was reared upon the farm and was educated chiefly by self-application by lamp-light after the duties of the day were performed. While engaged in the harvest field, in the summer of 1881, he was approached by officers of the First National Bank of Kirkwood, Illinois, and thereupon tendered the position of bookkeeper. The offer was such a surprise to young Latimer that he asked for time to consider, but subsequently accepted and there commenced his banking and financial education. As bookkeeper and assistant cashier, he remained in the bank until the fall of 1882, when he came direct to Seattle, and upon making application to Messrs. Horton & Denny, bankers, for a position, was engaged as bookkeeper. As a financier of marked ability his efforts soon became appreciated, and he successfully ascended the scale of responsibility until placed in entire management. This bank was originally organized by David Phillips and Dexter Horton, in 1870, under the firm name of Phillips, Horton & Co., and so continued until the death of Mr. Phillips in March, 1872, when Mr. Horton continued alone, adopting the name of Dexter Horton & Company. Mr. A. Denny entered the bank at this time, as executor of the Phillips estate, and after closing the affairs of the estate he took one-half interest in the bank under the existing firm name, which Mr. Horton offered to change at the time, but being fully satisfied with the name Mr. Denny declined to allow the change. This arrangement continued up to 1887, when the bank was reorganized as a State bank under the name of Dexter Horton & Co., bankers. The interests were somewhat changed and Mr. Wm. S. Ladd, of Portland, became president. They incorporated with a capital of $200,000, and have accumulated a surplus of $100,000, with $86,923.49 as undivided profits. The eminent success of the banking house speaks louder than words of the able and efficient management which has been accorded. Mr. Latimer was married in Seattle, in 1890, to Miss Margaret Moore, native of Illinois. The union has been blessed with two sons. Through the destruction of several buildings in the fire of June, 1889, Mr. Latimer was quite a heavy loser, but has since erected the brick block corner of Maine and Commercial streets, 60 x 111 feet, four stores and basement, and is interested in other real-estate enterprises. He assisted in organizing the Columbia National Bank at New Whatcom, in 1889, with a capital of $100,000, and has continued his interest as vice-president. Such is briefly the history of one of Seattle's active, enterprising business men, who arrived upon the coast without financial capital, but who by good judgment and keen foresight in investing his savings and making his negotiations has rapidly come to the front, and to-day is recognized as one of the most able and successful financiers of the city of Seattle. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in January 2004 by Jeffrey L. Elmer * * * * 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.