Book | Brother Bankers

Originally published in the Oklahoma Historical Society’s quarterly journal, The Chronicles of Oklahoma, “Brother Bankers” tells the story of Frank and Hugh Johnson, founders of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Oklahoma City.

The Johnson brothers left their home in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and relocated to Oklahoma Territory in the 1890s with entrepreneurial know-how and the grit to succeed in an unforgiving economy.

After a few false starts that typified frontier business, they settled on banking.

Their shared vision came to fruition when they merged their banks and then broke ground to create “The First,” an architectural marvel (designed by William Van Alen, best known for the Chrysler building in NYC) and financial powerhouse that fueled Oklahoma City’s economic development.

The brother bankers’ vision survives in the First National Center, a renovation of the original building whose seamless blend of old and new commemorates Oklahoma’s storied past, even as it offers an oasis of urban comfort and elegance.