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EASLEY, JAMES AMBROSE - The great financial institutions of Sangamon County enjoy a well-earned reputation for stability and reliability, owing to the sagacity, conservative acumen and shrewd financial instincts of their officials. None is more representative of this class than the First National Bank of Springfield, of which James Ambrose Easley is Vice President and one of the controlling factors. Mr. Easley is an energetic business man, well equipped to conduct the affairs of a bank of the magnitude of the First National, and the material success which he has fairly earned is alike beneficial to himself and to the place in which he has labored.
Mr. Easley is a native son of the county, born on his father's farm, October 3, 1870, and there grew up to young manhood. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Easley, whose history is more fully given elsewhere in this volume, are excellent representatives of the best class of Springfield's retired farming people. Robert H. Easley, gave three of the best years of his life to the service of his country, and since his return from the battle field has continued to labor for the good of his community.
Like many country boys, after finishing the district school course, James A. Easley came to Springfield and studied at the business college, from which he graduated. He then accepted a position in the First National Bank and has worked his way up to his present responsible office. Mr. Easley is also serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce of the city, and is a member of the Park Board, as well as the minority member of the City Civil Service Commission. Mr. Easley is not only Vice President of the bank, but is a heavy stockholder, and is Vice President of the First Trust and Savings Bank.
On October 24, 1897, Mr. Easley was married in Springfield to Ada Payne, daughter of F. E. Payne, formerly one of Springfield's leading hardware merchants. Both Mrs. Easley's parents are deceased. Two children have blessed their union: Frances Mariette and Edward Payne. Mrs. Easley was born in Springfield and has long been a member of Christ church there. Mr. Easley is a Republican. He belongs to the A.F. and A.M., and is a member of Elwood Commandery, K.T., in which he is very prominent, and he enjoys his Masonic associations. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P. and M.W. of A. Mere words can not do justice to a man of Mr. Easley's caliber. When one has accomplished what he has praise is self-evident, and its wording sounds futile to those who know and appreciate the man, but this record is written for those who came after the present generation, so it is only fitting that a true account be given of the life and work of those who are prominent in the history of Springfield today.