The German-American Bank

Southwest Missouri had a vibrant German-American community by World War I. Springfield had two very visible examples of this heritage, Germania Hall and The German-American Bank. Built in 1911 by the German American League, Germania Hall was used for meetings and public entertainment. The German-American Bank was organized the following year. It was purchased by F.E. Miller and Associates in September 1915. Miller had wide experience in real estate and securities and the bank flourished under his leadership. The bank was located at 400 South Street in 1917.




A wave of patriotism swept through the nation when America entered the war in April 1917. Because of their association with a now enemy nation, some German-American citizens faced discrimination during these emotional times. No doubt concerned about public perception, the German-American Bank became the American Savings Bank on April 23. The bank’s cashier, Roy Cox told the local newspaper the change reflected the institutions emphasis on savings and economy. Cox argued this practice would lead to prosperity for both the bank and its customers. While there was no mention of the war there can be little doubt this explains why “German” was dropped from the name. Coming just three weeks after America’s entry into the war, the American Savings Bank reflected the patriotism of many Missourians.

Cox left the American Savings Bank to work in Paris as an auditor for the War Department. He returned to Springfield in March 1919. By this time the peace treaty was being negotiated. The League of Nations proposal was especially controversial, but Cox told the local newspaper from his observations most Europeans felt it was necessary. American soldiers still in France likewise believed the league was a good idea, but they worried about the impact it would have on the United States. If America joined the league, it should continue to stand behind the Monroe Doctrine and not give up any national sovereignty they said. Cox also believed that America would see a large rise in immigration from Germany and Austria. These countries were devastated by the war and their citizens would be searching for a new life in America.

Roy Cox

Largely because of the concerns Cox reported, America never joined the League of Nations and the peace treaty signed at Versailles contributed to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Cox later moved to Houston, Texas where he worked in the insurance business. He died there in 1955.

Springfield (Mo.) Leader, September 22, 1915; April 23, 1917.

Springfield (Mo.) Republican, January 30, 1917; March 16, 1919.