John J Purinton (East Liverpool, OH)

From: Thrift 1889 - 1924: The Potters Savings and Loan Company (1924)

John J. Purinton (November 13, 1862 – October 11, 1953) was an attorney, state lawmaker, banker and civic leader for the city of East Liverpool, OH. He founded Potters Savings and Loan Co. and served over 8 years as President of the First National Bank of East Liverpool. In total, he spent more than 65 years as a banker. In politics, he served one term as an Ohio state senator, president of city council and as city clerk (auditor) for the city of East Liverpool.

Biography

Early life and family

Purinton was born in Warsaw, IL the eldest of 6 children of a steamboat engineer, and moved to East Liverpool, OH at age 13. He graduated from the East Liverpool public schools in 1879 and obtained an office clerk position later that same year with the William Brunt Pottery Co. Shortly thereafter he was promoted to bookkeeper and by 1883, he was elected city clerk (auditor). At the same time, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1887.

In 1887, Purinton married Mary L. Walker. The couple had 3 children: Bernard S., Allen C., and Miriam L.

Banking career

Purinton's first banking role was that of secretary for the East Liverpool Building and Loan Association which he organized in 1887. Two years later, he organized the Potter's Building and Savings Co. which would become one of the largest financial institutions in the city. Purinton remained president of the Potters Savings and loan from the founding in 1889 until his death in 1953. His son Allen succeeded him in this role.

Purinton served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of East Liverpool from at least 1911 until 1953. He was named president in 1923 and served in the role until wishing to be relieved from active duties after 10 years. During Purinton's tenure the First National Bank absorbed the smaller Citizens National Bank of East Liverpool in 1925-1926, resulting in an increase of resources of $1,000,000. He was succeeded in the role of president by Thomas Fisher.

Purinton served as president of the Ohio League of Building and Loan Associations for many years beginning in 1909.

Other career highlights

From an early age, Purinton served on the board of directors of many pottery companies including the East End Pottery Co., the Elbe Pottery Co., the Wallace and Chetuyna Pottery Co., the George C. Murphy Pottery Co., the East Liverpool Pottery Co. and the United States Pottery Co.

From: Manual of Legislative Practice in the General Assembly of Ohio (1912)

In politics, Purinton was elected to the East Liverpool city council, for which he served as president. He was also president of the East Liverpool board of health, a member of the Carnegie library board and president of the sinking fund trustees. In 1910, he was elected to the Ohio Senate in which he served one term.

Purinton was instrumental in obtaining the funds to found the Carnegie library in East Liverpool. At the public speech he made at the opening of the library Purinton said, "The fact that the furnishings are of the best, with all the conveniences to be had is not to be construed in any way other than that nothing is too good for the man, woman, or child desiring knowledge, no matter how humble his calling or walk in life."

Later life and death

On October 11, 1953, Purinton died of cancer in his home at age 90. In his will, he left a surprise gift of $10,000 to the City Hospital's $750,000 building fund campaign.

In 2013, a building was named after John J. Purinton at the Kent State campus in East Liverpool.

Bank Officer Summary

During his banking career, Banker Name was involved with the following bank(s):

• First National Bank, East Liverpool, OH (Charter 2146): President 1923 - 1933

1929-T1 $10 note signed by W. E. Dunlap, Cashier and John J. Purinton, President.