Owingsville Banking Company prides itself in a long and rich history serving its community with personal, friendly banking. Situated in the Owings House, our history in Bath County reaches back to the creation of the town for which we are named.

According to J.A. Richards in A History of Bath County, the Owings House was the product of a friendly contest between Colonel Thomas Deye Owings and Richard Menefee which arose just after Bath County was formed in 1811. Both men were prominent citizens, as Owings owned the Bourbon Iron Furnace and was later esteemed for his leadership in the War of 1812, and as Menefee served on the Kentucky House of Representatives and was father to the presumed successor of Henry Clay. Each man had donated a portion of the land on which the county seat was to be situated, and the decision was made that the family who could build the finest home in the shortest length of time would win the prize of naming the town.

Colonel Owings selected Benjamin Latrobe, famous for designing the United States Capitol, as his architect. Using Latrobe’s plans, Owings constructed an impressive mansion that, among its beautiful woodwork and detail, held what is still recognized as the largest unsupported spiral staircase in a private dwelling in North America. This historic landmark would bear the Colonel’s name, as would the town it looked upon.

Owingsville Banking Company has remained in the Owings House since its first day of business in 1893. Founded by father and son J.H. and J.M. Richart, among other local shareholders, we have continued to promote our ideal of one-on-one personal service for over 130 years. Just as we are proud of the history of our town and home, we are also proud of our commitment to serve our customers and community.

In this spirit of service, we seek to establish the Owings-Richart Cup, in honor and memory of our founders and those that have come since. The aim of this scholarship is to promote an interest in local history, so that future generations continue to appreciate the special place from which they come. An award of $2,500.00 will be given to the winner chosen by the scholarship committee.