James H. McBirney
James Hugh McBirney | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Cloghjordan, County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Died | June 8, 1944 (aged 74) Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, financial institution founder |
| Years active | 1889–1944 |
| Known for | Founder of the National Bank of Commerce (Tulsa) |
James Hugh McBirney (March 1, 1870 – June 8, 1944) was an Irish-born banker and financial institution founder based in Oklahoma.
Originating from County Tipperary, Ireland, McBirney immigrated to the United States with his family when he was around five years old. They established their home in southern Kansas, where his father, Hugh McBirney, served as a Methodist clergyman. Raised in Kansas, James later ventured to Oklahoma Territory to take part in the 1883 land run, although he was unsuccessful in securing his intended claim. Despite having only a public school background, he pursued a career in banking. In 1897, he became part of the newly formed Bank of Tulsa, advancing to the position of Vice President. He went on to found Tulsa’s Bank of Commerce in 1904, which was rebranded as the National Bank of Commerce in 1911.
Early life
James McBirney entered the world on March 1, 1870, in Cloghjordan, County Tipperary, Ireland, as the eldest son of Reverend Hugh McBirney D.D., a Methodist minister, and Susan Mark McBirney. Out of twelve siblings, six including James—along with Robert A., Anna, Sam P., Lea, and Caroline—survived into adulthood. When James was approximately five and a half years old, the family relocated to southern Kansas where he completed his education through public schools.
There is no evidence that he pursued higher education. In 1883, he participated in the Cherokee Outlet Land Run within Oklahoma Territory, claiming land near what would later become Enid, Oklahoma, but lost the claim because it had been designated for public purposes beforehand. By 1895, he had moved to what was then Indian Territory near present-day Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Banking career
McBirney’s entry into banking began at the Bank of Columbus located in Columbus, Kansas in 1889, starting as a janitor before quickly advancing to a bookkeeping role. After three years there, he took on a similar bookkeeping position at C. M. Condon and Company Bank (which later became Condon National Bank) in Coffeyville, Kansas for an additional two years. In 1897, he joined the Tulsa Banking Company (TBC), recognized as the first bank established in Indian Territory, and rose to become its vice president by 1904.
Following a change in ownership at TBC to investors outside the local area, McBirney collaborated with his brother Sam P. McBirney, Lee Clinton, and T. E. Smiley to create the Bank of Commerce on February 4, 1904. This institution was federally chartered and renamed the National Bank of Commerce in 1911.
McBirney also held national influence through his ten-year tenure on the Executive Council of the American Bankers Association (ABA), including serving six years as chairman of its Agriculture Committee.
Personal
On June 6, 1901, James married Vera Clinton—daughter of Charles and Louise Clinton—in Red Fork within Creek Nation. The couple had four children: Dorothy Vera, Martha, J. D., and Simmons (who passed away in 1936). They resided at multiple locations throughout Tulsa before finally settling at the distinguished McBirney Mansion located at 1414 South Galveston Avenue, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A passionate sports enthusiast, McBirney enjoyed football and baseball as well as outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. His decision to join Tulsa Banking Company was partly influenced by the chance to play on Tulsa’s inaugural baseball team in 1897 alongside his brother Sam.
Religious affiliation
McBirney became a member of Tulsa’s First Methodist Church in 1897 and played a significant role as a key benefactor, serving as chairman of its Board of Trustees for more than four decades. He spearheaded the initiative to build the Gothic-style church on Boulder Avenue, which continues to operate today as the First United Methodist Church of Tulsa. The chapel adjacent to the main sanctuary bears the name McBirney Chapel in recognition of his family’s contributions.
James McBirney passed away in Tulsa on June 8, 1944. His funeral service took place at First Methodist Church, and he was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Other activities
Throughout his life, James actively participated in numerous professional and social groups. He was a Mason who achieved the Knights Templar degree within the York rites and earned the 32nd degree in the Scottish rites. His memberships extended to prominent local organizations such as the Tulsa Club, Tulsa Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Men’s Dinner Club, and Knife and Fork Club. Furthermore, he generously supported charitable causes including the Red Cross and Community Chest through both volunteer efforts and financial donations.