The Carson National Bank of Auburn traces its heritage to the earliest days of Nebraska and Nemaha County history. Officially established in Auburn in 1887, it is the oldest bank in Nemaha County. The bank’s roots go even further back. John L. Carson and B.F. Lushbaugh started the Lushbaugh and Carson Bank in Brownville on January 14, 1857.

This bank was recognized as the Carson Bank in 1860, seven years before Nebraska became a state. In 1871, it was nationalized as the First National Bank of Brownville. Sixteen years later, John L. Carson moved it back to Auburn as the Carson National Bank.
The Grant family became involved in 1925 when Frank Gerlaw became president of the bank. His great-grandson, Jim Grant, III, is the current president of Carson National Bank. Great-granddaughters Kathy Grant Green and Carol Grant Schulte are current stockholders. Frank’s great-great-grandson, David Grant, sits on the Board of Directors.
Originally, the bank was located on the east side of the courthouse square. It operated at this location from its beginning in 1887 until 1972, when it moved to its current location in the Crest View Addition of Auburn. Since 1972, the bank has changed its face through an addition to 1984, a remodel in 2008, and the addition of a drive-up ATM on the north side of the bank building in 2010.

Carson National Bank takes pride in being one of the oldest banks in Nebraska. The 1987 celebration of a century of service is still remembered with a smile by Nemaha County residents. Their staff also has many years of experience. Of eleven full-time employees and one part-time employee, five of them have exceeded 30 years of service at Carson National Bank.
The bank serves the needs of the community by providing drive up and ATM services, as well as being available from 8:30-5:30 Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturdays in its lobby. Carson National Bank has long sponsored scholarships for area youth for higher education opportunities as well as supporting local 4-H and other organizations in the area.
As it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, the bank will be displaying the tools of banking which were used before computer processing changed the world of banking. A coffee will be scheduled late in the year.