How Camp Ellis affected Western Illinois
Citizens National Bank of Macomb opened a facility
During World War II when the U. S. Army troops were stationed at Camp Ellis, 23 miles east of Macomb, the Citizens National Bank cooperated with the Army by establishing a banking facility. Mr. John Fisher, who formerly was a practicing attorney but also had previous banking experience, was placed in charge of the facility. He had previously been turned down by the armed services because of a physical impairment. Camp Ellis was operated by the Army for training purposes. The number of men assigned there varied from 50,000 to over 60,000. The facility opened July, 1943, and was in constant use until October 1, 1945.