Our Story
The Community Bank that puts People First
Founded in 1919, in the small, rural village of Fowblesburg, by a group of community members, Farmers & Merchants Bank has been a cornerstone for over a century. As a locally owned and operated institution, our independence allows us to provide personalized banking services tailored to the needs of our neighbors. With eight branches across Northern Baltimore County and Carroll County, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. From the beginning, we proudly serve our community with a commitment to trusted relationships, financial expertise, and local decision-making.
Guiding the Bank Through the Years
Ernest E. Wooden
1919 – 1978
Ernest E. Wooden
Ernest E. Wooden was a pillar of both Farmers & Merchants Bank and the Upperco community. A farmer, accountant, lawyer, teacher, and most notably, banker, Wooden helped shape the bank from its inception in 1919. As one of its founding leaders, he served as the first Bank President, a role he held with distinction for an extraordinary 58 years.
Milson C. Raver
1978 – 1986
Milson C. Raver
Milson C. Raver was the Executive Vice President of the Maryland State Teachers Association and a farmer. A distant cousin of Ernest E Wooden. His father was one of the men that met and decided they needed a bank in the Fowblesburg area. He was a career long educator and lobbyist. During his tenure the bank grew from $8 million in total assets to $50 million. He also purchased the first computer system in Bank history automating Bank processing and data storage.
Paul F. Wooden
1986 – 1995
Paul F. Wooden
Like his father, Ernest E Wooden, he was an accountant, lawyer, and banker. Oversaw the construction and opening of Farmers & Merchants Bank’s first branch location, in Hampstead. Served as our first Chairman of the Board when the position was created in 1995.
James R. Bosley
1995 – 2022
Current Board Member
James R. Bosley
Managed the bank’s growth in assets from $65 million to $720 million during his 27-year tenure. Serving as Executive Vice President under Paul Wooden, Jim is credited for playing a major role in opening the Hampstead branch. He continued his substantial impact when serving as bank President, being responsible for the addition of multiple bank locations, as well as the 2020 acquisition of Carroll Community Bank.