The Planters Bank opened in 1867, after an act of incorporation dated February 21, 1866, as the Planters Savings Bank. In 1870, the name was changed to the Planters Bank of Farmville with local merchants and businessmen, William T. Rice, Patrick H. Jackson, Howell E. Warren, William G. Venable, and Norvell Cobb, named as incorporators. The bank survived both the panic of 1873 and 1893, as well as the great depression. Planters Bank (later renamed Planters Bank and Trust Co.) continued in operation until 1967, when, during their centennial year, a decision was reached to merge with Fidelity National Bank.

The first three presidents of Planters Bank, whose portraits make up this collection, were H.E. Warren, R.S. Paulett, and T.J. Davis.

Howell E. Warren, who served as president from 1870 until his death in 1878, was born in Surry County, Virginia in 1809. In addition to his role as incorporator and President of Planters Bank, Warren was an incorporator of Farmville Savings Bank and the Farmville Manufacturing Company. As well, he was a Justice of the Peace for the Prince Edward County Court and was a trustee of the Farmville Female College from 1860 until his death.

Richard Singleton Paulett, who was born in Charlotte County, Virginia in 1820, was president of Planters Bank from 1878 until his death in 1902. A merchant and tobacconist, Paulett, with his sons, formed the R.S. Paulett and Son tobacco warehouse, and was one of Farmville's leading tobacco dealers both before and after the Civil War.

Thomas J. Davis, who served as president from 1902 until 1905, was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1824. A merchant by trade, Davis was also director of the First National Bank and was treasurer of the Methodist Church for over fifty years.