A longtime family business in Oxford has joined with a longtime local bank.

Mechanics Bank, established in 1892 and currently having offices in Water Valley and Oxford, has acquired Oxford Insurance Agency, serving the area as an independent agency since 1910.

Oxford Insurance Agency president Tim Tatum will continue in his leading role, and welcomes David Krouse as vice president at the agency.

Krouse joins from Mechanics Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mechanics Bank. He will now work from the Oxford Insurance Agency offices on North Lamar Boulevard, joining the rest of agency’s staff, which also remains intact.

The Tatum family has owned Oxford Insurance Agency for the majority of years since it opened in 1910, serving Oxford and Lafayette County. Tim Tatum and his brother, Pat Tatum, have been involved for decades.

“In our market, Oxford Insurance and the Tatum family are synonymous with quality insurance products and service. Our alliance with Oxford Insurance and the quality Oxford Insurance Agency staff strengthens our ability to exceed customer expectations,” said Cam Tyler, who serves as Mechanics Bank President.

Tyler said Krouse joins Oxford Insurance immediately and will continue to serve current customers while assisting in the growth and management of Oxford Insurance.

“I thank Tim and Pat Tatum for their support and am excited to join the Oxford Insurance team,” said Krouse, Oxford Insurance’s new vice president. “We share common goals and will continue to pursue customer service at the highest level.”