Ansel Atherton

Ansel Atherton works as a banker at the West Elizabeth Co-Operative Bank in Blackwater and is a distant cousin of Pronghorn Ranch owner David Geddes. When John Marston, living as Jim Milton, wants to buy Beecher's Hope, he asks Geddes to recommend him to the bank. Geddes agrees and directs him to Atherton. John goes to the bank, finds Atherton in his office, and asks for a loan to purchase the property.

Atherton mocks John's claim to be a farmer and his request for credit, but Geddes' connection persuades him to consider the loan. He tells John to inspect Beecher's Hope and remove its illegal occupants while the paperwork is prepared. After John clears the squatters from the land, he returns to Blackwater. Atherton has him sign the loan documents and explains that the bank will repossess the ranch if the debt is not paid on time. He also opens a line of credit for improvements, adding any spending to John's debt.

Atherton sees John again when John and Uncle return to the West Elizabeth Co-Operative Bank seeking more credit for a barn at Beecher's Hope. Uncle's manner and John's uncertain finances lead Atherton to refuse the request. He grants John more time to settle the existing debt, then sends the pair away from his office.