Farmers Deposit NB, Pittsburgh, PA (Charter 685)
Farmers Deposit NB, Pittsburgh, PA (Chartered 1865 - Open past 1935)
Town History
Pittsburgh is a city in the state of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 302,971 living within the city limits making it the 68th-largest city in the U.S. and the second-most populous city in Pennsylvania, behind Philadelphia. The Pittsburgh metropolitan area is the anchor of Western Pennsylvania; its population of 2.37 million is the largest in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia, the second-largest in Pennsylvania, and the 27th-largest in the U.S.
Pittsburgh is located in the southwest of the state, at the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, forming the Ohio River. Pittsburgh is known both as "the Steel City" for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and as the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges. The city features 30 skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary war fortification and the Point State Park at the confluence of the rivers. The city developed as a vital link of the Atlantic coast and Midwest.
Aside from steel, Pittsburgh has led in the manufacturing of other important materials — aluminum and glass — and in the petroleum industry. Additionally, it is a leader in computing, electronics, and the automotive industry. For part of the 20th century, Pittsburgh was behind only New York City and Chicago in corporate headquarters employment; it had the most U.S. stockholders per capita. Deindustrialization in the 1970s and 1980s laid off area blue-collar workers as steel and other heavy industries declined, and thousands of downtown white-collar workers also lost jobs when several Pittsburgh-based companies moved out. The population dropped from a peak of 675,000 in 1950 to 370,000 in 1990. However, this rich industrial history left the area with renowned museums, medical centers, parks, academic institutions, research centers, and a diverse cultural district.
After the deindustrialization of the mid-20th century, Pittsburgh has transformed into a hub for the health care, education, and technology. Pittsburgh is a leader in the health care sector as the home to large medical providers such as University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The area is home to 68 colleges and universities, including research and development leaders Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Google, Apple Inc., Bosch, Facebook, Uber, Nokia, Autodesk, Amazon, Microsoft and IBM are among 1,600 technology firms generating $20.7 billion in annual Pittsburgh payrolls. The area has served as the long-time federal agency headquarters for cyber defense, software engineering, robotics, energy research and the nuclear navy. The nation's fifth-largest bank, eight Fortune 500 companies, and six of the top 300 U.S. law firms make their global headquarters in the area, while RAND Corporation (RAND), BNY Mellon, Nova, FedEx, Bayer, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have regional bases that helped Pittsburgh become the sixth-best area for U.S. job growth.
Pittsburgh was named in 1758, by General John Forbes, in honor of British statesman William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. Pittsburgh was incorporated as a borough on April 22, 1794. From 1891 to 1911, the city's name was federally recognized as "Pittsburg", though use of the final h was retained during this period by the city government and other local organizations including most, but not all national banks. After a public campaign, the federal decision to drop the h was reversed.
The North Side is home to various neighborhoods in transition. What is known today as Pittsburgh's North Side was once known as Allegheny City, and operated as a city independently of Pittsburgh until it was merged with Pittsburgh in 1907 under great protest from its citizens.
The South Side was once the site of the Pennsylvania Railroad rail yards and associated dense, inexpensive housing for mill and railroad workers. Since the late 20th century, the city undertook a Main Street program in cooperation with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, encouraging design and landscape improvements on East Carson Street, and supporting new retail. The area has become a local Pittsburgher destination. East Carson Street has developed as one of the most vibrant areas of the city, packed with diverse shopping, ethnic eateries, vibrant nightlife, and live music venues.
In 1993 the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh purchased the South Side Works steel mill property. It collaborated with the community and various developers to create a master plan for a mixed-use development, to include a riverfront park, office space, housing, health-care facilities, and indoor practice fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers. Construction began in 1998. The South-Side Works has been open since 2005, featuring many stores, restaurants, offices, and the world headquarters for American Eagle Outfitters.
The East End of Pittsburgh is home to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University, Chatham University, The Carnegie Institute's Museums of Art and Natural History, Phipps Conservatory, and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. It is also home to many parks and public spaces including Mellon Park, Westinghouse Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, The Frick Pittsburgh, Bakery Square, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. The neighborhoods of Shadyside and Squirrel Hill are large, wealthy neighborhoods with some apartments and condos, and pedestrian-oriented shopping/business districts. Squirrel Hill is also known as the hub of Jewish life in Pittsburgh, home to approximately 20 synagogues. Oakland, heavily populated by undergraduate and graduate students, is home to most of the universities, and the Petersen Events Center. The Strip District to the west along the Allegheny River is an open-air marketplace by day and a clubbing destination by night. Bloomfield is Pittsburgh's Little Italy and is known for its Italian restaurants and grocers. Lawrenceville is a revitalizing rowhouse neighborhood popular with artists and designers. The Hill District was home to photographer Charles Harris as well as various African-American jazz clubs. Other East End neighborhoods include Point Breeze, Regent Square, Homewood, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, Larimer, East Hills, East Liberty, Polish Hill, Hazelwood, Garfield, Morningside, and Stanton Heights.
The West End includes Mt. Washington, with its famous view of the Downtown skyline and numerous other residential neighborhoods such as Sheraden and Elliott.
Pittsburgh had 43 National Banks chartered during the Bank Note Era, and 42 of those banks issued National Bank Notes. Pittsburgh also had several Obsolete Banks that issued Obsolete Bank Notes during the Obsolete Bank Note Era (1782-1866).
Bank History
- Organized December 19, 1864
- Chartered January 5, 1865
- Succeeded Farmers Deposit Bank
- Bank was Open past 1935
Pittsburgh Savings Bank and Farmers Deposit Bank
The Pittsburgh Savings Bank was incorporated in 1832. In March, 1840, public notice was given by Thomson Bell, Treasurer, that the Pittsburgh Saving Fund Company would apply for an extension of its charter under the name and style of the Farmer's Deposit Bank of Pittsburgh and that capital would be increased to $500,000, being an increase of $300,000 above its current capital. The extension requested of its corporate privileges was for a period of 15 years. The bank was located at Fourth Street between Wood and Market Streets. Despite requests, the State Legislature never granted circulation privileges to the bank.
In January 1842, The Farmers' Deposit Bank had capital of $200,000. The directors were James Marshall, Jos. Long, James McCanley, Wm. Young, Henry McGeary, and Wm. Douglass. The officers were G. Adams, president and Thompson Bell, cashier.
On February 27, 1852, J.J. Carpenter, Esq., cashier of the Farmers Deposit Bank fell dead this morning of disease of the heart.
In November 1863, Farmers' Deposit Banking Co. advertised the stockholders individually responsible to depositors to the whole extent of their private means were: James Marshall, William Young, John Scott, Jacob Painter, William Walker, William Carr, Samuel George, S.B. Robinson, Thomas Mellon, Thomas Scott, Robert Bell, Joseph Love, John McDevitt, D.A. Stewart, John Floyd, D.R. Galway, Hay Walker, W.W. McGregor, and John S. Dilworth. James Marshall was president and R.A. George was cashier.
Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh
On January 5, 1865, The Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh was authorized by the comptroller of the currency, Hugh McCulloch, to commence business with a capital of $300,000.
On January 5, 1866, stockholders elected the following Board of Directors: President, James Marshall; Directors, John Scott, John McDevitt, Samuel George, B. Robinson, Wm. Walker, and Charles Arbuckle.
On January 14, 1868, the stockholder elected directors as follows: Jas. Marshall, president; Samuel George, John McDevitt, Chas. Arbuckle, Wm. Walker, S.D. Robinson, and John Scott.
On Tuesday, January 11, 1876, the following were elected as directors: Wm. Walker, Joseph Walton, Charles Arbuckle, Jacob Painter, D. Hostetter, James Marshall, and Samuel George.
In January 1882, stockholders elected the following Board of Directors: Hay Walker, D. Hostetter, James Marshall, James A. McDevitt, John L. George, Ralph Bagaley, and Joseph Walton.
On Tuesday, January 14, 1890, the directors elected were: Joseph Walton, John L. George, James A. McDevitt. Hay Walker, Jr., James H. Reed, Samuel P. Harbison, and Thomas H. Given. Cashier T.H. Given was a serious dog fancier, serving on the executive committee of the Bull-Terrier Club of America, hosting meetings on the bank's premises. The subject of Prince, the mascot of the Farmers National Bank has been described by Loren Gatch in "Prince, The Watchdog of the Bank." Prince's image is found on advertisements and paraphernalia of the Farmers Deposit National Bank and the Farmers Deposit Savings Bank.
On January 13, 1903, the directors elected were: T.H. Given, Hay Walker, Jr., James Reed, D.C. Noble, John Walker, A.W. Mellon, and Joseph A. Herron. The bank's new building was being erected on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Wood Street with occupancy expected in March. The bank had capital of $800,000, surplus of 4,100,000 and undivided profits of $2,000,000. The Farmers Deposit Bank building would stand until May 25, 1997 when it was imploded by Controlled Demolitions, Inc.
1926 bombing of the Farmers Deposit Savings Bank
On Monday, May 25, 1903 application was made by Thomas H. Given, Hay Walker, Jr., James H. Reed, Daniel C. Noble, John Walker, Andrew W. Mellon, and Joseph A. Herron for the charter to be called "FARMERS DEPOSIT SAVINGS BANK OF PITTSBURG." The capital stock was $100,000 divided into 1,000 shares of par value of $100. On Aug. 29, 1903, the Farmers Deposit Savings Bank was organized.
On August 24, 1926, two persons were killed and eight seriously injured when a bomb was exploded in the Farmers Deposit National Bank building in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The bomb exploded when bank police and several patrons attempted to capture an unidentified man who threatened to "blow up the bank" if he was not given $2,000 which he demanded of a teller. The bomb-carrier received the full force of the blast and was almost decapitated. He remained unidentified. George C. Ortmann, bank policeman who was rushing toward the man when the bomb exploded, died ten minutes later in a hospital. Everett M. Jones, the paying teller to whom the bomber presented his demand for $2,000 shortly before he released the bomb, cut on the face and suffering from shock, vividly described events preceding and immediately following the blast. Jones, unable to make out the note, asked what the man wanted. The man muttered that he wanted $2,000. Jones took the slip to M.E. Boyle, P.L. Adams and J.L. Luther, assistant cashiers. J.V. Brogan, the second teller said the man grew impatient and inquired: "will I get the money?" Brogan assured the bomber that he would get the $2,000 and attempted to keep him calm while Edward B. Coll, president of the Farmers Deposit Savings Bank, M.A. Kendall, vice president, and the two bank policeman, Ortmann and Albert C. Anderson were summoned. "Coll and Kendall approached from inside the cage," Jones said, “while the bank policemen, with Ortmann in the lead came up from the corridor. Then the bomber became excited. He seemed to realize that all chances in getting the money were gone. He leaped from the cage window, let out a maniacal shout and that was all I remember. The next thing I knew I was lying flat on the floor of the cage with excited persons rushing about in all directions."
The note demanding $2,000, from the unidentified bandit shoved through a teller's cage was found in the pocket of George Ortmann, the policeman. It read: "Sirs: You are held up for $2,000. Dynamite is in my hand. It will discharge when the handle is out of my hand. If you or anyone else fires a gun at me there will be no cage left and we will all be blown up in pieces. If you are willing to come across with $2,000 be quiet and keep off the alarms. The help will do you no good. If they come they will come for their death. If not, make all the noise you like. I will help you with the noise that the whole of Pittsburgh will hear. If you wish to see the death machine, ask for it. Otherwise absolute silence. Death or $2,000. Either you like." The man was described as about 33 years old and apparently a Russian. Bank employees said they had see the man loitering about the building earlier in the day and that he had been in and out of the banking room several times.
Ortman was about to seize the man when he sensed approaching trouble. Witnesses said the bandit kicked a black satchel containing the bomb as it fell to the floor and received the force of the blast in the stomach and head. Ortmann was knocked against the marble wall. He was rushed to a hospital but died ten minutes later. Twenty-four persons, bank employees and depositors, were rushed to hospitals in ambulances and any means of transportation available. After receiving first aid treatment, fifteen of the victims were taken to their homes. The condition of four others was critical, although physicians hoped all would recover. The interior of the bank in the vicinity of the explosion was wrecked. President Coll estimated the damage to the building and bank fixtures at $150,000. That there were not more serious casualties was due in a large measure to the arrangement and construction of the bank fixtures. The walls, floor and the lower part of the cages were covered with thick, white marble. This afforded a certain protection for the men inside the cages. Plate glass windows for blocks around were shattered and many persons not near the blast were cut and bruised in this manner. The bomb exploded at one of the busiest times of the day when hundreds of workers were leaving from work.
Police described the bomb as an unusually large charge of nitroglycerine in a heavy zinc cylinder set off by an explosion of gunpowder that was ignited by a spark from a battery. The bomber was adept in the handling of high explosives and was familiar with the intricate mechanism of such devices. A black memorandum book blown from his clothing was found inside the teller's cage where it had been hurled by the force of the explosion. In the book were noted the names of scores of prominent politicians and officials of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Among them were District Attorney Samuel H. Gardner, former State Senator C.M. Barr, and Councilman P.J. McArtle. There also was a newspaper clipping telling of a political meeting in Norristown, Pa., April 29, 1926. Other scrawls in the book indicated that the anarchist was preparing a death list and a program of attack on council and other governmental groups. Coroners said the body of the man was so mangled that it was impossible to identify him positively. He was between 25 and 40, about five feet, eight inches in height and weighed between 160 and 170 pounds. Pieces of an appliance for hernia were found on the body.
Working on the theory that the bomber was a maniac or escaped patient from a mental hospital, police were ruling out those suspects. All but seven of the blast victims were released from hospitals. Of the remaining seven, A.C. Anderson, special bank policeman who was rushing in the aid of George Ortmann, bank policeman killed in the blast, was the only one in critical condition. Anderson was severely burned and it was feared he may lose sight in both eyes. Police Lieut. Peter Connors, head of the homicide squad, said there was a bare possibility that the identity of the bomber would be established. Hundreds of persons viewed the body in the morgue, but thus far none recognized the man. The only clues police had which may ultimately lead to identifying him, were a cheap belt buckle, initialed "L" and remnants of his clothing. Examination of parts of the bomb picked up from the floor of the wrecked banking room showed it to be of the nitroglycerine type. Had the bomb not been on the marble floor when it exploded many more persons would have been killed, police believed.
Captain C.E. Wood, of Engine Company, No. 17, was one of the veterans of the city fire department who had fought hundreds of battles at big fires during his career, and never met with an injury. "Bnt my time cane yesterday," said Captain Wood at Mercy Hospital, where he had been, taken after being injured in the explosion. The fire fighter was standing in front of the bank on Fifth Avenue awaiting a street car to take him home when the bomb let loose. He was knocked unconscious and also sustained lacerations on the face and neck and the loss of the tip of his nose which was carried away by a piece of flying glass. He was able to leave the hospital and retnrn to duty the next day.
On January 11, 1927, officers for the Farmers Deposit Savings Bank were Edward B. Coll, president: A.E. Braun, vice president; Charles W. Alston, cashier; George Zlmmerman and Franklin Coar, assistant cashiers. The directors were: James H. Reed, William Walker, A.E. Braun, James E. Lewis, S.S. Liggett, George L. Craig, Herbert Du Puy, Maurice Falk, R.D. Campbell, and E.B. Coll. The Farmers Deposit Trust Company directors were J.H. Reed, A.E. Braun, Charles E. Pope, Maurice Falk, and Sidney Liggett.
Farmers National Bank 1920s until 1950 merger with Mellon National Bank and Trust Company
In January 1927, officers were J.H. Reed, chairman of the board; A.E. Braun, president; M.A. Kendall, vice president; G.C. Moore, vice president; C.R. Nesbitt, assistant vice president; J.H. Jones, cashier; P.L. Adams, M.E. Boyle, and J.M. Luther, assistant cashiers. The directors were: A.E. Braun, R.D. Campbell, George H. Clapp, George L. Craig, Herbert Du Puy, Maurice Falk, Chas. W. Friend, Joseph A. Herron, J.E. Lewis, S.S. Liggett, William L. Monro, Charles E. Pope, James H. Reed, A.W. Robertson, and William Walker.
In January 1950, the officers and directors were: Arthur E. Braun, Chairman of the Board; Hiland G. Batcheller, President, Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation; Davitt S. Bell, President, Edgewater Steel Company; Charles E. Bennett, President, Manufacturers Light and Heat Company; Albert B. Craig, President, Chartiers Oil Company; Robert J. Dodds, Partner, Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay; Leon Falk, Jr., Chairman, Falk & Company; Philip A. Fleger, Executive Vice President, Philadelphia Company; William C. Fownes, Jr., Industrialist; Andrew J. Huglin, Vice President; George D. Lockhart, Partner, Kirkpatrick, Pomeroy, Lockhart & Johnson; Pressly H. McCance, President, Duquesne Light Company; F. Brian Reuter, Vice President, Mellon National Bank and Trust Company; Andrew W. Robertson, Chairman, Westinghouse Electric Corporation; John S. Smith, President; and Raymond Willey, Director, Harbison-Walker Refractories Company.
Effective Monday, December 4, 1950, the Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh became part of Mellon National Bank and Trust Company. The office located at Fifth Avenue and Wood Street would be known as the Farmers Bank Office, and the office located at Fifth and Liberty Avenues became the Pitt Office, both of Mellon National Bank and Trust Company. Customers and other friends of the Farmers Deposit National Bank were invited to make full use of the wide range of various banking and trust facilities. John S. Smith, president of the Farmers bank was appointed vice president of Mellon with supervision over the two new Mellon branches.
Official Bank Title(s)
1: The Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh, PA
Bank Note Types Issued
A total of $47,285,760 in National Bank Notes was issued by this bank between 1865 and 1935. This consisted of a total of 5,168,952 notes (3,539,360 large size and 1,629,592 small size notes).
This bank issued the following Types and Denominations of bank notes:
Series/Type Sheet/Denoms Serial#s Sheet Comments Original Series 3x1-2 1 - 3000 Original Series 4x5 1 - 8000 Original Series 3x10-20 1 - 4300 Original Series 50-100 1 - 1000 Series 1875 50-100 1 - 586 1882 Brown Back 50-100 1 - 12844 1902 Red Seal 50-100 1 - 9600 1902 Date Back 4x5 1 - 35000 1902 Date Back 3x10-20 1 - 109000 1902 Date Back 50-100 1 - 6000 1902 Date Back 3x50-100 1 - 8000 1902 Plain Back 4x5 35001 - 527715 1902 Plain Back 3x10-20 109001 - 314882 1902 Plain Back 3x50-100 8001 - 11928 1929 Type 1 6x5 1 - 184014 1929 Type 1 6x10 1 - 57170 1929 Type 1 6x20 1 - 18404 1929 Type 1 6x50 1 - 3216 1929 Type 1 6x100 1 - 1166 1929 Type 2 5 1 - 34072 1929 Type 2 10 1 - 11700
Bank Presidents and Cashiers
Bank Presidents and Cashiers during the National Bank Note Era (1865 - 1936):
Presidents:
- James Marshall, 1865-1868
- William Walker, 1869-1879
- Samuel George, Jr., 1880-1880
- Joseph Walton, 1880-1892
- Thomas Hartley Given, 1893-1918 NOTE: a featured biography is available
- Arthur E. Braun, 1919-1935
Cashiers:
- Robert A. George, 1865-1867
- Francis L. "Frank" Stephenson, 1868-1870
- Samuel George, Jr., 1871-1879
- Thomas Hartley Given, 1880-1892 NOTE: a featured biography is available
- Jonathan Williamson Fleming, 1893-1916
- Joseph Harry Jones, 1917-1929
- Mervyn Ewing Boyle, 1930-1935
Other Bank Note Signers
- There are currently no known Vice President or Assistant Cashier bank note signers for this bank.
Wiki Links
- Pennsylvania Bank Note History
- General information on Pittsburgh (Wikipedia)
- General information on Allegheny County (Wikipedia)
- General information on Pennsylvania (Wikipedia)
Sources
- Pittsburgh, PA, on Wikipedia
- Don C. Kelly, National Bank Notes, A Guide with Prices. 6th Edition (Oxford, OH: The Paper Money Institute, 2008).
- Dean Oakes and John Hickman, Standard Catalog of National Bank Notes. 2nd Edition (Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1990).
- Banks & Bankers Historical Database (1782-1935), https://spmc.org/bank-note-history-project
- Detroit Publishing Co., Publisher. Fort Pitt National Bank on Fourth Avenue, former quarters of the Farmers Deposit National Bank, Pittsburg, PA. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania United States, ca. 1905 to 1906. Photograph.
- The Pittsburgh Gazette, Pittsburgh, PA, Sat., Mar. 21, 1840.
- The Pittsburgh Gazette, Pittsburgh, PA, Fri., Jan. 7, 1842.
- The New York Times, New York, NY, Sat., Feb. 28, 1852.
- The Pittsburgh Daily Commercial, Pittsburgh, PA, Sat., Nov. 14, 1863.
- The Pittsburgh Daily Commercial, Pittsburgh, PA, Mon., Jan. 9, 1865.
- Pittsburgh Daily Post, Pittsburgh, PA, Tue., Jan. 9, 1866.
- The Pittsburgh Post, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed., Jan. 15, 1868.
- Pittsburgh Commercial, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed., Jan. 12, 1876.
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed., Jan. 11, 1882.
- Pittsburgh Daily Post, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed., Jan. 15, 1890.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Tue., Jan. 13, 1903.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Thu., Feb. 19, 1903.
- Pittsburgh Daily Post, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed., Aug. 25, 1926.
- New Castle News, New Castle, PA, Wed., Aug. 25, 1926.
- The Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA, Wed., Aug. 25, 1926.
- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, the Evening News, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Tue., Aug. 26, 1926.
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, PA, Tue., Jan. 4, 1927.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Tue., Jan. 11, 1927.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Wed. Jan. 4, 1950.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Sun., Dec. 3, 1950.
- The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA, Mon., Dec. 4, 1950.