First National Bank, Ottawa, KS (Charter 1718)
First National Bank, Ottawa, KS (Chartered 1870 - Closed (Merger) 1995)
Town History
Ottawa (pronounced /ˈɒtəwɑː/) is a city in, and the county seat of, Franklin County, Kansas. It is located on both banks of the Marais des Cygnes River near the center of Franklin County. It is the home of Ottawa University. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 12,625. In 1870 the population was 2,941 growing to 6,934 by 1900.
The name derives from the Ottawa tribe of Native Americans, on whose reservation the city was laid out. In the spring of 1864, title to the land was obtained from the tribe through treaty connected to the founding of Ottawa University, the Ottawa having donated 20,000 acres of land to establish and fund a school for the education of Indians and non-Indians alike. The word Ottawa itself means "to trade". In 1867, the Ottawa tribe sold their remaining land in Kansas and moved to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.
Ottawa had two National Banks chartered during the Bank Note Era, and both of those banks issued National Bank Notes.
Bank History
- Organized September 23, 1870
- Chartered October 10, 1870
- Succeeded P.P. Elder & Co.
- Ottawa Bank merged with it 1875
- Bank was Open past 1935
- For Bank History after 1935 see FDIC Bank History website
- Merged into Intrust Bank, N.A. in Wichita, KS, December 1, 1995
Peter P. Elder spent the first 30 years of his life in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. He attended the Farmington, Maine, academy and later the Wesleyan University at Reedville. He began teaching at the age of 16. An ardent abolitionist, he was attracted to the struggles in the young territory, Kansas, and in 1857 he enthusiastically joined the devoted band striving to make it a free state. He staked a claim near Ohio City and joined the Kansas militia. In 1861 he was appointed agent for the Osage and Seneca Indian tribes by President Lincoln with headquarters at Fort Scott. He resigned in 1865 after an enviable record of service during the civil war. He was especially successful on keeping the Indian tribes faithful to the federal cause. He returned to Franklin County and took up residence at Ottawa where he erected the first substantial residence in that young city. The material was hauled from Lawrence and Kansas City. In 1866 he established the banking firm of P.P. Elder & Co. and conducted a successful business up to 1870 when the First National Bank was organized with Mr. Elder as its first president. He sold his interest after two years. In 1870 he was elected lieutenant governor of Kansas and in that position presided over the senate where he had been elected a member in 1868.[2]
On Monday, November 28, 1870, the First National Bank opened for business. The capital was $50,000 with privilege to increase to $250,000. The officers were P.P. Elder, president; E.A. Skinner, vice president; R.W. Thacher, cashier; Messrs. P.P. Elder, E.A. Skinner, H.F. Sheldon, J.W. Magee, and John Walruff, directors.[3]
In October 1873, the officers were W.S. Hinkley, president; H.F. Sheldon, vice president; R.W. Thacher, cashier; R.J. Waddell, assistant cashier and W.C. Allen, teller. The directors were W.S. Hinkley, E.A. Skinner, H.F. Sheldon, R.W. Thacher, and R.J. Waddell.[4]
In 1875, the officers of the Ottawa Bank were A.M. Blair, president; J.P. Harris, vice president; and Horace J. Smith, cashier. The directors were Hon. D.M. Valentine, J.P. Harris, Horace J. Smith, D. Holaday, and A.M. Blair. The bank had capital of $50,000.[5]
In July 1875, the Ottawa Bank was consolidated with the First National.[6] In August, Hon. A.M. Blair returned from his visit to Pennsylvania looking much improved. He settled down to business again behind the counters of the First National.[7] The officers of the First National Bank were A.M. Blair, president; R.W. Thacher, vice president; Horace J. Smith, cashier; R.J. Waddell and J.P. Harris, assistant cashiers.[8]
In January 1882, Mr. E.A. Skinner and C.C. Minton of New York, purchased the interest of A.M. Blair, Esq., in the First National Bank of Ottawa. Mr. Skinner in connection with R.W. Thacher organized the bank and was its first vice president. After a very successful run he retired from the bank and returned to his former home where he became president of the First National Bank of Westfield, New York, a position he still held. After a lapse of 12 years, he, in connection with Mr. Minton, again buys an interest in the institution he so successfully launched many years ago. Mr. Blair was understood to remain with the bank in his old position for a few months and then he said he was going fishing.[9]
Charles Patterson Skinner, son of Rev. Levi Alburn and Laura A. (Patterson) Skinner, was born at Gowanda, Cattaraugus County, New York, May 3, 1844. He prepared for college at Westfield Academy. After graduation he was appointed assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Westfield, and later its cashier and vice-president. In 1885, he moved to Ottawa, Kansas, where he was vice-president and managing officer of the First National Bank until his death, from heart failure, November 1st, 1899.[10]
In January 1900, the officers and directors were Horace J. Smith, president; C.H. Estabrook, vice president; G.C. Smith, cashier; A.E. Smith, assistant cashier; C.C. Corwin, teller, G.H. Embry, E.A. Skinner, A.W. Benson. The bank had total resources of $409,811.93. At the close of business, December 2nd, 1899, the capital was $100,000, surplus and profits $16,170.25; circulation $22,500; and deposits $271,141.68.[11]
On Tuesday, January 9, 1906, C.L. Becker was elected as a new director taking the place of G.H. Embry whose failing health compelled his retirement from business. Mr. Embry was residing an California. The other directors re-elected were H.J. Smith, A.W. Benson, C.H. Estabrook, and A.E. Skinner. The officers were C.H. Estabrook, president; Senator A.W. Benson, vice president; G.C. Smith, cashier; A.E. Skinner, assistant cashier; V.O.N. Smith, teller.[12] On December 2, 1906, Horace J. Smith, a resident of Ottawa since the founding of the town, ex-member of the State Senate and one of Ottawa's wealthiest citizens, died at his home in Ottawa after a long illness. Senator Smith was a native of Pennsylvania. He raised a company for the Civil War and enlisted as first lieutenant and afterwards was advanced to captain. He went to Ottawa in 1866 and started the first hardware store in the town and afterward organized one of the first banks. He was president of the First National Bank for many years.[13]
In January 1912, the directors of the First National bank met and re-elected the old officers for the present year. They were F.J. Miller, president; C.H. Estabrook, vice president; C.A. Smart, vice president; E.A. Hanes, cashier; and C.E. Daniel, assistant cashier.[14]
On June 1, 1916, the resignation of C.E. Daniel as assistant cashier of the First National Bank became effective. M.A. Wolf who had been with the First National several years was advanced to Mr. Daniel's position. Clarence Ott who had been a clerk in the Peoples National a few years took a position with the First. Mr. Daniels expected to engage in business soon with his brother-in-law, Charles F. Bachmann.[15]
In February 1918, C.E. Daniel and Charles F. Bachmann sold their controlling interest in the State Bank of Fowler, Colorado to B.B. Basore, formerly of Lyons, Kansas, who was elected president in place of Mr. Daniel, retiring. Both Mr. Daniel and Mr. Bachmann were in the draft, second class B, and were preparing to be ready when called to service. The Fowler Bank was capitalized at $25,000 and was purchased by Messrs. Daniel and Bachmann in June 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel expected to return to Kansas early in March to visit parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Daniel and other relatives and friends. Mr. Bachmann would remain with the bank as assistant cashier for an indefinite time. Mrs. Bachman was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Daniel and her brother, Mr. C.E. Daniel was connected with the First National Bank for 10 years before going to Fowler.[16]
On November 22, 1934, Frank J. Miller, 64, president of the First National Bank of Ottawa died from a cerebral hemorrhage suffered two weeks ago. Mr. Miller was born in Ottawa and became prominent in state good roads activities, the chamber of commerce, and Liberty loan drives during the World War. He was a directors of the Commercial National Bank of Kansas City, Kansas.[17]
On May 1, 1936, C.Q. Chandler and C.J. Chandler of Wichita and Robert M. Clogston of Elkhart announced as completed purchase of controlling interest in the First National Bank of Ottawa. Mrs. Lillie Miller resigned as president and Mr. Clogston was elected in her place. The Ottawa bank was chartered in 1870 and had capital and surplus of more than $150,000 and deposits of $1 million. C.Q. Chandler was chairman of the board and C.J. Chandler was vice president of the First National Bank of Wichita. Mrs. Miller, retiring president, succeeded her husband, the late Frank J. Miller. Mrs. Miller retained a substantial portion of her stock and remained as a director. Other than Mr. Clogston taking over as president, there were no changes in the official staff. Mr. Clogston was the son of Lewis Clogston, Eureka attorney who was well-known in Wichita. He was rated as one of the most capable and conservative younger Kansas bankers. He had been in associated with Mr. Chandler in banks in Eastern Colorado and the Texas Panhandle and was president of the First National Bank of Elkhart. Mr. and Mrs. Clogston would move to Ottawa immediately and make their home there. Mrs. Clogston was the former Miss Elizabeth Chandler.[18]
Robert M. Clogston, 83, died March 9, 1989 at St. Luke's Hospital, Ottawa, Kansas. He was born in Eureka, Kansas and had lived in Ottawa since 1936. Mr. Clogston had been president and chief executive officer of the First National Bank of Ottawa since 1936. He received a 50 year award from the Kansas Bankers' Association in 1987 and was a trustee of Ottawa University for more than 50 years. He was a director of the Fidelity Bank and Trust Co., Topeka.[19]
On Monday, February 26, 1990, Officer Bruce Hanson, 35, was shot at least twice shortly after the robbery at the First National Bank in Ottawa and was in critcal condition. Hanson was probably unaware of the robbery and was handling crowd control for firefighters during a mock fire exercise near the intersection of two quiet side streets. As Hanson helped firefighters roll up hoses a speeding car ran over the hoses. Hanson turned on his sirens and pursued, thinking he was making a routine traffic stop. The suspect jumped out of his car and started firing. Hanson fired at least 14 shots most of them fired after he was wounded according to witnesses. "The policeman couldn't have been more than three feet away when that robber started shooting him," said Manuel Baldovino, who watched the shootout from less than half a block away. "The officer tried to get behind his car for cover, then he started returning fire. I don't think he ever fell down until it was over, but he knelt next to his car for one last shot before he collapsed. I think that's when he killed him." Ottawa Public Safety Department spokesman Richard Towe said the shooting took place just after the robbery at the First National Bank. He said a lone gunman had stolen an undetermined amount of cash and was running north. "If the suspect hadn't run over the fire hose, he'd have been out of town without a trace, according to Towe.[20] Bank president Don Hay had set off the alarm, but Ottawa's banks frequently sent false alarms when vaults were improperly opened or because of electrical glitches.[21] After two weeks, Officer Hanson was released from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, where he was treated for four gunshot wounds. One bullet remained lodged in his chest. The bank robbery suspect, John Roy Bird, 37, of the Great Bend area, was fatally shot.[22]
In December 1995, Intrust Financial Corp., parent company of Intrust Bank, N.A. announced that it had acquired First National Bank of Ottawa. The acquisition of the $45 million bank located in Ottawa increased the total number of Intrust locations in Kansas to 25. "We look forward to continuing the tradition of service to the community that has been established over the years and look forward to providing an expanded line of banking services to the Ottawa community," said C.Q. Chandler IV, president of Intrust. Intrust had assets of $1.5 billion, operating locations in Wichita, Derby, El Dorado, Haysville, Prairie Village, Shawnee and Valley Center.[23]
Official Bank Title
1: The First National Bank of Ottawa, KS
Bank Note Types Issued
A total of $1,746,700 in National Bank Notes was issued by this bank between 1870 and 1935. This consisted of a total of 154,317 notes (130,692 large size and 23,625 small size notes).
This bank issued the following Types and Denominations of bank notes:
Series/Type Sheet/Denoms Serial#s Sheet Comments Original Series 4x5 1 - 1750 Original Series 3x10-20 1 - 600 Series 1875 3x10-20 1 - 2027 1882 Brown Back 4x5 1 - 2500 1882 Brown Back 3x10-20 1 - 5050 1882 Date Back 4x5 1 - 1500 1882 Date Back 3x10-20 1 - 888 1902 Date Back 3x10-20 1 - 5300 1902 Plain Back 3x10-20 5301 - 18358 1929 Type 1 6x10 1 - 2474 1929 Type 1 6x20 1 - 696 1929 Type 2 10 1 - 3851 1929 Type 2 20 1 - 754
Bank Presidents and Cashiers
Bank Presidents and Cashiers during the National Bank Note Era (1870 - 1935):
Presidents:
- Peter Percival Elder, 1871-1871
- W. S. Hinkley, 1872-1874
- Alexander McGinley Blair, 1875-1881
- Horace Jeremiah Smith, 1882-1902
- Clinton H. Estabrook, 1903-1907
- William S. Fallis, 1908-1908
- Frank J. Miller, 1909-1933
- Lillie E. (Burkhardt) Miller, 1935-1935
Cashiers:
- Ralph W. Thacher, 1871-1874
- Horace Jeremiah Smith, 1875-1881
- Charles C. Minton, 1882-1890
- Charles Patterson Skinner, 1891-1894
- George C. Smith, 1895-1908
- Vernon O. N. Smith, 1909-1909
- Everett A. Hanes, 1910-1930
- Ralph Sheldon Hanes, 1931-1935
Other Known Bank Note Signers
Bank Note History Links
Sources
- Ottawa, KS, 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
- ↑ The Kansas City Star, Kansas City, MO, Sun., Apr. 6, 1875.
- ↑ The Ottawa Daily Republic, Ottawa, KS, Thu., Nov. 19, 1914.
- ↑ The Daily Kansas Tribune, Lawrence, KS, Sat., Dec. 3, 1870.
- ↑ Ottawa Weekly Republic, Ottawa, KS, Thu., Oct. 30, 1873.
- ↑ Ottawa Weekly Republic, Ottawa, KS, Thu., Feb. 11, 1875.
- ↑ Lawrence Daily Journal, Lawrence, KS, Sat., July 17, 1875.
- ↑ The Triumph, Ottawa, KS, Fri., Aug. 27, 1875.
- ↑ The Triumph, Ottawa, KS, Fri., Aug. 20, 1875.
- ↑ Ottawa Weekly Republic, Ottawa, KS, Thu., Jan. 19, 1882.
- ↑ The Ottawa Daily Republic, Ottawa, KS, Tue., Nov. 14, 1899.
- ↑ Independent-Journal, Ottawa, KS, Thu., Jan. 4, 1900.
- ↑ The Evening Herald, Ottawa, KS, Wed., Jan. 10, 1906.
- ↑ Leoti Standard, Leoti, KS, Thu., Dec. 27, 1906.
- ↑ The Evening Herald, Ottawa, KS, Wed., Jan. 10, 1912.
- ↑ The Ottawa Herald, Ottawa, KS, Thu., June 1, 1916.
- ↑ The Ottawa Herald, Ottawa, KS, Tue., Feb. 19, 1918.
- ↑ The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, KS, Fri., Nov. 23, 1934.
- ↑ The Wichita Beacon, Wichita, KS, Fri., May 1, 1936.
- ↑ The Kansas City Times, Kansas City, MO, Sat., Mar. 11, 1989.
- ↑ The Manhattan Mercury, Manhattan, KS, Tue., Feb. 27, 1990.
- ↑ The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, KS, Wed., Feb. 28, 1990.
- ↑ The Parsons Sun, Parsons, KS, Tue., Mar. 13, 1990.
- ↑ The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, KS, Wed., Dec. 6, 1995.