First National Bank, Williamsport, PA (Charter 175)

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Main banking room
Main banking room of the First National Bank of Williamsport, 1914.[1]

First National Bank, Williamsport, PA (Chartered 1863 - Closed (Merger) 1993)

Town History

The First National Bank of Williamsport
The First National Bank of Williamsport. The bank moved here on May 9, 1914.[2]
Main banking room
Officers' quarters of the First National Bank in 1914.[3]

Williamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 27,754. It is the principal city of the Williamsport Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of about 114,000. Williamsport is the larger principal city of the Williamsport-Lock Haven Combined Statistical Area, which includes Lycoming and Clinton counties.

The city is the cultural, financial, and commercial center of North Central Pennsylvania. It is 177 miles from Philadelphia, 166 miles from Pittsburgh and 85 miles from Harrisburg. It is known for its sports, arts scene and food. Williamsport was settled by Americans in the late 18th century and began to prosper due to its lumber industry. In 1930, the city's population reached a high of 45,729 but since the Great Depression it has declined by approximately 40 percent to 27,754 in 2020.

As county seat, Williamsport has the county courthouse, county prison, sheriff's office headquarters and federal courthouse, all downtown. It is also home to two institutions of higher learning, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, also known as Penn College, and Lycoming College. Williamsport is the birthplace of Little League Baseball. South Williamsport, a town across the West Branch Susquehanna River, is the headquarters of Little League Baseball and annually hosts the Little League World Series in late summer. Other points of interest include the Hiawatha riverboat, Millionaires' Row, Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, the Community Arts Center, the Genetti Hotel, the Susquehanna Riverwalk, and The Gallery at Penn College.

Williamsport had seven National Banks chartered during the Bank Note Era, and all seven of those banks issued National Bank Notes.

Bank History

Main banking room
Directors' room of the First National Bank in 1914.[4]
Main vault
Main vault of the First National Bank of Williamsport in 1914.[5]

The First National Bank of Williamsport was founded to meet the need for banking facilities in Williamsport, there being just one other real bank in the city. On December 3, 1863, Abram Updegraff, Stephen Gould, James V. Brown, B.H. Taylor, L.A. Ensworth, Samuel Love, George Bubb, Peter Herdic, Robert Faries, Hiram Mudge, A.L. Nichols, Lewis Jamison, Levi Hartman, A.A. Winegardner, and Charles Fields formed the organization and started the bank on its prosperous career. The first president was Abram Updegraff who was a leading man of the community of rugged character, great intelligence and firmly imbued with love of his country and confident in its future during the trying times of the Civil War. In founding the bank he had in mind the idea of helping the Government, and as soon as the bank opened, it became a fiscal agent for the United States. Mr. Updegraff continued at the head of the bank from 1863 to 1884. Hiram Mudge was cashier from the time of organization until 1871. In 1884, J.A. Beeber succeeded Mr. Updegraff as president and in 1874, William P. Beeber was elected second vice president, but in the same year was promoted to the presidency, his successor as vice president being Henry D. Brown. It was not until 1877 that a vice president was elected, the first to hold that office was E.B. Campbell who continued in the position until 1890 when the vice presidency became vacant and no successor was chosen until 1907. 

The first home of the bank was in a substantial structure at Third and Couth streets which was remodeled about 1882 and continued to be used (except during re-building when temporary quarters were rented) until May 9, 1914, when the bank moved into its splendid new home. This structure, familiarly called the "Pride of Lycoming County," was the only building in the city of steel and fire-proof construction, and the only modern office building. Steel, stone and marble were employed in a manner to give strength and the beauty of dignified simplicity and construction. The main Banking room was spacious and beautiful. Entrance was through a unique loggin. To the right were the officers' quarters and a private consultation room and beyond that the counter and wickets and working space. On the left were the ladies' room, customers' room and the safe-deposit department. The vault was the modern round-door type of heavy construction. Above the vault and on the mezzanine floor were the directors' room, storage vault and kitchenette. On the main floor the book vault was separated from the other vault and as a matter of sentiment, the door to the book vault was the old door of the original vault in the bank. The contrast between this old door and the modern round vault door was quite marked. Behind the banking screen, the floor was laid with noiseless cork and the desks and counters were also covered with it. Above the banking rooms were six floors of modern offices, entrance to these being through an independent hallway at the left of the banking rooms. Two high-speed electric elevators served the upper floors.

The president in 1914, Wm. P. Beeber, was a son of the former president and on the maternal side related to the first president. When Mr. Beeber was made president in 1912, he was succeeded as vice president by Henry D. Brown who had been a director of the bank since 1904. James J. Gibson, vice president since 1907, had been a director for over 31 years. The cashier, David A. Sloatman, entered the bank in 1886 and in his 28 years of service had worked through every grade, reaching his present position in 1907. The directors were Wm. P. Beeber, James J. Gibson, Henry D. Brown, Wm. C. Riley, D.A. Howe, Valentine C. Luppert, John M. Young, Jerome Moltz, and G.W. Crooks. In addition to its success as a national bank, the First National inaugurated a savings department which in six months had attracted over 3,500 accounts.[6] 

At Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the First National Bank celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on December 4, 1913. The bank was in the process of constructing a seven-story building. The new building when completed would be the finest in that section, giving the bank an added reputation while furnishing a place for banking among the finest in the state. [7]

On Monday, January 18, 1932, the consolidation of the Citizens State Bank and the First National Bank of Williamsport was announced. All business of the Citizens' Bank was taken over by the First National. The combined resources of the merged banks were placed at $5,500,000.[8]

On March 16, 1933, conservators were appointed for two member banks of the Federal Reserve System. Andrew Godfrey was named conservator for the First National Bank of Ambler and Edward Ladley for the First National Bank of Williamsport. The number of banks in the state open on a full basis was 923.[9] On September 30th, officials announced that the First National Bank of Williamsport, reorganized since the March banking holiday, would be reopened for business Monday morning on an unrestricted basis.[10]

In January 1934, John W. Whiting was elected president of the First National Bank. Mr. Whiting had been active in banking affairs in Philadelphia for a number of years, having served as an officers of the old National Security Bank and more recently as vice president of the Kensington-Security Bank and Trust Company.[11]

In June 1950, the directors were Kenneth E. Crooks, Malvin F. Gstalder, Thomas F. Redmond, James W. Crooks, Boyd A. Lowry, John W. Whiting, Wm. Gibson, Jr., and Richard H. Lundy. The officers were John W. Whiting, president, Kenneth E. Crooks, vice president; Malvin F. Gstalder, vice president and cashier; and Harry R. Roan, assistant cashier.[12]

Danville office of the Fidelity National Bank of PA
Photo of the Danville office of the Fidelity National Bank. The Fidelity National Bank of PA was formed on November 1, 1968, by the consolidation of the First National Bank of Williamsport and the Danville National Bank.
A 1973 advertisement for the Fidelity National Bank
A 1973 advertisement for the Fidelity National Bank.[13]
The Danville office of the fidelity National Bank of PA was chartered as The Bank of Danville by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1848, opening for business February 19, 1850. Deposits in February 1850 amounted to $5,016. The national bank charter was granted in 1865 and the name changed to Danville National Bank. The Danville National Bank and the First National Bank of Williamsport consolidated under charter 175 and the name changed to Fidelity National Bank of PA on November 1, 1968. The assets at the time of the consolidation were $48 million. The time and temperature clock at the Danville branch was a landmark in the community.[14]

In December 1971, a joint plan of merger between the Fidelity National Bank of Pennsylvania and the First National Bank of Lock Haven was announced by L.F. Widmann, president of the First National Bank of Lock Haven, subject the approval of shareholders both banks and governmental regulatory authorities. The First National Bank of Lock Haven would become the Lock Haven office Fidelity's charter. On November 1st, Fidelity National Bank of PA had total resources of $64,500,000 including capital accounts of $6,100,000 and reserves of $290,000. At same time, the First National Bank reported assets of $27,073,000 with capital of $2,037,000 and reserves $166,900. Mr. Widmann would become Chairman of the Board Directors of the merged bank and act as Chief Executive officer.[15]

In June 1981, the Fidelity National Bank of PA and Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company announced their consolidation, taking the new name of Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company, N.A. (National Association). The total assets of the combined bank were $401,123,000 with capital $27,210,000, deposits $350,289,000, personal trust funds $108,294,000 and corporate trust funds $68,992,000. The board of directors consisted of Robert F. Cox, Sr., chairman; John T. Detwiller, vice chairman, William D. Davis, president; John L. Bruch, Jr., William T. Charles, M. Beach Davis, Arthur F. DuBois, Joseph F. Eberle, Jr., Paul E. Getz, John C. Gault, Henry G. Hager, David B. Keeffe, George W. Leighow, VMD, Robert S. Lowry, E. Robert Marks, Leon G. Niles, William T. Piper, Jr., L. Arthur Reagan, Robert L. Shadle, Julius M. Simon, David L. Stroehmann, Donald L. Thomas, Anthony A. Torsell, L.F. Widmann, and Thomas E. Wilcox. Branch offices were located at Austin at Turner Street, Coudersport at 302 North East Street, Danville, 608 Continental Blvd. and 101 Mill Street, Galeton at West Street, Hughesville at 2 South Main Street, Jersey Shore at 222 Allegheny Street, Lawrenceville on Main Street, Lock Haven at 448 Bellefonte Ave. and 25 West Main Street, Mansfield at 50 South Main Street, Montoursville at Broad Street and Loyalsock Avenue, Muncy, 20 South Main Street, Picture Rocks at Main and Laurel Street, Renovo at 364 Erie Avenue, Sayre at 102 Desmond Street and 430 North Keystone Avenue, Shinglehouse at One Oswayo Street, Wellsboro at 61 Main Street and 16 Main Street, and Westfield on Main Street.[16] In November stockholders approved the formation of a one bank holding company. Under Pennsylvania law, the holding company would be permitted to own one bank and to own other subsidiary corporations engaged in business activities closely related to banking. Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company, N.A. operated 25 offices in 18 communities in Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Potter and Tioga counties. Six MAC automatic teller machines enhanced the delivery system of the bank's services and were located in Williamsport, Muncy, Danville, and Sayre.[17]

  • 01/08/1973 Acquired The First National Bank of Lock Haven (Charter 507) (FDIC #7583) in Lock Haven, PA.
  • 03/12/1976 Main Office moved to 101 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.
  • 06/01/1981 Changed Institution Name to Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company, National Association.
  • 06/01/1981 Acquired Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company (FDIC #9916) in Muncy, PA.
  • 11/26/1982 Acquired The Farmers National Bank of Watsontown (Charter 3459) (FDIC #7793) in Watsontown, PA.
  • 09/21/1984 Acquired Lewisburg Trust Bank (FDIC #11109) in Lewisburg, PA.
  • 10/19/1985 Acquired The First National Bank of Milton (Charter 253) (FDIC #7620) in Milton, PA.
  • 11/23/1985 Acquired The Beech Creek National Bank (Charter 13205) (FDIC #7395) in Beech Creek, PA.
  • 12/30/1985 Acquired Bank of Central Pennsylvania (7FDIC #626) in Montoursville, PA.
  • 09/04/1986 Acquired The First National Bank of Howard (Charter 9249) (FDIC #7529) in Howard, PA.
  • 01/24/1991 Changed Chartering Agency to STATE and changed Institution Name to Commonwealth Bank.
  • 01/01/1992 Acquired First Bank of Troy (formerly Charter 4948) (FDIC #7786) in Troy, PA.
  • 01/01/1992 Acquired The First Bank of Greater Pittston (FDIC #7700) in Pittston, PA.
  • 01/01/1992 Acquired Liberty State Bank, Mount Carmel, PA. (FDIC #707) in Mount Carmel, PA.
  • 01/01/1992 Acquired County Bank (formerly Charter 2223) (FDIC #7627) in Montrose, PA.
  • 06/01/1993 Acquired Valley Community Bank (FDIC #32970) in Kingston, PA.
  • 09/01/1993 Merged and became part of Meridian Bank (FDIC #11870) in Reading, PA.
  • 06/27/1996 Merged and became part of Corestates Bank, National Association (FDIC #719) in Philadelphia, PA.
  • 05/15/1998 Merged and became part of First Union National Bank (FDIC #33869) in Charlotte, NC.
  • 04/01/2002 Changed Institution Name to Wachovia Bank, National Association.
  • 03/20/2010 Merged and became part of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (FDIC #3511) in Sioux Falls, SD.

Official Bank Title

1: The First National Bank of Williamsport, PA

Bank Note Types Issued

Series of 1875 $10 bank note
Series of 1875 $10 bank note with Repeater Treasury SN and pen signatures of W.H. Sloan, Cashier and A. Updegraff, President. Courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.ha.com
1882 Brown Back $100 bank note
1882 Brown Back $100 bank note with pen signatures of W.H. Sloan, Cashier and J.A. Beeber, President. Courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.ha.com
1902 Red Seal $5 bank note
1902 Red Seal $5 bank note with pen signatures of D.A. Sloatman, Cashier and J.A. Beeber, President. Courtesy of Lyn Knight Auctions, www.lynknight.com
1902 Plain Back $20 bank note
1902 Plain Back $20 bank note with stamped signatures of D.A. Sloatman, Cashier and William P. Beeber, President. Courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.ha.com
1929 Type 1 $20 bank note
1929 Type 1 $20 bank note with SN C000001A and printed signatures of Henry K. Greene, Cashier and Edward Ladley, President. Courtesy of Lyn Knight Auctions, www.lynknight.com
1929 Type 2 $20 bank note
1929 Type 2 $20 bank note with printed signatures of William C. Burr, Cashier and J.W. Whiting, President. Courtesy of the NBNCensus.com

A total of $7,913,010 in National Bank Notes was issued by this bank between 1863 and 1935. This consisted of a total of 896,361 notes (751,594 large size and 144,767 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 - 7400
Original Series 4x10 1 - 7975
Series 1875 4x10 1 - 7400
1882 Brown Back 3x10-20 1 - 6795
1882 Brown Back 50-100 1 - 3955
1902 Red Seal 4x5 1 - 11000
1902 Red Seal 3x10-20 1 - 13000
1902 Date Back 4x5 1 - 22750
1902 Date Back 3x10-20 1 - 16900
1902 Plain Back 4x5 22751 - 79725
1902 Plain Back 3x10-20 16901 - 52626
1929 Type 1 6x5 1 - 12626
1929 Type 1 6x10 1 - 6056
1929 Type 1 6x20 1 - 1716
1929 Type 2 5 1 - 13866
1929 Type 2 10 1 - 6644
1929 Type 2 20 1 - 1869

Bank Presidents and Cashiers

Bank Presidents and Cashiers during the National Bank Note Era (1863 - 1935):

Presidents:

Cashiers:

Other Known Bank Note Signers

  • No other known bank note signers for this bank

Bank Note History Links

Sources

  • Williamsport, 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
  1. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, p. 440.
  2. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, p. 439.
  3. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, p. 442.
  4. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, p. 443.
  5. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, p. 444.
  6. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 89, July-December 1914, pp 438, 440-445.
  7. ↑ The Bankers' Magazine, Vol. 88, Jan. - June 1914, pp 118-9.
  8. ↑ Shamokin News-Dispatch, Shamokin, PA, Tue., Jan. 19, 1932.
  9. ↑ Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, the Evening News, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Fri., Mar. 17, 1933.
  10. ↑ The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA, Sun., Oct 1, 1933.
  11. ↑ Pittston Gazette, Pittston, PA, Fri., Jan. 19, 1934.
  12. ↑ Daily Gazette and Bulletin, Williamsport, PA, Sat., July 1, 1950.
  13. ↑ The Express, Lock Haven, PA, Fri., Jan. 26, 1973.
  14. ↑ The Morning Press, Bloomsburg, PA, Tue., Jan. 10, 1978.
  15. ↑ The Morning Press, Bloomsburg, PA, Sat., Dec. 11, 1971.
  16. ↑ The Danville News, Danville, PA, Tue., June 9, 1981.
  17. ↑ The Danville News, Danville, PA, Thu., Nov. 19, 1981.
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