Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Banks
In 1855, Messrs., Fletcher and Strong, under the State Banking Law, established the Oshkosh Commercial Bank. In November 1858, Thomas T. Reeve and Gilbert W Rose purchased the institution, and carried on the business under the old charter until 1861. "The Commercial Bank of Oshkosh" was then chartered, and continued to be thus until October 1, 1865, when it was reorganized as the "Commercial National Bank." Continuing under the National Bank Law until January 1, 1872, Messrs. Reeve & Roe conducted the business as private bankers, under the name "Commercial Bank of Oshkosh." It was reorganized as a State Bank September 1, 1880, retaining its former name.
The Commercial Bank of Oshkosh, as stated, has been doing business under the State law since September 1, 1880. Its cash capital is $100,000; deposits, from $200,000 to $250,000; discounts, about the same. Present officers: Thomas T. Reeve, President; G.W. Roe, Vice President; James Johnston, Leander Choate, Thomas Wall and Andrew Haben, Board of Directors; Thomas Daly is Cashier. When Messrs. Reeve & Roe first commenced business, their deposits amounted to $10,000.
The First National Bank was organized in July, 1864, with the following Board of Directors: A.W. Kellogg (President), S.M. Hay, Philetus Sawyer, William Kellogg and Frank Leach. Rufus B. Kellogg was Cashier. The capital stock was $50,000; increased in October, 1873, to $100,000. The first statement made showed the deposits to be $112,000, and loans, $41,000. In 1865, A.W. Kellogg sold out, and, in 1869, Charles Schriber succeeded R.B. Kellogg as Cashier, they having been connected with the Bank since its establishment. The present Board of Directors are: S.M. Hay (President), P. Sawyer (Vice President), J.H. Porter, Robert McMillen, Moses Hooper and R.B. Kellogg. Charles Schriber is Cashier and Secretary of the Board. As a contrast to the first statement of the bank, is the last, made June 30, 1881: Deposits, $963,436.81; loans and discounts, $653,899.70; surplus fund, $25,000; undivided profits, $28,603.06; circulation, $76,400.
The Farmers Bank was conducted by R.C. Russell from 1868 until February, 1871, when the Union National Bank was organized and he became, and continues, its Cashier.
The Union National Bank, organized February 9, 1871, commenced business March 21, with a capital of $100,000. There has been no increase. The Board of Directors were: D.L. Libbey (President), R.P. Roberts (Vice President), J.L. Mead, Nathan Cobb, R.C. Russell, Franklin Leach, Chris Sarau, Jr., Abel Neff and E.M. Danforth. The present board consists of: D.L. Libbey (President), Ebenezer Hubbard (Vice President), R.C. Russell, Joel L. Mead, James Chase, R.T. Morgan, J. Moore, Robert Campbel and Charles Barber. The first report of the bank, covering the thirty-nine days' business, makes this exhibit: Individual deposits, $36,525.69; loans and discounts, $52,519.24. Its last report, made June 30, 1881, shows its deposits to be $367,011.13, loans, $393,902.68; surplus fund, $30,000; undivided profits, $22,584.61.
