First National Bank of Toledo stock certificate 1865 (Ohio)

Desirable early Toledo OH banking collectible. Interesting top vignette of a farm scene with horses and livestock. Bottom vignette of a dog guarding the key to a lockbox. Issued and cancelled. Dated 1865. Measures approximately 10.5 x 6 inches.

Valentine Hicks Ketcham (V.H. Ketcham) was the founder and first president of the First National Bank of Toledo, Ohio, which was organized in September 1863 out of his earlier private banking firm, Ketcham, Berdan & Co. He served as its president until his death in 1887. Charter National Bank 91 which could issue paper money.

Founder & President:
Valentine Hicks Ketcham (1815–1887) led the institution from its inception as founder and president.

Predecessor Firms:
Evolved from Poag & Ketcham (founded 1851), later V.H. Ketcham & Co., and Ketcham, Berdan & Co.

Establishment:
Officially transitioned into the First National Bank of Toledo on September 1, 1863, marking the city's first national bank.

Legacy:
Reorganized as First Ohio Bancshares in 1980. First Ohio Bancshares merged into Fifth Third Bancorp in 1989

Valentine Hicks Ketcham began leaving his mark on Toledo when he entered the business world in 1836, opening a general merchandise store. He was very successful and Joseph K. Secor joined him in business 10 years later under the business name 'Ketcham & Secor'.

The business continued to thrive so in 1851 Valentine withdrew from the business to focus on the banking industry. Two years later John Berdan (Valentine's brother-in-law) & S.S. Hubbard joined him and formed the business name 'Ketcham, Berdan, & Company'.

The bank did extremely well under Valentine's control and in 1863, the bank became The First National Bank of Toledo. At Valentine's death 24 years later, he had been the bank's only President. His children succeeded him in the banking industry after his passing.

Product descriptions and images
Please note that some pictures may only be representative of the inventory available.  If we have more than one piece, we are unable to scan and display every piece.  Unless otherwise noted, that there are variations for signatures, cancellation marks/holes, serial number, and dates.  Colors will be as noted and pictured. Certificate no longer have investment value.