In our primitive days money was loaned on short call, often without security or interest.  Later, money loaners were quite numerous in Butler county, and a "wild cat currency" was issued thoroughout the Union.  In traveling from one state to another people were compelled to have their money exchanged.  What was good in Ohio would not pass in other States.

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     The national banking system had its origin by Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury - in war exigencies, and it has been found equally adapted to time of peace.  It provides a currency of uniform value throughout our wide domain and which is readily convertible into coin in any part of the world where facilities for money exchange exists. Under old banking ways a paper currency that had a par value at the place of issue grew less valuable the farther it wandered from home.
     The history of the national banking system and the proportion of losses to individual depositors through mismanagement or dishonesty proves conclusively that national banks are for depositors, safe institutions.
     The panic of 1873, precipitated the failure of Jay Cooke & Co. , of Philidelphia Philadelphia, and brought disaster to many of the banking institutions of the country, but the wise measures then inaugurated by the banks of Hamilton were so efficient that they tided over that time of depression without serious loss or suspension, and no city of similar size in the union was more successful in helping to avert commercial disaster than Hamilton.
     Below we give a brief history of the banks that have been organized in Hamilton:

THE BANK OF HAMILTON.

     In 1817, the Ohio legislature passed an act incorporating the Bank of Hamilton.  On July 11, 1818, the directory met, - composed of the following gentlemen - John Reily, James McBride, Jesse Corwin, William Blair, John Woods, Andrew McCleary and James Rossman.  John Reily was elected President and William Blair, Cashier.  The bank went into operation July 30, 1818, in the Dr. Hittel property on High street, opposite the Court house.  Its paid up capital was $33,000.00.
     In the fall of 1818, William H. Crawford, of Georgia, Secretary of the Treasury, required all payments due the United States to be made in gold, silver or United States bank notes.  The Bank of Hamilton suspended specie payments Nov. 9, 1818.  Several bad loans crippled the institution

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severely and its affairs were wound up.  From 1824 to 1835 directors were annually elected to keep the bank alive.  In the latter year additional shares were subscribed and it again went into operation in the room now occupied by Charles Diefenbach, the jeweler.
     The hard times pressure finally compelled the bank to close its doors, Feb. 9, 1842.  The directors were arrested.  It was claimed they issued more notes than the charter called for.   One director was placed on trial and acquitted.  All the other cases were nollied.

THE SHAFFER AND CURTIS BANK

     Was organized several years after the failure of the Bank of Hamilton under favorable conditions and circumstances.  Late in the fifties Jacob Shaffer retired.  His interest was purchased by Russell Potter, of Memphis, Tennessee.  This bank did a thriving business during all these years.  Numerous changes took place in its management.  The bank suspended in 1885.

THE PECK BANK.

     In 1857, at the northeast corner of Third and Court streets, Dr. John P. Peck opened a private bank; John B. Cornell was cashier.  Subsequently S. D. Fitton entered the bank as assistant cashier.  L,ater, the bank was removed to High street, to the room now occupied by the Seidensticker jewelry store.  In the spring of 1861, Dr. Peck being a war Democrat, refused to publish the Maginnis resolutions in his paper - the Telegraph. This act caused a run on the bank and it was forced to suspend.  Dr. Peck died at Riverside, California, in March, 1895.

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

     This bank was organized Aug. 15, 1863, with a paid up capital of $50,000, which was afterward increased to $100,000.  Micajah Hughes was elected president; James Beatty vice president; John P. P. Peck, cashier; and John B. Cornell, assistant cashier.  Six months afterward Dr. Peck resigned and John B. Cornell succeeded him as cashier, which position

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he held up to the time of his sad and melancholy death, which occurred Aug. 2, 1894, after a service in the First National for thirty-one years. The genial and able S. D. Fitton was elected assistant cashier in 1867.  Philip Hughes was president and Asa Shuler was vice president in 1883.  After the death of Philip Hughes, in 1892, Asa Shuler was elected president, and J. E. Hughes vice-president, which position he still holds.  S. D. Fitton was chosen cashier in 1894, and E. G. Ruder, assistant cashier.  President Shuler died in May, 1895, when S. D. Fitton was elected president; E. G. Ruder, cashier; and J. M. Beeler, assistant cashier.  President Fitton is a brilliant financier. circles.  He has followed banking from youth and is familiar with every detail of the business.
     The First National was among the first in the United States to avail itself of the privilege of securing a charter under the National Banking Act.  It began business at a period when the war still hampered the trade and business of Hamilton and proved one of the most valuable and appreciated factors in securing to the community adequate financial facilities.  The First National Bank commands a wide influence in monetary circles.  Its patrons and depositors include many of the most prominent and successful men and citizens of Hamilton.  The bank's directorate has ever been composed of solid and responsible citizens, while its officers have been carefully chosen for the special qualifications manifested for judicious executive guidance.  The bank has a surplus of $85,000 with an undivided profit of $20,000.

THE SECOND NATIONAL BANK

     This bank was organized Jan. 19, 1865.  Its first location was in the Hamilton House building.  Subsequently it was removed to Beckett's block, and its increasing business having made greater business facilities an imperative necessity - ground was bought and the present building erected in 1875.  It was opened on December of that year.  From 1870, William E. Brown has been its honored president.  Since 1881, Charles E. Heiser, a competent and popular young busi-

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ness man has held the position of cashier.  John E. Heiser is assistant.
     The board of directors consists of William Anderson, Henry Frechtling, Sr., William E. Brown, Dr. H. C. Howells, O. V. Parrish, Charles E. Heiser and George K. Shaffer.  A more thoroughly competent body of business men cannot be found and under their prudent guidance, wise and conservative management this bank is doing a large and safe business.
     Relief is always at hand for its customers.  The Second National bank has had a remarkably prosperous career and has passed through every commercial crisis, with added strength.  It is a valued factor in the promotion of Hamilton's industries; it has always been a popular favorite with active business men.  It has every banking facility at command; it accords its own customers every convenience consistant consistent with sound banking.

THE MIAMI VALLEY NATIONAL BANK

     This institution was organized Mar. 10, 1888.  Hon. Peter Murphy was elected president; F. W. Whitaker, vice president; F. S. Heath, cashier; Charles Mason, assistant cashier.  No bank in Ohio is better known or has higher credit in financial centers.
     This is due in large measures to the men who have controlled its affairs.  They have devoted their best judgment to its direction.  Its executive officers have had no outside ventures to divide their time or distract their attention from its welfare.  Its management has been in the hands of men whose interests were identical with the interests of Hamilton and vicinity, and to whom its success was not only a matter of individual profit, but also of local pride.  Its policy has ever been liberal. The bank is a United States depository. Its capital stock is $100,000 - with a surplus of $20,000.  After the death of President Murphy Vice-president F. W. Whitaker was elected to fill the vacancy.  He is a man of genial temperament, and is extremely popular; has rapidly won the confidence of the people and made a large circle of friends; Cashier F. S. Heath, who has been at the helm ever since the bank

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was organized, is a man whose ability as a thorough financier stands unquestioned.  In the position of assistant cashier, Charles Mason is polite and courteous and always willing to oblige the many patrons of the bank.