Celebrating 140 Years of Community Banking: Buckeye State Bank’s Remarkable Journey
This year marks a truly historic milestone for Buckeye State Bank as we proudly celebrate 140 years of continuous service to the DeGraff community and beyond. Our story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a deep-rooted commitment to the people we serve—a legacy that began in the heart of Logan County and continues to thrive today.
From Humble Beginnings
The roots of Buckeye State Bank trace back to 1885, when I.S. Williams and B.F founded the Citizens Bank of DeGraff. Loofborrow. Interestingly, the bank’s furniture was repurposed from the earlier Farmers and Merchants Bank of DeGraff, which had operated from 1869 until 1883. On its very first day of business, Citizens Bank welcomed its first customer, Albert A. Bell, who deposited $100—part of a total $1,940.46 in opening-day deposits. Not bad for a small-town bank in the 19th century!
Just a year later, Loofborrow stepped away, and Williams continued as sole owner until his passing in 1890. The bank was then reorganized, with William E. Harris—son of one of the original founders of Farmers and Merchants Bank—stepping in as Cashier. Under the leadership of Dr. F.M. Galer and a growing team of local investors, the bank was officially incorporated in 1908 with a capital stock of $45,000 and received the state charter number “3”—making it the oldest surviving state-chartered bank in Ohio.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Throughout the 20th century, the bank continued to evolve with the times. In 1934, it joined the newly formed FDIC, offering deposit insurance to customers and reinforcing its commitment to financial security. By 1975, the bank had outgrown its original space and began construction on a new 3,000-square-foot red brick building at the corner of Main and Hayes Streets. The new facility, completed in 1976, featured a state-of-the-art (for the time!) belt-driven “auto-veyor” drive-thru system—a testament to the bank’s forward-thinking spirit.
In 2004, another expansion added 1,728 square feet to the building, reflecting the bank’s continued growth. At the time, assets had reached over $28.7 million, and the bank remained a cornerstone of the DeGraff community.
A New Chapter: Buckeye State Bank
In 2014, a new era began when Buckeye Nation Interim—a group of local business leaders—acquired the bank and rebranded it as Buckeye State Bank. While the name changed, the mission remained the same: to serve our communities with integrity, innovation, and a personal touch.
Today, Buckeye State Bank is proud to carry on the legacy of Ohio’s oldest state-chartered bank. We’ve grown in size, technology, and reach, but our heart remains in DeGraff, where it all began. We’re honored to be part of your lives—whether you’re opening your first savings account, buying your dream home, or growing your business.
Here’s to the Next 140 Years
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we want to thank our customers, employees, and community partners who have made this journey possible. Your trust and support have shaped our story, and we’re excited to continue building the future—together.