ORIGINS -- FIRST NATIONAL BANK
On August 15, 1863, the Comptroller of the Currency issued Charter No. 90 to a group of individuals in Upper Sandusky, Harpster and adjacent areas in North Central Ohio to open The First National Bank, located in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. With liabilities and assets of The Exchange Bank, which was founded in 1860, The First National Bank opened its doors on November 2, 1863.

The following are important milestones in First Citizens History:

• CONSOLIDATION OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK WITH CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK – In 1946, The First National Bank and Citizens Savings Bank consolidated forming The First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky (First Citizens). As a result of the merger, the smaller quarters on South Sandusky Avenue which had been the home of The First National Bank were abandoned for the more spacious quarters of The Citizens Savings Bank on the northwest corner of the square at the intersection of Sandusky Avenue and Wyandot Avenue.
  

• ACQUISITION OF NEVADA DEPOSIT BANK – 1953
  

• WYANDOT AVENUE DRIVE-UP BRANCH – 1963
  

• CHURCH STREET DRIVE-UP BRANCH – 1973
  

• ACQUISITION OF VILLAGE BANK – 1991
  

• ACQUISITION OF CAREY OFFICE, DIAMOND SAVINGS – 1992
  

• POWELL BANKING CENTER – 2000
  

• MARION BANKING CENTER – 2002

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE
A major management change occurred in 2001 when Mark G. Johnson was named President and CEO. The executive management team includes Robert E. McClure, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Floyd L. Elsea, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Pamala S. Baker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Barbara A. Ruth, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

The Board of Directors is composed of: William M. Clark, Nancy L. Johnson, Vice Chairman, Mark G. Johnson, Mark O. Kimmel, Joseph A. Kraus, David C. Mason, James A. McClain, Chairman, Robert E. McClure, James E. Needs, James W. Reile, Donald B. Schilling, and Dr. D.P. Smith.

Directors Emeritus are SS Rutmann and Jack Wilson.

Through the years, First Citizens has carefully safeguarded the deposits of its customers by following a conservative policy of bank operations, yet has been progressive as a leader in the development of business, agriculture and technology in the market area. This continues a history of solid performance produced by a distinctive community orientation.

The Bank continues to seek new ways to serve customers by identifying and meeting financial needs. During the past few years such innovations have been offered as enhanced banking hours, a VISA® debit card, locally serviced consumer and merchant credit cards, telephone and Internet banking.

As a locally owned and managed bank, First Citizens primarily focuses on serving the needs of customers and the community. Loan and deposit services are designed to be flexible and reasonably-priced. The Bank continues to take leadership roles in numerous community activities. 

First Citizens’ assets, deposits and loans have continued to grow over the years. The Bank provides the largest, most convenient branch network in the area with the main office and two branches in Upper Sandusky and banking offices in Carey, Dunkirk, Marion, Nevada, Powell and Wharton.

Many changes have occurred over the years, but one thing remains constant at The First Citizens National Bank. Pleasing customers has been and continues to be the Bank’s primary focus with an emphasis on expanding relationships with customers, whether individuals, businesses or farm-related.