Partly-printed DS, signed “John Hayes,” one page, 9.5 x 5.5, December 29, 1796. Stock certificate issued to John & William Warner for "One Share in the Capital Stock of the Bank of Delaware," signed at the conclusion by John Hayes as cashier. Lengthily endorsed on the reverse by Hayes to record the transfer of the share. In fine condition, with scattered light stains.
The Bank of Delaware was the first bank chartered in the state of Delaware. The bank was formally organized on June 1, 1795, and received its charter on February 9, 1796, from the Delaware General Assembly with capital stock of $100,000. With Joseph Tatnall as president and John Hayes as cashier, it opened at Fourth and Market Streets on August 17, 1796. When it merged with the Security Trust Company in 1929, it was the fourth-oldest bank in the United States of America.
