
Chemical Bank has a rich history that spans over two centuries. Founded in 1823, it has been a leading financial institution in the United States.
The bank's early success was largely due to its strategic location in New York City, which made it a hub for trade and commerce. Chemical Bank's commitment to innovation and customer service helped it grow rapidly.
One of the bank's earliest innovations was the introduction of the first commercial banking service in the United States. This move helped establish Chemical Bank as a pioneer in the industry.
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Company History
Chemical Bank has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1826, when John Mason, one of the richest merchants in New York, became a shareholder.
John Mason succeeded Baltus Melick in 1831 as president and led the bank through the Panic of 1837. He was responsible for resuming payments in specie, a move that set the bank apart from others during that time.
Isaac Jones, Mason's son-in-law, took over as president after Mason's death in 1839. Under Jones' leadership, the bank underwent significant changes, including a name change to Chemical Bank of New York in 1844.
The bank's chemical division was liquidated in 1851, and the company focused solely on banking. This move allowed the bank to take advantage of the Free Banking Act of 1838.
In 1954, Chemical merged with the Corn Exchange Bank, becoming the Chemical Corn Exchange Bank. This acquisition marked the bank's largest expansion to date.
The merger with New York Trust Company in 1959 further solidified the bank's position as a major financial institution. At the time, the bank became the third largest in New York and the fourth largest in the U.S.
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Acquisition and Executives
Chemical Bank has a rich history of acquisitions, starting with the establishment of The Chemical Bank of New York in 1823.
The bank's expansion continued with the acquisition of Citizens National Bank in 1920, followed by Corn Exchange Bank in 1954. Texas Commerce Bank was acquired in 1986, and Hanover Bank in 1961, merged to form Manufacturers Hanover.
Here are some key acquisitions in Chemical Bank's history:
Chemical Banking Corporation was reorganized in 1988, and the bank was eventually merged with Chemical Bank in 1991.
Acquisition History

Chemical Bank has a rich acquisition history that spans over a century. The bank was established in 1823 as The Chemical Bank of New York.
In 1920, Citizens National Bank was acquired, followed by Corn Exchange Bank in 1954. Texas Commerce Bank was acquired in 1986. Hanover Bank was established in 1873.
Manufacturers Trust Company was established in 1905. Manufacturers Hanover merged with Chemical Bank in 1961. Chemical Banking Corporation was reorganized in 1988.
Chemical Bank merged with Manufacturers Hanover in 1991, marking a significant milestone in its acquisition history.
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Executives and Directors
The executives and directors of Chemical Bank have a rich history, with many notable figures contributing to the bank's growth and success. Some of these individuals have had impressive careers, spanning multiple decades and even centuries.
William B. Harrison Jr. served as the bank's CEO, later becoming the CEO of JPMorgan Chase. James B. Lee Jr. played a significant role in developing the leveraged finance markets in the U.S. and worked at the bank since 1975.
Robert I. Lipp, a partner at Brysam Global Partners, was a former member of the bank's board. John McGillicuddy, former chairman and CEO of Manufacturers Hanover, organized the merger. John Mason was an early shareholder and second president of Chemical Bank.
Balthazar P. Melick was the founder and first president of Chemical Bank. Cornelius Roosevelt was an original director of the bank when it was rechartered in 1844. Emlen Roosevelt, cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, worked at the bank for 2 years.
James A. Roosevelt, uncle of Theodore Roosevelt, was hired in 1890. Earl C. Sandmeyer was a financial editor and columnist for several newspapers. Walter V. Shipley served as chairman and CEO of Chemical and later Chase Bank, and chairman of JPMorgan Chase, working at the bank since 1983.
Here are some notable executives and directors of Chemical Bank:
- William B. Harrison Jr. (CEO)
- James B. Lee Jr. (senior executive)
- Robert I. Lipp (board member)
- John McGillicuddy (former chairman and CEO)
- John Mason (early shareholder and second president)
- Balthazar P. Melick (founder and first president)
- Cornelius Roosevelt (original director)
- Emlen Roosevelt (president of Roosevelt & Son)
- James A. Roosevelt (founder of Roosevelt & Son)
- Earl C. Sandmeyer (financial editor and columnist)
- Walter V. Shipley (chairman and CEO)
Other Former Employees
Chemical Bank has a long history of shaping the careers of many notable individuals. Pat Toomey, the United States senator from Pennsylvania, began his career at the bank.
Glenn Hutchins, the founder of Silver Lake Partners, started his career at Chemical Bank in 1977. He was one of the many employees who went on to achieve great success.
Other notable individuals who worked at Chemical Bank include:
- Henry B. R. Brown, the originator of the world's first money market fund
- Granger K. Costikyan, founder of Costikyan Freres
- Alan H. Fishman, the last CEO of Washington Mutual before the bank was seized in 2008
- Ford M. Fraker, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- Christopher C. Ashby, former ambassador to Uruguay
- Abraham George, businessman, academic, and philanthropist and founder of The George Foundation
- Kathryn V. Marinello, former president and CEO of Ceridian Corporation
- Darla Moore, business partner and wife of Richard Rainwater
- Nancy Naples, director of Amtrak
- Peggy Post, American author and consultant on etiquette
- Kathleen Waldron, an American author, financial executive and educator, later president of Baruch College
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chemical Bank still in business?
No, Chemical Bank is no longer operating under its original name after a merger with TCF National Bank. The merged entity now operates as TCF Bank.
Was Chemical Bank bought by Chase?
Chemical Bank was actually the one that merged with Chase Manhattan Corporation in 1996, forming a new entity. This merger led to the creation of a new banking giant.
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