[p. 895] president of the First National Bank of Ellwood City, the oldest institution of its kind in the place, has been prominently identified with Ellwood City and the growth of its enterprises for a number of years. Mr. Gelbach was born in Forward Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1862, and is a son of Philip and Sophia (Dambach) Gelbach.
The parents of Mr. Gelbach were both born in Germany and they accompanied their parents to America. The paternal grandfather, Henry Gelbach, settled for a short time in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, but the family was mainly reared in Butler County. Philip Gelbach was an only son. He followed agricultural pursuits through life. The children born to Philip and Sophia Gelbach were: Jacob, who is a retired resident of Zelienople, Pa.; Philip D., who resides on the old homestead in Butler County; Louisa, deceased, who was the wife of W. J. Blakeley, was killed by a stroke of lightning; William Henry, who is cashier of the First National Bank at Zelienople; Julia A., who is the wife of Peter Schenck, resides at Jamestown, N. Y.; Christian, who is president of the Mars National Bank at Mars, Butler County; and John A., of Ellwood City.
John A. Gelbach attended the public schools and worked as a farm boy until eighteen years of age, when he started a general store, in partnership with a brother at Zelienople, and subsequently became a member of the private banking firm of Lusk & Son, which, in 1892, became Lusk & Gelbach. After one year of business, the firm style became Gelbach Brothers, and this continued until 1902, when the interests were merged into the First National Bank. Since 1896 Mr. Gelbach has been connected with the First National Bank of Ellwood City, and has been a resident of this place since 1902. His whole time is given, at present, to the management of this institution, his careful, conservative attitude being well known to investors, who have perfect confidence in his integrity and the bank's stability.
The First National Bank of Ellwood City was organized in 1892. Its capital is $100,000, its surplus is $47,000. The officers and directors are all men of high personal character and of ample fortune. John A. Gelbach is president, H. S. Blatt is vice-president, and W. J. McKim is cashier. Its board of directors are: H. S Blatt, S. A. Roelofs, W. J. McKim, C. D. Cobau and J. A. Gelbach. Interest is paid on savings accounts, safe deposit boxes are for rent, and foreign and domestic exchange is afforded. The report of the condition of this bank at the close of business, May 14, 1908, showed the total resources to be $636,945.57, with a perfect balance of liabilities.
In 1891 Mr. Gelbach was united in marriage with Miss Mary V. Lusk, who is a daughter of Dr. Amos and Agnes (Clow) Lusk, and they have three children: Loring Lusk, Myron S. and Mary Louise. Mr. Gelbach and wife belong to the First Presbyterian Church of Ellwood City. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at Zelienople. In his political views, he is disposed to be independent, although he believes in the old-time principles of the Democratic party.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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