The two banks that are merging, NexTier and Farmers & Merchants Bank of Western PA, both have roots about 133 years old.

NexTier was created in 1878 while F&M Bank came from Farmers National Bank of Kittanning, which started in 1884.

The origin of NexTier stretches back to when Edward Dambach founded a private bank on Main Street in Evans City, then called Evansburg.

Originally named the J & E Dambach Bank, the institution remained private until 1893, when the bank received a state charter. On Dec. 11, 1893, the bank had its first stockholder meeting and the bank’s name was changed to The Citizens Bank of Evansburg.

In 1907, the bank changed to its present, national charter and bought land on the corner of Main Street for $1,810. The vault for this office, which is still a bank location, was bought for $524, and is reportedly the oldest bank vault east of the Mississippi.

In 1959, the bank began an expansion program, opening an office in Pine Township, Allegheny County. Subsequently, offices were opened in Zelienople in 1962; followed by Lyndora in 1963, Butler in 1965, Parker in 1969, Petrolia in 1974, Clearview Mall in Center Township in 1986, Chicora in 1989, Cranberry Township in 1991, Moraine Pointe Plaza in 1994, T-Bones Plaza in Pine Township, Allegheny County, in 1995, Saxonburg in 1997, and Sarver, Slippery Rock and Northtowne Square in 1999.

The branches changed names from Citizens National Bank of Evans City to NexTier in October 2005.

Farmers National Bank of Kittanning was chartered in 1884, while Merchants National Bank was chartered in 1897. The two merged in 2008.

“They were such huge competitors for over a century, then they joined forces,” Natalie Zambotti, marketing specialist for F&M Bank, said.

The original Farmers National building is F&M’s loan center, while the original Merchants National building is F&M’s main office, she said.