At 1870 Holdings, Inc., our strategic foundation is rooted in a clear and forward-looking vision: to be an independent financial services company dedicated to enhancing the customer experience at every level. We pursue this by implementing & utilizing innovative products, developing and empowering our employees, expanding our revenue strategies, and focusing on expanding relationships—ultimately resulting in profitability and long-term shareholder value.
Our mission is to serve as the trusted financial partner for our customers, shareholders, employees, and communities—the foundation of our success. This purpose is carried out through a culture we call The Midwest Way, a set of guiding values that shape everything we do. We are committed to delivering exceptional service that exceeds expectations, cultivating relationships that fuel sustainable growth and a dynamic workplace, and taking pride in being part of a motivated, community-focused team.
Our responsibilities are threefold: to our customers, by offering innovative and reliable financial solutions; to our staff, by fostering an environment of growth and leadership; and to our shareholders, by maintaining a careful balance of strategic expansion and financial performance. These principles unite us as we continue building a legacy of integrity, excellence, and service.
The story of 1870 Holdings, Inc. begins with a legacy that spans over 150 years of community commitment and financial leadership. Originally established on September 9, 1870 as the Monmouth National Bank, our institution was reorganized in 1890 as The National Bank of Monmouth. In 1998, recognizing a broader service region, the bank converted to a state charter and adopted the name Midwest Bank of Western Illinois. That same year marked a strategic expansion into insurance services with the acquisition of Porter Insurance Agency, laying the groundwork for our entry into diversified financial services.
In 2005, Midwest Bank seized a pivotal opportunity to reclaim its identity as a truly local financial institution. The bank’s Board of Directors acted with purpose, forming a new holding company—Western Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (WIBI)—to reestablish local ownership and set a new course for growth, integrity, and community commitment. This move marked the beginning of a transformative era for our organization, our team, and the communities we proudly serve.
In the years that followed, Midwest Bank continued to evolve. A significant brand update in 2015 shortened our name to Midwest Bank and introduced a modernized owl logo, symbolizing our commitment to wisdom, adaptability, and forward-thinking service. In 2016, the acquisition and merger of Chuck Hay Insurance and Porter Insurance formed Porter-Hay Insurance, an independent agency offering a wide array of insurance products to our clients.
In 2024, the Company further expanded its footprint and service offerings. We acquired an accounting firm and launched MB Wealth, strengthening our portfolio with dedicated financial planning and investment services. That same year, we announced the acquisition of Princeville State Bank, with an effective integration date of January 1, 2025—a move that further strengthens our presence across Monmouth, Oquawka, Galesburg, Aledo, Andalusia, the Quad Cities, Peoria, Princeville, and surrounding communities.
Over the years, we have expanded our footprint, diversified our services, and strengthened our commitment to the communities we serve. As the financial services landscape continued to evolve, we took a bold and strategic step by rebranding Western Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (WIBI) as 1870 Holdings, Inc. This name honors the founding of our original institution—the National Bank of Monmouth in 1870—and reflects our transformation from a traditional bank holding company into a modern, diversified financial services enterprise. Today, 1870 Holdings encompasses interests in banking, insurance, wealth management, trust services, and accounting, unified by a culture of integrity, innovation, and long-term vision.
At 1870 Holdings, we’ve never rested on our history. Rooted in our legacy and propelled by an unwavering dedication to the future, we continue to grow with purpose. We invite you to explore our portfolio—Midwest Bank, Princeville State Bank, Porter-Hay Insurance, MB Wealth, and beyond—and experience the difference that commitment, excellence, and community-driven leadership make.