Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

I want to know if I need a lawyer and if so, what kind for helping me to research whether there is any value in a 1921 stock certificate for 50 shares @ 100.00 each from Lincoln Savings and Loan Association in Lincoln Nebraska. I recently found this certificate attached in the original passbook savings book from my stepgrandfather. The bank in Nebraska has no record of him and says the stock must have been cashed out before they became Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (date I don't know). My stepgrandfather had no social security number (I understand there were none until the 1930's?). All I know is he was a Master Mason and a Shriner and came to CA in 1922 where he died in 1939 in Colton, CA. Unclaimed money doesn't have my stepgrandfather's name in it's databank and told me that it was up to the bank to dig up the records that it had been cashed in. But I do have the original certificate signed by the Secretary of The Bank (also one of the CEOs in 1921). Also, I need to research if the bank was affected by Charles Keating, other scandals, the depression, etc. But I do know the bank is no longer a stock bank but it did become a federal savings bank sometime. What do I do?


Asked on 7/28/10, 1:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

I would start by visiting FDIC Bank Find (http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp). There are about 30 hits for "Lincoln Savings and Loan." (Yes, Mr. Keating was associated with a Lincoln Savings headquartered in California). If the institution for which you hold 50 shares was merged into a present-day bank or holding company, congratulations! If they were liquidated, you have a certificate suitable for framing.

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Answered on 8/02/10, 1:43 pm


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