As a young town, Emporia, Kansas quickly established itself as a financial center. Many banks have come and gone, but only one has remained in business and under the same family ownership.

Emporia State Bank was founded in 1901 by Will Wayman at the northwest corner of Sixth and Commercial. Over a century later, Emporia State Bank and Trust and the Wayman family continue a tradition of personal, hometown banking service as "The Bank That's Emporia's Own."

ESB's business philosophy is summarized by Charles Wayman, grandson of the bank's founder and current chairman emeritus of the board: "Throughout the years, we have maintained the belief expressed by my grandfather, Will Wayman, in the individuality and the personal spirit expressed in a locally owned institution. Our officers and employees are active in Chamber of Commerce and City of Emporia projects, as well as many other organizations. This keeps our bank in touch with local needs and carries out our 'homeowned' philosophy."

The Wayman banking tradition began even before 1901. Will Wayman and his brother-in-law, Fremont Miller, established a bank in Admire in 1887. Wayman later founded a second bank at Allen. In 1901, he moved to Emporia and established Emporia State Bank. He served as president until his death in 1932.

After Will's death, his son, Lee W. Wayman, was named president. In 1947, Lee's brother, Harry, became president and served until 1954. Earl James, a Chase County banker and father of Mrs. Charles Wayman, then was named president. In 1958, Harry's son, Charles, became the third generation of Waymans to serve as president. He retired in 1985 but remains as chairman emeritus of the board. Howard Gunkel, a long-time ESB employee, now serves as Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, and Jim Wayman, Charles's son, is President and Chief Executive Officer.

In 1965, the bank moved to Eighth and Merchant streets, where it has since undergone five expansions. The trust division was added soon after the move. A branch also has been added at 12th and Industrial. The bank has 52 employees.

In 1991, ESB celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gift to the community. The Fremont Park bandstand, originally built the same year the bank was started, was rebuilt and is now used for summer band concerts. One of the bank's products is a Visa credit card, which features a photograph of the bandstand.

March 16, 2001 marked the bank's 100th Anniversary. ESB Financial and the Wayman family announced plans January 12, 2001 to establish a permanent bald eagle exhibit at the Emporia Zoo. The gift of the display is in recognition of the bank's 100th Anniversary and an effort to give something back to the community that has supported it for 100 years.