OUR HISTORY
The Wayman family has been serving the banking needs of Kansans since 1887. We are proud to be a family-owned bank that has a tradition of helping our family, friends and neighbors through four generations.
ESB's business philosophy is summarized by James C. Wayman, great-grandson of the bank's founder and current Board of Directors Chairman: "Throughout the years, we have maintained the belief expressed by my great-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 and Manhattan projects, as well as many other organizations. This keeps us in touch with local needs and carries out our 'home-owned' philosophy."
At ESB, we make it happen.
ESB builds financial strength in our communities through a team of high-caliber professionals who consistently exceed expectations. We are uncompromising in our commitment to excellence.
The ESB Way: A Commitment to Excellence
Integrity
We do the right thing by acting ethically and transparently.
Professionalism
We are reliable, perform to high standards, and take pride in every aspect of our job.
Accountability
We own our actions by correcting mistakes while learning and growing from every experience.
Collaboration
We promote open communication, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute constructively.
OUR HISTORY
Our bank’s long history in Kansas reflects decades of commitment to our communities and a close connection to the people we serve — our commitment continues today.
Founding Banks Across Kansas
1887
Farmer's Bank of Admire City, Admire, KS – founded by Will Wayman
1895
The State Bank of Allen, 5th & Main, Allen, KS – founded by Will Wayman
1901
Emporia State Bank, 601 Commercial, Emporia, KS – founded by Will Wayman
1913
A $30,000 renovation transformed the Emporia State Bank building, removing the third floor, adding a new east front, and redesigning the interior with marble and mahogany finishes.
1920
ESB introduced safe deposit boxes, offering customers a secure place to store their most valuable possessions and documents.
1932
Founder Will Wayman passed away on November 4, 1932, after spending the day at the bank he built. His work ethic, integrity, and devotion to community continue to guide ESB today.
1947
Emporia State Bank joins FDIC.
1951
Emporia State Bank marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of dedication to community, integrity, and the pioneering spirit that began with Will Wayman.
The Only Bank in Emporia Making Farm Loans
1958
Emporia State Auto Bank, 8th & Merchant, Emporia, KS – expanded by Charles W Wayman, grandson of Will Wayman
Come As You Are... Bank From Your Car
1965
Emporia State Bank moves from 601 Commercial to 8th & Merchant, Emporia, KS – expanded by Charles W Wayman
1968
Emporia State Bank & Trust Company is established. The first bank in Emporia to acquire its own computer to provide customers with better service – expanded by Charles W Wayman
The Bank That Cares About People
1972
ESB installs Community Marquee, 8th & Merchant, Emporia, KS to announce non-profit group events to community – expanded by Charles Wayman
1974
ESB opens Industrial Plaza Drive-Thru Branch, 12th & Industrial, Emporia, KS – expanded by Charles W Wayman
1988
ESB Financial completed a remodel, updating its space to better serve customers and reflect a modern era of banking.
1991
Emporia State Bank & Trust celebrates 90th birthday with a gift to the City of Emporia to rebuild the Fremont Park band stand for City Band concerts – donated by the Wayman family
1992
ESB established The Investment Center affiliated with Spectrum Capital, Inc. offering non-bank investments and retirement plans for business and individuals – expanded by Charles W Wayman
1997
ESB funds Emporia State University Media Center at Welch Stadium, Emporia, KS
2001
Emporia State Bank & Trust celebrates 100th birthday with a gift of the Eagle Exhibit to The Emporia Zoo
Soaring Into Our Second Century of Service
2002
ESB partners with The Learning Connection to be the market leader of the Emporia Farmers' Market
2005
ESB partners with Emporia Farmer’s Market for the Homegrown Celebration.
2005
ESB expands Industrial Plaza Bank to the Business Center – “ESB…Effective Solutions for Business.”
2006
Emporia State Bank & Trust Company changes it's name to ESB Financial – expanded by James C Wayman, great-grandson of Will Wayman
2006
ESB Financial – Manhattan opens bank in Manhattan, KS – expanded by James C Wayman
2007
ESB Financial – Manhattan is a major donor to the Manhattan City Park Pavilion project
2008
ESB Financial – Manhattan moves into permanent building 224 E Poyntz, Manhattan, KS – expanded by James C Wayman
2009
ESB Financial starts Shred Day.
Our Bank is Big on You
2010
ESB welcomes Baby Kasasa, Colobus monkey, at Manhattan Sunset Zoo
2012
- ESB welcomes Mama Kasasa, Cotton-Top Tamarin, David Traylor Zoo
- ESB partners with Flint Hills Discovery Center to sponsor Grand Opening
- ESB Financial invests in Advantage Manhattan
2013
- ESB Financial sponsors Flint Hills Discovery Center Ice Age Exhibit
- ESB Financial invests in Advance Pottawatomie County
2014
ESB Financial sponsors Flint Hills Discovery Center Flint Hills Masters
2015
- ESB Financial sponsors Flint Hills Discovery Center Amazing Dinosaurs
- ESB Financial becomes the sponsor of Downtown Manhattan Farmer’s Market and Watermelon Contest
- ESB Financial sponsors Emporia State University Scoreboard
2016
- ESB Financial brings “Managing Your Money” to KMAN radio
- ESB Financial brings financial literacy program MoneyIsland to Kansas
2018
ESB Financial Merchant St. Bank Lobby Remodel
2019
- ESB Financial donates to Ignite Emporia
- ESB Financial donates to the ESU Breidenthal University House
2021
- ESB Financial brings the Kookaburra exhibit to the zoo
- ESB Financial began offering Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
2023
ESB Financial launched a partnership with Zogo a Financial Literacy App for Consumers
2024
The 5th generation of the Wayman family joined the bank’s leadership, carrying forward a proud legacy. ESB refreshed its mission and vision with a renewed focus on excellence and service.
2025
ESB named Emporia Main Street’s Business of the Year and expanded its financial education efforts through the Let’s Talk Money series. The bank also launched Voices of ESB, capturing stories from employees and clients as it prepared to celebrate 125 years of community banking.
