About Us

Citizens State Bank of LeRoy was chartered on August 12, 1899 and opened for business on August 18 at the southeast corner of Sixth and Main streets. The bank opened with $5,000 capital in the form of 50 shares at $100 per share. John Copple was elected the first president, with Lafe Irwin as vice president and J. R. Copple as cashier. These three officers along with Frank Fockele and J. M. Mechem served as the first board of directors.

In May, 1900, burglars broke into the bank and tried unsuccessfully to open the safe using explosives. They caused much damage to the safe and its surroundings, but did not obtain any money. Another failed attempt to break into the safe occurred on March 4,1902, when three nitroglycerin blasts to the safe left its contents securely protected and intact.

On March 12,1902, Citizens State Bank of LeRoy merged into The First National Bank of LeRoy. The newly formed bank moved to the southwest corner of Sixth and Main streets, across from the original location. Eleven stockholders held 250 shares at $100 each to total $25,000 capital stock. Election of officers resulted in Frank E. Bodley, president; J. M. Mechem, vice president; and J. R. Copple, cashier. The first board of directors included John Copple, O.L. Anthony and the three officers.

In 1909, The First National Bank of LeRoy recorded total assets of $116,000 and capital of $30,388.

Another merger brought Peoples State Bank of LeRoy into The First National Bank of LeRoy in 1929. The bank moved once again, to the northwest corner of the same intersection. By 1930, the total assets of the bank had increased to $322,262 with capital of $29,500.

On February 27, 1931, two armed robbers entered The First National Bank of LeRoy at 9:30 a.m. They locked bookkeeper Grant Eichorn, cashier L. V. Watson and eight customers into the bank vault and proceeded to steal $4,875.45 in cash and $1,700 in unsigned express orders. They took assistant cashier George Sims and James Williams hostage, cramming them into their getaway car along with themselves and the money. The robbers released Sims and Williams on the west side of the old wagon bridge across the Neosho River. Meanwhile, postmaster F. L. Powers entered the bank and heard cries for help coming from the vault. L. V. Watson called out the combination to Powers, who opened the vault.

Burglars struck again on April 4, 1932, gaining access to what proved to be an empty safe. Another robbery in 1937 of a Missouri Pacific Railroad agent in the bank resulted in a loss of $461.64 in cash and $28.16 in express orders In 1946, thieves escaped with $863.04 in another hold-up. After this event, the most robbed bank in the county would have no more robberies for the next 52 years.

During World War II, as men were being drafted, several women were employed by The First National Bank of LeRoy for the first time. Despite several economic downturns, by 1948, assets stood at $697,162 and capital was $50,871.

In the 1950s and 1960s, extensive renovations to the bank building were completed, including interior and exterior remodeling and the installation of floor furnaces, air conditioning and new windows. In 1968, total assets reached $1,000,000 and capital increased to $100,000.

Present owners Bill and Joan Freeman purchased the bank in 1978 from Van and Irene Watson. In 1989, the building to the north of the bank facility was purchased and the bank was expanded and completely remodeled.

Throughout the years, The First National Bank of LeRoy has made significant investments in the community of LeRoy. In 1990 a scholarship program for local high school students was initiated, with four to six scholarships being awarded annually to outstanding graduates. The First National Bank of LeRoy made it possible for the new local library to install the atrium of its building in 1993 with a sizeable contribution. In 1996, the bank made a substantial donation to the city of LeRoy to help construct a basketball court in the city park. Additional funds for scholarships have been donated to Allen County Community College and Emporia State University.

The First National Bank of LeRoy celebrated its 100th anniversary in August, 1999 at which time the officers, directors and staff of The First National Bank of LeRoy extended special appreciation to their loyal customers and friends who have maintained confidence in the bank through good times and bad.

Today, with assets of over $26,500,000 and capital stock which exceeds $5,400,000, we pledge to remain a locally owned hometown bank that keeps your money in the community. We are committed to continuing to provide the best in customer service and up-to-date technology to meet all of your banking needs.

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