Fusion Bank History
Standing, left to right: Taylor Briggs, Douglas Briggs, Reed Peters, Leigh Briggs
Photos, left to right: Kenneth Peters, H.H. Reed, H. Mont Reed, H. Leon Reed
Our Story
On June 26, 1896, a Larned, Kansas newspaper (The Chronoscope) announced the opening of the First State Bank and wrote, “The gentlemen connected with this new enterprise are among our most prominent and careful business men, which is a guarantee that the business of the bank will be conducted in a careful and conservative manner.” It went on to say, “the following named gentlemen were elected directors: Timothy McCarthy, F.D. Lowery, L.A. Choat, H.M. Halloway, and E.E. Frizell.”
First State Bank opened its doors at 513 Broadway, Larned, Kansas on June 30, 1896. F.D. Lowrey was elected the first President.
Succeeding bank Presidents included: 1902 H.M. Halloway, 1905 H.H. Reed, 1908 Charles Lobdell, 1911 E.E. Frizell, 1914 John E. Wagner, 1919 H. Mont Reed, 1950 H. Leon Reed, 1964 Kenneth Peters, 1968 Reed Peters, 1990 Gene Dikeman, 2005 Reed Peters and 2006 Douglas Briggs. Many of these people are tied together by family. E.E. Frizell, H.M. Halloway and H.H. Reed married sisters – the DuMont sisters. H. Mont Reed and H. Leon Reed were brothers and their father was H.H. Reed. Reed Peters is the great grandson of H.H. Reed and Douglas M. Briggs is the son-in-law to Reed Peters.
First State Bank acquired new banking locations in Pratt and Iuka, Kansas in February 1998. In March 2007, First State Bank received regulatory approval to open a branch in Oveland Park, Kansas.
In February 2021, after 125 years of serving Kansans under the name First State Bank, a new name was chosen – Fusion Bank. While remaining very proud of its heritage and long history as a strong Kansas bank, branch banking and the explosion of the internet had made it clear that a more unique and “searchable” name was needed.
Fusion Bank attributes its longevity to dedicated people and a commitment to quality. The Bank is rated as a 5-Star Bank (the highest ranking) by BauerFinancial, and is listed among The Strongest Banks in the U.S. by Weiss Ratings.
Continuing the traditions of quality customer service established when the bank first opened its doors; Fusion Bank looks forward to helping enhance the future growth and prosperity of all its customers for many more years.