Our History

On April 18, 1882, the First Heritage Bank opened for business under its original title, Centralia State Bank of Centralia. Several years later the bank received its national designation and was the first bank in Nemaha County to operate as a national bank, The First National Bank of Centralia. In 2013 the bank converted to a state bank charter and changed its name to First Heritage Bank. Since its opening, First Heritage Bank has strived to provide friendly and exemplary service to create lasting relationships that span generations.

For six generations, First Heritage Bank has remained family owned and operated. Today the fifth generation is marked by Bruce Bachman, Chairman of the Board, Matthew Bachman, Secretary of the Board, and Johanna Holsinger, Board Director. Tyler Bachman, President/CEO and Board Director, joined the bank in 2015 and represents the sixth generation of the family banking tradition.

First Heritage Bank has consistently been recognized as a 5-Star rated bank by Bauer Financial, the leading independent bank rating firm, making First Heritage Bank one of America's strongest and safest financial institutions in the country.

Since its origin, the bank has continued to expand, and along with the main bank in Centralia, it also has four full- service branches located in Corning, Lenexa, Seneca and Vermillion. Combining the traditions of the past with today's modern banking services, First Heritage Bank is here to assist you and your family with all your banking needs.

The First National Bank of Centralia at the turn of the 19th century.

The new banking facility was dedicated on March 1, 1956 at the corner of 4th and Main.