This year, the Berkley family was honored with the prestigious Century of Family Banking award by the Kansas Bankers Association, marking 100 years of dedicated service in the banking industry. This recognition is not just a testament to the longevity of their involvement in banking but also to the values, commitment and community spirit that have defined the Berkley legacy over the past century.
The Berkley family’s journey in banking began with Howard Jackson (H.J.) Berkley, who joined The Bank of Tescott in 1924 as a humble cashier and janitor. Through his hard work and dedication, H.J. eventually became the bank’s President, a position he held until his passing in 1969. His leadership set the foundation for what would become a multi-generational family commitment to the banking industry. H.J.’s legacy was carried forward by his eight children — Arliene, Jack Belmont, Robert, Jerry, Paul, Hal, Don and Mike — who each played significant roles in various banks across Kansas. Robert Berkley served the people of North Central Kansas through his legal work and as a founding member of Kennedy Berkley, Pennsylvania.
Over the years, the Berkleys have been involved in five different banking institutions, including The Bank of Tescott, Bennington State Bank, Solutions North (formerly Stockton National Bank), the State Bank of Downs and Alliance Bank. Each institution reflects the family’s commitment to excellence in banking and their deep-rooted belief in serving their communities. Today, these banks collectively manage assets worth billions of dollars, with several family members still actively involved in their operations.
As the Berkleys celebrate this remarkable milestone, they remain committed to the principles that have guided them for generations — providing exceptional customer service, promoting community growth and maintaining the integrity and values instilled by H.J. Berkley. This century of service is not just a look back at what has been achieved but a promise to continue upholding these standards as the family moves forward.
The recognition from the Kansas Bankers Association serves as a reminder of the enduring impact the Berkley family has had on the banking industry and the communities they serve. As they look to the future, the Berkleys are dedicated to preserving their legacy, ensuring that the institutions they’ve nurtured continue to flourish for generations to come.
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