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1874 – 1898

The Fight to Stay Mutual

Corporate raiders threaten multiple times to take over National Life and change it from having a mutual structure that benefits the policyholders to one only benefiting the owners. Learn how the Directors saved the company by turning the tables.

1874

1874

First attempt by corporate raiders

First attempt by corporate raiders to make a hostile takeover of National Life. The effort fails when raiders failed to file in the time frame specified in the bylaws.

1876

Second raid on National Life is attempted

Second raid on National Life is attempted, but it is prevented by issuing stock to the directors, who then returned the company to its policyholders to keep National Life mutual.

1877

First woman employed

Emma Dimick is the first woman employed at the Home Office.

https://history.nationallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1877.jpg

1888

Assets reach $5 million

Assets reach $5 million, and tag line “The Best Insurance in the World” first appears.

Early company signs

1891

Fifth Home Office building

The company occupies its fifth Home Office building located at 116 State Street. There are 20 employees.

https://history.nationallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1891.jpg

1892

National Life calendars are issued

First known year that National Life calendars are issued.

1894

New tag line, “Old, Tried, True” first appears

Tag line, “Old, Tried, True” first appears. Elimination of extra premium on women made retroactive; discontinued on old policies.

1895

First annuity issued

First annuity issued.

Image: Early Agency promotion

https://history.nationallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1985.jpg

1896

Medical applications first included

Medical applications first included in policies. Immediate payment upon proof of death first promised in policy.

For 175 years, National Life Group has been keeping promises.
Learn how we’ve evolved in the timeline above and in the video here.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, founded in Montpelier, VT in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, TX, chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York.

Home Office: One National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05604 | (800) 344-7437 | www.nationallife.com

TC137569(1123)3 | Cat No 106748(1123)