The History of Claremont Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company
In January 1894, a group of 25 men met at White’s Hall in Claremont, MN and decided “to organize a Farmers Insurance Company”. So began the company which was to be Claremont Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
At that time, the agricultural industry was anything but good. The preceding year, 491 banks and about 15,000 commercial institutions had failed. In some counties, 90% of the farms had changed hands. In addition to the difficult economic times, fires were constantly breaking out in wooden farm homes. Heat from wood or coal burning stoves, as well as wood burning chimneys, provided a high risk environment for building losses. During harvest, big steam engines powering grain separators were a constant threat. Farmers needed insurance.
It was believed that the big, commercial insurance companies were charging farmers of the day too much for the insurance provided. This crucial meeting in 1894 set about to organize a mutual fire insurance company charging rates the farmers could afford.
And so began Claremont Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company which today is proud to be financially strong and committed to exceptional customer service and positive insurance experiences for all its members.
THE ORIGINAL FOUNDING MEMBERS OF CLAREMONT FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY INCLUDED:
| W. M. Hubbard | U. Senn | Joseph Weber |
| E. J. Shaw | G. Bosshard | A. P. Naylor |
| R. Weber | George Hall | W. H. Naylor |
| James Peachey | R. Harner | Finley McMartin |
| A. E. Beckwith | C. M. Fuller | James Gardiner |
| P. J. Norton | F. E. Dodge | W. V. Vorce |
| Theron Fairbanks | L. H. Bullis | F. Cartwright |
| H. C. Hythecker | W. G. Weber | B. Cartwright |
| W. W. Schick |
Some of the highlights over the past years include:
Today, Brad Kullot serves as the manager, Julie French as the Underwriter and
Linda Ulve as the Office Assistant at the home office in Kasson, MN. The current Board of Directors includes Brian Wolf, President, Rod Marquardt, Vice President, Steven Reller, Secretary, Linda Ulve, Director, Wendy Stroebl, Director, James Bryngelson, Director
There are many great names of both men and women who have served Claremont Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company in the past and present. While too many to name, each has played a part in laying the foundation of the outstanding company we are today. The current staff and Board of Directors is dedicated to upholding their ideals, goals and dreams as we look to continuing to make Claremont Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company great now and in the future.
PAST MANAGERS OF CLAREMONT FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY INCLUDE:
| 1894-1899 | O.E. Beckwith |
| 1899-1913 | K. E. Bullis |
| 1913-1945 | Mrs. K. E. Bullis |
| 1945-1952 | George Hallaway |
| 1952-1964 | Mr. George Hallaway |
| 1964-1989 | Gaylord Harris |
| 1989-2013 | Randall Holland |
| 2013-2016 | Linda Ulve |
| 2016-2021 | Tony Hughes |
| 2021-present | Brad Kullot |
