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Board of Directors
H.F. Stapel, Secretary |
Our companies have a long and proud history that began in 1874. The Home Mutual Insurance Company was founded to fill a need for fire insurance on homes in rural Missouri. In 1889, Mr. Henry F. Stapel, a German immigrant, formed The Missouri Farmers Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Company in Rock Port, Missouri to provide these coverages as a companion to policies issued by the local fire insurance companies. In 1897, Mr. Stapel then formed the Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company in order to fill a similar need for crop insurance for farmers.
One of the earliest recorded insurance policies covered a 24 x 32 foot, one story dwelling with a value of $350, and an outbuilding valued at $525. The policy was issued with an annual premium of $74.00.
In 1918, John C. Stapel, H. F.’s son, took over the reins of our company. The company was renamed Farmers Mutual Windstorm Insurance and was relocated from Rock Port to Columbia, Missouri in 1929. John C. or "Poppy", as all knew him, guided the company through the tough depression years. He was well known among state and national lawmakers as a champion for the entire Mutual Insurance industry.
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Missouri Mutual Insurance Company Building
Rockport, Missouri |
Now, over 125 years and five leaders later, Robert J. Wagner has assumed the mantle of leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer. He is guiding our companies into the new millennium with a philosophy of profit, growth and superior service.
From our meager beginning as a mono-line "windstorm insurance company" writing business only in the State of Missouri, we have grown into a multi-line company licensed in over 28 states and insuring over 134,000 policyholders in 10 states.
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