Company History

Washington Mutual Township & Fire Insurance Association was founded in 1878.  The first meeting was held at the Washington Township schoolhouse on August 17, 1878.  At that meeting, Jacob Schmidt was elected president and E. J. Lozier was elected secretary.  There was a committee of three appointed to contact the farmers of the township to see if there was any interest in forming a mutual insurance company.   With a favorable report from George Schnibly, chairman of the contact committee, the organization of the company continued.  On August 31, 1878, S.R. Hoagland, representing the State of Ohio, attended the meeting and advised that a charter required 10 members and a $3.00 filing fee.

The fourth meeting, held September 7, 1878, produced enough members to meet the state requirements and the charter was complete.  Officers of the new company included: Jacob Schmidt, President; E.J. Lozier, Secretary; L. McMerrell, Treasurer; George Schnibly, Frances Schafer, and N.S. Lozier as directors.  The first policy was issued October 22, 1878.

Up until 1880, all policies were written by the directors of the company.   The company hired its first agent in 1890.  Agents and directors worked from their homes until 1925, when the first office was constructed near Lakeville, Ohio.  The home office is still in its original location.

The last 70+ years have seen the company continue to grow with very little change in philosophy.  During these years, products were added and bylaws revised several times to keep up with policyholder needs.  Management always kept sight of the fact that the company was a mutual company, owned by the policyholders, with each having the right to attend policyholder meetings and vote on proposed changes.  All of the historical records have been preserved and are on file in the company's office.