Ohio Farmers Insurance Company history

In September 1849, at its annual meeting, the company reported that it had 2,101 fire insurance policies in effect, covering more than $1.6 million in property.

In 1854 the company honored a claim from a man named Michael Hagenbaugh, who had purchased a farm covered by Ohio Farmers but had failed to transfer the policy to his name before fire struck, destroying some of his property.

By 1891 the company reached the $1 million mark in direct premiums.

Johnson was replaced as president in 1912 by Frank H. Hawley, whose family members had served the company since the beginning.

In 1929 the company established Ohio Farmers Indemnity Company to write more comprehensive casualty coverage than Ohio Farmers Insurance was permitted to offer.

In 1963 the company became involved in life insurance, forming Colonial Heritage Life Insurance Company.

A year later Westfield Investment Fund, Inc. was incorporated, and in 1970 it changed its name to Westfield Income Fund, Inc.

1971: Westfield Companies name is adopted.

Published by Westfield Companies (1985)

It was also the start of an extended period of expansion. It was not until 1992 that Westfield made the first acquisition in its 145 years of existence, paying $89.7 million for Beacon Insurance Company of America, a move that removed a competitor and significantly expanded agency representation in Ohio.

Westfield also introduced niche products for home, auto, and businesses in 1995.

2001: Westfield Bank is launched.