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State Farm was founded in June 1922 by retired farmer George J. Mecherle as a mutual automobile insurance company owned by its policyholders. The firm specialized in auto insurance for farmers and offered better rates than rival companies, which must also cover expensive premiums of the urban motorists. [11]
G.J. Mecherle launched State Farm in 1922. The State Farm® Good Neighbor Center spotlights G.J., his vision, and offers a unique view from his office. Get to know the farmer from Merna, IL, the people who support him, and how they kick-started one of America’s most iconic brands.
George Jacob "G.J." Mecherle (pronounced "Ma-herl") (June 7, 1877 - March 10, 1951) was the founder of State Farm, headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. Mecherle, a farmer who became an insurance agent also, founded State Farm after becoming dissatisfied with the insurance rates charged to farmers, as those rates included the risks of city ...
May 31, 2018 · Key Takeaways. Mecherle's ancestors were German farmers and immigrated to America, eventually settling down in Bloomington, IN. The rule of George's household was integrity. It was their duty to become trusted members of the community.
From the outset, George Mecherle set industry standards and was often a pioneer in innovative insurance policies and practices. He adopted a strict no-drinking and driving provision to reduce auto accidents, and he instituted the first installment payment program for premiums.
A Farmer from Merna is a highly readable book about a man who never paused in his ceaseless crusade to bring low-cost protection to an ever-expanding...
A Biography of George J. Mecherle and a History of the State Farm Insurance Companies of Bloomington, Illinois. By Karl Schriftgiesser. New York, Random House, Inc., 1955. Pp. 243. $3.50. Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2012. Harris Proschansky. Article. Metrics. Article contents. Get access. Share. Cite Rights & Permissions
