Travelers History

Travelers Insures Prominent Historical Figures

On April 1, 1864, James G. Batterson issued the first written Travelers insurance policy to himself. However, prior to officially composing written policies, Batterson had entered into verbal agreements with his clients. For instance, in March 1864, Batterson insured Edwin S. Tyler, a Hartford coal dealer, for $5,000 against any accidents he should encounter on his trip to Washington.

Since its inception, Travelers has established a public reputation of providing reliable and dependable service. In fact, many well-known 19th century historical figures looked to Travelers to fulfill their insurance needs. In Travelers first year of business, policyholders included:

• P.T. Barnum, showman and founder of the Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, billed as the “Greatest Show on Earth” in 1872.
• John Wanamaker, renowned Philadelphian merchant and creator of the first major department stores in the late 1800’s.
• Josh Billings, the pen name of humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw, who in the latter part of the 1800’s, was probably the second most famous humorist and writer, after Mark Twain.
• William Lloyd Garrison, prominent Massachusetts abolitionist who in the 1830’s advocated the immediate emancipation of slaves.
• Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, theologian and brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin).
• James Harper, co-founder of the New York City-based Harper Brothers publishing house in the early 1800’s.

Today, Travelers continues to provide high-quality products and exemplary customer service to policyholders in the United States and internationally.
 

Source:  The Travelers 100 Years