Case agency to observe 135th anniversary years ago
Marion County's oldest business, founded during pioneer days, will mark a milestone next week.
Case and Son Insurance, Inc., will host an open house on Jan. 24, Friday, to mark completion of 135 years in business.
Customers and friends are invited to drop by the office between 5 and 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Alex E. Case, the founder, received his first appointment as an insurance agent in the Marion Centre settlement Jan. 25, 1868.
On Jan. 25, 1893, Rosse Case joined his father in business and the name Case and Son was established.
On March 24, 1920, Alex H. Case, a member of the third generation of the family, became a partner and was active until shortly before his death in 1981.
Brothers Rosse B. Case and Alex Case Jr., the fourth generation, became partners in the firm on Dec. 25, 1955.
In January of 2001, the business was incorporated and the name became Case and Son Insurance, Inc.
Alex Case Jr. died March 20, 2001, following a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was active in the firm until the last two months of his life.
Rosse B. Case continues to be active in the agency.
The fifth generation, Alex H. "Casey" Case joined the firm Oct. 14, 1988, and currently serves as president of the corporation.
Lori Fruechting is employed full time as a licensed CSR and Evelyn Ollenberger, who has worked for Case and Son since 1931, comes to the office twice a month to do clerical work.
The sixth generation, Wil and Grif, sons of Casey and Nicki Case, are active boys in the Marion school system.
Case and Son Insurance, Inc., offers home, auto, farm, business, annuities, and life insurance. It is the oldest insurance agency in Kansas to operate continuously in the same location, under the same name. The firm's slogan is "In the same business in the same place since 1868."
Friends and customers are invited to visit the agency on the beginning of another year of service to the community.
