New York Life

It all began in 1845 when, after the foundation was laid for a new enterprise that would come to be known as the New York Life Insurance Company, Elected Secretary Lewis Benton purchased the first policy for $5,000. So began a legacy of security and a commitment to keeping promises reflected still today in our core values.

As President and Chairman (1907-1932) Darwin P. Kingsley said, "When will New York Life be finished? Never! Its foundations are as deep as human love; its spires disappear in unfulfilled dreams of human aspiration; its great arches support an expanding nave which can cover and protect all who come."

That passion and commitment to protection has continued unabated for nearly two centuries - seeing the nation evolve and events take place affecting the lives of Americans: from the Civil War, to the Johnstown floods in 1889, to the 1929 stock market crash, to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 9/11, and of course, the recent recession.

The Company's 167th anniversary, which is celebrated on April 12, follows on the heels of a record-setting financial year in which we added more to our surplus, becoming stronger than we've ever been.

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