A visionary's journey
G.J. Mecherle, a farmer from Merna, IL worked as a man inspired. He believed in honesty and treating people fairly. And, he wanted to help others. Get a better sense of the heart behind this budding brand.
Humble beginnings
George Jacob (G.J.) Mecherle was born on June 7, 1877 on a farm near Merna, IL. G.J. grew up getting his hands dirty and until 1918, most of his time was time was spent working in agriculture. He regarded this as the most important business of mankind. On November 6, 1901, G.J. Mecherle married May Edith Perry. Together, they raised five children: Ramond, George, Mildred, and twins Hubert and Herbert.
The winter of 1918 proved too much for the Mecherle family. George leased his 480-acre farm and moved his family to Florida. When his wife’s health declined, the family moved back to Illinois, settling in a small town outside of Bloomington: Normal.
Beyond the farm
G.J. always had a knack for connection and a love for community. Soon, he became a car insurance salesperson for a company in Bloomington. While selling insurance, he quickly realized that he didn’t agree with the ways of the industry.
Why should farmers spend the same on insurance as people living in Chicago? Then he thought, farmers should pay lower premiums because they drove less and had fewer losses than those in the city. G.J. decided that his community deserved an honest insurance company. A company that could double as a trusted member of the community. From there, State Farm was created. The name originated from the original clientele: farmers in the state of IL.
On June 7, 1922, Mecherle's 45th birthday, G.J. and two associates established State Farm in a temporary office on Jefferson Street. This date marked the birth of State Farm Mutual and the founder, G.J. Mecherle.
"We're going to tell folks in plain terms why our company is different, and why we can offer them the finest automobile insurance protection at reasonable rates which they can afford to pay. That story is what put State Farm where it is today. And that's what will keep us strong and growing."
The Life and Successes of G.J. Mecherle
Listen to how State Farm Mutual was established through the eyes of its founder, G.J. Mecherle.
This file is audio only.