Security Benefit Life Insurance Company

Security Benefit was chartered in 1892 as the Knights and Ladies of Security, a fraternal beneficiary society. In 1919 it merged with the National American Association and the name was changed to Security Benefit Association. The name was changed again in 1950 to the Security Benefit Life Insurance Company.

From the description of Records, 1892-1992. (University of Kansas Archives / MSS / Rare Books). WorldCat record id: 33902399

The Security Benefit Life Insurance Company was chartered in Topeka, Kansas in 1892 as the Knights and Ladies of Security. This early fraternal beneficiary society followed the model established by other successful fraternal societies in existence at that time. Local lodges called Councils were established and sent representatives to the governing body, the National Council. By 1895 there were 10,770 members and by 1896 nine states were being served by the organization. These early Councils were highly ritualistic with elaborate ceremonies, uniforms, and secret passwords and held well attended social functions for members.

The first National President to hold office for an extended length of time was William B. Kirkpatrick, who served from 1896 to 1916. He was succeeded by his son, James M. Kirkpatrick. The National Secretary was another important post in the organization. John V. Abrahams served in that capacity from 1893 to 1940 and was in turn succeeded by his son J. H. Abrahams who was appointed as Secretary-Treasurer by the Association. In 1953 he became Executive Vice President, two years later he became President and served in that capacity until June 1975 when he was elected Chairman of the Board.

The society grew steadily and in 1916 a Commission was authorized to consider the creation of a facility to care for orphans, invalids and aged members. In 1917 the Knights and Ladies of Security Home and Hospital Association was established to administrate these services. Land was purchased outside of Topeka and in 1918 work began on a two-story dormitory. Eventually the facility grew to include a working farm, orphanage, home for the elderly, hospital and clinic.

The Knights and Ladies of Security merged with the National Americans Association of Kansas City in 1919 and effective Oct. 1 of that year, the name of the society was officially changed to the Security Benefit Association.

Two world wars and a major depression had a great impact on fraternal societies through-out the United States. World War I and the Great Depression led to increases in the number of claims and reevaluation of benefits offered. In the period following World War II, societal norms changed bringing about a different life style for many Americans. Greater mobility contributed to less interest in fraternal social functions and the laws regulating life insurance companies became more strict. Fraternal organizations were forced to make changes. After 1948, the National Council took steps to bring the Association closer to being a life insurance company. The transformation was complete by Jan. 1, 1950. Security Benefit ceased to be a fraternal benefit society and became the Security Benefit Life Insurance Company.

In the years following mutualization, new avenues of business were developed and the company grew rapidly to become the largest life insurance company headquartered in Kansas. Security Benefit Life celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992.

From the guide to the Records, 1892-1992, (University of Kansas Kenneth Spencer Research Library Kansas Collection)