The insurance firm Durham and Bates bean around 1907, when M.C. Harrison and C.P. Sargent expanded their ship chandlery business to provide hull and cargo insurance to shipowners. In 1911, Gilbert Durham purchased the insurance portion of the company and founded Durham's Marine Insurance Company. Donald Bates joined him in 1920, formally establishing Durham and Bates. The firm continued into the late 20th century, insuring many industries and acting as a consultant to them.
From the description of Donald H. Bates papers [manuscript], 1945-1975. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 173247691