Our History

Read on to learn more about the Company’s five generations of family leadership, and the milestones achieved along the way.

Our History

Read on to learn more about the Company’s five generations of family leadership, and the milestones achieved along the way.

Five Generations Strong

Illinois Mutual is a company more than 110 years in the making. Our history demonstrates how our adaptability, financial fortitude and growth mindset have helped us remain successful since our beginnings.

First Generation: O.L. McCord

1910

O.L. McCord and four others organize a fraternal benefit society, Illinois Woodmen Accident Association in Danville, Illinois.


1913

The Company moves to Peoria, Illinois.

Products sold at the time include:

  • A Series of Accident Insurance Policies
  • Income Protection Insurance
  • Indemnity Loss of Life, Limb, Sight or Time by Accidental Means, and for Loss of Time by Illness

1916

The Company reorganizes to a mutual plan and changes its name to Illinois Mutual Casualty Company.

1922

O.L. McCord is named President.

Championing Women in the Workplace

1922

Gladys Edwards named Company Secretary and Treasurer – just two years after women won the right to vote in our country.

1934

The Company is the first in the industry to issue a professional women's policy designed for working women.

Stability in Crisis

Illinois Mutual remained profitable after the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

Second Generation

1935

E.A. McCord becomes President.


1956

Illinois Mutual introduces Disability Income Insurance (DI) to its line of products.

Products sold at the time include:

  • A Series of Accident Insurance Policies
  • Income Protection Insurance
  • Travel Accident Policy
  • Athletic Sports Insurance
  • Professional Women’s Policy
  • Four In One Medical Expense Policy
  • Family Group Hospital Policy
  • Non-Occupational Accident Policy

1958

The Company enters the life insurance market by issuing its first life insurance policy to Michel McCord, great-grandson of O.L. McCord.

The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life and Casualty.


Third Generation: R.A. McCord

1963

R.A. McCord is named President; E.A. McCord becomes Chairman.

Products sold at the time include:

  • Major Medical
  • Hospitalization
  • Group Health
  • Group Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Small Group Franchise
  • Cancer and Specific Diseases
  • Life Insurance

Embracing Technological Progress

Illinois Mutual installed its first mainframe computer (IBM 305 RAMAC) in 1964.

1970

Company introduces Money-Back Disability Insurance.

1979

Illinois Mutual moves into a newly renovated, five-story home office at 300 SW Adams Street in downtown Peoria, Illinois.


Fourth Generation: Michel McCord

1983

Michel McCord is named President; R.A. McCord becomes Chairman.

Products sold at the time include:

  • Universal Life Insurance
  • Traditional Whole Life Insurance
  • Group Health
  • Money-Back Disability Insurance
  • Group Life
  • Group Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Small Group Franchise
  • HR10 & Small Employer Pension Plans – Fixed Annuities

Celebrating A Milestone Success

The Company reached $1 billion of in force life premiums in 1983.

1995

The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company and celebrates 85 years in business by unveiling a new corporate identity logo mark and branding.


2003

Illinois Mutual has a milestone year by exceeding $1 billion in admitted assets.

Innovating Awareness

In 2005, Illinois Mutual began celebrating Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), an industry-wide event created and launched by future Illinois Mutual President Katie McCord Jenkins.

2007

Illinois Mutual launches a new line of Worksite Insurance products including Short Term Disability Insurance and Accident Insurance.


2008

Illinois Mutual becomes bilingual and launches a successful Hispanic initiative.

2010

Illinois Mutual celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Giving Back to Celebrate Success

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Illinois Mutual donated $100,000 along with 100 volunteer hours from Company employees to charitable organizations in the central Illinois community.

Fifth Generation: Katie McCord Jenkins

2011

Katie McCord Jenkins is named President.


2011

Illinois Mutual launches its first online illustration WebApps for Life and DI, allowing agents to do business digitally.

Products now sold at the Company:


2018

The Company launches a new suite of Term Life insurance products, featuring customizable solutions to meet specific needs.

2019

Illinois Mutual introduces new portfolio of Whole Life Insurance providing five plans and a variety of riders.

Disability Insurance guidelines undergo changes meant to expand coverage, allowing more individuals to qualify for coverage who hadn’t before.


2020

Company converts to new application and illustration management system to make the policy application process faster and easier for agents.

Illinois Mutual introduces ePolicy delivery to enhance virtual communications for policyowners.

Illinois Mutual surpasses $150 million returned to DI policyowners with the Return of Premium (ROP) Rider.

United in Giving

2020 was the 4th year in a row that 100% of Illinois Mutual employees donated to the United Way.

2021

Illinois Mutual becomes a certified Great Place To Work® company.

The Company releases a new diversity statement: We are committed to being a company of diverse people and perspectives who create a welcoming and supportive culture and who are united by our Mission and Core Values.