ManhattanLife Celebrates 175 Years.
From our New York headquarters building in 1850 to the Houston Corporate Office in 2025, ManhattanLife has greatly evolved over time. We were the first insurance company to issue an Accident & Accidental Death policy to a woman and the first to issue a Group policy. In 1864, we began incorporating incontestability clauses into our policies, which eventually became law. Then in 1892, due to significant business growth, we commissioned one of America’s first skyscrapers, just before the automobile made its way onto roads. While we’ve witnessed a lot of history, we’ve made some history ourselves. This year, ManhattanLife is making more history as we reach the company’s 175th anniversary!
A Humble Start (1850)
Bringing a Vision to Life.
Imagine New York City on May 29, 1850—unpaved streets, bustling pedestrians, and horse-drawn carriages weaving through traffic. Against this backdrop, L.S. Chatfield, Attorney General for New York, approved The Manhattan Life Insurance Company to commence operations.
However, the early days were modest—no office, no officers, and no employees, just a dream. By August 1, 1850, the company had officially opened at 108 Broadway, with Christopher Y. Wemple, its first Secretary, securing the company’s very first policy: $2,000 on his own life.
Early Insurance Offerings.
Policyholders could select from:
• Ordinary Life (with or without profits)
• Single Premium Life (with profits)
• Endowment at 50
• Endowment at 60
• Joint Lives
• Annuities
Strong Ambition (1860s–1890s)
Pioneering the Industry.
ManhattanLife has a long history of pioneering innovations in the insurance industry. It was the first company to issue an Accident & Accidental Death policy to a woman and the first to introduce Group insurance, providing coverage to sailors aboard the record-setting vessel Sea Witch. In 1864, the company introduced incontestability clauses, a groundbreaking policy feature that was later adopted as law.
Resilience During The Civil War.
Despite the hardships of war, The Manhattan Life remained steadfast in its commitments to policyholders. The company honored all claims for those who passed away during the war and allowed lapsed policies to be reinstated without requiring a medical examination. This unwavering integrity earned Manhattan Life the nickname “The Old Reliable,” a phrase frequently mentioned in policyholder correspondence.
Reaching New Heights.
With business booming, one of America’s first skyscrapers was commissioned—an 18-story building on Broadway, symbolizing the company’s success just before the dawn of the automobile era. The building was completed in 1894.
Wisdom and War (1900s–1930s)
Adapting to Global Change.
With the onset of World War I in 1914, The Manhattan Life swiftly adapted to the changing landscape. As U.S. troops entered the war between 1917 and 1918, the company demonstrated its commitment to policyholders by issuing premium refunds for war-risk coverage, ensuring continued support during uncertain times.
Strength Through Hardship.
During the Great Depression (1929–1939), The Manhattan Life not only endured the economic downturn but also played a vital role in supporting the industry by acquiring mortgages from another life insurance company to help it meet cash requirements. Despite challenges of the era, the company reached a record $101 million in insurance in force by 1930. In 1935, to boost morale and encourage excellence, Manhattan Life introduced the Halsey Cup, a competitive sales trophy awarded to top-performing agencies.
Renewed Promise (1940s–1950s)
Supporting the War Effort.
During World War II, The Manhattan Life played a vital role in supporting the war effort and the economy. Employees sold an impressive $11 million in Victory Bonds, demonstrating their commitment to the nation. By 1946, the company’s insurance in force had grown to $150 million—equivalent to approximately $2.4 billion today—reflecting its resilience and continued expansion during a time of global uncertainty.
Celebrating 100 Years.
By the 1950s, the U.S. was experiencing economic prosperity. To mark its 100-year anniversary, The Manhattan Life hosted a black-tie gala at the Waldorf Astoria, attended by 235 guests, including employees dressed in 1850s fashion. Each guest received an 1850 penny, a symbolic reminder of how far the company had come.
Striving for the Stars (1950 – 1975)
A Shift in Healthcare, A Surge in Coverage.
In the 1950s, Manhattan Life thrived alongside a national shift in healthcare. As house calls declined and medical specialization grew, more Americans turned to doctor’s offices and hospitals. Meanwhile, private health insurance expanded rapidly—driven by wartime labor shortages, the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, and 1954 tax exemptions for employer-sponsored plans.
Leadership, Innovation, and Expansion.
Under President Thomas E. Lovejoy Jr., Manhattan Life introduced groundbreaking policies tailored to the growing American family. By 1957, the company exceeded $1 billion in insurance and moved into the landmark Steinway Hall. The 1960s brought computing advancements, and by 1969, a bold new logo reflected a bright future. The early ’70s marked continued growth, including a West Coast expansion and the election of the company’s first female board member.
Prelude to an Exciting Era (1975 – 2000)
Steady Progress and a Changing Landscape.
Following the end of the Vietnam War, Manhattan Life entered a period of stability, continuing to serve families with a variety of supplemental health and life products. In 1980, the company sold Steinway Hall but remained a tenant through the end of the century. The 1980s brought major shifts in healthcare as rising medical costs and new legislation, like the Healthcare Quality Improvement Act of 1986, increased demand for hospital indemnity and critical illness coverage.
Expansion and Renewal.
In 1993, Central United Life Insurance joined the Manhattan Life group of companies, marking a key step in the company's expansion. The 1990s were a time of growth, with stronger product lines and a broader customer base. By the end of the decade, this momentum led to a significant leadership transition to support the company’s continued evolution.
A New Beginning (2000 – 2025)
New Ownership and a Unified Vision.
In 2000, Manhattan Life celebrated its 150th anniversary and a major milestone—new ownership. David Harris, President of Central United Life Insurance, acquired the company and relocated its corporate headquarters to Houston, Texas. This move fueled growth through new product development and strategic acquisitions. By 2013, the acquisition of Western United Life expanded Manhattan Life’s footprint into the annuity market, and in 2018, the company added Humana’s Workplace Voluntary Benefits and Financial Protection Plan business lines. To reflect this growth, the brand was unified under the name ManhattanLife.
Growth, Leadership, and Legacy.
ManhattanLife continued its upward trajectory with the 2020 acquisition of Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company, expanding offerings like Final Expense and Short-Term Medical insurance. In 2022, Tyler Harris was named President, bringing innovation across marketing, communications, technology, and international operations. His leadership helped drive continued success—culminating in 2025, when ManhattanLife proudly celebrated 175 years of service and growth.