Timeline 1900 – 1930s

Take a look back at Mutual of Omaha through the years.

1909

Mutual of Omaha, then known as Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association, files articles of incorporation with the Nebraska Insurance Department. The company’s first president is Harry S. Weller, who serves until 1932.

1910s

1910

Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association becomes authorized to issue health and accident insurance in Nebraska.

1917

Mutual extends coverage to working women as they flood into the workplace to fill the vacancies left behind by men leaving to fight in World War I.

1918

Mutual Benefit consolidates with Omaha Health & Accident Association, assuming more than 3,000 policy owners through the agreement.

Mabel Criss, former Vice President and founder

1920s

1920

Mutual Benefit is licensed to sell insurance in 15 states and its premiums went over a million dollars – $1,296,482 – for the year.

1926

Incorporated on Aug. 9, United Benefit Life Insurance Company provides life insurance, pension and annuity products for groups and individuals.

1929

Becoming the first woman to hold office in the company, Mabel L. Criss is elected vice president and general manager of Mutual Benefit on Feb. 11.

Dr. Criss in the 1930s

1930s

1933

Four years to the day after his wife became vice president, Dr. C.C. Criss is elected president of Mutual Benefit.

1936

In response to the Great Depression, Mutual Benefit offers its first hospital insurance to protect families. This insurance provided payments for daily hospitalization, operating room, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory and physician fees.

1939

The company is licensed in all 48 states and two territories.

Mutual Benefit breaks ground on its new corporate headquarters at 33rd and Farnam streets in Omaha on Sept. 4. The building remains in use today as part of Mutual’s home office complex.