Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-03-30
Piedmont and Arlington Life Insurance
Company, Richmond, Virginia.

This company being the first Southern corpo-
ration to enter the Eastern portals of insurance
has naturally attracted our attention in locating
q General Agency for Pennsylvania, at Phlia-
delphia. It is also about to knock at the doors
of the New York and Massachusetts, depart
ments, through which it can have no difficulty IN
passing, so far as its character for honesty OF
purpose and condition for soundness and relia,
bility are concerned In fact, the unexampied
prosperity of the Piedmont and Arlington, from
its youth and quiet workings, must cause aston
ishment in the minds of those who have hitherto
thought there was no insurance vitality IN tne
South. Our doctrine, so frequently preached, tnat
all sections should stand by their own solvent
companies first, in preference to foreign ones, Is
fully exemplifed by the company, and We are
glad to note tho fact as reminder to other To-
calities, for it is recognized principle in busl.
nes, that, to be successful abroad, character and
confidence should first be obtained at home. This
company has attained said position Of eminence,
as it comes eastward with the remarkable growth
Of double the business of other companies OF four
years old, both in number Of policies and amount
of risks. 1t has issued over 1880 policies, and
its annual income is S1,500,000.
The ratio of expense to income is 1888, less
than half the average expense of some thirty
companies of same age, or one hundred per cent
less.
In regard to mortality, the losses have been
six per cent less in number as to average Losses
of other companies; this, too, in face of tho TACT
of S90,0 from accidents by falling in of the
Capitol at Richmond, and other special accidents
The company is now upon the all cash plan,
which it adopted some months since.
Over 100000 of expenses are charged off fol
accidental losses, retired capital ($33,s32), and
special expenditures which cannot exist again.
There is divisable surplus of thirteen per cent
larger than the divisable surplus of most com.
panies. The dividends are now to be decreased
in order to reach and attain four per cent basis
as soon as possible, and larger surplus in the fu-
tuTe.
As to strength, the " Piedmont and Arlington
has S1.24 assets to 81 of liabilities as applied to
policy holders, or Sl.14 to. stockholders an aver
age of 10 per cent moro than the relative num-
Der of other companies.
The total outgo to total income is 55 per cent,
an average Of 10 to Is per cent less than many
leading companies.
The annual statement of this company for 1870
is before us, yet VIC have written from more
thorough and detailed investigation of the com.
panys affairs than set forth therein. We desired
to know whether any Southern life company could
be recommended by us to the public, and as this
company has had the courage to be the pioneer in
the movement to the Glands of criticism and pre-.
judice" We are free to say that when others from
that section come in the same condition as the
Piedmont and Arlington" they shall have oul
countcnance, because they merit not only it, but
that of the public.
The early staunch condition of this company
portrays the fact that the President, W. G. Car
rington, Vice President, John E. Edwards, Sec
retary, Daniel ]. Hartsook, Actuary, Prof. Ed
ward B. Smith, and Cashier, B. c. Hartsook, are
all thoroughly skilled in the science, and we may
add that the directors comprise prominent and
esteemed citizens of Richmand, several of.whom
are most fayorably known far and wide,
This company hna naaaAd che 1uspectlon OF tne
and Kentucky, and has deposit Of 100000
with the proper authorities at Richmond. 1t will
not fail, therefore, to be admitted, upon applica.
ton, into Now York and Massachusetts.
To conclude, as the company is progressive,
prosperous and prompt, its expenses and losses
small, its investments secure, its reserve ample,
its surplus good, and its management conserva-
tive and skillful, We highly recommend the Pied-
mont and Arlington" of Virginia, as deserving
the patronage of insurers. The General Agent
in Philadelphia is ]. II. Baird, Esq, Office, No.
ITO South Third street, from whom fuller particu-
lars may be obtained if desired.