History of Gerald J. Horn, Inc. Agency

          The founder of our agency was Gerald J. Horn. His business career started back in 1917 as a route salesman for Ike Dairy. Those were the days of horse drawn wagons and early morning deliveries. Jerry worked his way up in the dairy industry and was a supervisor of 5 plants for Bowman Dairy Company when he suffered a stroke severely limiting his left side. After Bowman Dairy continued his employment in an accounting capacity, they retired Jerry in 1959. He then began his insurance career.

          Jerry started off on his own working from the den of his home and visiting Bowman Dairy divisions to solicit business. He was well received by his former co-workers. On July 1, 1966, the office was moved to a store front operation at 2554 W Montrose, Chicago. His wife, Margaret, had helped on the phones and his son, William, a school teacher, kept the books. In 1967 son, Bernard W. Horn, joined the business full time as salesperson. In June 1969, William T. Horn left the teaching profession and joined the agency full time. The ownership of the agency changed from an individual proprietorship to a corporation that August as Gerald J. Horn's health deteriorated and he retired.

          Mr. Horn's third son, Gerald L. Horn, left R. Cooper, Jr. & Co. in 1972 and joined the agency full time. The agency moved to 5543 W. Diversey, Chicago in August 1972 and spent 17 years at that location. John E. Horn, grandson of the founder, joined the staff in August 1986 after graduating from Georgia Tech. He continued in the agency until January, 1999.

          Gerald L. Horn retired from the agency in February, 1988. The office re-located to 5752 W. Addison Street, Chicago in October, 1990. In November, 1991 after graduating from the University of Illinois, Terrence M. Horn, grandson of the founder, joined the staff. With staff retirements, Daniel P. Horn, also grandson of founder and graduate of Southern Illinois University, joined the agency staff in October, 1994.

          In October, 1999 Bernard W. Horn, the President of corporation, retired. The three principles in the agency at this time are William T. Horn, Treasurer, Terrence M. Horn, President, and Daniel P. Horn, Secretary. We are proud of our three generations of serving people. Our staff is experienced, competent, pleasant, and ready to serve you.