150 Years of Service, Stability, and Community

Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester was founded on December 7, 1876, at a meeting held in the Central (Middle) Church of the Freeborn Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Organized for the protection of farmers against fire and lightning, the company was built on principles of honesty, mutual responsibility, and neighbor helping neighbor—values that continue to guide the company 150 years later.

The men who founded Farmers Mutual were respected community leaders, many holding public office and deeply involved in township affairs. The early meeting minutes reflect their intelligence, integrity, and genuine concern for their fellow citizens. From the beginning, Farmers Mutual was intended not as a profit-seeking enterprise, but as a mutual organization dedicated to fairness and service.

Ole Peterson Slette – First President

Born in Norway in 1832, Ole Peterson Slette immigrated to America in 1852 at the age of 20 with his mother, five brothers, and one sister. As the eldest of seven children, Ole quickly became a leader within his community. Though his surname was Slette, insurance records commonly list him as Ole Peterson.

Remarkably, as of June 18, 2026—150 years later—Farmers Mutual still insures members of the Slette family.

Iver A. Rodsater – First Secretary

Iver A. Rodsater was born in Sogn, Norway, in 1845 and graduated from Balestrang Teachers College in 1864. He immigrated to the United States in 1866, married Ingeborg Anderson, and settled in Manchester Township. A farmer, teacher, and township clerk, Rodsater was deeply engaged in community life.

His son Arthur served as a director of Farmers Mutual from 1913 to 1914, continuing the family’s connection to the company.

Ole Narveson – First Treasurer

Ole Narveson was born and raised in Norway and later settled in Bancroft Township with his wife and young son. A farmer and family man with nine children, Ole served as treasurer until 1900. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, B. E. Bottolfson, who held the position for nearly three decades, until 1929.

Hans H. Stensrud – Original Director

Born October 11, 1835, in Telemarken, Norway, Hans H. Stensrud served in the Norwegian Army and the King’s Guard before immigrating to the United States in 1866. After enduring the hardships common to early settlers, he established a farm near Freeborn Village and became a prominent civic leader.

Hans served as Chairman of the Freeborn Village Board of Supervisors, Director of the State Bank of Freeborn, and was a charter member of West Freeborn Lutheran Church. He remained active with Farmers Mutual until his retirement in 1901 and lived to the age of 92.

Four Generations of Service

• Carl Stensrud, Hans’s son, served on the Board of Directors from 1902 to 1950, holding positions as Vice President and Treasurer.
• Henry Stensrud followed, serving from 1950 to 1965.
• Upon Henry’s death, the agency passed to Bert McKean, married to Henry’s cousin, Myrna Stensrud—Hans’s great-granddaughter.
• Bert McKean later retired from the board in 1998, and his daughter-in-law, Marcia McKean, led the McKean Agency and served on the board until her retirement in February 2023.

The Stensrud family has represented Farmers Mutual in Freeborn Township throughout the company’s entire history. As of June 18, 2026, members of the Stensrud family remain insured with Farmers Mutual—an extraordinary testament to generational trust.

From its earliest years, the company faced challenges that remain familiar today—claims disputes, expense concerns, and assessment collections. The minutes reveal a thoughtful balance of compassion and responsibility:

“It hurts us when we have to deny claims… but if this company is to exist, it is our duty to maintain law and order in the company.”

These principles ensured long-term stability while protecting the interests of all members.

From its founding in 1876, Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester grew steadily through careful management, conservative underwriting, and the confidence of its policyholders. The company’s expansion reflects both changing insurance needs and the strength of its mutual foundation.

Early Years: Township-Based Protection

At its inception, Farmers Mutual insured property in nine townships: Manchester, Bancroft, Riceland, Hayward, Albert Lea, Bath, Hartland, Carlston, and Freeborn. The company began operations on February 10, 1877, with 102 members and $135,172 in insurance in force.

Within ten years, Farmers Mutual had expanded to 17 townships, demonstrating strong member confidence and a growing need for reliable, local insurance protection. By the early 1880s, membership had increased to 338 policyholders, with $375,000 insured.

Measured Growth Through the Early 20th Century

For many decades, Farmers Mutual focused on strengthening its presence in southern Minnesota rather than pursuing rapid expansion. Growth occurred gradually as additional townships were added, agents were appointed, and internal procedures were refined. Election of directors by township ensured local representation and maintained the company’s close ties to the communities it served.

The company operated without reinsurance until 1934, relying only on prudent assessments and disciplined financial practices. In 1932, annual assessments were authorized, allowing the company to build reserves and improve long-term financial stability.

Mid-Century Expansion and Modernization

Significant growth occurred beginning in the 1960s, driven by broader policy offerings and organizational modernization.

• 1962 – Introduction of the Package Policy, which expanded coverage options and increased the company’s appeal beyond traditional farm risks.
• 1963 – Expansion of writing territory into Faribault, Waseca, Steele, Dodge, and Mower Counties, marking the company’s first major multi-county growth.
• 1966 – Implementation of a formal inspection program for all insured properties, strengthening underwriting consistency and risk management.

Merger with Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Bath (1967)

On July 1, 1967, Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester merged with the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Bath, which had been organized in 1878. This merger added $12,233,432 in insurance in force and expanded the company’s geographic reach and membership base.

The Bath Company’s board members at the time of the merger joined in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for policyholders.

Continued Expansion and Reinsurance

As the company grew, it strengthened its financial protections. Although reinsurance planning discussions began in the 1920s, a formal reinsurance program was established in 1934. Today, the company maintains a comprehensive reinsurance structure to support stability during catastrophic loss events.

Late 20th and Early 21st Century Growth

• 1975 – Coverage extended to include fire on growing crops and standing grain, addressing evolving agricultural risks.
• 2007 – Major territory expansion into Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Rice, Goodhue, Olmsted, Fillmore, Houston, Winona, Wabasha, Dakota, and Scott Counties, as well as Cities of the Second Class within the authorized territory.
• 2007 – Added an agency within Farmers Mutual to help agents that could not write auto policy directly with North Star and RAM to bundle auto and home policies.

This expansion represented a significant milestone, allowing Farmers Mutual to serve a broader population while maintaining its mutual structure and local service model.

Growth with Purpose

Throughout its history, Farmers Mutual has grown deliberately—balancing expansion with financial responsibility, community representation, and personalized service. Each increase in territory and coverage has been guided by the same principle established in 1876: to provide dependable, affordable protection through a mutual organization owned by and operated for its policyholders.

For nearly a century, the heart of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester was not a commercial building—but a family home. From the company’s earliest days until 1972, the office of Farmers Mutual operated out of the home of the company secretary. This arrangement reflected the deeply personal and community-centered nature of the company’s mission, where business was conducted face-to-face, often around a kitchen table, accompanied by a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

One of the most significant chapters of this era belongs to the Myran family, whose service to the company spanned multiple generations and more than six decades. In 1899, Gunder O. Myran became secretary of Farmers Mutual, and the company office was established in his farmhouse. From that point forward, the Myran farm became synonymous with the operations of the company. Policyholders, agents, and directors alike knew that a visit to the office also meant warm hospitality and personal conversation—an embodiment of the mutual spirit (owned by the policyholders) on which the company was founded.

When Gunder Myran passed away in 1935, his son, Richard Myran, stepped in to carry on his father’s work. Richard was elected secretary and continued operating the company from the same farmstead. In 1951, Richard built a new home on the northwest corner of the farm, and the company office simply moved “down the road” with him—maintaining continuity not only in leadership, but in place and tradition.

Upon Richard Myran’s unexpected passing in March of 1962, the responsibility of maintaining the company’s daily operations fell to his son-in-law, Duane Troe, who had been hired to assist Richard and was scheduled to begin work just days later. Duane and his wife Sonja purchased the Myran home, ensuring that the company office remained in familiar hands and surroundings during a time of transition.

As the company continued to grow, so did its needs. In 1967, the Troes finished the basement of their home to create additional office space, adapting once again to meet the demands of an expanding policyholder base and increasing administrative responsibilities. This period marked a bridge between the deeply personal, home-based operations of the past and the more formal structure required for the future.

Finally, in 1972, the Board of Directors made the decision to construct the company’s first dedicated office building. Built by Wayne Construction of Geneva, Minnesota, the new office was located on the southwest corner of the original Gunder O. Myran farm, along Highway 13 in Manchester—a symbolic continuation of the company’s roots. The move into the new building on April 21, 1972, marked a milestone in Farmers Mutual’s history. An open house held on July 15, 1972, drew more than 600 visitors from the community.

Duane Troe remained Manager of the company until his retirement in 1995, guiding Farmers Mutual through the transition from a home-based operation to a modern insurance organization. Even after stepping down from day-to-day management, his commitment to the company continued. He remained on the Board of Directors until 2000, offering experience, continuity, and trusted guidance. That connection continues today through his son, James Troe, who currently serves on the Board of Directors.

The Troe family’s long-standing relationship with Farmers Mutual also remains strong, with several family members still insured with the company—reflecting a legacy of trust that spans generations.

As the company moved from kitchen tables to a modern office setting, the values established by the Myran and Troe families—personal service, hospitality, dedication, and trust—remained at the core of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Their stewardship during critical years of growth ensured that progress never came at the expense of principle.

Farmers Mutual has long believed in supporting the communities it serves. Over the decades, the company has:

• Sponsored fire prevention programs
• Supported FFA and 4-H initiatives
• Participated in youth education and livestock auctions
• Assisted fellow mutual companies during times of disaster, including northern Minnesota forest fires in 1918–1919
• Started a scholarship program in 2003 and have awarded sixty-one $500 scholarships since

• 2001: 125th Anniversary celebration with 550 meals served
• 2026: Celebrating 150 years of mutual protection, community trust, and enduring relationships

From handwritten Norwegian meeting minutes to modern underwriting systems, Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester has evolved while remaining true to its founding purpose: people protecting people.

As we celebrate 150 years, we honor the founders, directors, agents, employees, and policyholders who made this legacy possible. Many families have entrusted Farmers Mutual with their insurance needs for several generations, a testament to enduring relationships built on trust and service. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of them for their continued loyalty and dedication—and we look forward to continuing this tradition for generations to come.