Liberty Corporation

In 1961, Robert Ritchie was named Keeper of the Records with the responsibility to create an archives and archival management program for Liberty Life Insurance Company. Ritchie and others, particularly J. K. Davis, began soliciting and collecting historical and archival documents from employees and departments of the company. Mr. Davis wrote one of the first comprehensive histories of Liberty Life. In the early 1970s, Paul Bridges took over as head of the archives, which was formally known as the Records Center. In 1994, a majority of The Liberty Corporation Archives records were transferred to Clemson University Library's Special Collections. In recent years Susan Lineberger, Gloria DeKalb, and Gena Veal were Records Center Managers. Veal held the title until 1999, when the Records Center closed and all operations were delegated to an outside records management company.

From the description of Liberty Corporation archives records, 1905-1993 (bulk 1979-1989) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945682

The Liberty Life Insurance Company was formed on October 13, 1919 in Greenville, South Carolina by W. Frank Hipp, a former agent of Southeastern Life Insurance Company. On January 1, 1942, The Liberty Life and Southeastern Insurance companies were consolidated under the name of Liberty Life Insurance Company with W. Frank Hipp as president. On January 29, 1943, Francis M. Hipp became the president and his brother, Herman N. Hipp, vice president and director of the company after their father's death on January 3, 1943. Liberty Life Insurance Company became one of the subsidiaries of a new holding company, The Liberty Corporation, on December 1, 1967.

From the description of Liberty Life Insurance Company pre-corporation records, 1900-1986, (bulk 1933-1967). (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 465012984

The Communications Department has had different names over the years, but prior to 1954 it was part of various departments within the company. In 1954, the first Advertising & Public Relations Department was created at Liberty Life with John V. Blalock as manager. By 1959, Advertising & Public Relations had become part of the President's Office along with Audit, Claims Service, and Legal. In 1961, Paul E. Smith, Jr. replaced Blalock as head of the department and remained in that position until 1967. The Liberty Corporation was formed in 1968, and Leonard A. Maxwell became Director of Communications. Thus Advertising & Public Relations, along with publishing, passed from company to corporate management. In 1972, Maxwell was named Vice-President for Communications and remained so into the late 1980s.

From the description of Communications Department publications & forms, 1928-1993. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945662

During the 1970s and 1980s, the corporate management, in particular Francis M. Hipp, recognized the importance of gathering and documenting the history of The Liberty Corporation. This record group contains historical material used for Mr. Hipp's address to the meeting of the Newcomen Society of North America, held in Greenville, South Carolina, September 22, 1981. Additional research was conducted, and material collected or created, for the publication of "The Liberty Spirit: History of The Liberty Corporation," written by Doyle W. Boggs in 1985 and published in 1986. The majority of the material was created prior to Mr. Bogg's work by individuals involved in efforts to preserve the corporation's history.

From the description of Liberty Corporation historical research material, 1905-1986 (bulk 1919-1955, 1976-1986) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945677

The Liberty Life Insurance Company was formed on October 13, 1919 in Greenville, South Carolina by W. Frank Hipp, a former agent of Southeastern Life Insurance Company. On January 1, 1942. The Liberty Life and Southeastern Insurance companies were consolidated under the name of Liberty Life Insurance Company with W. Frank Hipp as president. On January 29, 1943, Francis M. Hipp became the president and his brother, Herman N. Hipp, vice president and director of the company after their father's death on January 3, 1943. Liberty Life Insurance Company became one of the subsidiaries of a new holding company, The Liberty Corporation, on December 1, 1967. In 1969 Herman N. Hipp became president of the insurance company. In 1978 W. Hayne Hipp, the son of Francis Hipp, was elected president of The Liberty Life Insurance Company. Harris P. Gravely served as president from 1977-1980, as well as the following individuals: R. Glenn Hilliard, 1982-1988; Ralph L. Ogden, 1988-1989; W. Kenneth Hunt, III, 1994; Ronald F. Loewen, 1997; and Robert E. Evans, 1998-2000. On November 1, 2000, The Liberty Corporation completed its sale of Liberty Life Insurance Company to the Royal Bank of Canada.

From the description of Liberty Life Post Corporation records 1962-1992, (bulk 1968-1988) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 123361621

On December 1, 1967 The Liberty Corporation was created as a holding company with Liberty Life Insurance Company, Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation, Surety Investment Company, and Liberty Properties, Inc. as its subsidiaries. In 1973 the corporation purchased Greater Arizona Savings and Loan Association in Phoenix, Arizona and in 1977 acquired United Fidelity Life Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. Both of these companies were sold in 1982. In 1986 Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation sold its four radio stations for $3.9 million because the company wanted to focus its growth strategies exclusively within the television industry. During this time period, The Liberty Corporation purchased several life insurance, pre-need and home service companies. On June 19, 2000, The Liberty Corporation announced it was selling its insurance operations, Liberty Life Insurance and Liberty Insurance Services Corporation, as well as its real estate, including the headquarters building in Greenville, South Carolina to the Royal Bank of Canada. In addition Liberty announced its plan to merge Cosmos Broadcasting with Jackson, Mississippi based Civic Communications, which occurred on December 4, 2000. Raycom Media Inc. bought Liberty Corporation in 2005 and merged its operation with theirs, dropping the Liberty name. In 2006 the Royal Bank of Canada dropped the Liberty Life brand name after merging Liberty Life with the Business Men's Assurance Company of American, Inc., renaming the new insurance company RBC Insurance.

From the description of The Liberty Corporation Archives records, 1885-2000, bulk 1935-1986. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 655305445

The development of the Legal Department is an outgrowth of the office of the in-house attorney, or general counsel. Wyatt Aiken (circa 1930-1933) was the first person to hold this position. In June 1931, Robert R. Scales, Jr. joined the management team of The Liberty Life Insurance Company, and his career (1931-1977) is a barometer of the ever-increasing importance of the Legal Department in Liberty's operations. His correspondence and working papers are prominent throughout this record group. By the Early 1950s, attorneys G.H. Cleveland and John W. Lindsay had joined Scales at Liberty Life. R.E. McDonald, Vice-President for Claims, was also involved in Legal decision making. In 1971, legal services from all subsidiaries came under the direction of David W. Robinson II. In 1975, R. Glenn Hilliard succeeded Robinson as department chief with the title of Legal Vice-President and Secretary. After Hilliard became president of Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1981, Martha G. Williams was named to head the Legal Department.

From the description of Liberty Life Insurance Company Legal Department records, 1921-1981. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945640

Southeastern Life Insurance Company was chartered in 1905, and began business in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The company moved its headquarters to Greenville, South Carolina in 1914. In 1919, a former Southeastern Agent, W. Frank Hipp, established The Liberty Life Insurance Company. In 1931, due to rising bond and loan costs, Southeastern entered into a repurchase agreement with Liberty Life. Leadership resignations were tenured due to these financial considerations and W. Frank Hipp, already President of Liberty Life, was elected President of Southeastern. The companies remained separate for another ten years. Finally, in 1941, the decision was made to merge the two companies. The Liberty Life Insurance Company then assumed Southeastern's charter and was renamed Liberty Life Insurance Company. Southeastern Life Insurance Company remained viable until 1968 when dissolution procedures were implemented. Dissolution procedures were finalized in 1971.

From the description of Southeastern Life Insurance Company records, 1905-1983, bulk 1910-1942. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 138308532

Herman Neel Hipp was born November 2, 1913, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the son of W. Frank and Eunice Halfacre Hipp. He attended public schools in Greenville, South Carolina and graduated from Furman University in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and business administration. As a teenager, Hipp worked in the printing shop of the family business, The Liberty Life Insurance Company, and he joined the management team of that organization upon finishing college. For almost fifty years Herman Hipp helped direct the rise of a local insurance company to national stature as a diversified Fortune 500 corporation. Appointed assistant secretary of The Liberty Life in 1936, he served successively as vice president (1943-1954), agency vice president (1954-1961), senior vice president (1961-1968), executive vice president (1968-1969), president (1969-1977), and chairman (1977-1978). Hipp was a member of Liberty Life's board of directors from 1943; his duties at The Liberty Corporation included the positions of executive vice president (1967-1977), president (1977-1978), and vice chairman (1979-1984). Hipp's business activities also involved service on the boards of directors of several subsidiaries and satellite companies, among them Cosmos Broadcasting Corporations, Atlas Life Insurance Company, and United Fidelity Life Insurance Company. He was also a member of the Greenville board for the South Carolina National Bank, a member of the executive committee of the Life Insurers Conference and a director of the Life Underwriters Training Council. Herman Hipp's prominence as an executive thrust him into the forefront of civic affairs in Greenville. He was on the board of directors of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the board of associates of Converse College, and served as a trustee of The Greenville Hospital System. As a long-standing member of Furman University's Advisory Council, Hipp helped create long-range policy for that institution. On November 25, 1950, Hipp married Jane Gage Fishburn of Walterboro, South Carolina. They have five children: Herman Neel Hipp, Jr., Mary Ladson Hipp Haddow, William Franklin Hipp, Edward Fishburne Hipp, and Jane Gage Hipp. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Herman Hipp died on November 30, 1984.

From the description of Herman Hipp papers, 1938-1985. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 680073581

Boyd Calhoun Hipp was born on August 31, 1922 in Greenville, South Carolina. He was the youngest son of Eunice Halfacre Hipp and W. Frank Hipp, founder of The Liberty Life Insurance Company. Educated in the Greenville public school system, he graduated from Greenville High School in 1939. At Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, Hipp majored in business and economics and graduated "cum laude" in 1943. As a captain in the United States Army infantry during World War II, Hipp was decorated for service in Europe and earned the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star. Hipp joined Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1946 and served as assistant treasurer (1948-1949), assistant vice president (1949-1953), administrative vice president (1953-1959), vice president for investment (1959-1961), senior vice president (1961-1968), and executive vice president for investment (1968-1976). He also served as president of The Broadcasting Company of the South and later as chairman of the board of Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation, as well as a director and executive vice president (1968-1976) of The Liberty Corporation. Hipp was also president and director of Liberty Investment Management Corporation and a director of Greater Arizona Savings and Loan Association. As an active member of the Greenville business community, he was a director of Southern Bank and Trust Company, a director of Textile Hall Corporation, and a member of the American Institute of Management Presidents' Council, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Newcomen Society, the National Board of Governors of the Institute of Living, and the Piedmont Economics Club. Hipp was also involved in numerous community and educational organizations including the Council of Wofford College Associates, the Davidson College Board of Visitors, the National Board of Governors of the Institute of Living, and the North Greenville College Advisory Board. In 1976, Hipp received the distinguished alumnus award from Davidson. He was married to Jean Jones Hipp and was the father of Beth Louise Hipp and Boyd Calhoun Hipp II. Following an extended bout with cancer, he died on October 16, 1976.

From the description of Boyd Calhoun Hipp papers, 1949-1976. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 680069355

The Communications Department has been known by different names over the years, but prior to 1954 it was part of various departments within the company. In 1954, the first Advertising & Public Relations Department was created at Liberty Life with John V. Blalock as manager. By 1959, Advertising & Public Relations had become part of the President's Office along with Audit, Claims Service, and Legal. In 1961, Paul E. Smith, Jr. replaced Blalock as head of the department and remained in that position until 1967. The Liberty Corporation was formed in 1968, and one year later Leonard A. Maxwell became Director of Communications. Thus Advertising & Public Relations, along with publishing, passed from company to corporate management. In 1972, Maxwell was named Vice-President for Communications and remained so into the late 1980s.

From the description of Communications Department photographic records, 1947-1986 (bulk 1970-1984) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945655

From the description of Communications Department clipping files, 1965-1981. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945665

The Communications Department has had different names over the years, but prior to 1954 it was part of various departments within the company. In 1954, the first Advertising & Public relations Department was created at Liberty Life with John V. Blalock as manager. By 1959, Advertising & Public Relations had become part of the President's Office along with Audit, Claims Service, and Legal. In 1961, Paul E. Smith, Jr. replaced Blalock as head of the department and remained in that position until 1967. The Liberty Corporation was formed in 1968, and Leonard A. Maxwell became Director of Communications. Thus Advertising & Public Relations, along with publishing, passed from company to corporate management. In 1972, Maxwell was named Vice-President for Communications and remained so into the late 1980s.

From the description of Communications Department biographical information, 1948-1983. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945659

Origins of Southern Life Insurance Company date to 20 October 1927 with the chartering of its predecessor firm, Dixie Life Insurance Company, in Raleigh, North Carolina. In April 1931, Wilbur L. Carter was appointed President and Director of the company, and the firm's headquarters were moved to Greensboro. The following year, Dixie Life acquired Southern Life and Accident Company, and the parent company changed its name to Southern-Dixie Life Insurance Company. In 1947, the firm shortened its name to Southern Life Insurance Company. Wilbur L. Carter Jr. joined Southern Life in 1946, and by 1964 he had succeeded his father as president. In 1952, the business of Southern Life Insurance Company of Florence, South Carolina, was acquired and the following year Dixie-Security Life Insurance Company of Sumter, South Carolina was purchased. With the retirement of Wilbur L. Carter Jr., in combination with various financial considerations, the Board sought and found a buyer in Liberty Life Insurance Company. Formal agreement to sell came in October and final sale was concluded 31 December 1986.

From the description of Southern Life Insurance Company, 1927-1987 (bulk 1951-1986) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945673

W. Frank Hipp was born on August 24, 1889 in Greenwood County, South Carolina, the son of John Calhoun and Alice Pathena Wheeler Hipp. He was educated in the Newberry County public school system and graduated with honors from Newberry College in 1907, doing post-graduate work in economics at Vanderbilt University from 1907-1909. In 1911 he became a general agent for the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company in Newberry, and in 1912 he became a general agent in Spartanburg for the Southeastern Life Insurance Company. Hipp then moved to Greenville where he opened a textile securities investment office in 1918. A year later, on October 13th, he and a group of investors founded The Liberty Life Insurance Company, a weekly premium insurance business; Hipp was named as its president. The Liberty Life Insurance Company began selling ordinary life insurance in 1923 and by 1929 had reached $1 million in premium income. In November of the following year Hipp purchased Columbia radio station WIS and by 1932 also owned WCSC in Charleston. Hipp gained controlling interest in the Southeastern Life Insurance Company in 1931; he was elected the company's president in 1933. The Liberty Life Insurance Company and Southeastern Life operated independently until January 1942, when they were merged under the new name of Liberty Life Insurance Company. In 1940 Hipp had purchased the First National Bank Building in Charlotte, North Carolina, the last asset of the "old" Southeastern Life Insurance Company. Hipp married Eunice Jane Halfacre on December 29, 1909 and they had five children; Francis M., Herman Need, Boyd Calhoun, William Hayne and Dorothy Hipp. They separated in 1936. He married Frances McFayden on December 4, 1941 and they had one child, Jean Gail. Hipp served on the Trinity Lutheran Church council, was active in the Lutheran Synod of South Carolina, was a member of Newberry College Board of Trustees, president of the Association of Insurance Companies of the Carolinas, and director of the Greenville Community Chest. W. Frank Hipp died of a heart attack on January 3, 1943 in Greenville.

From the description of W. Frank Hipp papers, 1885-1970 bulk 1925-1946. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 660171899

The Communications Department has been known by different names over the years, but prior to 1954 it was part of various departments within the company. In 1954, the first Advertising & Public Relations Department was created at Liberty Life with John V. Blalock as manager. By 1959, Advertising & Public Relations had become part of the President's Office along with Audit, Claims Service, and Legal. In 1961, Paul E. Smith, Jr. replaced Blalock as head of department and remained in that position until 1967. The Liberty Corporation was formed in 1968, and one year later Leonard A. Maxwell became Director of Communications. Thus Advertising & Public Relations, along with publishing, passed from company to corporate management. In 1972, Maxwell was named Vice-President for Communications and remained so into the late 1980s.

From the description of Communications Department advertising and public relations records, 1943-1989. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945711

Independence Insurance Company was founded in 1930 by W. Frank Hipp, and chartered that same year. The company insured the sickness and accident business of The Liberty Life Insurance Company and thereby assumed those lines of insurance. Additionally, Independence sold industrial life insurance targeted at a low-income, primarily Black, clientele. From December 1931 until January 1942, the company owned the Chamber of Commerce Building (also known as the Insurance Building and Liberty Life Building) in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. In December 1938, Independence sold all of its insurance business to Southeastern Life Insurance Company. In 1956, the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Surety Life Insurance Company, another Hipp-family owned enterprise. As part of the reorganization of the various companies in December 1961, the Independence Insurance Company name was changed to The Surety Insurance Company.

From the description of Independence Insurance Company, 1911-1962 (bulk 1922-1942) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945668

On December 1, 1967 The Liberty Corporation was created as a holding company with Liberty Life Insurance Company, Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation, Surety Investment Company, and Liberty Properties, Inc. as its subsidiaries. In 1973 the corporation purchased Greater Arizona Savings and Loan Association in Phoenix, Arizona and in 1977 acquired United Fidelity Life Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. Both of these companies were sold in 1982. In 1986 Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation sold its four radio stations for $3.9 million because the company wanted to focus its growth strategies exclusively within the television industry. During this time period, The Liberty Corporation purchased several life insurance, pre-need and home service companies. On June 19, 2000, The Liberty Corporation announced it was selling its insurance operations, Liberty Life Insurance and Liberty Insurance Services Corporations, as well as its real estate, including the headquarters building in Greenville, South Carolina to the Royal Bank of Canada. In addition Liberty announced its plan to merge Cosmos Broadcasting with Jackson, Mississippi based Civic Communications, which occurred on December 4, 2000. Raycom Media Inc. bought Liberty Corporation in 2005 and merged its operation with theirs, dropping the Liberty name. In 2006 the Royal Bank of Canada dropped Liberty Life brand name after merging Liberty Life with the Business Men's Assurance Company of America, Inc., renaming the new insurance company RBC Insurance.

From the description of Liberty Corporation additions, 1905-1997, bulk 1931-1971. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 699482560

On December 1, 1967 The Liberty Corporation was created as a holding company with Liberty Life Insurance Company, Cosmos Broadcasting Company, Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation, Surety Investment Company, and Liberty Properties, Inc., as its subsidiaries. Francis M. Hipp was named president and chairman of The Liberty Corporation. The new corporation became one of the first four South Carolina companies to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange on February 26, 1969. On March 1, 1977 there was a major change of the corporation's top executives: Herman N. Hipp became president and chief executive officer, while Francis M. Hipp continued to serve as chairman of the board of directors and the executive committee. In 1979, W. Hayne Hipp, the son of Francis Hipp, became president and chief executive officer of The Liberty Corporation. In 1995, W. Hayne Hipp succeeded his father as chairman and chief executive officer of The Liberty Corporation. On November 1, 2000, The Liberty Corporation sold its insurance operations and real estate to the Royal Bank of Canada. The Liberty Corporation mainly focuses on the area of media, and, as of January 2002, owns fifteen network-affiliated television stations.

From the description of Liberty Corporation records, 1954-2000, (bulk 1969-1983) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 180852495

"Bent Tree Corporation" began business in the leisure home market in 1969. The company was managed by Spratlin Associates Incorporated until 1972, when The Liberty Corporation purchased the management agreement. Bent Tree then came under management of Liberty Properties Group, also a Liberty subsidiary. One of Liberty Properties' strategies was divestment of all recreational development, and they withdrew completely from Bent Tree in 1980. "First City Mortgage Company" was founded in 1967 in Houston, Texas. The Liberty Corporation acquired the company on 31 December 1978. First City Mortgage was the primary subsidiary, and financial consultant, of United Fidelity Insurance Company, also a Liberty subsidiary, with responsibilities for managing, maintaining, and marketing all foreclosed property. United Fidelity and First City were sold to Western Preferred Corporation in 1982. "Greater Arizona Savings and Loan" was incorporated in 1960 as a stockholder-owned savings and loan association. In 1973, The Liberty Corporation acquired ownership in the company and by 1980 owned 97.7% of its issued and outstanding stock. During the 1970s Greater Arizona incurred some special financial charges which exceeded Liberty's expectations for profit. As a result, The Liberty Corporation divested its interests in Greater Arizona Savings and Loan in 1980. "Integon Corporation" was incorporated in 1968 from exchange of all outstanding stock of the Security Life and Trust Company. Security Life and Trust was incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in 1920. In 1954, Security Life absorbed the Bankers Loan Insurance Company, and in 1959, it acquired and reinsured all the Blue Ridge Life Insurance Company. In 1969, all Security Life subsidiaries and Security itself took a form of the name Integon.

"La Marick Beauty System Incorporated" was part of the capital stock purchase of Lorick Enterprises Incorporated by Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1965. Surety Investment Company acquired the La Marick stock in 1966. When Surety Investment Company was acquired by The Liberty Corporation in 1968 all La Marick business transferred to Liberty. Business included a chain of beauty salons and a school of beauty culture, the manufacture and distribution of cosmetics and hair preparations, and the wholesale and retail selling of wigs. Lorick Enterprises repurchased all La Marick capital stock from "The Liberty Corporation in 1972.

"Liberty Capital Advisors Incorporated" acts as the investment advisor and counsel for The Liberty Corporation, Liberty Life Insurance Company and Liberty's profit-sharing plan and investment portfolios. Liberty Capital Advisors invest a percentage of Liberty Life's insurance premiums in stocks, bonds and other securities. Liberty Capital Advisors is the successor firm of Liberty Investment Management Corporation.

"Liberty Investment Management Corporation" was incorporated in 1972 and grew out of the Investment Division of Liberty Life Insurance Company. The company acted as the investment advisor and counsel for The Liberty Corporation, Liberty Life Insurance Company and Liberty's profit-sharing plan and investment portfolios until 1975 when it was reorganized and renamed Liberty Capital Advisors Incorporated.

"Liberty Investors Benefit Insurance Company" was a stock life insurance company organized by Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1967. In its main business -- variable annuity contracts -- Liberty Investors assumes the mortality and expense risk of investment gain or loss, guarantees a specific interest rate, and guarantees a specified monthly annuity payment. The company was purchased by International Telephone and Telegraph in 1969.

"Liberty Properties Group Incorporated" was known as Surety Investment Company prior to its acquisition by The Liberty Corporation in 1968. Under either name the company's business was real estate investment and development. During the 1970s, Liberty Properties invested in the recreational and second home market but divested those interests by the 1980s in favor of a more diversified investment portfolio consisting of residential, office and industrial developments.

"Snee Farm Incorporated," a recreational housing development near Charleston, South Carolina, began business in the leisure home market in 1970. It was a community of 1,500 lots and offered buyers a comfortable clubhouse, a championship golf course, and other recreational facilities. The company primarily sold fully developed home sites under lease contracts. Liberty Properties divested itself, and was completely out of Snee Farm after all home sites had been sold in 1986.

"Special Services Corporation" was founded in the 1950s to provide computer and air transport services to various Hipp family-controlled businesses. It was a subsidiary of The Surety Life Insurance Company and that firm's successor, Surety Investment Company. Special Services owns and operates computer systems, air travel offices and aircraft. In 1966, Liberty Life took control of Special Services as a result of the reorganization of Surety Investment Company.

"Surety Life Insurance Company" resulted from the merger of Southeastern Life Insurance Company (chartered in 1905) and The Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1942. All active insurance from the Liberty Life was transferred to Southeastern Life's 1905 charter and the new corporation was named Liberty Life Insurance Company. The old company founded in 1919, formerly "The Liberty Life," changed its name to "Surety Life." That company did not sell insurance but rather did reinsurance and investments. Surety Life was reorganized in 1950 and renamed "The Surety Life Insurance Company" to manage insurance, investments and real estate operations in 1955, The Surety began active solicitation of monthly debit insurance. Subsidiaries of the company included The Surety Insurance Company, formed in 1957 as a fire, property, and casualty company; Independence Insurance Company, a life insurance company chartered in 1930; and Liberty Life Building Incorporated, later known as Surety Realty Corporation. Another reorganization of the company occurred in 1961. Its successor firm became Surety Investment Company, with various specialized subsidiaries.

"Surety Investment Company" was an outgrowth of the insurance company that had been chartered originally as The Liberty Life Insurance Company. Chartered in 1962, Surety Investment was the successor firm of The Surety Life Insurance Company which was reorganized in 1961. Subsidiaries of the company included The Surety Insurance Company, The Surety Indemnity Company, Surety Realty Corporation, and Premium Acceptance Corporation. Surety Investment transferred its life insurance operations to Liberty Life in 1965 and sold its casulty operations in 1966. Except for this brief period as an active insurance operation, Surety functioned primarily as a holding company for investments. Surety developed shopping centers, luxury apartment complexes, leisure homes sites, and operated a chain of beauty salons in the Southeast. In 1968, The Liberty Corporation acquired all assets of Surety Investment in exchange for stock, and Surety became known afterwards as Liberty Properties Group Incorporated.

"Triad Life Insurance Corporation" was founded by Grady R. Pulliam, Jr., Harold T. Southern, and Charles M. Ussery in 1970. A life, accident and health business headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Triad Life specialized in home protection insurance for customers of lending institutions. Triad Life offered no other services, financially related or otherwise. This specialization allowed company agents to know their market personally and work it vigorously.

"United Fidelity Life Insurance Company" was a stock company founded by D.E. Waggoner in 1920. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company sold and serviced life and health insurance. In 1977, The Liberty Corporation acquired United Fidelity, which had evolved into an ordinary system company of independent agents. United Fidelity was sold to Western Preferred Corporation of Fort Worth in 1982.

From the description of Liberty Corporation subsidiaries records, 1948-1989. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 156945680

Francis Hipp was born March 3, 1911, in Newberry, S.C., the son of W. Frank and Eunice Jane Halfacre Hipp. He graduated from Greenville (S.C.) High School in 1929, attended the Citadel from 1929 to 1931, and graduated from Furman University in 1933. After graduating from Furman, Francis Hipp went to work for Liberty Life, first in the investment area then in marketing. When W. Frank Hipp died unexpectedly in 1943, Francis was asked to succeed his father as president. Hipp, as president and chief executive officer, led Liberty until 1979, when he became chairman of the board. In addition to being a community leader, Francis Hipp was active within many business and professional organizations. He served as chairman of the State Development Board from 1959-1963. His time in the position coincided with vast economic growth, as a record number of industries came to South Carolina. He was also a member of the South Carolina Research Authority. Francis Hipp, along with H. William Close, helped to establish the University of South Carolina Business Partnership Foundation. The College of Business Administration's twin towers are named in their honor. Hipp was chairman of the South Carolina Foundation of Independent Colleges and was a member of the boards of the Citadel Development Foundation, Queens College, and the University of South Carolina President's National Advisory Council. He was also director of the South Carolina National Bank as well as the South Carolina Electric & Gas Company.

During his career, Francis Hipp also served as vice-president and director of Cosmos Broadcasting Corporation, Carolina Pipeline Company, and director emeritus of the South Carolina National and SCANA Corporations. Hipp was named 1980 Businessman of the year by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1985. He received the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto in 1985. He received honorary degrees from Furman University, The Citadel, the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Benedict College and Wofford College. Hipp married Mary M. Looper on November 10, 1935. They had four children: Mary Elizabeth, William Hayne, John Boyd and Mary Jane. Mary Looper died in 1962. He later married Shirley A. Mattoon on May 11, 1964. Francis Hipp died on July 24, 1995 in Greenville, S.C.

From the description of Francis Hipp papers, 1931-1990 (bulk 1950-1975) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 371197514