Andrew Mizell “A.M.” Burton
(1879-1966)
Is a classic example of the fulfillment of the
American dream.
He started life on the family farm with less
than 2 years of formal education.
He travelled to Nashville; TN to begin work
with a “home service” Insurance Company
and worked a “debit” selling and collecting
on a weekly basis.
When that company decided to discontinue
operating in the state of Tennessee his
manager said to him,
‘If you’re the man that I think that you are,
you’ll start your own company.”
He persuaded 5 other investors to help him
begin The Life and Casualty Insurance Company
of Tennessee in 1903.
He was the President of the company for 48 years.
In 1957 the company opened its new home office,
the 31 story Life & Casualty Tower at 4th Ave. N.
and Church St. downtown Nashville, TN.
It was briefly the tallest in the Southeast.
The company also owned radio and television
stations WLAC until the 70’s.
Personally interesting to me is that eventually
after acquisitions and mergers thru the years
the American International Group (A.I.G.)
based in a Nashville, TN suburb was the
first company I personally worked with in
Jasper, AL beginning in 2007.
Another interesting fact is A.M. Burton was
the great-grandfather of singer Amy Grant.
In writing about A.M. Burton which appeared
in the Gospel Advocate after his passing his
friend Athen Clay Pullias wrote about the
special traits that A.M. Burton exhibited
throughout his life…
Faith, Vision, Benevolence, Optimism, Generosity.
The following are three quotes’ Pullias noted…
"It can be done," no matter what it is.
- A.M. Burton
"Nothing succeeds like success."
- A.M. Burton
"God will show the way that will work out for the best."
- A.M. Burton
A.M. Burton was a Christian.
He was great because he followed
The Lord’s definition of greatness…
… “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
Lord it over them, and those who are great
Exercise authority over them.
Yet it shall not be so among you, let him
Be your servant, And whoever desires to
Be first among you, let him be your slave…
Just as the Son of Man did not come to
Be served, but to serve, and to give His
Life a ransom for many.
Matt.20:25-28
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