1888
Hamilton Cooke, Sr. Begins His Career with NYL
Hamilton signed his contract with New York Life Insurance Company in 1888 with the Boone & Boone Agency in St. Louis, MO. His career flourished during his time with the company, and in the first six years, he was one of the most successful salesmen in the company.
1923
Arthur Wood Sr. Enters the Business
Arthur C. Wood, Sr., started his career in January 1923 in Ardmore, OK. His success and interactions within the company helped him to become friends with Ham Cooke, Jr. Their friendship led to the connection of their children.
1948
Dallas General Office Open House
New York Life Insurance Company opened their Dallas General Office in 1948 at Republic Tower. Arthur C. Wood, Jr., was instrumental in bringing New York Life back to the state of Texas after World War II and helped open this office.
1974
A.C. “Tracy” Wood, III Begins His Career
Tracy began his career on April 15, 1974, in Dallas, TX, as the fourth generation in the firm's legacy. He had recently completed his studies at SMU/UNT in Business, and graduated with a Certificate of Insurance. He continues to be a ‘student’ of the financial services industry today.
2011
Leighton Wood Continues the Family Legacy
1920
Hamilton Cooke, Jr. Continues the Family Legacy
In 1920, Ham Jr. returned to St. Louis for Hamilton's funeral, and was approached by Dick Oliver, assistant Supervisor of the Agency, who told him, “You need to be in New York Life. Your daddy always wanted you to be a part of the company. Sign here!” Ham Jr. signed his contract and continued his family's legacy.
1945
Arthur Wood, Jr., Marries and Joins Two Legacy Families
A war vet, Arthur Wood, Jr., returns home, meets, and marries Betty Ann Cooke, Ham Cooke Jr.'s daughter. Their union merged two New York Life legacy families and helped to continue the family tradition.
1948
Dallas GO Ribbon Cutting
Robert L. Thornton, the Mayor of Dallas, cuts the ribbon at the Dallas General Office in the Republic Bank Tower.
From left to right in the photo: Unknown; David Covington, General Manager; Albert Lusing; Dick Oliver, retired Senior Vice President; Opil Carter, retired Regional Vice President; Paul Rosamind; Robert Thornton; Vern Van Lewren, Regional Vice President; Paul Norton, Senior Vice President; Judy Crook
2004
Nelson Wood Joins New York Life