About Bristol Insurance Agency, Inc.
William H. Shay, Jr.
President
bill@bristolins.com
A. Ruel Miller
Vice-President
ruel@bristolins.com
Elizabeth A. Ryducha
Producer / Customer Service Rep
elizabeth@bristolins.com
Paul B. Shay, CLU, ChFC
Registered Principal
Security and advisory services offered by and through registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Services Corporation, member SIPC. Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation and Bristol Insurance Agency, Inc. are not affiliated.
pshay@securitiesmail.com
The History of Bristol Insurance Agency
In a letter dated March 25th, 1871, Alfred Bristol of West Main Street was advised by Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company of Middletown that he was appointed as an agent for that company. He would replace Thomas E. Cornwall, whose office was at the corner of Cornwall Avenue and South Main Street in Cheshire. Thus began the history of the Bristol Insurance Agency.
Although moved to West Main Street (keep reading it comes full circle), the agency flourished under the leadership of Alfred. In 1884 Alfred passed away. Without a beat his wife, Frances Doolittle Bristol of the local Doolittle family, claimed helm and provided coverage for many Cheshire residents until her death in 1905. In these years, insurance mostly covered fire risk…
As an example, the insurance policy for John Fury from February 11th, 1880 to February 11, 1883 covered $700 for his dwelling, $200 for his furniture, $225 for his barn and $50 for his hay and grain. His annual premium was $6.03.
Frances and Alfred’s son Drurie took over and successfully grew the agency for another 45 years. His community spirit and savvy skills provided insurance coverage to the community – protecting businesses and families alike.
In 1950 Bristol Insurance Agency was purchased by William and Elizabeth Bristol Shay, Drurie’s daughter and granddaughter of Alfred. The agency moved from West Main Street to 200 Main Street where it remained until 1966. The company continued to grow under the leadership of William H. Shay (father of the current owner). Mr. Shay, Sr. provided an unparalleled dedication and commitment to customer service which brought Bristol Insurance Agency to the forefront and pinnacle of risk management in the community for personal and commercial lines alike. It was also during this time that the agency became a corporation. In 1966, Mr. Shay, Sr. moved the location of the office to 315 South Main Street.
Also during the tenure of Mr. Shay, Sr. he brought his son into the fold. In the summer of 1966, William H. Shay, Jr. joined the team and remains its current owner.
William H. Shay, Jr. is the great-grandson of Albert Bristol. He has led the corporation into current times and is vigilantly aware of the legacy which he holds. With little hesitation and great opportunity Mr. Shay was able to purchase, in 1986, the structure in which the agency was formed by Thomas E. Cornwall where it operates today.
In 1977, A. Ruel Miller joined the corporation and has served as Vice-President for many years. Mr. Miller has enriched Bristol Insurance Agency, Inc. with his wealth of knowledge and dedication to customer service. His deft abilities have helped propel the agency forward.
Paul Bristol Shay, CLU ChFC, another great-grandson of the founder, is a dedicated professional and specializes in investment and retirement planning. He shares the family tradition of total customer satisfaction and results. One may often find the lights burning late into the evening - Paul would probably be sitting at his desk keeping on top of current market successes and strategies.
With a comprehensive cadre of products, a dedication to service, and a commitment to the community since 1871, Bristol Insurance Agency, Inc. produces satisfaction and results.
Please come by for a tour of the Historic Cornwall House (our original home). Challenge us to provide a stable and quality alternative to your current insurance policies and investment portfolio.