Our Agency

Hutson-Etherredge History

One of Aiken's oldest and largest Independent Insurance Agencies, Hutson-Etherredge Companies, was founded in 1876 by John C. Hutson (1855-1929), as the John C. Hutson Agency. Mr. Hutson would travel to Ellenton, SC by horse and buggy to get on a train and go as far away as Yemassee, SC, stopping at various small towns along the way to conduct business.

In these times, there were no published insurance rates and Mr. Hutson would map the property, sketch the buildings, and use a rate he developed (according to the construction and exposure) to issue contracts of insurance.

After the turn of the Century, Mr. Hutson's son, Osma Bacot Hutson (1885-1942) joined the business and the firm became the John C. & O. B. Hutson Agency. After John C. Hutson's death in 1929, the firm became the O. B. Hutson Agency.

The Hutson family were outstanding citizens and contributed much to Aiken and the community.

In November, 1941, Cecil M. Etherredge (1904-1974), a former banker, and life insurance agent formed a partnership with Osma B. Hutson which became Hutson-Etherredge Agency. After Osma B. Hutson's death in 1942, Mr. Etherredge became the sole owner.

At the death of Mrs. Virginia Etherredge, in 1977, the Etherredges’ entire estate was bequeathed to the University of South Carolina Aiken and used toward the construction of The Etherredge Center, a center for the arts.