Where We've Been

First Niagara Insurance* began as Coulson Insurance in 1886 in the Coulson Coal Office on Erie Ave. in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In the 1890’s Richard Coulson sold his coal office and coal business and moved his insurance operation into newer quarters. Mr. Coulson continued to sell high quality insurance until his death in February 1902.

Mr. Coulson’s son Byard Coulson carried on the insurance business and moved the office to Queen St. in downtown Niagara Falls. Coulson Insurance was soon purchased and renamed Mortimer and Bampfield. Byard Coulson moved west for a time and was later killed overseas during World War I.

The business carried on with a variety of partners as Mortimer and Bampfield, and eventually Morningstar-Bampfield Insurance Brokers. Morningstar-Bampfield was purchased by Bart Maves in September of 1973. Mr. Maves went on to purchase a number of other brokerages that were incorporated into the business.

Harvey Haid Insurance, Filer Insurance, Niagara Falls Insurance Brokers and Sheldon Misener Insurance were all purchased between 1974 and 1991 and amalgamated into the business. In 1984 after the Niagara Falls Insurance Brokers acquisition, Mr. Maves changed the name of the brokerage to First Niagara Insurance Brokers Inc.* to reflect the heritage and longevity of the business. In 1989 First Niagara Insurance* purchased Read-Usher Insurance Brokers extending the business into the Town of Niagara on the Lake.

Today First Niagara Insurance Brokers* is a composite of 23 former insurance businesses and is the oldest established brokerage in Niagara Falls.