History of Forrest G. Sherer, the man

Forrest G. Sherer, a native of Kansas, Illinois, who died February 22, 1979, located in Terre Haute soon after graduating from high school in 1919. In 1920, he founded Forrest Sherer Inc., which became Indiana's largest independent insurance agency. Few Terre Haute men wielded more influence than Sherer. Besides serving as president of the Terre Haute Area Chamber of Commerce, Terre Haute committee on Area Progress, Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries, Indiana State University Foundation, and the Kiwanis Club, he was a director of Rose Dispensary, James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association, Terre Haute YMCA, Community Chest, and United Way. He also served on boards at Rose Polytechnic Institute and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Scholarships have been endowed by Forrest and Hazel Sherer at ISU and Rose-Hulman. As chairman of Gibault Building Development council, Sherer's fundraising was so fruitful that, in 1978, a residence hall at Gibault was named Sherer Hall. Beginning in 1961, Forrest Sherer Inc. commissioned popular Terre Haute artist D. Omer "Salty" Seamon to paint a watercolor scene from area history. Collectible Christmas cards displaying Seamon's work were sent to customers. The Forrest Sherer Christmas card tradition was continued after Seamon's death by Terre Haute artist C. Robert Follett. The Terre Haute city golf tournament was dedicated to Sherer's memory.

Forrest Sherer "Man of Action" founded this independent insurance agency in 1920 as a sole proprietorship. Sherer incorporated the business in 1963. The business grew steadily during the first 40 years in business with an ever-growing staff of people. Sherer included in his services the "extraordinary initiative" of establishing a claims department which still exists today in the assisting and claims taking format to aid customers in filing claims.

The business has spent most of its life housed in the Chanticleer Building at 24 N. 6th St. which began as a retail outlet area on the first floor for various entities including a furrier, bookstore, and small department store. There were a number of individual offices located upstairs for attorneys, accountants, a judge at one time, and various other individuals operating from single offices. The Chanticleer has been remodeled several times by Forrest Sherer which currently (as of 2008) occupies 7/8 of the building.

About Forrest Sherer Insurance

During our more than 90 years in the insurance industry, Forrest Sherer Insurance is proud to have created the standard of service we like to call The Sherer Edge. Our staff of more than 60 insurance professionals can choose from over 40 insurance companies offering the best in insurance products to tailor a smart, cost-effective strategy for your insurance needs. This gives you the edge for the best coverage and the greatest value for your insurance dollar. Our value-added services include the experience and knowledge of your Forrest Sherer agent, your advocate when you need service beyond the policy purchase, and a responsive in-house claims department for quick, convenient claims processing.

Forrest Sherer's goal is not only to sell insurance, but to protect what is near and dear to our customers. We use our resources and the time it takes to land the best coverage. We provide a choice of carriers in every aspect of insurance. Whether it's property / casualty, group health, group life, employee benefit programs, homeowners, personal auto and boat, personal health and life, estate planning or annuities, you can count on The Sherer Edge!

About the Chanticleer Building, c. 1925 Spanish Colonial - 24 North 6th St.

This Spanish Colonial Revival building was built by the Deming family in 1925 to replace Dowling Hall. It features a decorative brick and terra cotta façade with a red tile pent roof. The most notable feature of the façade is the two colorful roosters -- the building takes its name from the singing rooster in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Forrest Sherer Insurance, an initial tenant in the building, remains there today.

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