Entries include a printed biography and typed letters on Federal Housing Administration and Business Publications, Inc., stationery

Hall, Oliver Leigh, 1870-1946

Jacob, Hilda McLeod

Magee, John Henry, 1895-1961

McLeod, Hilda

English

Maine State Documents (Maine State Library)

Maine State LibraryMaine State DocumentsMaine Writers Correspondence Maine State Library Special CollectionsSeptember 2015John H. Magee CorrespondenceJohn Henry Magee 1895-1961Oliver Leigh Hall 1870-1946Maine State LibraryHilda McLeodMaine State LibraryHilda McLeod JacobMaine State LibraryFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalmaine.com/maine_writers_correspondenceThis Text is brought to you for free and open access by the Maine State Library Special Collections at Maine State Documents. It has been accepted forinclusion in Maine Writers Correspondence by an authorized administrator of Maine State Documents. For more information, please contactstatedocs@maine.gov.Recommended CitationMagee, John Henry 1895-1961; Hall, Oliver Leigh 1870-1946; McLeod, Hilda; and Jacob, Hilda McLeod, "John H. MageeCorrespondence" (2015). Maine Writers Correspondence. 340.http://digitalmaine.com/maine_writers_correspondence/3401 MAGEE, JOHN H. Bangor - 1895 Magee, Author of New Book on Life Insurance The publication of Life Insurance from the pen of Prof. John H. Magee, by Busi­ness Publications, Inc., of Chicago, again focuses the attention of insurance interests upon the author. Life Insurance is the sec­ond insurance text by Professor Magee and follows General Insurance, published in 1936 and now in its third printing. When one casually opens a text book on life insurance and finds on a single page reference to the Talmud, Aristotle, the Stoics, Diogenes, the Babylonian and An-tipater of Tarsus and Carneades of Cyrene, to Cicero, and the theologians, Bartholomew-Medina, with reference to Sabetti and Kon-ings, and on the next page to Sinichius, Pascal, Fermet, Galileo, and others, one is prompted to ask what manner of book is this and what manner of man is the author ? PSYCHOLOGICAL SLANT ON INSURANCE Or again thumbing through the book in the section touching upon the social value of life insurance, one finds a discussion writ­ten from the standpoint of the psychologist touching upon the social aspect of mental cases and the function of life insurance in preventing neurosis, insanity, or abnormal personality readjustments. Running through the entire" chapter like a thread is evidence of a wide knowledge of sociology and social psychology that evidences itself in the treat­ment of insurance as a prevention of family disintegration, the unfavorable effects of child labor and the tendency, when children are separated from close family control, to the development of juvenile delinquency. The book might have been written by a psy­chologist or a sociologist. Finally in the field of life insurance there is assembled, in connection with the usual material to be found in a life insurance text, a vast amount of material that is available usually only to the student who actively engages in research in the field, or who de­liberately sets, for himself, an extensive program of reading and study. A word about the author is, therefore, not without interest. UNIVERSITY OF MAINE GRADUATE Born in Bangor, Maine, in 189o, the author completed his elementary education in the Bangor schools and following gradua­tion from the Bangor High School he en­tered the University of Maine. He com­pleted his work for the bachelor's degree at the end of three years and was gradu­ated. He is a member of the social frater­nity Kappa Sigma and of the honorary scholastic fraternity. Phi Beta Kappa, of the professional writers fraternity, Sigma Helta Chi, and the psychologist's fraternity, Sigma Mu Sigma. WIDE RANGE OF STUDIES Following graduation from the University of Maine, Magee entered the United States Naval Academy and shortly after the out­break of the World War was commissioned from that institution with a rank of Ensign in the United States Navy. He served afloat throughout the entire period of the war, part of the time with a battleship force of the Atlantic fleet but the greater part of the time in convoy work with the cruiser and transport force in torpedo de­fense work. Shortly before the Armistice he was seriously injured and as a result of these injuries was hospitalized for over a year. Retiring from the Navy, at the conclu­sion of hostilities, he returned to his studies, carried on graduate work in the field of economics and sociology, psychology, and philosophy. He has graduate degrees in economics and sociology and a graduate de­gree in psychology. Continuing the work in philosophy, as a sort of avocation, the grad­uate work was otherwise centered, primarily, upon business subjects. The work in psy­chology was primarily in the field of sales­manship though a considerable amount of study was carried on in the fields of ab­normal psychology particularly with ref­erence to character traits bearing upon moral hazard. The Insurance Institute of America lias published one of his studies entitled "An Approach to the Study of Moral Hazard" and a second study, in the field, was pub­lished by the Scientific Monthly under the title "Pathological Arson." His services and advice are frequently sought in insurance cases where claims originate as a result of fraud where abnormal mental attitudes may be a factor. The study of philosophy necessitated a mastering of both the Latin and Greek languages. The same thoroughness has been carried into the field of insurance. The author reads several of the European lan­guages and follows each year the material appearing in the field in this country, as well as abroad. LECTURES ON INSURANCE Magee's first commercial venture was in the field of insurance and with this business he has been continuously associated for nearly twenty years. While carrying on his business activities he continued his research and study and his articles, from time to time, continued to appear in trade journals, as well as in scientific publications. He was invited to give a course in insurance at the University of Maine and was later invited to join the faculty with professorial rank, and during his sojourn at the university, covering a period of several years, gave courses in Corporate Finance, Business Law. Economic Theory, and Investments, as well as courses in the fields of Life and Prop­erty Insurance. PRESIDENT OF INSURANCE FIRM While engaged in teaching at the Uni­versity of Maine, Magee maintained his con­tact with the insurance business through the J. F. Singleton Company of Bangor, one of the oldest and largest insurance agencies of the state, which he controls and of which he was then, and is now, the president. Shortly after the establishment of the Fed­eral Housing Administration his services were sought in an advisory capacity. Later he became State director for Maine of that organization, a position which he now holds. He holds membership in a number of sci­entific and learned organizations. He is a member of the executive committee of the American Association of University Teach­ers of Insurance. He is retired from the Navy with the rank of a lieutenant and is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of America. He genefally is not interested in public office but feeling that every citizen should give part of his time to public service, he PROF. JOHN H. MAGEE has served a number of years as a member of the Bangor City Government, and is a member of the board of directors of the municipally owned water and electric light plant. He is a member of the board of directors of a number of business organiza­tions, as well as a member of local, civil, and social organizations. KENTUCKY COLONEL Of many certificates and diplomas which he holds indicating degrees, commissions, or membership in honorary societies, but one finds a place on the wall of his office and that is a commission as Colonel on the staff of the Governor of Kentucky. In his writings Professor Magee works with meticulous care and infinite patience. Full credit to sources is given, with the re­sult that his books are copiously annotated. Indicative of his style in the life insurance text controversial subjects such as those touching upon the function of the agent, term insurance, savings bank life insurance, and the like are all treated objectively and without any hedging or qualifying state­ments that would leave any doubt that Pro­fessor Magee stood other than squarely in line with the best thought in the life insur­ance field. On the other hand, it is perfectly obvious that he is familiar with both sides of these questions, and with the honesty of genuine scholarship, has indicated for the student sources covering all phases and sides of mooted questions. The books represent solid scholarship from the pen. of a pains­taking and careful student. * * * "Life Insurance," by Prof. .John H. Magee. Chapter headings: Introduction, Social Value, Historical Development, In­surance Carriers, The Home Office, The Field, Basis of Risk Measurement, Types of Contract, Premium Computation, Selection, Substandard Risks, The Reserve, Surplus and Dividends, Policy Conditions, Optional Settlement Plans, Disability and Accidental Death Benefits, The Beneficiary, Funda­mental Legal Concepts, Term Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, The Endowment, An­nuities, Industrial Insurance, Group Insur­ance, Pension' Plans, Business Life Insur­ance, Trusts, State Regulations, Investments, Taxation. 727 pages. Price, $4. -- Weekly Underwriter, Jan. V, 1939 January 20, 1939. * Mr. John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Jack: I notice by very favorable and undoubtedly deserved press notices that your new book is soon to come from the publishers. We of course shall purchase the book for circulation in the Maine State Library, but here is the rest of the story: I would appreciate :a presentation, inscribed copy to the Maine State Library, to be placed in our Maine Author Collection, where you will be in company with distinguished writers who for many years have given inscribed copies to the collection, which now consists of approximately 1500 volumes. OLH.m Very sincerely State Librarian FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF STATE MANAGER BANGOR, MAINE January 23,  1939 Hon. Oliver L. Hall State Librarian Maine State Library Augusta, Maine Dear Mr. Hall; Thank you -very much for your good letter of January 20, 1939. You may be very sure that I shall be pleased indeed to send you an inscribed copy of my new book and appreciate indeed your inviting me to have a place with the other Maine authors in this collection. I hope sometime to have an opportunity to visit you at the library and sit down and have a chat with you. I know you must thoroughly enjoy your work though we miss you in Bangor. The Commercial does not seem to be the same institution. -yours John H. Magee State Manager JHMjm August 15, 1939 Mr. John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Although the delightfully inscribed gift copy of GENERAL INSURANCE was received some time ago, we fear that we did not acknowledge it at the time. Please forgive our seeming negligence, because we really were, and are, most appreciative of your prompt and generous cooperation with our request. At your convenience, would you be willing to supply us with a few biographical details? We enclose a return envelope, and will be grateful to you for your assistance in completing our files. Please accept our tardy, but sincere, thanks for GENERAL INSURANCE. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY hm SECRETARY FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF STATE MANAGER BANGOR, MAINE August 17, 1939 Maine State Library-Augusta, Maine Attention: Miss Hilda McLeod, Secretary Dear Miss McLeod: Thank you very much for your good letter of August 15, 1939. Since I sent the book by messenger I am glad to know that it arrived safely. I am not much on writing biographical sketches. I was born August 10, 1895. Any other data you may require you may find in the enclosed reprint. Please remember me kindly to Mr. Hall who has some responsibility for my shortcomings. ery truly yours Magee State JHM:h Enc. August 18, 1939 'Mr . John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Thank you very much for the very fine article which you sent for our files. We are greatly pleased to have this account, and appreciate your kindness in acceding to cur request. Your greetings were given to Mr. Hall, end he requests that his regards be sent to you. We enclose a label and postage. Will you, at your convenience, inscribe a copy of LIFE INSURANCE, and send it, with the bill, to us for inclusion in the collection? We want to be certain of having your work complete. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY EY hm Encls--2 SECRETARY Richard D. Irwin, President HARrison 2191 BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS, IN C  McCORMICK BUILDING e 332 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE. C H I C A G O  January 17, 1940 Maine State Library Augusta, Maine Gentlemen: At the request of Mr. John H. Magee, we have sent you a copy of his "book on "Life Insurance," which was requested of him by one of the assistants at the Library in a letter to him some time ago. This book has been billed to you at the usual library discount, and I would like to apologize for the delay in shipment. Mr. Magee has indicated that if you Y/ish the book autographed, he will be glad to do this for you if you will forward it to him in care of the Federal Housing Administration. Very truly yours, Helen Thomson Publishers of Books in Economics and Business January 20, 1940 Mr. John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Under separate cover, a copy of your book, LIFE INSURANCE, is going forward to you. Will you be so kind as to inscribe it for the Maine Author Collection, and return it to us under the enclosed label and postage. We are very glad to be able to add this book to the collection, for it means that your works are new complete; and we shall, of cotirse, endeavor to be alert in securing any future volumes. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY hmj Encls--2 SECRETARY February 29, 1940 Mr. John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Br. Magee: The inscribed copy of LIFE INSURANCE has been received. Thank you for your kindness and courtesy in the matter. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY SECRETARY February 5, 1941 Mr. John H. Magee 130r Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Again the privilege is ours of adding our congratulations to those of your many friends upon the publication of PROPERTY INSURANCE# We of course will purchase the book for lending purposes, but the Maine Author Col­lection is without an inscribed exhibit copy as yet. We do hope that you will want to inscribe a copy for this purpose. Please accept our best wishes for a roost cordial reception to the book, and the assurance of our constant appreciation of your generosity and interest in the Maine Author Collection. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY SECRETARY FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF STATE MANAGER BANGOR, MAINE March 29, 1941 Mrs. F. W. Jacob, Secretary-Maine State Library Augusta, Maine Dear Mrs. Jacob: First let me thank you for your cordial letter of February 5, 1941, and then let me say that I am disturbed that for some reason or other the letter has only reached me today. By what mischance it was held up I am unable to determine. I suspect that during my absence from the city when my mail was directed to follow me that it has been resting in some hotel mail department. I do appreciate your writing me. It so happens that all the copies of the book which I had have already been given away, out I shall certainly bear the matter in mind with a view to supplying you the book you require when I have another supply. JEM:LC \ Cordia: John HV Magee State Manager July 15, 1941 Mr. John H. Magee 130 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Do forgive us if we seem importunate in the time of vacationl Last March you kindly wrote us that when you had a copy of your latest book, PROPERTY INSURANCE, you would be glad to inscribe it for the Maine Author Collection, which boasts all your volumes except this one. The book has not come to us; and we dare to hope that, in the midst of your various duties, it has only been laid aside, and not diverted from the exhibit. The pleasure of counting all your books on these shelves is one which we trust will not be denied us. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY SECRETARY January 28, 1942 Mr. John H. Magee 150 Cedar Street Bangor, Maine Dear Mr. Magee: Once again it Is our pleasure to express thanks to you for" your generous gift to the Maine Author Collection of an inscribed copy... of one of your insurance "books. This time, of course, it is PROPERTY INSURANCE; and we are delighted to welcome it to the exhibit. For your continuing kindness, please accept our appreciation; and for your con­tinuing work, our best wishes. Very truly yours MAINE STATE LIBRARY BY SECRETARY 

John H. Magee Correspondence

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John H. Magee Correspondence

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