The oldest of these original companies was Algemeene Friesche, created by two civil servants in the northern Dutch province of Friesland in 1844.
Two others followed in the next decades: De Groot-Noordhollandsche in 1845 and Eerste Nederlandsche in 1882.
Another predecessor, Olveh, was initially formed as a self-help organization for civil servants and white-collar workers.
Meanwhile, Nillmij was putting down roots in the Dutch East Indies. Formed in 1859, Nillmij served civil servants and military personnel in the Dutch colony.
But these were simply the largest of the dozens of funeral funds, widows' funds, life insurers, health insurers and other companies and associations that eventually formed the Aegon we know today.
