Fraternal Organizations - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Can you identify this fraternal organization from photo - Missouri ?

DianeHagen48 — 2013-05-24 21:54:46Z

Please help me identify the correct fraternal organization. My relative is the man in the center, front row, holding a large book of some sort. Click the photo to enlarge.

Thank you.
Surname: Neal

Re: Help Identifying Uniform: Possibly Knights Templar Pennsylvania

kciuci — 2013-05-23 12:13:11Z

My Grandmother says that he was a member of the Knights of Pythias: does this fit?

Re: Help Identifying Uniform: Possibly Knights Templar Pennsylvania

micahgriffith — 2013-05-21 23:24:41Z

It is a knights Templar. not just of PA but that is standard encampment uniform. 32* from what I can see and this is possibly the gentle mans best dress for that time period. they are quite costly. and an honor to wear.

Sincerely,

Sir Knight Micah Griffith
32* of Marietta Lodge 50. and 374 Matamoras Ohio

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

oraemma22 — 2013-04-23 05:07:45Z

First of all, they had NO ties to the Klan. Originally the goal of the organization was simply to protect their jobs from the great influx of immigrants who would work for minimal wages. The SOLE requirements for membership were that you be "White, male,and BORN in America!". Not to make excuses, but they were simply trying to protect their jobs from what they saw as a threat from these "immigrants". The group was not affiliated with the Masons and later came to include Jews, Blacks, etc., in their membership. They had a particular focus on funding Orphanages. This was where quite a portion of their membership dues were allocated. From what I could learn, one or more of the original orphanages are still standing

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

sirjimalott — 2013-04-03 03:18:10Z

Oh wow. I have my third great cousins medal that was given to him for his service in world war one.

I haven't found any links to the Klan or the Vatican either...
Number one, the sites that claim there are links are clandestine and do.not cite any credible sources.

Two, my family had no involvement ever with the Klan,

Three, the holy see forbade the catholic parishioners from being in a Masonic organization because of the Jacques de molay incident and the fact that the pope had tried to disband the Templars and subsequently Freemasons in general.

I can sort of understand why they would have discouraged immigration temporarily due to ecconomic reasons, but I haven't found anything credible to support this. They were for proper and legal immigration .

Cheers

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

B88Will — 2013-03-17 04:23:17Z

To answer the question from 2005 that was posted online, the Order of United American Mechanics was a nativist organization that opposed unrestricted immigration, supported public schools, and opposed foreign influence on our American way of life. In recent years it runs an orphanage and old age home and provides pastoral visits to the old and infirm and sells insurance and burial plots to its members. The original Nativist in the period 1840-1898 violently opposed foreign intrusion into America. The current OUAM still supports public schools that have not been trampled by foreign influences or any one particular religion.

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

oraemma22 — 2013-03-16 22:53:17Z

I have yet to find any links to the Klan. They see to believe in the same thing I beieve in - LEGAL citizenship only. There was no reference to any hatred of Catholics or Klan associations. I own a 1906 medal belonging to a "Treasurer". The ribbon is a variation of the American Flag. Except for a few loose threads its in wonderful condition. It even has the original paper stamp on the back. I repaired the threads from the back and it looks wonderful and will last much longer with the repairs

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

jacci_wagner — 2013-03-12 22:00:22Z

Somehow in the middle of a Google search it connected under Google News and a TON of things came up including information from a Miami group that gave a history and explanation a bunch of times. Noted also were obituaries where it plainly stated the women's church memberships which were not catholic. A lot seemed to be in PA. The latest article I found was from 1959 for the national convention. Now if we could just find someone living that could tell me about the pins I have! Seems like it just vanished although one article said they had almost 1200 "sisterhoods" across the country!

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

bates0 — 2013-03-12 21:14:18Z

I have found a couple of things (1) is that Dames of the Malta use to have meetings in " Pittsburgh Dairy Sawmill room" (2) I have found old newspaper articles that does list some members that might fit in to someone family. https://www.google.com/search?q=dames+of+malta&tbs=nws:1...

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

jacci_wagner — 2013-03-12 20:05:28Z

Last week I accidentally found ONE meeting notice for the Companion of Friends in a Trenton paper, but nothing on the Dames yet. I think the meeting notice called them the Companionship of Friends.

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

jermlick — 2013-03-12 17:56:42Z

Hi...
If you find any info the women of my family that I know were involved were Julia Utzler, Edythe Utzler, Helen Humphreys. and Sara Jane Utzler (my Mom) I know that my Mom "went through the chairs" and was invested, installed at the William Penn Hotel. This involved the other women holding crossed swords over head and passing through them.
All were in Pittsburgh and my Mom's time would have been in the 30's.

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

bates0 — 2013-03-12 16:22:28Z

I too have a letter written from a relative saying my great grandmother was involved in this. My great grandmother lived in Pittsburgh PA. Hoping some one can inlighten us, I have searched and searched to no avail.

Re: Order of Orange

DonGillies61 — 2013-02-21 15:31:43Z

Jennifer,

I don't recognise Hancock as being one of the lodges. Can you see an LOL number anywhere ? What time period are you talking about and where was your great-grandfather from ?

Don

Order of Orange

jenniferbroatch — 2013-02-21 00:53:52Z

Does anyone out there know of a listing of the Lodges for Scotland? Further, if someone does, would they happen to know if on was name Hancock? I have a rather huge roadblock in researching my great grandfather William Henry Newman, and have only one photo, of himself in Orangemans wear. The only name I can make out on the ribbon is Hancock. Any help would be great!
Jennifer

Knights of Pythias in Bellingham, WA--Need Member Identified

NorskyGal — 2013-01-09 09:27:54Z

Does anyone here belong to the Knights of Pythias in Bellingham, WA or have an email or mailing address for them?

I have a relative, ARTHUR JULIAN EMERSON, who I know was a member of that order. I also have a possible picture of him, and in the picture he is wearing what I think is a KOP pin on his lapel. But I need someone (from the Bellingham order, I would think) to confirm that it is indeed him.

And because my relative died a long time ago (in 1968), it would take a much older person to identify him, unless their membership records include member photos. (And in that case, any additional photos/info would be most welcome, if that's acceptible.)

(In my past research I've found that some orders had their own style of pin, so if someone cannot recognize my relative, maybe they can recognize the pin..? Also, my relative is listed in the KOP Membership Records here: http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/misc/KofPcomb.htm)

I'm attaching the picture of my relative in case someone reading this is a member or can forward this to a member.

Re: Jr. O.U.A.M.

bcbowerman — 2012-11-07 00:18:00Z

I don't know how I can help you. I was looking for info on the Miller family. I never did find out anything. The Jr.O.U.A.M
could not/would not tell me anything. Nobody connected to this would give me any info. The reason they used is the privacy act.

Re: Jr. O.U.A.M.

gene3198 — 2012-11-06 22:55:33Z

I'm working through a lot of papers and things while trying to orgainze documents and items in my family genealogy research. In a box belonging to my wife's grandmother (containing, amoung other things, sympathy cards from the deaths of her husband, a brother and her mother.
One is a medal which reads across the metal top Jr. O.U.A. M. suspended in front of the ribbon -made to look like an American flag with the canton on the right- is a piece that reads Brooklyn Council 21
Flora and her husband Jackson Free lived in Brooklyn from about 1920 through 1941 when he died.
Looking for information and possible membership lists

Re: Help Identifying Uniform: Possibly Knights Templar Pennsylvania

mackurtz98 — 2012-10-20 22:50:17Z

I saw your posting. Yes it is Masonic. The uniform you have in the photo is for the commandary of York Rite. This a sub portion to the Blue Lodge Free and Accepted Masons. A.F. & A.M. My suggestion is to contact the grand lodge in the state this person lived. Give them their name and they will be able to look up his records and give you more information. You must be a Master Mason in the blue lodge before able to either go to York Rite or Scottish Rite sides of Masonry.

Please feel free to call me if you have any other questions 817-797-7981

Boy Scouts of America

themeyers4 — 2012-04-19 20:22:17Z

I have been told by several family members that my late Uncle started / organized the first Boy Scout Troop in Audubon, Pennsylvania.

Did / do the Boy Scouts of America keep records on the history of each troop and their leaders? Is it possible to request copies of anything pertaining to my late Uncle and his leadership of this troop and the troop's history? Whom would I contact? National Headquarters / office? Or, City, town, county, or state office?

I have googled, but . . . still researching.

Re: Knights of the golden eagle

Okkmat44 — 2012-02-22 01:09:08Z

I just bought a picture of john e. burbage (founder of the knights of the golden eagle) at an estate sale. I also bought what is believed to be a hood that might have been used in their secret meetings.

text if interested

Help identifying scout uniform & medals

JuanMolyneux — 2011-10-20 12:57:08Z

Hi

This is James Proud (b. c1878 d.1947). I suspect that the uniform is a scout uniform, however, I cannot identify the medals that he is wearing.

Can anyone help?

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

jacci_wagner — 2011-08-18 14:06:12Z

Hopefully someone "in the know" will respond, SOON, and put all of us out of our ignorance.

Re: Dames of Malta (NOT Catholic) and Companion of Friends in NJ

jermlick — 2011-08-18 02:20:50Z

Hi--
My story totally parallels yours-- MY Mom and Grandma, and Aunts were all Dames of Malta. All were vehemently anti-Catholic. I know my Mom "went through the chairs" Zenadochia?-- and was "queen" sometime in the 30s. I know the national meeting that year was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the William Penn hotel. I know they dressed all in white and walked through crossed swords. Another cousin- male-- confirmed the Dames of Malta talk and that they were anti- Catholic. Oh, yes the pin for it had a diamond in it and was a gravel. I too, have only been able to find information related to Catholic DoM-- I never heard the males being invovled in Knights at all. I, and now my cousin would be very grateful for any information. Thanks in advance.

Help Identifying Uniform: Possibly Knights Templar Pennsylvania

kciuci — 2011-08-02 18:08:00Z

I am hoping someone can help to identify the uniform in this photograph. The person in the photo is my g-g-grandfather, Alvin Case, from DuBois PA, lived from 1871 - 1949. I appears Masonic in nature and possibly belonging to the Knights Templar of Pennsylvania.

If someone more knowledgeable can help me with this, I would be thrilled.

thanks so much, Kathy

Re: societies and clubs.

goldgoddess64 — 2011-05-23 14:50:45Z

societies and clubs - "The Water Buffaloes"

goldgoddess64 — 2011-05-23 13:12:07Z

Hello. Just wondering if anyone has any info, or knows where I can find out about a society called The Water Buffaloes. My Uncle was a member but I'm not sure what they were all about!Your help would be appreciated.

Re: societies and clubs.

halpark — 2011-05-23 13:11:22Z

Try Water Buffalo Society.

Re: societies and clubs.

goldgoddess64 — 2011-05-23 10:04:00Z

tried that yesterday. it just came up with the animal lol. will try again tho.
thank you

Re: societies and clubs.

halpark — 2011-05-23 09:36:11Z

Try google.

Re: The Woodsman Lodge- Texas Members

wa5mec — 2011-05-08 01:02:48Z

My Grate Grand Father(John David Frizzell) was a chartered member of the lodge. Mr. Frizzell established the first Plumbing Shop in Tyler, Texas in 1885. Mr. Frizzell was born in Athens Dec. 13, 1889. A descendent of Nathan Frizzell SR.1730 Scotland arrived Baltimore County Maryland 1751.
Nathan Frizzell Jr. Aug. 7, 1759 Patriot of American Revolution.

Jr. O.U.A.M.

bcbowerman — 2011-05-02 00:23:47Z

I am doing genealogy and trying to find my great uncle, A.B. Miller. The first name could be John. According to his obit he was a member of your organization.
He died in Lehigh Oklahoma in 1907.
Can you give me any info about him?
I would appreciate whatever you can give me.
Thank you.
Buz Bowerman

Uniform Identification

jagrinnell — 2011-04-13 16:07:43Z

I am hoping someone can help me identify the uniform my 3xGreat-Grandfather is wearing in this photograph.
This is Bernard Morningstar. He was born in Hungary in 1821, and immigrated to America in 1845. I only have residence records for him for 1860-1900, which all show him living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I'd thought perhaps it was a Knights Templar uniform, especially since Bernard's son was a Knights Templar. However, I contacted the Knights Templar in Pennsylvania and was told they have no records of Bernard being a Knights Templar in Pennsylvania.
So, I am back to square one.
I suspect it is not a military uniform, since it does not look American, and most likely Bernard was trimmer in his youth (since he immigrated at age 24). How many men of the age Bernard appears to be in this photo can fit into a uniform they wore as a 24 year old? ;) However, I am not ruling it out.
Also, there is family lore that Bernard was a tutor for royalty before immigrating.

So, I am not sure if this is a military uniform, a uniform for an organization, or even possibly a uniform related to the royal family.

Thank you for any help anyone can offer.
-Julie

Endangered Graves Arkansas Hwy 391 Sisters of the Single Star

medeagreenwolf — 2011-04-06 22:33:44Z

There is an endangered cemetary off of Hwy 391 in Pulaski County. I was just there this week and sadly the area surrounding is being developed so quickly I am afraid this place will be lost. I am only able to get to three graves at this time due to overgrowth. They are all women and it says on each headstone the belong to the Sisters of the Single Star chapter #402. The oldest grave I can get to belongs to a Rhooda or Rhonda Powell died 1912. The other two list deaths of 1920 and 1926. There is a symbol on each headstone that does not match any Masonic or Eastern Star. I intend on getting pics and rubbings of these but the buisness owner near the site is being very gruff. I can not find ANYTHING about these women or their group. Does anyone have any info? The headstones have been knocked over and I can tell one at least was done by a backhoe. Please help. These women were someones family and I dont want them to get lost to urban development.

Re: Jr OUAM Black Dimon Council No. 40 Glen Mary Tennessee

Christine_Bitner — 2011-03-01 00:17:53Z

Here is the group photo

Re: Jr OUAM Black Dimon Council No. 40 Glen Mary Tennessee

Christine_Bitner — 2011-03-01 00:16:29Z

Here are both side of the ribbon

Jr OUAM Black Dimon Council No. 40 Glen Mary Tennessee

Christine_Bitner — 2011-03-01 00:13:48Z

I have a ribbon that I believe belonged to my gr grandfather. I also have a photograph of an unknown group of men. I do not know if the group photo has any connection to the Jr OUAM or not. My mother thinks that it may be a post civil war photo. I hope that someone may be able to identify them or else give me some information on the ribbon or my gr grandfather's membership. I am also including information about his father and grandfather just in case the items belonged to one them.

Thomas SILCOX JR (1852 - 1913) B: 25 Jul 1852 in Wartburg, Morgan, Tennessee, D: 13 Dec 1913 /

John Wesley SILCOX (1873 - 1924) B: Jan 1873, M: 26 Oct 1895 in Huntsville, Tennessee, D: 21 Dec 1924 in Scott County, Tennessee /

William Clarence SILCOX (1900 - 1921) B: 28 Mar 1900 in Scott County, TN, M: 16 Jun 1920 in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio, D: 02 May 1921 in Dayton, Montgomery, OH

Re: What is Willow Camp No. 449 W. O. W.?

sixrwe — 2011-02-08 15:27:32Z

Thank you very much for your response.

THe organization the Masons

pecluvjoy1 — 2011-02-08 13:57:42Z

my father was a mason, I know they are very secreative but how do I find out anything about my fathers involment? I dont want to know their secreats just what accomplishments my father had and did
thank you

Re: Sons of Israel Lodge 21

mensa73 — 2011-01-31 20:10:14Z

Yivo in ny used to have info on landsmanshaften & assoc.etc.

Sons of Israel Lodge 21

pbarton58 — 2011-01-30 22:00:00Z

Looking for information on the Sons of Israel, Joshua Lodge 21 in New York City. David LAUFER died in New York about 7 August 1947 at the age of 69. The family was origionaly from Kalusz in the Ukraine a part of Austria around the 1890's. The newspaper obit included an item about his membership in that organization. Did they have a cemetery plot for members? Are their records available?

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

maryshormajsty — 2011-01-26 04:09:02Z

HI, Did you do a search on google? Its been a while but I think there is infromation on line. See jrouam.org for New York and there is a listing for a secretary. Maybe they have records.

Re: Jr O.U.A.M (Order of the United American Mechanics)

rmhoag — 2011-01-25 23:23:53Z

How did you make out researching the ribbon from the United American Mechanics. I also have a ribbon in the name of Capt. David Hoag, of Wingdale, New York. It says council no. 5. I can't seem to find any info. I can not narrow down David Hoag ( in our lineage there are many.) Any suggestions where to look.

Thanks
Robert Hoag
New York

Re: What is this uniform?

oneowl — 2011-01-22 01:35:18Z

My pleasure. I hope you have many more successes in your search.

Re: What is this uniform?

tlhjch164 — 2011-01-20 18:43:35Z

You were correct, the uniform is that of the Knights Templar. I had no idea that the Knights Templar was part of the York rite of Free Masonry. To me they were the Catholic order founded during the Crusades. Thanks to you and the antiques show mentioned in my previous posting I was able to contact the Indiana Knights Templar who are looking into my great grandfather's membership. Thanks for your help

Re: What is this uniform?

tlhjch164 — 2011-01-18 22:09:08Z

This is an update to my original post. The other night on an unknown (to me) TV show about antiques, I saw a uniform very similar to the one in my photo. The antique expert said that it was Masonic regalia dating from the early to mid 20th century. Can anyone out there tell me the Masonic degree which it relates to? James Arthur Wilson of Greenfield, Indiana is the subject of the photo.

Re: K of H

oneowl — 2010-12-29 03:06:38Z

A number of Fraternal organizations exist(ed) to provide financial security in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner. This "insurance" was offered to those of a common ancestry or ethnicity. So, it is like "insurance" but to a specific market.
Also keep in mind that we are talking about associations prior to the 1900's - social security did not exist nor did the United Way or other massive safety nets for those who meet misfortune.
Hope this helps.

Re: K of H

cadotonc — 2010-12-22 05:56:30Z

I hate to keep beating a dead horse on this, but when you say "Insurance" are you literally speaking of Insurance? Like State Farm Insurance? So members of the K of H literally supported the concept of everyone having Life Insurance? Or is Insurance in this instance a figurative meaning?

Thanks
Bob

Re: K of H

oneowl — 2010-12-21 22:14:50Z

The Knights of Honor was founded in Kentucky, with a slight improvement in recognizing sound insurance principles. Their growth was rapid, almost spontaneous. People in moderate circumstances welcomed them with open arms and pockets.

In 1876-77 two of the founders of Knights of Honor, John A. Cummings of Boston, MA. And Dr. Darius Wilson attempted to have the K. of H. adopt a scale of assessment, recognizing one of the well-known elements of life insurance. The effort failed, because of a lack of public education.
Both the K of H and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, a splinter group, were bankrupt by 1916.

Re: K of H

cadotonc — 2010-12-21 05:13:10Z

so do you know what their purpose or if they were tied to other groups?

Thanks
Bob

Re: K of H

oneowl — 2010-12-21 02:36:56Z

Knights of Honor which was established in the 1870's.