I have an old document that I want to learn more about - Can you help me?

Question

I have a benificiary certificate issued by the "Gtand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of the state of Washington. It was given to "Brother, Frank William Fleming of Marion, Lodge No. 63" It is for $2000. It was issued in 1892 & lists his wife, Mary R. Fleming as benificiary. It has a very official looking seal as well. I found this document & others in an estate sale rumage box of mine. I was just curious if any one knew any history on it/or him? I googled his name - but couldnt find anything.

Answer 1

The Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of united Workmen is a massonic organization, a kind of insurance company.

The American fraternal benefit network began with the organization the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Meadville, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1868. The AOUW was founded by John Jordan Upchurch, a Mason, with the aim of adjusting "all differences which may arise between employers and employees, and to labor for the development of a plan of action that may be beneficial to both parties, based on the eternal truth that the interests of labor and capitol are equal .

Answer 2

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmus...

Like the one on this page?

I tried to find Marion, Washington (no luck), or Frank and Mary in census records (struck out there too).

I'd say the key is finding where that Lodge # 63 was, and then go for census records.  The main office was Washington, but that does not mean his home/ lodge was in the same state.

IF we can pin down Frank/ Mary.. then find where he died, you might find some of his family.

Answer 3

You can find out the history of this fraternal organization at this site.  Also, toward the bottom of the page their is a logo.  It is for the N.Dakota branch, but may look similar to the one on your certificate.

"The 'Ancient Order Of United Workmen' (abbreviated AOUW or A.O.U.W.) was the first fraternal group to offer death benefit life insurance to its members. The group dwindled in the early-20th century and does not exist in any similar or related way today. "  So, maybe that was the purpose of the certificate that you possess?

http://www.infomercantile.com/-/Ancient_...

Answer 4

This sounds like an American branch of freemasons.

They have Lodges and official seals.

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmus...

confirms this and says it was formed in 1868

http://www.infomercantile.com/-/Ancient_...

http://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetsela...