Ancient Order of United Workmen

a fraternal, benevolent organization. The parent lodge was formed at Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1868. The fundamental idea of the order is mutual helpfulness. Life insurance, conducted on the assessment plan, is an important feature. The family of the deceased member receives up to $2,000 a year. There are (1909) about 5,000 lodges and one-third of a million members. The order has paid out about $150,000,000 in benefits. The lodges are grouped into grand lodges, which, in turn, are governed by a supreme lodge, the entire organization being representative in its makeup. Each state has its own grand lodge.