The Republican., 1845-12-27
I. q. O. r.


The Society called the II. o. o. f." or In
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, which exists
in this country, has excited a considerable degree
Of attention from many who are not awsre Of the
character and objects Uf such an Association,
and curiosity has been active to discover what
facts il could in relation to them. For the bene-
ft Of such, therefore, we propose 10 enter into
brief detail Of their history, and the objects which
still preserve their organization.
In the year 55, and during the reign OF Nero,
The Roman soldiers formed a society in their
camp which they distinguished by the name ofine
"Odd Fellows Society,"" and they were called
among themselves and by others, "Fellow Ctl-
zens." The title was giving to them by Titus
Cesar in the 79, as il so well coHesponded with
their singular notions and manners, from their
being able to know each other IN the night. aud
for their attachment 10 him and to their country.
lie not only gave them name, but manifested
his regard for them by presenting them with "a
dispensation engraved on plate Of gold, leav~
| ing different emblems, such as The sun, moon,
stars, the liOn the lamb, the dove and the em0Iems
Of Immortality" The Order continued 10 in-
crease in Italy, and by The 18th century, il had
spread over the Spanish dOminons, reached Por-
lugaI, and become established in France and En-
gland. And in the same time G. Lodge of Hon
Or was preserved until the reign Of Geo. 3, when
portion of them formed themselves into dis
tinc union, the relics Of which remain TO this day,
having increased TO vast numbers throughout the
world and are known as The Loyal Ancient Odd
Fellows.
The present Order of Odd Fellows, was iusti.
uted 10 Manchester. England, about the year lS-
90. The members had belonged 10 the Ancient
Order. but becoming dissatisfied. they seeded, 4
fromed themselves into body under the title of
"IndependenI Odd Fellows" To distinguish ihem>
selves from the other fraternity, and which title is
still preserved by them. Soon after their forma-
ton in Manchester the Order began TO spread, and
in the course of very brief period, reached this
country. Here, we believe, the first organization
took place al Phadelphia, or Baltimore, and now
almost every town Of any size in the Union has
to acknowledge the existence Of a Society Of Odd
Fellowa.
The primary object which led 10 the formation
Of the first institution has ever been preserved,
and now marks the character Of the Order as no.
BILE and praiseworthy. II consists 10 acts Of be-
Oevolence mutually exercised towards each 9th
or when either party is ia distress, in sickness,
suffering, or in cases Of death. The only secrets
which the society eDjOins is that Of mutual recog
nzance under any circumstances and in any par
Of The wOrld end which II highly proper cad righ
that they should preserve.
Thus we have given, so far as we are able, .
general outline Of The history, character and pur
Iposes Of the society Of Odd Fellows. and W.
trust they viii ever cherish the sacred Objec
which uniles them together in band Of Love
Friendship snd ChaFily, and like their Roman
Fathers, prove an hoHor to themselves, lhei
cause, and their country.