Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-10-01

Penobscot.
The A. O. U. w. had grand rally at
Grange Hall, Friday evening, in the inter-
est of their order. The hall was well
filled with an intelligent and wideawake
audience who appeared anxious to learn
more OF the history and purposes of this
noble order. Among the visiting MEM
bers from abroad. we noticed Robinson
and Wiggin of Ellsworth, Phelan of Sur
ry, and Binder Of East Bluehill. The
meeting was called to order by b. II.
Cushman, Esq, who made a few introduce
tory remarks and theh called on 4. II.
Binder of Bluehill for some remarks.
After few general remarks Mr.. Binder
introduced 6. W Master Bickford, the
head of the order In New England, who
gave brief but clear history of the order.
answered some of the objections raised
against 1t, and set forth the benefcent
character of the order. This order. it APP
pears, was founded by J. j. Upchurch, a
master mechanic of benevolent instincts,
at Meadville, Penn, in 1868. He had wit
messed the sufferings in the families of
working men ocCasioned by strikes. and
the subject of how to promote their vel
fare was revolved for weeks in his mind
with deep earnest purpose to devise
in this organization which has had most
remarkable and healthy growth, and has
saved thousands of homes from pinching
poverty. or the cold charities Of the poor
house. On the 9th of October, 1865, at
the place mentioned, the obligation of the
iirst degree was for the first time admin
lstered TO thirteen persons; after six
months hard labor the organization num-
bered twenty. In 1879 this little band of
twenty, had increased to 80 .s77. In 1889
its membership had reached nearly quar-
ter Of million. 1t had up to this time
afforded protection to Ia 900 families in
paying to them the sum of s2s. 600 900 :;
1t pays out annually about 81 900 600 At
first there was no limit of age and no med
ical examination required now all per-
sous between the ages of II and 80 who
can pass the required medical examina-
ton, who believe in the existence of a
Supreme Being, and do not sell rum. are
eligible to membership. Men represent
ing all the various shades of religious be-
lief aud different political creed-, and Of
different nationalities. join hands in the
noble work of home protection. Il j. di-
vided into twenty three separate inrisdic-
tons, which add greatly to the strength
and progress of the order. With an in
ings, whatever has proved beneficial In
one jurisdiction is qnckly appropriated
by another. Another wise provision il
the relief law, whereby If a jurisdiction
has been visited by an epidemic, or for
other csu-es lis death rate has 20 IN
creased that its maximum assessment has
been reached, il can cali upon the entire
order far help Toe maximum aunua!
assessment IN the New England States is
$50, and in the other jurisdictions it rang
e from SIS 10 s37 II differs from all
other Insurance societies of it, kind in
what i known as the level assessment
feature member pays jus; a much
a. another, regardless Of age. This order
has passed out OF IT. experimental period,
has eliminated its early errors. passed
through it, early struggle and become
an assured reality worthy The confidence
Of the public.