Ancient Order of United Workmen
Encyclopedia
The Ancient Order of United Workmen was a fraternal organization in the United States
and Canada
, providing mutual social and financial support after the US Civil War
. It was the beginning of the American network of fraternal benefit societies.
, Pennsylvania
on October 27, 1868 by John Jordan Upchurch. It aimed to adjust "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 and should receive equal protection."
Upchurch was a freemason, and incorporated various traditions of freemasonry including local "lodges" (branches), regalia and initiation ceremonies.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen evolved into the Pioneer Mutual Life Insurance Company, which was taken over by American United Life Insurance Company and is now part of OneAmerica.
The AOUW also had lodges in Canada. The assets and operations of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Ontario
were acquired by the Independent Order of Foresters in 1926.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, providing mutual social and financial support after the US Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. It was the beginning of the American network of fraternal benefit societies.
History
The Ancient Order of United Workmen was founded in MeadvilleMeadville
Meadville refers to places in the United States of America:*Meadville, Missouri*Meadville, Mississippi*Meadville, Pennsylvania...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
on October 27, 1868 by John Jordan Upchurch. It aimed to adjust "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 and should receive equal protection."
Upchurch was a freemason, and incorporated various traditions of freemasonry including local "lodges" (branches), regalia and initiation ceremonies.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen evolved into the Pioneer Mutual Life Insurance Company, which was taken over by American United Life Insurance Company and is now part of OneAmerica.
The AOUW also had lodges in Canada. The assets and operations of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
were acquired by the Independent Order of Foresters in 1926.
Buildings
Notable buildings of the Ancient Order of United Workmen include:- Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Ancient Order of United WorkmenGrand Lodge of North Dakota, Ancient Order of United WorkmenThe Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Ancient Order of United Workmen is a building in Fargo, North Dakota that was built in 1914 in Early Commercial style. It was designed by architects Haxby & Gillespie...
, Fargo, North Dakota