Volume 5 , Issue 6

Ancient Order of United Workers (AOUW)

Ancient Order of United Workers (AOUW) -- "The AOUW was founded by John Jordan Upchurch and thirteen others in Meadville, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1868.

Each member paid $1 into the insurance fund to cover the $2,000 benefit paid to a members dependents when he died. Each time a member died, $1 was due from the surviving members to reestablish the fund.

Fraternal benefits societies soon became quite popular as a means of providing financial protection to working class people at an affordable rate. Additionally, Fraternal benefits societies typically maintained a lodge where members could meet together in a spirit of fraternalism and brotherhood.

In at least one case - the Populist movement - the fraternity evolved into a powerful political organization providing a voice for their members.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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