Order of Independent Americans. Industrial Council , No. 437 (Orwigsburg, Pa)
Biography
From:
Centennial anniversary, Orwigsburg, Penna., 1813-1913; history of Orwigsburg and illustrations of residences and business houses. Pottsville, Pa.: Seiders, 1913. Accessed: 11 January 2023.
"Industrial Council No. 437, Order of Independent Americans
Industrial Council No. 437 was instituted April 17th, 1890, as a subordinate Council of Jr. O.U. A. M., with 127 charter members. The first Councilor was Dr. E. K. Steckel. The Council seceded from the Jr. O. U. A. M. and became affiliated with the Order of Independent Americans on December 14th, 1904.
The Council meets every Thursday evening in Fegley's Hall. Present membership, 360; honorary, 1. Assets, $13,860.64. The weekly benefits are $2.00 for first week's sickness, $5.00 per week thereafter as long as sickness or disability continues; $200 for death of a member's wife; $500 for death of a member, and $750 for a member belonging to the Extra Benefit Class. The weekly and death benefits paid have relieved the wants and proved a blessing to many grief-stricken families. The present officers are as follows: Jr. Past Councilor, Adam C. Gerber; Councilor, Irvin F. Scharadin; Vice Councilor, Clyde R. Thorn; Recording Secretary, Harry F. Ketner; Assistant Recording Secretary, Ray M. Bagenstose; Financial Secretary, Morris L. Bagenstose Treasurer, Harry W. Shappell; Conductor, John F. Bachman; Warden, Howard N. Deibert; Inside Sentinel, James Wilson; Outside Sentinel, P. S. B. Krater; Chaplain, Dan F. Miller; Trustees, Dan F. Miller, C. E. Gerber and P. S. B. Krater.
That Industrial Council No. 437 is in good hands is best attested by the condition of its treasury. Every young man connecting himself with an order so noble in principle and so liberal in case of sickness or death can count himself fortunate indeed.
JOHN T. SHOENER."