ODD-FELLOWS, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF. This Fraternity, fashioned after the model of the Masonic Brotherhood, is a widely-extended and influential society. Its motto • is "Friendship, Love, and Truth." It first appeared in England, near the close of the last century, and at that time was a social and mutual relief society. It continued to increase until 1840, when, perhaps, the Order in England was in its highest stage of prosperity. It was introduced into the United States as early as 1799, at which time a Lodge was constituted in Connecticut. In 1802 it made its appearance in Baltimore, and in 1800 in New York. It did not, however, attract any attention till 1814, when Thomas Wildey, who is styled the "Father of American Odd-Fellow ship," became an earnest propagator of the Order, and founded lodges in a large number of important places. In 1821 the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and of the United States, was formed, and in 1822 the institution assumed its present form. A peculiar feature of the Order is its system of benefits, or of health insurance. In addition to the fees of admission a quarterly tax is collected from its members, which, together, form a fund of relief; and when a brother is sick he receives from his Lodge a certain sum per week, ranging from $3 to $8, or such a sum as the by-laws of the Lodge have determined on. There is, also, a funeral benefit
which is paid to the family of,,a brother in the event of his death. The organization of the Order in the United States stands thus: 1. The Subordinate Lodge, which has five degrees; 2. The Patriarchal or Encampment grade, which has three degrees; 3. The Grand Lodge of a State; 4. The Grand Encampment of a State; 5. Grand Lodge of the United States; 6. Grand Encampment of the United States. The Order has a system of symbolism of a highly interesting character, and a ritual instructive and impressive. In the United States the Order has had a brilliant career, and awakened, at times, a large degree of enthusiasm. Its excellent moral teachings, the intelligence and character of its members, and the salutary influence it has exercised in the community, have made it one of the most popular institutions of the age.