The Independent Order of Odd Fellows began in 18th Century England, it was deemed odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need without recognition and pursuing projects for the benefits of all mankind. Their deep history began in North America, with the United States and Canada in 1819, and is continually expanding throughout the World where we are a worldwide fraternity in 26 countries. The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs are striving to make the world a better place in which to live, seeking To Improve and Elevate the Character of Mankind. The members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows are sometimes referred to "Odd Fellows" or "Rebekahs." Odd Fellows have also become known in many areas as "The Three Link Fraternity" which is evidenced by our world wide "Three Link Emblem" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth. These three links symbolize the chain that binds our members together and illustrates that our Communities, States, Provinces and Nations are strongest when joined together. This database spans the years from 1932 to 1961 for the Spokane Fraternity.

EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS, 2ND SESSION, 47TH CONGRESS. LIST OF PENSIONERS ON ROLLS JANUARY 1883. Volumes 1-4 The Spokane Public Library has the four volumes under the call number of Gen973.74 United. In this listing Raymond J. Fisher extracted only those names from Washington Territory and Idaho Territory. He also extracted only part of the information and it appeared in the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society BULLETIN in June 1982 as "Index to Washington and Idaho Pensioners on The Roll Jan. 1, 1893"(sic). But the volumes contained much more information and are worth reading as pensioners are listed for the following states: Vol. 1--Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, District of Columbia Vol. 2--New York, Pennsylvania Vol. 3--Ohio, Illinois, Iowa Vol. 4--Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Oregon, Nevada, Indian Territory (Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Pickens, Seminole, Upper Arkansas Agency, Wichita Agency, Nations unknown), Dakota Territory, New Mexico Territory, Montana Territory, Washington Territory, Idaho Territory, Utah Territory, Arizona Territory, Alaska Territory, Wyoming Territory The information is arranged alphabetically by county within each state or territory, then alphabetically by each town or city within the counties. The columns show the following: certificate number, name, post office address, cause for which pensioned, monthly rate received, date of original allowance. An example of one of the entries in Volume 4 page 844 looks like this-- Washington Territory, Columbia County #150,618...Huber, Frank...Anatone...scurvey & rheuma...$18...Nov. 1880 Be aware that as county boundaries changed and states added new counties, the listing appears to be inaccurate; however, remember that the year was 1883. The above example lists the town as Anatone in Columbia County. Today you will find that town in Asotin County. It did not move but the new county of Asotin came into being much later than 1883. submitted to EWGS Digital Digest in 2012 by Jeanne Polumsky Coe