This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Gordon, Bugh Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/2VB.2ACE/430.1 Message Board Post: My grandmother was also a member of the Lady Maccabees in Fairfield County. I know only a little about the organization. It was one of the fraternal orders that became popular at the turn of the last century. The Knights of the Maccabees originated sometime in the last quarter of the 19th century and the Lady Maccabees were a kind of women's auxiliary. The Maccabees had some things in common with other fraternal organizations with their specific rituals and promotion of values such as patriotism, love of home and family, self-reliance, etc. But this group had a practical purpose which had become quite popular after the Civil WAr - they functioned as benefit/insurance societies and offered benefits in case of death, sickness, accident or disabilities. Money was raised by regular dues and fundraisers (a carnival, ox roast or other events of that nature). This function was combined with various sub-activities which probably varied from area to area - there might be so! cial activities, musical gatherings, or education in managing personal financies. It would not be surprising if they got together for sewing. As I understand it, the group was open to white persons who were healthy and of good moral character. People in dangerous jobs like coal miners or people who sold or imbibed alcoholic drinks were not eligible. I assume that excluding people in dangerous jobs was necessary to keep the benefit fund from going broke. I suspect the name Maccabees is a reference to the Maccabees of the Old Testament . You can sometimes find a Maccabees symbol on a headstone (KSF) and antique shops often have medals or other Maccabee items for sale. Hope that helps....