Royal Neighbors of America

Royal Neighbors of America is a Life insurance company targeted towards women.

Official logo of Royal Neighbors of America

History

In 1888, Marie Kirkland of Council Bluffs, Iowa placed a notice in her town newspaper asking the wives of Modern Woodmen of America members to meet for a social get-together. Eight women responded and organized what was to become Royal Neighbors of America. A year later, the group reorganized as a social organization with a constitution, ritual, and articles of incorporation.[1] The name Royal Neighbors of America was chosen by the women because they adhered to the verse “For better is a neighbor that is near than a brother that is far.”

Later, the idea of incorporating it as a fraternal benefit society was discussed. In 1894, it was decided to incorporate in the State of Illinois. Royal Neighbors was chartered as a fraternal benefit society on March 21, 1895. The first home office was located in Peoria, IL, and was moved to Rock Island, IL in 1908.

In 1931 the society opened the Royal Neighbors of America National Home on the west side of Davenport, Iowa. It was intended to help women in their organization who were in need of assistance.[2] It was closed in 2004, with the property being sold in 2006. The facility was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

References
  1. Schmidt, Alvin J. Fraternal Organizations Westport, CT; Greenwood Press pp.295-6
  2. John Willard (September 18, 2006). "Grandview Terrace was a royal residence". Quad-City Times. Davenport. Retrieved 2015-06-18.
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