Records of the New York African Society for Mutual Relief: Records of the secretary: Correspondence and related documents, 1868-1933.

[Place of production not identified : producer not identified, 1868-1933]

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The New York African Society for Mutual Relief was a beneficial society for African-American men that had its first meeting on 6th June 1808 and printed its first constitution in that year. The Society is said to have met in secret as early as 1784, but the records do not document its existence this early. Incorporated under the State of New York in March 1810, the Society continued to exist at least into the 1950s; the records, however, document it only into the 1940s.</p><p>The Society functioned as one of the first fraternal societies, providing sickness and death benefits to its members at a time when African Americans could not obtain insurance. The membership of the Society was diverse, consisting of men such as carpenters, bootmakers, estate agents, merchants, porters and religious ministers. Around 1922 two related societies were formed, named after past presidents of the NYASMR: the William Hamilton Relief Society and the Eato Aid Society. Financial documents indicate that after a certain time one third of a member's mortuary benefits were paid out by each of the related societies.</p><p>This series consists of correspondence created and collected by the secretary of the Society. Alphabetical files include correspondence and related documents ordered by member's name, mostly relating to death and sick disbursements. Roll-call and dues statements list members and their due payments and attendance status, 1929-1931. One notable document is a mutual-fund proposal (1928). Chronological and alphabetical, 1868-1933.

Slavery, abolition & social justice.

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October 24, 2023