Knights of the Maccabees

The Knights of the Maccabees was a fraternal organization that was formed in 1878 in London, Ontario, Canada.  The group's fraternal aspects took a backseat to providing low-cost insurance to members.  Each chapter was referred to as a "tent."

Very little is known of the Vienna order of the Knights of the Maccabees, Tent No. 440.

Vienna residents that were affiliated with the Maccabees circa 1909 were Ira M. Greenwood, O. B. Hasson, Dr. Jeremiah Hawley Leaming, Ambrose Mannix, Septimus E. Scoville, Irvin K. Shoff, and Jesse D. Williams. [1]  According to his obituary, Austin Andrews of Vienna was a charter member. William Stewart was a social member of the group per his obituary (Find a Grave memorial).

The motto of the Knights of the Maccabees was the Latin phrase "Astra Castra Numen Lumen" which means "The stars my camp, the Deity my light."  The phrase is shown on the ribbon below.

Evidence of a women's branch in Vienna was mentioned in the newspaper obituary of Jane Nolan (Find a Grave memorial) indicating that she was a charter member of the in Vienna Ladies of the Maccabees. Another charter member was Mary Lyon (Find a Grave memorial).