Order of United American Mechanics

The Order of United American Mechanics was an American Nativist organization of the mid-19th century. It was founded in Philadelphia amid the anti-alien riots of 1844-45. It originally was called the Union of Workers. Members were required to undertake efforts to publicize and campaign against the hiring of cheap foreign labor and to patronize only "American" businesses.^[1]

History

“

We, the undersigned American born citizens, having for years, and more particularly of late, felt the peculiar disadvantages under which we are placed from foreign competition and foreign combinations, and believing, from past experience and present appearances of the future, that instead of the evil abating, there is a strong probability, if not a certainty, of its increasing, therefore we feel ourselves bound, by the duty we owe to God, our country, our families, and ourselves, to provide for our own protection by forming ourselves into an association to advance such objects and carry out such principles as shall best promote the interest, elevate the character and secure the happiness of the body of American born citizens. Coupled with these laudable endeavors to secure to posterity the privileges we enjoy, is the ennobling and praiseworthy duty of aiding our fellow man in distress; then when laid upon a bed of sickness, the friendly and, we trust, timely aid of this Order may be manifest in providing for our necessities. In the silent watches of the night, a friend will ever be ready to administer to our wants, and if Death lays his cold hand upon us, we shall depart with the assurance that our widowed consorts will be the recipients of the imperishable friendship of our Order, and if needs be, that pecuniary assistance which will soften the asperity of their desolate condition. The paternal guardianship of this Order will ever bring our fatherless children within their watchful care, and especially will the orphans be protected from the snares of a cold and heartless world, and placed in the path that leads them to honor and usefulness here and to a blessed rest hereafter. Therefore, for the purpose of advancing such objects and principles, we hereby pledge ourselves as Americans, to use every fair and honorable means consistent with our duty as citizens and our social duties to the human family, and agree to be governed by the following Constitution. -- Preamble to Constitution[2]

”

In 1903 the rules used by one Doylestown, Pennsylvania group stated that membership was open to "white male citizens, born in the United States". The objects of the order were employment assistance, supporting member's businesses, assisting ill members, and providing funeral and survivor benefits. Meeting were each Wednesday evening. Dues were 15 cents a week. There were disability benefits of $5 for first 13 weeks, $4 next 13 weeks, and $3 onwards. Funeral benefits were $100, or for a spouse $50. Donations to distressed families were limited to a maximum of $2. The funds were invested in "good real estate securities".^[2]

References

1. ^ THE NATIVIST ORDERS, Phoenix Masonry
2. ^ ^{a b} Constitution, Rules of Order, and By-laws of Doylestown Council, No. 166, Order of United American Mechanics of the State of Pennsylvania. No. 501 Locust Street, Philadelphia: A. W. Selden, Printer. 1903.