Austin v. Royal League

Arthur Brookover in his lifetime was a member of plaintiff in error, the Royal League, a fraternal beneficiary society organized under the laws of Illinois. The beneficiary named in the certificate when it was issued was Sarah Brook-over, wife of Arthur and mother of defendant in error, Merritt B. Austin. Upon the death of Sarah, in 1907, a new certificate was issued naming defendant in error, the step-son of the insured, as beneficiary by describing him as a dependent. In 1911 Brookover became physically unable to continue his business, and thereupon defendant in error at his request paid…