Hennessey v. Knights of Columbus

On August 27, 1903, William J. Hennessey, then a member of a subordinate lodge of the defendant, a membership corporation, received a benefit certificate for $1,000 and was admitted to membership in the insurance class. In this certificate the plaintiff was designated beneficiary as wife of the insured. Hennessey (and later the beneficiary) continued to pay all premiums, assessments and dues until his death on October 19, 1929. The plaintiff has judgment for the face of the certificate, granted on a directed verdict when both parties moved for such direction without asking that any question…