Thompson v. Brotherhood of American Yeomen

The Brotherhood of American Yeomen, defendant herein, has its principal place of business at Des Moines, Iowa. It is a fraternal association. It has branch lodges throughout the United States, and among the rest, one located at Mount Vernon, in this state.

During January, 1920, Mrs. Tina Thompson became a member of the Mount Vernon lodge, and the defendant issued to her a “benefit certificate” calling for $2,500 upon her death, and her husband, the plaintiff, was designated as the beneficiary. The by-laws of the association then or thereafter in force were made a part of the certificate. Mrs.…