Hall v. Merrill
Supreme Court of Minnesota
The Masonic Mutual Aid Association, on January 4, 1888, issued to A. J. Hall a certificate of membership entitling him “to all its privileges and benefits; benefits payable to Geo.
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The Masonic Mutual Aid Association, on January 4, 1888, issued to A. J. Hall a certificate of membership entitling him “to all its privileges and benefits; benefits payable to Geo. W. Hall, brother.’' A by-law of the association provided that on the death of a member, “his widow or designated heir shall receive a sum equal to one dollar for each member; said sum, however, not to exceed $2,000.” A. J. Hall having died, the plaintiff, as beneficiary named in the certificate, brought this action against the association, in the district court for McLeod county, to recover $2,000, there being more…
1Opinion of the Court
GileillaN, 0. J.
The rights of A. J. Hall, and of any one claiming through him, depended, not merely on the certificate issued to him, but on his membership in the association issuing it, which rights were defined and controlled by its constitution and by-laws. The by-laws provide for a change in the designation of the beneficiary in a certificate, so that whatever right the beneficiary may have, he has subject to the power of the member and the association to change the beneficiary, as provided in the by-laws. According to the by-laws, a change could be made only by a majority vote of the…
2Cited by5 opinions
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