Wilcox v. Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum

The' defendant is a fraternal corporation, created under the laws of the State of Massachusetts. One *254Frank Z. Wilcox was one of its members. As such he held a benefit certificate payable to the plaintiff at his death, provided that, at that time, he was a member in good standing in the order. This action is brought to recover the amount of such certificate.

In December, 1905, proceedings, regular upon their face, were begun, which resulted in the expulsion of Mr. Wilcox upon charges which, if true, amply justified such action. The tendency of these charges was to bring the order itself into…