Patriotic Order of Americans (Springfield, Ill.)

Benevolent, patriotic, protective and social organization that came about from the merger of Patriotic Order of True Americans and the Patriotic Order Daughters of America in 1897 at Pottstown, Pa. The Daughters of America had first been founded by the Patriotic Sons of America, but it did poorly and in 1891 broke from that group and changed its name to The Patriotic Order of True Americans. It did well after that. The P.O.D.of A. was formed in Chicago in 1890 with the same objectives and principles, so the two women's groups merged. Although its major purpose was to promote patriotism, a civic minded attitude, education and morality, it also created a fund, to which members contributed, for helping members in sickness or death.