Daughters of America. Mary Lincoln Council No. 168 (Lansdale, Pa.)

The Daughters of America, still believed to be in existence as of 2012, is a secret, nativist society and mutual benefit society dating from the late 19th century. It was founded in 1891 as a women's auxiliary of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, though it did not receive recognition from its male counterpart until 1926.

The first charter of the Daughters of America was issued in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania as the "The National Council Daughters of America." By 1930, it reported having over 160,000 members. The organization's numbers were reduced to about 19,000 in 26 states by 1978.

The society, open only to white women of "good moral character," promotes extreme patriotism, the public school system, and the reading of the Bible in schools. According to its 1978 regulations, the Daughters of America professed the following principles for its members:

1. Promoting and maintaining American interests by shielding the country from unrestricted immigration 2. Helping Americans find employment 3. Encouraging American businesses 4. Providing support for the American public school system in upholding Bible reading in the public schools 5. Opposing sectarian influences in state and national affairs 6. Promoting and advancing the Junior Order of United American Mechanics 7. Establishing the funds to support orphans of deceased members of the organization 8. Establishing funds to provide for the aged and infirm members of the order.

The Lansdale, Pennsylvania chapter of the Daughters of America, Mary Lincoln Council No. 168, opened in 1934.

From the guide to the Mary Lincoln Council No. 168, Daughters of America (Lansdale, Pa.) minutes and officers' roll books, 1934-1973, (Lansdale Historical Society)