Help us transcribe a meetings minutes book from the Bladensburg Union Burial Association records to learn more about the activities of this mutual aid society. In 1870 undertaker Francis Gasch refused to conduct a burial because the family of the decease could not afford to pay the cost of the funeral. Recognizing the need for action Henry Vinton Plummer intervened on behalf of the family and assumed the financial responsibility. Thereafter, he established the Bladensburg Burying Association, the organization provided a social network for members and also provided financial and other assistance to help with family or health emergencies.
Help us transcribe a meetings minutes book from the Bladensburg Union Burial Association records to learn more about the activities of this mutual aid society. In 1870 undertaker Francis Gasch refused to conduct a burial because the family of the decease could not afford to pay the cost of the funeral. Recognizing the need for action Henry Vinton Plummer intervened on behalf of the family and assumed the financial responsibility. Thereafter, he established the Bladensburg Burying Association, the organization provided a social network for members and also provided financial and other assistance to help with family or health emergencies. Such mutual aid societies were often established in urban and rural communities in different parts of the country and flourished after the Civil War. Members were required to pay dues on a regular basis and in this way the organization was able to amass funds for social events and activities, and for financial assistance.