Royal Tribe of Joseph

Founded in 1894, this society functioned as a fraternal beneficiary organization. As its name implies, the society took Joseph of the Old Testament era as its model. In fact, the ritual was based on morals drawn from Joseph’s life and experiences. The order’s leadership referred to Joseph’s storing-up of food to overcome the seven-year famine as the "first life-insurance" effort exercised on a large scale.

The ritual conferred one degree only. Statewide structures were known as Grand Lodges, the chief governing unit was the Supreme Lodge. Apparently, the society ceased to operate in the early 1900s. Headquarters were housed in Sedalia, Missouri.