According to this seller ... Odd Fellows http://primrosecafe.ecrater.com/p/14884112/odd-fellows-ioof-general-military edited to add link which didn't paste with the image the first time
Just as an FYI, the dark card mount, the gold, and the serrated edges of the card all point to a date in the 1880s for this cabinet card photo. Possibly very early 1890s but I think 1880s. EDITED: Just noticed at the bottom of the card is the date 1890. I love when photographers in that era actually print the date on the bottom. So it's 1890 for sure!
From what I can tell they do have three rings as part of their insignia -- but I can't find a reputable site that lists this as Odd Fellows. Also, what then would the PM stand for?
Found out the PM is for Patriarchs Militant, a uniformed branch of the IOOF (Odd Fellows) http://arms2armor.com/Swords/patriarc.htm http://pnwdc.org/index.html
Fig, I do believe you're right: Odd Fellows! This gentleman seems to have similarities to the one shown here: from: http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/odd-fellows/ (It may be the intent, but these fraternal organizations have always mystified me!)
The Oddfellows got together to do good things for their local communities. I think they started one of the earliest mutual insurance funds.
Absolutely. I did an inventory of their attic. What a trip! I think I posted some of the images here awhile ago
