Independent Order Of Pole Bearers

Founding Era | Year: Civil War era (1861-1879) | 1868
Founding Place: Memphis, Tennessee
Founding & Reorganizing Leaders: Thomas Swan
Geographic Scope: Core State Plus
Gender Organization: Male / Female Partners
Type of Order: Distinctive Black order, Provides benefits or life insurance
Civic Engagement: Civil War/Reconstruction involvement, Community charitable, public health, or education program, Fought for civil and/or voting rights, Involved with party or electoral politics
Institutions Run by Order: Funeral home or cemetery, Headquarters building
Updated: Oct 29, 2025