Hi Denise,

Thanks for the photo reference. The uniform shown was one for a person of higher rank than my ancestor...so I'm not sure about the IOOF & the GUOOF uniform compatibilty.

I saw on e-bay a cap from the GUOOF and it looked very similar to the one worn by my ancestor. One thing for sure, I'm getting "schooled" on the GUOOF, how it was formed, where, when & why.

Oh, the sword my ancestor is holding is defintely one used by the GUOOF. The GUOOF was founded by tradesmen/craftsmen and my ancestor was listed as a carpenter on Census records and the City Directorties when I've located him. So I'm leaning strongly in the direction of the GUOOF as the organizational uniform he was wearing.

Art Thomas