Chenoweth v. Harris

Citations

• 12 Pa. Super. 29
• 1899 Pa. Super. LEXIS 200

Syllabus

<p>Unincorporated beneficial association — Death benefit — By-laws construed.</p> <p>The right of a council of the American Mechanics Funeral Benefit Association to recover for a death benefit must depend on the proper construction of the by-laws of the association and not upon an alleged accepted construction by its members.</p> <p>Defaulting council — Nonpariicipating—By-law construed — Words and phrases — Until.</p> <p>Where a by-law precludes from participation any council of a benefit association in arrears for assessments and fines “ until all assessments and fines charged to them are paid,” the word “ until” is to be construed according to its ordinary meaning, namely, -‘to the time when” the assessments and fines charged because of default are fully paid, unless, upon further default, the council should be suspended.</p>