We first encountered the Patriotic Order of Ethiopians of America here. Below, a series of agreements detailing financial incentives paid to its organizers.

• the Imperial Grand Lodge of P.O.E.A. and Glenn S. McBrayer

McBrayer, a South Carolina native and graduate of Howard University Law School, was Wilson’s first Black attorney. In this agreement, the Lodge acknowledged that McBrayer had “spent much of his time, life and energy” into the organization’s creation and, “as founder and promoter [had] furnished the finance with which to bring the … order into being.” In consideration of these services and money advanced, McBrayer was to receive five cents for every member initiated into the order and smaller amounts for Grand Lodge and Princess Circle Auxiliary members and others for various periods of time. President John A. Mebane, secretary Michael E. DuBissette, trustee John S. Spell, and McBrayer himself signed. D.C. Yancey notarized the document.

Deed book 76, page 378, Hertford County Register of Deeds Office, Winton, North Carolina.

• P.O.E.A. and John Alexander Mebane of Pasquotank County

Mebane was to deliver to the Grand Lodge “a copy of the Rituals and the Modus Operandi … and designs for the Paraphernalia, Regalia, ensigns, designs, escutcheons and seals” in exchange for various per capita sums.

Deed book 76, page 379, Hertford County Register of Deeds Office, Winton, North Carolina.

• P.O.E.A. and McBrayer

McBrayer agreed to accept the position of Deputy-at-Large and “to set up lodgings int he several States and Territories” in exchange for certain per capita payments.

Deed book 76, page 382, Hertford County Register of Deeds Office, Winton, North Carolina.