The Order of Twelve has its roots in the Underground Railroad and Anti-slavery Movement. The exclusively Black organization was officially founded in 1872 in Independence, Missouri by W.A. Craig. Also known as the International Order of the Twelve Knights and Daughters of Tabor, the organization was a benevolence and financial aid group. The group had separate groups within the organization for men, women and children.Craig was given the title of National Deputy and Grand Mentor.
In February 1888, a Order of Twelve chapter was organized in Ironton, Ohio. The Ironton chapter was only the second one in the state of Ohio. The Ironton chapter was named Pride of Ohio Tabernacle Number 384. The members would receive death and sickness benefits through the organization. Many of Ironton’s members were part of the county’s Underground Railroad system.