Farmers Mutual Protective Association of Texas (RVOS)

The Farmers Mutual Protective Association of Texas (Rolnicky Vzajemne Ochranny Spolek Statu Texasu) was organized in the community of Ocker (400' NW) by nine men of Czechoslovakian descent on February 27, 1901. Created as a means of providing farmers and rural citizens with insurance coverage, the association was a cooperative effort of neighbors ready to help each other in times of need. By the rules of the non-profit organization, only rural property was insurable, and each member was obligated to pay a share of any losses sustained by fellow members. In 1933, city property became insurable. Association officers worked from their homes until 1946, when offices were rented in Temple. A home office was built on South 4th Street in 1950, and replaced by a new building at 2301 South 37th Street in 1981. Charter members of the association were: Joseph R. Marek (1856-1936), Martin Stepan (1859-1935), Joseph R. Schiller (1874-1918), Frank J. Wotipka (1847-1933), Josef Wentrcek (1860-1922), F. Vincenc Schiller (1849-1941), Jan Baletka (1858-1939), Joseph Schiller (1847-1929), and Jan Zabcik (1856-1916). (1986)

Farmers Mutual Protective Association of Texas (RVOS) is a historical marker in Temple vicinity, Bell County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.0696, -97.1398 near Temple vicinity. The nearest cataloged historic site is Bartek (cemetery), about 1.9 miles away. Others within a short drive include Ocker Brethren Church, Zabcikville, and Saint Joseph.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5027001572. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.