Wow! Woodmen of the World

WOW! “Here rests a Woodmen of the World”

If you were to walk through a cemetery that had burials from the 1890s to 1920s, you might see several stones that are carved to resemble large logs standing tall. Look closer at other graves in the area and you may see that some might be similar with smaller logs that state “Woodmen of the World”. Or occasionally “Woodsman”.

This video I recorded yesterday shows a fine example of one of these stones. This headstone is in Greenwood Cemetery in Cañon City, Colorado. There are several Woodmen Headstones in the cemetery.

George H. Westley was Born October 15th, 1863 and on Died June 15th, 1899. He was 35 years old. WOW (Woodmen of the World) stones are just amazing. I kept seeing this symbol and wording long ago in this very cemetery and started the reserach on why.

Some say the cut wood stands for life cut short. Though other accounts state that the logs stand for the building of homes and the hard work that goes into pioneering life. Some of those values are right for the Woodmen of the World. The founder was inspired by a sermon that stated “Pioneer Woodmen clearing away the forest to provide for their families.” He envisioned a society where the way was cleared for families through mutual aid and life insurance when loved ones passed.

These spectacular stones were provided by a fraternal benefit organization in the late 1800s to the early 1920s. Founded by Joseph Cullen Root in 1890, it was very affordable insurance and burial benefits to have. Interestingly enough the company was from Omaha, Nebraska, but Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs housed one of the Woodmen of the World offices here in Colorado. Woodmen of the World was an insurance policy of sorts. Though it was not one of the Unions, which often ensured pay after the head of household passed, Woodmen of the World to ensured that you had a great burial and headstone. The policy was to help in making life insurance affordable for all. From 1890 to 1900, the policy included a gravestone for free.

At the turn of the turn of that century, this was a great way to insure your burial was proper. The costs of all things continued to rise and the insurance needed an added rider of $100 to account for the rising costs. Ultimately in 1920, they discontinued the gravestone service. The rising cost of materials made the stones thing of the past, but the organization still exists. Today, the company is known as Woodmen Life. It still provides life insurance, annuities and supplemental plans.

Salesmen for the charter recruited rural men that were hard workers. They aimed at finding the selflessness and solidarity of hardworking men that provided for others. Those hard workers needed ways to be sure that their families survived. Pioneering was not easy and all to often, the ones out providing that life, were the ones that needed up needing the burials.

The WOW stones were usually gravestones shaped like treestumps. Adults and Children typically had different styles. Adult being upright tall stumps and children being three logs stacked. The members chose the style and the plans were then sent to nearby stone masons for completion. A variety of symbols and tools could be placed on the stones includes axes, doves, books, plants, firearms and olive branches and much more. “Here rests a Woodmen of the World” was also commonly seen on them.

A motto often seen on them is “Dum Tacet Clamat” meaning “Though Silent, He Speaks”, and these stones still continue to speak after more than a hundred years. The stones stand out and for the most part are rather large as compared to other stones nearby. The monuments were very unique and original, and possessed a very high level of craftsmanship that went into making them. An internet image search for Woodmen of the World always provides the most beautiful results. I recommend searching for this on your next rainy day.

Also, if out exploring, look for one next time you get the chance. I’m certain you will likely see one. They are far more grand in person that photos and videos will ever show.

*Disclaimer, I’m not a historian, scholar or writer. Ask my high school teachers, they’ll confirm that. I do my best to find information and I’m always open to edits and corrections when needed. I have a love for cemeteries and ghost towns. Cemeteries are full of stories, sometimes I can find them, sometimes I can’t! Be respectful if visiting any of the places I share. These places won’t be around forever, especially if not treated with the utmost in respect. Want to see more?