The Woodmen of the World

If you are a frequent visitor of cemeteries, I am sure you have noticed tree-stump tombstones. These honor members of the Woodmen of the World fraternal benevolent society. It was founded in 1890 in Omaha, Nebraska by a man appropriately named Joseph Root, who was inspired by a sermon about pioneer woodsmen clearing forest to provide for their families. Root decided to start a society that would help clear away problems of financial insecurity for its members. Originally open only to white males aged 18 to 45, in the twelve healthiest states, it excluded “dangerous” jobs such as gunpowder factory employees, baseball players, and bartenders!

Until the 1920s, membership meant that each member was provided with a tombstone with their motto “Dum Tacet Clamet,” which means “Though silent, he speaks.” Members are easily recognized by their tree-stump tombstones, which are meant to signify equality and commonwealth. There are a variety of different styles. 

In New Orleans, Greenwood Cemetery probably has the most varied styles of tree-stump tombs. Local stone carvers could alter the pattern or add embellishments to a given member’s desire. Today, Woodmen of the World is known as the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society.