This week’s Grave of the Week is not an individual but a compilation of a few of the many graves in the Exeter and Deep Creek cemeteries. Visiting these cemeteries you may have noticed marble logs and tree trunks throughout. The Woodmen of the World was founded on January 3, 1883, by Joseph Cullken Root. The idea behind the organization was to provide money for member’s families when they died. Members would literally pass a hat and take donations which were given to the deceased’s family. The “passing of the hat” system didn’t work very well so the organization began selling life insurance to its members. In 1890, the organization split in two and Root was essentially kicked out of the group. He founded the WoodmanLife Insurance Company on June 6, 1890; a company that still exists based in Nebraska. The other faction, the Modern Woodman of the World (MWA), also exists as an insurance company based in Illinois.
The tombs east of Colorado usually have the MWA logo inscribed on its face. Western tombs tend to state, “Here Rests a Woodman of the World.” There is usually a logo of either a stump or a dove flying over a fallen log. Prior to 1935, the organization would give an additional $100 bonus to anyone who placed the organization’s name on their tomb. There was also a women’s axillary group of the Woodmen. The Women of Woodcraft had logos on their stones that also showed a dove flying over a fallen tree.
Interestingly enough, members were not required to be lumberman or in a logging association. There were some dangerous occupations that could not get insurance and if you were a manufacturer or seller of alcohol, you could not belong. But if you did not drink to excess, you could be a member.
If you knew a member of the Woodmen of World or know anything about this organization, please share in the comments. These tombs and memorials tell a fascinating history of this great country and our community.
Comment if you know of anyone who should be featured on Grave of the Week. Thank you to those who made suggestions last week; your suggestions will be featured in future posts. The goal of this page is to support, honor, and keep memories alive in the Exeter Cemetery District.
Have any old gardening or yard equipment you no longer use? Before selling it on Marketplace, please consider donating it to the Cemetery District. Shovels, rakes, mowers, weed spray, or bug spray is always needed and will be put to good use to keep the cemeteries looking their best.
Please continued to like, share, and follow the Exeter Cemetery District and thank you to Exeter Chamber of Commerce for sharing.
