MODERN WOODSMEN OF AMERICA

Many citizens of Dubuque have been members of Woodmen of America. This marker in Linwood Cemetery locates the burial site of many former members.

MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA. On June 6, 1890 the organization was started by Joseph Cullen Root who was said to have been inspired by a pastor in Lyons (Clinton), Iowa who spoke of the virtues of the "woodmen" who cut down trees to build communities. Symbols of the organization were the axe, mallet, and wedge representing industry, power, and progress.

At first, the organization protected a member's family wih a death benefit after the breadwinner died. Members were also offered a cemetery marker in many varieties. The organization provided a pattern. The stones were carved by local carvers or by carvers near Indiana's Bedford limestone mines. These were then shipped to the residence of the family for the addition o names and dates. Many markers carried a round medallion with the WOW motto, Dum tacet clamat--"Through silence he speaks." Due to the expense, the monuments were discontinued around 1920.

Woodmen of America provided financial solutions to approximately 800,000 members in the United States. These included life insurance and annuities, cancer insurance, and access to mutual funds, 529 College Savings Plans and other financial services. Members are also eligible to receive a wide variety of fraternal benefits. These included participation in a youth program, a camping experience for youth and senior members, disaster relief assistance, a prescription drug discount card, and monetary support for members' orphaned children. Another part of the organization's patriotic mission was the annual "In Honor and Remembrance" program, which paid tribute to the heroes and victims of the September 11th attacks.

Members years ago could choose the traditional gravestone featuring the tree shape. The cost of the stone gradually made them too expensive and they were discontinued.

Convention medal. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Dubuque Jugate Woodmen Celluloid, 1897 reading M.W.A;. Dubuque, Iowa, June 1, 1897

Souvenir of a convention in Dubuque

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Source:

1. Mary Christopher and Rowley, Mike, Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines--A History, The History Press, Des Moines, 2024, p. 32