Over the past weekend, we paid a visit to Lake Helen Cemetery — home of Cassadaga’s infamous Devil’s Chair. But there was something more interesting that caught our eye, an elaborate grave marker carved like a felled wooden stump. Now, if you’re cemetery enthusiast (or tombstone tourist or taphophile — take your pick), you’ve likely found at least one of the amazing markers. Let’s take a look at one and the history of a once-popular men’s organization.
Alongside fellow settlers and too many local psychics to count, Charles Edwin Myers has found his eternal rest here at Lake Helen beneath a stunning gravestone. Charles died in 1911 at the age of 45, and we know very little about his life. We do know, however, one very important detail from the design and execution of his grave marker.
Whenever you encounter a marker like Charles’—a beautiful, lifelike wooden stump carved from stone—you likely have discovered a Woodmen of the World memorial. Founded in 1883 by Joseph Cullken Root, Modern Woodmen of America was intended to be a fraternal organization that paid out a small sum to the family of members who passed. Membership was limited to white men over the age of 18, which was typical for most such organizations near the turn of the century.
When a member died, the local circle would take up a collection for the widow and children of the fallen woodman. When this proved to be less effective than hoped, the organization changed its focus to sell life insurance policies to its members, a mission it still holds today. One original benefit was a Woodmen of the World headstone, like that marking Charles Myers’ final resting place. The stump represented a life cut too short. Sadly, this was discontinued in the early 1930s, although later stump markers can be found across the country.
Over the years, the Woodmen have split into different groups, merged with others, and changed names several times. Today it exists as the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, or more simply WoodmenLife, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to insurance, memorable grave markers, and other charitable efforts, the Woodmen’s legacy can still be found in dozens of small communities around the nation. Woodmen of the World Halls, often called simply Woodmen Halls, were once lodges built and managed by WOW local chapters. Now many of these buildings have been restored, serving as event centers, performance spaces, and community centers.
A few more photos from our visit to Lake Helen Cemetery:
Curious about the darker side of Southern history? Be sure to check out our series of Haunts & Hollows road trip travel guides. The first volume, Georgia Backroads is out now!
