Woodmen of the World was one of the first fraternal benefit societies in the United States. Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 6, 1890, by Joseph Cullen Root, the Society had a humble beginning with very little capital and no office space. The origin of the name "Woodmen" was never documented. However, it has been speculated that the name was chosen because Root grew up in Lyons, Iowa, where lumber was the principal industry. It was also reported that Root's idea for "Woodmen" came from a speech he heard about woodsmen clearing away forests to provide shelter for their families. Others speculated that Root visualized himself as the root that would grow into a shelter, protecting members from financial disaster. Today, Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies with more than 845,000 members. Woodmen members and their families, who belong to 2,600 lodges throughout the United States, conduct fraternal projects of benefit to people and their communities. These projects include presenting American flags to civic and community organizations; donating equipment to police, fire, and rescue units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically impaired, and orphans; and assistance through disaster relief partnership with the American Red Cross.
Woodmen of the World was one of the first fraternal benefit societies in the United States. Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 6, 1890, by Joseph Cullen Root, the Society had a humble beginning with very little capital and no office space. The origin of the name "Woodmen" was never documented. However, it has been speculated that the name was chosen because Root grew up in Lyons, Iowa, where lumber was the principal industry. It was also reported that Root's idea for "Woodmen" came from a speech he heard about woodsmen clearing away forests to provide shelter for their families. Others speculated that Root visualized himself as the root that would grow into a shelter, protecting members from financial disaster. Today, Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies with more than 845,000 members. Woodmen members and their families, who belong to 2,600 lodges throughout the United States, conduct fraternal projects of benefit to people and their communities. These projects include presenting American flags to civic and community organizations; donating equipment to police, fire, and rescue units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically impaired, and orphans; and assistance through disaster relief partnership with the American Red Cross.
Bio by: Connie Nisinger
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