Woodmen of The World-http://www.woodmen.com/about/history.cfm
Woodmen 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.
The first Woodmen certificates were issued from the home of John T. Yates, who was named Sovereign Clerk. The Society had no office until space was donated rent-free for six months by the owner of the Sheely Block at 15th & Howard Streets in Omaha.
The first certificate of membership was issued to William A. McCully, Camp 1, Independence, Kan., on December 29, 1890. About that same time, the Society's first publication, The Sovereign Visitor, was established.
The first death claim paid was that of Willie O. Warner, who drowned on June 14, 1891 in Niles, Mich.
Woodmen's first financial statement, dated December 31, 1891, listed receipts of $59,753.31 and disbursements of $58,876.22, with a balance on hand of only $877.09. By 1900, the Society had $219 million of Life Insurance in force.