Hodges’ Eternal Stump Co.: Eternal Rest in Nature’s Embrace

In the quiet town of Farmer City, Illinois, at the turn of the 20th century, a visionary named Emery C. Hodges sought to revolutionize the way we memorialize our loved ones. His patented design, granted on June 18, 1901, transformed the concept of a simple tombstone into something far more symbolic—an intricately sculpted tree-stump chair, carved entirely from stone. While the world around him was embracing modern industry, Hodges looked to nature for inspiration, crafting monuments that blurred the line between the living and the eternal.

A Monument Unlike Any Other

At Hodges’ Eternal Stump Co., the belief was simple: a gravestone should do more than mark a resting place—it should tell a story. Hodges’ patented tombstone design featured:

• Tree-stump bases representing strength, resilience, and the passage of time.
• Interwoven branches symbolizing the connection between life and the afterlife.
• A carved stone chair, evoking a place for contemplation, as if inviting visitors to sit and reflect.

This wasn’t just a marker—it was a piece of natural artistry, embodying the Victorian-era fascination with nature, mourning rituals, and personalized memorials.

Who Was Emery C. Hodges?

Not much is known about Hodges outside of his patent records, but his unique perspective on memorial design suggests a deep appreciation for both symbolism and craftsmanship. At a time when grave markers were typically rigid slabs of granite or marble, his approach brought warmth and organic beauty to cemeteries, reflecting a growing cultural movement toward “rustic” mourning aesthetics popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Legacy of Stone and Storytelling

Though the tree-stump chair tombstones never became a widespread trend, Hodges' work lives on in the archives of lost inventions—where forgotten dreams of a bygone era wait to be rediscovered. Today, Hodges’ Eternal Stump Co. stands as a tribute to that spirit of innovation, resurrecting the past and breathing life into forgotten designs.

Because in the end, the best monuments aren’t just stone—they’re stories.