Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter #94 Montgomery, AL

United Daughters of the Confederacy®

Emblem and Motto

The emblem of the UDC is a cotton boll superimposed on a five-pointed star. At the tips of the points are the words of the motto: LOVE, LIVE, PRAY, THINK, DARE

 

 

What is the UDC?

Soon after the War Between the States, several memorial and monument associations were formed along with the United Confederate Veterans organization and its auxiliary groups.

 

Our organization is a product of the merging of two groups originally formed in 1890 ~ the Missouri Daughters of the Confederacy (DOC) and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Confederate Soldiers Home in Tennessee.

 

Originally named, the National Association of the Daughters of the Confederacy, the UDC holds the distinction of being 'the oldest patriotic organization in the country' with an establishment date of September 10, 1894 in Nashville, Tennessee by founders Mrs. Caroline Meriwether Goodlett of Nashville and Mrs. Anna Davenport Raines of Georgia.

 

     Mrs. Caroline Meriwether Goodlett                   Mrs. Anna Davenport Raines of                         

                of Nashville, Founder                                         Georgia Co-Founder

 

One year later in 1895, the current name, the United Daughters of the Confederacy® was adopted at it's second meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1919, the group was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy® (UDC) is a Southern preservation heritage organization made up of the direct and collateral female descendants of the soldiers, sailors, and statesmen of the Confederate States of America (1861-1865) or those whom gave Material Aid to the Cause. Proof of ancestor’s service is required.

The UDC was organized by patriotic women who gave their time, their talents and their means to serve with no thought of compensation beyond the feeling of duty well done. The General organization is divided into State Divisions, which are further subdivided into districts and chapters.

 

The UDC is only organization to receive permission from the U.S. Government to present our Crosses of Military Service and Armed Forces awards to United States Military Veterans and Active Duty Servicemen and Women. Since the Spanish-American War, we have continued to provide aid to U.S. troops both overseas and stateside. We are patriotic in our respect to the U.S. and Confederate Flags and exhibit our genuine love for our nation.  Since it’s founding, the UDC has continued to provide aid to U.S. troops and citizens alike, during times of war and in National emergencies. 

 

 

“Why I Am a Daughter of the Confederacy”

I am a Daughter of the Confederacy because I was born a Daughter of the Confederacy. A part of my heritage was that I came into this world with the blood of a soldier in my veins…a soldier who may have had nothing more to leave behind to me and to those who come after me except in heritage…a heritage so rich in honor and glory that it far surpasses any material wealth that could be mine. But it is mine, to cherish, to nurture and to make grace, and to pass along to those yet to come.  I am, therefore, a Daughter of the Confederacy because it is my birthright.

I am a Daughter of the Confederacy because I have an obligation to perform. Like the man in the Bible, I was given a talent and it is my duty to do something about it. That is why I’ve joined a group of ladies whose birthright is the same as mine…an organization which has for its purpose the continuance and furtherance of the true history of the South and the ideals of southern womanhood as embodied in its Constitution.

I am a member of The United Daughters of the Confederacy because I feel it would greatly please my ancestor to know that I am a member. It would please him to know that I appreciate what he did and delight his soldier love to know that I do not consider the cause which he held so dear to be lost or forgotten. Rather, I am extremely proud of the fact that he was a part of it and was numbered among some of the greatest and bravest men which any such cause ever produced.

I am a Daughter of the Confederacy because I can no more help being a Daughter of the Confederacy than I can help being an American, and I feel that I was greatly favored by inheriting a birthright for both.

Written by Mary Nowlin Moon (Mrs. John)
A member of Kirkwood Otey Chapter 10, Lynchburg, Virginia
First read at a Chapter meeting on June 2, 1915
 

 

 

 

A Short History of the Alabama Division

1897-1995

By: Elizabeth Griswold Black

(Honarary Life President & Cradle Chapter Member)

Published 1995

Historians agree that great movements are the result of many forces working together; yet there must be one person to bring these forces into effective action. This was true of the organization of the United Daughters of the Confederacy® in Alabama.

The force was an intense interest in everything pertaining to the Confederacy and the heroic men in gray. The person was Miss Sallie Cargill Jones.

The Confederate Veterans, themselves, desired that the cause for which they fought should not be buried in ignominy. The Confederate Veterans at Camden, Alabama, requested Miss Sallie Jones to organize a society of Daughters of the Confederacy. They chose wisely and Miss Sallie Jones set to work promptly. She obtained a charter dated March 26, 1896 and the Alabama Charter Chapter No. 36 came into existence. At the first full meeting, May 7, it was announced that a chapter at Selma has been chartered. The Alabama Division was in the making.

It was necessary that seven chapters receive charters before a state division could be formed. When this requirement was met, Miss Jones requested the members of the chapters to meet in Montgomery “for the purpose of perfecting a state organization". Accordingly, the first start convention took place in the ‘Cradle of the Confederacy’ on April 8 and 9, 1897.

The seven chapters represented at the organizational convention were: Alabama Charter Chapter No. 36, Camden, Miss Sallie Jones, President; Selma Chapter No. 53, Mrs. E. W. Pettus, President; Admiral Semmes Chapter No. 57, Auburn, Mrs. A. F. McKissisk, President; Tuscaloosa Chapter No. 64, Mrs. Ellen Peter Bryce, President; Sophie Bibb Chapter No. 65, Montgomery, Mrs. John A. Kirkpatrick, President; Pelham Chapter No. 67, Birmingham, Mrs. Joseph F. Johnston, President; and the Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter No. 94, Montgomery, Mrs. J. D. Beale, President.

Enthusiasm ran high. The Montgomery City Hall was decorated with red and white bunting with the Stars and Bars hanging over the assembly.

According to the Minutes of the Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Held at Montgomery, Ala., April 8 and 9, 1897, a beautiful prayer was rendered by the Rev. Dr. George B. Eager. Mrs. Evelyn S. Fitzpatrick delivered the address of Welcome, stating: “I bid you welcome to the birthplace of an infant nation which illuminated the world and left its name and fame writ in mortal fires across heaven’s firmament.”

Miss Sallie Jones, Camden, organizer of the first chapter in the state addressed the assembly and proposed the organization of the Alabama Division. She explained the objects and purposed of the organization: one, to preserve the names and deeds of the heroic Confederate soldiers for future generations, and, second, to see that the worthy survivors do not suffer for comforts of life.

At Miss Jones’ invitation Mrs. J. Jefferson Thomas of Atlanta, Ga., Secretary General UDC, Mrs. John A. Kirkpatrick, President of the Sophie Bibb Chapter, Montgomery, and Mrs. J. D. Beale, President of the Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter, Montgomery, took seats upon the rostrum and assisted in the organization.

Officers were elected, with Miss Sallie Cargill Jones being unanimously elected President; Mrs. William Armistead Gayle, Vice President; Mrs. Joseph F. Johnston, Second Vice President; Mrs. Rose Garland Lewis, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Alfred Bethea, Recording Secretary; Mrs. A. W. Cawthorne, Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Smyth McKissick, Registrar; and Mrs. General Gorgas, Historian. Reports from the chapters were read.

Mrs. Alfred Bethea, for the Sophie Bibb Chapter, reported 140 members. Among the work of this chapter was the placing at the Capitol of a brass star where President Davis stood when he was inaugurated as President of the Confederate States; setting aside January 19th, General Lee’s Birthday, to be observed, and compilation of facts and personal reminiscences from different Veterans to be preserved in a book for future reference.

Mrs. R. M. Collins, Secretary of the Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter No. 94, states that: “The first desire of our chapter has been, and is, to buy the house occupied by President Davis and his family during the first part of the war. We favor the Alabama Division buying the house and moving it to a suitable place in the city and using it as a Library and Museum for the preservation of Confederate relics.” One hundred fifteen members were reported on roll. The Cradle Chapter also expressed a desire to have a Soldier’s Home established in the State and to aid in securing the Rouss Battle Abbey.

Mrs. McKessick, from the Auburn Chapter, reported that they were helping to care for the graves of 110 soldiers buried in Auburn. The chapter, Admiral Semmes Chapter No. 57, proposed to have a chapter house soon.

Mrs. Joseph F. Johnson reported that the Birmingham Chapter Pelham Chapter No. 67, has 63 members and that they are most interested in helping disabled Confederate Veterans.

Mrs. Cawthorn stated that the Selma Chapter No. 53, with 70 enthusiastic members, proposes to do their share of the General Work.

Miss Sallie Jones said, in behalf of the Camden Chapter,” …it was the Chapter organization in the state and has already given aid to the Soldier’s Home at Richmond, Va.”

A letter from the Tuscaloosa Chapter No. 64, showed that the ladies of the Classic City were alive in the noble movement.

A committee was appointed to frame a Constitution and a set of Bylaws for the Alabama Division.

The convention chose as Division Work the purchase of the First White House of the Confederacy, home of President Jefferson Davis during his residency in Montgomery. A committee was set up to investigate and report at the next convention. Mrs. Johnston suggested that the Daughters should try to secure the Rouss Battle Abbey for Alabama. This was received with enthusiasm.

At five o’clock, at the home of Mrs. Beale, on McDonough Street, the Daughters and Veterans were entertained by the newly chartered Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter. The tone was set for hard work and ambitious undertakings to be tempered by elegant social affairs.

On Friday, April 9, 1897, a discussion of school histories grew out of a question as to whether or not there was a truthful school history in print.

Committees reported and committees were appointed. Mrs. Alfred Bethea brought up the question of a permanent headquarters for the Alabama Division by moving that Montgomery be made the permanent domicile. After discussion it was agreed that Montgomery should be the domicile.

An appreciative and informative Courtesy Committee Report was read and The First Annual Convention came to a close.

At the second annual convention, in Birmingham, there were thirty-three delegates present representing additional towns of Eufaula, Opelika, Tuscumbia, Huntsville, and Athens. From this dynamic beginning, the Alabama Division has become an organization of 77 chapters from all parts of Alabama with some 2,100 members.

The first order of work – to preserve the First White House as a Winnie Davis Memorial Library or a Confederate Memorial Hall – proved to be too ambitious. At the sixth annual convention it was voted to give up the undertaking. However, the White House Association of Alabama had been formed (including many UDC ladies). Today, the First White House is a notable museum that preserved the Jefferson Davis relics and gives an authentic picture of the early days of the Confederacy.

The daughters turned to other projects. A resolution was made to erect suitable monuments to commemorate the deeds of valor of the Confederate Soldier. It was decided that the first Monument be placed on the battlefield at Shiloh. The Shiloh Monument was unveiled May 7, 1907, when the convention was held at the Tri-Cities (Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia). The Alabama Monument at Shiloh was the first to be erected by any Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The site of the next Monument was Gettysburg, chosen in 1908. Also a memorial window would be placed in Blanford Church near Petersburg, Virginia. The Tiffany window was unveiled in June of 1910. During the years 1910-1914, many monuments were erected. The Mobile Chapter (Electra Semmes Colston No 193) made possible, in 1900, the erection of a beautiful marble statue with tablet and figure of bronze and was unveiled in memory of Admiral Raphael Semmes. Between 1903-1909, some chapters joined with the Ladies’ Memorial Association to erect Monuments, or shafts, in Florence, Eufaula and Greensboro. In 1904, Mrs. Anna Drake Robertson, member of the Huntsville Chapter, gave a beautiful memorial shaft. The Virginia Clay Clopton Chapter unveiled a handsome monument with many veterans participating. Also the Pelham Chapter of Birmingham erected a tall shaft in Capital (Wilson) Park. In July, 1908, Troy has an inspiring ceremony for the unveiling of a Monument to the Confederate Soldiers of Pike County.

The year, 1909, was a banner one in the erection of monuments by individual chapters. Among the many were these examples: a handsome monument was erected by the Clayton Chapter in a park secured from the city. The John H. Forney Chapter erected a monument in Jacksonville; Joseph E. Johnson Chapter in Athens; the Leonard Calloway Pratt Chapter erected a monument in the Courthouse Square in Centreville. A monument was erected by the Tuskegee Chapter; the Sumter Chapter of Livingston honored the heroes of their county and in 1911 the Tuscumbia Chapter unveiled a beautiful monument in memory of the Colbert Soldiers. (These are only a few.)

In 1912, the Selma Chapter placed a boulder to mark the site of the Battle of Selma and the Confederate Arsenal. The Nathan Bedford Forrest Chapter, Belle Mina, commemorated the surrender of the Federals to General Forrest near Athens.

A number of historic places in the first Capital of the Confederacy were marked by Montgomery Chapters. Among them, the spot where Jefferson Davis stood when taking the oath of office was marked with a brass star with inscription: “placed by the Sophie Bibb Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, on the spot where Jefferson Davis stood when inaugurated Pres. Of C.S.A.; Feb. 18, 1861.”

The Cradle Chapter unveiled a table in the Exchange Hotel, May 12, 1912, to mark the Confederate Headquarters. The Amelia Gayle Gorgas Tablet was presented to the University of Alabama Library, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on May 30, 1916. Mrs. Chappell Cory, Division President, and Mrs. Peter Bryce worked to place a Boulder to mark the site of the old University burned by Federal Raiders and to honor the cadets who defended the University. Preceding the unveiling ceremony, May 13, 1914, Alabama Division President, Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky, and Dr. G. H. Denny, President of the University, conferred 150 Honorary Degrees on these student heroes. Twenty-five were present. (In 1994, the Alabama Division and the Tuscaloosa Chapters are helping to move a beautiful Tiffany Memorial window to a new section of the University Library).

In 1914, approximately, the Admiral Semmes Chapter unveiled two tablets and three Boulders marking spots at Auburn University. The Andrew Barry Moore Chapter erected a Boulder in Marion to honor Nicola Marshall, designer of the Stars and Bars.

Alabama’s part in marking the Jefferson Davis Highway was of interest in the 1920s and 1930s, with Mrs. B. B. Ross and Mrs. C. S. McDowell, Directors. In 1982, the Highway was re-established with Highway Signs, Mrs. Tom Neville, Alabama Director.

These are only a few of the beautiful memorials that Alabama Daughters have placed. Those not mentioned, because of limited space and time, are as magnificent as these.

In 1901, the Alabama Daughters expressed appreciation of an Act of Congress making appropriation for the re-interment of Confederate Soldiers around Washington, D.C. in a section of Arlington Cemetery. (This year, 1994, the Alabama Division President, Mrs. C. Wayne Shell and Treasurer, Mrs. John G. King, represented Alabama at the Re-dedication of the restored Confederate Monument).

The Bronze Cross of Honor Program was begun soon after the organization of the Alabama Division and by May, 1901, more than twelve-hundred Alabama Veterans had been decorated. At the convention in Tuscaloosa, 1903, Colonel Jefferson Manly Falkner was introduced. He was a distinguished gentleman and donor of the Soldiers Home at Mt. Creek. He spoke of plans for the Home which became a haven for needy Confederate Veterans and their wives and widows – over the years more than 600 called these cottages home. The Daughters were proud to contribute in many ways to bring cheer and comfort to these brave and fascinating men. They are buried in two cemeteries with Confederate markers, one inscription reading, “Chief Scout to General Forrest, 105 years of age.”

In 1957, the Alabama Division began efforts to create a Confederate Memorial Park through an act of the State Legislature. Through united efforts of the UDC, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Chilton County citizens, on September 18, 1966, the site of the Old Soldier’s Home became Confederate Memorial Park. In 1971 it came under the control of the Alabama Historical Commission, and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and Alabama Historical Places. A log cabin museum at the entrance of the park is devoted to Confederate Mementos of the Soldiers Home.

The Jefferson Manly Falkner Chapter No. 2262 – and a monument stone placed at the Park – perpetuate the name of Colonel Falkner. Memorial Day Commemoration is held annually. The museum is informative and the Alabama Children of the Confederacy enjoy events in the Chapel and at the restored Soldiers Home Post Office. The Confederate Park reflects the Benevolent Purpose of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

At the convention in May, 1909, at Huntsville, through the efforts of the Division President, the Confederate Flag captured by the Fourth Ohio Cavalry at Selma, was presented to the convention by the Fourth Ohio Cavalry Association. Other Confederate Flags were later returned in such manner. Alabama has a formidable collection of Confederate Flags in the process of restoration at the Alabama Archives.

In 1910, the four Montgomery Chapters were hostesses and the Convention meetings were held in the Alabama House of Representatives. “This building and surroundings, from the inlaid star where stood Jefferson Davis, to the handsome monument erected by the Ladies’ Memorial Association of Montgomery, breathes the history of those memorable times,” were opening remarks. There were many distinguished guests, including Mrs. Sophie Bibb, first President of the Ladies’ Memorial Association. The year, 1909-1910 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of illustrious sea captain, Admiral Raphael Semmes. This anniversary was observed at home and abroad. Mrs. Electra Semmes Colston, daughter of the Admiral, spoke during the convention.

At the 1911 Convention, Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky gave her first report as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. The first Division Scholarship was placed at the University of Alabama. Eleven more were provided for students with Confederate ancestors throughout Alabama. At the close of her report she stated that the cook book, Tried and True Recipes, was in the process of compilation. The cook book through three editions and other ingenious and creative means would provide funds for Scholarships. Mrs. Elizabeth Burford Bashinsky would be Director of Alabama’s Education Program for fifty years and develop a Scholarship Fund second to none. During her administration as Division President, The United Daughters of the Confederacy Scholarship Bill as passed by the Alabama Legislature without a dissenting vote. Today there are over two hundred forty-five scholarships available for Alabama students; this represents an investment of more than 300 thousand dollars. Mrs. Bashinsky’s cook book, Tried and True Recipes, was re-printed in 1994 for the fourth time by a grateful Alabama Division.

Mrs. Bashinsky became President General in 1929. She served brilliantly and during her term of office the Stratford Hall Memorial Fund was begun, and she sponsored fund-raising for the Memorial Windows in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. Among the many objectives completed during her administration were: the Heyward Shepherd Boulder at Harper’s  Ferry; the Jefferson Davis Bust presented to Transylvania College; a portrait of Robert E. Lee was placed in the U.S. Military Academy and the R. E. Lee Sword presented annually at the U.S. Military Academy; the Matthew Fontaine Maury Bust was placed in the Hall of Fame, and the Maury and Winnie Davis Scholarships were established. At age ninety Mrs. Bashinsky spoke at the Dedication of the Stonewall Jackson Bronze in the Hall of Fame at New York University.

She was recognized nationally for her intellectual ability. The driving force and great love all of her long life was Education. She was a teacher at the State Teacher’s College, Troy, Alabama (now Troy State University) for many years. A fitting close to remarks about Elizabeth Burford Bashinsky is to quote from her:

“The foundation stones of our organization are Memorial and Historical, and faithfully and well have we builded upon that foundation. Let us make Education the capstone of this beautiful, wonderful structure. It is well to build with marble and stone, but better to build with minds and character – temples not made with hands but riveted of hearts…”

*The UDC Chapter of which she was a member, in Troy, Alabama now bears her name: the Elizabeth Burford Bashinsky Chapter No. 236. Mrs. Bashinsky died January 21, 1968 at 100 years of age. The Alabama Division has presented her name for the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame at Judson College, Marion, Alabama. *[Elizabeth Burford Bashinsky will be installed in the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 12, 1995.]

Space and time will not allow us to continue. Not covered is the work of prominent women such as Mrs. Mary Winn Gayle; Mrs. Anne Whitfield Dowdell; Mrs. Dixie Bibb Graves; Mrs. Caroline Dent McDowell; Mrs. Lula Rainer Palmer; Mrs. Bessie Screws Mertins; Mrs. Mollie Hollifeld Jones who launched the project of the Jefferson Davis Monument on the Alabama Capitol Grounds; Mrs. William Clifton Carson, Chairman of the Vicksburg Memorial Project, 1947-1951; Mrs. Annie Rowan Forney Daugette; Mrs. Nan Neblett Maxwell; Mrs. Bessie Seay Rose; Mrs. Cherry Crawford; Mrs. Erin Sharp; Mrs. Gladys Henderson; Mrs. Lola Bridges Curry who completed the Grimsley-Curry General Scholarship that now bears her name; Mrs. Mildred Stanford Lawley, a Real Daughter who passed away in March, 1994; Mrs. Grace Browder Johnson; Mrs. Ethel Lanier Braswell, Division President and Honorary President General; Mrs. Mildred Nettles Cook, Division President 1982-1983 and in 1988-1990 served as President General. Two Alabama Daughters have served as President General: Mrs. Elizabeth Burford Bashinsky 1929-1931 and Mrs. Mildred Nettles Cook 1988-1990.

Other Alabama Division Presidents have been Mrs. John H. Livingston, Mrs. Lamurl H. Batte, Mrs. Eathel Sellers Short, Mrs. Mary Ellen Ezell Ahlstrom, and Mrs. Isabel Roper Rogers, 1991-1992, when we saved the Jefferson Davis Holiday.

Mrs. C. Wayne Shell (Sandra Neville) was the Alabama Division President for the term 1992-1994. During her term of office the Alabama Division has been incorporated. Members of the Division dedicated the four major Confederate Flags raised at the historic Confederate Monument on the Alabama Capitol Grounds. The General Organization observed the 100th Anniversary of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

In September 1994 Mrs. Hoyt O. Smith (Christine Willingham) was elected Division President for the term 1994-1996. She will preside over the 100th Alabama Division Convention which will be held in Tuscaloosa on September 7, 8, and 9, 1995.

Alabama Daughters who have served as Honorary Presidents of General during the 100 Years of Caring are Mrs. Virginia Clay Clopton; Mrs. Electra Semmes Colston; Mrs. B. B. Ross; Mrs. Charles S. McDowell; Mrs. A. M. Grimsley and at the present time Mrs. John O. Braswell and Mrs. J. William Hines.

Twenty-five Alabama Daughters have served as General Officers. In 1994, living Ex-General Officers from Alabama are: Mrs. J. H. Curry; Mrs. John O. Braswell; Mrs. Claude D. Ezell; Mrs. J. William Hines; Mrs. Dan B. Cook; Mrs. Leonard Pope; Mrs. Mary Ellen Ahlstrom; Dr. Virginia Kobler; and Mrs. Joseph J. Rogers.

Alabama Daughters continue to work to promote the Purposes established one hundred years ago. They have accomplished much and held high their Southern traditions.

On April 25, 1994, when the Daughters dedicated the historic Confederate Flags at the Monument to Alabama’s Confederate Soldiers and Sailors on the Capitol Grounds, in Montgomery, they dedicated their efforts in that endeavor to “Southern Ladies who have preserved their Southern Legacy, always in step with Modern Times.”

Reference:

History of the Alabama Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Volumes I, II, and III.

Minutes of the Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Held at Montgomery, Ala. April 8 and 9, 1897

*1995 Elizabeth Griswold Black (Mrs. Travis B.), President, Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter No. 94, Montgomery, AL 1983-1985, Alabama Division, UDC, Historian 1988-1990, Corresponding Secretary 1992-1994

 

 

 

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