Augusta County: "Virginia Division Notes," by Mrs. A. A. Campbell, 1914

Summary: A fondly written update about recent annual convention of the VA Division, UDC

The nineteenth annual convention of the Virginia Division, U. D. C., held in Bristol September 23-26, is a happy memory and an inspiring retrospect. The delightful plans made by the hostess Chapter under its attractive President, Mrs. Hagan, were beautifully executed, and ideal weather added to the success of the occasion. From the auspicious "Welcome Evening" to the last note of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," which preceded adjournment, harmony and enthusiasm were apparent, while the various committees of the hostess Chapter were unremitting in their zeal for the pleasure and comfort of their guests. All business meetings were held in the Hotel Bristol, where delegates were entertained at luncheon each day by the Bristol Chapter. A handsome reception by Bristol Chapter, a reception by Sycamore Shoals Chapter, D. A. R., and an automobile ride were among the festivities enjoyed by ail the delegates. A charming feature of the meeting was the exquisite music rendered by Bristol's gifted musicians.

The convention was called to order by Mrs. S. A. Riddick, State President, Wednesday morning. After the reading of the U. D. C. Ritual, the memorial service was impressively conducted by Mrs. E. H. O'Brien, a former beloved President of the Virginia Division. Many loving words were spoken of those who have entered the life eternal, and the solemn thought was impressed that we know not how soon the "Vale, in aeternum vale" may be pronounced above our dust.

The roll call of Chapters indicated an attendance of two hundred representatives from the one hundred and thirty-one active Chapters of the Virginia Division. The report of the President depicted a year of fine achievement and steady growth, six hundred and ninety-seven new members being added, one new Chapter chartered, and several others in process of organization.

The Treasurer, Mrs. L. B. Allen, reported the per capita tax paid on over nine thousand members and the financial status of the Division satisfactory. Statistics are not given lest the Secretary of the treasury suspect us of hoarding.

Much regret was felt at the absence of the Second Vice President, Miss Cowan, the Third Vice President, Mrs. Blenner, the Custodian, Miss Berkeley, and the Custodian of the Virginia Division Badge, Mrs. James Mercer Garnett.

The Fourth Vice President, Mrs. Cabell Smith, who has eminent domain over the junior work, reported the wonderful development in this department, and especially mentioned Mrs. Cassell's five hundred juniors. The flag offered by Mrs. Merchant as Shiloh Director was won by Lee Chapter Auxiliary, of Richmond, and was presented by Mrs. Merchant in appropriate words, to which Mrs. Montague, President of Lee Chapter, gracefully responded on behalf of the Auxiliary.

The Recorder of Crosses, Mrs. James E. Alexander, reported five hundred and twenty-nine crosses bestowed, and urged the Chapters to file applications one month before date of bestowal.

The Chairman of the Relief Committee, Mrs. Randolph, reported the increased appropriation from the legislature obtained through her efforts and also the completion of the list of beneficiaries who can be reached by the State Auditor on this fund, and Chapters were reminded that many others are paid by the Virginia Division Relief Fund the monthly stipend of three dollars, contributed by the Chapters to the State Treasurer, Mrs. Allen, and generous support of this fund was insisted upon if these needy old women and others as destitute claim our help.

The report of the Educational Committee was read by Mrs. Yates McAlpine Wilson, President of Stonewall Chapter, Portsmouth, and increased interest in this work was evident.

Other committee reports showed that chairmen had been diligent in the discharge of their duties. Chapter reports conformed admirably to the conciseness required and revealed splendid work accomplished. One especially gratifying fact was the number of new members present from recently formed Chapters, promising to become fine material for the extension and upbuilding of the Division and for its future usefulness.

Mrs. Charles E. Bolling, of the Stonewall Jackson Monument Association, reported that on Flag Day, May 1, $7,163 had been contributed, about half of this sum being raised in Richmond. Those Chapters which had not observed the day were reminded that remittances could still be sent to Mr. E. D. Hotchkiss, Treasurer of the Association, Richmond, and it is sincerely hoped that every Chapter will be proud to have a share in erecting this memorial to our immortal Jackson.

The two amendments offered to the constitution were carried, one giving to State officers and chairmen of standing committees the privileges of delegates, the other fixing the per capita tax at twenty-five cents. Several admirable recommendations offered by the State President were unanimously adopted. Much routine business was transacted and some minor changes made in appropriations. The cordial invitation of Danville Chapter and Ann Eliza Johns Chapter to hold the next convention in Danville was gratefully accepted.

The Historical Evening was a triumph for the State Historian, Miss Preston, whose eloquent tribute to Maury will long be remembered. Mrs. Alexander Stuart, of Abingdon, and Mrs. Frank Anthony Walke, of Norfolk, added greatly to the occasion by charming articles delineating varied aspects of the life of the great pathfinder of the sea. The State flag, offered by Miss Preston as the historical prize, was won by Rawley Martin Chapter, of Chatham, and was presented by Miss Preston in a most attractive speech.

The time limit retired several valued officers, among them our capable Recording Secretary, Mrs. Merchant, whose fine business capacity and administrative talents have long been recognized in the organization.

The officers elected are as follows
President, Mrs. S. A. Riddick, Smithfield.
Vice Presidents, Mrs. C. W. Sumter, Christiansburg; Miss Shannon, Portsmouth; Mrs. B. A. Blenner, Richmond; Mrs. Cabell Smith, Martinsville.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. H. H. Andrews, Bristol.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. H. Williams, Smithfield.
Treasurer, Mrs. L. B. Allen, Salem.
Registrar, Miss Lucy Wood, Richmond.
Historian, Miss N. C. Preston, Seven-Mile Ford.
Recorder of Crosses, Mrs. James E. Alexander, Alexandria.
Custodian, Mrs. J. F. F. Cassell, Staunton.
Custodian Virginia Division Badge, Mrs. James Mercer Garnett, Baltimore, Md.

---

Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Confederate Veteran, Vol. 22, p. 493, 1914