Augusta County: "Virginia Division, U. D. C.," by Mrs. Glassell Fitzhugh, 1916
Summary: Updates on Virginia United Daughts of the Confederacy, including Staunton activities
Virginia Division, U. D. C., sends hearty greetings to sister Divisions and wishes for each of them a most prosperous and successful new year.
Albemarle Chapter, No. I, is waxing warm and enthusiastic over establishing a memorial fund "from the dead to the living veterans." Hearty responses have been made to the appeal. A plan is now on foot to organize an auxiliary Chapter.
J. E. B. Stuart Chapter, of Staunton, has placed handsome Virginia State flags over the two public schools. It has now ordered its third flag for the Deaf and Blind Institute, located at Staunton. This is one of the most flourishing and wide-awake Chapters in our Division.
I have the great privilege and pleasure of announcing that Virginia won the Raines banner, offered by the U. D. C. for the best historical work last year. By the efforts of Mrs. J. E. Alexander a new Chapter, known as Welby Carter Chapter, has been organized at Upperville, with Mrs. Sophie Carter Richardson as President.
On November 1, 1915, a most enthusiastic gathering met at the beautiful home of Mrs. Ogle Taylor, at King George Courthouse, and formed the King George Chapter, with twenty-four members, Mrs. Frank Taylor being made President. Much interest was manifested, and we have every reason to hope for a flourishing Chapter there.
Another new Chapter was organized at Fredericksburg, with thirty-six charter members, taking for its name Marye's Heights Chapter, electing Mrs. John T. Goolrick President.
The fourth new Chapter was formed December 3, 1915, drawing its members from Tinkling Springs, Stuart's Draft, and Fisherville. The name C. R. Mason was adopted, thus paying a just tribute to the great hero of the Confederate war, Jackson's bridge builder. It was through his wonderful ingenuity in this respect that General Jackson was enabled to make those forced marches which immortalized his name.
The junior auxiliaries in our Division are becoming an important factor. To these junior Chapters is offered a flag, the last flag of the Confederacy, to the Chapter formed this year having the greatest number of members; and to the one doing the best historical work, a State flag.
The annual Grand Camp of Confederate Veterans of Virginia met in Fredericksburg this year. One of the most pleasing features of the reunion was the trip to the different battle fields - Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Bloody Angle, and Spottsylvania Courthouse. A marker was placed and dedicated at the old home of Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury during the reunion. A brilliant reception and many other entertainments were given under the auspices of the Fredericksburg Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy. The parade was a long and interesting line, Veterans, Sons, Daughters, sponsors, maids, and school children taking part. The reunion closed with praise for the splendid hospitality and patriotism displayed by the city of Fredericksburg.
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Confederate Veteran, Vol. 24, p. 38, 1916
