The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1904-10-11
silver cross Leafets-o origin Of the
Order.

| The Order of the Kings Daughters
and sons began its existence in the.
union of ten women, each and all de-
sfrous Of testing the question as to
whether union and cooperation for
their own greater Advancement in
true Christian living, and their use
fitness in practical good works,
could be extended. They had no
thought of a Worldwide Organization.
They hoped each to become the cen
ter of a better influence than had
heretofore been exercised, and each
the nucleus of some little group Of
| friends that she might gather about
herself, and infuse with her own
turn a similar nucleus for ever-widen-
ing circles of usefulness
They met for the first time at the
residence of Mrs. Margaret Bottome,
on the morning of January 10. 1886,
| and after consideration Of the good to
be gained and the good TO be done,
decided to organize them selves into
an order; or sisterhood of service.
Mrs. Bottome was chosen as presi-
dent, Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson, sec
| rotary, and Miss Hamers1ey, soon
succeeded by Miss G. H Libby, treas
urer The other members of the Cir
Gle were Mrs. Theodore Irving, Mrs.
f. Payson, Mrs C. D. P. Field, Mrs.
| J. F. Rugsles. Mrs. ]. c. Davis, Miss
S. B. Schencll, Miss G. H. Libby
OF the various names proposed for
this order, The one suggested by Mrs.
Irving the Kings Daughters, was
most favorably received, Mrs. Ir-
! wing well-known educator of New
York City, had been in the habit of
| giving this name to young ladies as
they went out into the world from
her school, and this has given rise to
the mistaken impression that the or
der originated in these little groups
of students.
For the badge a little silver Maltese
cross was chosen. Realizing that
many persons might not be able to
procure this cross, a purple ribbon
was also to be recognized as indi-
eating membership in the order.
| Gradually, however, the use of the
| cross has become almost universal,
and the use of the ribbon has cores
| pontingly diminished.
The word Tens" from the Lend
a-Hand" movement, was freely Dor
rowed, but it soon became necessary
! to abandon it for the word '+Circle,
as the impracticability and undesira-
biIity OF limiting to ten the bands of
women united for a common pur-
pose, was discovered. The notices
Look up and not down.
Look forward and not back
Look out and not in
Lend a hand. g."
were also borrowed from the same
source. as, in one sense, was likewise
the watchword, In His Name" in
debtedness for all which is gladly ac-
knowledged.
The name, motto and watchword
chosen the question of organization
| and control brought forth the idea
that this central. or original circle,
desired to stand in the relation of q
helpful advisory board 10 other cir
cles that might be formed They dis
claimed at that date, as they continue
to do TO this, any purpose to control
any circle in it's choice of a field of
labor.
The secretary prepared a leadet,
embolyng the idea of the new sis
tcrhood; but SO unwilling We're the
members that the work should be any
but q silent and unaggre ssive one,
that some never sent out a single
leaflet except as requested by those
desiring to join the order.
1t was hoped and believed that
each little group would become a
faithful band of workers in some line
OF bcnetlcent service, and that all SER
vice should be the outgrowth OF con-
stantly increasing sincerity and faith
fitness of Christian character Each
circle was left quite free to choose its
own offers, and conduct its own at
fairs. provided it kept always in view
the objects stated in tho constitution.
"the development of spiritual life, and
the stimulation Of Christian activi-
ties
One great object of the organiza-
ton was to bring the forces engaged
in no work, or in Ineffective efforts
at things which they We're untitled to
do, into service in some line where