The Cordele dispatch. (Cordele, Ga.) 19??-1971, 1917-04-22
Cordele's Chapter of The United Daughters Of
CoJederacy and What They've Accomplished
BY Miss TalIuIah r. Atkins,
Pres. Cordele Chapter U. D. C.

The Cordele Chapter. United Daugh-
tiers of the Confederacy, was organic
ed March 16, 1905, and is the pioneer
romans organization of our city
1t was through the interest and eff.
forts Of Mrs. w. T. Elder and Mrs.
s. r. Fields that the movement for
this organization was projected and
carried to successful elimination.
Mrs. Euder was unanimously chosen
president, and Mrs. Fields recording
secretary, which offices they held I'M
til their removal from the city to 9TH
or locations.
The chapter was organized with a
charter membership Of ten: Mrs. S. D.
Ravenel, Mrs. J. ]. Rooney, Mrs. F. A.
Colquitt, Mrs. j. w. Bivins, Mrs w.
T. Elder, Mrs. j. j. Hall, Mrs. S. R.
Fields, Mrs. S. V. Moore, Miss Mamie
Elder, Miss Tallulah Atkins.
The present membership is fifty
three. Only two deaths in the active
mempership have occurred since or
ganization, Mrs. C. M. Killian and
Mrs. Annie Eliza Boston; and Mrs. P.
M. Berg, honorary member.
The first work undertaken by the
newly organized chapter was prepare
ton for the observance Of Memorial
Day. When Judge w. A. Covington
delivered most eloquent address, and
q very complete program was carried
out.
Places Of business were closed and
the entire city joined in paying honor
to the heroes of the sixties.
The observance of this day, so dear
to southern hearts, has been an annual
occasion ever since, marked each re-
curing year with appropriate exer-
cises.
Many brilliant orators from digger
ent sections of the state, have given
freely theim time and their talents to
the success of these occasions.
With tender hands the flowers are
placed upon the graves of the depart
ed heroes, and with reverent affection
do the Daughters of the Confederacy
minister unto the living heroes, who
in the evening of life turn their
thoughts back to the days of young
and vigorous manhood, when they
placed their all upon the altar Of their
invaded native land. Since it's organ
ization this chapter has conferred one
hundred and forty crosses of hon
or, the small bronze emblem of a peo-
Pies undying love and gratitude, and
OF the wearer's fidelity and patriotism.
Each of these crosses has been suit.
ably engraved before presentation.
Stone markers have been placed at the
graves Of Confederat soldiers in
Bethel and Sunny Side cemeteries.
These markers bear the name, the
company and regiment, with year of
birth and death of him, who, with all
lifes as we'll as wars battles over,
now sleeps his last long sleep.
The chapter possesses a lot in Sun
ny Side cemetery for the burial of
veteran who pass away without rela-
lions or family burial plats.
In order to stimulate the study of
southern history, the chapter each
year offers gold medal in connec-
ton with the historical essay contest,
and for several years has offered two
medals, one open to contestants of
county schools and one to contestants
OF city schools.
In 1908 the state medal came to Cor
dele, being won by Mis- Lamar Ryals,
and in 1915, Mr. Harry Lee of Crisp
county, won the second place. Month
iy historical programs are prepared,
and the membership of the chapter
discuss historical questions at each
meeting. The chapter has contributed
from time to time to various objects
fostered by the state and general
III. D. C. organizations, under the
r leadership Of Mrs. w. T. Elder, presl-
dent, who however was succeeded the
next year by the present incumbent of
the office, Miss Talluh R. Atkins.
Miss Tallulah r. Atkins.
The monument, one of the handsom-
est to be found anywhere, was I'M
yelled Memorial Day, 1911, without one
dollar of Indebtedness. A part of
the funds were contributed by our cit
liens but the bulk of it was gathered
by the Daughters" through various
entertainments, which were always
literally patronized and supported by
our people. OF solid granite and OF
massive proportions, this monument
stands fitting memorial to the valoi
of those whose heroic deeds it com
Kemorates. The inscription on the
north side: "The Confederate Pri
vate Soldier; He sprang into battle
line to defend his invaded country
He won marvellous victories; he suf
fered no discreditable defeat; he new
er abused triumph, and never los
Port;tuda in the hour of disaster