LOUISIANA DIVISION

UNITED DAUGHTERS of the CONFEDERACY®

1899 ~ 1999

One hundred years ago in Louisiana, wives, widows, daughters and nieces of Confederate veterans banded together the various benevolent and memorial organizations that had been formed since the War. Noble women throughout the South were organizing into a grand army to assure the facts of the mighty struggle for Southern Independence were truthfully told; to assist the veterans whenever possible; and to lovingly bury the dead and care for their graves.

Mrs. J. Pickney Smith, wife of Captain Smith, was the enthusiastic leader of Louisiana women. She traveled the state to interest ladies in forming chapters in their home towns, and before long, four chapters were organized. The honor of being the charter chapter of Louisiana fell to New Orleans #72. With these chapters being organized, Mrs. Smith petitioned a resolution to the President General, United Daughters of the Confederacy, that the Louisiana State Division be organized.

The call for the Louisiana state convention of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was issued by New Orleans #72 Chapter and on the 17th of February 1899, the first meeting of said division was called to order by President of the New Orleans chapter, Mrs. F. G. Freret. Mrs. Jefferson Davis was honored by being named Honorary President of Division and Mrs. Margaret Davis Hays was made an Honorary member of the division.

President General Mrs. Katie Cabell Currie, being present at the organizational meeting, was requested to preside until permanent state officers could be elected. Mrs. Currie took the chair and the convention proceeded to organize and conduct business.

Six chapters were represented at this organizational meeting which took place at the Confederate Memorial Hall, 910 Camp Street in New Orleans.
Chapters present:
New Orleans #72 ~ New Orleans
John B. Gordon #124 ~ Opelousas
Shreveport #237 ~ Shreveport
Katie C. Currie #253 ~ Napoleonville
Teche ~ Franklin

The first division officers unanimously elected in 1899 were:
President ~ Mrs. J. Pickney Smith
Vice President ~ Mrs. T. B. Pugh
Second Vice President ~ Miss Birdie Scott
Third Vice President ~ Mrs. Rudolph Mayer
Recording Secretary ~ Miss Sue Abney
Corresponding Secretary ~ Miss Cora Richardson
Historian ~ Mrs. F. G. Freret
Registrar ~ Mrs. D. A. S. Vaught

LOUISIANA CELEBRATES
100 YEARS AS A DIVISION

Page Carol Willis, President General Mrs. Wells,
Division President Patricia Gallagher, Page Lora McDaniel

Thursday, April 29th, began the celebration in the historic city of Natchitoches. UDC members, guests, and friends gathered at the registration desk for badges, tickets, and of course, seeing old and new friends.

A corsage for Mrs. Wells

Hospitality baskets were given to General officers and other special guests as they registered.
Sign In For Everyone

A special treat was the pre-convention tour of Natchitoches. Ladies and gents boarded an open trolly for the sight seeing tour.


The tour ended at the LeMay House for elegant refreshments and a tour of the home.

Division President Pat Gallagher admires the antique furniture while holding one of the centennial fans made especially for the celebration.

A chapter hostess, Catherine Davis, greets Mr. and Mrs. Wells and Pat Gallagher

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