WIFE OF LUCIEN HAMILTON RAINES
CO FOUNDER OF THE UNITED DAUGHTERSOF THE CONFEDERACY
During the ruthless reconstruction years Anna Raines met with a group of ladies for the purpose of forming a Memorial Association to keep in order a list of the soldiers buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery. The group was named the Savannah Memorial Association. April 26 was the date decided upon as the official day of observance and decorating the resting place of our fallen brave. Twenty four ladies (two per month) volunteered to oversee the graves and keep in order the head boards identifying our brave heroes. This was one of their main purposes. In 1867, the ladies began a monument fund. In less than 10 years their monument was a reality. It was Mrs. Raines plan of uniting all the women the south in one organization which developed into the Daughters of the Confederacy.
She designed and had obtained the patent for the insignia. On April 30, 1886 the word "Daughter" was first used when General John B. Gordon on the rear platform of a train at West Point Georgia, introduced Varina Anne "Winnie" Davis to an applauding throng, as the Daughter of the Confederacy. Afterward all over the south the term "Daughter", was being adopted by Associations. Thus the organizations were formed to represent the hearts' desire of the women.
Much has been said in the 1990's in reference to restoring the Savannah Confederate Monument. The ladies of the 1860's would have had that project concluded. But today, there's no money allocated for that purpose. We need to clone those ladies who got things done, and they didn't have to spend alot of money on proposals. They put every bit of unyielding courage to the test and made it happen.
With leadership like Anna Davenport Raines who was “Co-founder of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Acting President General, UDC, Designer of the UDC Insignia, and Custodian of the Crosses of Honor for 7 years. She was faithful to every trust. Her death enshrined in the hearts of all that knew her . "Her last official message was in the spirit with which she labored -
Anna now rests in Laurel Grove Cemetery.
The UDC today lacks the harmony of the ladies of the 1860's.
THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
From Dr. T. S. Clay, Adjutant (S.C.V.):
“We have today reached the close of one and the beginning of another chapter in the work of the Confederate organization of this city. The burning desire was not an apology for the position occupied by them…but the establishment of fact, a true, clear, unvarnished history, of what might be read and known of all men; and taught to our children with the firm conviction that truth would ‘vindicate their motive and write their name illustrious.’… The daughters banded themselves together for the purpose of caring for the veterans…maintaining their records; carrying on their work after they should become too feeble to continue… With the passing of time, noting the already fading line, and led by Mr. Clem Saussy, the camp of veterans, impressed by the Daughters; by resolution… should be given to the Savannah Chapter UDC with the full assurance that they would be cherished and cared for throughout the yeas to come. … I am therefore, turning over to all properties of the Amalgamated camps, the Confederate Veterans Association of Savannah, U.V. C. # 756, and the Lafayette McLaws Camp U.C.V.596 organized July 30 1898….
The Daughters appreciated the gift very much and pledged to be true to the trust placed in them.
Over the years, 1980 – 1998, the daughters rarely if ever set foot on the grounds of Laurel Grove except for memorial services. The U. D. C. has passed the buck to another organization who removed the Confederate Jasmine and 4 large vases that were purchased by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and also, the arch that Mr. Appleton purchased. The SPLG (Society for the Preservation of Laurel Grove) should be made to replace these items, before they disband with the moneys made on the Lantern tours in past years.
The text for this document was taken from the first Hundred years History of the Savannah Chapter #2. Compiled from the minutes of the Chapter, from the Confederate Veterans magazine, Letters and news clippings.
I urge you to read “A Southern Woman’s Story” by Phebe Yates Pember.