| The North Carolina Division United Daughters of the Confederacy was Organized by Mrs. William M. Parsley who had heard that there was such an organization in Nashville, Tennessee called the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She had been thinking about forming a similiar organization of the ladies of Wilmington, so she immediately sought information on how to begin such an organization in North Carolina. Her inquiry was answered by Mrs. Anna Davenport Raines, head of the Work in Georgia, who urged her to apply for a charter with the authority to form chapters. Mrs. Parsley called a meeting on 27 December 1894. Twenty four women signed applications. They received their charter and organized with fifty plus members. Upon discovering that only lineal descendants were eligible, wives, mothers and sisters were eliminated. This was most distressful to the ladies, so Mrs. Parsley determined to attend the next meeting in Nashville, Tenn. on 30 March 1894 to bring this matter before the Convention. As a result the constitutional clause on eligibility was amended. On her return home the North Carolina Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was officially organized on 28 April 1897 with Mrs Parsley as President and Miss Kate McKimmon (Raleigh) as recording secretary. The first State Convention was held in Wilmington on 3 October 1897 with representatives from six chapters in attendance. At this convention the Constitution for the Division was formally adopted. |
