Society Snippets: History of the Partisan Monument Part 13

This post marks the final post on the History of the Partisan Monument.  The final article that contained information concerning the Partisan Monument was as follows.


1913 Nov 16 The Columbia Record

 As part of the reporting on the activities of the state conference, the article included a memorial to Annie Robertson (Mrs. A. I.).  The article recognized that it was due in large measure to her that the monument to the Partisan Generals was erected.  She served as chairman of that committee from its formation.  She was honored with the following memorial tribute.

     “To Mrs. A. I. Robertson, chairman of the monument committee; to the partisan heroes, Marion Sumter and Pickens, and the soldiers of the American Revolution who fought with them.  Erected by the D.A.R. of South Carolina.

     “This Memorial would almost be the history of the monument were it expedient to chronicle all the work the lamented chairman, first and only one, Mrs. A. I. Robertson, lovingly, faithfully and cheerfully performed for the fulfillment of the greatest patriotic undertaking of the D.A.R. of South Carolina.

     “That Mrs. Robertson was needed by the Master for higher and more immortal work and that He summoned her before her eyes could see the perfection of her efforts that her great, generous heart could not unite with the unveiling of her loved monument is a sad climax to the committee, of years in sympathy, and work with her, the committee who naturally knew more of the zeal and hope that fanned the sparks of life, often times when dull and faint, the committee, who had the privilege of knowing her better than the D.A.R. of the state, among whom she deservedly had many friends present these words: The talent Mrs. Robertson came into this world with fitting her supremely for the chairmanship of our committee an fitted her likewise to bring pride and luster to the D.A.R. of South Carolina, which state gave her gifted daughter to Continental Hall to decorate her walls with the most unique and interesting adornment of the many we find there.  As long as beautiful Memorial Hall stands in the capital of the United State, Annie I. Robertson’s name will live and her state will be illumine by the most uncommon coat of arms of the thirteen original her brush reproduced.

     “The little studio on Senate street is stamped with the personality of our departed friend, and the work of this committee, where so many of our meetings were held, and her warm welcome awaited us.  The only meeting of unwelcome was the last one when the active brain and busy hands rested from her loved work.

     “The wealth of that flower laden room and home gave evidence of how she was loved, where she was best known.  She was esteemed by all of the D.A.R. of South Carolina, for her lips never uttered unkind words of any one: she was a Christian woman who loved the Lord.

     “Therefore, be it resolved by this conference now assembled that in the death of Mrs. Annie I. Robertson on January 7, 1913, the D.A.R. of South Carolina sustained her greatest loss from the ranks of her best workers.

     “Second: That this committee who loved and appreciated her be authorized by the D.A.R. of the state to place a wreath of laurel leaves annually the 11^th of November at the base of the monument in memory of its first and only chairman, who gave her best and highest for its consummation, so long as one of the members live.

     “Third: Be it resolved that these resolutions be copied in the minute book of the state and a page dedicated to Mrs. A. I. Robertson.

     “Fourth: Be it resolved that the papers of this city be asked to publish pre-amble and resolutions and that a copy shall be sent to Mrs. Robertson’s daughter, Mrs. Isabell Legaree, and the sympathy of this conference extended her family.”

(If anyone has a copy of these pictures that I could scan, I would love to add them to our archives.  As you can see, the pictures from the newspapers will not produce a quality picture.)

Following tributes to Robertson read by Sara Richardson and to Martin read by Miss Alice Earle, the article states that the Wednesday evening session enshrined the memory of partisan generals.  State Historian, Marion Salley, presided at this meeting.  She began by introducing Edith deLorme of Sumter who read a sketch of the life of Sumter.  This was followed by a sketch of Marion read by Mrs. Hal Dick and a sketch of Pickens prepared by Miss Mary Calhoun.  [Reading papers and sketches of historical individuals and events was a popular activity of state and chapter meetings.  Many of these would be published in the newspaper as part of the D.A.R. section discussed in an earlier blog post.]  The evening session closed following the report of the memorial committee chairman.

Well, after the SCDAR’s many years of perseverance, the Partisan Monument was dedicated and culminated the work on our state society’s first state project.  Today, it remains a beautiful and magnificent tribute to the generals of South Carolina whom history does not give full credit for their contributions to the Revolutionary War.  The granite seats are no longer in place to allow passersby to linger and contemplate the actions of the Partisan Generals and those who fought alongside them.  However, that does not diminish the monument as it stands tall and proud and just as beautiful for all to see.

In honor of our 125^th anniversary of the SCDAR, the District 2 ad for an upcoming edition of the DAR magazine, "American Heritage," features our current state regent, Dianne Culbertson, at the Partisan Monument.   Thanks to the efforts of State Regent Virginia Bratton from District 2, the SCDAR was able to give its full attention to the Partisan Monument.  Enduring leadership enabled this monument to become a reality!  Enduring leadership will also continue to keep the SCDAR strong as well!