125th Anniversary Celebration - Frances Mauldin

The Fort Prince George Chapter Regent shared this story with me.  I have broken the story into two parts: one to describe the setting as the members reached the grave and performed the Ceremony of Remembrance and the second to tell how the members were moved by this State Regent's accomplishments.  I hope you enjoy what was shared. 

     " We turned into the dirt, tree-lined road, finding the family cemetery at the end of the short drive.  It was shaded and cool, with a large dogwood tree guarding the iron entrance gate.  As we stepped out of the cars, we were met with a choir of wild turkeys, who serenaded us during the rest of the service.

     "Two of our members, Una Welborn and Marianne Holland, had actually known Ms. Mauldin; but it was decided that Marianne would have the honor of placing the flower on the gravesite because she has been a DAR member longer - 65 years.

     "We gathered around the obelisk; and I quietly began to read the service and accomplishments of Ms. Mauldin.  The turkeys had stopped calling, as if they too wanted to hear about Ms. Mauldin and to be a part of the remembrance...."

Frances Hagood Mauldin

Mrs. Thomas Joab Mauldin

State Regent 1933-1936

#80144

          1870

          26 Feb 1954

          Aged 83-84

                   Hagood Family Cemetery

                   Midway Road

                   Pickens County, SC 29671

                   N34 56.573  W82 42.110

                   www.tourpickenscounty.com

Coming into the regency with bank holidays and dark depression, the outlook was not encouraging.The President General in her address to the State Regents at the first Board meeting admonished the state regents, however,not to become discouraged; that if the regents held our State Society together all would do well. This South Carolina was able to do most successfully. Five chapters were disbanded, but two new ones were organized.  Many new members throughout the State were added.

Response was made to every call of the National Society with much relief work accomplished through human conservation,and the adoption of     C.C.C. camps, and Becker boys and girls. The historical work was outstanding. The copying of the wills in the old county seats was accomplished.  Sixty-five volumes were placed on the shelves of the University for ready-reference, and a copy was placed in a library in each county seat.

Many historic spots were located and marked which showed a great awakening to our duty in this line. She had the pleasure to participate in all of the dedicatory exercises.

         Graves of Revolutionary soldiers had been given attention,and old cemeteries reclaimed.

The outstanding achievement of her administration was placing in the State House the handsome Memorial to the Four Signers of the Federal Constitution from South Carolina at a cost of $1,600. Dedicatory exercises, marked by great ceremony and dignity, were held in the Hall of the House of Representatives in 1936. The Washington Light Infantry of Charleston carried the historic Eutaw Battle Flag, and many dignitaries were in attendance and proved to be a most successful accomplishment.

     "We stood in silence for a minute of two and then began to ask questions of the two members who had known "Queen."  How tall was she?  Was this land part of the family homestead?  When did she marry Judge Mauldin?  She was how much older than he?  I wonder if she would be proud of the chapter today?  And then we drifted away to explore the rest of the cemetery.

     "As we were about to leave. Mildred Brewer, our DAR certified Genealogist, said she thought the obelisk looked a little dirty.  She immediately headed for her car and retrieved a brush and some cleaning fluid, and commenced to washing down the front of the stone. 

     "I think "Queen" would be pleased."

No, I KNOW that "Queen" would have been pleased!

And just like many DAR members, another chapter found itself exploring the cemetery.  What I want to know is how many other DAR members have the supplies with them in their cars needed to clean a gravestone?  Now that's what I call a dedicated DAR member who is prepared for anything.

Last but not least, congratulations to Marianne for her 65 years of service to God, Home, and Country as a member of the DAR!  What  tribute to both Frances Mauldin and to Marianne Holland.