Tellico Iron Works Site Memorial
United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter # 900, attended the 2015 East Tennessee District Meeting on Saturday. The meeting was hosted by UDC members from Tellico Plains, Iron Works Chapter # 2636.
This year’s theme was green for St. Patrick’s Day. Green favors were given to each attendee. Shamrocks were placed on a tree with the name of their Confederate ancestor.
The meeting was called to order by the Tennessee Division Vice President Brenda Hall McDonald. Sharon Cain, president of UDC Tellico Iron Works Chapter, welcomed everyone. The invocation was given by Betty Anderson, Tennessee Division chaplain. The flag pledges were given by Sharon Wilson, treasurer of Tellico Iron Works. The pledge was given to the Christian flag, United States flag, the Tennessee flag, and the Confederate flag. Dixie Land was sung by the assembly. The UDC ritual was given by Betty Anderson. Recognition of the Tennessee Division Officers was given by the vice president. Julie Wilson, recording secretary, gave the Chapter Roll call.
The UDC Jefferson Davis Chapter # 900 had two members attending the meeting, President Marilyn Kinne and Linda Ballew. The introduction of the Tennessee Division President was given by Ms. McDonald. Tennessee Division President Sarah Vise thanked Tellico Iron Works for hosting the meeting. President Vise praised each of her division officers for their work. She also spoke of her desire to continue working to increase the UDC scholarship funds program. She encouraged everyone to continue their commitments to the memorials, historical, educational, benevolent and patriotic duties. The committee chairman reports were given, and officers attended their workshops. The blessing was given by the Chaplain.
A barbeque lunch, complete with home-made desserts was served by UDC Tellico Iron Works Chapter. The district meeting was concluded with announcements and benediction, and door prizes were given.
After the meeting members toured the historic Tellico Iron Work Site. The stones that remain at the historical site of the Tellico Iron Works were from one of the furnaces at the iron works factory. The Iron Works produced iron pots, skillets and cannonballs. During the War Between the States, the Confederate government seized possession of the Iron Works factory. In 1863 during Sherman’s March to the Sea campaign the factory was completely destroyed by the Federal troops. The stones that remain from the furnace are a memorial to those involved in its construction, operation and its destruction.
Anyone interested in the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter # 900 can visit facebook www.facebook.com/udcjeffersondavischapter900 or www.udcjeffersondavischapter900.com.
From left, Marilyn Kinne, chapter president, Sarah Vise, Tennessee division president and Linda Ballew, public relations.