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Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2009

Major Philip Cook Chapter honors founders

It was during World War II that a group of ladies got together and formed the Major Philip Cook Chapter of the United States Daughters of 1812.

The chapter was named for Maj. Cook in recognition of his service at Fort Hawkins, an outpost where only Indian tribes inhabited lands west of the Ocmulgee River, during the 1812 period. Cook served as commander of the fort and also fought in the Creek Indian War. Although he died in Twiggs County, his body was brought to Macon and buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.

When naming their group, the women who founded the Major Phillip Cook chapter endeavored to honor the memory of a great soldier. That goal remains unchanged 60 plus years later, and members gathered recently to honor the contributions made by the women who organized the chapter in 1944.

The Major Philip Cook chapter held a rededication of the memorial markers for its organizing members.

Mrs. J. Freeman Hart served as the organizing president of the Major Philip Cook chapter and also was installed as the first official chapter president. Mrs. Parks Lee Hay served as chapter registrar and Mrs. Jesse Anthony Mitchell, a Wesleyan College graduate, served as the first publicity chairman.

Mrs. Luther U. Bloodworth, also a Wesleyan graduate, served as the first vice-president. Mrs. Charles William Baldwin was the chapter’s first treasurer and Mrs. Walter D. Wheeler served as the first chaplain.

The purpose of the Daughters of 1812 is to remember and honor those who shaped American government between the end of the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Among other activities, the society preserves documents, marks historic spots, records family histories and celebrates patriotic anniversaries.

“We rededicate ourselves to the purposes of this society, “ Harriet Claxton, current president of the Major Philip Cook chapter, said as the members gathered to rededicate the marker in honor of the charter members. “For our heritage as Americans, we thank God, and from the lesson of this dedication may there come the inspiration for broader vision and finer service.”

The United States Daughters of 1812 was organized in 1892 and has 5,000 members.

Contact Alline Kent at allinekent@cox.net or at (478) 396-2467.