In 1894, several state women’s groups that aided Confederate soldiers’ and widow’s homes formed a national organization, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). In 1896, the Katie Cabell Muse established the Texas Division of the UDC in Victoria and the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter #105 in Austin the following year. The UDC Texas Division marks historic locations and graves, erects monuments, and holds memorial observances to honor Confederate soldiers and events. The organization also contributes to the study of Southern history, awarding scholarships to descendants of Confederate veterans and operating the Texas Confederate Museum. Although no longer sponsoring Confederate homes, the Texas Division financially assists members in nursing homes through the Randolph Relief Fund, established in 1910. Furthermore, the Johnston Chapter instituted the Farley Scholarship Fund for Travis County students to enter the University of Texas at Austin in 1924, and provided custodians to the Texas Confederate Museum while it was located in the Old General Land Office in Austin from 1917 to 1986.
Sources:
UDC History of the Early Years of Albert Sidney Johnston #105. Albert Sidney Johnston #105, Austin, Texas Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Accessed March 10, 2011. http://www.udcaustin.org/udc_austin_004.htm .
Sims, Esther F. United Daughters of the Confederacy. Handbook of Texas Online . Accessed March 10, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/vsu01 .
From the guide to the United Daughters of the Confederacy papers 1979; 82-035., 1904-1978, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)
