February 2, 1942, the 25th chapter of the Louisiana Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The chapter was named for Heirome Gaines of Albemarle County, VA. He was a patriot, soldier, and signer of the Albemarle Declaration of Independence. Heirome Gaines was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and a cousin of James Madison. His revolutionary service is shown in a "History of Albemarle County," by Edgar Wood, and, also, in "Brooks Collection." He died in 1815 and is buried in Elbert County, Georgia.
There were thirteen organizing members. The organizing regent was Louela Adele Garrett DeJong. The vice regent was Nettie Sims Fava. The other charter members were: Clara Faulk Roberts, Elizabeth Stafford Smith, Emily Faulk Stafford, Jane Randolph Kean Butler, Mary Lee Golson Bezard, Mary Williams Robertson Marx, Sallie Mae Atkinson, Margaret Andress, Sallie Lee Garrett Griggs, Annie Maude Griggs Bardwell, and Lucy Laura Greenup. Several of the charter members were descendants of Heirome Gaines.
When this chapter was organized, our country was at war and chapter members were involved in supporting the war efforts. Mrs. R.D. Anderson received three certifications and a pin for her service to the U.S.O. Mrs. A. B. Hourston served as chairman of the Army and Navy Recruitment Committee. Upon her decease, she was given a military funeral. Chapter members individually purchased over $45,000 in war bonds and volunteered thousands of hours. There are more accomplishments by members of this chapter, one of which, as the chapter celebrated its 65th birthday in February of 2007, was that Junior Member Mille Lupo Daigre was named as a National Finalist for the Outstanding Junior Member....we are proud of Mille, of our members, of our heritage, and we are looking foward to our future.
