The Jefferson Davis 1637 Chapter was organized in the home of Mrs. Ione Blanchard Polen on April 17, 1916 and chartered on May 20, 1916 in Houston, Texas.  Thirty‑six daughters constituted the  original membership.

Our last charter member, Mrs. John M. Wilcox (Kathryn) passed away on March 31, 1987.  In addition to local and state participation, “Mrs. Katty”, as she was fondly called, served as President General of the U.D.C. from 1945 through 1947.  Among her favorite projects were the organizing of Confederate Veterans’ Reunions and bridging the generation gap, bestowing great emphasis on the Children of the Confederacy.

Recognizing the need for continuing Southern tradition and values, a symbiotic relationship developed between the Jefferson Davis Chapter and the Winnie Davis Chapter No. 12, Children of the Confederacy, chartered in 1936.  Mrs. Wilcox and Mrs. Gussie Bratton, aided by mothers and grandmothers of the children, sponsored an annual outing at Friday Mountain Camp on the Old Fredericksburg Highway outside Austin for many years.  A plethora of activities were available.  These were complimented by home cooking and shopping for the children (keeping the cost to $6.00 per child for the week).  Continuing this interest, the Jefferson Davis Chapter maintains five scholarships for children of Confederate lineage awarded annually at our June meeting to deserving candidates. A book entitled Texas - the Confederacy’s Seventh Star published in 1996 by Chapter members, is in its second printing.  The Chapter is particularly honored this year to have two members running for Division office.

An ancestral book entitled Heroes in Gray Glory was published in 1983 by the Chapter during the Administration of President Dorothy Brimbery Hawk.  Five hundred copies have been placed in libraries throughout the country.

Furthermore, Jefferson Davis 1637 Chapter has continued to support Division and General projects.  For instance, we maintain continual representation on Division and General levels.  Our Chapter enthusiastically supports all U.D.C. funds, activities and events underwritten by our parent organization.  Additionally, battlefield preservation, beautification of historical and memorial sites, promoting the Southern perspective, continual research and reviewing through multiple venues, rank among our primary objectives.

Chapter members continue their support for the annual Southern Heritage Ball sponsored by the Albert Sidney Johnston Camp #67, SCV held annually in January to celebrate the birthday of General Robert E. Lee.  Since its inception in 1968, twenty members have served as Honorary and/or Co‑Chairman with numerous ladies as Committee Chairmen or members.

As of this writing, our membership (in all classifications) numbers 159.  With continued growth, devoted daughters, and participation by all, we pledge to perpetuate our ties to our treasured Southland, instilling future generations with its hallowed heritage.