The James Gilliam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on January 27, 1942, at the home of Mrs. Myron Rex Malone (Eva Belle Welch), in Darling, Mississippi, with seventeen members all from Quitman County. Horseshoe Robertson Chapter in West Point, Mississippi, was the sponsoring chapter. Miller, nationally known genealogist of West Point, and Mrs. Malone (Louise Ming), regent of the Horseshoe Robertson Chapter and sister-in-law of Mrs. Rex Malone, gave liberally of their time in organizing the new chapter. The name James Gilliam was chosen in honor of the forefather of Mrs. Malone and charter members Mrs. Knight and Miss Eva Ann Knight. He was a valiant soldier of the Revolution, serving from Lunenberg County (later Charlotte County), Virginia. He died October 13, 1792, at Charlotte County, Virginia. Within a year of the organization of the chapter, women from other counties had joined the group and have been active since that time. Early efforts for the society were directed toward promotion of the World War II effort. The ladies worked in the blood plasma drives and with defense bond sales. They also sent gifts to servicemen and worked with the civilian defense committee. During this time, refreshments were not served at meetings and each member contributed a dollar toward the purchase of a defense bond.
