Senate Concurrent Resolution 535

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. EFFIE LUCILLE NICHOLSON PHARR, THE LAST "REAL DAUGHTER" OF THE CONFEDERACY RESIDING IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Effie Lucille Nicholson Pharr is a very petite, unique 92-year-old lady. Born on August 30, 1914, she is the last known living "Real Daughter" of the Confederacy living in Mississippi, which means she is the daughter of a Confederate soldier who fought in The War Between the States; and

WHEREAS, her father was Thomas Jefferson Nicholson (T.J.). Effie was born when her father was 72 years "young"; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson Nicholson was a member of the A2nd Company, Mississippi Infantry Regiment of CSA. He served from 1861 to late 1864. He was furloughed in late 1864 because of illness. He was unable to rejoin his company because the federals were blocking the way to his unit in Richmond, Virginia. He joined another company and participated in most every major campaign with General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, after the war he resided in Prentiss County, Mississippi, in the Zion Rest Community for over 20 years, where he ran a store, grist mill and shoed horses until his death. He is buried at Marietta Methodist Church. T.J. Nicholson was born in Franklin County, Alabama, March 3, 1843. After the war, he had worked towards bringing peace and progress back to his country. He served faithfully in war and was just as true and faithful as a citizen; and

WHEREAS, he was twice married. First to Miss Sallie Armstrong, who passed away in 1904. To this union, 11 children were born, 5 boys and 6 girls, and 2 boys and 4 girls survived. Later he was married to Mrs. Levada Finch Howell, and 6 children were born to them. One died in childhood and his wife and 5 of these children survived, including Effie, who is now 92 years old; and

WHEREAS, Effie's mother, Levada Clementine Finch, sewed for the public for many years. She was also a Nurses Aide for over 20 years at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She was married to Fred Pharr and had 5 children; 1 died as an infant and has 4 living children: Mary Rhodes of Booneville, Mississippi; Tommie Griffin of Prattville, Alabama; Sue Flanders of Parson, Georgia; and Jack Pharr of Cathlamett, Washington; and

WHEREAS, to place Mrs. Pharr's life in perspective, in 1914, the year of her birth, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States; the country was debating whether or not to enter World War I; the Philadelphia Athletics beat the New York Giants in the World Series; a new house cost $4,200.00; the average annual wage was $630; a loaf of bread was 5¢, and a half-gallon of milk was 17¢. The most amazing technological event in her lifetime to date has been the moon-landing and space shuttles; however, during her lifetime she has witnessed the mass use of the automobile, the radio, the phonograph and television as means of mass communication; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the Sons of Confederate Veterans in recognizing and honoring Mrs. Effie Lucille Nicholson Pharr and the service of her father, T.J. Nicholson, who fought to defend his homeland and contributed to the rebuilding of the country as a model citizen of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Mrs. Effie Lucille Nicholson Pharr of Booneville, Mississippi, the last "Real Daughter" of the Confederacy residing in the State of Mississippi, on the occasion of her presentation by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and extend to her the best wishes of the Legislature in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Pharr and appropriate officers in the Sons of Confederate Veterans and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.