Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism

Photographed by Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

1. Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism Marker

Inscription. P.L. Chism’s devotion to education was unsurpassed. From the time of his youth, through his many years as a teacher, principal, superintendent and supervisor, he never stopped challenging himself and others for education. Purvey Lee Chism was born on August 27, 1893, in Covin, Alabama, to James W. Chism, a school teacher, and his wife, Lela Dickinson Chism. P.L. served in World War I with the 127th Field Artillery in England and France, and received numerous awards in marksmanship. After his return from the war in 1919, P.L. returned to Alabama. In 1922, he moved to Lamar County, Texas, and began a teaching career in the rural communities of Ballinger and Caviness. He later taught in Powderly and was the Principal of Powderly School before being selected Superintendent of Lamar County schools in 1935, a position he held until 1939.

P.L. married Bess Carroll Moomaw in 1939 and, the next year, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Texas A&M. He had also begun pursuing his Doctorate at the University of Texas. In 1940, P.L. and Bess moved to Palestine when he was appointed Deputy State Superintendent of Schools for six counties, which later became 13 counties. In 1949, he accepted the position of Anderson County Supervisor of Schools. Chism not only helped with rural schools and curriculum, but he also visited schools every day and directly communicated with teachers and students, impacting their educational development. He held the position of county supervisor until his retirement in 1963. He served on numerous boards and received many accolades but P.L. Chism will be remembered as a devoted and inspirational educator.

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17650.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.

Location. 31° 45.916′ N,

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95° 37.572′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is on East Lacy Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the north side of the courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 North Church Street, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Timothy Stephen Smith (here, next to this marker); Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Micham Main (within shouting distance of this marker); Palestine Salt Works C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson County (about 500

Photographed by Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

2. Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism Marker

P. L. Chism marker is located to the right of the sidewalk and Timothy Stephen Smith marker is located to the left of the sidewalk.

feet away, measured in a direct line); Col. Homer Garrison, Jr. (about 600 feet away); Palestine Fire Department (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.