Purvey Lee (P.L.) Chism
Palestine, Anderson County, Texas
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. (2013)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Alabama in 1893, Purvey Lee Chism served with the 127th Field Artillery in England and France during World War I before devoting his life to education. He taught and led rural schools in Lamar County, earned a master's degree from Texas A&M, and in 1940 moved to Palestine as a deputy state superintendent overseeing a growing cluster of counties. As Anderson County's school supervisor until 1963, he visited classrooms daily, shaping curriculum and mentoring teachers and students alike.
Why it matters
Chism represents the generation of dedicated supervisors who professionalized and knit together rural public education across mid-century Texas, one schoolhouse visit at a time.
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Related people
- · Purvey Lee Chism
- · Bess Carroll Moomaw
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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