Edward Bowlin Maupin (July 15, 1886 - November 21, 1942)

I've always enjoyed intellectual challenges.   As a student at Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida, I became tasked frequently with assignments that stimulated my mind and provoked thought.   I had two educators, Ms. Jean Painchaud and Ms. Edwards, who profoundly affected me during those formative years.    The two introduced me to some of the world's greatest literary writers, giving me an appreciation for the harmonic tempos that creative writers can frame when they stream words together seamlessly and beautifully.  I was awestruck by William Shakespeare's writings, "Romeo and Juliet" and "Julius Caesar," since they were literary works that were as intricate as a Chinese puzzle box.  Singularly, every word is just a word.   When intrinsically woven together, though, they create something pulchritudinous.  They created magic, just like a Chinese puzzle box!  With their encouragement and guidance, I would become absorbed into the tomes until the endings climaxed.  One particular assignment of Ms. Painchaud's challenged me in a profound way that I have always appreciated.   Instead of reading just a single book in an author's archive and presenting its message through an essay,  we had to read an author's oeuvre and determine their belief system.    My term paper on George Bernard Shaw's conglomeration revealed the insanity of socialism despite the cloak of rationalism the author presented.  Both teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in either writing or reporting.   However, as usual, my low self-esteem was the weapon that pierced my deepest wounds.   So, I took neither's advice seriously.  Regardless, though, words were my gift.  And when I feel the darkness embracing me, I string my words together in its defense.  

While pursuing my higher education at Manatee Community College, my Literature and English courses were my favorites.   In my Literature class, I enjoyed reading assigned novels and then discussing the hidden intent of the author behind the cleverly disguised symbolism.  In English, I learned the importance of using descriptions to enhance a plot, a scene, or a character so they could become illuminated for the reader.   My grades were always reflective of my enjoyment of these courses.   However, I never did pursue a career where I could use these skills.  Instead, I earned an AS degree in Rehabilitation Services in 1998.  Then, nearly a decade later, in 2007, an Associate of Arts in Nursing.   Despite my academic achievements, Nursing was never an apt fit for me.   It was a career choice chosen for me by my sister, Angie, and my husband, Mitch.   All the hours I spent reading medical texts, performing clinical hours, and working as a Registered Nurse were wasted years.  My grades and job performance illustrated that I had no propensity for the field.   While researching this week's blog, I was left asking several questions.   How much do we genetically inherit?   How much does our family influence our choices?   How much of a role do environmental factors play?   For Edward Bowlin Maupin, the lines are unclear, but regardless, his natural inclinations lead him towards success and prominence.

 

Edward Bowlin Maupin was the only son born to Emma Shofner and Edward Bowlin "Ed" Maupin on July 15, 1886, in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee [1-16].  Confusingly, Edward is often called Senior, but in actuality, he is the junior or the second that carries the family name [13-16].  His parents were well-known and prominent citizens of Bedford County, Tennessee [13-16].  But his mother's family especially left an everlasting mark within the history books regarding the founding pioneers of the state.   Edward's father was a merchant traveler for Kirkpatrick and Company and spent many years traveling and energetically peddling wares [7-19].   It was a career he had had for the majority of his life.   However, he did attempt to earn a position as the County Court Clerk in 1894 [20-21].   Unfortunately, he lost to the Democrat nominee, with his opponent receiving 2,178 votes to his 1,997 [20-21].     Sadly, Edward's father passed away on August 17, 1900, ending his parents' sixteen-year marriage that began on October 1, 1884, in Bedford County, Tennessee.  Edward was only fourteen at the time of his passing.

Edward Bowlin Maupin

Unfortunately, instead of the guiding influences of a father, because of his father's death, Edward's development is profoundly affected by his grandfather as he transitions from boyhood to manhood.   After his father's death, Edward and his mother lived with his grandparents, Jacob Morton Shofner and Melissa Emma Landis [22-27].   They remain in their residence throughout Edward's formative years.   His life remained privileged since his grandfather was a successful entrepreneur and farmer [32].   His grandfather was also a banking president who was one of the founders of Peoples National Bank [32].  It allowed him to receive his education at a private college preparatory school named Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee [13-16].   After graduating from Webb School, Edward attended and graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where many of his relatives also attended [13-16].  While there, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity [13-16].  After graduating, Edward promptly began working at his grandfather's institution, Peoples National Bank.   Banking was his family business, so presumably, it would have been a natural fit.   His grandmother's father, Major Absalom Lowe Landis, and several of her brothers were also heavily vested in the banking industry.   So genetically, both sides of his family were involved in that industry.  Whether or not it was a conscious selective choice or one his grandfather mentored him for is unclear.   But, it does appear that his long-term success illustrated that he certainly had the knowledge and propensity to excel in it. 

Edward Bowlin Maupin

Edward was a handsome, intelligent, respectable bachelor.  And presumably, those characteristics would have made him a sought-after commodity among single women.  But the woman that captured his heart was a friend of his cousin's, Abbie Lucille, named Mary Mabry Kennedy.   Also a prominent member of business and society, her father was the Secretary of the Rail Road Commission, and their union represented a perfect merging of two influential families.   So, on November 9, 1910, Edward married Mary, the daughter of Samuel P. Kennedy and Mary Pernell "Molly" Dick, in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama [33-34].  That night, at eight o clock in the evening,  in her father's home, decorated romantically with white tulle, green ferns, southern smilax, and white chrysanthemums, the couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends [35-36].   Hundreds of lit tapers in silver candelabras flickered in the background, creating a fairy-tale ambiance for the ceremony as Mary descended the stairs of her childhood home and into the arms of the man of her dreams [35-36].   Wearing a princess-cut, white satin dress lined in pearls and lace, she adorned her gown and body with the two symbols of love she received from Edward [35-36].   The brooch he had given her as a wedding gift and her engagement ring signifying the promise of his eternal love [35-36].

1942, November 23, Nashville Banner,
Nashville Tennessee, Page 10

After the theatrics of their wedding and honeymoon ended, Edward and Mary returned to Shelbyville and began their newly married life.   They delay immediately starting a family but eventually welcome two sons.  On May 26, 1914, they gleefully welcomed their oldest son, Edward Bowlin Maupin, Jr., into the world [28-29, 38-40].   A decade later, they expanded their family again, welcoming a second son, Samuel Kennedy Maupin, born on August 31, 1924 [28-29, 38-40].  During his sons' developmental years, after receiving a promotion, Edward remained at his family's company as a cashier [14-16].   However, he expanded his entrepreneurial skills by investing money and becoming a partner in the Wheatley Lumber Company [14-16].   And like his grandfather, Edward expands his interest further by investing extensively in farming [14-16].    Edwards's involvement within the community continued throughout his lifespan.  Between 1924 and 1942,  he joined several boards and became a member of numerous committees.   He was a member of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association, a Shelbyville Power Company Board of Directors, a charter member and President of the Rotary Club, The President of the American Red Cross, a member of the Federal Reserve Nashville Board of Directors, and a President of the Tennessee Bankers Association  [14-16].      Edward's achievements gained him respect throughout his community,  family, business associates, and church members [14-16].  

In 1941, Edward's cousin, Governor Prentice Cooper, appointed him to the Tennessee State Board of Education [41].   He had already reached the pinnacle of his career by becoming the President of the People's National Bank, completing the pathway his ancestors had laid beneath him.  However,  Edward does not live long enough to enjoy the results of all the years he worked diligently to become the man he had become.   He was a successful father, husband, and entrepreneur.   But on November 21, 1942, he suddenly died of a heart attack in his home.    His life ended, but his legacy continued through his sons, who traced some of his footprints.   His internment is in Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee, where he had made a profound mark on the community his ancestors had given so much.   His wife, Mary, lived thirty-five years beyond his death, fortunately able to enjoy the fruits of their tree, their four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (more come later).   Mary died on February 20, 1977 [42] [43].  Her remains are beside Edward's [43].

In my yearbook, Ms. Painchaud wrote, "If all students were as nice and studied as much as you do, teaching would be more fun."   And I say if all teachers challenged their students in the ways that Ms. Painchaud and Ms. Edwards challenged me, many more students would enjoy the gifts of knowledge because knowledge remains even when your dreams get detoured.   I may not have or will ever become the writer or journalist that both had encouraged me to be, but I remain inspired by the gifts of poetry and great literary works introduced to me by them.   Writing and research have become my saving grace because they have given me something to focus on when I become consumed with the demons that have continuously wanted to invade me.    If genetics play a role in our propensities, then I gained this passion from my mother, Sara Nell Davis, who also enjoys expressing herself between the lines on paper.     And perhaps, like Edward, whose footsteps followed those who came before him, we inherited our love of writing from those ancestors who owned newspapers, wrote books, and weaved powerful poetry!

Sources:

1. Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958; Roll Number: 9
2. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, Death Records, 1908-1958 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011
3. Original data: Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives.
4. Tennessee City Death Records Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis 1848-1907. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives.
5. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, Deaths and Burials Index, 1874-1955 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
6. "Tennessee Deaths and Burials, 1874–1955." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records.
7. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92573447
8. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
9. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007.
10. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
11. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.
12. Registration State: Tennessee; Registration County: Bedford; Roll: 1852852
13. Obituary, 1942, November 23, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 10
14. "E.B. Maupin Banker Expires His Home", 1942, November 23, The Bristol News Bulletin, Bristol Tennessee, Page 2
15. "E.B. Maupin SR Dies in Bedford", 1942, November 25, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 9
16. "E.B. Maupin Sr. Funeral Today," 1942, November 23, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1
17. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
18. Year: 1900; Census Place: St Louis Ward 2, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri; Page: 12; Enumeration District: 0023; FHL microfilm: 1240889
19. 1886, December 29, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 5
20. 1894, March 27, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 4
21. "Together With Other Candidates For Other Office, 1894, August 6, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee Page 1
22. Year: 1900; Census Place: Civil District 3, Bedford, Tennessee; Page: 2; Enumeration District: 0003; FHL microfilm: 1241558
23. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
24. Year: 1910; Census Place: Civil District 3, Bedford, Tennessee; Roll: T624_1490; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 0004; FHL microfilm: 1375503
25. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.
26. Year: 1920; Census Place: Shelbyville, Bedford, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1728; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 9
27. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.
28. Year: 1930; Census Place: District 7, Bedford, Tennessee; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 0015; FHL microfilm: 2341967
29. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
30. Year: 1940; Census Place: Bedford, Tennessee; Roll: m-t0627-03872; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 2-15
31. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
32. "J.M. Shofner Dies Near Shelbyville", 1916, July 9, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 26.
33. Ancestry.com. Alabama, County Marriage Records, 1805-1967 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
34. Original data: Marriage Records. Alabama Marriages. County courthouses, Alabama.
35. Ancestry.com. Alabama, County Marriage Records, 1805-1967 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
36. "Marriage of Mr. Maupin & Miss Kennedy", 1910, November 10, Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, Alabama, Page 5.
37. "A Wedding of Note", The Journal and Tribune, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 9
38. Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File
39. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2014.
40. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112249887/samuel-kennedy-maupin
41. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157860397/edward-bowlin-maupin
42. "Edward B. Maupin Succeeds Shofner On State Board", 1941, April 16, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee.
43. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92575895/mary-maupin
44. "Mrs. E.B. Maupin Sr.", 1977, February 21, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 9

Photo Gallery:

1942, November 23, Alabama Journal,
 Montgomery, Alabama, Page 9

1910, October 29

L-R: Unk, Mary Kennedy Maupin, Mamie Jenkins Moore, Alberta Murphree Covey, Kate Moore Wood, Unk, John Alexander, Margaret Steele Alexander

L-R: Mary Kennedy Maupin, Kate Moore Wood, Mamie Jenkins Moore, Margaret Steele Alexander,Unk,Unk, Background at table: Sula McCord Standing: Mary Ruth Maupin, Hortense Powell Cooper, Morton Tune, Susi Murphree & Josephine Jacobs Tune

1977, February 21, The Tennessean,
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 47