Argentine "Argie" Shofner (April 3, 1873 - April 4, 1954)

Argentine "Argie" Shofner

As a young girl, I only had one positive female role model.  That was my mother, Sara Nell Davis.  My mother, who was strong-minded, expressive, and determined, desperately wanted her daughters to be open with their viewpoints and void of fear in expressing them.   My mother did not want her daughters raised in the manner she had been.  She wanted us to vocalize our opinions freely and to negate the previous rules that our ancestors had followed.   Her father raised her to believe that women could not have independent thought and that her viewpoint should consistently shadow either her father's or her husband's opinion.   My mother successfully raised two independent daughters, who certainly have a way of doing things the way they choose to despite being deemed unacceptable or inappropriate by others.    However, as I grow older, I have discovered that quiet grace and elegance can also illustrate strength and empowerment.     I admire First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Nancy Davis Reagan, and Laura Lane Welsh Bush as role models, exemplifying those types.  Today, my list includes Melanija Knavs Trump and Ivana Marie Trump Kushner.  Despite the perniciousness of the attacks inflicted upon them by the media, they have stayed quietly stout in graciousness.   All five women are representative of the 1960s slogan, "Behind every great man is an even greater woman."  

River Side Farmhouse

On April 3, 1873, history born another woman of the same quiet grace when Jacob Morton Shofner and Melissa Emma Landis welcomed into the world their youngest daughter, Argentine (Argie) Shofner, in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee [1-19].   She was the youngest of five children born to the couple.  Besides Argie, the young couple had the following blessings: Alice (May 31, 1863), Emma (October 31, 1864), Edna (March 26, 1867), and A.J. (1868) [20-22].  Tragically, though, Edna and A.J. both passed away at young ages [22].  So, Argie and her two remaining siblings were left to play with one another as they grew up on their family land known as River Side Farmhouse, located on Shofner Bridge Road in the horse bend of Duck River in Bedford County, Tennessee [23].  There were hundreds of acres for Argie and her siblings to explore after school [23].   Argie spent her formative years receiving her education at Winchester School and the Nashville School for Young Ladies [89].  

William Prentice Cooper

During a parlor card game in Nashville, in a chance meeting, Argie meets a man who changes the course of history [24-48].   William Prentice Cooper is the eldest son of the four children born to Dr. James William Cooper and Eliza Ann Frances Royster (24-48).  William, born in Smith Hills, Henderson County, Kentucky, on September 27, 1870, spent his formative years attending public school in Henderson County [24-48].   But when William turned twelve, his father sent him to a private college preparatory boarding school in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, called Webb School [24-48].     William then attended Vanderbilt University, where he received his degree in law [24-48].   William was only beginning his law career when he met beautiful Argie, but his future was promising [24-48].    

 1894, October 20, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 6

When Argie met William, she was already engaged to another man [48].   However, besotted by Argie, that does not prevent William from pursuing her, so much so that William pleads with her parents to allow him to accompany the family to the Chicago World's Fair, where he can have the time to court Argie [48].  Luckily, William's pursuits worked, and Argie broke off her engagement to her intended [48].  With her father's blessing and in front of their family and friends, William eagerly marries Argie on October 26, 1894, in Shelbyville at Riverside Church [49-67].    When the celebration ended, the honeymooners returned to Smith Mills, Kentucky, to begin their new life [49-67].     To start their new marriage, William builds the couple a beautiful two-story home worthy of his new bride [49-67].  One year later, on September 28, 1895, their love produced their first child, William Prentice Cooper [68].    Then, on September 28, 1898, Argie and William welcomed another child, a daughter, Mildred, into their lives [69].  However, sadly, Mildred is only cradled in her mother's arms for eleven days and passes away on October 10, 1898, in Shelbyville, while Argie is visiting her parents [69].   Instead of returning to Kentucky with the blessings of another child, the two of them lay their daughter cradled in a coffin at Jenkins Chapel Cemetery alongside the family [69].   

To settle a long-term family dispute, in 1904, Argie and William moved to Shelbyville [59].    William finally acquiesces to Argie's father's demands that the two relocate to Shelbyville so that Argie can be close to her family [59].   It was a move persuaded by a compromise between William and his father-in-law, Jacob, and their son, William, developing signs of Malaria [59].  Jacob had agreed to replicate the house that William had built Argie in Smith Mills in Shelbyville in exchange for their permanent residency [59].   It was a compromise that soothed William's bride's heart since she remained homesick while separated from her family [59].   Upon their arrival in Shelbyville stood a replica of the eclectic twist of American and Victorian architecture that they had reluctantly left behind in Smith Mills [59].   But what also awaited them were numerous social engagements, and quickly, the two of them became immersed into Shelbyville's clique of prominence.

William Prentice Cooper

But besides filling his social calendar, William also plunged into local politics and decided to seek another political office [71-74].  This time, he set his goals on Mayor [71-74].  And in August 1905, without opposition, William ran and won his coveted position [71-74].   He served one term as the Mayor of Shelbyville and then returned to private practice [75].   As William gained respect and admiration in his chosen field, he became appointed to the judicial bench several times, serving as either the Special Chancellor or Circuit Judge [76].   On October 15, 1908, William became a member of the United States District Court Attorneys [77].   In addition to practicing law, though, William expanding his resume to include the title of entrepreneur.   In 1909, William invested in funding and purchased a coal mine in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, near his hometown [78].  Diversifying his business portfolio, in June 1912, William purchased another asset, this time buying a livery company [79].  Then, in January 1915, along with several other investors, William filed articles of incorporation and purchased a company, the Prairie State Phosphate Company [80].  It is a business that will buy, sell, and develop phosphate lands and mineral rights in addition to buying, selling, and mining phosphate rock [80].  

1940, July 20, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 2

There were numerous ways that William and Argie delved into community manners, specifically in education.   Argie became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which fostered historic preservation, education, and patriotism [64-66, 81].   In 1910, along with other investors, William filed articles of incorporation, forming The Language, Mathematics & Business College of Nashville [82].  And then, in 1913, William helped to co-found the Y.M.C.A.  Law School in Nashville, where he will also participate in teaching courses [83-84].   In 1915, appointed by Governor Tom C. Rye, William became a Trustee of the University of Tennessee, where he would remain until 1959, eventually becoming their longest-serving member [37-44].   In addition to their educational community contributions, William became a charter member of the Shelbyville Rotary Club [37-44].   The philosophy of the Rotary Club, founded in 1905, was to bring together businesses and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service to advance goodwill and peace to the world [37-44, 85].  This ideology was apparent in William's life when he founded the Bedford Community Hospital [37-44].   To help nurture their spirituality, William and Argie became members of the First Methodist Church of Shelbyville, further fostering the religious principles they were both raised upon [37-44].

1938, August 5, Nashville Banner,
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 19

In the 20s, William and Argie's son, Prentice, like his father, became engaged in politics and launched his political career [68].  Successfully, he served as a Tennessee House of Representative, a Tennessee Senator, and as the Governor of Tennessee [68].   William and Argie had raised a son that both could be proud of [68].  Since Prentice had remained a bachelor during his gubernatorial terms, Argie became the First Lady of Tennessee, and both represented their home state well [68].   William and Argie had supported their son during his political tenures, including the campaigning process.  And so, in 1946, when President Truman appointed Prentice as the Ambassador of Peru, it was no different [68].   Prentice, who was still a bachelor, put his mother in the natural role of Ambassadress of Peru [68].  As a result, Argie and William lived in Lima, Peru, from July 1, 1946, to June 29, 1948 [68].   While his wife and son were out of the country, William continued his law practice, business affairs, and social commitments.   He also remained an active Officer of the People's Bank of Tennessee in Shelbyville [37-44].

1946, October 15, Nashville Banner,
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 13

When Argie and Prentice return to Shelbyville, they are only a shadow of the two people who excitedly depart from New York City to head toward their Peruvian adventure [68].   While they were gone, Argie suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with Bright's disease [68].  Prentice, on the other hand, had lost a significant amount of weight from intestinal cancer [68].   As they had done his entire life, William and Argie, despite Argie's own failing health, stood by their son while receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota [68].   Eventually, after a long recovery, Prentice finally marries, and Argie gleefully forfeits her role as hostess to Hortense Hayes Powell on April 25, 1950, in Shelbyville [68].   Two years later, William and Argie welcomed their first grandchild, William Prentice Cooper III, born on January 1, 1952 [68].    Sadly, though, Argie will never meet grandsons James Hayes Shofner (June 19, 1954) and John Norment Powell Cooper (October 15, 1956) [68].  Because on April 4, 1954, Argie passed away from an acute coronary occlusion at the age of 81 [9, 86-89].   William lived to be ninety years old and died on July 3, 1961, from heart disease [29].   Both internments are at Jenkins Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee [9, 29].

While Argie's men worked towards their aspirations, Argie remained in their shadows, supporting them.  But Argie was never idle.  She belonged to several organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of National Society of Colonel Dames, American Legion Auxiliary, Review Club, Nashville Garden, Ladies Hermitage Association, Polk Memorial Association, and the Vanderbilt Aid Groups [89].  A "quiet, dignified personality, which dwells at sprightly humor" is the adjective used to describe Argie [90].   She is also a "gracious Southern belle," according to her nephew, Allen Shoffner [91].   In her honor, they named the Shelbyville Library the Argie Cooper Public Library, a cause she championed [92]. 

1931, June 7, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 16

When I look back at the past moments in my life, I can only wish I had more moments of that quiet grace.   As I evolve as a woman, I now realize that it is not always necessary to roar to express my opinions.    I understand now that opinions vary, and my own holds no more relevance than anyone else's.   Today, the world consists of women who boisterously express their opinions as if their viewpoints are more sacred or pertinent.   However, sadly, those opinions are often based on illiteracy and laziness to seek out the truth.   Most women would be unwilling to be in that state of quiet grace, wanting to forge their pathway of success from the notoriety of the one at the forefront.    I have learned, though, that yes, you can surround yourself with dozens of women who are similar to yourself and gain respect.    But to gain respect from someone whose opinions and backgrounds are opposites is most difficult.  Sometimes, it is accomplished by leading as an example and valuing other opinions without desperately needing to roar out one of your own.   Respect, admiration, and dignity are adjectives better earned than those we pair with a person whose ego craves to be the loudest voice echoed in a room.  The quiet opinions often are the loudest ones heard.     To my three beautiful nieces, Jack, Marissa, and Samantha, who are making their way in this world.  And to those future women who are just beginning their rumblings in their childhood, my great-nieces and granddaughters, Natalie, Emmalyn, Chana, Harper, Stella, Mia, Penny, and Emberlyn, I say it is no longer about how loud as women you can roar.   It is making sure when you decide to express yourself as a woman, it is with considerate thought, literacy, and dignity.    It is a lesson I wish I had learned early enough before destroying all I had valued.    It is a lesson that I hope earns the love, devotion, and respect from my husband, Mitch, that was generously awarded to Argie by her husband and son!

Sources:

1. Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958
2. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1965 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
3. Original data: Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1965. 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, U.S., 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.  Book Title: Lineage Book of the Charter Members of the DAR Vol 056
8. Ancestry.com. North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
9. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261109/argentine-cooper
10. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
11. Original data: Find a Grave. Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi.
12. Year: 1880; Census Place: Winchester, Franklin, Tennessee; Roll: 1254; Page: 8D; Enumeration District: 085
13. Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. 1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. All use is subject to the limited use license and other terms and conditions applicable to this site.
14. Original data: Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
15. Census 1880: J.M. Shofner 38, M.E. 35, Alice 17, Emma 15, Argie 7
16. National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (152 Vols.) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2000.
17. Original data: National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Lineage Books of the Charter Members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Vol. I-CLII (152). Note on Publishing: Since this database represents a compilation of 151 volumes, the years and locations of copyright information varies, according to each volume, i.e. Volume 8 was published in 1899 in Washington, D.C., volume 63 was published in 1923, also in Washington, D.C., and volume 152 was published in 1938, also in Washington, D.C.
18. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261134/jacob-morton-shofner
19. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261136/melissa-shofner
20. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261561/alice-king
21. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261567/emma-maupin
22. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202653679/edna-shofner
23. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/45550bd2-8b1f-4153-8a97-30d47a90569c
24. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1965 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
25. Original data: Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1965. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives.
26. Tennessee City Death Records Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis 1848-1907. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives.
27. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65510099/james-w.-cooper
28. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65510095/eliza-a.-cooper
29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Prentice_Cooper
30. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261087/william-prentice-cooper
31. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94632354/lila-rene-agnew
32. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65510108/miller-marvin-cooper
33. Census 1880: Resided in Smith Hill, Henderson County, Kentucky, USA: James W. 39, Eliza 31, Willie P. 9, Henry Lee 7, Eliza C. 2, Unknown 5 months
34. Year: 1880; Census Place: Smiths Mill, Henderson, Kentucky; Roll: 419; Page: 578D; Enumeration District: 050
35. Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. 1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. All use is subject to the limited use license and other terms and conditions applicable to this site.
36. Original data: Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
37.  “Rites Wednesday For William P. Cooper Sr.,) 1961, July 4, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 42.
38. 38. Lexington Leader; Publication Date: 16 Aug 1928; Publication Place: Lexington, Kentucky, USA; URL: https://www.newspapers.com/image/683365308/?article=d02c0f68-ff2e-4184-bb7f-dec681744c94&focus=0.17021637,0.18991499,0.29066026,0.23768698&xid=335
39. Ancestry.com. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2019.
40. “Veteran Physician Dies,” 1928, August 16, Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, Page 18.
41. “Banker Dies,” 1961, July 5, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 37.
42. “Funeral Set Today For W.P. Cooper,” 1961, July 5, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 37.
43. “W.P. Cooper-U.T Ex-Trustree Dies,” 1961, July 4, The Knoxville News-Sentinel,” 1961, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 37.
44. “W.P. Cooper - Father of Prentice Dies,” 1961, July 4, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1.
45. “W.P. Cooper Dies In Hospital,” 1961, July 4, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 11.
46. “William Prentice Cooper,” 1961, July 5, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 6.
47. “Rites Wednesday For William Prentice Cooper, Sr.”, 1961, July 4, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 42
48. https://www.t-g.com/story/2101501.html
49. “Mr. W.P. Cooper & Miss Argentine Shofner Will Be United In Marriage Next Thursday,” 1894, October 20, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 6
50. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, U.S., Marriage Records, 1780-2002 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008.
51. Original data: Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Nashville, TN, USA: Tennessee State Library and Archives. Microfilm.
52. Census 1900: Resided in Walnut Bottom, Henderson County, Kentucky, USA: William P. 29, Argentine 27, William P. 4. William H. Cabel 38 (boarder), Henry D. Canl 30 (Laborer), Forest Giligan 19 (Servant)
53. Year: 1900; Census Place: Walnut Bottom, Henderson, Kentucky; Page: 36; Enumeration District: 0054; FHL microfilm: 1240527
54. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
55. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.
56. Resided in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee, USA: William P. 60, Argentine S. 57, W. Prentice 34
57. Year: 1930; Census Place: Shelbyville, Bedford, Tennessee; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0011; FHL microfilm: 2341967
58. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
59. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.
60. Resided in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee, USA: WP 69, Argie 67, Prentice 44
61. Year: 1940; Census Place: Shelbyville, Bedford, Tennessee; Roll: m-t0627-03872; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 2-10
62. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
63. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls.
64. National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (152 Vols.) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2000.
65. Original data: National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Lineage Books of the Charter Members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Vol. I-CLII (152). Note on Publishing: Since this database represents a compilation of 151 volumes, the years and locations of copyright information varies, according to each volume, i.e. Volume 8 was published in 1899 in Washington, D.C., volume 63 was published in 1923, also in Washington, D.C., and volume 152 was published in 1938, also in Washington, D.C.
66. Book Title: Lineage Book of the Charter Members of the DAR Vol 056
67. Ancestry.com. North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
68. Refer to William Prentice Cooper-The Road To Tennessee Governor blog series for source references.
69. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202618604/mildred-cooper
70. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/02/03/upstaging-the-president/0d298400-397c-450d-8e40-b0466e098dd7/
71. “Elections of Shelbyville,” 1905, July 8, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 10.
72.  “Election At Shelbyville,” 1905, August 8, The Birmingham Times, Birmingham, Alabama, Page 5.
73. “Election At Shelbyville, 1905, August 5, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, page 3.
74. “Honorable W.P. Cooper,” 1906, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 2.
75. “Non-Resident Notice-In The City Court Of Davidson County, Tennessee,” Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 19.
76. Morgan, Blake, “Snap Shots of Solons; Or A Little Liberty With Legislators,” 1915, January 1, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 12.
77. “U.S. District Court Attorneys,” 1912, October 9, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee Page 15.
78. “Trustee Disposes of Property Of Empire Coal,” 1909, January 21, Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Page 5.
79.  “New Livery Company,” 1912, June 26, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 14.
80. “Articles of Incorporation-Phosphate Company,” 1914, January 1, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 14.
81. https://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search_descendants/default.cfm (Ancestor# A081814 John Morton, Ancestor #A104311 John Shofner)
82. “Articles of Incorporation-Phosphate Company,” 1914, January 1, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 14.
83. “The Law School,” 1914, September 12, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 25.
84.  “Educational Work-Nashville Y.M.C.A,” 1913, May 3, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 24.
85.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_International
86. “Prentice Cooper’s Mother Dies At Home,” 1954, April 4, The Knoxville News, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 9
87. “Cooper’s Mother Dies In Shelbyville,” 1954, April 6, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 2.
88. “Cooper’s Mother Dies In Shelbyville,” 1954, April 5, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 15
89. “Mrs. Cooper’s Services Set At Nashville,” 1954, April 6, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1-2.
90. “Picture Story of Home-Town Life And Hobbies of Prentice Cooper,” 1938, August 5, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 8.
91. Shoffner, Allen,” The Adventures Of A Tennessee Farm Boy: A Journey From The Farm To The Courtroom,” 2012, March 28, Authorhouse Publishing, Bloomington, Indiana,
92. https://www.facebook.com/Argie-Cooper-Public-Library-167782494242/?__xts__=0

Photo Gallery:

 1939, August 1, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1

1939, August 1, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 5

1939, August 1, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 5

1946, June 16, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 12

1954, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 9

William Prentice Cooper

Argentine "Argie" Shofner (middle)

1938, August 5, Nashville Banner,
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 19

 

1938, August 5, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 8

1939, January 15, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 17

1939, January 17, The Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 4

1940, August 2, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1

1940, October 30, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 4

1965, April 5, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 15

1954, April 5, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1

1954, April 5, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 9

Argentine "Argie Shofner

1939, January 17, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 3

𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘

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This blog has been created for my granddaughters, Natalie Elizabeth and Emmalyn Rose Herron, to share the experiences of Mitch and me, along with our viewpoints towards politics, religion, and the history we are creating. I respectfully understand that you may not always agree with our perspectives. We want to teach the two of them our history, their family history, and American history so they, too, will learn to question with boldness! Should you disagree with our viewpoints, please keep your negative commentary in your mind. This blog may not be for you. We will leave it up to our granddaughters to judge our character and the lives we led!

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