Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism

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)

Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism is a historical marker in Palestine, Anderson County, dedicated in 2013. It is one of 115 historical markers documented in Anderson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 229 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.7653, -95.6262 near Palestine. The nearest cataloged historic site is Campbell, Thomas Mitchell, Governor (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Micham Main, Anderson County Courthouse, and Palestine Salt Works C. S. A..

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507017650. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.