PBS Series 'Finding Your Roots' Lead Genealogist Recognizes Shapard History Blog!

 A most delightful and unexpected letter honored the efforts of the Shapard History Blog in March of 2024. For all the family members, friends and interested public who have graciously contributed to preserving our family's history by sharing stories, sending photographs, as well as, reading this blog, I have the great joy of sharing this letter with you. Out of respect for the author, a few items of the letter will be redacted, including her name.

 

Mr. Shapard, 

Good evening! 

...I am a professional genealogist--currently, I am one of the Lead Genealogists and the Associate Genetic Genealogist for the PBS series Finding Your Roots... 

While this is seemingly quite random, I wanted to reach out and tell you that I came across your blog regarding your Shapard Family History while trying to identify the parents of Richard Shepard (ca 1799-1866) of Elbert & Butt Counties in Georgia, and that I spent a few hours last night reading it--and that I really enjoyed your work! 

I was particularly riveted by the sad story of David C. Shapard and his father, and the horrible car accident they were involved in with Tenny Shapard. 

You have a gift for writing, and again--I really enjoyed reading your family's stories and looking at the photos. (Tenny was a stunning woman, and your descriptions of her and David made them "come to life" for me.)

I hope that you continue to write the blog, and I look forward to reading more stories. 

Regards,

Recollections of Henry Clay Shapard (1843-1913) of Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee

HENRY CLAY SHAPARD

 Henry Clay Shapard (1843-1913) was the youngest of six children born to Lewis Shapard II (1806-1848) and Thursa (Burdett) Shapard (1813-1883). He was born in 1843 and was raised throughout his youth in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. The counsel, security and guidance of his father's influence upon their family was tragically cut short upon his sudden death in 1848, and Henry was left fatherless at the tender age of only 5 years old. His widowed mother never remarried, yet worked tirelessly to provide for her children and instill them with Christian values, industry and quality principles for living. His older brother William Rainey Shapard (1831-1886) assumed the role of 'man of the family,' at 17 years of age, helping to look after his mother and younger siblings. Interestingly, William pursued medicine, moving to Kentucky circa 1853, where he met, courted and married Miss Mary Mulligan in December of that year. Henry's other brother, Charles Ready Shapard (1841-1888) also became a physician, establishing his practice in Callahan County, Texas after the Civil War.

At 15 years of age, Henry C. Shapard began to learn the art and mastery of the Physician's trade in Shelbyville, Tennessee, under the tutelage of Mr. R. D. Decry. Shortly thereafter, war came to Tennessee and, in 1861, Henry C. Shapard, at 18 years of age, joined the Confederacy in defense of his homeland and to aid his countrymen. He joined the Hospital Department of the Confederacy and due to his experience was placed in a pharmacy tent, likely for the 41st Infantry. 

After the war, Henry returned to Shelbyville, Tennessee, and resumed working for his former mentor as a pharmacist in the town square. A few years later, Henry went into business for himself, forming a partnership with Mr. Nathan P. Evans (1836-1930) under the firm name of 'Evans and Shapard.' Their drugstore not only sold pharmaceuticals, but also beverages, paints, and other sundries. Henry's granddaughter, Dorris (Shapard) Sanders recalled in an interview, "From time to time Henry Shapard would display his Confederate uniform in the window of his drugstore."

'Evans & Shapard' became the bedrock pharmacy and drugstore for Shelbyville, Tennessee, serving the residents for nearly 40 years! Circa 1908, Henry C. Shapard became the full owner of the business, buying out Mr. Evans upon his retirement. Henry partnered with two of his sons to aid him in running the store, changing the firm name to 'H. C. Shapard & Sons.'     

Cassandra (Streeter) Shapard

In 1874, Henry married Miss Cassandra Streeter (1851-1916) and they would have nine children. In 1877, Henry and his bride purchased 40 acres of land on Fishingford Pike just beyond the Shelbyville city limits, where they constructed a beautiful antebellum-styled home. Shortly after its completion, Henry welcomed his mother to come live with his family at their new house, stating that she had cared for him when he could not care for himself and that it was his honor to now care for her.  The home remained the focal point of the Shapard family for many years. Dorris Sanders recalled, that during her youth, aunts, uncles and cousins would often visit on Sunday afternoons. The Shapard family of Bedford County were a very close family. 

Henry C. Shapard died at his home in 1913, at 70 years of age. It was noted in his obituary that, "he was a big-hearted, noble Christian gentleman, and no one knew but to love him...He was the oldest druggest in Shelbyville and was known throughout the county and was universally beloved by all classes of citizens for his noble traits and character. He possessed a gentle, happy disposition and scattered happiness and sunshine in his everyday dealing. He was spirited, generous, charitable and sympathetic...No one in distress was ever turned away by him." 

Belle Grove School, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1891 Class Photo!!!

 Belle Grove School, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1891. Third Grade class photograph. 

Dora Hunt (Mrs. John Carnahan) teacher. 

May Miller (Mrs. E. R. Shapard) is seated front row left end with finger in her mouth. 

Bessie Rogers (Mrs. R. M. Johnston) is seated second row right end. 

Will Eberle (Capt. U.S.N.) behind May Miller.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 31) Aftermath

Chapter 31

Aftermath

    Directly after the accident, concerned motorists summoned the police to the scene, while the injured were transported 10 miles away to the hospital at Okemah, Oklahoma. David Conger Shapard and his wife Tenny Belle were treated for minor cuts and bruises, and Mrs. Davis was treated for a concussion, broken nose and other injuries. The body of David E. Shapard, was also transported to the hospital at Okemah, where his cause of death was determined to be due to significant head trauma.

    Upon arrival at the hospital, David’s son immediately telephoned his uncle Edwin R. Shapard, who drove 60 miles to the Okemah hospital from his home at Muskogee, Oklahoma. In tremendous grief, Edwin made the heartbreaking phone calls to his wife and children informing them of the tragedy and summoning them to Fort Smith. Then he made arrangements with Fentress Mortuary to have a coach sent to Okemah to return David’s body home. The coach arrived early Monday morning, and Edwin somberly drove all three of the injured passengers back to Fort Smith, following the hearse. The family was then set with the harrowing task of making funeral arrangements, and initially acquiesced for the service to be held at the Fentress Mortuary Chapel, however, later that evening, amended their decision to the First Methodist Church. While at Fort Smith, the Shapard family were guests at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Stevenson.

    The following day of Tuesday, December 3, 1935, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, David Evander Shapard’s funeral was conducted at the First Methodist Church of Fort Smith, with Rev. H. C. Henderson officiating. The service was largely attended by the public, as well as, by David Conger Shapard and his wife Tenny Belle; her half-brother Fred Williams who arrived from Conway; Edwin R. Shapard and his wife May, who was call home from New Jersey where she was visiting her sister; their daughter Barabara Shapard who was teaching in Muskogee; and their son John Shapard who was attending the University of Arkansas.

    After the church service, the body was removed to Forest Park Cemetery, under the direction of the Fentress Mortuary. His casket was lovingly adorned with a lush blanket of flowers, flanked with ribboned floral wreaths. Members of the Belle Point Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., were in charge of the graveside service, giving David E. Shapard full masonic last rites and honors. His final resting place was next to the hallowed graves of his mother and father in the Shapard family plot.

    On Thursday, December 5, 1935, Tenny Belle Shapard’s half-brother Fred Williams drove she and her husband David Conger Shapard back to their home in Norman, Oklahoma. The automobile unavoidably passed the scene of the crash on the way. It was said that David was burdened with terrible guilt from the accident and rarely talked of his father’s death. Understandably, he spent a lifetime trying to reconcile what occurred that fateful December night.

    David E. Shapard’s estate would not be fully settled until April of 1938. Although his brother Edwin R. Shapard had been listed as the administrator of his estate, the probate court determined he was ineligible due to his out of state residence. Edwin R. Shapard and David Conger Shapard agreed to relinquished the duty to R. L. Secrest, who was a Fort Smith resident, Mason and long-time friend of David E. Shapard. Upon completion of the inventory, Mr. Shapard’s estate had a total of $1,676.38 in assets. His debts to S.W.B. Telephone Co., Fentress (funeral expenses), Sheridan Motor Co., Fort Smith General Tire, Crane Tire and Service Co., Boston Store Dry Goods, Electric Appliance Co., Byars Service Station, Boston Laundry, etc., totaled $1,505.04. In accordance to the last will and testament, the balance of the estate of $172.34 was to be distributed between only two heirs: Edwin R. Shapard received the amount of $171.34 and David Conger Shapard received one dollar.

    It is important to note that although the last will and testament was written at an embittered time when David E. Shapard had been painfully rejected by his son, it did not reflect the sentiment between them at the time of David’s death. Edwin R. Shapard fully realized this and not only became a surrogate father to David Conger Shapard, but expended every dollar of his brother’s inheritance, and hundreds more, helping his nephew through law school. It was what his brother would have wanted. This gesture was so endearing to David Conger Shapard that he named his second child after his uncle Edwin. Befittingly, his first child, who was born six months after the car accident, was named in honor of his father.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 30) 1935 A Greek Tragedy

Chapter 30

A Greek Tragedy

1935

“There is one hand that guides the destiny of all of us,

and we have been taught that everything is for the best although we cannot understand these things.”

David E. Shapard, May 19, 1931.

    On that special day, in early-September of 1935, when father and son finally reunited, David revealed that he had been constantly wearing his son’s 21st birthday gold pocket watch since its return. With each winding, it was a daily reminder to him of the fleeting essence of time and an unrelentingly urgency to restore his son’s faith in his father. David removed the watch and chain from his waistcoat and, for a second time, offered it to his son, which he affectionately accepted. David’s son cherished the watch for his lifetime, passing it on to his eldest son on his 21st birthday, who, likewise, passed it on to his eldest son. This extraordinary heirloom remains in the Shapard family to the present day.

    Another sweet moment to arise out of the restoration of the relationship with his son, was that David E. Shapard was introduced, for the first time, to his beautiful daughter-in-law, Tenny Belle Shapard (1913-1992), in September of 1935. Formerly, Tenny Belle Jennings of Conway, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Elias Swofford Jennings (1855-1946) and Eva (Willbanks) (1881-1978), and the third of five children. She graduated from Conway High School in 1931, having been active in theater and dance, and was voted as the “most popular” and “peppiest” student by her classmates, as well as, the Football Queen. She attended Arkansas State Teacher’s College from 1932 until 1934, having twice been elected as Homecoming Queen.

    In the spring of 1934, representatives from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture studio came to Arkansas in search of new talent. Twenty-five gifted girls from across the state were selected to participate in a movie screen test, held at the Pulaski Theater in Little Rock. Tenny Belle charmed the judges, winning the contest, and was offered a movie contract with the MGM Studio in Hollywood, California. Unimpressed with the allure

of fame, her parents refused to let her go, citing the loose morality and vulgarity of Hollywood culture as “a den of iniquity” and no place for a fine young lady. In 1934, she attended summer school at Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she met David Conger Shapard while playing tennis. They instantly fell in love and were married only six weeks later.

    Mr. David E. Shapard informed his new daughter-in-law of the fact that he was acquainted with her parents, having professionally known her father for many years. He further had the joy of recounting to her the following story:

    In August of 1913, at a small boarding house in Plumerville, Arkansas, a group of traveling salesmen, welcoming relief from a hard day’s work, were settling in for the evening and conversing at the supper table. There was nothing remarkable about their conversations – just recalling the day’s activities, exchanging observations of moments past and present, sharing the news in their lives – much like a hundred other nights – in a hundred other gathering places.

    One of the men arose, “Gentlemen, last month, I was blessed with the birth of my third child – a beautiful baby girl.” The men raised their glasses, good-naturedly joined in the acknowledgement, and extended their congratulations.

    Another traveling man arose to his feet and asked for the floor, to make his own announcement. “My new friends, I too have similar news. The good Lord, and my wife, have also blessed me recently with the birth of my first born – a son! I propose a toast to my son, and to this fine gentleman’s daughter.”

    Everyone stood as the toast began, “May each of our young ones be hale, hearty and happy. May they be fortunate enough to wed the one they love, know the true joy of marital bliss and have a long and wonderful life.”

    To Tenny Belle’s delight, Mr. Shapard informed her that the ‘fine gentleman’ was her father and the two infants were David Conger Shapard and herself! The same boy and girl who found the “love of their life” at Oklahoma A & M College, had, unbeknownst to them, been blessed together by their fathers 22 years earlier.

    David learned that, after the wedding, his son and daughter-in-law first moved to an apartment, at 437 N. W. 26th Street, in Oklahoma City, and then to an apartment at 425 N. W. 12th Street. His son had not return to Oklahoma A & M College for his senior year, but instead became employed part-time at the office of the State Coordinating Board at the capitol building in Oklahoma City, earning $90 per month. Over the last year, he had been extremely industrious and dedicated - following work each morning, he drove 21 miles to Norman, Oklahoma, to attended afternoon classes as a transfer student at the University of Oklahoma for his senior year. To the delight of all, his efforts bore fruit, and he was accepted to law school at the University of Oklahoma, commencing on September 16, 1935.

    Since the Great Depression was still bridling the country, David was particularly concerned with his son and daughter-in-law’s meager financial situation. David’s son informed him that he had to quit his job in Oklahoma City on account of the commencement of law school and moving to Norman, however, he was taking military courses which would allow him a commission of $8 to $10 per month. He also informed his father that he and Tenny Belle would be looking for employment around the University. In an effort to alleviate their economic strain at a critical time and allow his son ample time to study, David lovingly offered to assist them through law school, initially giving them $65 to apply towards, school, books and living expenses. The young couple were overwhelmingly grateful at their father’s unsolicited kindness and generosity, which kept them out of debt and allowed them the comfort of renting a small house on campus, at 811 Boyd Street, for $25.

    The following month, David’s son was struggling to make ends meet financially, due to the amount he was studying, and he asked his father for $10 to get him through. In true character, David exceeded their expectations by sending them $25. His son and daughter-in-law thanked him a million times over, and explained that the extra $15 went to buy Tenny Belle some winter clothing that was needed badly.

 

   On the morning of Saturday, October 19, 1935, David E. Shapard left Fort Smith and drove to Norman, Oklahoma, to spend the day with his son and daughter-in-law, attending the football game between Oklahoma University and Iowa State. The crowd at Memorial Stadium topped 10,000 spectators, most of whom cheered on Oklahoma’s 16 to 0 win over their opponent. After the game, David was invited back to his son’s modest house, which was really just a remodeled garage, where the trio ate and amused one another with stories and news. One story pertained to the fact that David’s son had gained almost 30 pounds since his marriage, yet, he had only had one suit in his wardrobe - a light tan double-breasted summer suit that he purchased for his wedding, that was now clearly too tight. David knew the importance of a well-dressed man, and provided his son with the means to purchase a winter suit, navy in color, single-breasted, in the proper size.

    Another bit of news shared that night, was that Tenny Belle had greatly longed to return home to see her parents, grandparents and siblings, most of whom she had not seen in about a year. Evidently, her entire family had made plans to gather at her parent’s house in Conway for Thanksgiving, however, due to finances Tenny Belle and her husband would not be able to go. David’s character again shined, as he offered to provide their way so that they could join her family for the holidays. Tenny Belle was absolutely thrilled, forever becoming endeared to Mr. Shapard for this thoughtful gesture.

    As the joyful evening came to a close, it was time for all to retire. The little house had no extra room to hosts guests for the night, however, Mr. Brookes, the landlord, resided in the main house only 30 feet away, and allowed them the use of his sleeping porch when company called. That evening, Tenny Belle slept in their rented house and David and his son made use of the sleeping porch, talking well into the night. It was a dream come true for David to have his son back.

    The following morning, David returned to Fort Smith, however, not before his son and daughter-in-law expressed how much they enjoyed his visit, wishing to see him again soon. They emphasized that he did not need a formal invitation, as he was welcome any time at his convenience. Over the following weeks, there was much fruitful correspondence between David and his son about finances, grades, sports, and, in particular, the exciting details of the approaching trip to Conway for Thanksgiving.

    On November 27th, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, David’s son and daughter-in-law reached Fort Smith about 4 p. m., having procured a ride with Mr. W. D. Williams, the cousin of a friend. Upon their arrival, David was delighted to see that his son was sporting his new navy suit for the occasion. The Shapards socialized for a while, before supper, and then settled in for the night at David’s rented residence at 220 North Sixteenth Street. The young couple sleeping on the divan in Mrs. Buck’s section of the house, with her blessing.

    Early Thanksgiving morning, David drove his son and daughter-in-law to the train station, where he had purchased their tickets for Conway, to spend the day with the Jennings family. Before departing, they thanked him a million times over for this most wonderful gift. All hearts were full and life was truly good - there was much for which to be thankful. David spent the remainder of Thanksgiving with his brother Edwin Shapard, at Skelly Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks football team in their 14 to 7 victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

    On Friday, November 29th, David drove to the Fort Smith train station, welcoming back his son and daughter-in-law from their trip and transporting them back to his house. To David’s delight, he was to host the young couple for the reminder of the weekend, with plans to drive them back to Norman, Oklahoma, on Sunday. Once back at his house, his son and daughter-in-law sat him down to offer him some news about why Tenny Belle had been so anxious to return home, and why his offer had been so meaningful. That news was that David E. Shapard was going to be a grandfather! They explained that she wanted to tell her family first before the news was made public. David was beside himself with pride, astonishment and joy, with so many blessings in such a short amount of time.

    David and his son spent most of Saturday together, as Tenny Belle had been invited to a ladies’ afternoon bridge party at the home of Miss Connie Chastain on 18th Street. The two men, enjoyed the day discussing the future, family and fatherhood, and everything in between.

    On Sunday, December 1, 1935, David attended the morning service at the First Methodist Church with his son and daughter-in-law as his guests. David introduced the young couple to pastor H. C. Henderson, as well as, to numerous members of the congregation, many of whom remembered his son during his youth in Fort Smith. During the service, they sat on the right side of the church, which was David’s regular spot. After going to lunch, resting and some last minute socializing, the happy couple packed their belongings for their return trip to Norman, Oklahoma. As was customary at the time, an offer had been made to any family, friends or acquaintances needing a ride, and Mrs. Elsie Davis, the 37 year old nurse and widow of Dr. J. R. Davis, accepted. There is some evidence to suggest that David and Mrs. Davis were dating. Around 4:00 p. m., the traveling party left Fort Smith in David’s V-8 Ford Sedan, collecting Mrs. Davis on the way out of town. They were all wearing heavy coats as the temperature was quite frigid, and was expected to drop to the mid-twenties by nightfall.

    Approximately an hour and a half into the trip, as the sun was beginning to set, David stopped for the party to stretch and take refreshments. They had just finished traveling north of Eufaula, Oklahoma, the town in which David was born 48 years ago, certainly kindling a story or two. Before returning to the road, David’s son suggested that he should drive the next leg of the trip, as it was getting dark, to allow his father to rest. Acquiescing, the men switched seats - David occupying the passenger seat, his son driving, with Tenny Belle and Mrs. Davis in the backseat.

    Roughly thirty minutes later, at 6:15 in the evening, the car was traveling along highway 62, and came upon a sharp curve in the road, approaching a bridge, a half mile east of Boley, Oklahoma. A few miles back, the paved highway had transitioned to gravel. The lights of an oncoming car momentarily blinded David’s son, who lost the road, instantly striking a steel girder of the bridge at 50 miles per hour. The car was put into a spin crossing over the road, striking the opposite side of the bridge. The impact was absolutely horrific and unexpected – bodies violently launched from their seats among the deafening explosion of metal and shattering glass – followed by pain, moaning and stillness.

    David’s son, though extensively traumatized and in shock, had only minor physical injuries. Climbing out of the wreckage, he immediately rushed to the aid of his pregnant crying wife, who had been seated behind him, finding her miraculously spared from significant harm. Mrs. Davis, who had been seated next to her, on the passenger side of the car, was not so fortunate. She had been ejected from the car and was found on the road completely unconscious, having sustained blunt force facial trauma, among other injuries. Sadly, she was the only member of the party with extensive medical experience, yet her condition rendered her inefficacious. David’s son then rushed to retrieve his father, who had taken the bulk of the trauma. The impact had violently projected him out of the automobile, smashing his head against the bridge. His body was lifeless - in an instant it was just over.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 29) 1935 The Box

Chapter 29

The Box

1935

    In 1929, Elise Shapard, her son David Conger Shapard and her teaching assistant Frances Reynolds, departed Fort Smith, Arkansas, for Enid, Oklahoma, where they reestablished the Blue Bird School at their house at 1122 West Broadway. Never to stay long in one location, the following year, Elise moved them to a more impressive home at 1224 West Main Street, where they continued to run the school. About 1932, a year after David Conger Shapard left for college, Elise and Frances moved to 430 South Garfield Street, where they resided and operated the Blue Bird School together for the next few years. It appears that during the summer of 1935, Elise and Frances secured arrangements to move the school to 1501 West Randolph Avenue, however, around that time, Elise became habitually ill, eventually having a nervous breakdown, requiring rest. Unable to fulfill her duties, she relinquished ownership to Frances Reynolds, who successfully operated the school at the new location, with Elise’s help, until Frances' marriage to Mr. Charles Ford in 1946, whereupon the Blue Bird School was finally disbanded.

    It was in early September of 1935, while David Conger Shapard was in Enid, Oklahoma, assisting his ailing mother, that God’s perfect timing softened his heart. In the midst of moving some items to storage for his mother, David opened a trunk and discovered a large box filled with a multitude of letters addressed to him from his father, spanning about six years. None of them David had ever seen. When he confronted his mother, she admitted that she had concealed almost every letter sent by his father to him at the Enid address, in a selfish effort for her to remain the most important person in her son’s life. David was infuriated at his mother’s deceitfulness and he abruptly departed, taking with him the nearly one hundred letters.

   Over the following days David read through his father’s words, each one chipping away at the years of bitterness and anger that had encased his heart. By the end, David realized that he had been led astray by those closest to him into believing a great many certainties about his father – none of which were accurate. He had condemned an innocent man based upon false evidence. He realized his venom all those years towards his father was misdirected, cruel and wholly unjustified. As he read the last letter, David Conger Shapard experienced an inconsolable contrition and allowed the humbling lesson to work deep within his mind and his heart. With the full support of his gentle and loving wife Tenny Belle, David yearned to reestablish a true relationship with his father, and thus he asked his father to meet him so they could talk.

    Perhaps in all their lives, there was no greater emotional moment than what was shared that day, in early-September of 1935, when father and son finally reunited in person with willing hearts. It was truly life changing for both of them. All the past woes between them were finally buried, all their wrongdoings and misgivings absolved, and all the bitterness and sorrow expelled in each tear shed that day out of forgiveness, concern and joy. There was so much lost time to reclaim. Yet, for the first time in almost a decade, the future shined with brilliant promise as a devoted father finally had the love and respect of his only son – and his only son finally received the love, security and dedication of his father that, unbeknownst to him, had always been there. From that day forward, David’s son no longer coldly referred to him as “Mr. D. E. Shapard,” but now lovingly as “Papa” and “Dad.” It was an absolute miracle.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 28) 1935 The Prophet David E. Shapard

Chapter 28

The Prophet David E. Shapard

1935

    In the days after Sumner’s death, David E. Shapard went into deep reflection upon the tragic murder of his sister and the sudden heart attack that took his brother, and came to truly fear and respect the ephemeral nature of life. How the end will come unexpectedly, and how, only after it is all over, that we fully realize the moments that counted in life. How much time we offer up for the locusts to devour. How much love, happiness and peace are betrayed in the pursuit of earthy and carnal things. How the smallest moment can change the course of a life, and lives, forever. How precious and fleeting our time is with our loved ones and friends, and how our best efforts should be rendered before it is gone, resolving regrets and securing our relationships. At any moment finding ourselves in our own final chapter, and hoping that our story was one worthy of the life we were given.

    Beginning in late January of 1935, the ‘gloves came off’ and David made it his sole purpose in life to restore the fractured relationship with his son. He was on an urgent mission to ensure that his story would be complete in the event his life would be cut short, and that his son would never doubt how much his father loved him. No longer would anything, nor anyone, be an encumbrance between he and his son. Time was suddenly of the essence - as if he had been given the gift of intuition and prophecy.

    In an incredible moment of premonition, he wrote to his son stating; “I want to make this statement to you. Some of these days, and I hope it will not be too late, you are going to find out the true facts, that your feelings toward your father are all unwarranted and you will regret some of the things that you have said and done. A little investigation from other sources, other than where you have gotten your information, would give you an unbiased opinion, and for your own benefit. I hope you will make some investigations.”

    Adding to the uncanniness of this moment, David received an unsolicited telephone call from Mrs. Wallace Bruce expressing her sympathies at the passing of Sumner. Recall that it was Mrs. Bruce and her husband Mr. Wallace Bruce who had testified against David at his divorce hearing at Walnut Ridge. Years earlier, a few months before his unexpected death in 1931, Mr. Bruce came to David expressing his sincerest apologies for having taken part in his family affairs.

    As it came to pass, during her phone call with David, Mrs. Bruce expressed the same regret, stating that there were many unbecoming facts about Elise that were not revealed until years later. David used the momentum of this moment to relate to Mrs. Bruce that, since the divorce, he and his son had become estranged. David asked Mrs. Bruce to assist him in rekindling the relationship. For her part in erroneously interjecting herself in the affairs of his family, she graciously agreed, and provided David with a letter accurately explaining the many things that happened during that time. David mailed to his son Mrs. Bruce’s letter and pleaded with him to do some investigation into the matter for the sake of their relationship. Before concluding his letter, David again stated an urgency to repair their relationship, as a feeling was welling up within him that; “Some of these days it might be too late.” It was a curious forewarning.

    David then set his sights on bigger game, and fired off letters to Elise’s former divorce attorneys, Mr. W. L. Curtis and Mr. Harry Ponder, explaining to them that, in part, due to their smear-tactics during his divorce, his son had lost the respect and love that he should have for his father. David pleaded with them, as Christian gentlemen and fathers themselves, to write to his son, explaining the true facts of the case, clearing his name of the things they reported he did - that he did not. David stated that he was “only interested in not having his son go through life with the feelings that he has towards his father, when it was all uncalled for.”

    While there is no evidence that Mr. Curtis replied, David’s letter did significantly resonate with Mr. Ponder, who agreed to assist Mr. Shapard with his mission to restore the relationship with his son. The two men conversed over the phone and David even invited Mr. Ponder to join him as his guest at the Baylor-Arkansas football game to talk things over. As a result, Mr. Ponder issued a letter to David’s son, care of Mr. E. S. Jennings at Conway, Arkansas, explaining a great deal of past events in clarity.

    Unfortunately, although not unexpectedly, all these efforts were seemingly in vain. David’s son remained unpersuaded by his father’s efforts. In late February of 1935, David received a callous and abrasive letter from his son stating, “Dear Mr. Shapard, Please don’t bother Mrs. Jennings with any more of your letters. All letters from here on out will be returned unopened…I am returning your last letter as you may want it.”

    While the relationship with his son had gone cold, things were heating up at David work. On May 22, 1935, David’s District Manager, Mr. W. H. Eustice, at the Equitable Life Assurance Society was killed suddenly in an automobile accident. A few days later, Mr. L. G. Moses, Agency Manager for the Equitables in Little Rock, Arkansas, wrote to David propositioning him for the job. Thus far, David had worked for the company for 12 years, and had risen through the ranks of Agent, to Special Agent, and now District Manager. Mr. Moses explained that for the first time David would become a salaried employee of the company, no longer working on commission, yet would be required to devote all of his time to the Society, except for the customary two weeks’ vacation. It was a huge promotion with assured income. David graciously accepted the offer, and, in early June of 1935, he was officially promoted to the new position by the company. As the Fort Smith District Manager of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, David now oversaw 23 agents in seventeen counties within northwestern Arkansas. David continued to headquarter out of his former office space in room 803 at the top of the First National Bank building in downtown Fort Smith.

    Although his son’s heart seemed impenetrable, David would not be dissuaded. Over the following months, he continued to reach out to people from the past willing to assist - in particular, Elise. David recognized that she was the key, and without her support, their son would perpetually remain in a hostile relationship towards his father. David and Elise fostered healthy communication with one another, both realizing that it was time to bury their past for the benefit of their son’s future. As Elise wrote on June 13, 1935; “God never made a more wonderful boy…You can look the world over and you will never find another David, so for this reason too, I want you to be with him…” Elise gave David his son’s address in Oklahoma City and informed him that she had talked to their son and he had agreed to meet with his father on Sunday. At the meeting, despite David’s best efforts, his son remained stoic and unsympathetic towards his father. While time was unknowingly running out, their relationship seemed unmendable, however, God had other plans.