David Evander Shapard (Chapter 25) 1931 The Rehearing

Chapter 25

The Rehearing

1931

    An emotionally and physically depleted David Shapard arrived home to Fort Smith in the late night of April 10th. Word of the horrific tragedy spread quickly to those who had known and loved Lizzie throughout the community of Fort Smith and beyond. In the days, weeks and months that followed, David was consoled by his strong alliance of friends, and received numerous letters from heartbroken acquaintances and family members. One letter in particular, written by David’s 83 year old aunt Sarah “Sallie” Shapard Whiteside (1848-1933) from distant Los Angeles, California, illustrated the wide connection of the Shapard family members, as well as, capturing the heartfelt grief of Lizzie’s murder:

    “…Aunt Martha [Martha Allen Shapard (1853-1941) wife of David Green Shapard (1846-1919)] and girls were over to see me last night and brought your letter…for me to read. We have been so eager to hear all that is possible about the sad end of our dear one – it is so hard for me to realize that it is really true. I have been hoping that some of you would write to me – but the clippings that Mr. Jaynes [W. B. Jaynes] sent to me relates (I suppose, more than any of you could write). She [Lizzie Shapard Jaynes] was such a fine character, so useful and adored by so many – it seems so hard that she should have met such a fate. She had kept me posted about the family, but for some time had not written to me. I always loved to get her letters, and now I guess we will not hear from any of you. I hear of Edwin [Edwin R. Shapard] and family sometimes through Dell [Adella Shapard 1864-1941, daughter of Rev. William and Emily Shapard]. She wrote me of a visit she had from you. Now David don’t you think you ought to come out here this year – you may not see your old aunt if you wait another year…I have been hoping that Benetta [Benetta Shapard] or May [May Shapard] would write me. As I will give you my address, I hope to hear from you…Much love, Aunt Sallie.”

    During the weeks and months that followed, David remained in heavy contact with his brothers, in addition to Mr. Jaynes, for information as the manhunt for his sister’s killers was underway. Arrest after arrest were made, yet, all suspects were released for lack of evidence. As time dragged on with no convictions, all became terribly frustrated. David, Edwin and Sumner kept pressing Mr. Jaynes for information, action and justice, and he, disappointedly, had little to offer, eventually pulling away from the Shapard family as a whole.

    Only a few weeks after Lizzie’s murder, David was exasperated to be served with a court citation from the Walnut Ridge Chancery, stating that Elise had filed a contempt of court petition against him on May 2nd for being delinquent on the April and May payments to her, totaling $150, as ordered by the divorce settlement. The timing of the citation could not have been more callous, maddening or ruthless under the circumstances, as David was clearly in a state of intense grieving. Furthermore, the depression had hit David’s business hard in 1931, and, as far as his finances were concerned, his annual income for the year would only amount to $1,421, being the least earned in fourteen years of known records. Nevertheless, David and his attorney W. P. Smith filed a response to the citation, keeping David from being arrested, and the court agreed to settle the matter at the rehearing set for July 10, 1931.

    While Elise was a lost cause, David still had great love for his son and perpetual hope for a relationship with him. In mid-May, 1931, David received a letter from his son informing him that he was graduating from Enid High School. David sent his son a graduation present - a “lifetime” Schaeffer fountain pen and pencil set, in addition to a poignant letter, stating;

    “…I have just received announcement of your graduating exercises, to be held May 28. I sure appreciate receiving this announcement. I also received clippings from the paper in regard to the honor you had received by being awarded second place in your oratorical contest. This is fine, and I hope you will continue to receive such honors as you go through life, because no finer boy ever lived than my boy.

    It is too bad that you and I have been deprived the privilege of associating together. 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.

    I wish it were possible for me to be in Enid for your graduating exercises. I would appreciate you writing me and letting me know all about yourself, and I would be glad to receive any other newspaper clipping that might appear in your papers over there. Wishing you all the success that life affords, and with lots of love to you, I am Your [Papa]”

    David’s son was a talented debater, as evidence by his second place award in the Harry O. Glasser oratorical contest, in which he brought home a prize of $15 in gold. He was recognized by his high school teachers and peers for his quick wit, clever methods of argument, large ‘out-standing’ ears and, although, fun to play with on the tennis court, was entertainingly atrocious at the game. After graduation, David’s son was accepted to attend Oklahoma Agriculture and Mechanical College (present-day Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he majored in pre-law, commencing in June of 1931, with summer classes.

    On July 10, 1931, David and Elise traveled back to Walnut Ridge, to the Lawrence County Courthouse, for the rehearing before the Chancery judge. Elise arrived with her former attorney Mr. H. L. Ponder. Recall that it was Mr. Ponder whom, after the first trial, had encouraged David to seek a rehearing for relief as he had been in the “hands of the Philistines.” Mr. Ponder had also assisted David with his new legal representation through Mr. W. P. Smith as his attorney.

    In 1904, Mr. William P. Smith (1870-1952) was licensed to practice law, serving three terms as Prosecuting Attorney of Walnut Ridge, and one term as Justice of the Peace. He was a self-made man, gaining an education for himself, was known to be Christian gentleman, life-long democrat of the old school, a man with boundless energy and abundant talent. His ability to hold his own in a fight within the courtroom earned him the nickname of “Raggedy Bill.”

    During the trial, David showed that he had been complying with the original court ordered settlement, having fully paid Elise the $225 in back alimony, in addition to the sum of $1,000 cash upon entry of the divorce decree, as well as, all the attorney’s fees and court costs. Due to his crippling debt and the logic of Elise being responsible for his financial situation, he begged the court for relief from the outstanding $1,000, of the original $1,500, that was being paid at a rate of $75 per month, since February 1, 1931. Despite high expectations for justice and some form of financial relief, once the second trial began, David was completely crawfished by Mr. Ponder, who fully backed Elise giving no quarter to David’s situation. The judge was unconvinced by David’s plea for relief, ordering no abatement to the original decision. The judge also placed an additional burden on David by ordering him to execute bond on all future payments to Elise.

    After the trial David approached Mr. Ponder and demanded to know why he did not help to relieve his situation, as per their conversation. Mr. Ponder replied that, just before the trial, Senator Joseph T. Robinson (1872-1937) had personally called him and told him to keep hands off, or something to that effect.

    Joseph T. Robinson was born in Arkansas in 1872. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for one year before studying law under Judge Thomas C. Trimble. In 1894, Mr. Robinson became the youngest member of the Arkansas General Assembly after winning a seat as a state representative. After his term, Mr. Robinson took a brief hiatus from politics to grow his law practice. However, in 1902, he won a seat in the U. S. House of Representatives. In 1912, he won the governorship of Arkansas, only to be elected to the U. S. Senate in 1913. As a senator, he gained national recognition for his parliamentary service during WWI, and in 1923, he was elected as the Democratic leader of the Senate. In 1928, he was nominated as the democratic candidate for the vice-presidency of the United States, becoming the first candidate for national office ever elected from the state of Arkansas. During the Great Depression, Mr. Robinson’s power grew, after the Democrats won control of the federal government in 1932, and he became the majority leader of the Senate.

    Apparently, leaving nothing to chance, Elise had used her Conger influence to ensure the second trial went in her favor by, once again, imploring the most imposing and influential men she knew to sway the outcome. Just the fact that a man as powerful as Senator Robinson would interject himself in the alimony proceedings of David and Elise Shapard, is astonishing, yet, also shows the clout that Elise could wield. Unfortunately, for David, he and his attorney were once again outgunned, and there was not anything left for David to do, but to pay.

    Beset and overwhelmed by the ruling, David simply did not have the income to pay the court ordered alimony to Elise, on top of paying her marital debts, on top of paying his living expenses to merely survive. In desperation, David consulted with his older brother Edwin. The men reasoned that since all future payments to Elise were now ordered to be bonded, that it would be safer for David to be freely indebted to his brother than to be legally indebted to Elise. Edwin offered to give David the remaining $1,000 he owed to fully pay off his remaining court ordered debt to Elise. In return, David would then make monthly payments, when able, to his brother until the debt was satisfied. As an added security, David made Edwin the sole beneficiary on his life insurance policies and the main beneficiary of his assets through his last will and testament.

    On August 10, 1931, David and Elise returned for a final time to the Chancery Court at Walnut Ridge where he paid her, in bulk, the remaining $1000 from their divorce settlement. Elise acknowledged the payment in full, whereby, the court released and relinquished David of all further alimony, maintenance, claims, and demands to and by Elise.

    Although David was finally legally free from Elise, his debts were overwhelming, to the tune of around $9,500. Despite David’s income being shamefully lean, it was his moral obligation and reputation as a Christian Southern gentleman to continue to pay what he could each month on the debts to his brother, as well as, to the merchants and businessmen of Fort Smith, who were likewise struggling during the Great Depression. David truly cared about the citizens of Fort Smith, and although he was advised to declare bankruptcy and shamefully move away, as did Elise, he would not forsake the people that he rightfully owed nor abandon his community when times were tough.

    From the moment his divorce had been granted in February of 1930, until May of 1933, David averaged paying $185 per month on the obligations and debts for which Elise was responsible. After May of 1933, he was paying about $150 a month on these debts, and, as late as August of 1934, he still had in the neighborhood of $1,800 yet to pay. It was a burden that would financially gnaw at him for the duration of his life; and yet, one that he could hold his head up high as he faced it honorably, continuing to heed his mother’s words: “If we do as near right as we know how, everything will turn out all right.”

    In an unexpected turn of events, in late 1931, David was in the lobby of the Merchants Bank and was approached by Mr. Wallace Bruce, who had testified against him at his divorce hearing at Walnut Ridge. Mr. Bruce sought him out to express his sincerest apologies for having taken part in David’s family affairs, stating that there were some facts about Elise that he did not know until a recent date. Although the damage had been done, David appreciated and accepted Mr. Bruce’s apology, creating an air of vindication. Harmony between the two men could not have come at a more suitable time, as only a few months later Mr. Bruce died at the age of 53 shortly after retiring to Fresno, California.

    For the remainder of the year 1931, David poured into his work at the Equitable Life Assurance Society, as well as, his church, clubs, organizations and frequent golf outings with friends. He enthusiastically fulfilled his elected positions as President of the Fort Smith United Commercial Travelers Country Club, being on the board of directors of the Amrita Grotto Country Club and being ‘Master of Kadosh’ of the Fort Smith Scottish Rite Masons.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 24) 1931 A Most Tragic Event

Chapter 24

A Most Tragic Event

1931

“She was such a fine character, so useful and adored by so many –

it seems so hard that she should have met such a fate.”

Sarah [Shapard] Whiteside (1848-1933) letter to David E. Shapard, dated May 17, 1931

    The evening of Friday, April 3, 1931, was seemingly like any other, David’s 59 year old sister, Lizzie Shapard Jaynes, had finished her secretarial shift at her husband’s law practice before casually parting ways to assist Mr. Sloat. For over 20 years, Mr. & Mrs. Jaynes had boarded at 1316 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest in Washington D.C., on the fifth floor of the apartment house owned by Mr. Sloat, who operated a chain of Washington’s most fashionable restaurants. Over the last year, Mrs. Jaynes began assisting the elderly Mr. Sloat by checking up on the cash registers each night while on her way home.

    Shortly before midnight, Lizzie was tending to the register at the Garden T Shoppe, located at 1835 Columbia Road N. W., when, to the terror of the staff and several customers, two young white men, about 6 feet tall, entered the establishment one brandishing a pistol - their faces concealed behind black rubber bathing caps. Both bandits rushed the cash register, ordering Lizzie to give them the money. At gunpoint, she quickly complied, nervously opening the register drawer. While the gunman, pointing the firearm directly at Lizzie, emptied the drawer of approximately $90, the other turned his attention to Miss Mildred Colt, the 20 year old waitress, harshly interrogating her if there was any more money in the place. To the shock of everyone, at that instant the gun discharged. “Did you hit her?” shouted the bandit beside Miss Colt. “No” replied the gunman, looking at Lizzie. “Let’s go.” Both robbers backed slowly out of the restaurant and sped off in their getaway car that had been parked out front with an accomplice.

    In the immediate aftermath, the police were rapidly summoned and Lizzie, Miss Colt and the customers gave a full account of what occurred. Despite a plea to have herself examined at the hospital, Lizzie insisted that she had not been injured, suggesting that the shot must have been a blank. A pedestrian on the street relayed the license plate numbers to the police, as well as, a description of the car. As it came to pass, the following evening, the automobile was located abandoned at the Connecticut Avenue entrance to the Zoo. The police discovered that the car had been stolen, before the robbery, and a stolen tag had been secured over the original license plate.

    After Lizzie gave her statement to the police, the manager of the shop drove her to the safety of her home and husband. Over an hour had passed since the incident, and she was telling her husband the terrifying details of the hold-up, when suddenly her leg became numb. Mr. Jaynes phoned Dr. W. P. Reeves who arrived with haste. Upon careful inspection, it was discovered that Lizzie indeed had sustained a gunshot wound in her abdomen from a small caliber projectile. Due to the unusual delay in symptoms, it was initially thought that the bullet wound may be superficial, however, she was immediately transported to Garfield Hospital where she came under the care of multiple physicians.

    Examinations and x-rays revealed that a 25 caliber bullet had entered the left side of her abdomen, traversing to the right side of her body, lodging itself just below her rib. The bullet wound was small enough to close almost immediately, explaining why Lizzie had failed to detect it. Although the exterior wound was miniscule, the damage it did to her organs was inevitably significant. Throughout the day of April 4th, Lizzie’s condition continued to decline as she was gradually bleeding out internally.

    On Saturday night, first news of the tragedy reached Fort Smith by way of a telegram sent by Miss Daisy G. Davis, a former resident that had moved to Washington D. C. Unfortunately, David Shapard could not be located, as he had traveled to Tulsa Saturday morning. Upon his return later that day, he visited his brother Edwin at Muskogee, who was also oblivious of the situation, and did not reach Fort Smith until after midnight. The first news received by him came by way of his friends at the Southwest Times Record newspaper who sought him out in the late hour. David immediately contacted his brother-in-law Mr. W. B. Jaynes, learning the seriousness of her condition.

    The morning of Sunday, April 5th, Lizzie slipped into unconsciousness, and was rushed into the operating room where surgery was performed and the bullet was removed. The doctors decided a blood transfusion was desperately needed, and a call was put out to the community to find an appropriate donor. A large outpouring of friends responded, including members of the Jaynes Bible class of young women, which Lizzie taught for 22 years at Mount Vernon Place Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Miss Lucy Mary Graves, who was a friend and neighbor in the Jayne’s apartment house, was select as the best blood donor.

    Throughout the day, David received a number of telegrams notifying him that Lizzie’s condition was becoming more crucial. It was decided that Edwin Shapard and his son, Edwin III, would drive over to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where David, driving up from Fort Smith, would intersect them; then, together, the three men would make a non-stop 1,200 mile trek northeast by automobile to Washington D. C., hopefully reaching their sister sometime late Monday or early Tuesday. At 6:15, Sunday evening, as David was preparing to leave Fort Smith, he received a phone call from Mr. Jaynes, informing him that despite a valiant effort to save her life, Lizzie had just passed away. She died on Easter Sunday 1931.

    Completely bereaved, David, Edwin and Edwin III made the tedious and perilous journey, driving all throughout the night to reach Washington D. C., where they met their brother Sumner who had traveled from East Orange, New Jersey. Lizzie’s remains were resting at the S. H. Hines Co., funeral home at 2901 Fourteenth Street Northwest, where the family somberly convened. Lizzie’s widely attended funeral was held Wednesday, April 8, at 2 p. m., at her beloved Mount Vernon Place Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and she was laid to rest at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. David, Edwin and Edwin III left Washington D. C. after the service, David arriving home to Fort Smith late on April 10th.

    Due to the circumstances, Lizzie’s death was now a murder. During the two weeks before Lizzie’s killing, there had been a rise in violent crime in Washington D. C., with 15 armed robberies resulting in two homicides. Immediately after the Garden T Shoppe shooting, police patrols were doubled on the streets to help curb the upswing in crime before Easter. Four detectives were initially assigned to the Jayne’s murder case, and by August, over 30 arrests had been made in an effort to identify the perpetrators, yet, to no avail. In tandem, Mr. W. B. Jaynes hired his own detectives on the case and even involved the F. B. I.

    Five years later, a former bus boy of the Garden T Shoppe, who had been an early suspect, was convicted of the murder after confessing to the police, and was duly sentenced to the electric chair. In June of 1937, days before his execution, President Franklin D. Roosevelt commuted to ‘life in prison’ the death sentence imposed by the earlier District Court. John Miller Shapard, son of Edwin R. Shapard, stated that this decision by the president absolutely devastated his father, just as the family was about to have resolution and justice for the murder of their loved one. As a result, for at least the next 13 years, the convicted man filed numerous petitions for retrials to be freed, never allowing the family to rest. Understandably, Edwin held a great distain for Roosevelt over his intervention in the case. Lizzie’s husband, Mr. W. B. Jaynes, died in 1950, having never fully recovered from the terrible death of his wife. He was buried next to her at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 23) 1929-1931 The Crash & Commencement of the Great Depression

Chapter 23

The Crash and Commencement of the Great Depression

1929-1931

    During the mid to late 1920s, the economy and stock market was robust and America was flourishing. When United States President Herbert Hoover was inaugurated in January of 1929, stocks soared to record levels. In an effort to capitalize on the financial surge of the “Roaring Twenties,” thousands upon thousands of people poured their saving into the market, some even mortgaged their homes to buy stocks. However, throughout 1929, as stocks became grossly inflated, there were sudden sell offs, rattling investors, as the market began to decline. A recession occurred in the summer of 1929, however, the tipping point occurred on October 24, 1929, known as ‘Black Thursday,’ when true panic set in among investors as the market went into a full freefall decline. Over the next three years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average would lose 89% of its value. Billions of dollars were lost, and many investors lost everything, resulting in an era of poverty, lost jobs, restricted spending, bank failures and general hard times, known as the Great Depression, that lasted a decade. Understandably, the public’s trust in the stock market was so damaged that the market would not fully recover to pre-1929 levels for 20 years.

    In prelude to the crash, David’s wage earnings were below usual. Although he had been the top Equitable Life Assurance sales agent for his district in 1928, that year, he reported his gross income as $2,814.89, being 20 percent lower than his average annual income over the last 14 years. Of course, the near entirety of his wages was used to pay off his marital debts and other pending bills. Around August of 1929, one of David’s friends kindly allowed him to stay rent-free at his home, in an effort to alleviate some of his financial woes.

    During this time, David continued to fully engaged in his numerous clubs and organizations. In January of 1929, he was elected as a Director of the Kiwanis Club, along with Earl Eastman, J. A. Day and F. G. Speer. In the United Commercial Travelers for 1929, he was elected to the Board of Directors, Trustee of Membership, as well as, the Treasurer of the Fort Smith Country Club. That same month he was elected to the esteemed position as the Chief Justice of the Amrita Grotto. This office was second only to the Monarch, held that year by Ed Wright. David’s friend Harry Robinson was elected for the ensuing year as Master of Ceremony, W. H. Simpson as Treasurer, R. L. Secrest as Secretary, R. K. Rodgers as Venerable Master and Carl Wortz as Trustee. The Amrita Grotto officers of 1929 were elected from a membership of well over 2,300 Masons spanning 100 miles around Fort Smith.

 

   Interestingly, in 1929, enthusiasm in Masonry was at its peak and the organization had long outgrown their original quarters at the Fort Smith Baer Masonic Temple (1889-1921) on North Sixth street, as well as, their second temple (1921-1929), at North Eighth and A streets. Through the communal efforts of all twelve of the Masonic bodies of Fort Smith, land had been purchased on North 11th and B streets, in 1924, and an impressive 115 foot by 175 foot, Egyptian Revival style, Masonic temple, made of Bedford stone, was completed and dedicated in September of 1929, at a cost of $385,000, with an additional $25,000 in furnishings and theater equipment.

    The ‘temple,’ as it became known, served as the center of Masonic activity for the entire region, was two stories high, not including the basement, and had fifty rooms. A grand 67 x 75 foot auditorium, equipped with the most modern acoustic system in Arkansas, was one of the largest in the region and was capable of comfortably seating 900, yet could hold a capacity of 1,200. The dining hall and ball room occupying the basement of the structure was 42 x 124 feet and could accommodate 600 persons. In addition to Masonic meetings and programs, the temple was also used by civic organizations for public meetings, as well as, moving picture programs and stage performances.

    In the summer of 1929, David and a large delegation of Masons from the Amrita Grotto traveled to Rock Island, Illinois, to attend the Annual Supreme Council Meeting of the Grotto, held from June 18th to the 20th. As a bit of hilarity, the Fort Smith delegation took their mascots, touted as an “educated” (trained) goose and a four-month old piglet owned by Virgil Suggs. The animals were used back home as a curiosity to bring in new members, and were widely recognized in Fort Smith; however, their presence on the streets of Illinois created a frenzy of excitement. After the meeting, David Shapard, Harry Robinson, Tom Morton, and Hurd Miller made an amazing five week tour of Canada and the American west, returning to Fort Smith in late July.

    Upon his return, David made financial arrangements for his son, David, Jr., to attend summer camp in the Ozark Mountains, at Branson, Missouri, at Kamp Kuggaho. The camp was founded in 1926 by C. L. Ford of Dallas, Texas, and, in 1932, the name of the camp was changed to Kamp Kanakuk, under the leadership of Mr. Bill Lantz. Interestingly, David, Jr., shared a cabin, in the summer of 1929, with future Heisman Trophy winner Davey O’Brien (1917-1977), and together they carved their names into the cabin wood. Their inscriptions were still visible in the late 1940s when David, Jr.’s, son, Edwin Jennings Shapard (1940-2012) attended the same camp; yet, in the years that followed the old cabins were eventually dismantled for updated quarters.

    While David, Sr., was ascending socially, Elise was clearly descending. By early 1929, she became financially wrecked. In mid-February, her dreams were dashed, and she had no other recourse but to place the Blue Bird School up for sale. On February 17th, an ad was placed in the Southwest Times newspaper of Fort Smith, by the Arkansas Valley Trust Company, advertising the school and playground equipment for sale for the sum of $6,000. Although it was advertised as, “a bargain if we ever had one,” it does not appear that the school immediately sold, as, former Blue Bird teacher, Mrs. Lois Jasper Wimberly, continued to use the facility, thereafter simply known as ‘208 Lecta Avenue,’ as her piano studio throughout the year 1930. Circa 1931, the school was purchased and remodeled into a duplex available to rent. The old Blue Bird school building continues to stand to the present day (2023), as a privately owned residence. Amazingly, though greatly weathered by the passage of time, many of the special improvements made by Elise to the property, in the early 1920s, are still preserved, including the concrete inscriptions on the front sidewalk.

 

   In early March, Elise did the unthinkable by filing for bankruptcy in federal court. She listed her debts, totaling $4,166.65, of which $4,140.49 were unsecured. One of these debts was the funeral expenses of her sister Lucile, leaving Fentress Mortuary to bear the cost. She listed no assets, except for one-third interest in some land in Hallett, Pawnee County, Oklahoma, that she had inherited from her parents. Even David’s numerous life insurance policies, totaling around $35,000, were no longer available to her, as David change the beneficiary to his brother Edwin Shapard, shortly after Elise declared bankruptcy. In an attempt to make ends meet, Elise began working out of her small rented dwelling, at 2712 Yonley (now Barry Avenue), as a private tutor, as well as, offering a five week course in kindergarten and primary instruction for any interested teachers.

    Understandably, Elise had been greatly embarrassed and saddened by the events over the last few years - having lost her husband, her home, her occupation, her school, her cars and becoming bankrupt. For the first time in her life, she had fallen from the affluent peak of high society to a dark cellar of privation. Furthermore, she no longer had the wise council and support from her Conger family, as they had all passed away, save her younger sister, Allie Merle. The misery of her present situation was unbecoming of her reputation among Fort Smith society, as a progressive spirit, leader and the daughter of one of the most respected men in Arkansas; and, as such, she felt compelled to leave Fort Smith, beyond the memories and whispers, to start anew.

    On August 9, 1929, while her son was away at camp, Elise composed a letter to Mr. William J. Holloway (1888 – 1970), the Governor of the great state of Oklahoma (1929-1931), wherein she stated her intention of moving to Oklahoma to establish the Blue Bird School. Elise selected Governor Holloway due to the close association they shared. He had grown up in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and graduated from Ouachita College, in 1910, while Elise’s father was president. Furthermore, Mr. Holloway’s father, who was a Baptist minister at Arkadelphia, had been dear friends with President J. W. Conger.

    On August 26, 1929, Governor W. J. Holloway replied to Elise’s letter, stating; “I have just returned from my summer vacation and find your good letter of August 9th, in which you advise me of your intention of moving to Oklahoma and establishing your school here. I am very happy indeed to learn of this and to give you any kind of testimonial you wish, and further, to give you any assistance within my power. I can never do enough for any member of your family, because your father did more to assist my father than any friend he ever had…”

    With the governor’s endorsement, Elise packed her belongings and moved, at the end of August, with her 16 year old son, David, Jr., to Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma. Her friend and teaching associate, Miss Frances Reynolds, also migrated with them, in an effort to reestablish the Blue Bird School. Elise signed a lease, beginning in September, on a home at 1122 West Broadway and quickly remodeled the interior to suit the needs of the school. She immediately advertised the new school and opened enrollment.

    The schoolhouse was very cramped, as Elise, Frances and David, Jr., also used the facility as their living quarters. Elise and Frances utilized the only available free space for bedrooms, so David, Jr., was forced to make his room in the attic. He recalled that he was very sad and frustrated after they moved from Fort Smith. He would lay awake at night, knowing that this is not what life should be like, not what family should be like, and dream of a better future.

    As one could imagine, David, Sr., was horrified to learn that his only son had been taken over 200 miles away from him to another state. At that time, there was little recourse for a father to regain his children, as legally the courts viewed the mother as a better caretaker. Also, Fort Smith was David, Sr.’s, home – it was where he was deeply rooted, the repository of his livelihood, purpose, memories and grand society of friends. To leave was impractical. This move was a clear signal that their marriage was unreconcilable, and a divorce was on the horizon.

    On September 9, 1929, David, Sr., wrote a heart-wrenching letter to his son, revealing the scope of sorrow and problems they were already suffering during the recession, just before the start of the Great Depression. David wrote; “My dear son, … I am very sorry that you have no money to get school books, if you were here we could buy them on the credit. Your father hates to get to the point in life when he has to say that he hasn’t any money to send you but I haven’t and right now I can’t say for sure when I will have. I have some notes that are due me, that I should collect, but the fellows that owe me haven’t been able to pay. I will send some money as soon as I get it. Your Papa is overdrawn at the bank right now. I have accepted a room at a friend’s home without having to pay any rent, if my conditions don’t change I don’t know what I will do. My bills from August have not been paid. Papa is sorry that you were taken away from him, but he loves you just the same and he hopes someday that things will be much different. With lots of love, Papa. P.S. Please let me hear from you often.”

    Less than two months after David sent above letter, the United States experienced the worst and longest economic downturn in its nation’s history. Over the following decade, the depression was felt worldwide as production and demand decreased. Deflation of goods and products resulted. In 1933, the United States would abandon the gold standard, that linked the value of the dollar to gold, in an effort to print more money and climb out of its economic woes. To illustrate the dire impact that the depression had on the Shapard family, for the year 1929, David E. Shapard reported his income from the Equitable Life Assurance Society at $1,945.07, which was almost 50% less income than he had earned annually on average. He also suffered the loss of bad investments, including all of his oil and gas stocks. Luckily, however, David did remain employed throughout the Great Depression, despite unemployment ranging from between 14%, to as high as almost 25%.

    David’s brother Sumner Shapard was residing in New York City when the market crashed. Similar to David, he lost a tremendous amount of money on poorly invested stocks and his annual income greatly suffered, however, he did remain employed. At the start of the Great Depression, Sumner and his wife became destitute. Unable to afford the apartment rent in New York, they moved to East Orange, New Jersey, in 1930, residing with their eldest daughter Dorothy Shapard, who was single and employed as a teacher. Circa 1933, Sumner and his wife move to Houston, Washington County, Pennsylvania, briefly residing with their daughter Jane, her husband Dr. David Ingram, and their four daughters, before moving to Dallas, Texas, and then, in January of 1935, to Yukon, Oklahoma.

    One entertaining story survives relating to the fact that, during his life, Sumner had never learned to drive an automobile, although he owned one. After Sumner moved to Dallas, circa 1933, he employed his 16 year old nephew, John Miller Shapard, to be his driver for the summer. They traveled from town to town selling shirts, from his salesman’s case of samples, to the various stores throughout his territory of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. As it came to pass, while they were traveling down a lonely Texas road, Sumner decided it was finally time for him to learn how to drive. He and John changed seats and Sumner took the wheel. Before long, they came to a “T” in the road. Sumner mistook the gas pedal for the brake and they went flying off the road and into a field…where the car finally came to a sudden and chaotic halt. Without saying a word, both Sumner and John looked at each other, exited the car and changed seats – whereupon, Sumner declared that he had “no future interest in driving such temperamental machines!”

    One afternoon, in the waning months of 1929, David was approached on the sidewalk in front of the Hotel Main, by attorney Blaine T. Davidson (1893-1931) who had been practicing law in Fort Smith since 1924. Like David, Mr. Davidson was a “club man” and civically minded. Both men were well acquainted with one another, as Mr. Davidson was the president of the Kiwanis Club, of which David was an active member and on the Board of Directors. Furthermore, together they were on the Board of Stewards of the First Methodist Church.

    During their conversation, Mr. Davidson inquired about David’s financial and mental state, where upon he was informed at length about his failed marriage, extensive debts and the removal of his only son from him. Mr. Davidson invited David to his law office, where he suggested pursuing legal means for relief though a settlement of marital debts. As David had no means of payment, Mr. Davidson kindly informed him that his services would be without charge. Interestingly, during this era, there were no public defenders, and it was customary for lawyers to accept pro bono cases for impoverished clients as part of their professional obligation.

    In the weeks that followed, Mr. Davidson consulted with other Fort Smith attorneys about the uniqueness of David’s particular case. The consensus suggested it would be advantageous to take the proceedings out of Fort Smith, as both David and Elise were highly esteemed within their own social circles of the city; and, since their separation, David’s reputation had been harmed by much one-sided gossip, and half-truths, about their relationship perpetuated by Elise to gain public favor. The attorneys thought it wise to try the case where no one knew either them, in an effort to remove any influence that would favor or disfavor either David or Elise. Furthermore, the Fort Smith Chancery Court judge, who would otherwise preside over the proceedings, was quite elderly and known to be questionable in his rulings, especially regarding divorces.

    Based on this reasoning, David left Fort Smith and moved to the distant town of Walnut Ridge in Lawrence County, Arkansas, where he knew no one, and no one knew him. After establishing residency at 202 East Main, he filed for settlement of marital debts through the Lawrence County Circuit Court, in January of 1930, and a hearing was set for February 3, 1930. In response to the summons, Elise obtained the legal services of William L. Curtis, of Fort Smith, and Mr. Harry Ponder of Walnut Ridge, to represent her in the matter. It is imperative to understand that Elise was still highly connected, through her Conger lineage, to many powerful in influential men and women, and she wielded this power in the legal representation she was able to acquire.

    Mr. W. L. Curtis (1874- 1944) began the practice of law, in 1898, in Sallisaw, Indian Territory, where he remained for 20 years. During this time, he was elected as the first Mayor of Sallisaw, and was active in matters of statehood - assisting in the drafting of provisions within the Oklahoma Constitution. After statehood, he served as Sequoyah County’s first County Attorney for one year, after which, he was elected as a State Representative serving in the Fourth Oklahoma Legislature. In 1914, he was appointed as the Assistant Attorney for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, whereupon, he moved his law practice to Fort Smith the following year. He was well-connected and respected. He connected with Elise through a shared passion for education, as well as, their Baptist upbringing, where he served on the Board of Deacons in Fort Smith. Socially, Mr. Curtis was a Mason, as he belonged to all bodies of that organization, and thus would have known David Shapard, fraternally, and perhaps been privy to the rumors circling about his marriage.

    Mr. Harry Ponder (1878-1948), was a lawyer practicing in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, under the firm of Ponder & Ponder. He had been elected to the Arkansas General Assembly as a Representative, in 1898, later serving two terms in the Arkansas Senate. He had also been a judge and the Mayor of Walnut Ridge, and was on the Board of Trustees at the University of Arkansas. Mr. Ponder, was known to recite biblical passages during trials and to have a cleaver sense of humor. Once an old farmer came to him to sue his neighbor whom he believed had placed a dead hog in his field. Mr. Ponder told the man that he was too busy to handle the case and that he needed a real expert in ‘dead hog law,’ thus referring the case to a young lawyer friend who was an “expert in the field!”

    On February 3rd, at the Circuit Court hearing at Walnut Ridge, David, as the plaintiff, with his attorney, and Elise, as the defendant, with her attorneys, met with the judge and both parties consented that his judgement in the matter would be binding, whatever the outcome. As David’s attorney prepared to plead his case on the settlement of outstanding marital debts, Elise’s lawyers turned the tables by immediately filing an amendment to her original petition for alimony from 1927, that had been dismissed without prejudice. The new amendment now requested a divorce from David on the grounds of ‘cruel and intolerable treatment’ and for the settlement of property rights and alimony. This bold legal move essentially now made David the defendant. Nevertheless, as it was still resolving the same purpose, David and his attorney agreed to the amendment.

    As the trial proceeded, the judge posed questions to David and Elise regarding their marriage, finances and treatment of one another. They were examined and cross examined by the lawyers, who read from their previous depositions and oral testimonies. During a critical moment, Elise’s attorneys dropped a bombshell by bringing Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Bruce into the courtroom, as witnesses for the defense, to counter testimony of David Shapard that he was a good husband.

    Mr. Wallace Bruce (1870-1931) was the brother of Hoyt Bruce, from whom the Shapards rented their second house in 1912, and was the owner of Bruce Brothers, sellers of Studebaker motorcars, from whom Mrs. Shapard had purchased her automobile. Mr. Wallace Bruce was also the president of the Sebastian Building & Loan, one of the directors of Sparks Memorial Hospital and a Mason. Apparently, the Bruce’s one-sided testimony painted David in the poorest possible light, supporting just cause for Elise’s divorce and settlement.

    David nor his attorney produced any witnesses of their own to counter the testimony, and were clearly ill prepared and out-gunned for the surprise battle of this trial. Furthermore, during a recess in the hearing, the judge had an interaction, personally or by telephone, with someone of great influence, likely Senator Joseph T. Robinson (1872-1937) or one of his law firm partners from Little Rock, that caused the judge to improperly form an unfavorable opinion of David. Such was the scope of powerful tactics wielded by Elise and her legal team.

    As a result, David was struck unmercifully by the decision of the court. The judge granted and decreed Elise’s divorce request with back alimony due her, up to January 31, 1930, in the amount of $225; in addition, David was ordered to pay Elise $1,000 cash upon entry of the divorce decree; in addition to $1,500 to be paid her at a rate of twenty installments of $75 per month; and finally, David was ordered to pay all of the attorney’s fees and court costs associated with the suit for both the plaintiff and defendant. To add insult to injury, David received no relief from Elise’s personal debts from their marriage, amounting to thousands of dollars, for which he was still required to pay.

    To illustrate the extent of financial punishment this verdict inflicted on David, it is imperative to have an understanding of his annual income. His average annual salary from 1929 through 1932 was $2,378, thus averaging $198.16 per month. David reported that, from the time the divorce was granted, he averaged paying $185 per month to satisfy the court order and pay down Elise’s marital debts, leaving him with only thirteen dollars and sixteen cents surplus per month. At the time of the divorce, David had no savings and was already living paycheck to paycheck. Furthermore, money was becoming scarce as all this occurred at the beginning of the Great Depression. In order to survive, his brother Edwin R. Shapard would loan him thousands of dollars over the next few years to help pay off Elise. To protect his brother’s loans, David changed the beneficiary of his last will and testament, as well as, all of his life insurance to his brother Edwin.

    The critical tragedy of this situation, that would pain David the deepest for the duration of his life, was not the financial loss, but the loss and corruption of his only son, David, Jr. The boy was led to believe, by the influence of his mother, that his father was the cruel cause of all their troubles - that his father was wealthy and withheld money from them to make them suffer, while fully funding miscellaneous club activities – that his father was responsible for the divorce and the breakup of their family – that other boys were more important to his father than his only son. All of these lies were fed to an injured and delicate young mind, by his mother, in an effort to punish the one that hurt her.

    Recall that from 1927 until 1929, Elise fostered her niece Annelise Bailey (1912-1995) after her mother’s death. Under Elise’s influence, Annelise was encouraged to drop her “Bailey” surname and adopt the “Conger” surname, which she eventually did, in an effort to spite Annelise’s father for abandoning her at an early age. Just as Elise had done before with her niece, so too she did with her son. Filling his head with disdain for his father, David, Jr., was encouraged to change his name to purge the connection to his namesake. Shortly after his parent’s divorce, David, Jr., wrote a cruel and vindictive letter to his father, in February of 1930, signing it “Conger Shapard.” As it would come to pass, his son never again used his birth name of David Evander Shapard, Jr., but instead adopted the name of ‘David Conger Shapard.’

    After the trial was over, realizing the unfairness, David E. Shapard brought some of his political friends in on the case; one being Mr. John Andrews (1879-1950), who was a Mason and manager of the Guardian Life Insurance Company, as well as, on the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, whom conversed with Elise’s attorneys, Mr. W. L. Curtis and Mr. Harry Ponder. An in-person consultation at Walnut Ridge was agreed upon, and David drove Thomas “Cal” Broadway (1893-1945) and his wife, Kathleen, as witnesses to speak to the lawyers.

    Mr. Broadway worked as an agent for the Home & Fire Accident Insurance Co., and were long-time friends of the Shapards, having lived on Greenwood Avenue, and since moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Broadway, as well as, David’s more influential friends, were able to give the lawyers a clear indication of the quality of man David was, and, some of the circumstances surrounding his marriage and finances regarding Elise. After the consultation, Mr. Ponder turned to David and stated, why in the hell he did not do this in the first place; and, had he done so the case would have been different, as he had been in the “hands of the Philistines.”

    The lawyers agreed that something should be done to reduce the penalty that had been inflicted upon David by the court, and that a rehearing based on the new evidence was appropriate and justified. Mr. Ponder drew up the necessary papers and acquired David new legal representation by way of Mr. W. P. Smith (1870-1952), of Walnut Ridge, who was a friend of Mr. Ponder, and, as an attorney, was well respected within the court. Interestingly, as a peace offering, David drove Elise’s lawyer W. L. Curtis back to Fort Smith, which allowed the men to pour over the details of David’s marriage and financial troubles. When David asked him for advice about the situation, Mr. Curtis gave him the somewhat demeaning suggestion that he declare bankruptcy and leave Arkansas, relocating to Portland, Seattle, or some northwestern part of the country where conditions were better. As it came to pass, the rehearing would not take place in the courtroom until July of 1931.

    In the interim, David had one of the highest honors bestowed upon him by the Masons of the Amrita Grotto. On February 7, 1930, during an evening meeting held at the Masonic temple of Fort Smith, the newly elected officers were installed for the year. David E. Shapard was formally installed as the Monarch of the Amrita Grotto, being the highest attainable office of the organization. David’s friend Harry Robinson was elected to the second highest office as the Chief Justice and his friend R. L. Secrest was elected as Secretary. Amazingly, during David’s reign, he would take the Masons of the Amrita Grotto to new heights, and would be honored by the Supreme Council for having the largest percentage of gained membership of all the Grottos in the United States and Canada during the year of 1930.

    One of the more elaborate initiation ceremonies of the Amrita Grotto, over which David was in charge, was the Highway No. 22 Ceremonial, held on April 24, 1930. It was touted as one of the largest initiation ceremonies ever staged in the Arkansas Valley. In the past, a special train would be reserved by the Grotto to transport the hundreds of prophets, however, for this event a motorcar parade was favored. The Fort Smith prophets left the Masonic temple at 1 p. m. in a caravan of cars bound for Paris, Arkansas, joining additional caravans at they passed through the towns and cities along the way. Once at their destination, the ceremony was held at the Paris High School auditorium. A dinner and dance followed.

    On June 14, 1930, David Shapard, R. L. Secrest, John Andrews and Tom Morton, along with 24 additional members of the Amrita Grotto, left Fort Smith to join 15,000 men attending the Mason’s 41st Annual Session of the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets held at Indianapolis, Indiana, June 17th to the 19th. During the convention, the Fort Smith Grotto was honored with a silver loving cup, awarded for their impressive gain in membership for the year. Afterwards, David Shapard and R. L. Secrest hosted a celebration luncheon at the Clayton Hotel, to reward the 28 member delegation, representing the Amrita Grotto, for their hard work and dedication.

    Interestingly, David’s election as monarch had a tremendously favorable impact on his business for that single year, and the timing could not have been better. David’s annual income from selling insurance for the years 1929, 1931 and 1932 was $1,945, $1,421 and $1,890, respectively. However, his annual income from 1930, during the term of him holding the office of Monarch, was an impressive $4,256. Perhaps the Mason brotherhood rallied around David in his time of need, or perhaps it was just talent on display. Regardless, while this was a great blessing at a difficult time, nearly all of the surplus of income was allocated for the payment of debts and court orders.

    Throughout the summer, David stayed in communication with his son, which seemed to create a healthier relationship. Early on, he offered his son employment as an Eagle Scout Councilor for a boy’s summer camp held at the Grotto Country Club. Unfortunately, since it was the first year the Grotto had hosted the camp, registrations were slow in arriving, and David eventually encouraged his son to take another job, if possible, in case the camp fell short of expectations. However, he did invite him to spend part, or all, of the summer with him in Fort Smith, as well as, offing to pay for him to attend a scout camp in Crawford County, Arkansas.

    On July 28, 1930, David wrote a special letter to his son, stating; “My dear son; Tomorrow the 29th of July is your birthday, seventeen years old…I wish it was so that I could be there with you on this birthday, as well as others to come. Remember your father loves you always, and if at any time you need me, do not hesitate to let me hear from you…I am enclosing a check for $10.00 hoping that you will buy yourself something that you would like to have, as well as something you could keep and will be useful. Again wishing you many more birthdays and that you will grow to be a strong man with the character and reputation that I know is in you. With lots of love from your [father].”

    By November of 1930, the effects of the economic depression were becoming visible in the streets of Fort Smith with the consistent rise of homelessness and unemployment. In an effort to abate the situation, the Mayor of Fort Smith created the Committee of 100, being one hundred influential persons named by the City Commission on Unemployment to canvas the city for potential jobs. The mayor appealed to the citizens of Fort Smith to offer jobs to the unemployed. Any available job, from cleaning premises to permanent positions, were compiled by the canvasing Committee of 100, who would then distribute the results to the labor leaders to be filled. David Shapard was honored to be one of the many selected for the Committee of 100, doing everything they could to help the downtrodden of his city.

    Although David was sympathetic towards struggling adults, his heart was in helping underprivileged children. One of David’s great joys of 1930, as Monarch, was being the Grotto’s Santa Claus for the Christmas season. At the lighting of the annual Christmas tree at the Masonic temple, David was Santa for about 1,400 underprivileged children of Fort Smith. He then went to Van Buren to act as Santa Claus for about 300 impoverished children. On Christmas Eve, David traveled to the State Sanitorium to be Santa Claus for the children at the tuberculosis hospital. Despite all the activity, he did not forget his own son, whom he sent a heartwarming Christmas letter with $10.00 and an offer to share the holidays with him in Fort Smith.

    The year 1931, commenced with great promise. David was coming off of a financial boom year for his business, his relationship with his son was gently improving and a rehearing in court, to hopefully lessen his financial burden, was on the horizon. Furthermore, David was being elected to the pinnacle offices of his organizations and clubs. In particular, he was the reigning Monarch of the Amrita Grotto Masons until the election of new officers in February of each year.

    In January of 1931, a meeting of the Fort Smith United Commercial Travelers was held at the clubhouse for the purpose of electing the new officers and Board of Directors for the year. David E. Shapard was honored by being elected President of the Fort Smith County Club. In addition, David, along with Lloyd Vineyard, Homer Norvell, T. K. Morrison, W. L. Hutcheson, Sam Bourland and W. T. Oglesby composed the U. C. T. Country Club Board of Directors for the 1931 term.

    Perhaps his most surprising office bestowed upon him, in 1931, was being elected to the highest office in the Fort Smith Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons, that of the “Master of Kadosh.” Interestingly, on January 31, 1931, O. Eugene Smith, a 33 degree Mason and Deputy of the Supreme Council of Arkansas, from Little Rock, presented Fort Smith Consistory members with ‘Letters Temporary’ at the Masonic temple, thus creating the Fort Smith Council of Kodosh and Fort Smith Consistory. By creating a consistory, Fort Smith became the center of Masonic activity for this section of the country. The Little Rock Consistory, at the time, was the only other one in the state, having more than 6,000 members. With the addition of the new consistory, Fort Smith now completed all the Scottish Rite bodies: the Fort Smith Zabud Lodge of Perfection (established 1924), embraced the 4th to 14th degrees; The Fort Smith Knights Rose Croix (established 1927), embraced the 15th to 18th degrees; and now the Council of Kodosh and Fort Smith Consistory (established 1931) completed the Scottish Rite degrees by embracing up to the 32nd degrees. As a testament to his leadership, David would hold this high masonic office for the following four years.

    On February 6, 1931, David’s fantastic reign as Monarch of the Amrita Grotto came to a close. At an evening meeting at the Masonic temple, David oversaw the installation of the new officers. Although it was a bitter sweet moment, David was delighted to be succeeded by his lifelong friend Harry Robinson, who became the new Monarch for the following term. Before the night was up, David was elected to the Board of Directors of the Amrita Grotto Country Club. All was going starting to go so well…

David Evander Shapard (Chapter 22) 1927-1929 A Family in Separation

Chapter 22

A Family in Separation

1927-1929

    On July 30, 1927, the day after their son’s 14th birthday, David and Elise became entirely incompatible and separated from one another, after almost 15 years of marriage. David remained at their rented residence in the 900 block of North Sixteenth Street, while Elise took David, Jr., and moved out. Shortly thereafter, Elise rented the home of Elijah D. Bedwell, president of the E. D. Coal Company, at 218 Lecta Avenue for the year. The house was directly next door to the Blue Bird School. Elise was able to afford such an extravagant residence by sharing the rent with Miss Frances Reynold and her niece Juanita Holland, as well as, other teachers of the Blue Bird School including Miss Katheryn Rupert and Miss Regina McKinney.

    It is important to note that initially David and Elise did not seek a divorce, perhaps believing that they could reconcile. At the outset of their separation, Elise was comfortably flush with cash, having the $4,000 from the May 25, 1927, second mortgage on the Blue Bird School, which she utilized for living expenses and to run the school for the year. In addition, David began sending her $50 per month intended for the support their son David, Jr. That being said, almost immediately after their separation, Elise began a path of independence, gradually purging nearly every influence David had on her life. Most notably, she re-embraced her ‘Conger’ upbringing, lifting those traditions to the forefront. Before the start of the Blue Bird School in September of 1927, she rarely presented herself as “Mrs. David E. Shapard,” but instead distinguished herself as ‘Mrs. Elise Conger Shapard,” with an emphasis on the ‘Conger.’ By April of 1928, she had fully abandoned the Methodist church, in favor of the denomination of her youth, and began attending the First Baptist Church of Fort Smith. She and Miss Frances Reynolds even began teaching classes there for the benefit of the Baptist children. More importantly, their son David, Jr., gradually lost his association with the Methodist church, during this time, as a result of his mother’s influence.

    As for David, Sr., after the separation, he sought stability, reassurance and purpose through his occupation and clubs. He had a wonderful trait of wholeheartedly helping others as a means of working through his own grief. He also leaned heavily on his siblings, especially his brother Edwin Shapard, and his family, who embraced him fully with support and togetherness. On September 14th, David traveled to Washington D. C., after winning a trip there for being the leading Equitable agent in sales. After the conference was over on the 18th, he spent a few extra days visiting with his sister Lizzie, before returning to Fort Smith on September 24th. The following month, Sumner came to Fort Smith, from New York, to see David and Edwin, and the three brothers had a meaningful reunion.

    On October 27, 1927, Edwin Shapard and his family of May, Barbara, John and Edwin III, moved about 70 miles from Fort Smith to their new home at 231 North 17th Street in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The move was necessary, as Edwin’s sales territory for the Roberts, Johnson & Rand Shoe Company, had changed, and Muskogee provided a convenient and central hub from which he could ride the trains to his appointments. One of their great concerns of moving, was leaving May Shapard’s 80 year old mother, Mrs. Mary J. Miller, who lived in Fort Smith. Although she lived with her widowed daughter, Mrs. Daisy Caruthers, David Shapard kindly agreed to look after her. As it came to pass, David and Mrs. Miller developed a generous relationship. David often took her to lunch, to run errands, to visit her husband’s grave at Forest Park Cemetery, as well as, taking her to Muskogee and other further ventures. They both seemed to greatly enjoy each other’s company.

    For Christmas of 1927, David drove from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Muskogee, Oklahoma, to be the guests of Edwin and May Shapard. He arrived at their house on December 21st, at 7 o’clock at night, being heartedly welcomed by all of Edwin’s family, as well as, May’s mother Mrs. Mary J. Miller and sister Mrs. Daisy Caruthers. At 8 o’clock, Sumner called the house, having arrived from New York, and Edwin drove to the train station to pick him up. May prepared a wonderful supper that night for all the family, who stayed through the holidays.

    Christmas morning, the table was loaded with presents, and neighbors sent 12 quail and a cake that they enjoyed for dinner. Sumner departed Christmas evening to return home, and David also intended on leaving, however, due to the lateness of the hour, he changed his mind and came back. That night they all went to the movies, watching the silent comedy film ‘Colleen,’ starring Madge Bellamy who played an Irish-American debutant who falls in love with the son of an impoverished aristocrat. On December 27th, David drove home to Fort Smith, with his brother Edwin, who then took the 6 p. m. train to St. Louis.

 

   Christmas for Elise was spent in Fort Smith with her sisters and son. Allie Merle Conger arrived from Greenville, South Carolina, where she was a piano instructor in the music department of the Greenville Woman’s College. Lucile Bailey and her 15 year old daughter, Annelise, arrived from Belton, Texas, to spend the holidays. Lucile had been the sorority house hostess at Baylor Female College, until she resigned a few months previous due to ill health. After Christmas, Lucile stayed in Fort Smith as her health had taken a turn for the worse. Around January 7th, she was checked in to St. Edwards Hospital, and, tragically, on January 9th she died of a pulmonary embolism at 42 years of age. Elise, in great bereavement, made the arrangements for her funeral and assumed all the costs to have her sister’s body taken by the Fentress Mortuary to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to be interred next to her brothers at Rose Hill Cemetery.

    Lucile’s daughter Annelise Bailey (1912-1995), impressively had graduated from Baylor Female College in 1927, at the age of 15 years. She was highly educated, awarded and involved, participating in literary clubs, athletic council, Latin club, played volleyball, baseball and track, as well as, being senior class president and on the honor roll. She had no connection with her father, and was an orphan after the death of her mother. Her aunt, and namesake, Elise Shapard, initially fostered her from 1927 through 1929, giving her a home and family at Fort Smith. Interestingly, Elise encouraged her to drop her “Bailey” surname and adopt the “Conger” surname, which she eventually did. Annelise returned to Baylor Female College to do collegiate work, receiving her B. A. in 1931; after which,

she moved to Lawrence, Kansas, and was “mothered” by her aunt Allie Merle Conger who was an instructor at Kansas University. There Annelise became employed as a teacher for many years. In 1937, she married Mr. Benard F. Nanninga (1911-1953) in secret, fearing that she would lose her teaching position if the administration of the school discovered she was married. Years later, Annelise and her family opened up their home to Allie Merle Conger when she became elderly, and took care of her for the rest of her life.

    In early January, David picked up Mrs. Mary J. Miller and the two drove to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where they visited with Edwin’s family, before traveling, with May, to Tulsa for the day. David attended to some business, while the ladies enjoyed lunch and a day of shopping. On January 13th, David and Mrs. Miller returned together to Fort Smith, having had a delightful time, before David drove to Eufaula, Oklahoma, to visit some old friends.

    Just on the heels of one tragedy, another manifested, that greatly impacted the Shapard family. On January 22, 1928, four days shy of her 81st birthday, Mrs. Mary J. Miller readied herself to attend the 10:30 a. m. service at the First Methodist Church, South. From her house, she took the street car, exiting at the corner of 13th Street and B Street. As she started across the street, she was struck by a car driven by a 26 year old man. The force of the impact crushed the base of her skull, fractured her back and broke numerous other bones. She was transported to St. Edwards Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Her funeral, held at the home of her daughter Mrs. Daisy Caruthers, was largely attended as she was much loved in the community. She was interred next to her husband at Forest Park Cemetery.

    With the recent loss and separation of so many relationships, an event of togetherness was greatly needed. David, Jr., had been involved in the Boy Scouts, being a member of the Fort Smith Troop 24. In March of 1928, the Fort Smith and Van Buren Council of the Boy Scouts sponsored a father and son banquet, in recognition of the friendship and love that is possible between them. The president of the council was Mr. Harry Robinson, friend of David E. Shapard, Sr., who served together in the Arkansas State Guard. Interestingly, Mr. Robinson’s son, Harry, Jr., was a scout in Troop 24 and the same age and close friend of David, Jr. The wonderful event, attended by David, Sr., and his son, among 500 other fathers and sons, was held on March 23rd, at 7 o’clock in the evening at the First Methodist Church, South. Pastor B. V. Ferguson of the

First Baptist Church gave the invocation, before toasts were given for fathers and sons, followed by community singing and a lavish supper. Honors were bestowed during the night to the scouts receiving merit badges and Eagle Scout awards. Dr. Elbert Hefner of the Central Presbyterian Church gave the benediction. It was a tremendously uplifting event and one of the last special moments shared between David and his son.

    After closing the Blue Bird School for summer, Elise drove to Little Rock to visit friends, before leaving for Kansas City where she took a six-week course in music and special kindergarten work. Upon her return, the financial consequence of her lavish lifestyle was apparent. She had spent the greater portion of her $4,000, throughout the year, and was in need of additional funds to maintain her standard of living and to run the school. Although David was giving her $50 per month for the support of their son, he refused to directly contribute to the support of Elise, except on four occasions where he gave her $25. This was due to the fact that Elise was, to a significant extent, the cause their financial collapse, and that each month David was still paying off the thousands of dollars of debt for which Elise had amassed in his name.

    When words failed, Elise pursued legal means against David, in an effort to replenish her coffers. On July 17, 1928, Annelise Conger Shapard filed an alimony action in the Fort Smith Chancery Court against David Evander Shapard, stating that, despite her trying to be a dutiful and obedient wife, she was forced to leave on account of his cruel and unwarranted treatment of her, making life intolerable. She further stated that by reason of her ‘physical and mental condition’ she was unable to work and earn a livelihood for herself. David obtained the legal services of Mr. Harry Daily, who practiced law in Fort Smith, to help him with the case. Regarding the amount of his legal fees, Mr. Daily informed David that he did not have the nerve to charge him, knowing the condition he had let his wife get his affairs in.

    The hearing was held on July 21st, and David came fully prepared to counter the ridiculousness of her allegations. He showed up in court for the proceedings with a record of every penny of every item she purchased and the times she left, with all the meticulous details in writing. He proved to the court that he was working multiple jobs, living month-to-month, and all of his expendable income, after supporting his son, was still devoted to paying off her debts. Finally, he easily proved that she was capable of work and was working as the director and owner of the Blue Bird School. The court sided with David, and dismissed Elise’s petition, without prejudice, which absolutely infuriated her.

    While David continued on with life, working and attending the meetings of his clubs, he received word that he had been awarded a trip, by the Equitable Life Assurance Society, to a meeting of top agents in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for bringing in the most business in his district for the year. David was also promoted as the Special Agent of his company. On September 9, 1928, David left by automobile for a month long tour of the eastern states, in conjunction with the Atlantic City trip. Before returning home, he ventured to Niagara Falls, Albany, and New York City where he visited his brother Sumner.

    Interestingly, a letter of great curiosity, from Rev. J. Y. Bryce, was forwarded to him at Atlantic City, inquiring about David’s father. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Rev. John Young Bryce (1863-1937) was assigned the task, by the East Oklahoma Conference, of writing the history of Methodism in Oklahoma. He issued letters to friends and families of many of the known preachers from the early era of the Indian Mission Conference, in hopes of writing biographies and obtaining photos for the book, ‘History of Methodism in Oklahoma; Story of the Indian Mission Conference.’

    Upon David’s return to Fort Smith, he replied to Rev. Bryce, sending him a photograph of Rev. E. R. Shapard, stating; “Any information that you have about my father I would appreciate having a copy of it, at his death I was two years old and have missed the association that a great many boys have and enjoy. This picture is the only one I have and would appreciate it very much if you would let me have it as soon as you are through with it…” The photograph sent was the now familiar portrait of Rev. E. R. Shapard in his clerical robe dating from the 1880s. The image that David possessed was copy of an original tintype cut in an oval shape to fit in a broach worn by Rev. Shapard’s wife, Jennie. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the original tintype has been lost through the circumstance of time; however, the actual photograph that David sent to Rev. Bryce has recently been located and preserved. Because of David’s generosity of its use in 1928, copies of Rev. E. R. Shapard’s image can readily be found to the present-day in books and other media.

    On October 16, 1928, Rev. J. Y. Bryce replied to David’s letter, stating; “Since writing you last the picture of your father has come. I have it in the hands of the photographer, and just as soon as he furnishes me with copy will return to you. You asked me to tell you any thing I might know concerning your father, to comply with this request would be a pleasure if I had the time, for I knew him intimately for a long period of years and to my mind there were few men, if any, that were greater than he. Your father had as much to do with shaping my life as any man out side of my own father, in fact more. I met him first when a mere child, about eight years of age, we were then living in old Skullyville, and all through the years after, until God called him home, he was a frequent visitor in our home, than whom none were more welcome. Your father was my pastor when I was recommended for admission on trial in the Indian Mission Conference, the year 1888… I have a letter at home written to [my] wife and I by your father the year 1888… in this letter he gave us some fatherly advice which we cherished all along through the years. Yours was a goodly heritage, though you did not have the pleasure of growing up with him as your advisor, you had the influence of his life, which is better than all the wealth of the world. It is better to be rich in friend-ship towards God and man than to be rich in money. I never had much money, but I can say that I have always been rich in friend-ship with God and man; this largely due to your saintly father…”

    David and Rev. Bryce corresponded with each other for approximately two months by post. Around November of 1928, the two men had the pleasure of meeting for the first time in person for an intimate conversation regarding Rev. E. R. Shapard. Since the circumstance of death had prevented David from knowing his father, every story about him was precious and kept close to David’s heart.

    For the remainder of the year, David was very active in his organizations. In late October, the Masons had a large jovial initiation ceremony for its class of 50 candidates. The group of men secured a special train reserved exclusively for the event, to transport the 150 to 200 Masons, candidates and guests between the towns of Clarksville and Russellville where the ceremonies took place. For entertainment on the train, the Amrita Grotto Band enlivened the men with music. The train left Fort Smith at 8 a. m. and made stops at Van Buren, Alma, Mulberry and Ozark, arriving at Clarksville at 10:25 a. m., where a parade through the streets was staged upon the men’s arrival. The gents marched to the College of the Ozarks chapel where the first section of degree work was conducted. After lunch at the First Presbyterian Church, the train departed, reaching Russellville at 2:30 p. m.

    David Shapard, as the treasurer of the Amrita Grotto Masons, traveled to Russellville the day before, to prepare the Masonic temple for the ceremony. At 10 a. m., the morning of the event, he opened registration at the temple. When the train arrived, David organized the men for the 4:30 p. m. parade through the town, convening after at the Community Theater for a presentation of degree work. At 6:30, a banquet was held following the ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church, with speakers and merriment. The evening came to a close with a dance, played by the Grotto Band, until the train returned the men home at midnight.

    In 1928, David was once again supporting the efforts of the Red Cross. In November, they began a major pledge drive with a goal to raise $5,000 in their efforts to help the impoverished of Fort Smith. David was absolutely invaluable to these charitable organizations, due to his connections to the powerful men of Fort Smith and his influence among large groups of working men. David joined the drive, and organized and oversaw a committee, to acquire as many donations as they could from the membership of the United Commercial Travelers. Through his efforts, the financial goal was not only met, but far surpassed.

  

 Perhaps, for the first time in his lifetime, David did not spend Thanksgiving with his family, but instead attended a special dinner, at the United Commercial Travelers Country Club, with 100 impoverished or downtrodden boys from the Fort Smith Boys Club. The dinner was arranged by Dr. W. R. Brooksher, and was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, the Lions Club and the local Fort Smith Council of the U. C. T. The organizations had arranged for free transportation for the boys via the Fort Smith Street Car Company. During the dinner, David Shapard was one of the key speakers. He had a talent of truly inspiring the boys, as he had been in their exact place during the majority of his youth. Interestingly, the following month, David was elected as one of the directors of the Kiwanis Club during a meeting at the Goldman Hotel.

    In early December of 1928, about 15 representatives of Fort Smith civic organizations met at the Chamber of Commerce and voted to carry out plans for the purchase of “letter-sweaters” for the 18 members of the Fort Smith High School football team, that went undefeated that year. A committee of David Shapard, Harry Robinson, Dr. W. R. Brooksher, Dr. Wallace R. Bacon and Louis Cohen were appointed to supervise soliciting among the local civic organizations, business houses and business men. In all, the men quickly raised the $175 is needed for the purchase, bestowing the young athletes with a meaningful symbol of greatness and pride, that would be treasured for a lifetime.

    In mid-December, David, and eight of his friends from Fort Smith, traveled to Mena, Arkansas, to attended the 15th Annual Banquet of the Polk County ‘Possum Club. Although this event was highly humorous and silly, it became famous throughout Arkansas, and beyond, and, as such, had the charm of being lauded with great regard. Over 250 members and guests attended the event, whereby the toastmaster and elect speakers gave short witty talks, before the 50 candidates were brought forth for the ‘test of initiation.’ Among other things, each candidate was required to pass an intelligence test and to try out for an ol’ time spelling bee. The audience writhed in laughter as these poor fellas stumbled through their best answers. After which, they were removed for a secret ceremony, before it was announced, to the delight of all, that each of the candidates were accepted into the club.

    While David likely spent Christmas with his brother Edwin and his family at Muskogee, Oklahoma, he spent New Year’s Eve in Fort Smith. The last social event of the year for the Amrita Grotto was a ‘watch party’ dance held at the Grotto mosque. Dancing began at 9:30 p. m. and continued until 12:30 a. m. Music was provided by the Jack Everest Orchestra, and David Shapard, as the Chairman of Entertainment, was in charge of the entire event. Sadly, the era of extravagant parties with string and brass band orchestras, banquets and fancy attire was coming to an abrupt end with the stock market failure of 1929.