Abstract:
J. E. Shropshire, pioneer lawyer, judge, and storyteller, grew up with the State of Texas, from Reconstruction days to the halcyon mid-1950’s. At the age of 82 “Old Shrop” recorded his experiences and reflections on the early history of Texas. Born on a farm in Fayette County, he tells of adventures as one of nine children relatively unsupervised in an untamed wilderness, and of the development of his successful legal practice. Filled with humor, reminiscence, informed opinion, and philosophy, his memoir is a valuable addition to the folklore of Texas.