Mechanism and Personality: An Outline of Philosophy in the Light of the Latest Scientific Research
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Francis Asbury Shoup was an American Confederate soldier, educator, and clergyman. He was also an Episcopal rector and wrote books about mathematics and metaphysics.
Background
Francis was born on March 22, 1834 in Laurel, Indiana, United States, the eldest son of the nine children of George Grove Shoup, a well-to-do merchant, and Jane (Conwell) Shoup. His father was a member of the Indiana constitutional convention and served for many years in the state legislature. His maternal grandfather, James Conwell, was also a member of the legislature, and was founder of the town of Laurel.
Education
After attending Asbury University (now De Pauw), in Greencastle, Indiana, Shoup entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he was graduated in 1855.
Career
Shoup was commissioned second lieutenant of artillery and served in Florida on garrison duty and during a campaign against the Seminole Indians.
In 1860 he resigned from the army, studied law, and was admitted to the Indianapolis bar. During the excitement following the John Brown raid, he organized a company of Zouaves in the city and was chosen captain, but in 1861 he returned to Florida and was admitted to the St. Augustine bar.
He volunteered for service with the Confederate army. Upon the order of the governor of Florida, Shoup erected a battery at Fernandina. He was appointed lieutenant of artillery and in October 1861 was promoted to the rank of major. After a campaign in Kentucky, he became chief of artillery under Hardee, and at Shiloh, by effective massing of his guns, he played an important part in the capture of Prentiss' command. Subsequently, he fought under Beauregard and Hindman and was commended by the latter for his conduct at Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
On September 12, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and, after service at Mobile, commanded a Louisiana brigade at Vicksburg. He was captured upon the fall of the city, but was soon exchanged and served with distinction as chief of artillery to Joseph Johnston. In the retreat from Dalton to Atlanta, Shoup did not lose a single gun, and the works constructed under his supervision at the Chattahoochee River were highly praised. When a court of inquiry reported regarding the loss of stores to Sherman at Atlanta in September 1864, he received mild censure.
After the removal of Johnston, Shoup served as chief-of-staff under Hood. He wrote a pamphlet urging the enlistment of negro troops which was submitted to the Confederate Congress. Upon the reorganization of the University of Mississippi, Oxford, in 1865, Shoup was elected professor of applied mathematics. In 1868 he took orders in the Episcopal church, which he had joined while the Confederate army was at Dalton, and served as rector of St. Peter's in Oxford, in addition to his university duties.
In 1869 he was chosen professor of mathematics at the University of the South in Sewanee, assuming also the duties of chaplain. He became rector at Waterford, New York, in 1875, and later served churches at Nashville, Tand New Orleans, Lousiana. He was recalled to Sewanee in 1883 as professor of engineering and physics, and later, of mathematics, remaining here until his death.
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Views
Francis advocated for blacks to serve in the Confederate Army.
Personality
He was of distinguished military bearing, over six feet tall. He had marked intellectual ability.
Connections
Shoup was married in 1870 to Esther Habersham Elliott of Sewanee, Tennessee, the daughter of Bishop Stephen Elliott, grand-daughter of Stephen Elliott, and sister of Sarah Barnwell Elliott.