About the Author

Henry Matthew (Matt) Ward was born in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee in 1943. His primary education, despite the nature of his book being about private preparatory schools, was all in public schools, graduating from Nashville's Antioch High and subsequently receiving a B. S. from Middle Tennessee State University and an M. A. from Ohio State University.  Both degrees were in music pedagogy which he taught for 15 years (the last six at his alma mater, M.T.S.U.).  He spent the following 25 years in real estate sales, and investment.  Retirement in 2005 has given him the spare time to pursue research and writing. Music is still a big part of his life as he continues to play trumpet in two community bands and in church.

Matt is married to his college sweetheart, Patricia Porterfield Ward.  They have two grown sons with families that have blessed them with 6 grandchildren (so far). Matt and Pat have resided in their home on Murfreesboro's historic Main Street (across from the empty lot that initiated the research leading to this book) for the past 32 years.