Rawls Family Genealogy & History

John Bordley Rawls was a prominent American philosopher renowned for his contributions to moral, legal, and political philosophy, particularly in the modern liberal tradition. His groundbreaking work, "A Theory of Justice," introduced the influential concept of "justice as fairness," advocating equal liberties and opportunities. Rawls's ideas on social justice have been instrumental in shaping political discourse, earning him accolades such as the Schock Prize for Logic and Philosophy and the National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Bill Clinton in 1999.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 21, 1921, John Rawls was the second of five sons to William Lee Rawls, a notable attorney, and Anna Abell Stump Rawls. His early life was marked by tragedy when two of his brothers died from illnesses contracted from him.

Lou Rawls, an iconic American baritone singer, made a significant impact on the music industry with his rich voice and emotive performances. He released 61 albums and sold over 40 million records, with hits like "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." Rawls was a three-time Grammy Award winner for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. His dynamic career also included roles in film and television, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. Rawls' charitable endeavors, particularly his "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon," raised over $250 million for the United Negro College Fund, cementing his legacy as a philanthropist.

William A. "Bill" Rawls is a fictional character from HBO's acclaimed series, The Wire, portrayed by John Doman. Rawls ascends through the ranks of the Baltimore Police Department, ultimately becoming Deputy Commissioner of Operations and later Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. Known for his careerism and political savvy, Rawls is a no-nonsense leader who uses his position to steer the department towards his interests, often at the expense of thorough police work. His roles in managing the Homicide Unit, overseeing ComStat meetings, and handling high-profile cases like the Barksdale Organization and the Sobotka murders highlight his strategic yet controversial approach to law enforcement.

Woodrow Wilson Rawls was a renowned American author, celebrated for his classic novels "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Summer of the Monkeys." Despite a challenging start with limited formal education and early life incarcerations, Rawls's passion for storytelling led him to write several manuscripts. His wife, Sophie Ann Styczinski, played a pivotal role in editing and punctuating his work, leading to the publication of his acclaimed books. Rawls's works have earned multiple awards, including the Evansville Book Award and the Sequoyah Children's Book Award, solidifying his legacy in children's literature.

Wilson Rawls was born in 1913 near Scraper, Oklahoma, to Minzy Rawls and Winnie Hatfield Rawls. The family's farm was situated on his mother's Cherokee government allotment, indicating his Native American heritage. During the Great Depression, the family relocated to New Mexico, where his father secured employment at a toothpaste factory.