"These post cards were written to my great grandfather, John D. C. McClure, by a W. O. Pontius
from Warren in 1927 when my great grandfather was living in New Orleans for the year. My great grand
father had lived in Wilmar, in Drew County. Pontius was something of a cartoonist because the cards are
illustrated with cartoon type drawings. They are somewhat unique.
My great grandfather, John D. C. McClure, was employed as a saw filer with Gates Lumber
Company. He was born April of 1853 in Vigo County, Indiana and died after 1927 in DeKalb, Kemper
County, Mississippi. He and his wife, Emma Maul McClure are buried in Monticello, Arkansas. I do not
know anything about the author of the cards - other than he had a sense of humor!" ~~Sylvia Akin
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(1927)
"Dear J.D.C. -
I am wishing you a
howling good time for tomorrow.
We are to have chicken. Kepharts
have invited us to eat turkey
in the evening.
Pontius"
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"My dear J.D.C. -
Did you ever have a
fellow like this want
to carry on a con-
versation with you.
I would like
to be in a corner
watching and listening.
He is all dressed
up looking for
something.
Mrs. B. ate dinner
with us last
night. Mrs. Anderson
from Wilmar was
visiting Anna.
Our S.S. class has a
banquet tonight at church.
Love,
W. O. Pontius"
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Jan 25, "27
"My dear J.D.C. McC -
Just a month ago today w/ you in
Jackson, Texas. Had a very nice visit indeed. Went in
the rain and came back the same way. Water, water
everywhere and nowhere to swim. I ate fruit cake and
mince pie for three days. Tasted just right - then on
the following Thursday after I got back home I "puked" the whole works up. Had
that in my stomach almost a week. No more fruit cake, mince pie comb-
inations for me!!! You did not state how you were feeling.
Now what are you and your lady friend
going to do since you changed hotels. I hope your new work will
be even more congenial than the other place. I was in Little Rock
on Jan 11-12 for state assn. meeting. Warren is a mud hole
again as they are now building more streets. Will be glad when
it is finished. Truly,
W. O. Pontius"
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(1927)
FRESH
CHITLINS
MY DEAR J.D.C -
ASK YOUR COLORED FRIEND IF
HE RECOGNIZES THE ABOVE. A FRIEND
TOOK PITY ON ME TODAY BY GIVING
ME TWO WILD DUCKS FOR DINNER
TOMORROW.
PONTIUS
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These postcards appear courtesy of Sylvia Akin.
"I looked in the Censuses and found William O. and Anna L. Pontius. They are in Pennington
Township, Warrren Town in Bradley County on April 5, 1930. William is age 45, Anna is age 41; both
say they are born in Indiana. They have been married 20 years. They have a son with them, Harry, age 4,
born in Arkansas. William's occupation is listed as Physician, and he is working as a Chiropractor. He is
not a veteran and owns $5000 worth of home and real estate. They live at 110 Scotta (?) Street, which is
Dwelling #76, Family #78 on Sheet #4A, Stamped page #153.
In 1920 they were in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, Census Sheet #7A, Stamped page #92,
Renting at 201 North New Jersey Street, which is Dwelling #79, Family #189. He is attending school
(Medical?) and is not employed. She is a stenographer for Star Battery(?) Company working for wages.
They have no children, and are listed as William O. and Anna S. Pontius, ages 36 and 31 respectively, and
both born in Indiana; dated January 10, 1920.
I also found a Harry E. Pontius in the Social Security Death Index who might be the son. The birthdate
is right. He was born 27 Dec 1925 and died 19 Aug 1991. Last residence listed is the U.S. Consulate,
Mazatlan, Mexico; Social Security Number 430-38-6263 issued in Arkansas.
From our webpages I also found that Dr. W. O. Pontius was an honorary pallbearer at a funeral in July
1931 for Mrs. William F. Mack." ~~Barbara Logan
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