Duke University, Perkins Library
Special Collections Department
William Sydney Porter Papers, 1905-1953
Collection No. 4279
Roderick Starnes to Rev. John W. Meyer - December 3, 1960
Box 66087
December 3, 1960
Reverend John W. Meyer, C. S. B.
University of St. Thomas Library
3812 Montrose Boulevard
Houston 6, Texas
Dear Father Meyer,
Some weeks ago as I was about to start a hurried trip to North Carolina I left in the University office a copy of an original drawing and verse by O'Henry. The original drawing has been for years in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Branson of Durham, North Carolina, who graciously permitted me to have copies made in Houston for distribution among interested friends.
The following facts are relevant regarding the origin of the picture and verse. In July, 1879, a group of young people mostly from O'Henry's home town, Greensboro, journeyed over to Pilot Mountain about sixty miles distant for a camping trip. During their stay one of the young ladies, Miss Clara Sergeant, later the mother of Mr. William H. Branson, asked William S. Porter then seventeen years of age, on the back of an album leaf made a pen and ink sketch of Pilot Mountain and their camp site, listed the names of each member of the party and wrote the verse now seen at the bottom of the page. Near the base of the mountain and near the left edge of the drawing he wrote July, 1879. Miss Clara Sergeant in later life wrote the date 1879 shown on the lower left edge of the page and also wrote the vital dates Born Sept-11-1862 Died June 5-1910 now appearing on the right edge of the picture.
With the help of Miss Olivia Burwell, librarian for the Greensboro Public Library, and with the help of my friend, Mr. Martin F. Douglas, prominent attorney and life long resident of Greensboro, I gathered the following facts regarding some of the distinguished members of the camping party.
Miss Clara Sergeant, later the mother of Mr. Branson, was together with her husband, William H. Branson, Sr., prominent for many years in the social and industrial life of Durham and North Carolina.
Miss Lulu Lindsay was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Lindsay, prominent residents of Greensboro. After the death of her father Miss Lindsay lived with her mother.
Miss Mollie Smith, sister of the two brothers present on the camping trip, later married Dr. Lundsford Richardson, who with his sons established Vick Chemical Company.
Albert R. Wilson was later on the leading physicians in early life of Greensboro.
Henry L. Smith, later known better as Dr. Henry Louis Smith, was president of Washington and Lee University.
Egbert W. Smith, later Dr. Egbert Watson Smith, was internationally known for many years as head of Presbyterian missions.
Jesse R. Wharton, Jr., could be any one of several Jesse Whartons, of North Carolina, of Colorado, or of Texas. One person by this name was superintendent of Guilford County schools, and lived in Greensboro. But Mrs. Branson in later life as she was approaching her ninetieth year, seemed to recall that this Jesse R. Wharton, Jr., moved in early life to Colorado.
When I am in Greensboro again, I shall establish the identity of Jesse R. Wharton, Jr., and also the identity of the other parties I have not mentioned.
Hoping these facts may be of interest to you and with best wishes and kindest personal regards for all members of the University.
Yours sincerely,
Rod
Roderick Starnes
RAS/ras
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