James Maxie Ponder facts for kids

James Maxie Ponder (born February 22, 1888 – died March 4, 1958) was a very important doctor. He was the first African-American doctor allowed to work at Mercy Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Ponder was seen as a strong leader in the African American community there. He even received a special award, called a Presidential Citation, for his brave work as a doctor in the US Army during World War I.

Dr. Ponder's Early Life

James Ponder was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His parents were William and Addie Ponder. He went to Howard Academy in Ocala. After that, he studied at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1915, he finished his medical studies at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Ponder's Amazing Career

After becoming a doctor, James Ponder started his own medical office. It was right in his house in Ocala! His kitchen even became an emergency operating room. His son, Ernest, remembered that people with injuries from accidents or fights would come to their home at all hours. Dr. Ponder would always help them. Sometimes, instead of money, people would pay him with chickens, vegetables, or ham.

In 1917, Dr. Ponder joined the Army Medical Reserve Corps. He was a First Lieutenant in the 368th Infantry. This unit was part of the 92nd Infantry Division. He cared for many soldiers who were hurt, including those affected by gas attacks. His unit fought in the Vosges Mountains and near Metz. Dr. Ponder received a special award for his excellent work in stopping the spread of diseases. This experience later helped him deal with a smallpox outbreak in St. Petersburg. He left the army on March 7, 1919.

After the war, Dr. Ponder went back to his home practice in Ocala. In 1924, he moved his family to St. Petersburg, Florida. There, he became an assistant city doctor. He set up his office in a building owned by African Americans. Thousands of African Americans came to St. Petersburg to see him.

In 1926, Dr. Ponder became the city doctor for people who needed help and for the African American community. He was the first African American doctor allowed to work at Mercy Hospital in St. Petersburg. He also helped create a special part of Mercy Hospital for African American mothers-to-be.

Dr. Ponder was a very important leader in the African American community. He was the chairman of the Trustees for Black Schools in Pinellas County. His job was to help make these schools better. He was also the first African American to become an active member of the Pinellas County Medical Society. Plus, he was the first African American in the Southern States to get a special membership in the National Council of World War Veterans. Dr. Ponder was chosen as the state commander. He helped bring African American veterans together across Florida. He stopped working in 1951.

Remembering Dr. Ponder

Dr. Ponder passed away on March 4, 1958. He was at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Bay Pines, Florida. He died from a heart attack. During his funeral, the flag at city hall was lowered to half staff to honor him. There is a bronze plaque (a special metal sign) in his memory at Bayfront Medical Center. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and three grandchildren.

Dr. Ponder's Family Life

In 1917, Dr. Ponder married Fanny Ayer, who was a teacher. Their son, Ernest, was born on April 3, 1918. Ernest later graduated from Morehouse College. When his mother, Fanny, became too sick to teach, Ernest took over her class at Gibbs High School. James and Fanny also adopted a girl named Florine sometime in the 1920s.