. History of the American Negro and his institutions ... edited by Caldwell . s paternal grand-mother was the eldest daughter of parents brought directfrom West Africa. Dr. Pontons mother was Rachel (Day)Ponton whose parents were also native Africans. Dr. Ponton says that he never knew any of the grindinghardships of slavery, as his people and the whites to whomthey belonged were as one happy family. He was yet but achild when universal freedom was proclaimed; though hisfather, Henry Ponton, had already purchased his freedom andwas concerning himself about that of his family when thecours
. History of the American Negro and his institutions ... edited by Caldwell . s paternal grand-mother was the eldest daughter of parents brought directfrom West Africa. Dr. Pontons mother was Rachel (Day)Ponton whose parents were also native Africans. Dr. Ponton says that he never knew any of the grindinghardships of slavery, as his people and the whites to whomthey belonged were as one happy family. He was yet but achild when universal freedom was proclaimed; though hisfather, Henry Ponton, had already purchased his freedom andwas concerning himself about that of his family when thecourse of events rendered further efforts unnecessary. Mungos parents, with a brother and sister, both died in1863, and he was left for awhile in the care of an older from childhood, however, he learned to depend uponhis own efforts and struck out boldly for himself. During hischildhood and for years after Emancipation he was assistedby Mrs. Lucy Ponton who helped him in laying the founda-tions of an education. While inheriting a strong constitution and vigorous mind,. MUNGO MELANCTHON PONTON 420 HISTORY OP AMERICAN NEGRO both have been subjected to exercise that has served tostrengthen and develop them to a remarkable degree. Hisearly years were spent on a farm. During this time he studiedat night. His farm work was followed by railroading, slateroofing, hotel and hospital work—in fact, any honorable occu-pation by which he could earn a livelihood and continue theacquiring of an education by study at night. In the meantimehe traveled some and gained valuable information by his con-stant habit of close observation. This also gave him a largervision of the opportunities opening up before a properlytrained and equipped man, and fired him with greater deter-mination than ever to acquire a thorough education. Speaking of this period, Dr. Ponton says: I do not knowwhether it will interest anyone except myself to know, thatmy older brother hired me out to a farmer for fiv
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