Pontius are not surprised at this, for their names are synonyms of neighborly kindness and personal friendship. E. F. Pontius was the first head of the first fraternal and beneficial organization in the county, the Woodmen of the World, and he is the present secretary, and Mrs. Pontius is a charter member of the first woman's fraternal in the county. Mr. Pontius was a charter member of the first Masonic lodge in the county, he was the first noble grand of the Odd Fellows, and is the present secretary.

For twelve years E. F. Pontius served as county clerk and he was twice made special county judge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pontius were active in war work and were g'lad to do their part as privates in the ranks of those who were keeping the home fires burning. While Mr. Pontius very considerably assisted the historian in the collaboration of the historic notes of the county, we were struck with his reticence concerning the important part which he had performed in its affairs and destiny. Where achievement stands out so boldly it is indeed remarkable that the principal should let the record alone tell the story. The fellowship of Sioux county would not have been so complete had it not been for the activities of the Pontius folks.

That First School

The story of the organization of the first school in Sioux county is variously told, particularly that part relating to the identity of the first teacher. From the consideration of all the facts, we are led to the opinion that this is the correct history.