The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 78, July 1974 - April, 1975 Page: 292

PROTECTING THE BIG BEND-A GUARDSMAN'S VIEW
Cartoons by JODIE P. HARRIS
Joseph "Jodie" Pickens Harris III of Mineral Wells, Texas, a young
national guardsman, began his military career on the Mexican border
(19I6-I917). A descendant of Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, the
young soldier depicted military life in the Big Bend country on postcards
which he sent to enliven and enlighten the stay-at-homes in Mineral Wells.
The Harris postcard diary carried his views and comments on personal,
national, and international affairs. Harris's cartoons were put on the drug-
store bulletin board for the townsfolk to enjoy.
Jodie Harris served in both World Wars. During the interim periods he
worked as a druggist, a cartoonist, and an independent oil operator. At the
age of seventy-seven he died in the Veterans' Hospital in Big Spring, Texas,
on May 6, i 960-exactly forty-four years and one day after the "Cinco
de Mayo" bandit raid which precipitated his military career.
Selected Jodie Harris cartoons about the border service follow. They are
used by courtesy of Big Bend Museum, Sul Ross State University, Alpine,
Texas.