Uncovering Ocia: A Forgotten Family Connection Through a Vintage Postcard

A few years ago, while handling some family matters in Tennessee, I took a detour to explore the charm of local antique stores. I’ve always loved history and the way objects from the past connect us to people and stories long gone. So, when I found a postcard addressed to Kingsport, Tennessee—where a large part of my family hails from—it felt like a perfect memento, a token to honor my roots. I purchased it without much thought, unaware of the deeper connection it held.

That was about four years ago, and recently, I started cataloging my collection of old postcards and antique photos. As I sifted through, I stumbled upon the Kingsport postcard again, and this time, curiosity prompted me to transcribe it. The letter reads,

"I received your card but did

not have time to write but

will write you a real letter

after Xmas. Mamie came last

night with Papa and I think

she is going to like B.S.G fine.

Had a letter from J.D. I sent you

a small gift hope you

get it alright. I send love

to the family. Lovingly, M. Burn"

A lot of my blog content revolves around documents, photographs, and the stories I uncover within them, so this postcard seemed like a natural next project, especially given its personal connection. But as I researched the recipient, I made an incredible discovery: the woman who received the postcard, Ocia Harkleroad, was actually my first cousin four times removed! This postcard I’d picked up as a souvenir turned out to be a piece of my own family’s history.

The journey unraveled further as I traced Ocia’s family lineage. Her mother, Elizabeth

Overbey (1862-1941), was the sister of my maternal 3x great-grandfather, John Wesley Overbey (1876-1927). To think, I’d been holding a piece of my own heritage all these years! Discovering this connection transformed my view of the postcard from a simple collectible to a cherished family heirloom.

A Glimpse into Ocia Harkleroad’s Life

Born on February 23, 1893, in Sullivan County, Tennessee, Ocia Lee Harkleroad was the daughter of Milburn and Elizabeth Harkleroad (née Overbey). Sadly, her life was cut short at just 33 years old when she passed away on December 6, 1925. Though her years were few, they were marked by an active and vibrant social life that radiated throughout Kingsport.

From the accounts I uncovered, Ocia was a popular figure, frequently seen shopping around town with friends and hosting lively gatherings. She had a love for music and took lessons under Mrs. Blair, a graduate of the Seigel-Myers School of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Her commitment to music added a refined, artistic layer to her otherwise bustling life, painting a picture of someone who was both a social butterfly and a dedicated student.

Ocia’s ties to the community extended beyond her social activities. She worked as a special correspondent for the Kingsport Times newspaper, covering local events and, perhaps, some of the town’s juicy gossip. I can’t help but wonder if her bustling social life fed into her work, as her active presence in the community would have kept her well-informed about its happenings.

Family Life and Tragedy

Ocia’s life, though filled with joy and social connections, wasn’t without hardship. Her father, Milburn, passed away in 1921, not long before she did. Records list her as “Mrs. Ocia Lewis,” which indicates she had married at some point. Ocia’s death certificate confirmed that she was a widow at the time of her death, but a newspaper article revealed more complexity. In September of 1925, just a few months before she died, she divorced a man named Orville Lewis.

Orville was a retail truck driver and, interestingly, also a close neighbor. Their bond was deepened by Ocia’s close friendship with Orville’s sister, Beulah. Together, Ocia and Orville had two daughters, Mariette Georgia Lewis (born 1920) and Opal Wray Lewis (born 1923). Ocia won full custody of her daughters after the divorce, and after her untimely passing, her mother, Elizabeth, took on the responsibility of raising them. It’s difficult to imagine the grief those young girls endured, losing both parents in such quick succession.

Ocia’s Final Days

Ocia was known to have health struggles, and her final year was marked by declining health. Many from the Kingsport community came to visit her, offering their support and saying their goodbyes in her final days. Her death certificate lists tuberculosis (TB) and stomach ulcers as the causes of her passing. It’s likely that her health had been compromised for much of her life, with long-term medications contributing to the ulcers that ultimately weakened her. I find it pertinent to note that her daughters were NOT listed as survivors in her obituary. I do wonder if it was done to keep the children off of the radar of her ex-husband.

Reflections on the Past

Reflecting on the life of Ocia Harkleroad, I’m struck by how full her years must have felt, despite their brevity. Her social life, musical pursuits, career, and friendships created a rich tapestry of

experiences that left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Rediscovering her story, I feel a deepened connection to my family’s roots and the lives that came before me. Ocia’s story, especially, reminds me of the resilience and vitality that can exist even amid struggle.

This postcard, a small relic from a Tennessee antique shop, turned out to be more than just a piece of history. It became a bridge to my family’s past and a way to honor Ocia’s memory. Her story is a testament to the power of family connections and the unexpected treasures that can be uncovered when we delve into our histories. Writing about her brings her life, albeit briefly, back into the present—a tribute to her spirit, her struggles, and the legacy she unknowingly left for future generations.