This is a photograph of James Oscar Jordan, age 52, playing poker with a relative or friend. James is the man seated at the left and he is holding up a hand of four Aces and one Jack for the camera. On the back porch table are poker chips, a rose bouquet, several empty bottles, a deck of playing cards and a dark bottle of liquor with a cork. The labels are not clear enough to read on any of the bottles. James is distinguished by his cigar, top coat, white shirt, and tilted back high top hat. He looks every bit the part of a riverboat gambler.

After James Oscar’s separation in November 1911 from his wife Margaret and the children, James Oscar moved in with his mother, Elizabeth Priscilla Jordan and brother Charles Jordan at 2049 Roosevelt Road. Given the the roses, it appears likely the date is Mother's Day, May 9, 1920. And if it is so, it is likely, the other card player is Elizabeth’s son, Charles Jordan, age 46.

Of interest is the bump on his nose. I hadn't noticed this in his earlier photographs but I too have a bump on my nose which I only became aware of in my late twenties. Are there other Jordans who have the nose bump?

James Oscar was born February 18, 1868 in Poplar, England. He immigrated to Chicago between 1882 and 1886. James married Margaret Jane Knowles on December 30, 1896 and was divorced June 19, 1919. His brother Charles Jordan was born Sep 30, 1873 also in Poplar, England. He immigrated on Aug 18, 1893 with his mother, Elizabeth Priscilla Jordan.

Beverly Lynch inherited this photograph from her father Charles J. Jordan who was the 3rd son of James Oscar Jordan. In the late 1980s, she gave this portrait to Dave Jordan. The back of the photo is labeled: James Oscar Jordan sitting at table 1920.

If you would like to add information about this photo, please contact Dave Jordan, a g-grandson of James Oscar Jordan. The Picture Reference Number is DJJ06; Digitized Negatives: 143-12, 143-13, 161-21 and 161-22.