Marker Inscription
(1816-1887) Prominent pioneer physician, civic leader. Practiced medicine in Illinois and Kentucky before settling in Texas in 1857; moved to Blanco County in 1860. He was Civil War surgeon at Fort Mason, Tex. Served as commissioner and chief justice of Blanco County, 1860s; owned a newspaper, 1885-87. As doctor he went by horseback or gig, regardless of weather. Scarcity of drugs led him to use native herbs for medication; for a sedative (opium), grew and milked garden poppies. He died of burns when alcohol exploded during the compounding of medicine in his drugstore near this site. (1972)
About this site
Odiorne, Dr. James is a historical marker in Johnson City, Blanco County, dedicated in 1972. It is one of 28 historical markers documented in Blanco County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 59 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.2602, -98.4160 near Johnson City. The nearest cataloged historic site is Trail Drives, Blanco County (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park - Boyhood Home (NHL), L.B.J. Boyhood Home, and First Baptist Church of Johnson City.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5031003671. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
