Dr. James Henry Wayland

James H. Wayland, born in Missouri, decided to be a physician after he almost lost a foot at 16 in an accident. He studied at Kentucky School of Medicine, then came to Texas. After practicing in Fort Worth and Azle, he moved to the new town of Plainview in 1891. Here he became one of the most active doctors within a 100-mile radius. He used a compass, and at times left homing pigeons to call him to lingering patients. Often he left his own tired horse and took one offered by a rancher. He had trees planted for landmarks on the Plains, and also grew and gave out trees for beautifying this city where he and his wife Sarah (Tucker) reared a family of nine children. He erected several buildings, operated a drugstore, and became a religious and civic leader, joining his fellow townsmen in giving bonuses to secure better public facilities. He and his wife gave $10,000 and 25 acres of land for Wayland College, which opened in 1910. In the 1918 influenza epidemic that killed millions throughout the world, he lost his health from overwork. Afterward he and his wife operated a hotel. He died at age 85, after being honored many times for the good works he had performed for Plainview and the West Texas area. 1976

Dr. James Henry Wayland is a historical marker in Plainview, Hale County, dedicated in 1976. It is one of 39 historical markers documented in Hale County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 43 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 34.1892, -101.7256 near Plainview. The nearest cataloged historic site is Gates Hall (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Plainview Point, Discovery Site of the, Seth Ward College, Site of, and Blasingame Home.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5189001270. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.