Johnson City in Blanco County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dr. James Odiorne
(1816-1887)
Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 21, 2018
1. Dr. James Odiorne Marker
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.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3671.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 30° 16.709′ N, 98° 24.728′ W. Marker is in Johnson City, Texas, in Blanco County. It is at the intersection of North Nugent Avenue (State Highway 356 Spur) and East Cypress Street, on the right when traveling south on North Nugent Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 213 North Nugent Avenue, Johnson City
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Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blanco County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Blanco County Veterans Memorial Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blanco County Courthouse: One Hundred Years of History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blanco County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); Blanco County (about 300 feet away); James Polk Johnson Building (about 300 feet away); Dr. James F. Barnwell (about 400 feet away); 1894 Blanco County Jail (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnson City.
Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 21, 2018
2. Dr. James Odiorne Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,046 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 26, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
