Pemberton, John S Pemberton, John S. John Stith Pemberton was
born in Knoxville, Georgia, and spent his childhood in Rome,
Georgia. He graduated from Southern Botanico Medical College of
Georgia in 1850. Pemberton briefly practiced as a traditional
Thomsonian "steam doctor," modeled after Samuel Thomson's
Complete System of Practice as outlined in his book New Guide to
Health. Steam doctors used steam baths, herbs, and other
products to induce sweating, which they believed would restore
the body to proper health. Pemberton later obtained a degree in
pharmacy from a school in Philadelphia. In 1855, Pemberton moved
to Columbus, Georgia, with his wife, Anna Eliza Clifford Lewis,
and their only son, Charles Ney Pemberton. Here, he practiced
primarily as a druggist for fourteen years, though he also
performed other medical procedures. Pemberton was a member of
the first licensing agency for pharmacists in Georgia. In May
1862, Pemberton enlisted as a first lieutenant in the
Confederate Army, and he organized Pembe