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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 |
