Dr. James Still (1812-1882) was not a trained or licensed physician. At a time when most doctors relied on unproven medications, James Still was a distinguished herbalist--a seller of botanical remedies of his own devising, the superiority of which gained him a large clientele. Known as the "black doctor" of the pinelands, early New Jersey settlers came from miles around to be treated by Dr. Still. With only three months of traditional schooling, he was a self-taught doctor, using money he earned from working in a glue factory to buy books on medical botany. At 16 he was indentured to a Quaker farmer for three years. Following that, he worked at several jobs, keeping in his mind the hope of entering medical school. By the time he was in his early 50's, he had married, bought a small farm, and lost his wife and daughter. He began, with a used still, to distill roots, berries, and leaves and prepared remedies for family members and, eventually, people from near and far. As his knowledge and reputation grew, and in spite of attempts by other physicians to keep him from practicing, his practice prospered. He became the third wealthiest man in Burlington County. In addition to practicing medicine, Still was a highly accomplished writer. In 1877, he published his memoir entitled Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still. The book presents a first-person account of his childhood, medical practice and his personal insights. It is considered a classic piece of African American non-fiction literature.
