Biographical Sketch of Dr. John Broadus Jameson
September 3, 1889 – January 2, 1956
John Broadus Jameson was born in the newly incorporated city of Stephens, Arkansas on September 3, 1889. Stephens is a city in Ouachita County and is part of the Camden Micropolitan Statistical Area, incorporated in 1889. The farming family consisted of father William T. and mother Penelope “Pennnie” Wilson Jameson, daughter Augusta and brothers Willie and Jimmie. At 10 years of age in the 1900 U.S. Census, Broadus Jameson’s occupation was listed as farm laborer.
John B. Jameson received his early education in the common schools of Ouachita County. Afterwards he enrolled in the University of Louisville Medical Department, receiving his M.D. degree on June 7, 1917. He served in the Medical Corps during World War I, then came to Camden in 1919 after being discharged from the Army to begin a medical practice at the urging of Dr. W. L. Newton. “Dr. J. B. Jameson, one of Camden’s oldest physicians and who literally grew up with Camden, addressed the noon luncheon meeting of the Camden Rotary club Tuesday at Hotel Camden. He spoke of setting up his medical profession with only $1,000 which he borrowed from a local bank. With this money he purchased a car which was a necessity and bought the necessary equipment.” 1 As a young doctor, he relied on the pioneer physicians of Ouachita County who gave him solace and advice and encouragement until he had established himself. “When Dr. Jameson came to Camden there were only a very few doctors there. He watched Camden’s medical field take firm roots. Such diseases as diptheria, diabetes, polio, pneumonia, and pellegra were prevalent then and little could be done about them but thanks to the discovery of vaccine and many wonderful drugs and serums, Dr. Jameson has said that most if not all of these can be controlled now.”2
- B. Jameson and Margarete Steelle obtained a marriage license in Ouachita County on October 21, 1924. Sons John B. Jr. and William S. soon followed, John B. following in his father’s footsteps as an M.D..
Dr. Jameson actively engaged in practicing medicine in Camden for 35 years. He served as Chief of Staff of the old Camden Hospital up until the time it was converted into a convalescent home about a year before his death. He had been a member of the Ouachita County Medical Society since its organization and served as president. He was active in this organization until his death. He was an active civic leader as well, serving on the board of trustees of Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia. At the time of his death he was serving as president of the Camden school board. “Dr. Jameson was the only charter member of the Camden Rotary Club that was still active in the club.” He had served as president during its early years and again as president in 1953. He was a loyal supporter of the Camden Panther team and had contributed much in their success. He followed the team around on most of their trips and was almost always on hand when a player was injured.” 3
Dr. Jameson died January 2, 1956 in the Ouachita County Hospital after being stricken with a heart attack on Christmas Eve. Burial was in Camden Memorial Park.
1 Camden News, Camden, Arkansas, March 1, 1955
2 Camden News, Camden, Arkansas, April 27, 1955
3 Camden News, Camden, Arkansas, January 2, 1956
John T. Mitchell, BBA August 17, 2024