John Stith Pemberton

Overview

John Stith Pemberton, an American pharmacist and Confederate veteran, lived a life dedicated to chemistry and the pursuit of effective medicinal remedies. Though he explored a variety of concoctions, he is best remembered as the originator of Coca-Cola, a beverage that would eclipse his other work and become a global phenomenon. His story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, chemical innovation, and ultimately, unrealized potential due to ill health and financial pressures.

Main Milestones

Birth in Knoxville, Georgia

July 8, 1831

John Stith Pemberton was born in Knoxville, Crawford County, Georgia. His early life was spent in a rural environment, which likely fostered an appreciation for the natural world and traditional remedies – a foundation for his later pursuits in pharmacy.

Graduation from the Reform Medical College of Georgia

1850

Pemberton obtained a degree in pharmacy from the Reform Medical College of Georgia in Macon. This formal education provided him with the essential knowledge of chemistry and pharmacology that would guide his experimentation with various medicinal compounds throughout his career.

Establishment as a Pharmacist and Family Life

1850s

After graduating, Pemberton established himself as a pharmacist, opening drugstores in Columbus, Georgia, and later in Atlanta. He married Ann Eliza Clifford Lewis and they had one son, Charles Ney Pemberton. This period represents a time of building a career and establishing a family life.

Confederate States Army Service and Injury

1861-1865

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Pemberton served in the Confederate States Army. He served as a lieutenant colonel within the Third Georgia Cavalry. Pemberton was wounded during the Battle of Columbus in April 1865. This injury, and subsequent pain management, may have played a role in his later experimentation with morphine and ultimately, the creation of Coca-Cola.

Seeking Pain Relief and Experimenting with Medicinal Beverages

Post-Civil War Era

Following his war injury, Pemberton became addicted to morphine, a common pain reliever at the time. He began experimenting with various concoctions in an attempt to find a suitable and non-addictive painkiller. This experimentation led him to create various tonics and medicinal beverages, including French Wine Coca, an alcoholic beverage inspired by the popular Vin Mariani.

The Creation of Coca-Cola

1886

In 1886, with prohibition legislation being introduced in Atlanta, Pemberton was forced to create a non-alcoholic version of his French Wine Coca. With the assistance of Willis Venable, he developed a syrup that, when mixed with carbonated water, became known as Coca-Cola. The beverage was initially marketed as a medicinal tonic, sold at Jacob's Pharmacy for five cents a glass.

Sale of Coca-Cola Rights

1887

Plagued by failing health and increasing financial difficulties, Pemberton began selling portions of his Coca-Cola rights to various partners, including Asa Griggs Candler. He was likely unaware of the immense potential the beverage held, focusing instead on immediate financial relief.

Death in Atlanta, Georgia

August 16, 1888

John Stith Pemberton died in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 57. At the time of his death, he believed Coca-Cola would never be successful. He died relatively impoverished and failed to fully capitalize on his invention, but he inadvertently left behind a global legacy.

Other Themed Timelines

Business Dealings and Sale of Coca-Cola Formula Timeline

Death and Legacy Timeline

Early Life and Education Timeline

Military Service in the Confederate Army Timeline

Personal Life and Relationships Timeline

Post-War Career and Pharmaceutical Ventures Timeline

The Creation of Coca-Cola Timeline

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines