Arthur C. Horton, M.D.
Brownsboro, Henderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(August 27, 1873 - June 6, 1946) A native of Mississippi, Arthur Columbus Horton came to Texas with his family in 1876. He studied medicine at Barnes Medical College in St. Louis, Missouri and the University of Dallas Medical College (later Baylor University College of Medicine). Dr. Horton married Sallie Belle Worsham in 1899, and opened a medical practice in Henderson County, where he served the public for four decades. After the death of his first wife in 1905, Horton married Vinnie Lee Scott in 1906, and they moved from Leagueville to Murchison where he practiced medicine, served as county health officer and, as a member of the school board, was instrumental in the consolidation of local rural schools. He also was active in the local Masonic Lodge, Methodist church, and Red Cross. He later moved his family and practice to Brownsboro, where he remained until his death. Among Dr. Horton's professional accomplishments was his instrumental role in the eradication of malaria from East Texas. He volunteered for medical service during two of Texas' most devastating disasters, the 1900 Galveston storm and the 1937 New London School explosion.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Mississippi in 1873 and brought to Texas as a child, Arthur Columbus Horton trained in medicine in St. Louis and Dallas before spending four decades doctoring the people of Henderson County. Beyond his practice he served as county health officer and school board member, championing the consolidation of rural schools. He answered the call during two of Texas's worst catastrophes — the 1900 Galveston hurricane and the 1937 New London school explosion — and played a key role in eradicating malaria from East Texas.
Why it matters
Horton embodies the country doctor whose reach extended from bedside care to public health and education across a whole East Texas region.
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Related people
- · Arthur Columbus Horton
Related events
- · 1900 Galveston hurricane
- · 1937 New London School explosion
Themes & tags
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