The need of high regard is not the least of the world’s tribute to that most helpful of all professions—that of the conscientious physician. And when, to his qualities as physician are added those of the practical Christian, such a man’s usefulness is infinitely multiplied. One member of this profession, who has won both sincere appreciation and pecuniary success and who still continues to rise in the ranks of his fellows, is V. J. JERNIGAN, the well-known physician of Obion.
For five generations his family have resided in Tennessee. The doctor’s paternal grandfather was Elisha JERNIGAN, who married Miss STONE. Robertson County, Tennessee, was the home of E. T. JERNIGAN and
L. M. JERNIGAN, his wife. They were both natives of the state, E. T. JERNIGAN being a planter of considerable property. He was largely engaged in the production of tobacco and handled it also in a commercial way. He and his wife were parents of six children, of whom the eldest was V. J. JERNIGAN, the subject of this biographical account. He was born in Robertson County in 1868.
V. J. JERNIGAN received his early training, both in books and in the practical things of life, in his native county. When he was fourteen years of age, Union City, in Obion County, became his home. Here his education was continued in the public schools of the place. When that period of his intellectual development was concluded, he entered Webb Brother’s Academy, at Bellbuckle, and later passed to the McTyre Institute at McKenzie.
Thus, well equipped with the general knowledge, which is ever valuable, the young man, V. J. JERNIGAN, entered temporarily the profession of teaching. In this useful occupation he continued for three years and at the end of that time made arrangements for beginning his preparation for the medical profession.
He matriculated at Vanderbilt University and entered upon the prescribed courses in the College of Medicine in 1897, which is one of the strongest departments of that great institution. He was graduated in 1900, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine.
Doctor JERNIGAN chose the city of Obion as the field for his practice. Here he has built up a most desirable practice and has endeared himself in many ways to his numerous patrons. He is thoroughly interested in every branch of his Science and is constantly increasing his breadth of knowledge.
In 1906 he went to New York City, where he took a post graduate course in the Polyclinic College of Physicians. In 1908 he returned to his Alma Mater, Vanderbilt University, for further post-graduate research. In the year 1912 he took yet more advanced and specialized work in the University of Chicago. The doctor fully realizes the almost infinite possibilities of present day medicine and it is not too much to say that truly great ones will be reached by him.
Doctor JERNIGAN is an important member of the County, State and Tri-State Medical Associations. He is one of Obion’s officers on the Board of Health and is Medical Examiner for several insurance companies. He finds time for fraternal and church associations. Of the former, he is a member of the orders of Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: Hale, Will T, and Dixon L. Merritt. A History of Tennessee and Tennesseans: The Leaders and Representative Men in Commerce, Industry and Modern Activities. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Company, 1913. Volume 5.
