Profile of the Day: John Pemberton

John Pemberton

Do you fancy a Coke? On this day in 1831, Coca-Cola inventor John Pemberton was born in Knoxville, Georgia.

Pemberton was the son of James Clifford Pemberton, who was the brother of Confederate General John Clifford Pemberton. Like his uncle, Pemberton served in the Confederate Army. During the America Civil War, he was wounded in the Battle of Columbus when he was slashed in the chest by a saber. Like many wounded soldiers of the time, he subsequently became addicted to morphine used to ease the pain.

A noted pharmacist, Pemberton began seeking a cure for morphine addiction after the war. He experimented with coca and originally concocted a tonic he named Pemberton’s French Wine Coca. Marketed as a medicine, the elixir was said to help calm the nerves. However once prohibition legislation was passed, Pemberton was forced develop a non-alcoholic version. By mixing his syrup with sugar and carbonated water, Pemberton created Coca-Cola and sold it as a refreshing soda fountain beverage that was not only good for your health, but also helped to cure many diseases.

Before long, Pemberton’s new refreshment gained enormous popularity. Today, Coke is one of the most recognized and popular products in the world.

How are you related to John Pemberton? Explore his family tree and discover your connection to the famous pharmacist.
 

View John Pemberton’s Geni Profile