Dr. James Martin Posey

Dr. JAMES MARTIN POSEY (1866-1917) is believed to be the first physician in western Pasco County. He was born in Aiken, S. C., on July 29, 1866. Posey began a practice in Hudson in 1888, according to an entry in an AMA directory of deceased physicians. The AMA directory indicates he was an allopath, licensed in Florida and Georgia in 1888, and that he attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and graduated from the University of Georgia Medical Department in 1889. According to West Pasco’s Heritage, “He had his own drugstore with patent medicines and veterinarian supplies. He filled his own prescriptions. He was the first M. D. to practice in West Pasco County. When New Port Richey was founded, he moved there and had an office until he retired.”

On Feb. 16, 1909, the Atlanta Constitution reported:

During the afternoon Dr. J. D. Posey was arrested on the strength of a telegram received from New Orleans, sent by the sheriff of Pasco county Florida charging him with murder. The sheriff had followed the prisoner to New Orleans, and missed him there. Dr. Posey declares he is not guilty of this or any other crime, but would not discuss the case further. The arrest was made by Officers Lockhart and Rowan, at the post office. It is said Posey was trying to get a letter under an assumed name.

On April 17, 1909, the Tampa Morning Tribune reported that Posey, who was convicted at a recent session of the court in Dade City, would have to serve the sentence of five years unless the supreme court intervened, as the court overruled a motion for a new trial. It reported that Posey was convicted of assaulting R. A. Ellis.

Brenda Knowles says she has heard a story that Posey got into an argument with a man whose well he claimed was contaminated with typhoid and Posey may have killed the man. Posey was incarcerated for a time.

An advertisement in the Augusta Chronicle on Sept. 8, 1912, reads:

For Sale or Exchange—“Hudson Pharmacy,” Hudson, Fla., on Gulf of Mexico, with $3,000 practice summer and winter resort cash price. Best hunting and fishing section in Florida. Good seasons for selling. Dr. Posey, Hudson Fla. 1402 Broad St.

In January 1916, the New Port Richey Post reported:

Dr. J. Martin Posey, of Hudson, has rented the pretty bungalow owned by W. F. Bragg on Orange Circle and moved his family here. Dr. Posey is much impressed with the prospects of a fine little city and enthused over the possibilities of this part of Florida. He has opened an office over the Port Richey Drug Store and will be one of our substantial citizens hereafter.