John Houston Barnett, MD

Surnames: BARNETT, BRITTAIN, LEMMONS, DAVIDSON, JONES, BARGANIER

John Houston Barnett, M. D., b July 5, 1884 in Coryell County, Texas, d May 20, 1949 and buried in Calvary Cemetery in Marlin - was a son of Stephen B. and Elizabeth (Brittain) Barnett. The Barnett family moved from Kentucky to Tennessee, thence to Arkansas, and subsequently settled in Coryell County, Texas.

On December 18, 1918, John Houston Barnett was married to Dell Ann Davidson, b September 15, 1887 in Coryell County, Texas, d February 3, 1983 and buried in Calvary Cemetery in Marlin by her husband - a daughter of Joseph Craig and Amanda (Lemmons) Davidson - natives of Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively.

John Houston and Dell Ann both attended school in Coryell County, and graduated from Gatesville High School. After receiving a teacher's certificate, he taught school for two years in Osage - a rural community in Coryell County. In 1905, upon completion of his undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee, he entered Vanderbilt Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee, and received his medical degree there in 1909. Following his graduation from Vanderbilt Medical School, Dr. Barnett returned to Texas - establishing his first medical practice in Trent, Jones County, Texas. When the United States entered World War I in 1918, he enlisted in the Army Medical Corps as a first lieutenant, and served in Newport News, Virginia, until the last of the wounded soldiers were returned from Europe.

After his release from the Army Medical Corps, the Barnetts settled in Marlin, Falls County, Texas, where the two daughters were born:
Jo Jerreine Barnett, b October 16, 1920 - married Harry Lamar Jones of Hallsville, Texas. She received her B.A. degree in education from Baylor University, Waco, and her Masters Degree in education from Columbia. The family reside in Houston, Texas, and they had two children: Harry Lamar Jones, Jr., M.D. - is a Surgeon in Austin, Texas, is married, and has three children; and Linda Dell Jones, who is married and has three daughters.

Joni Dell Barnett, b September 9, 1922 - married Hillary Herbert Barganier, b December 12, 1918, d July 12, 1985 and buried in Calvary Cemetery in Marlin. They had four children, and Joni Dell continues to reside in Marlin.

Mrs. Barnett attended Texas Presbyterian College in Milford, Texas - majoring in French. She became very active in civic, club, and community affairs when the couple moved to Marlin, where Dr. Barnett established his medical practice; and she organized and served as the first President of Marlin Band Parents Association. She served as President of the Women of the Church of First Presbyterian Church of Marlin; was a member of several study clubs, including the Delphian Society and the Learners Club; and she always enjoyed her Bridge Club. She was a member of the Board of Marlin City Library.

Dr. Barnett was active and held offices in the city, county, district, and state medical societies. In addition to membership in the American Medical Association, he was a active member of the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Shire organization, as well as serving as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Marlin. Throughout his life and medical career, Dr. John Houston Barnett's primary dedication was to the general practice of medicine. Because of his devotion, he gained the respect and admiration of not only his patients, but also that of the fellow physicians with whom he was associated. Many Marlin High School friends of their two daughters well remember Dr. and Mrs. Barnett, from the days of their youth when the Barnett was open to the friends of their daughters.

Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.