Charles Taylor Pepper (December 2, 1830 – May 28, 1903) was an American physician and surgeon, who is often cited as the namesake for the soft drink brand Dr Pepper. Many stories on the origins of the drink's name exist, of which the Dr Pepper Museum has been unable to confirm or authenticate which one may be the true historical record. Pepper was a Confederate surgeon during the American Civil War where he practiced at a college in Virginia. After the war he opened a drug store in Rural Retreat where he sold medical supplies and worked in the medical field providing services for the surrounding area. He stayed in Virginia his entire life. Early life Pepper was born in Big Spring, Virginia, on December 2, 1830. He was the twelfth child to John and Mary Pepper (née Robertson). Mid life Pepper attended the University of Virginia for medical training and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1855, beginning practice the following year. He was a Confederate surgeon during the American Civil War and practiced at Emory and Henry College. From 1862 to 1865 the college was commandeered by the Confederate States of America and used as a hospital. Pepper married Isabella Howe (1838–1903) of Rural Retreat on May 18, 1858, in Pulaski County, Virginia. She was cousin to James Hoge Tyler, future Governor of Virginia. They had five children who were all born in Rural Retreat, four of which grew to adulthood. Their children were William Howe ( April 11, 1859); Charles Robertson ( November 14, 1862); Mary Margaret (1865–1867); Lewis Ervin ( February 14, 1872); and Ruth McDowell ( August 20, 1874). Pepper moved to Bristol, Tennessee after the war and practiced as a medical doctor. In 1879 he moved near Rural Retreat, Virginia, and built a home that he named Grassland. He purchased a commercial building in downtown Rural Retreat that he converted into a doctor's office and a drug store. There he practiced medicine for decades and sold medical supplies all throughout Wythe County, Virginia. Pepper continued as a practicing physician until 1896. The drug store building he owned was later purchased by others and ultimately went out of business in 1994. Later life Pepper and his wife were heavily involved in civic affairs and the Presbyterian Church at Rural Retreat. From time to time he provided needed free medical attention to the poor. Pepper's