Dr. James Still was born April 9, 1812 in Indian Mills. His parents were former slaves and raised their family deep in the woods, away from the man who had previously owned them. Although James and his brothers were raised to become farmhands, he developed a greater career ambition. A local legend explains that Still was inspired when a doctor came to Medford to give vaccinations in town. Still exchanged information with local American Indians and learned about various medicine plants and how to make tonics, balms, and oils.

Still eventually left home to try and earn a college degree in medicine. However his race and financial situation left him no choice, but to return back empty handed. Upon returning to Indian Mills, Still prompted his neighbors to give him a chance. Soon, he gained an admirable reputation and worked hard to visit even the most distant patient. In 1877, Still published his autobiography and included several of his own remedies and treatments. The autobiography was entitled Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still. It is regarded a classic in early African American non-fiction.

Stil worked in a one-story frame building, built in the 1850s. Although the office still stands today, his Victorian house was demolished in 1932.

The legacy of medicinal work remained in Still's family. His son, James Still Jr., became the third African American in the United States to graduate from Harvard Medical School and received his degree in 1871. Still's other son, Joseph, also practiced medicine in Medford and later, in Mount Holly.