 He was born in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, January 11, 1849, the sixth of 11 children born to Priestly Norman Scurlock (July 3, 1806 – June 22, 1876) and Esther Ann Brown (May 19, 1819 – June 1, 1903).Josiah was said to have studied medicine in New Orleans, thus receiving his nickname "Doc".Described as tall, weighing , with brown eyes and dark blond hair, Doc went to Mexico in about 1870.