John Theophil Strentzel (29 November 1813 – 31 October 1890)[2] was a Polish-born physician who gained fame as a pioneer in the area of experimental California horticulture.

Born in Lublin, Poland into a wealthy family, Strentzel was forced into exile after his participation in the Polish revolution of 1830.

To avoid being inducted into the Russian army, he and his brother Henry emigrated to the United States of America, settling in Texas in 1840.

[5] Strentzel was one of the first scientific horticulturists of the fruit-growing state; his ranch produced and shipped hundreds of tons of fruit annually.

[7] After his death, his wife and daughter donated land on the town's Main Street, with the condition that a library be built immediately.