William Worrall Mayo

William Worrall Mayo (May 31, 1819 – March 6, 1911) was a British-born American medical doctor and chemist. He is best known for establishing the private medical practice that later became Mayo Clinic.

Early life and education

William Worrall Mayo was born in Salford, Lancashire, England. He emigrated to the United States in 1846, settling in Lafayette, Indiana, where he worked as a tailor before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. He studied chemistry and medicine at Indiana University and began his medical practice in 1850.

Career

In 1863, Mayo moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he served as an examining surgeon for the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he opened a private medical practice and was joined by his sons, William James Mayo and Charles Horace Mayo. This practice evolved into the Mayo Clinic, one of the largest and most respected medical institutions in the world.

Personal life and death

Mayo married Louise Abigail Wright in 1851. They had seven children, two of whom, William and Charles, joined their father's medical practice. Mayo died in 1911 in Rochester, Minnesota.

Legacy

Mayo's contributions to medicine and his role in establishing the Mayo Clinic have made him a significant figure in the history of medicine. The Mayo Clinic continues to be a leading institution in medical research and treatment.

See also

• Mayo Clinic
• William James Mayo
• Charles Horace Mayo

References

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  Portrait of William Worrall Mayo
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  Statue of William Worrall Mayo, 2005
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  Grave of William Worrall Mayo