William W. Mayo, William J. Mayo, and Charles H. Mayo

Dr. William Worrall Mayo (1819-1911), along with his sons Dr. William James Mayo (1861-1939) and Dr. Charles Horace Mayo (1865-1939), established and fostered the medical practice that became the Mayo Clinic, now renowned for its research, education, and medical care.

Born in England, Dr. William Worrall Mayo worked as a physician in Rochester, Minnesota, starting in 1863. He set down roots in the community: raising his family and joining Rochester Lodge No. 21. Pursuing the most up-to-date medical knowledge, Dr. Mayo traveled around the country to learn from other doctors and surgeons. He applied this knowledge in caring for his patients. Two of Dr. Mayo’s sons, William and Charles, trained as surgeons. They joined their father in his practice and, in 1889, at a new hospital in Rochester, St. Mary’s.

“the main purpose to be served by the Clinic is the care of the sick”

A Catholic order, the Sisters of Saint Francis, built and administered St. Mary’s. The Mayos served as medical staff for the twelve-bed hospital. Applying new modern knowledge about anesthesia, reducing infection, and other innovations in medical science, the hospital, which focused on surgery rather than infectious diseases, soon earned a reputation for good outcomes. St. Mary’s accepted patients regardless of their sex, race, religion, or their ability to pay. By 1914, the hospital treated 8,000 patients a year. At the same time, the Mayo brothers’ practice continued to grow and, in 1914, they erected a purpose-built clinic that housed labs and doctors’ offices in the same building.

“no man has the wisdom to guide or control the next generation”

Building on their work at St. Mary’s and in their practice, the Mayo brothers created a new kind of medical organization in which patients had access to multiple specialists who shared information about cases. In 1919, William J. Mayo and Charles H. Mayo, drawing from their savings, endowed the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Beyond expenses, Mayo Clinic revenue supported education, research, and patient care. Today, the Clinic is known throughout the world and continues the work envisioned by the Mayos over one hundred years ago.

Photo Caption: J. Mayo, W. W. Mayo, and C.H. Mayo. Wellcome Collection.