Mathews, John Henry, 1785-1862

The first doctor in Painesville, Ohio. He married Martha Devotion Huntington, the daughter of Ohio's third governor. Dr. Mathews had a pharmaceutical company with Jedediah Hills and a medical practice with his half-brother, Dr David Mathews. He was also an abolitionist and suspected member of the Undrground Railroad.

From the description of Papers, 1807-1861. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 17342019

John Henry Mathews (1785-1862) was the first doctor in the city of Painesville, Ohio. Born in Hoosac, New York, on December 25, 1785, Mathews studied medicine with a physician in Albany, New York. Soon after completing his studies, he moved to Ohio, arriving in Painesville in 1808. On December 22, 1813, he married Martha Devotion Huntington, the daughter of Samuel Huntington, Ohio's third governor. The Mathews had three sons: Alfred (1820-1851), Rodney (1822-1882), and Samuel (1816-1891).

Dr. Mathews is thought to have performed the first trepaning operation (the perforation of the skull with a surgical instrument) in Ohio on the ten year old son of Marvin Huntington, a relative of Martha Huntington. In addition to his medical practice, Mathews pursued a number of business activities. He was involved in a pharmaceutical company with Jedediah Hills (druggist, postmaster, and justice of the peace in Painesville) from 1818-1821. Mathews also formed a partnership with his half brother, Dr. David Mathews (1803-1880), which lasted from 1834-1835. He was one of a group of investors who, in 1835, obtained a charter for the Painesville and Fairport Railroad. This ill-fated venture, which started operation in 1837, was the victim of floods and a national depression, which caused the railroad to fail that same year.

Among Mathews' patients were the relatives of Jonathan Goldsmith, the noted Ohio architect. In 1829, Goldsmith built a Greek Revival house for Mathews on North State Street in Painesville. That house is considered to be the best surviving example of Goldsmith's work. It was relocated to the campus of Lake Erie College in 1952.

Mathews was active in the anti-slavery movement, and tried to start an abolitionist newspaper in Painesville. Mathews was reputed to have been a member of the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves flee to Canada.

John Henry Mathews died on July 17, 1862, in Painesville. His wife, Martha, died on September 27, 1866.

From the guide to the John Henry Mathews Papers, 1807-1861, (Western Reserve Historical Society)