J. William White

James William White (November 2, 1850 – April 24, 1916) was an American surgeon from Philadelphia. After participating in the Hassler expedition to the West Indies, he became a respected surgeon, teacher and author at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, with which he was associated from 1874 to 1916. He was John Rhea Barton Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital from 1900 to 1912 and professor emeritus until his death.

Early life and education J. William White was born in Philadelphia, a son of Dr. James W. White and his wife Mary Ann McClaranan. Dr. James W. White was for many years president of the Board of Charities and Correction, founder of the Maternity Hospital in Philadelphia, and first president of the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company.

After completing courses of study in the public schools and Friends' School, J. William White entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of 1871, receiving from the university the degree of Doctor of Philosophy the same year.

Career White – 1922, bas-relief bust by R. Tait McKenzie, Rittenhouse Square

Shortly after graduation he became a member of the staff gathered by Professor Louis Agassiz for the Hassler expedition to the West Indies, the Straits of Magellan and both coasts of South America. After his return to Philadelphia he began practice, became eminent as a surgeon, and during his entire after life was a teacher and writer in surgery. He joined the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1874. His connection with the university as professor emeritus ended only with his death.

On June 22, 1888, in Milford, Connecticut, he married Miss Letitia Brown, who survived him.