James C. Hawthorne

James C. Hawthorne (March12, 1819February15, 1881) was an American medical doctor and politician in the states of California and Oregon. A native of Pennsylvania, he was the co-founder of the Oregon Hospital for the Insane in East Portland, Oregon. Hawthorne served in the California Senate and was a member of the Whig Party and later the Democratic Party.

Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, Oregon is named after him.

Early years Hawthorne was born on March 12, 1819, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, to James and Mary (Donald) Hawthorne, who were of English descent. His father was a farmer and a graduate of Washington College, Pennsylvania. J.C. commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Bascom of Mercer, Pennsylvania, and later earned a degree from the Medical University at Louisville, Kentucky.

He commenced practice in Louisville with his cousin, Dr. Hawthorne, continuing until 1850, when he went to California. He then located at Auburn, Placer County, California and engaged in a large general practice and hospital work, where he became widely known and gained a reputation for his professional skill. In 1854 he was elected State Senator from Placer County, and served two terms. )

Oregon In 1857, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he was well received by the medical community, and soon acquired a large private practice. In 1858, he took charge of the county hospital under a contract from Multnomah County, subsequently establishing a private hospital for the insane. Local historians are joining with mental health advocates to shape the memorial area. The gravesite and memorial area adjoins another segregated area for Chinese workers where a separate memorial is planned.