Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 461. DR. J. C. HAWTHORNE was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1819, and was a son of James and Mary (Donald) Hawthorne, who were of English descent. His father was a farmer, but an intellectual, cultivated man, and a graduate of Washington College, Pennsylvania. The boyhood of young Hawthorne was passed in his native county, where his rudimentary education was received, and where he prepared for college. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Bascom, of Mercer, Pennsylvania, and after a brief course under his direction entered the Medical University at Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he subsequently graduated. 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, and engaged in a large general practice and hospital work, where he became widely known and gained an enviable reputation for his professional skill. In 1854 he was elected State Senator from Placer county, and served two terms with honor and distinction. In 1857 he came to Portland, and with the reputation already attained, he at once entered into a position of prominence among the medical men, and soon acquired a large private practice. In 1858 he took charge of the county hospital under a contract from the County Court, subsequently establishing a private hospital for the insane. So successful was he in the management of this institution, that the State, during Governor Whitaker's term, made a contract with him to assume the care of the insane of the State. This contract was from time to time renewed by the State Legislature, and until his death, February 15, 1881, Dr. Hawthorne had charge as Superintendent and Physician of the unfortunate wards of the State, which at the time of his death numbered some 500 inmates. The amelioration of the condition of those whose mental powers became deranged was a subject which strongly appealed to his kindly nature, and he earnestly devoted the best years of his life to the work. During the twenty-one years that he had charge of the Oregon Hospital for the Insane, it became widely known and was regarded as one of the best institutions of its kind in the United States. Though Dr. Hawthorne was highly proficient in every department of his profession, he will always be most highly honored by the record he made as authority upon diseases of the mind. His work in this direction place him among the few who have gained national renown in the treatment of insanity, and the curative rate of his institution was considered equal to that of any similar establishment in the United States. Dr. Hawthorne took an active interest in public affairs, and his judgment and business sagacity were rarely at fault in private undertakings or public enterprises. Politically, he was originally a Whig, but after the overthrow of that party he became a Democrat. He was firm in his convictions, but far removed from narrow party bigotry. The respect his honesty of character commanded made him strong friends in the best element of both parties, and he was retained in office for many years when the State was under Republican rule. He declined all suggestions of becoming a candidate for high public stations, as being devoted to his profession, outside of the laurels to be gained therein, he had no ambition. Dr. Hawthorne was a man of impressive presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner were united social qualities and generous impulses, which created the warmest friendships. He was a Christian as the result of the most deliberate convictions, and for many years was a consistent member of the Episcopal Church. He died at the summit of usefulness, universally regretted, and he has left the memory of a broad-minded, courageous man, gifted with great talents, whose career was eminently useful to his fellows, and in every way worthy of emulation. Dr. Hawthorne was twice married. His first wife, Miss Emma Curry, a niece of Congressman Kelly, of Pennsylvania, died in Portland, in 1862, but a few weeks following her marriage. He was married to his second wife, in 1865, formerly Mrs. E. C. Hite, of Sacramento, one of California's favorite, pioneer daughters. Two daughters, Louise H. and Catharine, have been born to this union, and they, with their mother, still survive. They are possessors of large real-estate interests in Portland, have a delightful home on the "east side," and are highly esteemed by the community, enjoying the warmest friendship of neighbors and associates. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.