Finding aid for the Henry Jerry John Papers

Biography of Henry Jerry John

Henry Jerry John was born Jindrich Jeroslav John on March 5, 1885 to Czech parents in the Moravian city of Olomouc. When he was five years old, his parents emigrated to the United States, leaving him in the care of his grandparents. At the age of fourteen, he joined his parents in Oklahoma. His name was Americanized to Henry Jerry John.

In spite of financial difficulties and the fact that he knew little English, Henry John entered the University of Kansas in 1907 to study pharmacy, but changed to pre-med as a sophomore. He graduated in 1911, and a research fellowship enabled him to enroll at the University of Minnesota, where he received his M.A. degree in 1912. While in Kansas, he met Murl Springer, a young man who persuaded John to accompany him to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In 1916 John received his M.D. degree and began his internship at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland.

In 1917, Dr. Henry John, by then a naturalized United States citizen, joined the Army medical Corps. When discharged in 1919, he joined Dr. F. M. Allen in Morristown, New Jersey, who was conducting research on diabetes. While there, John met Dr. John Phillips, one of the founders of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, who asked him to become a member of the medical staff at the Clinic. John accepted the offer and was soon known widely as a specialist in diabetes.

On October 9, 1928, Dr. John married Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Beamon. The following year they donated their summer cabin and land to found Camp Ho Mita Koda ("Welcome Friend" in Sioux), the first non-profit summer camp for diabetic children, which they directed for 20 years.

In addition to his medical career, which included service in both world wars and a private practice established in 1933, Dr. John was known for his literary and artistic talents. He was interested in Czech graphic art and possessed a large collection of it. An interest in Czech literature led to his translation of several works into English. In addition, he was a talented wood carver, making many fine pieces of sculpture and furniture.

Dr. John won many awards and honors for his medical, artistic, and community activities. A few of these include membership in the Western Reserve Medical Association (1927); membership in the Rowfant Club of Cleveland (1937); the Charles Eisenman Award for outstanding work in the community (1937); honorary membership in the Czech Endocrinological Society, Prague (1940); honorary membership in the American Physicians' Art Association (1942), from which he won Art Prizes in 1944 and 1948; honorary membership in the Officers' Club of Lawson General hospital in Atlanta, Georgia (1943); honorary membership in the Czech Medical Society, Prague (1944); president of the Cleveland Diabetes Association (1948); the Cuyahoga Tallyho Award, Cleveland (1950); honorary membership in the Professional Mens' Club, Cleveland (1956); and honorary membership in the Czechoslovak Medical Society. He was also a member of the Manes Art Club in Prague, the Cleveland Art Club, and the New York Art Club.

Dr. Henry J. John died on March 28, 1971.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Henry Jerry John

Scope and Content

The Henry Jerry John Papers, 1903-1971 and undated, consist of an autobiography, biographical information, diaries, journals, correspondence, medical and literary writings, drawings, legal documents, naturalization papers, contracts, awards, certificates, newspaper clippings and miscellaneous material. Also included are papers of Elizabeth B. John and records of Camp Ho Mita Koda.

This collection will be useful to researchers studying the medical history of Cleveland, Ohio, particularly the activities of Dr. Henry John in the field of diabetes research and treatment. The diaries and journals in this collection are written on such subjects as Dr. John's experiences as an army medical officer during World War I, his trip to Prague in 1928 to speak on his work with diabetics at an All-Slavic Conference, the Cleveland Clinic disaster of 1929, and a scrapbook detailing his receipt of the Charles Eisenman Award from the Jewish Welfare Federation in 1937. Many of his writings address the treatment of diabetes, particularly the diabetic child. There are extensive records of Camp Ho Mita Koda including six bound volumes of newspaper clippings, articles, and other materials. The collection also includes the papers of Betty John, including correspondence relating to her struggles with the Veterans Administration and Dr. John's National Service Life Insurance.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Use

Literary rights to the collection have been retained by the donor.

Restrictions on Access

None.

The researcher should also consult PG 119 Henry Jerry John Photographs.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] MS 3621 Henry Jerry John Papers, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

Gift of Betty John in 1971.

Processing Information

Processed by Susan Ellen Emser in 1975.

Detailed Description of The Collection