John Griffiths (surgeon) facts for kids
John Griffiths (born October 28, 1754 – died September 17, 1822) was an important doctor and surgeon in London, England. He came from a family with a strong background; his father, Reverend John Griffiths, studied at Oxford University.
A Royal Doctor and Hospital Surgeon
Dr. Griffiths became the surgeon for Queen Charlotte's household on November 23, 1792. He held this important job until 1818. He also worked as a surgeon at St George's Hospital from 1796 to 1822.
Fighting Smallpox
In 1802, Dr. Griffiths was asked to share his knowledge with a special committee in the British Parliament. This committee was discussing the new discovery of vaccine inoculation by Edward Jenner, which helped protect people from the deadly disease called small pox.
Dr. Griffiths told the committee that he had given the new vaccine to more than 1,500 people. He explained that none of them had any serious problems. He even vaccinated three of his own children over a period of three years, and they were all fine. This showed how safe and effective the new vaccine was.
Family Life
John Griffiths married Elizabeth Hart on June 4, 1787. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir William Neville Hart, who was a Member of Parliament. John and Elizabeth had children together.
Later Life and Legacy
John Griffiths passed away on September 17, 1822, in a town called Charmouth in Dorset, England. His wife, Elizabeth, died a couple of years later on April 16, 1824. They are both buried in the churchyard of St Andrew's Parish Church in Charmouth.
John Griffiths was the older brother of Lieutenant-General Charles Griffiths, a high-ranking officer in the British Army.
John and Elizabeth's son was George Richard Griffiths. Their grandson, George Neville Griffiths, became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.) in New South Wales, Australia. George Neville Griffiths's grandson was William Charles Wentworth IV, who also became a Member of Parliament (M.P.) in Australia. This shows how John Griffiths's family continued to be involved in important public roles.
