Historical Marker

John C.C. Mayo-"Dreamer"

Mayo (1864-1914) migrated to this county with his family at an early age. He foresaw the wealth in coal and with meager savings from teaching, he and two others bought mineral rights in Johnson Co. Soon his holdings extended throughout the valley. By early 1900s he had interested Eastern capitalists in Big Sandy coal fields; served as primary link in their development.

Reverse

John C.C. Mayo-"Doer" - Mayo promoted railroads and helped organize banks to assist rail and coal companies. Having gained extensive wealth, he established many religious, educational and financial institutions to help the mountain people. He built his home on this corner, 1904-11, and Mayo Memorial Methodist Church. Mayo State Vocational School had its beginning with the Mayo College.