Hopkins, Johns, 1795-1873

Johns Hopkins was a Baltimore merchant and philanthropist.

He was born in Anne Arundel County, MD, May 19, 1795, the son of Samuel and Hannah Janney Hopkins. In 1812, Hopkins moved to Baltimore where he was employed in his uncle Gerard's wholesale grocery business. He later formed a wholesale provision house, "Hopkins Brothers," with his brothers Philip, Gerard, and Mahlon. Through further investments and lending, Hopkins amassed a private fortune, part of which was left as a bequest to fund the university and hospital in Baltimore which bears his name. Johns Hopkins died Dec. 24, 1873.

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