THE LEGACY
Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 - December 24, 1873) was an American entrepreneur, abolitionist and philanthropist of 19th-century Baltimore, Maryland. His bequests founded numerous institutions bearing his name, most notably Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins University.
He was one of 11 children born into a family of quakers. In 1807, they emancipated their slaves in accordance with their local Society of Friends decree. Johns Hopkins is described as being an "abolitionist before the word was even invented", having been represented as such both prior to the Civil War period, as well as during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era.
In his will he bequeathed funds for a number of philanthropic causes, one of which was the Johns Hopkins Colored Children Orphan Asylum which offered educational and living facilities, and was praised by the Baltimore American as a place where "nothing was wanting that could benefit science and humanity"