
John Evans was a physician, academic, and politician who founded several hospitals and educational institutions in the United States and Canada. Evans was born in Ohio in 1814 and graduated with an MD from Cincinnati College in 1838. He practiced medicine in Indiana, where he helped establish the Indiana Hospital for the Insane, serving as its first superintendent from 1845 to 1848. He then moved to Chicago and became involved in the founding of Mercy Hospital (also known as Lakeside Hospital), the city's first hospital. In addition to his medical career, Evans was active in politics, serving as the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1865. He played a key role in establishing Colorado's railroads and was instrumental in the founding of Northwestern University and the town of Evanston, Illinois. Later in his career, he founded MaRS, a Canadian innovation hub, and served as the founding dean of McMaster University Medical School. Evans' legacy is complex, as he is also known for his involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre and his negative views on Native Americans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John Evans |
| Occupation | Physician, Academician, University Administrator, Biotech Entrepreneur, Business Leader, Global Health Pioneer, Railroad Promoter |
| Known For | Founding Northwestern University, MaRS, Mercy Hospital |
| Contribution to Education | Founder of Northwestern University, Co-founder of Lakeside Hospital, Founder of the Illinois Medical Society |
| Contribution to Medicine | Invented an obstetrical extractor, Conducted research on cholera, Proposed a program for quarantine for cholera |
| Contribution to Railroads | Helped create Colorado's first railroad, Secured federal land grants and county bonds to create a Union Pacific line from Cheyenne to Denver |
| Political Career | Governor of Colorado Territory (1862-1865), Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the Colorado Territory |
| Awards and Recognition | Inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, A prominent mountain overlooking Denver was named Mount Evans in his honor |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

John Evans founded Lakeside Hospital, later renamed Mercy Hospital
John Evans, born on March 9, 1814, in Warren County, Ohio, was a physician, railroad promoter, and politician. He founded Lakeside Hospital, later renamed Mercy Hospital, and played a role in the establishment of other medical institutions and railroads.
In the realm of medicine, Evans was instrumental in establishing Indiana's first asylum for the insane and a school for the deaf. He also helped found Mercy Hospital (previously known as Lakeside Hospital) and brought in the Sisters of Mercy to staff the hospital. Additionally, he taught at Rush Medical College in Chicago, becoming a professor of obstetrics there in 1848. Evans also founded the Illinois Medical Society and owned and edited a medical journal.
Beyond his medical endeavours, Evans was actively involved in politics. He was a founder of the Illinois Republican Party due to his anti-slavery beliefs and became a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, who appointed him as the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado in 1862. During his tenure, he worked on establishing the legal system, educational institutions, economy, and infrastructure of the Colorado Territory.
Furthermore, Evans was a key figure in the development of railroads. He was instrumental in securing federal land grants and county bonds to create a Union Pacific line from Cheyenne to Denver, which opened in 1870. He also played a role in establishing several railways, including the Denver Pacific, South Park, and Denver and New Orleans lines.
Notably, Evans' legacy has also been scrutinized due to his controversial beliefs and actions towards Native Americans. He was complicit in the Sand Creek Massacre and held negative views about Native Americans, which have tarnished his reputation in recent times.
Overall, John Evans was a prominent figure who made significant contributions to medicine, politics, and railroad development. His founding of Lakeside Hospital, later Mercy Hospital, was just one aspect of his multifaceted career and impact on American society.
Navigating to Jaslok Hospital: Dadar to Destination
You may want to see also
Explore related products

He was involved in building Chicago's first hospital
John Evans was involved in building Chicago's first hospital. He moved to Chicago in 1848, where he helped found Mercy Hospital, also known as Lakeside Hospital.
Evans was instrumental in establishing Indiana's first insane asylum and school for the deaf. He urged the General Assembly to construct a hospital for the insane, and the project was authorized during the 1845-1846 session. Evans and his family moved to Indianapolis, and he supervised the construction of the Indiana Hospital for the Insane, now known as Central State Hospital. He became the hospital's first superintendent in 1845.
After moving to Chicago, Evans continued his work in the medical field. He taught at Rush Medical College and became a professor of obstetrics there in 1848. He also founded the Illinois Medical Society and edited the Medical and Surgical Journal.
Evans played a crucial role in the development of Chicago's healthcare infrastructure and made significant contributions to the field of medicine. His involvement in building Chicago's first hospital demonstrates his dedication to improving access to healthcare and his commitment to the well-being of the community.
In addition to his work in medicine and healthcare, John Evans was also active in other areas of Chicago's development. He was involved in establishing the city's public school system and parks. He was also a founder of Northwestern University and played a role in the founding of the town of Evanston, Illinois.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Health Scare and Hospitalization
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Evans helped establish Indiana's first insane asylum
John Evans, born in 1814 in Waynesville, Ohio, was a physician who practiced medicine in Indiana. He played a significant role in establishing Indiana's first insane asylum and school for the deaf. In January 1844, a bill was passed to establish a state asylum, and Evans was appointed as one of the commissioners responsible for its construction.
Evans' work in this area was driven by the dire need for better care for the mentally ill in Indiana. At that time, the treatment of the insane in poorhouses was often inhumane, with patients being chained to floors and confined in cramped spaces without clothing or shelter. In 1845, Evans, along with other local physicians, addressed the Indiana General Assembly, highlighting the suffering endured due to the lack of adequate institutions.
As a commissioner, Evans drew on his research on successful asylums, emphasizing the importance of fresh food and water and a country setting. The Indiana Hospital for the Insane, later known as the Central State Hospital, opened in November 1848 with five patients. The hospital was located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and served patients from across the state.
Evans also served as the first superintendent of the asylum from 1845 to 1848, overseeing its early development. During his tenure, the hospital grew to include two large buildings, one for male patients and one for female patients, as well as a pathological department, a farm colony for occupational therapy, and other amenities. By 1848, the hospital had expanded to accommodate around 2,500 patients.
Concussion Treatment: Overnight Hospital Stay?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

He founded the Illinois Medical Society
John Evans was a physician, railroad promoter, and politician. He was born in 1814 in Ohio, and graduated with an MD in 1838. He practiced medicine in Indiana, where he helped establish a state hospital for the insane and served as its first superintendent. He moved to Chicago in 1848, where he helped found Mercy Hospital, and became a professor at Rush Medical College. He also founded the Illinois Medical Society.
In addition to his medical pursuits, Evans was interested in politics. He was one of the founders of the Illinois Republican Party due to his anti-slavery beliefs, and became a friend of Abraham Lincoln, who he campaigned for in 1860. Lincoln appointed Evans as the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado in 1862. As governor, Evans helped establish the legal system, educational institutions, economy, and infrastructure of the Colorado Territory. He promoted Colorado's statehood, but this was rejected by its citizens.
Evans was also involved in the creation of railroads, working to connect Denver to the transcontinental railroad. He was instrumental in the development of Colorado's first railroad, and secured federal land grants and county bonds to create a Union Pacific line from Cheyenne to Denver, which opened in 1870. He continued to be the main financier of Denver's railroad empire until his death in 1897.
John Evans had a significant impact on the medical field, politics, and railroad development in the United States, particularly in Illinois and Colorado. His founding of the Illinois Medical Society was just one aspect of his diverse and influential career.
Medicare and Hospitals: Who Pays the Bills?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.71 $25.95

Evans was one of the founders of Northwestern University
John Evans was a physician, railroad promoter, and politician who founded several hospitals and educational institutions. He was born in 1814 in Waynesville, Ohio, and graduated with an M.D. from Clermont Academy in 1838.
One of Evans' notable contributions was his role as one of the founders of Northwestern University. Established in 1851, Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. Evanston, the college town, was named in honour of John Evans. He was elected as the first president of the university's board of trustees and remained in that position until his death in 1887.
The foundation of Northwestern University can be traced back to a meeting in 1850, when nine prominent Chicago businessmen, Methodist leaders, and attorneys came together with the idea of establishing a university to serve the Northwest Territory. John Evans was one of these founders and played a significant role in the university's establishment and growth. He purchased 379 acres of land along Lake Michigan in 1853, providing the space needed for the university's campus.
Evans' involvement with Northwestern University extended beyond its founding. He donated money and land to fund the university's expenses, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to its success. Additionally, Evans held important positions within the university, including chairing the Board of Trustees. His contributions to the university were significant, and he is remembered as one of its founders and key supporters.
It is worth noting that John Evans' legacy has come under scrutiny due to his controversial beliefs and involvement in incidents related to Native Americans, including the Sand Creek Massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in 1864. Despite this, his contributions to education and medicine, including his role in founding Northwestern University, remain a part of his complex historical impact.
Documenting Stroke Assessments: Pre-Hospital Protocols
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
John Evans founded at least three hospitals. He was involved in building Chicago’s first hospital, Mercy Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. He also founded MaRS, a place where his career as a physician, academician, and university administrator came together.
John Evans founded the Illinois Republican Party, the Illinois Medical Society, and Northwestern University. He also founded the town of Evanston, Illinois, and played a role in establishing the Denver Seminary, now known as Denver University.
John Evans was the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1865. He was also a physician, railroad promoter, and university administrator. He made significant contributions to medical education and global health.



























![The Hospital [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oQ2sBPcmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)








