John Evans
John Evans was born in Waynesville, OH, to David Evans and Rachel Burnett. After starting his studies in medicine at Clermont Academy in Philadelphia, he graduated with a degree in medicine from Cincinnati College in 1838. Soon after, Evans moved to Attica, IN, where he practiced medicine and helped found the Indiana Central State Hospital in Indianapolis. He was appointed as its first superintendent.
Evans later moved to Chicago, where he helped found Lakeside Hospital, later named Mercy Hospital, and was responsible for bringing the Sisters of Mercy to staff the new hospital. While in Chicago, Evans also founded the Illinois Medical Society and taught at Rush Medical College. In 1851, he was one of the members of Methodists who founded Northwestern University and was elected the first president of its Board of Trustees.
His success garnered his political power, and after founding the Illinois Republican Party, Evans became a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. President Abraham Lincoln appointed John Evans the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado on March 31, 1862. Governor Evans and his good friend Reverend John Chivington founded the Territory's first college, the Colorado Seminary, which later became the University of Denver. He continued to serve as the Board of Trustees Chairman until his death on July 2, 1897.
Evans later moved to Chicago, where he helped found Lakeside Hospital, later named Mercy Hospital, and was responsible for bringing the Sisters of Mercy to staff the new hospital. While in Chicago, Evans also founded the Illinois Medical Society and taught at Rush Medical College. In 1851, he was one of the members of Methodists who founded Northwestern University and was elected the first president of its Board of Trustees.
His success garnered his political power, and after founding the Illinois Republican Party, Evans became a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. President Abraham Lincoln appointed John Evans the second Governor of the Territory of Colorado on March 31, 1862. Governor Evans and his good friend Reverend John Chivington founded the Territory's first college, the Colorado Seminary, which later became the University of Denver. He continued to serve as the Board of Trustees Chairman until his death on July 2, 1897.