Coram

Coram, THOMAS, philanthropist, was born at Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, in 1667 or 1668. He was bred a seaman, and rose to be a merchant captain. Already in 1694 we hear of him as settled at Taunton, Massachusetts, and engaged in benevolent work of various kinds. A few years after he seems to have returned to sea, and to have settled in London, after suffering shipwreck off Cuxhaven in 1719. In London he interested himself in the settlement of Georgia, and in planting English artisans in Nova Scotia; but he soon began his long agitation for the foundation of a foundling hospital. Children were first admitted in 1741. Coram's portrait was painted by Hogarth, a warm patron of his scheme. More thoughtful for others than for himself, Coram fell into poverty, from which he was relieved in 1745, by an annuity of £161 contributed by his friends. He died 29th March 1751.