Coram

Coram, Thomas (1667-1751), an English philanthropist, and the founder of the Foundling Hospital. He was born at Lyme Regis, and became a sailor, rising to the position of merchant captain. In 1694 he was settled at Taunton, Massachusetts, carrying on the pursuit of farmer and boat-builder. He again went to sea, and finally came to London. He took great interest in the settlement of Georgia, and was instrumental in settling English artisans in Nova Scotia. His sympathy with the sufferings of the poor in London led him to establish the Foundling Hospital in 1740, a work in which he had the sympathies of Hogarth. His works of charity impoverished him, and in his old age he was dependent upon a small annuity raised for him by the subscriptions of appreciating friends.