This house (#219) belonged to John Hopkins, an African American citizen, from 1851 until his death at age 62 in 1868. His wife Julia continued to live here until she passed away in 1891.

John Hopkins enjoyed a distinguished career of janitor at the Gettysburg College beginning in 1847. Known as "Jack the Janitor" he was immensely popular with students and faculty alike as attested by the presence of the entire college staff and student body at his funeral service.

Like most of Gettysburg's 200 Afro-American citizens the Hopkins family probably fled the town prior to the battle to avoid capture by the Confederates. The experience may have been a motivator for his son John Edward who joined the U.S. Colored Troops Regiment shortly following the battle at Gettysburg and served to the war's end.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. The member who adopted this marker listing is responsible for adding pictures.

Show me all markers in:  

"...run home as quickly as you can."
First Home of Seminary and College
Catherine Foster
"? the battle itself proved a relief."
John L. Burns
Sisters of Charity of Emmitsburg
St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church
Agricultural Hall
"...I Am Going To Die"
Mary Virginia Wade Lived in This House

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.