John Lumsden Propert was born at Bluenpistill, near Cardigan on July 19th 1793. He was educated at Cardigan Grammar School under Reverend Thomas Morgan, but left at the age of 15 to become an ensign in a militia regiment (the Napoleonic Wars were then at their height). The highlight of his time in the militia was carrying the colours at the jubilee of George III in 1809.

With scanty means and no prospects of promotion he left the service and 6 months later he qualified as a naval surgeon. After a short time in the Navy he obtained the diploma of Member of the Royal College of Surgeons. Although he was almost penniless, he set up practice in Portland Place, London and was soon very successful.

Dr. Propert died of cerebral apoplexy on September 9th, 1867, aged 74. He was buried at Kensall Green Cemetery in London. During his lifetime he always referred to himself as 'the poor Welsh apothecary' but in fact he had known great success. In addition to the foundation of The Royal Medical Benevolent College, he was appointed High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of Cardiganshire. The respect in which he was held is expressed in the following comment from his Lancet obituary:

"The College should be associated in time to come with his honoured name. He founded it, he supported it by large contributions and in fact made it what it is. For the future then let us never mention it without that association. It is, de facto, the Royal Propert College."

The objects of the Charity which were contained in the Royal Medical Benevolent College Acts of 1855 and 1894, as amended, were the provision of a school and providing assistance to medical men and their dependants.