Kirkland, Samuel, 1741-1808
Dates
- Existence: 1741 - 1808
Samuel Kirkland was born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1741. After preparation at Eleazar Wheelock's school in Lebanon, Connecticut, he entered the College of New Jersey in 1762. He received his degree in 1765 in absentia, having left to serve as a missionary to the native peoples of New York. Kirkland was ordained in 1766 in Connecticut and returned to the Oneida peoples that year to serve for the next four decades as a missionary. In 1769, he married Jerusha Bingham, and niece of Eleazar Wheelock. The following year, after a disagreement with Wheelock, Kirkland placed himself under the auspices of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, receiving his salary from that organization and from Harvard College. Kirkland is credited with preventing several conflicts between the native peoples and British and American colonists. He also founded Hamilton Oneida Academy, later Hamilton College, in 1793. Kirland died in 1808.
Found in 35 Collections and/or Records:
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 791114
Collection
Identifier: Mss 791114
Scope and Contents
Five page letter from S. Kirkland in Stockbridge to Peter Thacher, plan to found schools among the Indians. His extra expenses during the famine of 1789. Is going to take his children into the Indian country.
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 791178
Collection
Identifier: Mss 791178
Scope and Contents
Two page letter from S. Kirkland in Oneida to Peter Thacher recommends a Mr. Crosby as good man to keep a school among the Indians.
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 792676
Collection
Identifier: Mss 792676
Scope and Contents
Letter from S. Kirkland if Stockbridge to Peter Thacher has had trouble with his eyes. Death of Good Peter. Calkin us soured by his neglect and suffering: he should have $200 a year.
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 792315
Collection
Identifier: Mss 792315
Scope and Contents
Six page letter from S. Kirkland of Stockbridge to Peter Thacher with a long account of his attempts to arrange a general peace among the Indians.
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 792356
Collection
Identifier: Mss 792356
Scope and Contents
Three page letter from S. Kirkland of Oneida to Peter Thacher congress' appropriation for educating the Indians. They are eager to learn. His plan for erecting a large school. Mr. Calkin's genius for teaching them.
S. Kirkland letter
Mss 792380
Collection
Identifier: Mss 792380
Scope and Contents
Six page letter from S. Kirkland near Oneida to Peter Thacher with estimate of expenses for his proposed Indian school. Quotes a letter from Joesph Brant, praising the undertaking. Calkin's fine work: he deserves more pay.