Dartmouth College. Office of the President, Eleazar Wheelock, 1711-1779
Dates
- Existence: 1711 - 1779
- Usage: 1711 - 1779
Biography
Eleazar Wheelock, (born April 22, 1711, Windham, Conn. [U.S.]—died April 24, 1779, Hanover, N.H., U.S.), American educator who was founder and first president of Dartmouth College. Wheelock graduated from Yale in 1733, studied theology, and in 1735 became a Congregationalist minister at Lebanon (now Columbia), Conn. He was a popular preacher throughout the period of the Great Awakening. When a free school he founded to educate both Indians and whites failed for lack of funds, the governor of New Hampshire offered him a township (36 square miles [93 square km]) of land. With about 30 students, he and other settlers established the town of Hanover in 1770. The college he founded there was named Dartmouth in honour of the 2nd Earl of Dartmouth. For the remaining nine years of his life, including the turbulent Revolutionary War period, Wheelock worked for the college, supervising building, preaching, teaching, and raising funds.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Eleazar Wheelock to Nathaniel Whitacker
Draft of 767628.1. Concerns the serious trouble arising from the trust protesting Wheelock's bills; the need of incorporation in America and Ralph Wheelock's ability to manage the Indians would make him the best successor of his father.
Nathaniel Whitacker letter
Two leaved holograph signed (photocopy) from Nathaniel Whitaker in Salem to Eleazar Wheelock Lebanon [Conn]. Colonel Phelps gives an odd account of affairs. Speaks of provisions in the charter and how the Governor had yeilded. Enclosure: Letter 1769 October 31, Salem, to B. Woodward.
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