Woodward, Bezaleel, 1745-1804
Dates
- Existence: 1745 - 1804
Biography
Bezaleel Woodward was born on July 16, 1745. He attended Moor's Indian Charity School and graduated from Yale in 1764. After returning to Lebanon in late 1766, he began to hold various positions at Moor’s and became the first tutor of college department in 1768. Woodward later was a professor of mathematics and natural philosophy at Dartmouth College, as well as a member and clerk of the Board of Trustees. In 1772, he married Eleazar Wheelock's daughter Mary. Woodward also held numerous titles outside of the school. He was an elder of the Presbytery and attained multiple appointments in the local court system. A natural leader, Woodward was an influential member and clerk of several committees, representing both Hanover and the Dresden college district. He was thus a leading figure in the Western Rebellion, promoting several towns’ secession from New Hampshire and union with Vermont. Although Woodward resigned from his professorship in 1778, supposedly disassociating himself from Dartmouth while he engaged in politics, it was merely a formality. Upon Wheelock’s death, Woodward acted as president of the college from April to October 1779. Woodward continued to perform many of the executive tasks even after Wheelock’s son and successor, John Wheelock, took over the position, and also held the late Wheelock’s post of treasurer. Claiming to be finished with politics, he officially returned to Dartmouth as tutor in 1782, and performed the president’s duties while Wheelock was abroad in 1782 and 1783. Nonetheless, Woodward continued to participate in local affairs — in 1783 he unsuccessfully attempted to have the New Hampshire General Assembly approve Dresden’s status as a separate town; and in 1786, he became the county treasurer and register of deeds. Woodward remained a prominent figure at Dartmouth and the surrounding area throughout his life. He was, for instance, involved in the construction of Dartmouth Hall in 1784, and was part of the committee formed in 1788 to regulate the contested use of the fund raised by Occom and Whitaker in Great Britain for Moor’s. Woodward died August 25, 1804, at the age of 59.
Found in 57 Collections and/or Records:
A System of Trigonometry Compiled by Beza. Woodward, Prof. Math & Phil., Dartmouth College
Contains a transcribed study book on trigonometry compiled by Bezaleel Woodward. Organized into two sections: "Plain Trigonometrical rectangular" and "Plain trigonometry oblique" with each containing example problems and solutions.
Agreement between Bezaleel Woodward and Hanover proprietors
Agreement between Bezaleel Woodward (1745-1804) and the proprietors of Hanover over a certain section of undivided land formerly belonging to Ezra Carpenter (1757-1812), signed by Woodward, Jonathan Freeman (1745-1808), Joseph Curtis (1751-1833).
B. W. Woodward receipt
Receipt from B. W. Woodward of Dartmouth College to Randolphe Freeman for twenty shillings for tuition for and incidental charges at college.
B. Woodward letter
Letter from B. Woodward of Hanover to Jon. Freeman in which he mourns the outcome of politics, by hopes Pres. Jefferson may consult true interests of the United States. Anxious to hear about French treaty.
B. Woodward letter
In English.
B. Woodward letter
In English.
B. Woodward letter
In English.
B. Woodward letter
In English.
B. Woodward letter
B. Woodward of Hanover to Jon. Freeman is sending twenty-one pounds part payment on note due addressee.
B. Woodward letter
Letter from B. Woodward of Hanover to Jon. Freeman concerning him sending addressee account againt State.
B. Woodward letter
Letter from B. Woodward of Dartmouth College to Jon. Freeman regarding business of Landaff.
B. Woodward letter
Letter from B. Woodward of Hanover to Jon. Freeman about federal politics.
B. Woodward letter
Letter from B. Woodward of Hanover to Jon. Freeman, informing him that people are pleased with steps taken by Congress to honor memory of Washington. Big fires at Windsor.
B. Woodward to D. McClure
Letter from B. Woodward of Dartmouth College to D. McClure with his views on ministers' salaries. He inquires about his son James.
B. Woodward to Rev. McClure
Letter from B. Woodward of Hanover to Rev. McClure in regard to his son, who is studying under Mr. McClure's insturction and wishes to study divinity.
Bez. Woodward advertisement
Advertisment from Bezaleel Woodward of Hanover for saddles etc. On other side of Mss. is a draft of a note stating that 120 pounds is due Isreal Parsons from Trustees for services on new college bldgs. Bez. Woodward - Witness.
Beza Woodward letter
In English.
Beza. Woodward to Avery, McClure, Wheelock, Frisbie, and Ripley Digital Version Available
The religious revival in the parish. Lebanon, 3p.
Beza Woodward to D. MacClure
Urging him to attend the Trustees' meeting in August. Mr. Jaffrey, Col. Phillips, and Dr. Pomeroy are trustees.
Beza. Woodward to David McClure
He is sending £24 by Avery. Lebanon.
Additional filters:
- Type
- Collection 49
- Archival Object 8