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 i 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 50 Collections and/or Records:
Bezaleel Woodward contract
An indenture from Bezaleel Woodward of Dresden, NH transferring land in Norwich, VT to John Sargent and listing the conditions to be fulfilled.
Bezaleel Woodward deposition
In English.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
In English.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
In English.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
In English.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Letter from Bezaleel Woodward of Dartmouth College to Thomas Johnson in reply to Johnson's proposition, writer has engaged his nephew, Bliss, to keep school for Johnson.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Letter from Bezaleel Woodward of Hanover to Thomas Johnson in concerning Johnson's letter about a schoolmaster, writer has engaged Humphrey Farrar.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Letter from Bezaleel Woodward of Hanover to Thomas Johnson introducing Humphrey Farrar.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
In English.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Judgement from Bezaleel Woodward of Hanover, N.H. in case of Joseph Lee vs. Joseph Green. Lee recovers judgment against Green.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Letter from Bezaleel Woodward of Dartmouth College to Jonathan Freeman, discussing a recent fire; the hope that a fire engine may be procured; legistrative action; and local news.
Bezaleel Woodward letter
Autograph letter signed by Bezaleel Woodward in Dresden to Jonathan Chase sharing a copy of Peter Olcott's letter and asks Chase to attend the meeting therein mentioned.
Bezaleel Woodward receipt
Receipt from Bezaleel Woodward of Dartmouth College to Nathaniel Hall given Hall for 12's., his son's room rent.
Bezaleel Woodward to D. McClure
Letter from B. Woodward of Dartmout College to D. McClure, telling him about the appointment of Rev. Mr. Backus as Professor of Theology. He requests him to interview Mr. Backus on the peculiar circumstances of his appointment before the latter gives his answer to Mr. Niles. Mr. McClure's request for resignation from the board of trustees.
Bezaleel Woodward to David McClure
Letter from Beza Woodward of Dartmouth College to Mr. McClure urging him to attend a Trustees' meeting. The President is abroad.
James Wheelock letter
In English.
Jeremiah Mason receipt
In English.
John Payson notes
Notes from John Payson of [Hanover, N.H.] for payment toward expense of meeting house to Bezaleel Woodward to be paided as soon as frame and outside of meeting house are completed. Notes to be paid to Ebenezer Woodward.
John Phillips letter
In English.
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- Collection 42
- Archival Object 8