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Ripley, Sylvanus, 1749-1787

 

Biography

Sylvanus Ripley was a charity scholar at Moor’s Indian Charity School who became one of Dartmouth College’s first professors and Eleazar Wheelock’s son-in-law. After a brief stint at Moor’s proper, Ripley entered Yale in 1768. He undertook several short missions to the Canadian tribes in the early 1770s to seek out a new source of Native American students for Wheelock. His longest mission, from May to September of 1772, garnered 10 students from Kahnawake, the Catholic Canadian settlement. Ripley was an important figure in Dartmouth’s early history: in addition to serving as preceptor of Moor’s from 1775 until 1779, he was a tutor at Dartmouth from 1772 until 1782, a trustee of Dartmouth from 1775 until 1787, and the College’s professor of divinity from 1782 until 1787 (sources differ as to whether Ripley was ever formally ordained). He was also very involved in the political conflicts that characterized the town’s early history. Ripley died in 1787, at age 37, after being thrown from a sleigh.

Found in 45 Collections and/or Records:

John Phillips Ripley letters

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 792206
Mss 792206
Date(s): 1792
Scope and Contents

John Phillips Ripley letters 1792-1798 to his mother (Mrs. Sylvanus Ripley). Concerning his travels and prospects of employment. Includes: Letter, 1794 June 6, Boston, from Ripley to his sister. Letter 1794 May 22, Boston, from Ripley to Oliver Wolcott. Fragment of letter from Ripley to his mother.

John Wheelock letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 784113
Mss 784113
Date(s): 1784-01-13
Abstract

In English.

John Willard letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 783428
Mss 783428
Date(s): 1783-07-28
Abstract

In English.

Letter to Sylvanus Ripley

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 782602
Mss 782602
Date(s): 1782
Abstract

In English.

Mary (Brinsmead) Wheelock deed

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 782578.1
Mss 782578.1
Date(s): 1782-10-28
Abstract

In English.

Mr. Ripley memorandum

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 782900.1
Mss 782900.1
Date(s): 1782
Abstract

In English.

Rev. Mr. Ripley to MacClure

 Folder: 774228.2, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-03-28
Scope and Contents

Dr. Wheelock's plans for them. His trouble with the Governor. Salem, 2p.

Rev. S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 774257.1, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-04-07
Scope and Contents

He is going to Dartmouth soon. His prospects for the summer. Salem, 2p.

Rev. Silv. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 772477, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1772-08-27
Scope and Contents

The people of Canada. His visit to the Plains of Abraham. His success and difficulties in getting Indian boys for the School. Lieut. Taylor. Quebec, 3p.

Rev. Silv. Ripley to Rev. McClure

 Folder: 777522.2, Box 2
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1777-09-22
Scope and Contents

An important Trustees' meeting. Ticonderoga retaken. Dart. Coll.

Rev. Silvanus Ripley to Mr. McClure

 Folder: 786528, Box 2
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1786-09-28
Scope and Contents

Letter from Rev. Silvanus Ripley of Dartmouth College to Mr. Macclure in which he inquires about the latter's family. The cry for paper money. On the back a note by Mr. Macclure- "Killed by being thrown from a sleigh the winter following."

Rev. Silvanus Ripley to Rev. D. McClure

 Folder: 774174, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-02-24
Scope and Contents

A letter from Count Piper the Prime-Minister of Russia. Dr. Wheelock and a mission to the eastward. 3p.

Robert Hunter letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 782673
Mss 782673
Date(s): 1782-12-23
Abstract

In English.

S. Ripley to David McClure

 Folder: 773670, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1773-12-20
Scope and Contents

He is eager for a visit from him. Ipswich, 2p.

S. Ripley to David McClure

 Folder: 774131.1, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-01-31
Scope and Contents

His trouble with Governor W. for not being a Churchman. Ipswich, 2p.

S. Ripley to Mr. McClure

 Folder: 775112.1, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1775-01-12
Scope and Contents

The prosperous condition of Dartmouth. The fund in England is exhausted. A Theological Society is being formed. Dart. Coll. 4p.

S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 773664, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1773-12-14
Scope and Contents

He is engaged on probation to preach at Ipswich. Newbury, 2p.

S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 774169.3, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-02-19
Scope and Contents

Their pulpits. Their proposed tour to the South and to Quebec. His brother Dunbarr. Ipswich, 3p.

S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 774378.1, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-06-28
Scope and Contents

College affairs. He is to marry soon. Frisbie has gone on a Canadian tour. Dart. Coll. 2p.

S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure

 Folder: 774576.1, Box 1
Part of McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
Date(s): 1774-10-26
Scope and Contents

Mr. Frisbie is at Dartmouth. Mr. Dean has taken the superintendency of the School. Mr. Wheelock's condition. Dart. Coll. 3p.

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