Ripley, Sylvanus, 1749-1787

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 44 Collections and/or Records:

John Wheelock letter

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

In English.

John Willard letter

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

In English.

Letter to Sylvanus Ripley

Mss 782602
 Collection
Identifier: Mss 782602
Date(s): 1782
Abstract

In English.

Mary (Brinsmead) Wheelock deed

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

In English.

Mr. Ripley memorandum

Mss 782900.1
 Collection
Identifier: Mss 782900.1
Date(s): 1782
Abstract

In English.

Rev. Mr. Ripley to MacClure

McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
 Folder: 774228.2, Box: 1
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

McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
 Folder: 774257.1, Box: 1
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

McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
 Folder: 772477, Box: 1
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

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

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

Rev. Silvanus Ripley to Mr. McClure

McClure MS-1311: David McClure papers
 Folder: 786528, Box: 2
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."

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