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
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
In English.
John Willard letter
In English.
Letter to Sylvanus Ripley
In English.
Mary (Brinsmead) Wheelock deed
In English.
Mr. Ripley memorandum
In English.
Rev. Mr. Ripley to MacClure
Dr. Wheelock's plans for them. His trouble with the Governor. Salem, 2p.
Rev. S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure
He is going to Dartmouth soon. His prospects for the summer. Salem, 2p.
Rev. Silv. Ripley to Rev. David McClure
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
An important Trustees' meeting. Ticonderoga retaken. Dart. Coll.
Rev. Silvanus Ripley to Mr. McClure
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
A letter from Count Piper the Prime-Minister of Russia. Dr. Wheelock and a mission to the eastward. 3p.
Robert Hunter letter
In English.
S. Ripley to David McClure
He is eager for a visit from him. Ipswich, 2p.
S. Ripley to David McClure
His trouble with Governor W. for not being a Churchman. Ipswich, 2p.
S. Ripley to Mr. McClure
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
Mr. Frisbie is at Dartmouth. Mr. Dean has taken the superintendency of the School. Mr. Wheelock's condition. Dart. Coll. 3p.
S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure
He is engaged on probation to preach at Ipswich. Newbury, 2p.
S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure
Their pulpits. Their proposed tour to the South and to Quebec. His brother Dunbarr. Ipswich, 3p.
S. Ripley to Rev. David McClure
College affairs. He is to marry soon. Frisbie has gone on a Canadian tour. Dart. Coll. 2p.
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