Archival Documents Referring to Eleazar Wheelock
In the heart of New England, a figure from the past continues to cast a long shadow over the present day. This is Eleazar Wheelock (1711-1779), an American minister, educator, and pioneer in Native American education, best known for founding Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Before establishing Dartmouth, Wheelock started the Moor's Indian Charity School in Connecticut in 1755, with the intent to educate Native Americans and train them as Christian missionaries. One of his notable Native American students was Samson Occom, a Mohegan who became a Presbyterian minister and the first Native American to publish writings in English.
Wheelock's vision was to provide education that bridged cultural divides, though Dartmouth eventually focused largely on educating the sons of American colonists rather than Native Americans, which caused some disappointment among Native leaders like Occom. Dartmouth College received its official charter in 1769, with support from funds raised partly by Occom in England and land granted by the Royal Governor of New Hampshire. The college was named after William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth.
For those interested in delving deeper into Wheelock’s educational efforts and Dartmouth College’s founding, collections containing letters and narratives from students and Wheelock himself can be found in digital archives such as HathiTrust and educational libraries like Trible Library. Some notable documents include The Letters of Eleazar Wheelock’s Indians and A Plain and Faithful Narrative of the Original Design, Rise, Progress and Present State of the Indian Charity-School.
Wheelock was also a major figure in the first Great Awakening, and a painting depicting him, created by Joseph Steward around 1794, can be found at the Hood Museum of Art. During his time at Dartmouth, Wheelock served as President, Trustee, Professor of Divinity, and Minister of the College Church.
Those wishing to learn more about Wheelock's life and career can find detailed biographical information at http://ead.dartmouth.edu/html/ms940_biohist.html. The Eleazar Wheelock Papers, which span the years 1728 to 1779, provide a comprehensive look into his life and work, and more information about these papers can be found at http://www.worldcat.org/title/eleazar-wheelock-papers-1728-1779-inclusive/oclc/122390421.
In summary, Eleazar Wheelock was a significant figure in American history, whose contributions to education and religious thought continue to resonate today. His legacy, as both a founder of Dartmouth College and a pioneer in Native American education, serves as a testament to his vision and dedication.
Through his founding of the Moor's Indian Charity School and later Dartmouth College, Eleazar Wheelock played a pivotal role in education-and-self-development opportunities for Native Americans, demonstrating his commitment to bridging cultural divides and promoting education as a means to empower individuals.
The Eleazar Wheelock Papers, which span the years 1728 to 1779, are a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the life and work of this important figure, offering insights into his contributions to education-and-self-development and his legacy as a pioneering educator and religious leader.
