Eleazar Wheelock

Eleazar Wheelock
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Name	Eleazar Wheelock
Birth date	April 22, 1711
Birth place	Windham, Connecticut
Death date	April 24, 1779
Death place	Hanover, New Hampshire
Occupation	Minister, educator, and missionary
Known for	Dartmouth College founder

Eleazar Wheelock was a prominent Congregationalist minister, educator, and missionary who played a significant role in the history of American colonial history. He is best known for founding Dartmouth College, which was initially established as a school for Native American youth, with the goal of educating and Christianizing them. Wheelock's work was influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Samson Occom. His legacy extends beyond the college, with connections to the Great Awakening, the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution.

● Early Life and Education

Eleazar Wheelock was born in Windham, Connecticut, to Ralph Wheelock and Susanna Clarke Wheelock. He studied at Yale College, where he graduated in 1733 and later received his Master of Arts degree in 1736. During his time at Yale University, Wheelock was influenced by the Great Awakening and the preaching of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. He also developed an interest in Native American missions, which would become a central focus of his career. Wheelock's education and early experiences were shaped by his interactions with prominent figures such as Ezra Stiles, Thomas Clap, and Samuel Johnson (Connecticut pastor).

● Career

After completing his education, Wheelock became a minister in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he served from 1735 to 1768. During this period, he also worked as a missionary to the Native American tribes in the region, including the Mohegan and Narragansett tribes. Wheelock's missionary work was supported by organizations such as the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge and the New England Company. He also collaborated with other missionaries, including David Brainerd and John Sergeant (missionary).

● Founding of Dartmouth College

In 1769, Wheelock founded Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, with the goal of educating Native American youth and preparing them for missionary work. The college was initially called Moore's Indian Charity School and was supported by donations from William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth and other prominent figures such as John Wentworth (governor) and John Thornton (philanthropist). Wheelock's vision for the college was influenced by his experiences as a missionary and his interactions with Native American leaders such as Samson Occom and Joseph Johnson (Mohegan).

● Missionary Work

Wheelock's missionary work took him to various parts of New England and New York, where he worked with Native American tribes such as the Iroquois and Abenaki. He also traveled to London and Scotland to raise funds and support for his missionary work, meeting with prominent figures such as George III of the United Kingdom and John Wesley. Wheelock's missionary efforts were often challenging, and he faced opposition from Native American leaders who were skeptical of his intentions. Despite these challenges, Wheelock remained committed to his work and continued to advocate for the education and Christianization of Native American youth.

● Legacy

Eleazar Wheelock's legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his contributions to the education and Christianization of Native American youth and his role in the colonization of Native American lands. Today, Dartmouth College is a prestigious institution that continues to educate students from around the world. Wheelock's legacy is also remembered through the Wheelock Family and their connections to other prominent families such as the Adams Family and the Hancock Family. His work has been recognized by organizations such as the American Antiquarian Society and the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Wheelock's story is also connected to the broader narrative of American history, including the American Revolution, the French and Indian War, and the Great Awakening. Category:American colonial history