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Portrait of Eleazar Wheelock, Dartmouth College founder

Eleazar Wheelock Not specified

Congregational minister

Died April 24, 1779 (age 68)
Born

April 22, 1711

Windham, Connecticut, United States of America
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Popularity 0 64 views Trend 0 Age 68 United States of America

Eleazar Wheelock (1711-1779) was a prominent American Congregational minister, educator, and the founder of Dartmouth College. Born on April 22, 1711, in Windham, Connecticut, Wheelock grew up in a religious household and pursued an education dedicated to theology and ministry. He graduated from Yale College in 1733, where he developed his lifelong commitment to education and Christian missionary work.

After his ordination, Wheelock became known for his dynamic preaching and his passion for expanding religious education. In 1740, he became pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Lebanon, Connecticut, where he served for over 30 years. During this period, Wheelock also began training Native American and colonial youths for missionary work, establishing the Moor's Indian Charity School in 1754, which sought to provide education and religious instruction to Native Americans.

Wheelock's most enduring achievement came in 1769 when he received a royal charter to establish Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. His vision was to expand his educational mission, combining classical education with religious training. Dartmouth would go on to become one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States.

Although Wheelock faced challenges in securing funding and balancing the needs of Native students with colonial education, his work left a lasting legacy. He died on April 24, 1779, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Today, Eleazar Wheelock is remembered as a significant figure in early American education and religious life, particularly for his role in founding Dartmouth College.

Learn more about Eleazar Wheelock, their achievements, background, and career highlights - updated regularly on Khandro.net.

Latest news about Eleazar Wheelock

  • Valley News

    Dartmouth Unveils $95M Plan for New Residence Halls on West Wheelock

    Dartmouth College announced plans on 2025-08-25 to build two five-story residence halls on West Wheelock Street to accommodate nearly 400 junior and senior students. The project would repurpose land near the Ledyard Bridge, replacing existing buildings at 37-43 West Wheelock St. The development underscores the continuing legacy of the Wheelock name in Dartmouth's campus planning.

  • Dartmouth Alumni & Families

    Walk in the Footsteps of Eleazar Wheelock and Samson Occom at Dartmouth

    Dartmouth's alumni website features a new initiative inviting visitors to trace the historical paths of Eleazar Wheelock and Samson Occom across campus. The program highlights the intertwined stories of founder Wheelock and his Native American student Occom. It reflects renewed interest in the complex history and legacies tied to Dartmouth's origins.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eleazar Wheelock

  • Who was Eleazar Wheelock?

    Eleazar Wheelock was an American Congregational minister and educator, best known as the founder of Dartmouth College in 1769.

  • When was Eleazar Wheelock born?

    Eleazar Wheelock was born on April 22, 1711, in Windham, Connecticut, in the American colonies.

  • When did Eleazar Wheelock die?

    Eleazar Wheelock died on April 24, 1779, in Hanover, New Hampshire, while serving as Dartmouth's first president.

  • What is Eleazar Wheelock famous for?

    Eleazar Wheelock is most famous for founding Dartmouth College in 1769 and establishing Moor's Indian Charity School in 1754.

  • What was Moor's Indian Charity School?

    Moor's Indian Charity School was an institution founded by Eleazar Wheelock in 1754 to provide education and religious training to Native American youths.

  • Did Eleazar Wheelock attend college?

    Yes, Eleazar Wheelock attended Yale College and graduated in 1733, later becoming a Congregational minister.

  • Where did Eleazar Wheelock work as a pastor?

    Eleazar Wheelock served as pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Lebanon, Connecticut, from 1740 until 1779.

  • Why did Eleazar Wheelock found Dartmouth College?

    Eleazar Wheelock founded Dartmouth College to expand his educational mission, combining classical education with religious and missionary training.

  • Did Eleazar Wheelock work with Native Americans?

    Yes, Eleazar Wheelock worked extensively to educate Native Americans, though his efforts were complex and sometimes controversial in execution.

  • What role did Eleazar Wheelock play in early American education?

    Eleazar Wheelock was a pioneer in higher education, founding Dartmouth College and promoting religious and classical education in colonial America.

  • Where is Eleazar Wheelock buried?

    Eleazar Wheelock is buried in Hanover, New Hampshire, where Dartmouth College was established.

  • Who succeeded Eleazar Wheelock at Dartmouth?

    After Eleazar Wheelock's death in 1779, his son John Wheelock became the second president of Dartmouth College.

  • When was Eleazar Wheelock born?

    Born on April 22, 1711

  • What is Eleazar Wheelock best known for?

    Eleazar Wheelock is known as a Congregational minister from United States of America.

  • How old is Eleazar Wheelock?

    Eleazar Wheelock is 68 years old.

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