PROF. JOHN SMITH.--PROF. SYLVANUS RIPLEY.--PROF. BEZALEEL WOODWARD.
Having completed our survey of the work of the successive presidents,
the deceased professors now claim our attention.
The following sketch of the life and labors of Prof. John Smith, is,
in substance, from "Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit."
"John Smith, son of Joseph and Elisabeth (Palmer) Smith, was born at
Newbury, (Byfield parish,) Mass., December 21, 1752. His mother was a
descendant of the Sawyer family, which came from England to this
country in 1643, and settled in Rowley, where she was born. The son
was fitted for college at Dummer Academy, under the instruction of the
well known 'Master Moody.' He early discovered an uncommon taste for
the study of the languages, insomuch that his instructor predicted,
while he was yet in his preparatory coarse, that he would attain to
eminence in that department.
"He entered the Junior class in Dartmouth College, in 1771, at the
time of the first Commencement in that institution. He went to Hanover
in company with his preceptor and Governor Wentworth, and so new and
unsettled was a portion of the country through which they passed, that
they were obliged to encamp one night in the woods. Their arrival at
Hanover excited great interest, and was celebrated by the roasting of
an ox whole, at the Governor's expense, on a small cleared spot, near
where the college now stands.
"He was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1773; and
immediately after, was appointed preceptor of Moor's school at
Hanover. This appointment he accepted; and, while discharging his duty
as a teacher, was also engaged in the study of Theology under the
direction of President Wheelock. In 1774 he was appointed tutor in
the college, and continued in the office until 1778. About this time
he received an invitation to settle in the ministry in West Hartford
Conn., and, in the course of the same year, was elected professor of
Languages in the college where he had been educated. His strong
predilection for classical studies led him to accept the latter
appointment; and until 1787 he joined to the duties of a professor
those of a tutor, receiving for all his services one hundred pounds,
lawful money, annually. His professorship he retained till the close
of his life. He was college librarian for thirty years,--from 1779 to
1809. For two years he delivered lectures on Systematic Theology, in
college, in connection with the public prayers on Saturday evening. He
was a Trustee of the college from 1788 to the time of his death. He
also officiated for many years as stated preacher in the village of
Hanover. In 1803, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon
him by Brown University.
"Dr. Smith's abundant and unceasing labors as a professor, a minister,
and an author, proved too much for his constitution, and are supposed
to have hastened him out of life. He died in the exercise of a most
serene and humble faith, on the 30th of April, 1809, in the
fifty-seventh year of his age. His funeral sermon was preached by the
Rev. Dr. Burroughs of Hanover.
"Dr. Smith was enthusiastically devoted to the study of languages
through life. He prepared a Hebrew Grammar in his Junior year in
college, which is dated May 14, 1772; and a revised preparation is
dated February 11, 1774. About this time he also prepared a Chaldee
Grammar. The original manuscript of these grammars, as also the
greater part of his lectures on Theology, is deposited in the Library
of the Northern Academy of Arts and Sciences at Dartmouth College. As
early as 1779, he prepared a Latin Grammar, which was first published
in 1802, and has gone through three editions. In 1803 he published a
Hebrew Grammar; in 1804, an edition of "Cicero de Oratore," with
notes, and a brief memoir of Cicero, in English; and in 1809, a Greek
Grammar, which was issued about the time of his decease. He published
also a Sermon at the dedication of the meeting house at Hanover, 1796,
and a Sermon at the ordination of T. Eastman, 1801.
"Prof. Roswell Shurtleff, D.D., says of him: 'Dr. Smith was rather
above the middling stature, straight, and well proportioned. His head
was well formed, though blanched and bald somewhat in advance of his
years. His face, too, as to its lineaments, was very regular and
comely. His eyes were of a light-blue color, and tolerably clear.
"'As a linguist, he was minutely accurate, and faithful to his pupils,
although I used to doubt whether he was familiar with the classic
writers much beyond the field of his daily instructions. But in his
day, philology, like many other sciences, was comparatively in its
cradle, especially in this country. His reputation in his profession
depended chiefly on the recitations; and there he was perfect to a
proverb. The student never thought of appealing from his decision.
"'In his disposition he was very kind and obliging, and remarkably
tender of the feelings of his pupils--a civility which was always duly
returned.
"'In religious sentiment, he was unexceptionably orthodox, though
fearful of Hopkinsianism, which made some noise in the country at that
period. His voice was full and clear, and his articulation very
distinct. His sermons were written out with great accuracy, but were
perhaps deficient in pungency of application. On the whole, he could
hardly be considered a popular preacher.
"'Professor Smith was a man of uncommon industry. This must be
apparent from what he accomplished. Besides his two recitations daily,
he supplied the college and village with preaching for about twenty
years, and exchanged pulpits but very seldom; and, in the mean time,
was almost constantly engaged in some literary enterprise. I well
remember a conversation with the late President Brown, then a tutor in
college, soon after the professor died,--in which we agreed in the
opinion, that we had known no man of the same natural endowments, who
had been more useful, or who had occupied his talent to better
advantage.'"
We give the substance of some leading points of a notice of Professor
Smith, in the "Memoirs of Wheelock."
"In 1809 the college experienced an immense loss, in the death of Dr.
Smith. He had devoted his life chiefly to the study of languages. No
other professor in any college of the continent, had so long sustained
the office of instructor; none had been more happy, useful, or
diligent. Though indefatigable in his studies, he was always social
and pleasant with his friends, entirely free from that reserve and
melancholy, not infrequent with men of letters. At an early age he
obtained the honors of this seminary, and even while a young man was
appointed professor of the Oriental Languages. These were the smallest
moiety of his merit and his fame. Without that intuitive genius, which
catches the relation of things at a glance, by diligence, by laborious
study, by invincible perseverance, which set all difficulties at
defiance, he rose in his professorship with unrivaled lustre. He, like
a marble pillar, supported this seminary of learning. This fact is
worth a thousand volumes of speculation, to prove the happy and noble
fruits of well-directed diligence in study. But the best portrait of
Dr. Smith is drawn by President Wheelock, in his eulogium on his
friend, from which we make the following extract.
"'Early in life, so soon as his mind was susceptible of rational
improvement, his father entered him at Dummer school, under the
instruction of Mr. Samuel Moody. It is unnecessary to take notice of
the development of his juvenile mind, his attention to literature, and
especially his delight in the study of the ancient, Oriental
Languages. That distinguished master contemplated the height, to which
he would rise in this department; and his remark on him, when leaving
the school to enter this institution, was equal to a volume of eulogy.
"'His mind was not wholly isolated in one particular branch.
Philosophy, geography, criticism, and other parts of philology, held
respectable rank in his acquirements; but these yielded to a
prevailing bias: the investigations of language unceasingly continued
his favorite object. The knowledge of the Hebrew with his propensity
led him to the study of Theology. He filled the office of tutor in the
college, when an invitation was made to him from Connecticut to settle
in the ministry.
"'At this period, in the year 1778, the way was open to a
professorship in the learned languages. On him the public eye was
fixed. He undertook the duties, and entered the career of more
splendid services in the republic of letters. His solicitude and
labors were devoted to the institution, during its infantile state
embarrassed by the Revolutionary war. He alleviated the burdens of the
reverend founder of this establishment; and administered comfort and
solace to him in his declining days.
"'From that period in 1779, Dr. Smith continued indefatigable in
mental applications; faithful in the discharge of official duties; and
active for the interest of the society, through scenes of trouble and
adversity. The board of Trustees elected him a member of their body.
The church at the college, founded by my predecessor, intrusted with
him, as pastor, their spiritual concerns, and were prospered under his
prudent and pious care. God blessed his labors; a golden harvest
reminds us of the last. To the force of his various exertions, under
Divine Providence, justice demands that we ascribe much in the rise
and splendor of this establishment.
"'While surveying the circle of knowledge, and justly estimating the
relative importance of its different branches, still his eye was more
fixed on classical science; and his attachment seemed to concentrate
the force of genius in developing the nature of language, and the
principles of the learned tongues, on which the modern so much depend
for their perfection. The Latin, the Greek, and the Hebrew, were
almost as familiar to him as his native language. He clearly
comprehended the Samaritan and Chaldaic; and far extended his
researches in the Arabic.
"'The eminent attainments of Dr. Smith in the knowledge of the
languages are attested by multitudes, scattered in the civilized
world, who enjoyed his instruction. They will be attested, in future
times, by his Latin Grammar, published about seven years ago; and by
his Hebrew Grammar, which has since appeared. In each of these works,
in a masterly manner, he treats of every matter proper for the student
to know. Each subject is displayed, in a new method, with perspicuity,
conciseness, simplicity, and classic taste. His Greek Grammar, we may
suppose, will exhibit the same traits, when it shall meet the public
eye. This last labor he had finished, and committed to the printer a
few months before his decease.[39]
[39] It was afterward published and much approved.
"'If we turn to take a moral view of this distinguished votary of
science, new motives will increase our esteem. What shall I say of the
purity of his manners, his integrity and amiable virtues? These are
too strongly impressed on the minds of all, who knew him, to need
description. He was possessed of great modesty, and a degree of
reserve, appearing at times to indicate diffidence, in the view of
those less acquainted. But this, itself, was an effusion of his
goodness, which led to yielding accomodation in matters of minor
concern: yet, however, when the interest of virtue, or society,
required him to act, he formed his own opinion, and proceeded with
unshaken firmness. Those intimately acquainted with him can bear
witness; and it is confirmed by invariable traits in his principles
and practice, during life.
"'The virtues of Dr. Smith were not compressed within the circle of
human relations, which vanish with time. Contemplating the first
cause, the connections and dependencies in the moral state, his mind
was filled with a sense of interminable duties. He was a disciple of
Jesus. The former president admired and loved him, and taught him
Theology. An amiable spirit actuated his whole life, and added
peculiar splendor to the closing scene.
"'His intense pursuit of science affected his constitution, and
produced debility, which, more than two years before, began to be
observed by his friends. It gradually increased, but not greatly to
interrupt his applications till six weeks before his death. While I
revive the affliction at his departure, its accompanying circumstances
will assuage our sorrow. The thoughts of his resignation to Divine
Providence, through all the stages of a disease, that rapidly preyed
upon his vitals, his composure, serenity, and Christian confidence,
remain for the consolation of his friends, and instruction of all.
"'The fame of Dr. Smith does not arise from wealth, nor descent from
titled ancestors. It has no borrowed lustre. He was indebted wholly to
his genius, his labors, and his virtues. His monument will exist in
the hearts of his acquaintance; and in the future respect of those,
who shall derive advantage from his exertions.
"'In the immense loss, which his dear family sustain, they have saved
a precious legacy; his example, and lessons of social and religious
duties. The church, with mournful regret, will retain the tenderest
affection for their venerable pastor. What shall I say of this seat of
science, now covered with cypress? Those who have trod its hallowed
walks, will never forget his instructions, nor the benevolent
effusions of his heart. Where, in the ranges of cultivated society, is
one to be found, qualified with those rare endowments, which can
supply the chasm made by his death?'"
We insert in its appropriate place the contract made with Professor
Smith by President Wheelock.[40]
[40] See Appendix.
His first wife was Mary, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland, of
Gloucester, Mass., his second wife was Susan, daughter of David Mason,
of Boston, Mass.
* * * * *
Prof. Sylvanus Ripley, who filled the chair of Divinity from 1782 to
1787, was the son of Jonathan Ripley, and was born at Halifax, Mass.,
September 29, 1749.
In introducing him to the favorable notice of Mr. Wheelock, previous
to the commencement of his religious life, Rev. William Patten says:
"Gracious exercises alone excepted, I know not a more promising young
man."
Some extracts from President Wheelock's "Narratives," relating to
Prof. Ripley's missionary labors, are worthy of attention.
"Mr. Sylvanus Ripley, who finished his course of collegiate studies
here last fall, very cheerfully complied with the openings of
Providence, to undertake a mission to the tribes in Canada, and
accordingly prepared for that purpose, and set out with Lieut. Thomas
Taylor, whom he had made choice of for his companion in that tour, as
he had been long a captive with the French and Indians in those parts,
and was well acquainted with the customs of both, and with their
country, and could serve him as an interpreter. He sat out July 17,
well recommended to the Lieut.-governor and Commander-in-chief, and
others of that province, by his Excellency Governor Wentworth, and
others. The special design of his journey was to see what door, or
doors, was, or might be opened for him, or others, to go as
missionaries among them, to open a way for intercourse between them
and this school, and obtain a number of suitable youth, if it may be,
to receive an education here; in the choice of which, he will have
special respect to the children, whose parents were in former wars
captivated by the Indians, and were naturalized, and married among
them."
"September 26, 1772. A delay of sending the foregoing narrative to the
press, gives an opportunity to oblige my friends with a short account
of the success of Mr. Ripley's mission to Canada.
"He returned on the 21st instant, with his companion and interpreter,
Lieut. Taylor, and brought with them ten youths, eight belonging to
the tribe at Caughnawaga, near Montreal, and two of the tribe at
Lorette, near Quebec. Soon after his arrival at the former of these
places, he made known to them the errand on which he was sent, and
disclosed the proposal of sending a number of their children to this
school for an education; and left it to their consideration, till he
should go and wait upon the Commander-in-chief of that province at
Quebec. And after he had passed through the small-pox, which he took
by inoculation, as it was judged unsafe for him to travel that country
without it, he went to Quebec. But his Honor the Governor, as well as
other English gentlemen, were apprehensive that the Indians were so
bigoted to the Romish religion, that there was no hope of success, and
advised him not to go on that errand to Lorette: he accordingly
returned without visiting them as he proposed.
"But on his coming to Caughnawaga he found there two likely young men
of the tribe at Loretto, who set out with a design to go to Sir
William Johnson, with a single view to find a school in which they
might get useful knowledge. They had heard nothing of Mr. Ripley, nor
of any such design as he was upon in their favor, till they came to
Caughnawaga, which is 180 miles on their way to Sir William's, and on
hearing of the proposal Mr. Ripley had made, they waited five weeks at
that place for his return, and on his coming complied with his offer
of taking them into this school with cheerfulness. The same day a
council of the chiefs of that tribe was called to consider of the
proposal of sending their children to this school, which Mr. Ripley
had left to their consideration, in which they were to a man agreed in
the affirmative, and acknowledged with gratitude the benevolence and
kindness of the offer. They continued united and firm to the last in
that determination against the most warm and zealous remonstrances of
their priest, both in public and private; in consequence of which
determination, nine of their boys were made ready to accompany Mr.
Ripley hither; three of which were children or descendants from
captives, who had been captivated when they were young, and lived with
them till they were naturalized and married among them."
A later "Narrative" says:
"The beginning of May [1773], the Rev. Mr. Ripley and Mr. Dean sat out
on a mission to visit the Indians at Penobscott, and on the Bay of
Fundy, as they should find encouragement, agreeable to representations
heretofore made of a door open for service among them."
They had a good measure of success, in some respects, in this mission.
The following tribute to Professor Ripley is from the "Memoirs of
Wheelock."
"In the winter of 1786-7, the college experienced the loss of an
eminent instructor, the Rev. Sylvanus Ripley. He was suddenly called
from his labors, in the vigor of life and the midst of extensive
usefulness.
"After taking his degree in 1771, in the first class which received
the honors of the college, he continued with Mr. Wheelock as a tutor
in the college. In 1775, he was appointed master of Moor's Charity
School, and in 1779, upon the decease of Dr. Wheelock, he succeeded
him in the pastoral care of the church in the college, and soon after
was elected professor of Divinity. Professor Ripley was a learned man,
an orthodox divine, an evangelical and popular preacher. His eloquence
had nothing artificial or studied. His sermons were seldom written;
his manner was pleasing and winning, his words flowed as promptly and
readily in the pulpit as in the social circle."
Professor Ripley died at Hanover, February 5, 1787, of injuries
received in a fall from his carriage, while returning from a religious
service in a distant part of the town.
His wife was Abigail, daughter of Pres. Eleazar Wheelock.
* * * * *
Bezaleel Woodward, the first professor of mathematics in the college,
was the son of Israel and Mary (Sims) Woodward, and a descendant of
Henry Woodward of Dorchester, Mass., 1638, and Northampton, Mass.,
1639, where he was one of the "seven pillars" of the church formed
there in 1661. He was born at Lebanon, Conn., July 16, 1745, and
graduated at Yale College in 1764.
In 1767, Mr. Wheelock refers to him as an associate teacher, and "a
dear youth, willing to do anything in his power" to aid him. The
school is said to have been put on a college basis, in the matter of
study, in 1768, with Mr. Woodward as tutor.
The following letter addressed to President Wheelock illustrates the
versatile nature of his talents:
"Lebanon Sep^r 6^th 1770.
"Rev^d & hon^d Sir,
"Bingham arrived home well last week, and proposes to set out with two
teams about the 18^th Ins^t. We have all of us been endeavouring to
expedite the removal ever since he came home--but I fear Madam will
not be able to set out so soon. She with Miss Nabby propose to ride in
the Post Chaise as soon as they can possibly be ready. Hutchinson is
to drive it for them. The Scholars will likely the most of them foot
it when Bingham goes. Abraham & Daniel seem to resent it that they in
particular should be sat to drive the Cows the Doctor mentioned in
his to me & the English Scholars be excused from it. I have not
procured Cows as yet--we have all been doing & shall do every thing in
our power. Madam is so weak that a little croud overcomes her, that
she has her poor turns very often; tho' on the whole I hope she is on
the mending hand. I fear the fatigue of preparing & the journey will
be too much for her--be sure unless she takes both very leisurely--but
God is able to support her. By the tenor of the Doctor's Letters I
apprehend he has forgot my proposed Journey to the eastward, which I
would neglect, and with vigor pursue the grand object, the removal;
for I see need enough that every one who is able to do any thing
towards preparing should be doubly active now. I see eno' & more than
eno' that is important and necessary to be done, & I never had a
greater disposition to exert myself in getting things forward--but I
have had such a croud of affairs on my mind, & still have, & must have
so long as I continue here, that my health is so much impaired, my
constitution become so brittle, & my nerves so weak, that I am
rendered entirely unfit for application to any business at present; &
therefore that I may be fit for some kind of business the ensuing
winter I am advised and think it highly expedient & neccessary that I
take my Journey soon (before I am rendered unable to do it)--and
Providence seems to point out my duty to set out to-morrow, tho' it is
with the greatest reluctance that I do it, on acco^t of the need of
help here, but I am unfit to do anything to purpose if I stay. M^r
MacCluer will do all in his power, tho' he is obliged (agreeable to
the Doctor's directions) to attend Co[=m]encement next week to collect
Subscriptions--he'll do all he can before he goes, & after he
returns--what _is_ done _must_ be done in a hurry and confusion, &
what _cannot_ be done _must remain undone_. We have been examining the
Scholars this week (& find they make a pretty good appearance) besides
which we have done all we could that I might leave affairs in the best
manner. My present proposal is to go to Boston & settle
affairs--thence to Salem & visit dear Doctor Whitaker--thence perhaps
to Portsmouth--then either return & accompany Madam & Family to Cohos
(which I think of doing if I can get back in season)--or go directly
from Portsmouth to Cohos--in either case I hope to be with the Doctor
within a month. I want much--I long to see you. I want to do more,
much more than I am able, to assist in removing--but the wise Governor
of the Universe seems to forbid my doing much. I desire to commit the
conduct of affairs to him. I shall endeavour as far as I am able to
comply with all the D^r desires in his letters--shall carry the letter
to M^r Whitefield to Boston myself. I shall write to M^r Keen a
general Sketch of affairs. I hope to be able when I see the D^r & the
Trustees meet to be able to determine what to do the ensuing winter.
This Parish have M^r Potter to preach next Sabbath & expect M^r Austin
after that. M^r Austin is now asleep in your house. I expect M^r
Wheelock will be at home the last of next week or beginning of week
after. Mary & Cloe I expect will ride up in the Carts. Porter, Judson
& Collins are to set out next Monday (at their desire) that they may
assist in making preparation. School must (I think) unavoidably break
up till they remove. Scholars have been much engaged in study
(especially in the Art of Speaking) since the Doctor went away. If
Scholars are engaged Instructors must be so too--and if Instructors
are diligent and faithful, Scholars will make improvement. We cannot
learn that the duty on tea is taken off; and I expect difficulty in
disposing of Bills; but shall do the best I can. I have tho'ts of
carrying a Set to Boston. Is it not best to desire Miss Zurviah
[Sprague] not to engage herself in business 'till the Doctor's mind
can be known respecting her going to Cohos--I know not where one can
be had to supply her place (omnibus consideratio)--will the D^r write
his mind respecting it in his next? I have many things to say; but it
is now between 1 & 2 o'Clock in y^e morning, and I find nature flags.
I could get no other time to write. I have neither time nor strength
to copy, therefore hope the D^r will excuse the scrawl from him who is
with much duty & esteem Rev^d & hon^d Sir,
"Your obedient and humble Serv^t.
"Beza Woodward.
"N. B. Family are all asleep. Please give love to Ripley &c. &c.
The "Memoirs of Wheelock" contain the following paragraph relating to
Professor Woodward:
"At the anniversary commencement of 1804, the Honorable Bezaleel
Woodward, professor of Mathematics and Philosophy, departed this life.
He had fulfilled the duties of a professor and Tutor from the
foundation of the college. His profound knowledge of the abstruse and
useful science of Mathematics, the facility of his instructions in
natural and experimental Philosophy and Ethics, his condescending and
amiable manners, will be long and gratefully remembered by those who
have received the benefit of his instructions."
The "Monthly Anthology and Massachusetts Magazine" for September,
1804, has the following notice of Professor Woodward:
"Died at Hanover, New Hampshire, August 25, Hon. Bezaleel Woodward,
Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy in Dartmouth College.
Professor Woodward was born at Lebanon, in the State of Connecticut.
In the twentieth year of his age he graduated at Yale College, 1764.
After a few years successfully employed in the ministry, he was
elected a tutor in this university. Here he soon displayed such
talents and improvements, such readiness of thought and ease of
communication, that he was appointed to the office of professor in
Mathematics and Philosophy. The dignity with which he discharged the
duties of his station is witnessed by all who have shared in his
instruction. In the civil department, and as a member of society, he
was no less eminent than as an instructor in college. We might also
add his usefulness in the church of Christ at this place, of which he
was long a worthy member, and high in the esteem and affections of his
Christian brethren.
"His remains were interred on Tuesday, the 28th. The Rev. Doctor Smith
delivered upon the occasion a well-adapted discourse. The officers,
Trustees, and members of the college joined as mourners with the
afflicted family, and the solemnities were attended by a very numerous
collection of friends and acquaintance.
"The alumni of Dartmouth will join with its present officers and
members in deploring the loss of a faithful and able instructor.
Those who visited him in his late illness have had a specimen of
decaying greatness, alleviated by an approving conscience, and
sustained by resignation and hope. The friends of science will lament
the departure of one of its enlightened patrons. Society sympathizes
with the bereaved family, retaining a lively sense of his public and
domestic virtues; and a numerous acquaintance will mingle their grief
in bemoaning the loss of a sincere friend, a valuable citizen, and an
exemplary Christian."
The records of the public life of Professor Woodward are thoroughly
interwoven with the history of northern New England. Few pioneers in
the valley of the upper Connecticut did more to promote the general
welfare of the community.
His wife was Mary, daughter of Pres. Eleazar Wheelock.