Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-09-28
Dartmouth College,
HANOVER, n. H., Sept. IS


with historical facts, "Scribble, scribble,
scribble, Mr.. Gibbon perceive you are
always scribbling." Now while [ would
not reject the enviable reputation of the
great historian, I certainly do not desire
to convey to the readers of the HERALD
the impression that | am always scrlb-
bling, and that my pet subject is my
college" I desire in this number to give
the many readers of the HERALD short
history of Dartmouth sCollege, the facts
concerning which have obtained malnly
from work entitled, "Alumni of Dart
m outh College," by G. T. Chapman, and
an article from President Smith, in re-
cent number of the Old and Neao.
1t appears that in 1854, an Indian char
ity school was established in Lebanon,
now Columbia, Conn, through the instru-
mentality of Eleazer Wheelock, d. D.,
and named after Mr.. Moor, one of its
principal benef4ctors. Here the Indian
mind was cultivated for some 16 years
when DR.. Wheelock determined upon Sc.
curing a more suitable place for the To-
cation Of the school, and of adding a SEM
inarv for the instruction of English pu-
pills. For this purpose he explored the
western part of New Hampshire, in ITO,
and settled upon Dresden, now Hanover
Hon. John Wentworth, then Royal Gov
ernor of the colony, offered large landed
endowments for the support of the school,
and obtained the charter of Dartmouth
College, dated December 18Th, 1863, from
| Gsorge the III. This name was given
as a compliment to the Earl of Dartmouth,
who had contributed to the support of
the Moor school. The charter recognized
DR.. Wheelock as founder and president.
The doctor, his wife and about 70 persons
removed to Hanover in August, ITO.
The place chosen for the school was upon
the Connecticut, in the midst of a will
derness, where no settlement Ihad been
made. The people were obliged to un-
dergo innumerable hardships during the
long winter months. But DR.. Wheelock
was not man to turn back. Huts were
put up-a framed house so feet long was
styled the college Little do the present
students realize the many difficulties the
lrst members of the college were obliged
to endure. They were in the heart of
Wilderness. far from home and friends
no communication could reach them for
weeks or perhaps months. The wild
beast still rosmed the primeval forest );
nor were the Indians then gone from their
hunting grounds along the beautiful rlV-
er. Thus it was during the first few
years Of Dartmouths existence.
The first class that was graduated con-
tanned four members; the second class of
| 1872, two; the third, six. DIR. Wheelock
occupied the presidential chair nine years,
and then 'passed from time to eternity"
Of the classes instructed by him 80 be-
came grad yates of Dartmouth college.
The second President, was Hon. John
Wheelock, son of the founder. He occu-
pied this position 36 years. During his
presidency the present Dartmouth Hall
was erected, in 1886. The medical de-
partment was established in 1898. The
first Professor was Nathan Smith, NJ. d.
The third President was Francis Brown,
d. D. Soon after accepting the chair, the
Legisture of N. H, passed law modify
ing the college charter,-increasing the
number of trustees and changing the
name to Dartmouth University. Hence
arose the famous Dartmouth College Con-
troversy, maintained in behalf of the old
trustrees, by Daniel Webster. Judgment
was given in favor of the college, and it
returned to its former position, much to
the relief Of the people.
Preti lent Browns health was injured
by labor on this law case, and he came to
premature death, having presided over
his college but five years. Following him
was Daniel Dunn, D. D., the fourth Presi-
dent, he commences his labors in 1920,
and resigned in 81.
The next President was Bennett Tyler,
D. D.. he discharged his duties for six
years, giving good satisfaction. He re-
signed in 1928.
Nathan Lord, D. D., was the sixth
President; Re held his Office for 30 yesrs,
resigning in 1868 The interests of the
college prospered finely under bis direc'
ton, and so large number of students
entered the college that Wentworth,
Thornton and Reid Halls were built for
their accommodation also the observatory
which was built and finished by the liber'
alitv of Mr.. Geo. @. Shattuck, and the
Chandler scientific department came into
existence during his presidency.
Dr.. Lord was the father of eight sons
all of whom completed their education al
Dartmouth.
Asa D. Smith, D. D., assumed the ctaii
in '63, the seventh President. The college
| is now under his charge, and has received
, during the past eight years, by donations
: about 100000. The gymnasium was
r built in '67 by the munifcence of George
l Fl. Bissell, class of AS. In chronological
9 order Dartmouth ranks fourth.
There have been graduated from thi
= Institution 3673; of this number Mr.
Chapman says, 1900 have entered tn
2 ministry 81 been judges of the United
: States and State Supreme Courts; i
Senators in Congress, and 61 Representa-
tives; 2 United States Cabinet Ministers
= Ambassadors to foreign courts; T. M
q General; IA Governors of States and of
: Territory; 25 Presidents of colleges; lO
!. Professors of Academical, Medical AM
n Theological colleges. On "a the degree o
: Ill. D.. has been conferred, sand on 10
d that of D. D." "At the same time ther
d were residing in Boston no less than seVe
l. of her son, who were justly regarded
l. ranking among the brightest lumlnarle
= of the law. They were Samuel s. Wild