Founders Plaque, Mendon, Massachusetts
Thayer F Mendon founders plaque, Mendon, Massachusetts
Ralph Wheelock First Public School TeacherReverend. Ralph WheelockBiography of Reverend Ralph Wheelock (1600 - 1683)
Reverend Ralph Wheelock, Puritan, educator, and founder was born in Dorrington, Shropshire, England on 14 May 1600. His family origins can be traced back to the tenth century in Wheelock Village, near Sandbach, in the County of Cheshire. Ralph was educated at Cambridge University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1626, and a Master of Arts in 1631. At that time, Cambridge was the center of the dissenting religious movement that gave rise to Puritanism. His contemporaries at Cambridge University included John Milton and John Eliot, whose liberal views he seemed to share. The persecution of those with Puritan beliefs ran high during this period, which undoubtedly motivated Rev. Wheelock to participate in "The Great Migration" which brought many new immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By one account, 20,000 came to New England during the peak years of the migration between 1630 and 1640 [1]. On 6 May 1630, in England, Reverend Wheelock was ordained priest by Francis White, Bishop of the Norfolk Diocese [12]. Shortly thereafter, on 17 May 1630, he married Rebecca Clarke [2]. At least three children were born to the family in England (Mary Wheelock, baptised in Banham, County of Norfolk, 2 September 1631; Gershom Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 3 January 1632/33; and Rebecca Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 24 August 1634 [10]). There is strong evidence that Reverend Wheelock served clerical duties at the parish in Eccles, where Gershom and Rebecca were baptised. This is evidenced by his signature as "local curate" on the register pages that record his children's baptism [11].
Reverend Wheelock, his wife Rebecca, and at least three children sailed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637, just 7 years after Boston was first settled, and during the peak of the "Great Migration" [3]. Some Wheelock historians have suggested that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter aboard ship, but no definitive proof is available [4]. Upon arrival, Rebecca and Ralph Wheelock settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. There Reverend Wheelock participated in a plan to create a new settlement further up the Charles River, to be called Contentment (later renamed Dedham). In 1638 Reverend Wheelock became one of the earliest settlers and a founder of Dedham. He lived there with his wife for more than a decade, and played a leading role in the affairs of the town. The records at Dedham show that children Benjamin, Samuel, Record, and Experience were born into the family of Ralph and Rebecca while at Dedham. In July 1637, Reverend Ralph Wheelock signed the 'Dedham Covenant' which was in effect the founding constitution of the settlers of Dedham. In 1639 he and seven others were chosen for "ye ordering of towne affayers according unto Courte Order in that behalf." The powers that these eight men had were probably similar to the town selectmen of modern times. He was also appointed to assist the surveyor ("measurer") in laying out the boundaries of the town. On 13 Marcr 1638/9, Reverend Wheelock was declared a freeman [5]. In those days, one had to be a "freeman" in order to exercise the full right of suffrage, or to hold public office. To become a freeman, it was necessary to be a member in good standing of a local church, and to appear before the General Court to take an oath whose essential elements swore to good citizenship and good religious character. In 1642, Ralph Wheelock was appointed the General Court clerk of writs. The General Court was the central court of the Bay Colony, with powers granted by the British Crown to decide legal matters, to dispense lands, and to establish laws. At this point in time (1643), the population of the Bay Colony was about 18,000 [6]. In 1645 he was appointed one of the commissioners authorized to "solemnize" marriages, which at the time was a civil rather than religious duty. Although Reverend Wheelock was an ordained minister, his greater inclinations were toward teaching, which he did with great fervor and in various capacities throughout his life. Though the records are sketchy, it is likely that Reverend Wheelock was the first public school teacher in America. On 1 February 1644 a Dedham town meeting voted for the first free school in Massachusetts, to be supported by town taxes. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first teacher at this school. Three years later, in 1647, the General Court decreed that every town with 50 families or more must build a school supported by public taxes. [9] By the late 1640's Dedham was becoming quite populous, and it was decided to establish a new township further up the Charles River, out of a tract of land that was then part of Dedham. Reverend Wheelock was appointed leader of this effort, and in 1649 he and six others were given the duties of erecting and governing a new village, to be called New Dedham, later renamed Medfield. In May, 1651, the town of Medfield was granted the full powers of an independent town by the General Court of Massachusetts. In this year Reverend Ralph Wheelock and his family removed to Medfield, where he lived the remaining 32 years of his life. The records at Medfield show that Eleazar Wheelock was born to Ralph and Rebecca at Medfield. Eleazar's grandson would become the founder of Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire. Though others participated in the establishment of the Town of Medfield, the Reverend Ralph Wheelock is considered to be it's primary founder. As leader of the previously mentioned committee of seven, it is almost certain [7] that Reverend Wheelock wrote the document called "The Agreement" which, for a time, every new settler of Medfield had to sign. "The Agreement" stated that the signatories were to abide by the town ordinances and laws, maintain orderly conduct, and resolve differences between themselves peaceably. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was granted the first house lot in Medfield (12 acres), and served on the first Board of Selectmen (1651). He subsequently served on the Board of Selectmen in 1652-1654, and again in 1659. In 1653 he took up a collection for Harvard College, the first college in America. Fund raising for Harvard was probably a regular event, being a primary source of revenue for the fledgling institution. In 1655, the town voted 15 pounds to be used to establish a "schoule for the educataion of the children, to be raised by a rate according as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the maintenance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule" [8]. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. In his book "Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Puritan", the Rev. Lewis Hicks speculates that Rev. Wheelock remained schoolmaster for a period of 8 years. Every year, Medfield chose a representative to the General Court in Massachusetts. Reverend Wheelock held this position in the years 1653, 1663, 1664, 1666, and 1667. Rebecca Clarke Wheelock died on 1 Jan 1680/1 in Medfield. Two years later, Reverend Wheelock died, in the 84th year of his life. Rev. Wheelock played an active and important role in the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was instrumental in establishing two new towns, and held virtually every office of importance in both of them. Furthermore, he was at the forefront of establishing the educational foundations of the country. His descendants would also prove to play an important a role in settling New England and the rest of America. His son, Benjamin, was a founder of the Town of Mendon. Among his great-grandchildren were founders of several New England towns, as well as Eleazar Wheelock, the founder of Dartmouth. Succeeding generations would push farther west, settling the frontiers in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Nova Scotia, and Texas, establishing impressive credentials as teachers, writers, soldiers, founders of towns, and creators of business.(Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 March 1998, Northboro, Massachusetts, revised 28 September 1998) Notes and Sources "The History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650 - 1886", by William S. Tilden, published by the Medfield, Massachusetts Historical Society, pg. 23. Genealogists have variously reported that Rev. Wheelock married Rebecca Barber, Rebecca Wilkinson, and Rebecca Clark. An article by Christopher Gleason Clark, in the January 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", vol 152, entitled "The English Ancestry of Joseph Clark (1613-1683) of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts" provides compelling evidence that Rev. Wheelock indeed married Rebecca Clarke.The key components of this evidence are as follows. First, the parish registers of Wraplingham, County of Norfolk, England, contain a recording of the marriage between Ralph Wheelock, cleric, and Rebecca Clarke, 17 May 1630. Second, the will of Rebecca's father, Thomas Clark, refers to his granddaughter Marye Wheelock. Third, the baptism of Marye Wheelock, daughter of Ralph Wheelock, cleric, is recorded in the Banham, County of Norfolk parish registers. (Banham is near Wraplingham). Fourth, the will of William Clark, uncle to Elizabeth Clarke, is witnessed by Ralph Wheelocke "in his unmistakable hand".Ralph Wheelock's will refers to George Barber as his "brother-in-law". This led to the speculation that the maiden name of Rebecca must have been Barber. But it is shown in the article that George Barber married Rebecca Clarke's sister, Elizabeth Clarke, thereby explaining the reference in Ralph Wheelock's will. No record of Ralph Wheelock's passage to America could be found in "The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776" by Peter Wilson Coldham. "The Wheelock Family in America (1637-1969)", by Walter T. Wheelock, privately published, pg. 93. It is suggested here that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter while at sea. (Mr. Wheelock's original source is not known at the time this footnote was written.) Other Wheelock genealogies have reported that Rebecca was born at sea, and that Mary was born at sea. The research of Christopher Gleason Clark disproves the assertions that Mary or Rebecca were born on ship, leaving Peregrina as the only candidate, since the birth place of the remaining children is well accounted for. "List of Freeman of Massachusetts 1630-1691", also Tilden, pg. 506. Tilden, pg. 33.Tilden, pg. 37. Tilden, pg. 62. "Material Suggested For Use In the Schools, In Observance of the Tercentenary of Massachusetts Bay Colony and of The General Court and One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth", prepared by committee, Commonwealth of Mass, Dept. of Education, 1930, Number 1, Whole Number 212."Mr. Wheelock's Cure", by Christopher Gleason Clark, published in the July 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", July 1998, Volume 152, pg. 311.Ibid, pg. 312. As Christopher Gleason Clark writes: "Curates were licensed by the bishop of a diocese to serve the cure, that is, to care for the souls of the parishioners and to perform the duties of an assistant to the incumbent."Ibid, pg. 312. Wheelock Genealogy Home
found on ancestry.com
The Life and Times of the Rev. Ralph Wheelock, 1637 emigrant from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony1600 - 1682, England and Massachusetts Bay Colony
This essay is copied from the Wheelock Family Genealogy web site:
http://www.wheelockgenealogy.com/ged/ralphdsc/d0001/g0000046.html#I147
Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 Mar 1998, Northborough, Massachusetts; revised 28 September 1998 and February 2002
The Life and Times of the Reverend Ralph Wheelock, who emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
Reverend Ralph Wheelock, Puritan, educator, and founder was born in Shropshire, England in 1600. The origins of his surname can be traced back to the tenth century in Wheelock Village, near Sandbach, in the County of Cheshire. Ralph was educated at Cambridge University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1626, and a Master of Arts in 1631.
At that time, Cambridge was the center of the dissenting religious movement that gave rise to Puritanism. His contemporaries at Cambridge University included John Milton and John Eliot, whose liberal views he seemed to share. The persecution of those with Puritan beliefs ran high during this period, which undoubtedly motivated Rev. Wheelock to participate in "The Great Migration" which brought many new immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By one account, 20,000 came to New England during the peak years of the migration between 1630 and 1640 [1].
On 6 May 1630, in England, Reverend Wheelock was ordained priest by Francis White, Bishop of the Norfolk Diocese [12]. Shortly thereafter, on 17 May 1630, he married Rebecca Clarke. At least three children were born to the family in England (Mary Wheelock, baptised in Banham, County of Norfolk, 2 September 1631; Gershom Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 3 Jan 1632/33 [2]; and Rebecca Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 24 Aug 1634 [10]). Reverend Wheelock served clerical duties at the parish in Eccles, where Gershom and Rebecca were baptised, indicated by his signature as "local curate" on the register pages that record his children's baptisms [11].
Reverend Wheelock, his wife Rebecca, and at least three children sailed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637, just 7 years after Boston was first settled, and during the peak of the "Great Migration" [3]. Some Wheelock historians have suggested that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter aboard ship, but no definitive proof is available [4].
Upon arrival, Rebecca and Ralph Wheelock settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. There Reverend Wheelock participated in a plan to create a new settlement further up the Charles River, to be called Contentment (later renamed Dedham). In 1638 Reverend Wheelock became one of the earliest settlers and a founder of Dedham. He lived there with his wife for more than a decade, and played a leading role in the affairs of the town. The records at Dedham show that Ralph and Rebecca had four children there: Benjamin, Samuel, Record, and Experience.
In July 1637, Reverend Ralph Wheelock signed the 'Dedham Covenant' which was in effect the founding constitution of the settlers of Dedham. In 1639 he and seven others were chosen for "ye ordering of towne affayers according unto Courte Order in that behalf." The powers that these eight men had were probably similar to the town selectment of modern times. He was also appointed to assist the surveyor ("measurer") in laying out the boundaries of the town.
On 13 March 1638/9, Reverend Wheelock was declared a freeman [5], which allowed him to exercise the full right of suffrage and to hold public office. To become a freeman, it was necessary to be a member in good standing of a local church, and to appear before the General Court and take an oath whose essential elements swore to good citizenship and good religious character.
In 1642, Ralph Wheelock was appointed the General Court clerk of writs. The General Court was the central court of the Bay Colony, with powers granted by the British Crown to decide legal matters, to dispense lands, and to establish laws. At this point in time (1643), the population of the Bay Colony was about 18,000 [6].
In 1645 he was appointed one of the commissioners authorized to "solemnize" marriages, which at the time was a civil rather than religious duty.
Although Reverend Wheelock was an ordained minister, his greater inclinations were toward teaching, which he did with great fervor and in various capacities throughout his life. Rev. Wheelock was probably the first public school teacher in America. On 1 February 1644 a Dedham town meeting voted for the first free school in Massachusetts, to be supported by town taxes. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first teacher at this school. Three years later, in 1647, the General Court decreed that every town with 50 families or more must build a school supported by public taxes. [9]
By the late 1640's Dedham was becoming quite populous, and it was decided to establish a new township further up the Charles River, out of a tract of land that was then part of Dedham. Rev. Wheelock was appointed leader of this effort, and in 1649 he and six others were given the duties of erecting and governing a new village, to be called New Dedham, later renamed Medfield.
In May, 1651, the town of Medfield was granted the full powers of an independent town by the General Court of Massachusetts. In this year Rev. Ralph Wheelock and his family removed to Medfield, where he lived the remaining 32 years of his life. The records at Medfield show that Ralph and Rebecca had one child there - Eleazar Wheelock whose grandson would become the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.
Though others participated in the establishment of the Town of Medfield, Reverend Ralph Wheelock is considered to be it's primary founder. As leader of the previously mentioned committee of seven, it is almost certain [7] that Reverend Wheelock wrote the document called "The Agreement" which, for a time, every new settler of Medfield had to sign. "The Agreement" stated that the signatories were to abide by the town ordinances and laws, maintain orderly conduct, and resolve differences between themselves peaceably.
Reverend Ralph Wheelock was granted the first house lot in Medfield (12 acres), and served on the first Board of Selectmen (1651). He subsequently served on the Board of Selectmen in 1652-1654, and again in 1659. In 1653 he took up a collection for Harvard College, the first college in America. Fund raising for Harvard was probably a regular event, being a primary source of revenue for the fledgling institution.
In 1655, the town voted 15 pounds to be used to establish a "schoule for the educataion of the children, to be raised by a rate according as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the maintenance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule" [8]. Rev. Ralph Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. In his book "Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Puritan", the Rev. Lewis Hicks speculates that Rev. Wheelock remained schoolmaster for a period of 8 years.
Every year, Medfield chose a representative to the General Court in Massachusetts. Reverend Wheelock held this position in the years 1653, 1663, 1664, 1666, and 1667.
Rebecca (Clarke) Wheelock died on 1 January 1680/1 in Medfield. Two years later, Reverend Wheelock died, in the 84th year of his life.
Reverend Wheelock played an active and important role in the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was instrumental in establishing two new towns, and held virtually every office of importance in both of them. Furthermore, he was at the forefront of establishing the educational foundations of the country.
His descendants would also prove to play an important a role in settling New England and the rest of America. His son, Benjamin, was a founder of the Town of Mendon. Among his great-grandchildren were founders of several New England towns, as well as Eleazar Wheelock, the founder of Dartmouth. Succeeding generations would push farther west, settling the frontiers in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Nova Scotia, and Texas, establishing impressive credentials as teachers, writers, soldiers, pioneers, and businessmen.
(Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 Mar 1998, Northborough, Massachusetts, revised 28 September 1998, and February 2002)
Notes and Sources
[1] "The History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650 - 1886", by William S. Tilden, published by the Medfield, Massachusetts Historical Society, pg. 23.
[2] Genealogists have variously reported that Rev. Wheelock married Rebecca Barber, Rebecca Wilkinson, and Rebecca Clark. An article by Christopher Gleason Clark, in the January 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", vol 152, entitled "The English Ancestry of Joseph Clark (1613-1683) of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts" provides compelling evidence that Rev. Wheelock indeed married Rebecca Clarke.
The key components of this evidence are as follows. First, the parish registers of Wraplingham, County of Norfolk, England, contain a recording of the marriage between Ralph Wheelock, cleric, and Rebecca Clarke, 17 May 1630. Second, the will of Rebecca's father, Thomas Clark, refers to his granddaughter Marye Wheelock. Third, the baptism of Marye Wheelock, daughter of Ralph Wheelock, cleric, is recorded in the Banham, County of Norfolk parish registers. (Banham is near Wraplingham). Fourth, the will of William Clark, uncle to Elizabeth Clarke, is witnessed by Ralph Wheelocke "in his unmistakable hand".
Ralph Wheelock's will refers to George Barber as his "brother-in-law". This led to the speculation that the maiden name of Rebecca must have been Barber. But it is shown in the article that George Barber married Rebecca Clarke's sister, Elizabeth Clarke, thereby explaining the reference in Ralph Wheelock's will.
[3] No record of Ralph Wheelock's passage to America could be found in "The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776" by Peter Wilson Coldham.
[4] "The Wheelock Family in America (1637-1969)", by Walter T. Wheelock, privately published, pg. 93. It is suggested here that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter while at sea. (Mr. Wheelock's original source is not known at the time this footnote was written.) Other Wheelock genealogies have reported that Rebecca was born at sea, and that Mary was born at sea. The research of Christopher Gleason Clark disproves the assertions that Mary or Rebecca were born on ship, leaving Peregrina as the only candidate, since the birth place of the remaining children is well accounted for.
[5] "List of Freeman of Massachusetts 1630-1691", also Tilden, pg. 506.
[6] Tilden, pg. 33.
[7] Tilden, pg. 37.
[8] Tilden, pg. 62.
[9] "Material Suggested For Use In the Schools, In Observance of the Tercentenary of Massachusetts Bay Colony and of The General Court and One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth", prepared by committee, Commonwealth of Mass, Dept. of Education, 1930, Number 1, Whole Number 212.
[10] "Mr. Wheelock's Cure", by Christopher Gleason Clark, published in the July 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", July 1998, Volume 152, pg. 311.
[11] Ibid, pg. 312. As Christopher Gleason Clark writes: "Curates were licensed by the bishop of a diocese to serve the cure, that is, to care for the souls of the parishioners and to perform the duties of an assistant to the incumbent."
[12] Ibid, pg. 312.
found on ancestry.com
Biography of Reverend Ralph Wheelock
(1600 - 1683)Reverend Ralph Wheelock, Puritan, educator, and founder was born in Shropshire, England in 1600. The origins of his surname can be traced back to the tenth century in Wheelock Village, near Sandbach, in the County of Cheshire. Ralph was educated at Cambridge University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1626, and a Master of Arts in 1631.
At that time, Cambridge was the center of the dissenting religious movement that gave rise to Puritanism. His contemporaries at Cambridge University included John Milton and John Eliot, whose liberal views he seemed to share. The persecution of those with Puritan beliefs ran high during this period, which undoubtedly motivated Rev. Wheelock to participate in "The Great Migration" which brought many new immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By one account, 20,000 came to New England during the peak years of the migration between 1630 and 1640 [1].
On 6 May 1630, in England, Rev. Wheelock was ordained priest by Francis White, Bishop of the Norfolk Diocese [12]. Shortly thereafter, on 17 May 1630, he married Rebecca Clarke [2]. At least three children were born to the family in England (Mary Wheelock, baptised in Banham, County of Norfolk, 2 September 1631; Gershom Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 3 January 1632/33; and Rebecca Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 24 August 1634 [10]). There is strong evidence that Reverend Wheelock served clerical duties at the parish in Eccles, where Gershom and Rebecca were baptised. This is evidenced by his signature as "local curate" on the register pages that record his children's baptism [11].
Reverend Wheelock, his wife Rebecca, and at least three children sailed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637, just 7 years after Boston was first settled, and during the peak of the "Great Migration" [3]. Some Wheelock historians have suggested that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter aboard ship, but no definitive proof is available [4].
Upon arrival, Rebecca and Ralph Wheelock settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. There Reverend Wheelock participated in a plan to create a new settlement further up the Charles River, to be called Contentment (later renamed Dedham). In 1638 Reverend Wheelock became one of the earliest settlers and a founder of Dedham. He lived there with his wife for more than a decade, and played a leading role in the affairs of the town. The records at Dedham show that children Benjamin, Samuel, Record, and Experience were born into the family of Ralph and Rebecca while at Dedham.
In July 1637, Reverend Ralph Wheelock signed the 'Dedham Covenant' which was in effect the founding constitution of the settlers of Dedham. In 1639 he and seven others were chosen for "ye ordering of towne affayers according unto Courte Order in that behalf." The powers that these eight men had were probably similar to the town selectmen of modern times. He was also appointed to assist the surveyor ("measurer") in laying out the boundaries of the town.
On 13 March 1638/9, Reverend Wheelock was declared a freeman [5]. In those days, one had to be a "freeman" in order to exercise the full right of suffrage, or to hold public office. To become a freeman, it was necessary to be a member in good standing of a local church, and to appear before the General Court to take an oath whose essential elements swore to good citizenship and good religious character.
In 1642, Ralph Wheelock was appointed the General Court clerk of writs. The General Court was the central court of the Bay Colony, with powers granted by the British Crown to decide legal matters, to dispense lands, and to establish laws. At this point in time (1643), the population of the Bay Colony was about 18,000 [6].
In 1645 he was appointed one of the commissioners authorized to "solemnize" marriages, which at the time was a civil rather than religious duty.
Although Reverend Wheelock was an ordained minister, his greater inclinations were toward teaching, which he did with great fervor and in various capacities throughout his life. Though the records are sketchy, it is likely that Rev. Wheelock was the first public school teacher in America. On 1 February 1644 a Dedham town meeting voted for the first free school in Massachusetts, to be supported by town taxes. Rev. Ralph Wheelock was the first teacher at this school. Three years later, in 1647, the General Court decreed that every town with 50 families or more must build a school supported by public taxes. [9]
By the late 1640's Dedham was becoming quite populous, and it was decided to establish a new township further up the Charles River, out of a tract of land that was then part of Dedham. Rev. Wheelock was appointed leader of this effort, and in 1649 he and six others were given the duties of erecting and governing a new village, to be called New Dedham, later renamed Medfield.
In May, 1651, the town of Medfield was granted the full powers of an independent town by the General Court of Massachusetts. In this year Reverend Ralph Wheelock and his family removed to Medfield, where he lived the remaining 32 years of his life. The records at Medfield show that Eleazar Wheelock was born to Ralph and Rebecca at Medfield. Eleazar's grandson would become the founder of Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire.
Though others participated in the establishment of the Town of Medfield, the Reverend Ralph Wheelock is considered to be it's primary founder. As leader of the previously mentioned committee of seven, it is almost certain [7] that Reverend Wheelock wrote the document called "The Agreement" which, for a time, every new settler of Medfield had to sign. "The Agreement" stated that the signatories were to abide by the town ordinances and laws, maintain orderly conduct, and resolve differences between themselves peaceably.
Reverend Ralph Wheelock was granted the first house lot in Medfield (12 acres), and served on the first Board of Selectmen (1651). He subsequently served on the Board of Selectmen in 1652-1654, and again in 1659. In 1653 he took up a collection for Harvard College, the first college in America. Fund raising for Harvard was probably a regular event, being a primary source of revenue for the fledgling institution.
In 1655, the town voted 15 pounds to be used to establish a "schoule for the educataion of the children, to be raised by a rate according as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the maintenance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule" [8]. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. In his book "Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Puritan", the Reverend Lewis Hicks speculates that Reverend Wheelock remained schoolmaster for a period of 8 years.
Every year, Medfield chose a representative to the General Court in Massachusetts. Reverend Wheelock held this position in the years 1653, 1663, 1664, 1666, and 1667.
Rebecca Clarke Wheelock died on 1 January 1680/1 in Medfield. Two years later, Reverend Wheelock died, in the 84th year of his life.
Reverend Wheelock played an active and important role in the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was instrumental in establishing two new towns, and held virtually every office of importance in both of them. Furthermore, he was at the forefront of establishing the educational foundations of the country.
His descendants would also prove to play an important a role in settling New England and the rest of America. His son, Benjamin, was a founder of the Town of Mendon. Among his great-grandchildren were founders of several New England towns, as well as Eleazar Wheelock, the founder of Dartmouth. Succeeding generations would push farther west, settling the frontiers in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Nova Scotia, and Texas, establishing impressive credentials as teachers, writers, soldiers, founders of towns, and creators of business.
(Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 March 1998, Northboro, Massachusetts, revised 28 September 1998)
Notes and Sources
"The History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650 - 1886", by William S. Tilden, published by the Medfield, Massachusetts Historical Society, pg. 23.
Genealogists have variously reported that Rev. Wheelock married Rebecca Barber, Rebecca Wilkinson, and Rebecca Clark. An article by Christopher Gleason Clark, in the January 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", vol 152, entitled "The English Ancestry of Joseph Clark (1613-1683) of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts" provides compelling evidence that Rev. Wheelock indeed married Rebecca Clarke.The key components of this evidence are as follows. First, the parish registers of Wraplingham, County of Norfolk, England, contain a recording of the marriage between Ralph Wheelock, cleric, and Rebecca Clarke, 17 May 1630. Second, the will of Rebecca's father, Thomas Clark, refers to his granddaughter Marye Wheelock. Third, the baptism of Marye Wheelock, daughter of Ralph Wheelock, cleric, is recorded in the Banham, County of Norfolk parish registers. (Banham is near Wraplingham). Fourth, the will of William Clark, uncle to Elizabeth Clarke, is witnessed by Ralph Wheelocke "in his unmistakable hand".Ralph Wheelock's will refers to George Barber as his "brother-in-law". This led to the speculation that the maiden name of Rebecca must have been Barber. But it is shown in the article that George Barber married Rebecca Clarke's sister, Elizabeth Clarke, thereby explaining the reference in Ralph Wheelock's will.
No record of Ralph Wheelock's passage to America could be found in "The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776" by Peter Wilson Coldham.
"The Wheelock Family in America (1637-1969)", by Walter T. Wheelock, privately published, pg. 93. It is suggested here that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter while at sea. (Mr. Wheelock's original source is not known at the time this footnote was written.) Other Wheelock genealogies have reported that Rebecca was born at sea, and that Mary was born at sea. The research of Christopher Gleason Clark disproves the assertions that Mary or Rebecca were born on ship, leaving Peregrina as the only candidate, since the birth place of the remaining children is well accounted for.
"List of Freeman of Massachusetts 1630-1691", also Tilden, pg. 506.
Tilden, pg. 33.
Tilden, pg. 37.
Tilden, pg. 62.
"Material Suggested For Use In the Schools, In Observance of the Tercentenary of Massachusetts Bay Colony and of The General Court and One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth", prepared by committee, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education, 1930, Number 1, Whole Number 212.
"Mr. Wheelock's Cure", by Christopher Gleason Clark, published in the July 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", July 1998, Volume 152, pg. 311.
Ibid, pg. 312. As Christopher Gleason Clark writes: "Curates were licensed by the bishop of a diocese to serve the cure, that is, to care for the souls of the parishioners and to perform the duties of an assistant to the incumbent."
Ibid, pg. 312.
found on ancestry.com
Will of Reverend Ralph WheelockWill of Reverend Ralph Wheelock
"In the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty on the first day of the twelth month I Ralph Wheelock of Medfield in the County of Suffolk in the Massachusetts Colony in New England being by the good hand of my god preserved unto old age and thence by and the infirmyties insedent thereunto (though at present in pfit memory and understanding blessed be the Lord) am put in mind of my great and last change in this world and knowing that it is my duty to prepare for Death that I be not unprovided when it shall approach I have thought fit for the Discharge of my Duty and quite of mind in the name and feare of god and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and forme as followeth"First - I having the most and chefest care of my sould doe humble comit it the handes of Jesus Christ my deere redemer trusting that in and through his mirits my said soul after its departure out of this my body shall immediately inherit and glorye and my body I comit to the earth after my decese to be christianly buried at the descrition of my Executors and for my wourldly goodes which god of his mercy hath bestowed on me I dispose of them as followeth Imprimis"I give and bequeath unto my Eldest sonn Gershom Whellock (and his heyres for ever) six acres of land leying on the south plaine which he have possest and imporved for severall years past more all soe two acres of meadow land lying on Stow River bounded with the meadow formerly granted to Timoth Dwight on the south the other bounded to be according to his imporvement of it for severall years past all soe I give and bequeath unto the said Gershom and his heyres for ever one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing on that tracte of land last granted to Medfield by the court.
"Item - I give and bequeath unto my sonn Benjanne Whellock and his heyres for ever all that tract of land which formerly bought of Thomas Elice lyeing at or towards the south west end of the long plaine on the west side of Charlls river all soe one half of that land I bought of Mr John Wilson adjoyning to the land above said bought of Thomas Elice and to lye next unto the land bought of the above said Elice all soe I give unto the above Benjamin my sonn the one half of my meadow leying upstream on the west side of Charles river as it shall be equally devided betwen him and his brother Elizer Whellock and I all soe give and bequeath unto the sid Benjamin my sonn one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing in that tract of land last granted to the Towne by the court as is all soe Seaven acres more at the uper end of my Devident lyeing on the west side of Charles river at the southward most corner of our furst grant from the Contey."Item - I will an bequeath unto my sonn Elizer Whellock ten acres of land lyeing in a field comonly called the south plaine lyeing and Adjoyning to that land formerly Henry Adames he paying out thirty shillings in silver to my Executor withn the space of one year after my decese more unto the said Elizer the other half of my meadow upstream on the west side of Charles river the other half wherof is above given to his Brother Benjamin more all soe seaven acres Adjoyning to his Brother Benjamin in my Devident at the southward most corner of our first grant from the Contey more over I give unto said Elizer the house which he now lives in with free ingreese egreese and regreese for the space of two years next after my decease and than to take it away if he will all soe free liberty to lay his English graine in my barne the two years above said."Item - I will and bequeath unto my sonn in law Increase Ward and his heyres for ever one third sixt pt of my great Devident in that tract of land Last granted the Town by the court."Item - I will and bequeath unto my sonn in law Felix Warren one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing on the last grant from the Contey and my devident cowse meadow (three acres and a half at the lower end formerly given to my sonn Samuell Wheelock excepted and I doe hereby rettifye and confirme thatacte of my deere and Late wife concerning that cow which she willd to our grand child Rebecath Craft and for the residue of my estate billes bondes landes Debtes and othere moveables wehat soe ever unbequed and not in this my last will and testament above expressed (my Just Debts being payed and my funeral expenses Discharged) and heareby given and bequeathed unto the Sole use of my executor and I doe hereby ratifie and confirme unto all and every of my children all former lands granted to any of them not therein expressed and I doe hereby Constitute appoint and ordain my Loveing and well beloved Son Samuell Whellock my Executor of this my last will and testament to the intent that he shall see the same efectually pformed according to my said intent and mening therein unto whom I commit and give all full power and trust for the efecting therof and I doe hereby request and desire my loving and much respected brother in law George barbour as overseer to be Aiding and Assisting to my Executor to this my last will and testament and I doe hereby utterly revoke all other wiles and bequeathed what se ever formerly made and published and in token that is my last will and testament contained and written in this sheets of paper I have put to my hand and affixed my seal this 3 of the 3: 1681.
Ralph Wheelock (Seal) Signed Sealed and Published in the presence of us George Barbur Samuel Barbur"This will exhibited unto ye County Court for Suffolk sitting in Boston pro May 1, 1684 by Samuel Wheelock nominated Executor Cap George Barbur and Samuel Barbur then made Oath that they were present when Mr. Ralph Wheelock Signed Sealed and Published this Instrument to be his last will and y then he was disposing mince to their best understanding. Attest: Isaac Addington Clre "A true copy of record attest Arthur W. Dolan, Register""Further my will is that my books not formerly disposed of shall after my decease shall be Devided amongst my children."
found on ancestry.com
FounderThe Reverend Ralph Wheelock was founder of the town of Medfield, Massachusetts. He was a graduated of Cambride University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, received his Bachelor of Arts in 1626, and his Master of Arts in 1631.
found on ancestry.com
The Life and Times of the Rev. Ralph Wheelock, 1637 emigrant from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony1600 - 1682, England and Massachusetts Bay Colony
This essay is copied from the Wheelock Family Genealogy web site:
http://www.wheelockgenealogy.com/ged/ralphdsc/d0001/g0000046.html#I147
Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 Mar 1998, Northborough, Massachusetts; revised 28 September 1998 and February 2002
The Life and Times of the Reverend Ralph Wheelock, who emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
Reverend Ralph Wheelock, Puritan, educator, and founder was born in Shropshire, England in 1600. The origins of his surname can be traced back to the tenth century in Wheelock Village, near Sandbach, in the County of Cheshire. Ralph was educated at Cambridge University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1626, and a Master of Arts in 1631.
At that time, Cambridge was the center of the dissenting religious movement that gave rise to Puritanism. His contemporaries at Cambridge University included John Milton and John Eliot, whose liberal views he seemed to share. The persecution of those with Puritan beliefs ran high during this period, which undoubtedly motivated Rev. Wheelock to participate in "The Great Migration" which brought many new immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By one account, 20,000 came to New England during the peak years of the migration between 1630 and 1640 [1].
On 6 May 1630, in England, Reverend Wheelock was ordained priest by Francis White, Bishop of the Norfolk Diocese [12]. Shortly thereafter, on 17 May 1630, he married Rebecca Clarke. At least three children were born to the family in England (Mary Wheelock, baptised in Banham, County of Norfolk, 2 September 1631; Gershom Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 3 Jan 1632/33 [2]; and Rebecca Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 24 Aug 1634 [10]). Reverend Wheelock served clerical duties at the parish in Eccles, where Gershom and Rebecca were baptised, indicated by his signature as "local curate" on the register pages that record his children's baptisms [11].
Reverend Wheelock, his wife Rebecca, and at least three children sailed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637, just 7 years after Boston was first settled, and during the peak of the "Great Migration" [3]. Some Wheelock historians have suggested that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter aboard ship, but no definitive proof is available [4].
Upon arrival, Rebecca and Ralph Wheelock settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. There Reverend Wheelock participated in a plan to create a new settlement further up the Charles River, to be called Contentment (later renamed Dedham). In 1638 Reverend Wheelock became one of the earliest settlers and a founder of Dedham. He lived there with his wife for more than a decade, and played a leading role in the affairs of the town. The records at Dedham show that Ralph and Rebecca had four children there: Benjamin, Samuel, Record, and Experience.
In July 1637, Reverend Ralph Wheelock signed the 'Dedham Covenant' which was in effect the founding constitution of the settlers of Dedham. In 1639 he and seven others were chosen for "ye ordering of towne affayers according unto Courte Order in that behalf." The powers that these eight men had were probably similar to the town selectment of modern times. He was also appointed to assist the surveyor ("measurer") in laying out the boundaries of the town.
On 13 March 1638/9, Reverend Wheelock was declared a freeman [5], which allowed him to exercise the full right of suffrage and to hold public office. To become a freeman, it was necessary to be a member in good standing of a local church, and to appear before the General Court and take an oath whose essential elements swore to good citizenship and good religious character.
In 1642, Ralph Wheelock was appointed the General Court clerk of writs. The General Court was the central court of the Bay Colony, with powers granted by the British Crown to decide legal matters, to dispense lands, and to establish laws. At this point in time (1643), the population of the Bay Colony was about 18,000 [6].
In 1645 he was appointed one of the commissioners authorized to "solemnize" marriages, which at the time was a civil rather than religious duty.
Although Reverend Wheelock was an ordained minister, his greater inclinations were toward teaching, which he did with great fervor and in various capacities throughout his life. Rev. Wheelock was probably the first public school teacher in America. On 1 February 1644 a Dedham town meeting voted for the first free school in Massachusetts, to be supported by town taxes. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first teacher at this school. Three years later, in 1647, the General Court decreed that every town with 50 families or more must build a school supported by public taxes. [9]
By the late 1640's Dedham was becoming quite populous, and it was decided to establish a new township further up the Charles River, out of a tract of land that was then part of Dedham. Rev. Wheelock was appointed leader of this effort, and in 1649 he and six others were given the duties of erecting and governing a new village, to be called New Dedham, later renamed Medfield.
In May, 1651, the town of Medfield was granted the full powers of an independent town by the General Court of Massachusetts. In this year Rev. Ralph Wheelock and his family removed to Medfield, where he lived the remaining 32 years of his life. The records at Medfield show that Ralph and Rebecca had one child there - Eleazar Wheelock whose grandson would become the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.
Though others participated in the establishment of the Town of Medfield, Reverend Ralph Wheelock is considered to be it's primary founder. As leader of the previously mentioned committee of seven, it is almost certain [7] that Reverend Wheelock wrote the document called "The Agreement" which, for a time, every new settler of Medfield had to sign. "The Agreement" stated that the signatories were to abide by the town ordinances and laws, maintain orderly conduct, and resolve differences between themselves peaceably.
Reverend Ralph Wheelock was granted the first house lot in Medfield (12 acres), and served on the first Board of Selectmen (1651). He subsequently served on the Board of Selectmen in 1652-1654, and again in 1659. In 1653 he took up a collection for Harvard College, the first college in America. Fund raising for Harvard was probably a regular event, being a primary source of revenue for the fledgling institution.
In 1655, the town voted 15 pounds to be used to establish a "schoule for the educataion of the children, to be raised by a rate according as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the maintenance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule" [8]. Rev. Ralph Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. In his book "Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Puritan", the Rev. Lewis Hicks speculates that Rev. Wheelock remained schoolmaster for a period of 8 years.
Every year, Medfield chose a representative to the General Court in Massachusetts. Reverend Wheelock held this position in the years 1653, 1663, 1664, 1666, and 1667.
Rebecca (Clarke) Wheelock died on 1 January 1680/1 in Medfield. Two years later, Reverend Wheelock died, in the 84th year of his life.
Reverend Wheelock played an active and important role in the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was instrumental in establishing two new towns, and held virtually every office of importance in both of them. Furthermore, he was at the forefront of establishing the educational foundations of the country.
His descendants would also prove to play an important a role in settling New England and the rest of America. His son, Benjamin, was a founder of the Town of Mendon. Among his great-grandchildren were founders of several New England towns, as well as Eleazar Wheelock, the founder of Dartmouth. Succeeding generations would push farther west, settling the frontiers in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Nova Scotia, and Texas, establishing impressive credentials as teachers, writers, soldiers, pioneers, and businessmen.
(Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 Mar 1998, Northborough, Massachusetts, revised 28 September 1998, and February 2002)
Notes and Sources
[1] "The History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650 - 1886", by William S. Tilden, published by the Medfield, Massachusetts Historical Society, pg. 23.
[2] Genealogists have variously reported that Rev. Wheelock married Rebecca Barber, Rebecca Wilkinson, and Rebecca Clark. An article by Christopher Gleason Clark, in the January 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", vol 152, entitled "The English Ancestry of Joseph Clark (1613-1683) of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts" provides compelling evidence that Rev. Wheelock indeed married Rebecca Clarke.
The key components of this evidence are as follows. First, the parish registers of Wraplingham, County of Norfolk, England, contain a recording of the marriage between Ralph Wheelock, cleric, and Rebecca Clarke, 17 May 1630. Second, the will of Rebecca's father, Thomas Clark, refers to his granddaughter Marye Wheelock. Third, the baptism of Marye Wheelock, daughter of Ralph Wheelock, cleric, is recorded in the Banham, County of Norfolk parish registers. (Banham is near Wraplingham). Fourth, the will of William Clark, uncle to Elizabeth Clarke, is witnessed by Ralph Wheelocke "in his unmistakable hand".
Ralph Wheelock's will refers to George Barber as his "brother-in-law". This led to the speculation that the maiden name of Rebecca must have been Barber. But it is shown in the article that George Barber married Rebecca Clarke's sister, Elizabeth Clarke, thereby explaining the reference in Ralph Wheelock's will.
[3] No record of Ralph Wheelock's passage to America could be found in "The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776" by Peter Wilson Coldham.
[4] "The Wheelock Family in America (1637-1969)", by Walter T. Wheelock, privately published, pg. 93. It is suggested here that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter while at sea. (Mr. Wheelock's original source is not known at the time this footnote was written.) Other Wheelock genealogies have reported that Rebecca was born at sea, and that Mary was born at sea. The research of Christopher Gleason Clark disproves the assertions that Mary or Rebecca were born on ship, leaving Peregrina as the only candidate, since the birth place of the remaining children is well accounted for.
[5] "List of Freeman of Massachusetts 1630-1691", also Tilden, pg. 506.
[6] Tilden, pg. 33.
[7] Tilden, pg. 37.
[8] Tilden, pg. 62.
[9] "Material Suggested For Use In the Schools, In Observance of the Tercentenary of Massachusetts Bay Colony and of The General Court and One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth", prepared by committee, Commonwealth of Mass, Dept. of Education, 1930, Number 1, Whole Number 212.
[10] "Mr. Wheelock's Cure", by Christopher Gleason Clark, published in the July 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", July 1998, Volume 152, pg. 311.
[11] Ibid, pg. 312. As Christopher Gleason Clark writes: "Curates were licensed by the bishop of a diocese to serve the cure, that is, to care for the souls of the parishioners and to perform the duties of an assistant to the incumbent."
[12] Ibid, pg. 312.
found on ancestry.com
Biography of Reverend Ralph Wheelock
(1600 - 1683)Reverend Ralph Wheelock, Puritan, educator, and founder was born in Shropshire, England in 1600. The origins of his surname can be traced back to the tenth century in Wheelock Village, near Sandbach, in the County of Cheshire. Ralph was educated at Cambridge University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1626, and a Master of Arts in 1631.
At that time, Cambridge was the center of the dissenting religious movement that gave rise to Puritanism. His contemporaries at Cambridge University included John Milton and John Eliot, whose liberal views he seemed to share. The persecution of those with Puritan beliefs ran high during this period, which undoubtedly motivated Rev. Wheelock to participate in "The Great Migration" which brought many new immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By one account, 20,000 came to New England during the peak years of the migration between 1630 and 1640 [1].
On 6 May 1630, in England, Rev. Wheelock was ordained priest by Francis White, Bishop of the Norfolk Diocese [12]. Shortly thereafter, on 17 May 1630, he married Rebecca Clarke [2]. At least three children were born to the family in England (Mary Wheelock, baptised in Banham, County of Norfolk, 2 September 1631; Gershom Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 3 January 1632/33; and Rebecca Wheelock, baptised in the village of Eccles, County of Norfolk, 24 August 1634 [10]). There is strong evidence that Reverend Wheelock served clerical duties at the parish in Eccles, where Gershom and Rebecca were baptised. This is evidenced by his signature as "local curate" on the register pages that record his children's baptism [11].
Reverend Wheelock, his wife Rebecca, and at least three children sailed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637, just 7 years after Boston was first settled, and during the peak of the "Great Migration" [3]. Some Wheelock historians have suggested that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter aboard ship, but no definitive proof is available [4].
Upon arrival, Rebecca and Ralph Wheelock settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. There Reverend Wheelock participated in a plan to create a new settlement further up the Charles River, to be called Contentment (later renamed Dedham). In 1638 Reverend Wheelock became one of the earliest settlers and a founder of Dedham. He lived there with his wife for more than a decade, and played a leading role in the affairs of the town. The records at Dedham show that children Benjamin, Samuel, Record, and Experience were born into the family of Ralph and Rebecca while at Dedham.
In July 1637, Reverend Ralph Wheelock signed the 'Dedham Covenant' which was in effect the founding constitution of the settlers of Dedham. In 1639 he and seven others were chosen for "ye ordering of towne affayers according unto Courte Order in that behalf." The powers that these eight men had were probably similar to the town selectmen of modern times. He was also appointed to assist the surveyor ("measurer") in laying out the boundaries of the town.
On 13 March 1638/9, Reverend Wheelock was declared a freeman [5]. In those days, one had to be a "freeman" in order to exercise the full right of suffrage, or to hold public office. To become a freeman, it was necessary to be a member in good standing of a local church, and to appear before the General Court to take an oath whose essential elements swore to good citizenship and good religious character.
In 1642, Ralph Wheelock was appointed the General Court clerk of writs. The General Court was the central court of the Bay Colony, with powers granted by the British Crown to decide legal matters, to dispense lands, and to establish laws. At this point in time (1643), the population of the Bay Colony was about 18,000 [6].
In 1645 he was appointed one of the commissioners authorized to "solemnize" marriages, which at the time was a civil rather than religious duty.
Although Reverend Wheelock was an ordained minister, his greater inclinations were toward teaching, which he did with great fervor and in various capacities throughout his life. Though the records are sketchy, it is likely that Rev. Wheelock was the first public school teacher in America. On 1 February 1644 a Dedham town meeting voted for the first free school in Massachusetts, to be supported by town taxes. Rev. Ralph Wheelock was the first teacher at this school. Three years later, in 1647, the General Court decreed that every town with 50 families or more must build a school supported by public taxes. [9]
By the late 1640's Dedham was becoming quite populous, and it was decided to establish a new township further up the Charles River, out of a tract of land that was then part of Dedham. Rev. Wheelock was appointed leader of this effort, and in 1649 he and six others were given the duties of erecting and governing a new village, to be called New Dedham, later renamed Medfield.
In May, 1651, the town of Medfield was granted the full powers of an independent town by the General Court of Massachusetts. In this year Reverend Ralph Wheelock and his family removed to Medfield, where he lived the remaining 32 years of his life. The records at Medfield show that Eleazar Wheelock was born to Ralph and Rebecca at Medfield. Eleazar's grandson would become the founder of Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire.
Though others participated in the establishment of the Town of Medfield, the Reverend Ralph Wheelock is considered to be it's primary founder. As leader of the previously mentioned committee of seven, it is almost certain [7] that Reverend Wheelock wrote the document called "The Agreement" which, for a time, every new settler of Medfield had to sign. "The Agreement" stated that the signatories were to abide by the town ordinances and laws, maintain orderly conduct, and resolve differences between themselves peaceably.
Reverend Ralph Wheelock was granted the first house lot in Medfield (12 acres), and served on the first Board of Selectmen (1651). He subsequently served on the Board of Selectmen in 1652-1654, and again in 1659. In 1653 he took up a collection for Harvard College, the first college in America. Fund raising for Harvard was probably a regular event, being a primary source of revenue for the fledgling institution.
In 1655, the town voted 15 pounds to be used to establish a "schoule for the educataion of the children, to be raised by a rate according as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the maintenance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule" [8]. Reverend Ralph Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. In his book "Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Puritan", the Reverend Lewis Hicks speculates that Reverend Wheelock remained schoolmaster for a period of 8 years.
Every year, Medfield chose a representative to the General Court in Massachusetts. Reverend Wheelock held this position in the years 1653, 1663, 1664, 1666, and 1667.
Rebecca Clarke Wheelock died on 1 January 1680/1 in Medfield. Two years later, Reverend Wheelock died, in the 84th year of his life.
Reverend Wheelock played an active and important role in the settling of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was instrumental in establishing two new towns, and held virtually every office of importance in both of them. Furthermore, he was at the forefront of establishing the educational foundations of the country.
His descendants would also prove to play an important a role in settling New England and the rest of America. His son, Benjamin, was a founder of the Town of Mendon. Among his great-grandchildren were founders of several New England towns, as well as Eleazar Wheelock, the founder of Dartmouth. Succeeding generations would push farther west, settling the frontiers in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Nova Scotia, and Texas, establishing impressive credentials as teachers, writers, soldiers, founders of towns, and creators of business.
(Written by Roderick B. Sullivan, 1 March 1998, Northboro, Massachusetts, revised 28 September 1998)
Notes and Sources
"The History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650 - 1886", by William S. Tilden, published by the Medfield, Massachusetts Historical Society, pg. 23.
Genealogists have variously reported that Rev. Wheelock married Rebecca Barber, Rebecca Wilkinson, and Rebecca Clark. An article by Christopher Gleason Clark, in the January 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", vol 152, entitled "The English Ancestry of Joseph Clark (1613-1683) of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts" provides compelling evidence that Rev. Wheelock indeed married Rebecca Clarke.The key components of this evidence are as follows. First, the parish registers of Wraplingham, County of Norfolk, England, contain a recording of the marriage between Ralph Wheelock, cleric, and Rebecca Clarke, 17 May 1630. Second, the will of Rebecca's father, Thomas Clark, refers to his granddaughter Marye Wheelock. Third, the baptism of Marye Wheelock, daughter of Ralph Wheelock, cleric, is recorded in the Banham, County of Norfolk parish registers. (Banham is near Wraplingham). Fourth, the will of William Clark, uncle to Elizabeth Clarke, is witnessed by Ralph Wheelocke "in his unmistakable hand".Ralph Wheelock's will refers to George Barber as his "brother-in-law". This led to the speculation that the maiden name of Rebecca must have been Barber. But it is shown in the article that George Barber married Rebecca Clarke's sister, Elizabeth Clarke, thereby explaining the reference in Ralph Wheelock's will.
No record of Ralph Wheelock's passage to America could be found in "The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776" by Peter Wilson Coldham.
"The Wheelock Family in America (1637-1969)", by Walter T. Wheelock, privately published, pg. 93. It is suggested here that Rebecca gave birth to a daughter while at sea. (Mr. Wheelock's original source is not known at the time this footnote was written.) Other Wheelock genealogies have reported that Rebecca was born at sea, and that Mary was born at sea. The research of Christopher Gleason Clark disproves the assertions that Mary or Rebecca were born on ship, leaving Peregrina as the only candidate, since the birth place of the remaining children is well accounted for.
"List of Freeman of Massachusetts 1630-1691", also Tilden, pg. 506.
Tilden, pg. 33.
Tilden, pg. 37.
Tilden, pg. 62.
"Material Suggested For Use In the Schools, In Observance of the Tercentenary of Massachusetts Bay Colony and of The General Court and One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth", prepared by committee, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education, 1930, Number 1, Whole Number 212.
"Mr. Wheelock's Cure", by Christopher Gleason Clark, published in the July 1998 issue of "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register", July 1998, Volume 152, pg. 311.
Ibid, pg. 312. As Christopher Gleason Clark writes: "Curates were licensed by the bishop of a diocese to serve the cure, that is, to care for the souls of the parishioners and to perform the duties of an assistant to the incumbent."
Ibid, pg. 312.
found on ancestry.com
Will of Reverend Ralph WheelockWill of Reverend Ralph Wheelock
"In the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty on the first day of the twelth month I Ralph Wheelock of Medfield in the County of Suffolk in the Massachusetts Colony in New England being by the good hand of my god preserved unto old age and thence by and the infirmyties insedent thereunto (though at present in pfit memory and understanding blessed be the Lord) am put in mind of my great and last change in this world and knowing that it is my duty to prepare for Death that I be not unprovided when it shall approach I have thought fit for the Discharge of my Duty and quite of mind in the name and feare of god and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and forme as followeth"First - I having the most and chefest care of my sould doe humble comit it the handes of Jesus Christ my deere redemer trusting that in and through his mirits my said soul after its departure out of this my body shall immediately inherit and glorye and my body I comit to the earth after my decese to be christianly buried at the descrition of my Executors and for my wourldly goodes which god of his mercy hath bestowed on me I dispose of them as followeth Imprimis"I give and bequeath unto my Eldest sonn Gershom Whellock (and his heyres for ever) six acres of land leying on the south plaine which he have possest and imporved for severall years past more all soe two acres of meadow land lying on Stow River bounded with the meadow formerly granted to Timoth Dwight on the south the other bounded to be according to his imporvement of it for severall years past all soe I give and bequeath unto the said Gershom and his heyres for ever one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing on that tracte of land last granted to Medfield by the court.
"Item - I give and bequeath unto my sonn Benjanne Whellock and his heyres for ever all that tract of land which formerly bought of Thomas Elice lyeing at or towards the south west end of the long plaine on the west side of Charlls river all soe one half of that land I bought of Mr John Wilson adjoyning to the land above said bought of Thomas Elice and to lye next unto the land bought of the above said Elice all soe I give unto the above Benjamin my sonn the one half of my meadow leying upstream on the west side of Charles river as it shall be equally devided betwen him and his brother Elizer Whellock and I all soe give and bequeath unto the sid Benjamin my sonn one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing in that tract of land last granted to the Towne by the court as is all soe Seaven acres more at the uper end of my Devident lyeing on the west side of Charles river at the southward most corner of our furst grant from the Contey."Item - I will an bequeath unto my sonn Elizer Whellock ten acres of land lyeing in a field comonly called the south plaine lyeing and Adjoyning to that land formerly Henry Adames he paying out thirty shillings in silver to my Executor withn the space of one year after my decese more unto the said Elizer the other half of my meadow upstream on the west side of Charles river the other half wherof is above given to his Brother Benjamin more all soe seaven acres Adjoyning to his Brother Benjamin in my Devident at the southward most corner of our first grant from the Contey more over I give unto said Elizer the house which he now lives in with free ingreese egreese and regreese for the space of two years next after my decease and than to take it away if he will all soe free liberty to lay his English graine in my barne the two years above said."Item - I will and bequeath unto my sonn in law Increase Ward and his heyres for ever one third sixt pt of my great Devident in that tract of land Last granted the Town by the court."Item - I will and bequeath unto my sonn in law Felix Warren one sixt pt of my great Devident lyeing on the last grant from the Contey and my devident cowse meadow (three acres and a half at the lower end formerly given to my sonn Samuell Wheelock excepted and I doe hereby rettifye and confirme thatacte of my deere and Late wife concerning that cow which she willd to our grand child Rebecath Craft and for the residue of my estate billes bondes landes Debtes and othere moveables wehat soe ever unbequed and not in this my last will and testament above expressed (my Just Debts being payed and my funeral expenses Discharged) and heareby given and bequeathed unto the Sole use of my executor and I doe hereby ratifie and confirme unto all and every of my children all former lands granted to any of them not therein expressed and I doe hereby Constitute appoint and ordain my Loveing and well beloved Son Samuell Whellock my Executor of this my last will and testament to the intent that he shall see the same efectually pformed according to my said intent and mening therein unto whom I commit and give all full power and trust for the efecting therof and I doe hereby request and desire my loving and much respected brother in law George barbour as overseer to be Aiding and Assisting to my Executor to this my last will and testament and I doe hereby utterly revoke all other wiles and bequeathed what se ever formerly made and published and in token that is my last will and testament contained and written in this sheets of paper I have put to my hand and affixed my seal this 3 of the 3: 1681.
Ralph Wheelock (Seal) Signed Sealed and Published in the presence of us George Barbur Samuel Barbur"This will exhibited unto ye County Court for Suffolk sitting in Boston pro May 1, 1684 by Samuel Wheelock nominated Executor Cap George Barbur and Samuel Barbur then made Oath that they were present when Mr. Ralph Wheelock Signed Sealed and Published this Instrument to be his last will and y then he was disposing mince to their best understanding. Attest: Isaac Addington Clre "A true copy of record attest Arthur W. Dolan, Register""Further my will is that my books not formerly disposed of shall after my decease shall be Devided amongst my children."
found on ancestry.com
FounderThe Reverend Ralph Wheelock was founder of the town of Medfield, Massachusetts. He was a graduated of Cambride University, Clare Hall. He matriculated in 1623, received his Bachelor of Arts in 1626, and his Master of Arts in 1631.
found on ancestry.com
No comments:
Post a Comment