Person:Ralph Wheelock (2)

Rev. Ralph Wheelock, immigrant ancestor, was born in Shropshire, England, in 1600. He was educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge University, England, where he received his B.A. in 1626 and his M.A. in 1631. He became an eminent preacher in England, but because of his non-conformist views he was prosecuted, and finally in 1637 sought refuge with his Puritan fellows in New Englnad. He was at Watertown for a short time, but located permanently in Dedham, Massachusetts. He brought with him from England his wife and daugher, both named Rebecca. In the biography of his great-grandson, Rev. Ebenezer Wheelock, who founded Dartmouth College, we are told that the ship was driven back once by storms and that the voyage was long and distressing. He was one of the founders of the town and church of Dedham, learned, devout, unselfish, practical, indefatigable. In 1638 he made his home in that part of Dedham that was set off as Medfield. He was admitted a freeman, March 13, 1638 - 39; was selectman, schoolmaster, deputy to the general court, commissioner to end small causes, appointed magistrate to perform marriages while at Dedham, and was equally prominent in the new town of Medfield. He built his house at Medfield in 1651. He was made clerk of writs in 1642; was selectman of Medfield, 1651-55; school teacher and justice of the peace. Rev. Wheelock declined to take charge of any particular parish, but preached occasionally in Medfield and adjacent parishes. His last years were spent in teaching and farming. He helped collect funds when Harvard University was being established. He is recognized as being the founder of the first public school in America at Dedham, Massachusetts.

1.   Suffolk County, Massachusetts Probate Records.

   WILL:
   Suffolk Probate case #1339; will recorded Vol. 6, p. 454. Dated 1681;
   Mentions brother-in-law George Barber. [NGSQ 74:1-5]
   Dated May 3, 1681; proved May 1, 1684. Sons: Gershom, Benjamin, Eleazer & Samuel; sons-in-law Increase Ward & Felix Warren; granddaughter Rebecca Craft; brother-in-law George Barber. [Detroit Soc. for Gen. Research Mag. Spring 1956, p. 99]