Laban Morey Wheaton (1796-1865), a businessman, citizen, and husband to Eliza and Wheaton Female Seminary co-founder, was born in Norton in 1796. A bit of a wild child—he was infamous in town for taking the family Christmas sleigh down Main… Read More »
1809Eliza Wheaton Is Born
Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton, to whom Wheaton College owes its existence, was born on September 27, 1809 in Northbridge, Massachusetts. She was educated at the Young Ladies High School of Boston and Uxbridge Academy and moved to Norton following her… Read More »
1834Wheaton is born
Eliza Wheaton Strong, the only daughter of Judge and Mrs. Laban Wheaton, dies at the age of 39, on March 25. Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton, daughter-in-law of the Judge, convinces him to found a female seminary in memory of his… Read More »
1838Wheatons Adopt Laban Wild
Childless after nine years of marriage, Eliza Baylies Wheaton and Laban Morey Wheaton adopted his young cousin Laban Wild (1835 – 1853).
1839Wheaton Gets its First Piano
Fanny Morey Wheaton, wife of Judge Laban, donates the Seminary’s first piano.
1840Library Established
Fanny Morey Wheaton established the Seminary Library with a gift of $100.00. The money was used to purchase Harper & Brothers newly established and pioneering publisher’s series, the “Harper’s Family Library” of titles in travel, history, and biography.
1842 - 1912Martha C. Sawyer
A member of Wheaton Female Seminary’s first graduating class in 1839, Martha Sawyer remained at Wheaton to become a full time teacher. After three years of service, Miss Sawyer replaced Martha Vose as principal in 1842.
1846Death of Judge Wheaton
Judge Laban Wheaton, founder of Wheaton, died at the age of 92. His funeral oration was given by the Rev. Sylvester Holmes, Wheaton Female Seminary Trustee and pastor of the Pacific Congregational Church of New Bedford, MA.
1846Judge Laban Wheaton Dies
Judge Laban Wheaton, father-in-law of Wheaton’s founder, husband of Fanny Morey Wheaton, was a successful civil servant and entrepreneur. A congressional representative from 1809 to 1817 as a member of the Federalist Party, Judge Wheaton also served as the first… Read More »
1847 - 1849Elizabeth A. Cate
In the spring of 1847, Mrs. Wheaton’s personal appeal brought a new principal to the Seminary: Elizabeth A. Cate, a long-time friend of Martha Vose from their days at Bradford Academy.
1850Wheaton Graduate Becomes First American Female Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Lydia Folger Fowler, who attended Wheaton in 1838-1839, was the second woman to receive an American medical degree. She also became the first woman professor at an American medical college (Central Medical College in Syracuse). Married to the noted… Read More »
1862The Wheatons Tour Europe
In hopes of restoring Laban Morey Wheaton’s failing health, the Wheatons spend the summer of 1862 on a “Grand Tour” of Europe.
1865Laban Morey Wheaton Dies
Laban Morey Wheaton died on 17 January 1865, at the age of 69. He left the use of most of his property and investments to his widow, Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton, for her lifetime. The most valuable asset, the estate… Read More »
1889Samuel Austin Chapin
Samuel Austin Chapin was the brother of Mrs. Wheaton, and a Trustee from 1889-1890.
1904Mrs. Wheaton Sits for Portrait
Eliza Baylies Wheaton sits for a portrait by renowned painter John W. Alexander.
1905Mrs. Wheaton Dies
Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton dies on June 2, at the age of 95.
1905Mrs. Wheaton’s House Converted to Presidents’ House
The trustees designated Mrs. Wheaton’s house as the President’s residence. President and Mrs. Cole have previously been living with students and teachers in the Boarding House, Metcalf Hall.
2004Eliza Wheaton’s Diaries Found
Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton’s long lost diaries are found, by College Archivist Zepherine Stickney after 24 years of searching, and returned to the college.