History of Tufts College, 1854-1896
Start, Alaric Bertrand
1896
WILLIAM R. SHIPMAN, A.M., D. D.
WILLIAM ROLLIN SHIPMAN was born in Granville, Vermont, May 4, 1836. Three years later his father, who was a farmer, removed to Royalton in the same State, where he resided for nearly forty years. The boy was encouraged in his early liking for school, and his later desire for a college education. He was willingly spared from the farm to study at the academy of the town, where he soon became a pupil-assistant, and by teaching in the district schools in the Winter was able to support himself during the time of preparation for college. Entering Middlebury College in 1855, he was graduated with distinction in 1859. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and also became connected with the local lodge of Masons. | |
On graduating he took charge of the Green Mountain Institute at South Woodstock, Vermont. This school was just then in a very low condition, but four years of arduous teaching and administrative work on the part of Mr. Shipman restored in a large measure its old prosperity. It became evident to him, however, that only an endowed and | |
117 | thoroughly equipped school could meet the growing educational requirements of Vermont, and he especially desired that one under the control of the Universalist denomination should be the equal of any in the State. Accordingly he took an active part in the movement which led to the founding of Goddard Seminary, and resigning his principalship entered upon the endless task of raising money by general subscription for establishing and maintaining such a school as was projected. Before the end of a year he left this work to other hands to accept the chair of Rhetoric, Logic, and English Literature at Tufts, believing that he could continue to render no less important service to the school. For the last twenty years he has been President of its Board of Trustees, Chairman of its Executive Committee, and a self-appointed financial agent, whose compensation has always consisted in taking a high place on the subscription list. |
During the early years of his connection with the college, Professor Shipman has taught various subjects besides those covered by his professorship. Metaphysics was included from the first, although not formally added until the transfer of English Literature to Professor Maulsby in 1891. He has held the chair of Rhetoric longer than any other professor in New England; but although a teacher of so many years' standing he has always kept abreast of the times. In 1865 he was ordained as a minister, and in addition to his college work has preached very frequently, although he has never made a pastoral settlement. | |
He was married, July 28, 1868, to Miss Martha F. Willis, daughter of the Rev. John F. Willis. Two sons were born to them, the elder of whom died at an early age. Mrs. Shipman died July 2, 1894. | |
Professor Shipman received the degree of A. M. from Middlebury College in 1862, and twenty years later Saint Lawrence University conferred upon him that of D. D. He was a charter member of the Delta Chapter of Massachusetts | |
118 | . of Phi Beta Kappa, and is a member of the New England Association of Colleges and Preparatory Schools. Dreading ostentation, his work has always been quiet, but none the less effective; and there is no one whose sympathy with the students is keener or more active. He is a severe but kindly critic, full of helpful suggestions, and always ready to give his time for consultation. A word of praise from him is highly valued, for it is never spoken lightly. |
