Concise Encyclopedia of Tufts History
Sauer, Anne
Branco, Jessica
Bennett, John
Crowley, Zachary
2000
Goddard, Thomas, 1811-1868
Thomas A. Goddard (1811-1868), H1866, a dedicated Universalist, was a trustee, treasurer, and early benefactor of Tufts College. | |
Goddard was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1811.He attended public schools and the Boston Latin School. Early on in life, he showed an interest in foreign trade. He worked as an apprentice at the firm Putnam and Pratt, and after being sent abroad to present-day Izmir, Turkey, he founded and served a partner of a firm engaged with shipping in the Near East. He was also active in the School Street Church Sunday School, serving as superintendent of the school for more than thirty years. He was married to Mary Frothingham, who was also agreat supporter of the college following her husband's death. | |
From 1856-1868, Goddard served as Tufts' second treasurer. During his time in the position, when the college's income was less than its expenses, he balanced the books with his own funds at the end of the year. In 1856 he was made a trustee of the college. Tufts conferred an honorary degree on Goddard in 1866.Goddard died following a long illness on July 16, 1868. | |
His wife gave funds for the construction of Goddard Chapel and Goddard Gymnasium (its name was later changed to Goddard Hall) to Tufts College in his memory. | |
Source: RNTC3, VF, HTC, EB | |
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