Nathan Lord facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Lord
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| 6th President of Dartmouth College | |
| In office 1828–1863 |
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| Preceded by | Bennet Tyler |
| Succeeded by | Asa Dodge Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 28, 1793 Berwick, Maine |
| Died | September 9, 1870 (aged 77) Hanover, New Hampshire |
Nathan Lord (born November 28, 1793 – died September 9, 1870) was an American Congregational minister and educator. He led Dartmouth College as its president for more than three decades.
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Nathan Lord's Life and Work
Nathan Lord was born in Berwick, Maine. He finished his studies at Bowdoin College in 1809. Later, he attended Andover Theological Seminary. After his training, he worked as a pastor at a Congregational church in Amherst, Massachusetts for twelve years.
Leading Dartmouth College
In 1828, Nathan Lord became the sixth president of Dartmouth College. He held this important position from 1828 until 1863. During his time, he helped the college in many ways. He successfully got the college out of debt. He also improved the courses offered and increased the number of students.
Changing Views on Slavery
Nathan Lord was a founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked to end slavery. In 1833, he became its Vice President. He even allowed Black students to attend Dartmouth College. He was also a friend of William Lloyd Garrison, a famous abolitionist.
However, Lord's views on slavery changed over time. He was a very religious man. When Garrison questioned parts of the Bible related to slavery, Lord stopped supporting the abolitionist movement. He began to believe that slavery was not wrong. He saw it as something that was meant to be.
Controversy and Resignation
Lord's new views on slavery caused a lot of disagreement. He also did not support the Civil War. He blamed the war on abolitionists. These ideas made many people upset, including members of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees. One of them was Amos Tuck, a founder of the Republican Party and a friend of Abraham Lincoln.
The situation became very difficult in 1863. The Trustees were voting on giving an honorary degree to President Lincoln. They were tied, and Lord cast the deciding vote against it. The Trustees then made a public statement. They said they did not agree with Lord's published views on slavery and the war. At 70 years old, Nathan Lord resigned from his position.
He remained an active part of the Dartmouth College community. He lived in Hanover, New Hampshire, until his death in 1870.
Nathan Lord's Family
Nathan Lord married Elizabeth King Leland (1792-1870). They had ten children together. His youngest son, Nathan Lord Jr. (1831-1885), was a colonel. He led the 6th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers during the Civil War.
