William Shippen Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Shippen
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Etching of William Shippen Sr. by Max Rosenthal
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| Born | October 1, 1712 |
| Died | November 4, 1801 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Anatomy |
| Spouse(s) |
Susannah Harrison
(m. 1735) |
| Children | 2, including William |
| Relatives | Edward Shippen (grandfather) Edward Shippen III (brother) Anne Shippen (granddaughter) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Medicine |
William Shippen Sr. (born October 1, 1712 – died November 4, 1801) was an American doctor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was also an important leader in his community and in education. He represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress, which was the government of the American colonies during the American Revolution.
Contents
About William Shippen Sr.
William Shippen Sr. was born in Philadelphia. His father, Joseph Shippen, was a successful merchant. William grew up to become a well-known doctor in Philadelphia. In 1735, he married Susannah Harrison.
Community and Education
William Shippen Sr. was very involved in his community. In 1742, he helped start the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia.
He also worked with Benjamin Franklin and other important leaders. Together, they founded the Public Academy in 1749. This school later became the University of Pennsylvania. William Shippen Sr. served as a trustee for the college from 1755 to 1779.
He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society. This group was for people who wanted to learn and share new ideas. William Shippen Sr. was a vice president of this society for many years.
Teaching Medicine
William Shippen Sr. taught anatomy and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Anatomy is the study of the body's structure. Surgery is medical treatment that involves operating on the body. One of his students was William Henry Harrison, who later became a President of the United States.
William's brother, Edward Shippen III, helped start Princeton University. William Shippen Sr. also served as a trustee for Princeton from 1765 to 1796.
Role in Government
On November 20, 1778, William Shippen Sr. was chosen to be a delegate to the Continental Congress. This meant he represented Pennsylvania in the new American government. He served in Congress during 1779 and 1780. After that, he went back to his work as a doctor.
William Shippen Sr. stayed active even when he was in his eighties. He passed away at his home in Germantown in 1801. He is buried in the First Presbyterian Churchyard in Philadelphia.
His Family
William Shippen Sr.'s son, William Shippen Jr., also became a doctor. He was in charge of hospitals for the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
William Jr.'s wife was Alice Lee. Her family, the Lee family of Virginia, was very important. Their daughter, "Nancy" Shippen, married Henry Beekman Livingston.
William Shippen Sr. also had a daughter named Susan. She married Samuel Blair, who became the second Chaplain for the United States House of Representatives.
