Benjamin H. Ripton, Johnstown

Originally posted for the Holiday Extravaganza 2003 Families:

Transcribed by Elaine Scantlebury. Contributed by Lisa Slaski.

BENJAMIN H. Ripton was born in Johnstown, N.Y., March 21, 1858, and was educated in the Johnstown Academy and Union College, graduating from the latter institution in the class of 1880.

After graduating Mr. Ripton decided to make teaching his life profession, and has attained to a high rank therein. He was teacher in Whitestown Seminary from 1881 to 1885, and was vice-principal of that institution during the years 1882-1883 and was principal from 1883 to 1885. In 1886 he received the appointment of professor of mathematics in Union College and ably filled his chair until 1884, when he was made professor History and Sociology. In 1894 he was also made Dean of Union College, which position he has filled up to the present time.

Dean Ripton is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and has been president of the Alpha Chapter, Phi Beta Kappa since 1894. He is also a member of the American Historical Association and of the American Economic Association.

On June 2, 1880, Benjamin H. Ripton married Francena Nare of Johnstown, N.Y. They have two daughters, Maud and Ruth. Mr. Ripton’s parents were Henry Ripton, born in Johnstown, N.Y., and Anna (Hunter) Ripton, born in Portadown, County of Armagh, Ireland. She came to this country in 1842 and settled in Johnstown.

Dean Ripton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a delegate to the general conference of that church held in the century year, 1900.

After the death of Treasurer Gilbert K. Harroun in September 1901, Dean Ripton was appointed by the trustees, acting treasurer of Union College, and held that position until the election of a permanent treasurer at the end of the year.

SOURCE: SCHENECTADY COUNTY New York ITS HISTORY TO THE CLOSE of the NINETEENTH CENTURY, Historian and Editor-in-Chief HON. AUSTIN A. YATES, Counselor-at-Law
Late District Attorney and County Judge of Schenectady County; Attorney To The State Insurance Department; Member of Assembly; Major in the Volunteer Forces of The United States During The War of the Rebellion and Spanish American-War.

Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long-aimed blow,
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain;
These constitute a state.

Published By THE NEW YORK HISTORY COMPANY 1902