John Clark Ridpath papers

John Clark Ridpath, educator, writer of popular historical works, was born on a farm in Putnam County, Ind., to which his parents, Abraham and Sally (Matthews) Ridpath, had moved from Virginia. At nineteen he entered Indiana Asbury University in Greencastle, Indiana and he graduated in 1863. In 1866 he was called to Lawenceburg as superintendent of school and served there until 1869. He then accepted a call to his alma mater as professor of English literature and normal instruction. Here he quickly achieved recognition as a gifted and inspiring teacher. In 1871 his title was changed to professor of belles-lettres and history and in 1879 he became vice-president of the university. His intellectual interests during these years turned increasingly to history, and in 1882 he became professor of history, and political philosophy. He retained this chair until his resignation from the university in 1885.