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Caption: Book - History of the University (Nevins)
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44 BEGINNINGS OP THE UNIVERSITY mazoo College. He was proposed to the Board by Thomas Quick, to whom he had already given a promise of acceptance. A man of great energy, he was also a man of intense belief in certain ideas, among which was practical education. He was well versed in the classics and theology—subjects indispensable to the oldtime college president. But he was also interested in hew institutions and new doctrines; a man who loved to travel, to mingle with society, and to speak; and one wno would devote himself to any enthusiasm. His talents were quick, mercurial, and ready, rather than solid, and yet he had the requisite determination and persistency. It was eloquent of his energetic character that while far from being a man of striking personal appearance, for he was slight, short, and without distinction of head or carriage, while at work or speaking he seemed impressive to his companions. Undoubtedly Gregory's prominence in Baptist circles assisted his election, for Baptists numbered a large proportion of the Trustees. One was the Rev. Mr. Burroughs, President of the old University of Chicago, which Stephen A. Douglas had been instrumental in founding a decade before; six others were active churchmen, three being clergymen. The nominator, •Thomas Quick, was head of a small Baptist school. It is little wonder that the election left some Trustees apprehensive lest sectarianism figure in the future of the University, and that outsiders shared the fear. The farmers were especially displeased that a minister had been chosen to preside over their highly practical Industrial University. Turner, who had never hesitated to express his dislike of "old hunker presidents," groaned: " 0 Lord, how long, how long ? An ex-superintendent of public instruction and a Baptist preacher! Could anything be
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