The Portland daily press., 1895-09-16
COLBY'S PRESIDENT.
Prof. Nathaniel Butler Decides to Ac-
eept the Call.
OF CHICAGO ENDEAV-
vRED TO KEEP HIM.
Sketch of a Young Man Who Has Won
High Reputation in the West-Presi-
dent Harper's Efforts to Prevent His
Accordance of the Offer.

High Reputation in the West-Pres1-
dent Harper's Efforts to Prevent His
Acceptance of the Offer.
It has recently been stated that Prof
Nathaniel Butler, D. D., of the Univer-
sity of Chicago, had declined the offer of
the presidency Of Colby University.
The PRESS is now able to answer,
that while the strongest pressure on
the part of President. Harper has been
brought to retain the services of DR..
Butler in that university, he has never
theless signified his readiness to accept
the position ut Colby, and the matter of
his election will follow as soon as the
meeting Of the board of trustees Of Colby
can legally be convened. This announce
nent will give the highest satisfaction
to all the alumni and friends of the
college.
i DR.. Buffers historical discourse at
the 10Th anniversary of Colby, in June
last, was of such high order Of merit
that together with his long experience
as a college instructor it made him
prominent candidate for the vacancy
caused by the resignation of President
Whitman. In fact while the names of
number Of candidates have been sug-
gested, Dr. Butler is thes.only one with
whom the committee. of the board of
trustees has had any correspondence.
DIR. Butler is native of Maine and is
40 years of age His father, DR.. Nathan
iel Butler, was graduate of Colby and
for many years prominent Baptist
clergyman in this state. He died In
Chicago aryear or two ago.
His grandfather Rev. John Butler, was
also we'll known Baptist preacher in
Maine. He once preached in Yarmouth.
One of his daughters was the wife of
Phineas Barnes. a former wsll known
resident of Portland.
DIR. Buffers mother is a sister Of Hon.
George E. Emery of this city, and also
a sister Of the widow of Hannibal Hamlin.
His sister, Ellen H. Butler, now living
in Bangor with her aunt, is gifted
poetess who has more than local repu-
tation She was formerly teacher at
Fryeburg Academy.
DIR. Butler was graduated at Colby
University in 1878 and was assistant prin-
cipal at Ferry Hall Female College, Lake
Forest, Ill, 1885, He then became as
sociate principal Highland Hall College
for Women, Highland Park, ILL.,, where
he remained till 1879 He was master
of Yale School for Boys in Chicago In
1S79-sO, and then became principal of
Highland !, Hall College for Women where
he remained until '84. He was professor
of rhetoric and English literature in
the old University of Chicago until 'S6,
when he was elected professor of Latin
in the University of Illinois.
In 1881 he was made professor of the
English language and literature in the
same university. On the organization Of
the new university of Chicago in 1892,
he was made assistant professor of Eng
lish literature and later director Of the
university extension department of the
university. It was his successful ad-
ministration of this Important depart
ment of the university's work that has
led President Harper to be SO persistent
in his efforts to retain hisssservices
On the other hand, ex-Presi6ent
Small, who holds Ethe prominent position
in the University of Chicago as head pro-
fessor in the department. Of sociology, has
strongly advised DR.. Butler to accept
the position, and President Harper early
remarked to DR.. Small: "We will see
who has the strongest influence.
Twice did President Harper prevail
and influences that were brought to
bear upon DR.. Butler by the indefatig-
able and irresistible president of the
great university we're undoubtedly strong.
That the committee of the board of
trustees have at length been able to Sc
cure the assent of DIR. Butler is an event
that will not be without its influence on
the future of educational work in Maine.
DR.. Butler will bring to his new posit-
ion not only long experience as an in
structor, but sympathy and familiarity
with the new methods of education. In
fact his connection with an institution
of so much prominence as the University
of Chicago cannot but be OF the highest
usefulnessFto him In his future work.
Prof. Butler expects to..enter upon his
new duties January 1st. Meanwhile DR..
Pepper, formerly president of the college,
will have charge of it's administrative
affairs.
Dr. Butler was married at Highland
Park, Ill, April 2S, 1881, to Miss Flor
ence r. Sheppard, who is native of Chi
cago. They have three sons DR.. Butler
received his degree of D. D. from Colby
during the present year.
His father, DR.. Nathaniel Butler, for
whom he was named, has preached in
Turner, Eastport, Auburn, Bangor,
Rockland, Hallowell. Vassalboro and
Camden in Maine, and also III Kansas
and at Alton. Ill.