Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-01-14
Trustees of Iowa College Have
Practically Decided Presi.
dency Question.
Rumor That Dan F. Bradley. Of
Grand Rapids. will Be Chosen
Is Confirmed.
Meeting to Be Held on January
z6..Sketch OF the New
President.
Special to TImes-Republican

trustees will he held for the purpose of
electing Rev Dan f. Bradley. of Grand
Rapids, Mich, to the presidency of
Iowa College. Until this week the trus-
tees have been absolutely non-commlt-
tai as to their intention In regard to
had been decided upon, providing he
would accept, or was even seriously
considered as candidate have been
discourag ged by the trustees. But now
no attempt at concealment of intention
is made. This meeting from the trus-
tees standpoint will be the most i'm
portant with the exception of single
meeting, since the election of Rev. Geo.
A. Gates. And it is admitted that un-
less some altogether unforeseen devel-
opment appears Rev. Dan F. Bradley
will be chosen head of the institution.
Mr. Bradley was born in 1857. His
father was at that time a missionary in
Sian. in the service of the American
board. A few years later he resigned
from the American board and became a
representative of the American Mis-
sionary Society continuing his labors in
Siam. When this society abandoned its
foreign work. for the American field,
the family found itself dependent upon
the profits OF small printing estab-
lishment, which Mr.. Bradley had es-
tablished, the only one of its kind,
where printing was done in the Slamese
lanuage Mr.. Bradley continued his
missionary labors independently until
his death in 1878 when young Dan took
charge of the printing establishment
and continued the support of the fam
lily until his admission to Oberline Col
lege four years later. At that time he
was twenty years of age. While in
college he supported himself, largely
and graduated in the class of 1882
Three years later he recetved the de-
gree B. d. from the 0berline Theologi-
cal school. For two years after his
graduation from che Theological school
he was pastor of the Congregational
church at Steubenyille, o., and was
then called to the Congregational
church at Yankton, Dakota. Here he
served until 1892 and since that time has
been pastor in his present field at
Grand Rapids, Mich. His present field
is alarge one his church having over
thousand members and his present sal
ary being $4,000 in excess Of the salary
paid the president of Iowa College. Mr..
Bradley's brother is at present on the
faculty Of the University OF California.
While at Yankton Mr.. Bradley was
called upon to serve as assistant presi-
dent of the Yankton College, which was
then in serious financial straits. Dur
ing his administration, which was en-
tirely gratuitious, Mr.. Bradley succeed
ed in interesting DR.. d. K. Pearson, of
Chicago, in the institution and securing
from him gift of 100000 for the col
Iege. Mr.. Bradley became acting pres-
dent with the understanding that he
would not accept the presidency should
be he elected. He preferred to remain
in pastoral work. BY his energy and
financial management Acting President
Bradley initiated work looking toward
the liquidation of the entire indebted
ness Of the college which amounted to
the value of the property owned by the
institution. This work when carried
out freed Yankton college from debt.
Dr. Bradley has earned wide
standing in Congregational circles and
has also become widely acquainted
with the leading educators OF the
country.
Senator Robert j. Gamble, who was
a trustee of Yankton while DR.. Brad
ley was acting president, and was
closely connected with him, says in
letter In the hands of the trustees: Il
could not speak in too high terms of
Mr.. Bradley / love him as a man. In
his personality he is most charming
and agreeable, strong in the pulpit and
as demonstrated here in connection
with the work of the college, of good
judgment, exceptional in executive
management and most attractive and
inspiring to students.
I'm all ways / should consider any
college most fortunate could 1t secure
him as it's president. With his eXper-
ience and growth since he left here
he would be able to take a more COM
manding position and in the highest
sense is fitted to represent any insti-
tuition, not only in it's material, its in
tellectual, but in spiritual life.
II might further add that his work
in behalf Sof the college here was
institution. He neither asked nor re-
CelNGu COIHpSiStitlOii III iiio oSA VIVA.
And in addition he gave of his means
to it's support and upbuilding.
Rev. e. M. Vittum is in receipt of
a telegram from DR.. Bradley in which
he signifies his Willingness. after care
full consideration. to become candt-
date for the presidency here. 1t is
on the strength of this telegram that
full meeting of the trustees has been
called. 1t is believed by those who
know Mr.. Bradley and of his work
that the trustees have chosen wisely.
Grinnell is pleased that at last the
man to serve as the head of the col
lege has ben found. The formal meet
ing of the trustees is now considered
important and merely formal.
DIR. Bradley has few characteristics
in common with either of the former
presidents of Iowa College-Dr. Nor
gan or DR.. Gates. He is, however, a
man of no less pleasing personality
and as shown by his career capable of
making friends and of harmonizing
elements. He is a man of
modest bearing and conservative.