From collection Phi Gamma Delta Documents Collection
Ellis B. Gregg (Jefferson College 1848) letter to James Elliott (Jefferson College 1848) from January 1, 1850
Letter from Ellis B. Gregg (Jefferson College 1848) to James Elliott (Jefferson College 1848) dated January 1, 1850. The four page letter also includes the original envelope.
The letter includes details of a meeting held among Ellis Bailey Gregg, Thomas W.B. Crews (Jefferson College 1851) and Samuel Wilson (Jefferson College 1848). The meeting discussed several issues concerning the "future welfare of the order". Proposed changes to the Constitution included the logistics surrounding expansion to other campuses and the role of the Legate in these expansions. Another proposal discussed degrees of membership in which the final level would be obtained the evening before graduation from College.
An additional proposal was allowing for "old graduates or alumni" of respective colleges to be initiated into Phi Gamma Delta.
Gregg was aware that Phi Gamma Delta could be a "temporary and local affair" if actions were not taken to expand.
It is clear that the early initiates of Phi Gamma Delta remained active and influential in the development of the Fraternity after graduation.
,Ellis Bailey Gregg
(1827-1854)
This fifth son of a family of nine was born at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1827. Ellis' father was a prosperous merchant, and the son was sent to Green Academy, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, for his college preparatory work. There he was influenced by a Jefferson alumnus and, filled with zeal to prepare for a legal career, matriculated at old Jefferson with the famous class of '48. He was a youth of average height, with light hair and blue eyes, very modest and gentlemanly in appearance. We know, too, that he had a warm and generous nature and was popular with all who knew him. He was gifted as a poet and always inclined to look on the cheerful side of life. In his letters, he often spoke with affection and enthusiasm of the little band of '48 and their resolve to carry to fruition the ideals and principles which had been inculcated into their society. Even after graduation, he was a frequent visitor to the Jefferson campus and to the chapter.
After two years of studying law, Gregg was admitted to the bar in Washington, Pennsylvania, but moved to Peoria, Illinois, to open his office. There he was instrumental in the organization of a Masonic lodge. He made two separate attempts to continue his practice in Peoria, but each time his health collapsed and he was forced to return to his parents' home. The last time, he underwent an operation and a resulting fistula caused his death on December 18, 1854, when he was but 27 years of age. His grief-stricken parents buried the boy in the mother's old-fashioned garden among her flowers; but after the parents, too, had died, Ellis' body was disinterred and placed at their side in the family plot in Laurel Point Cemetery at Carmichaels. There his grave, like those of his five comrades, is designated as the final resting place of one of the Founders of Phi Gamma Delta.
Gregg's Gravesite
Ellis Gregg died on December 18, 1854 after a long illness and an unsuccessful operation. He was twenty-seven. Initially buried in his mother's garden, after her death Gregg's body was moved to Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, next to his parents.
Directions
Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, about fifty miles south of Canonsburg. Directions: Drive north on U.S. 119 out of Morgantown; turn left on Pa. 88 at Point Marion; proceed about 12 miles to Carmichaels; turn right on George Street and proceed to the town circle where you will turn left on Market. Proceed north on N Market Street, passing the historic, two-story red brick Greene Academy on the right. A couple of houses later turn right on McCann Lane; you'll see the cemetery entrance sign. Bear to the left and park at the end of the road; a steel gate may block your way. If so, walk to the end. The gravesite of Gregg is directly in front of you a few sites as you walk in the old section of the cemetery.
Details
The letter includes details of a meeting held among Ellis Bailey Gregg, Thomas W.B. Crews (Jefferson College 1851) and Samuel Wilson (Jefferson College 1848). The meeting discussed several issues concerning the "future welfare of the order". Proposed changes to the Constitution included the logistics surrounding expansion to other campuses and the role of the Legate in these expansions. Another proposal discussed degrees of membership in which the final level would be obtained the evening before graduation from College.
An additional proposal was allowing for "old graduates or alumni" of respective colleges to be initiated into Phi Gamma Delta.
Gregg was aware that Phi Gamma Delta could be a "temporary and local affair" if actions were not taken to expand.
It is clear that the early initiates of Phi Gamma Delta remained active and influential in the development of the Fraternity after graduation.
,Ellis Bailey Gregg
(1827-1854)
This fifth son of a family of nine was born at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1827. Ellis' father was a prosperous merchant, and the son was sent to Green Academy, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, for his college preparatory work. There he was influenced by a Jefferson alumnus and, filled with zeal to prepare for a legal career, matriculated at old Jefferson with the famous class of '48. He was a youth of average height, with light hair and blue eyes, very modest and gentlemanly in appearance. We know, too, that he had a warm and generous nature and was popular with all who knew him. He was gifted as a poet and always inclined to look on the cheerful side of life. In his letters, he often spoke with affection and enthusiasm of the little band of '48 and their resolve to carry to fruition the ideals and principles which had been inculcated into their society. Even after graduation, he was a frequent visitor to the Jefferson campus and to the chapter.
After two years of studying law, Gregg was admitted to the bar in Washington, Pennsylvania, but moved to Peoria, Illinois, to open his office. There he was instrumental in the organization of a Masonic lodge. He made two separate attempts to continue his practice in Peoria, but each time his health collapsed and he was forced to return to his parents' home. The last time, he underwent an operation and a resulting fistula caused his death on December 18, 1854, when he was but 27 years of age. His grief-stricken parents buried the boy in the mother's old-fashioned garden among her flowers; but after the parents, too, had died, Ellis' body was disinterred and placed at their side in the family plot in Laurel Point Cemetery at Carmichaels. There his grave, like those of his five comrades, is designated as the final resting place of one of the Founders of Phi Gamma Delta.
Gregg's Gravesite
Ellis Gregg died on December 18, 1854 after a long illness and an unsuccessful operation. He was twenty-seven. Initially buried in his mother's garden, after her death Gregg's body was moved to Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, next to his parents.
Directions
Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, about fifty miles south of Canonsburg. Directions: Drive north on U.S. 119 out of Morgantown; turn left on Pa. 88 at Point Marion; proceed about 12 miles to Carmichaels; turn right on George Street and proceed to the town circle where you will turn left on Market. Proceed north on N Market Street, passing the historic, two-story red brick Greene Academy on the right. A couple of houses later turn right on McCann Lane; you'll see the cemetery entrance sign. Bear to the left and park at the end of the road; a steel gate may block your way. If so, walk to the end. The gravesite of Gregg is directly in front of you a few sites as you walk in the old section of the cemetery.
