ersonal
character of the trouble which resulted in the removal of Dr. Tappan,
emphasized later by an injudicious statement issued at the suggestion of
some of his friends, would have rendered such a course almost
inevitable.

Dr. Haven was not a man of the powerful caliber of his predecessor but
he proved a most satisfactory administrator during a trying period. Of a
more conservative temper, he devoted himself to caring for the immediate
affairs of the University rather than the problems of future
development. He was born in Boston, November 1, 1820, and was graduated
from Wesleyan University in 1842. After a few years spent in teaching,
he entered the ministry of the Methodist Church, but resigned in 1852 to
accept the professorship of Latin in the University. Like his
predecessor, he had an extraordinary ability as a speaker, though he was
more given to epigrams and felicities of expression, with which his
speeches fairly sparkled. His characteristic humor, quoted by Professor
Winchell in his Memorial Address, is illustrated by the following
passage:

Might not a parasite on the back of an ox ... having found out by
actual measurement the circumference of the ox, and by
mathematical calculation, the diameter of the ox, and having
ascertained that as he inserted his proboscis into the hide of the
animal, say the sixteenth of an inch, it gradually and regularly
grew warmer, infer, in like manner (as the geologist) that the
center of the animal was red hot lava!

[Illustration: HENRY PHILIP TAPPAN, LL.D. (1805-1881)
The first President of the University, 1852-1863
(From a bas-relief by Karl Bitter in Alumni Memorial Hall)]

[Illustration: ERASTUS OTIS HAVEN, LL.D. (1820-1881)
President of the University, 1863-1869]

[Illustration: HENRY SIMMONS FRIEZE (1817-1889)
Professor of Latin, 1854-1889
Acting President of the University, 1869-1871, 1880-1882]

Dr. Haven, in spite of his active denominational ties, was a strong
supporter of the non-sectarianism of the University. "I maintain," he
said, "that a State University in this country should be religious. It
should be Christian without being sectarian," and again, "Those
questions upon which denominations differ--however vital they may
appear--should be left to their acknowledged teachers outside the
University."

In his general policy he faithfully followed the paths which had been
laid out for the University's development;