Dr. Merrill’s recent death. Dean Crawshaw as Acting President took over and was to remain as head until Dr. Bryan’s advent a year later. In December 1907 Dr. Merrill had suffered a stroke, brought on, it would appear, by the burden of his office. He carried out his duties up to February when his condition compelled him to relinquish them but lingered on until June 11th.
Colgate’s loss in Dr. Merrill’s death was indeed great. Under his leadership the University had experienced a steady growth in faculty, students, buildings and grounds and in campus activities. Its atmosphere and tone had acquired a certain new sophistication and its reputation had been enriched and extended. He had given the institution a strong momentum which would carryon well into his successor’s administration.