Few lives attain to such nobility of character as that of Brother Gregory. He was a man of simple manner and plain speech, yet possessed of rare dignity and gentlemanly grace. His long, flowing beard, and silvery locks, made him a striking figure among men. His voice was music, and every word and act was prompted by a heart full of love. The kind deeds of his life; the good words spoken; the excellent sermons delivered; the earnest prayers offered; the sacrifices made, are recorded in many a human heart. Oh! what shall be the harvest of this consecrated life? Truly may it be said: he 'rests from his labors, and his works do follow him."
Brother Gregory was born in Wilson County, Kentucky [sic: Tennessee], November 29, 120 [sic: 1820], and on November 28, 1839, he married Miss Willie [according to his great great granddaughter her name was Millicent and they called her Millie] Grundy, who survives him. He came to Texas in October, 1852, and settled near Chico, in Wise County.
He professed religion while young, at the first protracted meeting he ever attended, which was held by Revs. Hugh Reid and Granville Monksfield. He at once joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. At the age of twenty he entered the ministry, in which he labored for over sixty years, during which time thousands were led to Christ through his efforts. Though his opportunities were meager, yet by dint of application, he made of himself a fine scholar, and he was able to handle any question that came to him. A Bible scholar, a pulpit orator, a theologian of first rank. Truly, he was a "workman that needeth not to be ashamed"--A life, to whose history we can point with pardonable pride.
He was appointed by Trinity Synod to the first moderatorship of Gregory Presbytery, which was so named in his honor, and was organized at Cottonwood, Tex., March 22, 1883. He preached the opening sermon from 2 Timothy 4: 2.
The Union scheme had no attraction for him. He never faltered during that unhappy struggle, but remained steadfast and loyal to his convictions, his Church and his God. He loved to repeat: "I am a Cumberland till I die."
Sad, so sad, that so beautiful a life should have so tragic an end. He and Sister Gregory were asleep in their peaceful home when the house caught on fire, and it is supposed he got confused in the smoke, and also his eyesight being bad, he perished in the flames. But one consolation, his life work was of indestructible material, for he built upon the "Sure Foundation," with the pure "Gold" of Righteousness, and the "Precious Stones" of gospel truth.
[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 147-148]