The Gregg Group was founded 22 May 2004, prompted by the lack of online shorthand resources. As the primary use for shorthand — business and legal recording — has waned in recent decades, we generally acclaim the skill as a hobby or personal tool. The purpose of the group is to promote the use of Gregg systems of shorthand by providing advice to beginners, support for students, and an association of users of this efficient, attractive, and enjoyable method of writing.
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=597374915&searchurl=bsi%3D120%26sortby%3D7%26tn%3Dgregg%26x%3D0%26y%3D0
“The author was a famous evangelist from Berea, Kentucky, who opposed slavery, wrote and preached against it during the Civil War.”
I’m thinking Civil War sort of rules it out.
Cheers!