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Inventory to the James B. Webster Papers, 1894-2003
70027
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Title: James B. Webster papers,
Date (inclusive): 1894-2003
Collection number: 70027
Creator:
Webster, James Benjamin, 1879-1929
Collection Size:
Number of Containers: 39 manuscript boxes, 5 oversize boxes, 1 oversize folder, 1 envelope, 3 mounted photographs
(21.4 linear feet)
Repository:
Hoover Institution Archives
Stanford, California 94305-6010
Abstract: The papers relate to theology, and to missionary activities and Christian education in China. They are comprised of diaries,
correspondence, notebooks, writings, printed matter, photographs, and memorabilia.
Language:
English
Collection open for research.
The Hoover Institution Archives only allows access to
copies of audiovisual items. To listen to sound recordings or to view videos or films during your visit, please contact the Archives
at least two working days before your arrival. We will then advise you of the accessibility of the material you wish to see
or hear. Please note that not all audiovisual material is immediately accessible.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Archives.
[Identification of item], James B. Webster papers, [Box number], Hoover Institution
Archives.
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Archives in 1970.
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. To determine if this has occurred, find
the collection in Stanford University's online catalog at
http://searchworks.stanford.edu/ . Materials have been added to the collection if the number of boxes listed in the online catalog is larger than the number
of boxes listed in this finding aid.
| September 29, 1879 | Born, Passumpsic, Vermont |
| 1908-1912 | Educational missionary in China |
| 1912 September 25 | Married Alta Newby in Chinkiang [Zhenjiang], China |
| 1912-1915 | Director of pastoral work and lecturer in Chinese and English, Shanghai Baptist College and Seminary |
| 1915-1917 | Attended Hartford Seminary Foundation where he received his PhD in Religious Education |
| 1917-1925 | Head of Department of Education and professor of Education, Shanghai College |
| 1924 | Acting dean, Shanghai College |
| 1926-1928 | Associate professor of Education, College of the Pacific, Stockton, California |
| 1928 | Completed research study on adolescent interests of Chinese youths |
| 1929 December 8 | Died, Stockton, California |
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection documents J. B. Webster's work and life as a Christian missionary in China. The collection includes day books,
correspondence, newspaper articles, writings, and other printed material from Webster's daily life. Webster lived in China
for many years as a teacher and an administrator at Shanghai College. As a missionary and as an employee at the college, Webster
worked to improve the Christian religious education movement, particularly in China, which included completing sociological
studies of Chinese adolescents and writing on effective religious education techniques. The collection contains many examples
of coursework and lesson plans for various classes at Shanghai colleges and other schools. Webster was interested in examining
how sociological factors in the community and culture affected the acceptance and incorporation of religious education. The
professional correspondence in the collection contains letters with fellow missionaries, superiors, coworkers at the Shanghai
college, and students.
Apart from the documents and materials from Webster's professional life, the collection contains material from Webster's own
education and personal life, such as saved assignments and documents from his time at a seminary and family correspondence.
The collection includes letters, writings, photographs, and biographical material of Alta Newby Webster, James B. Webster's
wife, as well as family receipts from China, which reveal the day to day existence of the Webster family in China. Additionally,
Webster kept diaries that describe his life and travels in China. Webster died in the United States in 1929, and there is
material in the collection saved from after his death, including correspondence and memorial materials.
The collection includes a significant number of photographs depicting the Webster family and other missionary families in
China, students and instructors at Shanghai College, and scenery from Webster's travels around the country. Also included
are black-and-white photographs taken by Webster that depict revolutionary troops attacking Qing Imperial forces. Webster
had access to the battlefront on land and in sea.
Education.
Education--China.
Missions--China.
China.
Missionaries.