Description
This collection consists of
materials from three generations of the family of Massachusetts doctor and Marshall/Caroline Islands medical missionary Edmund
Morris Pease (1828-1906)
and his wife Harriet A. Sturtevant Pease (born 1877), dating
from 1816 to 1974 (bulk 1870-1930), and consisting chiefly of family correspondence.
Background
Edmund Morris Pease (1828-1906) was born on December 6, 1828, in Granby, Hampshire County,
Massachusetts, to Asa and Abigail Pease. Early in his life, E.M. Pease desired to
become a medical missionary. In his pursuit, Pease graduated from Union Seminary,
New York City, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.
However, before pursuing his call as a medical missionary, Pease was called into the
army as an assistant surgeon in the 16th Connecticut regiment during the Civil War
in 1863. He was later transferred to the 9th regiment of the colored troops where he
would complete his service in the army. Pease went on to practice medicine in New
York City and Springfield, Massachusetts for several years. Pease was called and
accepted by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions as a medical
missionary and was ordained and commissioned for work in the Micronesian Islands
where he served as a medical missionary for 17 years. As a medical missionary, Pease
taught at a seminary school and practiced medicine. His missionary work
included compiling a dictionary of the native language, translating and creating a
hymn and tune book in the Marshall Island dialect, and creating small educational
books for the island natives. One of his greatest achievements was translating the
entire New Testament into the island dialect and bringing it back to the United
States for printing. Pease returned to the United States and took residence in
Claremont, California where he worked on translating the Old Testament into the
island language.
Extent
1,535 pieces in 16 boxes, 3 books
and 2 oversize items
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.