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Fowler (Captain William H.) papers
M2098
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Captain William H. Fowler papers
creator:
Fowler, William H., Captain
Identifier/Call Number: M2098
Physical Description:
2 Linear Feet
(3 boxes, 1 flat box)
Date (inclusive): circa 1917-1931
Abstract: Collection of correspondence and photographs from William H. Fowler, who worked with the railroad in Russia and Northern China
around the time of the Bolshevik Revolution.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Stanford University, Special Collections in 2015.
[identification of item], Captain William H. Fowler Papers (M2098). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives,
Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
The materials consist of 185 handwritten letters and approximately 150-180 photographs taken by Fowler, as well as a few items
of ephemera, including postcards, telegrams, War Department letters, and material related to the railway. The letters are
largely sent from Harbin, China and Siberia, as well as a few from the United States. They are mostly to Fowler's wife, with
whom he corresponded from 1917 to 1920, detailing for her his life in China and Russia. He describes the local populations,
the conditions of the towns, cultural traits, politics, and the American forces in the areas. The Bolshevik revolution is
mentioned, as well as a railroad strike in 1919. Most of the photographs are annotated with comments, and subjects include
the conditions in Manchuria and Siberia, trains in Manchuria, Russian refugees, Chinese railroad workers, prisoners of war,
breadlines, Russian solders marching shortly after the revolution, and American soldiers.
William H. Fowler was a civilian recruited to serve with the American Engineering Corps division of The Russian Railroad Service
Corps (RRSC) American Expeditionary Force Siberia (in this case Manchuria). The American Expeditionary Forces were involved
in the Russian Civil War in Vladivostok during World War I, and after the October Revolution from 1918 to 1920. The RRSC consisted
of former U.S. civilian railway workers who were organized into a military-style unit with appropriate rank to operate railroads
in support of Allied forces. This force supported the Russian Provisional Government In northwestern Russia. American Transportation
Corps troops maintained the railways, but in Siberia, the RRSC carried out railway operations as well as maintenance. [Information
from dealer description.]
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Harbin (China) -- Description and travel
Siberia (Russia) -- Description and travel
Fowler, William H., Captain