Eugene E. Barnett Papers
Scope and Contents
This .21 linear feet collection contains correspondence, vita, book review, and an 304-page typescript autobiographical manuscript. The manuscript is divided into 20 sections and has been put in file folders by section number.
The autobiographical manuscript written by Eugene E. Barnett gives detailed information on his family background (the Barnett and Epperson Families), his boyhood, his college years with his involvement with the YMCA, the lives of his family both at home and abroad, and his many experiences. The memoir covers in great detail the following subjects:
1. Physical descriptions of Shanghai and Hangchow
2. YMCA work in Hangchow
3. Boxer Rebellion
4. Collapse of Ch’ing Dynasty
5. Economic Depression
6. Cultural Life in China
7. Anti-American Sentiment
8. World War I
9. Japanese Invasion of Manchuria
10. Siege of Shanghai by Japanese Forces
11. Marxism
12. Communism
13. USSR (Soviet Union)
Although intended to be a three-chapter autobiographical manuscript, the last chapter was not written.
Dates
- Creation: 1888 - 1967
Conditions Governing Access
The physical materials from this collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives. Materials should be requested two to three days in advance to facilitate easier access. Contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu to schedule an appointment.
Biographical Note - Eugene Barnett
Eugene Epperson Barnett (1888-1970), son of Sarah Elizabeth Epperson Barnett and Robert Howren Barnett was born on 21 February 1888 in Leesburg, Florida. He received a B.A. from Emory University in 1907; post-graduate study in the School of Religion at Vanderbilt University, 1907-1908; and received Honorary Degrees of LL.D., from Emory University in 1944, and University of North Carolina in 1946. Barnett was the General Secretary of the National Council of YMCA’s from 1908-1910 and continued working with the International Committee of the YMCA. From 1910-1936 he worked in China. While in China, he observed many religious and political changes including the downfall of Chiang Kai-Shek and the resurgence of Communism. After leaving China, he continued to work for the YMCA until his retirement in 1953. He traveled extensively before and after retirement. Barnett died in Arlington, Virginia on 7 August, 1970.
Full Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (1 letter half-Hollinger)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Eugene Epperson Barnett Papers contain correspondence, book review, vita, and an autobiographical manuscript of Eugene Epperson Barnett, 1888-1970.
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Eugene E. Barnett Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives Repository
Special Collections Library
1101 19th Ave. S.
Nashville TN 37212 United States
specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu
About this Site
This site contains collection guides, or finding aids, to the archival collections held by Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives, the History of Medicine Collection, and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Finding aids describe the context, arrangement, and structure of archival materials, allowing users to identify and request materials relevant to their research.
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