Scope and Contents
The Biographical Documentation of Series I includes articles and clippings about McCracken, memorabilia, and material compiled by his daughter Helen McCracken Fulcher. The Correspondence of Series II includes family correspondence, circular letters describing McCracken's work in China, and a valuable of collection of correspondence and documents relating to the graduates of the Medical Department of St. John's University in Shanghai. The Writings and Collected Material of Series III include articles and speeches by McCracken, other articles about China, and documentation related to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School at St. John's University. Series IV includes photographs of McCracken, his students and their families, the staff of the Medical School in Guangzhou (Canton), and medical cases.
Dates
- 1901-1961
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Helen McCracken Fulcher and Martha McCracken.
Arrangement
- I. Biographical Documentation
- II. Correspondence
- III. Writings and Collected Material
- IV. Photographs
Extent
3.5 Linear Feet (8 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
Correspondence, writings, and collected material document the work of a distinguished medical missionary and educator in China and provide information about graduates of the Medical Department of St. John's University, Shanghai. Josiah Calvin McCracken was a medical missionary and educator in China from 1906 to 1948. Sent out by the Christian Association of the University of Pennsylvania, he headed the medical department at Canton Christian College from 1907 to 1912, and at St. John's University in Shanghai from 1914-1942
Biographical / Historical
- 1874
- Born in Lincoln County, Tennessee; grew up in Kansas
- 1891-1895
- Attended Cooper College, which became Sterling College, Sterling, KS
- 1896-1901
- Attended University of Pennsylvania Medical School; athletic star in football and track
- 1901-1903
- YMCA secretary, Columbia University
- 1903-1905
- Medical intern at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia
- 1906
- Visited China to evaluate need for medical work there for Christian Association of University of Pennsylvania
- 1906
- Married Helen Newpher, who became the mother of their eight children.
- 1907-1912
- Developed the University Medical School at Canton Christian College, serving under the Christian Association of the University of Pennsylvania
- 1912-1913
- On furlough in U.S.; daughter Mary Elizabeth paralyzed by polio, but was later able to go to medical school and become a pediatrician in China.
- 1914-1942
- Dean of the Medical School of St. John's University, associated with the University of Pennsylvania; Professor of Surgery and chief surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital; physician to Shanghai American School.
- 1927
- Received honorary Doctor of Science degree from University of Pennsylvania
- 1938-1942
- Head of American Red Cross Hospital for Refugees, Shanghai
- 1942
- Repatriated on the exchange ship Gripsholm
- 1942-1946
- Staff surgeon at hospital in Pennsylvania
- 1944
- Helen McCracken died.
- 1946-1948
- Returned to Shanghai to reestablished Medical School at St. John's.
- 1948
- Returned to U.S.; retired from active professional duties but remained active in church-related activities. Provided numerous letters of reference for St. John's Medical School graduates seeking employment in the U.S.
- 1962
- Died
Additional biographical information available in Mission to Shanghai; the life of medical service of Josiah Calvin McCracken by Helen McCracken Fulcher.
- Title
- Guide to the Josiah C. McCracken Papers
- Author
- Compiled by Martha Lund Smalley
- Date
- 1998
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared According To Local Divinity Library Descriptive Practices
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Yale Divinity Library Repository