Papers of Rev Joseph Stonehouse

Papers and artefacts belonging to Rev Joseph Stonehouse, found on his person when he died. The papers appear to have been damaged by a bullet. Artefacts include a damaged bullet, fan, comb and Chinese hairpins.

Joseph Stonehouse was born on 30 December 1854, at Middlesborough. He studied at Rotheram College. He was appointed to Shanghai as a missionary with the London Missionary Society. He was ordained, 27 July 1882 at Upper Mill, Saddleworth, Yorkshire. He sailed on 4 October 1882, and arrived at Shanghai , 25 November 1882. He married Gertrude Eliza Randall on 10 November 1884 at the Cathedral, Shanghai. By resolution of the Board he moved to Peking, where he arrived in October 1886, and entered on work in the East City. In 1891, Mrs Stonehouse returned to England. On 23 March 1901, Joseph Stonehouse was killed by robbers in the district of Tung Chu, at the age of 46, and was buried at Peking, 27 March.

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The papers have been damaged by what appears to be a bullet passing through them, making them interesting as artefacts from the period, but virtually unreadable.

Copyright held by SOAS, University of London

It is believed that the bullet was one of those shot at Joseph Stonehouse by the robbers that killed him. The notebook and other items were found on his person when he died. The items were kept by the family in a cabinet that was brought back from China when Rev Stonehouse's widow came back to England after his death. The cabinet remains in the family.