Mann Papers

Papers, 1913-1938, c.1967, some undated, of the Rev Ebenezer Mann and his wife Mabel Mann. They include published newsletters (1913-1938) from Ebenezer and Mabel Mann, detailing their work in Kansu province, China; parts of a typescript work by Ebenezer Mann relating to his years in China; autobiographical notes made by Mabel Mann; and a small collection of photographs of China including photographs (1920-1921) of the aftermath of the earthquake in Lanchow, Kansu province. Also included is a list (1934) of missions and workers in China with the China Inland Mission, prepared by Ebenezer Mann.

Ebenezer John Mann was born in 1881, and Mabel Mann in 1883. They were second cousins, and first met in England in 1900. Each sailed independently for China with the China Inland Mission - Ebenezer in 1903, and Mabel in 1905. Both were sent to Kansu province (North West China) - Ebenezer to Tsinchow and Fukiang, Mabel to Liangchow. In October 1907 they were married at Sichuan and left to fill a gap at the Si'ning Mission (close to the Tibetan border) for six months. In May 1908 they returned to Fukiang, where they were based until their retirement in 1944. In 1921 Ebenezer Mann was appointed Chairman of the Famine Relief Committee set up after the earthquake in Kansu Province. He was awarded the Certificate of the Medal of the Sprouting Grain in 1921, the highest award given to foreigners. Ebenezer Mann died in 1957 and Mabel Mann in 1977.

The papers have been arranged into three sections: papers of Ebenezer Mann; papers of Mabel Mann; and miscellaneous items.

Open

Donated in 1981.

Unpublished handlist.

For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance

The School of Oriental and African Studies holds the records of the China Inland Mission (Ref: CIM).