THOBURN, J. M. (JAMES MILLS), 1836-1922.
Papers, 1910-1922.

MANUSCRIPT NUMBER 112

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CITATION:  James Mills Thoburn Papers, MSS 112, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University. 

James Mills Thoburn, born March 7, 1836 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, was the son of Irish immigrants. In 1850, a year after the death of his father, Thoburn enrolled in Allegheny College. He graduated in 1857. He joined the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was ordained in 1858. Thoburn became a missionary to India in 1859. He helped start and was the first editor of "The Indian Witness." In 1888, Thoburn was elected Missionary Bishop for India by the General Conference. He remained in office until 1908. He died in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on November 28, 1922.

Among Thoburn's writings are:

     My Missionary Apprentice, 1886
     The Deaconess and her Vocation, 1893
     Christless Nations, 1894
     The Church of Pentecost, 1899
     Life of Isabella Thoburn, 1903
     The Christian Conquest of India, 1906
     India and Southern Asia, 1907
     God's Heroes Our Examples, 1914

The collection contains one book, two letters, and two photographs.

The book is a copy of "Thoburn in India" autographed by Thoburn for his cousin, Mrs. Hester C. Pattillo.  The book contained a letter from Thoburn to Mrs. Pattillo dated April 1, 1910 and a  newspaper clipping describing the fiftieth anniversary of Thoburn's sailing for India. The second letter, dated September 11, 1947 is from Isabella Thoburn, grandaughter of Bishop Thoburn, to Mrs. Pattillo.  One photograph is of the residence in Meadville, Pennsylvania that was given to Thoburn by the Methodist Episcopal Church as a part of the fiftieth anniversary celebration.  Another is of Bishop Thoburn.  The photographs are black and white; neither is dated. 

Folder 1:     A copy of Thoburn and India : Semicentennial Sermon and Addresses Delivered at the
                   Thoburn Jubilee, Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Bishop James M. Thoburn's
                   Sailing for India, ed. by William Henry Crawford,  New York: Eaton & Mains;
                   Cincinnati: Jennings & Graham, 1909.  The copy is autographed by J.M. Thoburn
                   for his cousin, Mrs. Hester C. Pattillo.

Folder 2:     Letter 1

A letter dated April 1, 1910, to "My dear Cousin" [Mrs. Hester C. Pattillo].  The letter was contained in the copy of Thoburn and India.  Attached to the letter is a newspaper clipping describing the fiftieth anniversary of Bishop Thoburn becoming a missionary.

A letter dated September 11, 1947, from Isabella Thoburn (grand-daughter of Bishop James M. Thoburn) to Miss Patillo.

Folder 4:     An undated black and white portrait photo of Bishop James Mills Thoburn.
                   Thoburn's age appears to be approximately 45-50 years.