Cephas Brainerd papers

Collection

Identifier: Y.USA.15

Staff Only

SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF THE COLLECTION

The bulk of the collection consists of speeches and writings of Brainerd delivered during the later years of his tenure as secretary general of the International Committee of the YMCA. Also included are copies of manuscripts of biographies of Brainerd written by family members, including his son, Ira and wife, Eva W. (Hutchinson) Brainerd.

Dates

1865-1947
Majority of material found within ( 1880-1890).

Creator

Brainerd, Cephas, 1831-1910 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Use of Materials:

This collection is protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright, ownership, and to obtain all the necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials.

BIOGRAPHY OF CEPHAS BRAINERD

Cephas Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut in 1831. Coming to New York City to study law, he became a partner in the firm of Ebenezer Seely and Truman Smith. He served as vice-president of the Bar Association of New York City and for 12 years was a lecturer of international law at New York University. In 1864 he successfully represented a group of African-Americans whose property had been damaged in rioting . From 1876 to 1892 he worked on a number of cases relating to the "Alabama Claims," in which money distributed to United States maritime interests and their insurance companies in compensation for Civil War damages.

Brainerd's contact with the YMCA began in 1852 when at the age of 21 he joined the New York City association. He became a director of that association in 1857 and was its vice president from 1857-1859. During the early part of the Civil War he was active on the Army and Navy Committee of the association. Brainerd served as secretary general of the International Committee from 1867-1892, during which he strongly influenced the character of the YMCA, including advocating an evangelical emphasis and a moderate attitude towards race relations.

Extent

1.0 Cubic Feet (3 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence, speeches, writings and biographies of Cephas Brainerd, secretary general of the YMCA International Committee from 1867-1892.

Processing Information:

Material in this collection was formerly cataloged as part of the YMCA Biographical Files.

Processed by: Chan Harries, August 2004.

Catalog Record ID number: 4458119