STEPHEN RYDER CORRESPONDENCE,, 1914-1923

Summary: This series consists of letters by Stephen Ryder and document his observations of Japan. Almost all of these are letters sent by Stephen to his parents-in-law, which begin in 1915. This series provides insight into family life, missionary experiences, Japanese farming practices, transatlantic travel, the Japanese climate, natural disasters, and the famine and disease that often followed. Most are typed, with a few handwritten letters as well. There are also 2 typed reports regarding Stephen Ryder's missionary work, as well as one that discusses meeting Captain William H. Hardy. William H. Hardy was a member of the Perry Expedition and a cousin of Alpheus Hardy, the sponsor of Christian missionary and Doshisha University founder Joseph Hardy Neesima.