George N. Burleigh diary, 1888

Creator:
Burleigh, George N
Abstract:
George N. Burleigh was a New York City resident who served as a Christian missionary in Cape Town, South Africa. This collection contains a handwritten diary detailing his work in Cape Town in 1888.
Extent:
0.25 linear feet 0.25 linear feet; 1 box
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains the handwritten diary of missionary George N. Burleigh, detailing his work in South Africa in 1888, the year he turned twenty. The 230 page diary includes entries for every day of that year, and describes Burleigh's encounters and surroundings, and includes opinions on the state of religion and "the souls of the African people." The diary also provides insights into conditions and conversations among the following religious groups: Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Jews, Muslims, The Salvation Army, South African Methodists, and indigenous Khoikhoi ('Hottentot') religions. The diary frequently compares aspects of New York culture and the South African way of life; for example, occupational and commercial activities, modes of entertainment (long excurses on smoking, drinking, and dancing), and gender relations.

Biographical / historical:

George N. Burleigh was a New York City resident who served as a Christian missionary in Cape Town, South Africa. Burleigh was in a party of other missionaries who first sailed from New York to Cape Town in May 1887, arriving in July 1887. Burleigh lived on 5 Scott Street in Cape Town. The majority of Burleigh's work was through the sale of religious tracts and magazines.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

The following boxes are located offsite: Box 1. Please note that requests for use of boxes held in offsite storage must be made three business days in advance.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, George N. Burleigh diary, 1888, box #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
Burke Home Page
Before you visit:
Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu