Manuscripts

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 3
Creator: Arthur D. Bryant
Title: Papers of Arthur Durham Bryant, 1851-1939
Quantity: 1.0 Linear Feet (2 document boxes)
Abstract: This collection contains the correspondence of the first ordained Deaf Baptist minister.
Note: This document last updated 2005 November 23.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Laura R. Pucci gave some of Bryant's collection to the Gallaudet University Archives between 1972 and 1985.
Processed by: Michael J. Olson. 2008 October 28.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:
Search ALADIN for a complete listing 

Films

• Gettysburg [motion picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film 25-4
• A little journey to some historic place in old Virginia [motion picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film 57-4, 434-4

Photographs

• Photograph album owner unknown [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Photograph Album AL 30
• Photograph album of Robert Werdig [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Photograph Album AL 66
• Arthur Durham Bryant [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Portraits

SMSS

• Thomas Watson Osborne, 1933-1937. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS
• Edward Eugene McConnell, 1923-1945. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS
• Gallaudet family, 1824-1962. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS

Biographical Sketch 

Arthur D. Bryant was a graduate of the Kendall School for the Deaf, and a member of the Gallaudet Class of 1880. He was an excellent art instructor at Kendall and Gallaudet from 1880-1916 and produced many outstanding artists and architects.

Mr. Bryant was the first Gallaudet graduate to become an ordained Baptist minister. He was ordained in 1911. He founded the Calvary Baptist Church for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., the first of its kind. He continued his work with the church until his death in 1939. Gallaudet awarded him a honorary Master of Arts degree in 1932, and a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1939.

Scope and Content

The collection contains two boxes of letters, autographs books, deeds, titles, insurances, certificates, books, and clippings. The collection, which consists of approximately 1,700 items, dated from 1851 to 1939. Arthur D. Bryant collected newspaper clippings and pasted into two small scrapbooks with his notes. Most of the clippings related to the history of Civil War and Washington, DC area. Included in this collection are old deeds and titles of properties on East Capitol Street in Washington, DC where his father-in-law, Isaac H. Benedict purchased a property; also another property across from the street purchased by Bryant. Also included in this collection contains many letters addressed to Bryant from his relatives and deaf friends concerning information on history of Washington, DC area; genealogy; and reminiscences of notable people whom Bryant met during his lifetime. The most interesting items in this collection are two autographs books belonged to Bryant; contain many autographs signed by famous Civil War generals such as U. S. Grant, John S. Mosby, James Longstreet, John E. Wool, and Horatio G. Wright. Some autographs that were signed by the members of the United States Congress between 1874 and 1875 are included. Autographs of members of the faculty and students of the National Deaf-Mute College are included. One autograph signed by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe is included.

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