The papers of Frank B. Warner document the missionary work of Warner and his wife Maude Bowman Warner in early twentieth century China. The papers are arranged in four series: Series I. Biographical; Series II. Correspondence; Series III. Reports relating to Missionary Work; and, Series IV. Photographs.

The papers primarily consist of letters written by Frank and Maude Warner describing China, its people, and its culture. Maude’s letters illustrate the difficulties faced, and the isolation from basic services, especially proper medical care. Frank Warner’s letters describe his travels in China and his concern for the health and safety of Maude and their children. A small number of letters date from Frank Warner’s days as a seminary student at Oberlin College (1912-14).

Series III contains Frank Warner’s reports and related correspondence concerning his missionary work in China. His reports were submitted to Oberlin College and the Shansi Memorial Association. One folder contains a report by Maude Warner in which she described the living conditions in China.

The photographs in Series IV. depict buildings and scenery in China, individuals at the Ming Hsien School, and missionaries. They include a photo album and loose photographs.

Series I. Biographical File, 1923, 2001

Consists of biographical information concerning Frank and Maude (Bowman) Warner provided by their daughters, Constance Regli and Jean Eaton in 2001. Also included are handwritten notes concerning Frank Warner’s life and a memorial service for him in Taigu, China, in 1923.

Series II. Correspondence, 1912-22

This series is divided into two subseries. Subseries 1 contains the letters (handwritten and typed) of Frank Warner to family members, including Maude Warner. Subseries 2. consists of originals and transcriptions of letters written by Maude (Bowman) Warner to family members. The letters contained in both subseries concern missionary work and life in China. A small amount of letters concern Frank Warner's student days at Oberlin College, 1912-14.

Series III. Reports and Correspondence relating to Missionary Work, 1914-1922

Reports and correspondence relating to missionary work in Taiku, Shansi Province, China from 1914 to1922. Includes four folders of reports (and related correspondence) submitted by Frank Warner to the Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association and The International Missionary Union. A fifth folder contains printed matter, including a report by Maude Warner concerning the living conditions in China.

Series IV. Photographs, 1915-1923

This series consist of photographs of the Ming Hsien School, individuals, buildings and missionaries in China, 1915 to 1922. Includes a photo album titled “Taiku – Its Surroundings and People,” c. 1922-23, and loose photographs of individuals, buildings, and scenery.

Former student files of Frank B. Warner and Maude Bowman Warner, RG 28 Alumni and Development Records.

Former staff file of Maude Bowman Warner, RG 28, Alumni and Development Records.

For additional groups containing information about missionaries in China, see the Archives' Guide to Missionary Records. See also RG 15 Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association Records.