The Helen A. Sargent Papers document her career as a teacher and as a missionary in South Africa. The correspondence series contains letters to/from her aunt Sabra Sargent, James Sumner Sargent (father), and letters written by Helen A. Sargent to various other people. These letters, many having traveled between New York and South Africa, mostly reveal family relationships. There is also correspondence with close friends.

The Miscellaneous Items series consists of an exercise book, a family record put together by Sargent, as well as personal belongings of Helen A. Sargent such as an academic hood, diplomas and group photographs. Finally, there are a number of photographs from South Africa, some of which depict Sargent’s life there. Of particular interest is a diary written by Sargent on her boat trip to South Africa in 1909, in which she describes her time traveling on the boat, time spent in London en route to South Africa, and the conditions as they neared their destination.

Series 1. Biographical, 1909, 1921-25, n.d.

This series contains personal material reflecting Helen A. Sargent’s life, particularly the time she spent in South Africa. Included are her passport, checks, receipts, and brochures from various commercial enterprises that reflect the environment and the era.

Series 2. Correspondence, 1858-90, 1906-25, n.d.

The bulk of the correspondence in this series is personal in nature, and details the everyday affairs of Helen A. Sargent’s life, and the lives of her family members and close friends. The series includes correspondence to and from Sargent’s aunt, (Sabra Sargent), her parents, (James Sumner and Anstis Sargent), and letters to Helen A. Sargent from a variety of friends and associates.

Series 3. Miscellaneous Items, 1899-1905, n.d.

This series consists of memorabilia from different periods of Sargent’s life and includes her academic hood, a penmanship book, a family record-book, and diplomas and a citation from Oberlin College and the University of Cape of Good Hope.

Series 4. Photographs, 1910, 1925-1930, n.d.

The Helen A. Sargent Papers were received from Professor James Helm (Oberlin College Classics Department) on 30 July, 1997.