Alfred A. and Gertrude C. Gilman papers

Alfred A. Gilman was born on August 3, 1878 in North Platte, Nebraska. He was one of eight children, two of whom were from Alfred’s mother’s first marriage. His mother, Mary Hubbard Kramph Gilman, helped found the North Platte Episcopal Church and helped instill Alfred with his religious zeal. Alfred’s father, Platt Jewel Gilman, was a railroad telegrapher who had a passion for gardening that Alfred inherited. Alfred was a successful and mature student who became interested in politics at an early age. Always a hard worker, Alfred graduated from high school at 13 and the University of Nebraska at 19. After a brief period of struggling between serving in the army and serving God, Alfred entered Philadelphia Divinity School. Following graduation in 1901, Alfred began mission work in Wyoming, but felt called to join the foreign mission field. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in August, 1902 and left for Hankow, China soon after. Alfred married Gertrude Carter, a fellow Hankow missionary, in 1905.

Gertrude Carter Gilman (1864-1936), the eldest daughter of the Reverend Frederick Brewerton and Fanny Lawrence Carter, was born in Long Island, New York on May 10, 1874. In 1884 the family, which included Gertrude’s four younger siblings, moved to Montclair, New Jersey. Despite her father’s attempts at discouragement, Gertrude had dedicated her heart to missionary work. Gertrude attended Wellesley, and following her graduation in 1896 continued study at the Philadelphia Training School. Gertrude was assigned by the Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church to serve in Hankow, China. She arrived in 1901, the year following the Boxer rebellion of 1900, during which at least 186 missionaries (including children) and over 1900 Chinese Christians were killed.

The Gilmans were married on February 22, 1905. Their first child, John Platt, was born in February 1906, but died suddenly two and a half years later. Overcoming this tragedy, the Gilmans found great joy in their younger children, Frederick, born in 1907, Louise, born in 1911, and Edward, born in 1913.

Alfred served faithfully as a member of the clergy, learning Chinese and keeping up with political situations and world news. In July 1907, he was appointed priest at the junior high school he had organized. In 1912 Alfred was appointed delegate in the first General Synod of The Chinese Holy Catholic Church, formed by representatives of four mission bodies. He became president of Boone University in 1916. In 1924 the Chinese government imposed a law requiring missions to register property, but Alfred was able to preserve the Hankow mission through contacts and friends in the government, many of whom had graduated from the schools Alfred was associated with. That same year Alfred became acting president of the newly founded Central China University. A year later, Alfred became the Bishop of Hankow and initiated a turnover of Church leadership to the Chinese people.

Gertrude served as an English teacher and Sunday school teacher. As an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary, she served as president, treasurer, and educational secretary. She was an active evangelist within the local Chinese communities, raising money when needed through rummage sales and working with the Christian United Poor Relief Association. Gertrude and Alfred were partners in their mission work and together helped found the Chinsan Christian Community to promote flood relief. The Gilmans were gracious hosts and Gertrude continually opened their home to the needy, especially children.
In 1936 Gertrude died unexpectedly of pneumonia. In spite of the loss, Alfred continued with his work. When war broke out between China and Japan in 1937, Alfred played a role in negotiations on behalf of his missions. His work allowed the missions to survive most of World War II. Alfred retired in 1946, only to be recalled to Hankow until 1948; he was then compelled to leave as tensions grew within China. Until his death on September 13, 1966, Alfred spent his remaining years in the United States, traveling, visiting family and friends, gardening, and corresponding with family, friends, and former mission colleagues.