James Whitford Bashford

1849-1919. First resident bishop of the American Methodist Episcopal Church in China. Born in Fayette, Wisconsin, from college days he had aspired to go to China as a missionary. From 1876 to 1889, however, he served pastorates in Massachusetts, Maine, and New York. Then from 1889 to 1904 he was president of Ohio Wesleyan University. When in 1904 he was elected bishop, he asked to be assigned to China. For fourteen years he served in that land, speaking largely through interpreters but making a strong impact on the Christian movement. In 1907 he organized the China Centennial Thank Offering, which raised $600,000 for missionary work. He also assisted in organizing relief measures for famine sufferers.