Between 1868 and 1949, more than 3,700 children were born in China to missionary families, with Americans accounting for over half. Many of these children spent their early years in China, returned to the U.S. for education, and after graduation, followed in their parents’ footsteps by going back to China. Many considered their roots to be in China, feeling a strong connection to both nations.

Among the notable American missionaries in China were William Martin, Young John Allen, John Fryer, Timothy Richard, and John Leighton Stuart, all of whom dedicated most or all of their lives to work in China and earned widespread respect from the Chinese people.

William Martin (1827–1916) came to China in 1850, an American educator, and passed away in Beijing.

Young John Allen (1836–1907) arrived in 1860, an American promoter of knowledge and communication, died in Shanghai.

John Fryer (1839–1928), born in the UK, came in 1861, a master translator, died in the United States.

Timothy Richard (1845–1919), British-born, arrived in 1870, influential in reform movements, died in London.

John Leighton Stuart (1876–1962), born in Hangzhou, returned to the U.S. at age 11 for education, came back to China in 1904, served as Yenching University president and U.S. ambassador to China, spent 45 years in China, returned to the U.S. in 1949, and was buried in Hangzhou in 2008.

There were also many regionally influential missionaries, such as Hunter Corbett (1835–1920), born in the U.S., who arrived in Shandong in 1864 and spent 56 years serving there, passing away at the age of 85 in Yantai.