Pocket Watch
Artifact IDMO 2002.29.3
Object Type
Watch
Date
1900-1961
Medium
Silver
DimensionsOverall Diam 1 3/4 in (4.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionSilver pocket watch with viello on the reverse and "Willoughby A. Hemingway, Dec. 25, 02" inscribed on interior backing. The face plate is missing.
Historical NoteJudging by the date inscribed inside this pocket watch, it was a Christmas gift to Willoughby A. Hemingway in 1902. The gifter is unknown, but the possibilities include his parents, Anson T. and Adelaide Hemingway; his five siblings; and Mary Eliza Williams, who became his wife the following year.
Like his brother Clarence E. Hemingway (father of Ernest), Willoughby Hemingway became a doctor. In 1903 he became a United Church of Christ medical missionary in Taigu, Shansi, China and founded a hospital there. He lived in China until his death in 1932.
The Ernest Hemingway Personal Papers in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contain limited correspondence to “Uncle Bill” from his nephew, who eventually came into possession of Willoughby’s pocket watch.
Additional DetailsLike his brother Clarence E. Hemingway (father of Ernest), Willoughby Hemingway became a doctor. In 1903 he became a United Church of Christ medical missionary in Taigu, Shansi, China and founded a hospital there. He lived in China until his death in 1932.
The Ernest Hemingway Personal Papers in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contain limited correspondence to “Uncle Bill” from his nephew, who eventually came into possession of Willoughby’s pocket watch.
Custodial History NoteThis item was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Mary Hemingway, the wife of Ernest Hemingway in 1986.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Mary Hemingway; Ernest Hemingway Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesErnest Hemingway Collection (National Archives Identifier 575085)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view