Brainerd, Cephas, 1831-1910

Cephas Brainerd was a lawyer and prominent leader in the YMCA, serving as director and vice-president of the New York City association during the 1850s, and as secretary general of the YMCA's International Committee from 1865 to 1892. During his tenure he strongly influenced the character of the YMCA, including advocating an evangelic emphasis and a moderate attitude towards race relations.

From the description of Cephas Brainerd papers, 1865-1947 (bulk 1880-1890). (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 62699344

American lawyer.

From the description of Letter signed : New York, to [President Lincoln], 1861 Feb. 28. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270134742

Cephas Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut in 1831. Coming to New York City to study law, he became a partner in the firm of Ebenezer Seely and Truman Smith. He served as vice-president of the Bar Association of New York City and for 12 years was a lecturer of international law at New York University. In 1864 he successfully represented a group of African-Americans whose property had been damaged in rioting . From 1876 to 1892 he worked on a number of cases relating to the "Alabama Claims," in which money distributed to United States maritime interests and their insurance companies in compensation for Civil War damages.

Brainerd's contact with the YMCA began in 1852 when at the age of 21 he joined the New York City association. He became a director of that association in 1857 and was its vice president from 1857-1859. During the early part of the Civil War he was active on the Army and Navy Committee of the association. Brainerd served as secretary general of the International Committee from 1867-1892, during which he strongly influenced the character of the YMCA, including advocating an evangelical emphasis and a moderate attitude towards race relations.

From the guide to the Cephas Brainerd papers., 1865-1947, (bulk 1880-1890)., (University of Minnesota. Kautz Family YMCA Archives. [ymca])