J. F. W. (Joel Fisk Whitney), 1843-

Whitney graduated from the Andover Theological Seminary in 1871, and in the same year was appointed as missionary to Micronesia by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. He worked chiefly on the Marshallese island of Ebon, translating scriptures and hymns into the native language, as well as writing Marshallese educational books on geography and other subjects, before returning to the United States in 1881.

From the description of Vocabulary, new words, and idioms : manuscript, [1871-1881] (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612823262

From the description of Grammar and dictionary of the Marshallese language : manuscript, [1871-1881] (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612823232

Whitney was ordained to gospel ministry in 1871. He served as a missionary at Ebon and Kusaie, Micronesia, 1871-1881 and at various churches in N.Y. and Vermont.

From the guide to the Joel F. Whitney Papers, 1871-1878, (American Philosophical Society)