“ Not only does the history of the political development of China resemble the history of the remainder of mankind, but [it] has, perhaps, within itself the solemn prophecy of the world’s political future.” - Homer Lea.
Six chairs are in the front row and Homer Lea can be seen seated first from the left. It was a proud and happy moment, the triumph, for Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Homer Lea, and their comrades. This picture was taken in Hong Kong during Christmas time in 1911. They were on their way to Shanghai and then to the final destination, the new Republic capitol in Nanjing, China. The tall Japanese gentleman, Mr. Miyazaki Toten, located behind Dr. Sun, sold his family fortune to raise funds, and parted with his wife and his children to follow Sun’s dream of a better future of China. On board the ship, P&O Devanha, Lea was interviewed by a reporter from China Mail, a past sister newspaper of today’s South China Morning Post. Lea expressed his wishes that America should take the lead to recognize the new republic, as well as assist with financial support.
During my research, I have found some historical photos which I would like to share with you. I have seen similar photos from library to library. Since I have no idea which one is the original source, I will give a collective acknowledgment. The old photos in this website would come from the Library of Congress, the National Archive, the Hoover Institution of Stanford University, the Occidental College Library, the University of Texas, the University of California Berkeley, the Public Libraries of South Pasadena, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Sierra Madre, California and the Government Information Office, Taiwan. All digital photos are compressed down to a resolution for web page use only. Its intention is to avoid the widespread use of copies, and/or for commercial use. Please be aware of and strictly follow all copyright laws. If you need a higher resolution photo, please contact the original source. There are more historical photos about this subject in the Jashua Powers collection, in the Hoover Institution of Stanford University.
Click photograph to enlarge - slide show
Who is Homer Lea?
The reformist Emperor, Kuang-hsu
The Dowager Empress, Tz’u-hsi
Kang Yu Wei,
100 Days Reform Movement Leader
Liang Chi Chao,
Reformist and Kang’s follower
At the entrance of the legations, a barrack garrisoned by marines
A gang of boxers killing foreigners on sight, burst into Peking in 1900
The International Army arrived at the port of Tientsin with their horses
The ruins of the legation compound after the siege
The US Cavalry and Marines marched through the Forbidden City, Peking
French officials stood on the Empress’ throne after she escaped
Hotel Angelus, Liang Chi Chao stayed
csulb.edu Brent C. Dickerson Collection
Angelus parlor, Lea & O’Banion first met csulb.edu Brent C. Dickerson Collection
Boothe’s Mansion in South Pasadena,
the Chinese Revolution Headquarters
Side view of Boothe’s Mansion,
the Chinese Financial Headquarters
Chinese soldiers at close-engagement
Chinese Cavalry used a thrown horse as breastwork
Chinese soldiers at rest during their break
Chinese Cavalry learning a quick horse-mount technique
A scene of attack and defense at Eagle Rock, California
Bringing their wounded soldiers, using rifles as stretchers
The Chinese cadets of Fresno, California
Using heliograph and wigwagging
A march column at Sunset area, Hollywood, California
The Signal Corps cadets of Los Angeles, California
The bright Chinese soldiers marched to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, 1905
Westlake Park,Lea &Generals often met
csulb.edu Brent C. Dickerson collection
General Homer Lea in his elegant Chinese Imperial Reform Army Uniform
Lieutenant General Homer Lea in his
Chinese uniform, in San Francisco
Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the first Chinese Republic President, Lea’s best friend
President T. Roosevelt met Lea, Kang
Yu Wei, Liang Chi Chao, & Yung Wing
General Otis, Harrison Gray (founder of
Los Angeles Times), Lea’s good friend
Major General Chaffee, Adna Romanza
- Homer Lea’s mentor
German Kaiser, (Emperor) Wilhelm II brought Lea’s book for his officers
British Field Marshal, Lord Roberts, F.
urged Lea to write a book for Britain
Yuan Shihkai, some said he poisoned the reformist Emperor Kuang-hsu
The Chinese rejected Yuan Shihkai when he made himself the Emperor
The Reverend Ng, Poon Chew brought
Homer into the Chinese secret societies
A comic strips collection, Lea’s legacy
(digital.lib.msu.edu/collections)
Chinese Director General of Foreign Affair, Feng Shusen- photo Yoshi Ogata
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies in Diaoyutai, Beijing - photo Ogata
Front gate, Dr.Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, China - photo Roger Yung
Many steps lead up to Sun’s Tomb.
Will Homer Lea meet Dr. Sun again?
Arrival of Lea’s (Powers) relatives with the US ambassador and Taiwan officials
Taiwan Vice President C.K. Yen, payed tribute to General Homer & Mrs. Lea
Arrival of the remains of General Homer Lea & wife at Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan
Huang Chi-lu,(right)hosts the ceremony. Lea’s stepson is seen on the left
Dr. Sun Yat-sen sitting high, resembling the Lincoln Memorial, Taipei, Taiwan
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan - photo by Roger Yung
General Homer Lea and Mrs. Lea at Yangmingshan Cemetery, Taipei, Tw.
Alfred Lea and grandfather Dr. P.J.G. Lea at Lee’s Summit-photo Roger Yung
Hersa's grave in Riverside Cemetery in Denver. Photo by Byron Strom
Sarah Coberly, Homer’s Grandmother
Courtesy of Colorado Historical Society
Hersa’s babies, only the first one identified. Courtesy of Byron Strom
Hersa Coberly Soule
Courtesy of Byron Strom
