The Bigglestone papers reflect William E. Bigglestone's interest in Oberlin history, with a special interest in the Oberlin Black community, and Oberlin during the mid-to-late 19th century. He was preoccupied with focusing on Oberlin's early themes (such as a place of refuge for escaped slaves, black servicemen in the Civil War, and Oberlin College as an integral part of the town) and getting the record straight. The collection highlights Bigglestone's position as an archivist, and as a collector of his own research files. His work files are to be found in RG 41, and a distinction should be made between his work (in this case) as an historian and his work as the official archivist. The Bigglestone papers also document his regular activity in the Society of American Archivists and in other professional organizations.

At first glance, Bigglestone's files relating to his research might seem insignificant, as they appear to mirror the data found in his publications. However, there is a great deal more to be derived from the collection. His research files contain a significant amount of material which is not found in his publications. In addition, information exists that updates Bigglestone's work in these subject areas. The wealth of information will benefit both scholarly and genealogical researchers.

This collection is organized into eight series, with series I, III, and VI further divided into subseries:

1. Files Relating to They Stopped in Oberlin, c. 1840-c.1986
   1. Civil War Military Records
   2. Genealogical Research Files
   3. Local Census Records
   4. Miscellany
2. Files Relating to the Ojibway Mission, n.d.
3. Research Files Relating to Other Writings, c.1840-1983
   1. Oberlin Blacks
   2. Oberlin History
   3. Russell T. Hall Journal
4. Writings File, 1896-99, 1970-85, 1997-2003
5. John J. Shipherd Correspondence (transcripts), 1818-1844
6. Files Relating to Professional Activities, 1960-1988
   1. Society of American Archivists
   2. Miscellany
8. Personal Correspondence, 1982-1984
9. Miscellany, 1977-1979, n.d.

Series I. Files Relating to They Stopped in Oberlin, c.1840- c. 1986 (1.8 l.f.)

This series contains research materials used to write They Stopped in Oberlin. It consists of four subseries: 1. Civil War Military Records; 2. Genealogical Research; 3. Census Records; and, 4. Miscellany. The collection is largely made up of Bigglestone's research notes, photocopies of official documents, a few photographs, correspondence, and copies of newspaper clippings.

Subseries 1. Civil War Military Records, c.1860-c.1900

Subseries 1 contains miscellaneous photocopies of official military documents and correspondence, and records of blacks from Oberlin who served in the Civil War. The originals are held by the National Archives. This subseries also contains typescripts and Bigglestone's own research notes. The files are alphabetically arranged.

Subseries 2. Genealogical Research Files, c.1840-c.1986

This subseries documents the genealogy of several black families who lived in Oberlin at one time. The arrangement is alphabetical. Much of this material was not used in the book They Stopped in Oberlin.

Subseries 3. Local Census Records, 1840-1900

This subseries includes copies of census records for Russia Township, Lorain County and the town of Oberlin for the period covering 1840 to 1900, as well as notes on census information. In some cases, but not all, the data is categorized into sections relating to Whites, Negroes, Chinese, Property Owners, Occupations, etc. Much of the information is written in Bigglestone's own hand in the form of notes and tables, as well as documents consisting of photocopies of official reports.

Subseries 4. Miscellany, 1977-1982

Consists of correspondence, photographs, introduction and appendices notes, and errata.

Series II. Files Relating to the Ojibway Mission, n.d. (0.4 l.f.)

This series contains the research done by Bigglestone concerning the Ojibway Mission and Oberlin's involvement with it. Included are papers relating to Reverend Sela G. Wright, Reverend Alonzo Barnard, and Mr. David Brainerd Spencer, among others, principle missionaries at the mission at Red Lake, Minnesota Territory. The papers document activities at the mission from 1843 to 1859 (Minnesota became a State in 1858). Included are photographs, clippings, transcripts, Bigglestone's notes, correspondence, etc.

Series III. Research Files Relating to Other Writings, c.1840-1985 (5.8 l.f.)

This Series contains research materials relating to Bigglestone's writings on Oberlin and Black history, and the journal of Russell T. Hall (A.B. 1865). Some of the material relates to the content of documents found in Series I. A decision was made, however, to maintain the original order of the records as they were received. The Series is made up largely of Bigglestone's research notes, and also includes correspondence, photocopies of newspaper clippings, and other research material. The papers range in date from c.1960 to 1984.

Subseries 1. Oberlin Blacks, pre-1900 - 1945

This subseries contains materials relating to Bigglestone's research into local Black history, including correspondence, newspaper clippings and research notes, largely for his article "Oberlin College and the Negro Student, 1865-1940" (Journal of Negro History, July 1971). Information included ranges in date from pre-1900 to 1945.

Subseries 2. Oberlin History, c.1860-1983

Subseries 2 includes materials relating to Bigglestone's research into Oberlin history, reflecting events, issues, and items of a local nature. These items are directed primarily towards his book Oberlin: From War to Jubilee, 1866-1883.

Subseries 3. Russell T. Hall Journal, c. 1857-1985

Consists of correspondence and research materials related to the book The Journal of Russell T. Hall, 1863, with Introduction and Notes by William E. Bigglestone (Grady Publishing Company, Oberlin, 1983).

Series IV. Writings, 1896-99, 1970-85, 1997-2003 (0.2 l.f.)

Bigglestone wrote several important, in-depth historical articles on Oberlin history between 1971 and 1985 that are included in this series. Topics cover Oberlin College, individuals, the Negro experience in Oberlin, etc. See the inventory for the listing of the titles of the articles.

Series V. John J. Shipherd Correspondence (transcripts), 1818-44 (22 Folders) (0.4 l.f.)

This series is largely made up of transcripts and copies of the correspondence of John J. Shipherd (one of the founders of Oberlin College in 1833), and of his wife Esther. These documents provide information regarding Shipherd's involvement in the planning, establishment, and the early years of Oberlin and the College. Many of the copied letters are in a collection held by the Oberlin College Archives (Robert S. Fletcher Papers), as indicated by the Archive's stamp, and the other copies of letters were provided by private individuals (documented by Bigglestone's personal correspondence).

Series VI. Files Relating to Professional Activities, 1960-1988 (0.4 l.f.)

This series contains correspondence, notes, and informational packets regarding Bigglestone's involvement in various professional organizations and activities on the national, regional and state level.

Subseries 1. Society of American Archivists, 1960-1988

Subseries 1 includes correspondence and other information relating to the SAA, and especially Bigglestone's involvement with the Committee on College and University Archives.

Subseries 2. Miscellany, 1969-1986

This subseries is made up of files relating to Bigglestone's involvement in the Loewenheim - FDR Library Affair (1969-73), of his notes for Schellenberg's NARS course on Archival Practice (n.d.), and correspondence relating to the microfilming of copies of The American Archivist for 1982-86.

Series VII. Personal Correspondence, 1982-1984 (0.3 l.f.)

Letters and cards of condolence received by William E. Bigglestone following the death of his wife Mary Grady Bigglestone in 1983. Also included are letters and cards of Lorna Grady that concern Mary Grady Bigglestone.

Series VIII. Miscellany, 1977-1979, n.d. (0.1 l.f.)

Consists of notes and notices for Bigglestone's talk tilted "Names about Town"; copies of the 1978 and 1979 OC Commencement Programs for which Bigglestone contributed photos and text from archival sources; and, a copy of the August 1977 journal American History Illustrated.

NOTE:

Titles of file folders in this collection reflect the headings as given by the creator of the records.

For additional materials respecting Bigglestone's activities as program administrator of the College Archives, users should consult the records of the Oberlin College Archives (RG 41). Bigglestone's SOA files were transferred to the SOA Archives at the OSU Archives in Columbus on 22 April 1999.