The John C. Leith papers primarily consist of letters, many of which document various aspects of the Civil War. The most significant letters relating to the Civil War are the letters of soldiers and of John C. Leith. These letters contain passages regarding the hardships faced by the soldiers, and their desire to have news from home. Some legal documents, e.g. affidavits and an Ohio state bill, which concern the Leith family are also included.

Many other documents, e.g. correspondence and property deeds, from the Birge and Pitkin families, are also included. Photographs, mostly of members of the Birge family are located in Series 4. Former Archivist William Bigglestone established that no relationship exists between the Leith and Birge-Pitkin families.

Series 1. Correspondence, 1851-1973 [span], n.d.

The correspondence series contains letters from the Birge-Pitkin Family with various other individuals and a First National Bank. Other correspondents included here are Souder, Goodbread, Lamberton, and Rock. The series also includes 13 letters written by Leith while in Oberlin, 1861-62, in which he described events of the war period. A second folder contains photocopies of these letters for reference use and some miscellaneous correspondence concerning Leith. Several letters, c. 1901, of Leith’s sister Martha concern her life in Alaska and her possible claim to a mine there. In addition, letters written by soldiers (one from the 123rd Rgt. OVI, and one from the 13th Ohio), 1861-65, are included.

Series 2. Miscellaneous Files relating to Birge-Pitkin Family, 1851, 1860-1938 [span], n.d.

This series consists of deeds, some of which concern Oberlin properties, genealogical information, and newspaper clippings relating to the Birge-Pitkin Family. A miscellaneous folder contains other items including a journal entry, a Masonic certificate, and a wedding announcement.

Series 3. Miscellaneous Files relating to Leith Family, 1864, 1872, n.d.

This series consists of several affidavits signed by members of the Leith family as well as a copy of a bill from the Ohio Legislature repaying the estate of George W. Leith for funds he used to recruit Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Series 4. Photographs, 1855-1856, 1861, 1880-1886, 1892, 1897. n.d.

The photographs series contains a daguerreotype of John C. Leith, 1861, as well as several daguerreotypes of various members of the Birge family, 1855-97. A complete listing of individuals appearing in the photographs can be found in the inventory.

For additional documents from the Civil War era, consult the “Oberlin File” (RG 21).