The papers of Sherlock Bristol document the last few years of Bristol’s ministerial work before his death in 1906.  Of some significance is the manner by which he presents his views on popular religious topics at the turn of the century.  The thirteen letters to Reverend William Marsh confirm that the fearless Bristol had remained steadfast to “Oberlin Perfectionism” all his life.  His letters continually take up the gifts of spirituality in general and what it meant to accept faith, by way of the Bible, in particular.  Although Bristol’s The Pioneer Preacher (1887) is not part of this collection, the letters to Reverend Marsh nonetheless add weight to the contents of that book.  He clung to the American “Idea of Progress” as well.  This collection, being quite small, presents a narrow view of Bristol’s life.  For information regarding Bristol’s career at Oberlin, the researcher will need to consult Bristol’s alumni record.

This small collection has three record series: I. Correspondence from Sherlock Bristol; II. Miscellaneous Correspondence; III. Manuscript.   Within each series, files are arranged chronologically.  For preservation reasons, each document has its own folder.

Correspondence from Sherlock Bristol is comprised of ten handwritten letters from Bristol to Reverend William Marsh, whom he affectionately addresses as “Brother Marsh.”  Three additional letters are addressed to “Brother and Sister Marsh,” that is to say, Reverend Marsh and his wife.  All of these letters are of both personal and religious content, as Bristol writes with a mind to improve the life of himself and his friends through faith in the Lord, and adherence to the morals preached in the Bible.

Contained in the miscellaneous correspondence are two letters which have to do with ministerial work, a passion of Bristol’s, but do not mention Bristol himself. The first is a personal letter from Jennie Jones to her “Sister Ella”; the second is written from Frank E. Sawyer to “Brother Will” and concerns the Congil Church, where Sawyer was the deacon.

Series I. Correspondence from Sherlock Bristol, 1900-1904 (13 folders)

This series consists of thirteen letters sent by Bristol to Reverend William Marsh (“Brother Marsh”) and his wife.

Series II. Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1841, 1902 (2 folders)

A letter of church politics written to “Brother Will” from the Reverend Frank E. Sawyer, and a personal letter from Jennie Jones to “Sister Ella” are both contained herein.

Series III. Manuscript, n.d. (1 folder)

This series contains one handwritten manuscript regarding General Benjamin Butler.  The author is unknown.

The papers of Sherlock Bristol were purchased by the Oberlin College Archives in 2006. [accession 2006/021]

Letters received by Oberlin College, office of the Treasurer (RG7).