C.A. Risser papers

Collection – Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0308

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The C.A. Risser Papers consist primarily of correspondence from C.A. Risser to his cousin Christian Risser, both residing in Ohio, between the years 1879 and 1888.

Dates

Creation: 1879-1888, circa 1900-1918

Extent

0.23 Cubic Feet (1 half-legal box)

Creator

Risser, Christian A., 1841-1909 (Person)

Scope and Contents

The C.A. Risser Papers are comprised of correspondence written between 1879 and 1888 by Christian A. Risser primarily to his first cousin, Christian Risser (son of Henry and Elizabeth Risser). The contents include general information about family members, family reunions and land transactions, and also the business dealings of Christian A. Risser. General information is provided about lifestyles during this period, events in the Wood County, Ohio area such as the gas and oil discoveries, and such national events as the land rush occurring in the West. A hand-written item listing is included in this register following the box/folder inventory and photograph identification sheet.

Also included in this collection is an autograph album originally owned my Minnie M. Conley with autographs from friends and relatives covering the period 1883 to 1892. One of the individuals signing the album, Clara Risser, was a niece of Christian A. Risser.

The copy negatives, deal with a later generation of the Risser family in West Millgrove, Ohio. Primarily showing members of the family of Charles and Jessie Risser, the photographs include views of life in West Millgrove. One notable series shows activities related to Memorial Day observation in the early 20th century.

Biographical / Historical

Christian A. Risser was born March 29, 1841 in Ashland County, Ohio, a son of Christian and Mary (Risser) Risser. When Christian A. was seven, the family moved to Perry Township, Wood County. Here he grew to manhood, working at the shoemaker trade.

On January 1, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Captain Robert W. Smith's Co. B, 57th Regiment, O.V.I. and was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. On August 14, 1865, his discharge paper (Wood County, Ohio, Record of Soldiers Discharges, Vol. C, page 153) describes him as being 5'2", with a light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair.

Christian married Ellen Garnsford on March 22, 1875, in West Millgrove, Wood County. Seven children were born to the couple: Aurelius, Arthur E., Chester G., Claude D., Claren F., Mabel E., and Harry C.

Shortly after his marriage, Christian A. began a dry goods business (general merchandise) in West Millgrove in partnership with C.W. Lenhart (1875-83). Later (1883-88) he became established in Jerry City as a Justice of the Peace and collector. In 1889, he embarked in the shoe business in Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, and continued in this occupation until his death on March 21, 1909.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection includes both the original letters and photocopies. The photocopies are arranged according to the Box 1 inventory in the first eight folders. The originals follow and are arranged in the same sequence as the photocopies.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to the Center for Archival Collections by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Yeager, Bowling Green, Ohio, on April 25, 1983. An additional donation of thirty-two copy negatives of later Risser Family members was made by the Yeagers on October 31, 1989.

Processing Information

The collection was processed and finding aid prepared by Stephen Charter in June 1983, with additions by Marilyn Levinson, Curator of Manuscripts, in November 1989.