Papers written by farmer-preacher James Clawson Bristow between
1908 and 1910, as well as photocopies and transcripts of those writings. His writings
cover family histories, travels to Arizona, and interactions with Baptist
preachers.
Collection Number:
MS 726
Language:
Materials are in English.
Repository:
University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections
University of Arizona
PO Box 210055
Tucson, AZ 85721-0055
Phone: 520-621-6423
Fax: 520-621-9733
URL: http://speccoll.library.arizona.edu/
E-Mail: LBRY-askspcoll@email.arizona.edu
Biographical Note
James Clawson Bristow, born February 5, 1835 in Beford County, Indiana, was a Baptist
preacher. In 1845, his family moved to St. Claire County in Missouri. In 1856, James met
Luranda Caroline Smith and married her and later fought as a Unionist during the Civil
War. On April 26, 1875, James and several neighbors decided to settle in Arizona, drawn
by accounts of agricultural opportunity there. They reached Middle Verde, Arizona on
August 18. James rented land at first, but later acquired his own farm. In 1882, James
Clawson Bristow was ordained in the Middle Verde Baptist Church, and served there until
1905. James died January 30, 1921 and is buried in the Middle Verde Cemetery with his
wife. He had ten children, six girls and four boys.
Scope and Content Note
Six handwritten manuscripts by farmer-preacher James Clawson Bristow, detailing his life
and observations, written between 1908 and 1910. Also included in this collection are
photocopies of the handwritten writings and typed transcripts, all of which are undated.
Bristow wrote about his family history, his wife's, family history, and his travels from
Missouri to Arizona. He also wrote about his time in Arizona, his observations on family
resemblance, and his experiences with Baptist preachers. Folder titles have been copied
directly from Bristow's writings, including his spelling mistakes.
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of
the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her
transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for the University of Arizona, its officers,
employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he
or she is an owner of copyright.