A. Clair Siddall Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-145

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is arranged in four series: 1. Biographical File; 2. Writings; 3. Research Files; and 4. Photographs.

Consisting primarily of writings and research files, A. Claire Siddall’s papers document his scholarship and contributions to the field of medicine. This collection contains Siddall's writings on the early history of medical practice in the city of Oberlin, Ohio, and articles on women’s health. The balance of this collection is made up of photographs of Oberlin physicians or hospitals and biographical material on Siddall. These records do not provide any insight into Siddall’s personal or academic life. Very little documentation exists for his years as a missionary in China (1923-1932), and no documentation exists for his foundation of the Oberlin Clinic in 1962.

Dates

Creation: 1918-1988, undated
Other: Date acquired: 1981 April 27

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Biographical Sketch

Alcines Clair Siddall Jr. was born in Bascom, Ohio, on June 4, 1897 to Alcines Clair Siddall Sr. (1868-1928) and Rosa Lunete Shuck (1870-1954). Siddall received his AB from Otterbein College, Ohio in 1919, and his MD from Western Reserve University Medical School, Ohio in 1922. After serving as a medical missionary in China for nine years (1923-1932), Siddall moved to Oberlin, Ohio to practice medicine. A specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. A. Clair Siddall was in private practice until 1962, when he and six other doctors founded the Oberlin Clinic. Upon his retirement from the Clinic in 1972, the Siddall Educational Fund was established in conjuction with the Allen Memorial Hospital. The fund supported Siddall’s concern for continuing education opportunities in the health care disciplines.

Siddall is locally known for his many publications, his research on the history of medical practices in Oberlin, and his leadership in a Lorain County Program for the early detection of cancer in women. Siddall was also active in the development of the Allen Memorial Hospital expansion program (Oberlin, Ohio), and he frequently served as a faculty member at the Case Western Reserve Medical School, Ohio (1927 and 1973). As a result of his many activities and contributions to his community, Oberlin College presented Siddall with the Distinguished Community Award in 1973. He also received the Senior Citizen Award from the Oberlin Health Commission in 1964. In 1988, the Allen Memorial Hospital named its birthing center in his memory.

Siddall married twice; Annetta M. Brane (1895-1932), and Estelle M. Warner (1915-2011, Mus. B. 1936). From these two unions, Siddall had five children; Alcines Clair III (1925-2002, AB 1949), John Brane (1927-2014, AB 1950), Lawrence B. (A.B. 1952), James, and Jane. A. Clair Siddall died on December 11, 1980, in Oberlin, Ohio.

Extent

2.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Method of Acquisition

The majority of the A. Clair Siddall Papers was given to the Oberlin College Archives by Mrs. Estelle Warner Siddall in accession 1981/9. Some of the published works were given separately by Dr. A. Clair Siddall at an unknown date. Additional biographical material and photographs were received from Siddall's son, James, in accession 2002/56.

Accruals and Additions

Accession Nos: 1981/009, 2002/056.

Related Materials

For additional material related to medicine in Oberlin, see George C. Jameson Papers (30/341), James Dascomb Papers, and Oberlin Hospital Association records (31/12).