Nancy J. Pendleton Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-362

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The research materials of Nancy J. Pendleton comprise correspondence, photographs, research copies of documents, and maps. The bulk of the material is made up of research files used for Pendleton’s self-published 1997 book, Early Clintonville (and Grove City) and the Bull and Smith Families. These documents focus on the Bull and Smith families of Clintonville and Grove City, Ohio, and the state of Ohio at large. The collection spans back to 1814, with several individuals garnering more attention, including William Foster Breck, John Piott, Samuel David Smith, John Smith, William Starr, and Samuel Wilson.

The collection also includes correspondence Nancy J. Pendleton had with genealogical and historical societies across Ohio and with the Oberlin College Archives between 1995 and 1998. This correspondence indicates Pendleton’s specific questions regarding the Bull and Smith family trees and their involvement as pastors in churches throughout Ohio.

Dates

Creation: 1814-1998, undated
Other: Date acquired: 2003 May 21

Creator

Pendleton, Nancy J. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Biographical or Historical Information

Nancy J. Pendleton lived in Franklin County, Ohio for most of her life, including in Columbus (for over thirty years), Hilliard, and Jefferson. Before retiring she researched Ohio history for her book Early Clintonville (and Grove City) and the Bull and Smith Families. The book was self-published in 1997 (the 150th anniversary of Clintonville) after twenty years of research on descendants of the Bulls and the Smiths who came in 1812-13 from New England to Clinton Township, Ohio, and were among the earliest landowners in the area now known as Columbus. Many of said descendants attended Oberlin Preparatory School in the 1830s and 1840s, including the Smith brothers (Jeremiah B., John A., and Joseph W.). Reverend Samuel Davies Smith graduated from Oberlin’s Theological School in 1843.

Nancy Pendleton was born on August 21, 1933 in Ohio. She went to Harding High School in Marion, Ohio, where she was part of the school’s orchestra, band, and junior play committee. She attended Ohio State University, from which she graduated with a B.S. in journalism. After college, she worked in numerous jobs including weekly newspapers and the Ohio State University radio station. Nancy married Dean L. Pendleton (1932-2010) in 1958 and had two children. They divorced in 1981. Her last job was with a gas company, from which she retired in December 1995 after fourteen years.

Note written by Abby Rickin-Marks