Minutes of the Bellville, Texas Town Meeting on January 18, 1858, which was called in memory of the recently deceased Thomas Bell, "the father of Bellville," who arrived in Texas in 1822 and settled in Austin's Colony and served under Ben Milam during the Texas Revolution.

Letter from Paul Osterhout to his mother, Junia Roberts Osterhout. Paul wrote his mother to let her know of clothes he had bought and ones he would need sent to him by her. He told her of events going on in town, the local church, about money he has had to borrow, and his roommates that have the measles.

Postcard from J. H. to Junia Roberts Osterhout. The front has an illustration of a woman in a long-sleeved red dress, fur boa, and red hat. In her hand is an orange flag for the University of Texas. Below the drawing is a school cheer for the university. On the back, J. H. wrote that he heard Junia and her sister were moving to Chicago and that he wished them well.

Letter from William H. Vann to Junia Roberts Osterhout. He wrote to inform Junia where she could leave the books she was borrowing and to wish her well.

Postcard from Ora Osterhout to her family discussing recent events. She wrote on two separate postcards, and they are both addressed to Mr. J. P. Osterhout in Belton, Texas. There is a postmark for Bellville, Texas, but the date cannot be read clearly.

Letter from L. G. Lattimore to President William McKinley regarding John Patterson Osterhout applying for the position of postmaster in Belton, Texas. Mr. Lattimore praised John and stated that his appointment to postmaster would be looked upon well by residents of Belton.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his brother regarding his time in Bellville, Texas. He was appreciative of his brother sending him news from home and told him about a real estate sale that had happened recently. People from the U.S., Germany, and Bohemia were in attendance and alcohol was passed around. Money has been short in Bellville because of the cotton and corn crops failing. John needed to borrow money and requested a loan from his brother or anyone else in the family. He requested that his brother write again soon with more news from home.

Letter from P. M. Osterhout to his brother, John Patterson Osterhout, discussing news from home and slavery. After providing John with updates from those at home, he told his brother he was unsure whether or not he would want to receive something from the black Republican in Pennsylvania. He then went on to write about his opinion on slavery and he hoped his brother was not beginning to view it as a blessing.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. He wrote to let her know about how his work as a judge was progressing. He included information about his accommodations and speculated about the idea of raising foal.

Postcard from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. He wrote to update her on where he was in his travels. In the postcard, he included brief news about who he was staying with and the weather.

Letter from Alice Pilley to Junia Roberts Osterhout. Alice detailed the last moments of her son's life after he came down with a fever. She wrote about what he went through and mentioned she tried to give him Melane pills to help. Alice thanked Junia for her kind words and wanted them to visit soon. Included is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. J. P. Osterhout."

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. John wrote his wife while she was away visiting family. He updated her about how their family was doing, a trade he made, and an event that their children attended. Included is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. J. Osterhout."

A brief letter from J. H. Luther to John Patterson Osterhout confirming John's daughter's, Gertrude Osterhout, enrollment in the spring session of Baylor College. Included is an envelope addressed to "J. P. Osterhout."

Letter from Silas O. Osterhout to his cousin, John Patterson Osterhout, about tracing the family line of Osterhout. Silas believed that if they did, they would be able to gain a great deal in inheritance. Included is an envelope addressed to "J. P. Osterhout ESQ."

Letter from Ann Farman to her brother, John Patterson Osterhout, regarding the passing of John's wife, Junia. Ann wrote how they were fortunate to have children around to comfort them when their spouse's died. She told them they had many visitors recently and that she was hearing of a lot of deaths in the Farman family. Included is an envelope addressed to "Hon. J. P. Osterhout."