Letter from John Jeremiah Osterhout to Paul Osterhout. He wrote his brother to update him on the affairs of their family. He informed Paul that their mother had recovered from being sick, a mutual acquaintance wants to go into the book business, a troupe that came through and performed, and other small events around the farm.

Letter from Elvira Spurgin to Bettie Wade discussing recent news of family and friends. She mentions that the weather has been very cold in Belton, and she has some new boarders. Someone named Loraine had typhoid fever.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout, September 28, 1879. John began his letter with bad news. A fire broke out in Belton, Texas and John wrote of the difficulties he and his sons had in trying to save some of his books and papers. Otherwise, John says he and the children are in good health and mentioned work that Paul had done work in a telegraph office recently. Included is an envelope addressed "Mrs. J. P. Osterhout" and an article titled "Fire in Belton!" The article lists the losses incurred from the disaster.

A postcard from Ann Farman to her sister, Junia Roberts Osterhout, expressing Ann's desire to see Junia before she returns home. She told Junia she could not visit yet because her mother was feeling ill and she was disappointed that Junia could not visit.

Letter from Paul Osterhout to his sister, Gertrude Osterhout, updating her with news from home. He apologized for not writing sooner and told her that for the Methodists had a three week meeting in town. He mentioned that he had been raising mocking birds and he planned to send one to an aunt of theirs.