Manuscript for a commencement speech titled "Reserved Power" written by Gertie Osterhout. It discusses the nature of the universe, human actions, and womanhood; the end of the text is addressed to teachers and classmates as they say farewell. The pages of the manuscript are bound with string.

Copy of application for admission into the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 for May Patterson Frear Osterhout. The papers include basic personal information about May and her ties to the organization. She applied for membership by right of descent from her grandfather and provided a trace through her genealogy back to him.

Application for membership to the National Society United States Daughters of the American Revolution for Ora Osterhout by claim of her relation to Jeremiah Osterhout. The application details her genealogy and Jeremiah's service during the American Revolution.

Certificate of payment stating that E. H. Cantes was owed money and that John Patterson Osterhout, an attorney, would obtain the payment and receive half as commission. On the back the certificate says the payment was received in full on March 15, 1855.

Oath of service in the Western frontier of Texas for Elijah Collar in the fall of 1842 under General Wall. The oath was taken by James J. Allphin and tracked where Private Collar went in the Western frontier. It stated that he served in R. Williams's company as a private. On the bottom, a notary public, James S. Fai[rl]y, certified the oath and added his seal to the paper.

Certificate of payment stating that E. Collard was owed money and that John Patterson Osterhout, an attorney, would obtain the payment and receive half as commission. On the back the certificate says a payment was received January 26, 1855.

Business card for John Patterson Osterhout, an attorney and collector of claims for Austin and surrounding counties. On the back of the card is a note concerning that if money was collected from a claim, it would be paid to someone while John would retain half as commission.

Oath of military service in the Western Frontier of Texas during an invasion by Mexico. The oath was made by H. M. Watkins and B. N. Robinson and certified that Private [Juno] D. Banton[deco], deceased, served under General Vasquez. John Davidson, the county clerk, served as a witness to the oath and added his seal of office to the paper.

Certificate of payment for J. Bird and the enlisted help of John Patterson Osterhout, an attorney, in collecting the debt. On the back of the certificate it states that the debt was paid in full on March 15, 1855. Included is a business card for John Patterson Osterhout. The card states he is an attorney for Bellville, Texas and on the back of the card is an agreement for another collection to be done by John.

Proof of military service in the battle of San Jacinto for Private Rufus Campbell in the spring of 1836. Private Campbell had to leave service after falling sick with the measles. Gibson Kuykendall served as captain of Texas volunteers during the battle and created the document to certify Private Campbell's service.

Passport to travel for James E. Flowers issued by David G. Burnet under the power of the Republic of Texas. The passport entitled Mr. Flowers, a citizen of the republic, to pass freely.

Appointment of John Patterson Osterhout as Hazel P. Ford's attorney to allow him to receive bounty and law warrants that were due to Ford for military services. At the bottom of the document, a clerk verified that the statement was signed.

Soldier's discharge papers for John Patterson Osterhout due to his term of service expiring. He was discharged honorably from the army of the Confederate States on April 25, 1862. The document includes a basic description of his appearance and who he served under.

General pass for John Patterson Osterhout from the Provost Marshal General's Office. The pass allowed John to travel in Texas under oath that he would not leak any information about the Confederate States of America.

Certificate of voter registration for John Patterson Osterhout in Austin county. Chief Justice of Austin county, C. B. Oney, testified that John fulfilled the oath of amnesty and John Campbell, county clerk, attested to the registration.

Voter certification for John Patterson Osterhout issued by the Secretary of State in the state of Texas. It certified that starting on July 11, 1870, John was a qualified voter in Bell county.

Elector registration in Belton, Texas for John Patterson Osterhout that certifies that John meets all the qualifications for being an elector. The registrar of voters, R. D. Kinney, signed to prove that the aforementioned information was correct on October 17, 1872.

Voter certificate for John Patterson Osterhout in Bell county, certified by James Leach, county clerk. The seal of the district court for Bell county is on the certificate.

Letter of appointment to Public Notary for John Patterson Osterhout for the county of Austin. It was signed by the governor of Texas, Peter Hansborough Bell, and the Secretary of State.

Certificate of Appointment to Postmaster of Belton, Texas presented to John Patterson Osterhout. The document was signed by the president, Benjamin Harrison, and the postmaster general, John Wanamaker. He was able to hold the position until the end of the next session of the Senate.

Certificate of appointment to Notary Public by Charles Allen Culberson, governor of Texas, for John Patterson Osterhout. The certificate was signed by the Secretary of State and the governor of Texas. It allowed John to work in this office in Bell County.

Certificate of the election to adjutant of the 23rd Battalion of the Texas State Troops for John Patterson Osterhout. It was part of a rally for troops for the Civil War and the certificate was signed by the governor, Francis Richard Lubbock, and the Secretary of State.

Certificate of appointment to Notary Public in Texas for John Patterson Osterhout signed by the Texas governor, Elisha M. Pease, and the Secretary of State, Edward Clark. In the center of the certificate is a hole that renders parts of it unreadable.

Certificate of appointment to Notary Public in Austin County, Texas for John Patterson Osterhout. The certificate was signed by the Texas governor, Hardin Runners Runnels, and the Secretary of State, J. S. Anderson.