Letter from Ora Osterhout to her older sister, Gertrude Osterhout, regarding Ora's birthday. She wrote her sister to tell her what had happened on her birthday and some brief local news.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to President William McKinley regarding his application to be postmaster in Belton, Texas. John detailed all of the offices he had previously held and expressed his devotion to the Republican Party. He told the President that he hoped for reappointment to the position of postmaster.

Letter from African American people of Bell County to President William McKinley regarding John Patterson Osterhout's application to be postmaster of Belton, Texas. The letter includes a list of African Americans who live in Bell County that vouch for John's trustworthiness.

Letter from E. H. R. Green, Chairman Representative of the State Executive Committee, to the Postmaster General recommending John Patterson Osterhout for the position of postmaster in Belton, Texas.

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.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his son, Paul Osterhout, discussing work. John was writing from his place of work, the post office, and gave Paul some advice regarding how he should go about receiving work from "G. O." John hoped to send his son to school at Baylor in the fall and promised to write again later.

Letter from Mary to her sister regarding family news. There was a recent death in the family and Mary let her sister know that their parents' health was well while they were mourning. She gave details for the funeral in order to answer questions her sister had.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his son, Paul Osterhout, regarding Paul's return home. John sold Paul's bike and sent him money to help him afford the trip home. John expects his other son, Jeremiah, and his wife to have a child soon because she has been staying with their family for long periods of time. John mentioned that their town, Belton, was worried that their oil well would leave town and they would have to rely on the college for their future.

Letter from John P. Forman to his uncle, John Patterson Osterhout, discussing daily events. Forman hoped that John's wife was recovering and requested that Paul, John's son, and Paul's wife, May, visit him. He also wrote that he and his mother were doing well and that he was planning to begin a profession soon.

Letter from Gertrude Osterhout to her brother, Paul Osterhout. She wrote to inform her brother of her life at school. Gertrude told him of the weather, that she thought she was gaining weight, and a visit she made with a woman near the school. She mentioned how she was doing in her studies and promised to write a letter to one of their sisters.