Columbia Manuscript Collections

The collection contains the original diary of Laura E. Roland along with a transcription, from the age of sixteen in 1883 up to and including her marriage at the age of twenty-two in 1889, all of which took place in or around Hannibal, Missouri, in Ralls County.

The papers of Sarah Belle Jackson contain high school and college diplomas, extensive documentation on Sarah Belle's role as a community leader within Columbia, Missouri, and many church programs, songs, and choir booklets. The papers also contain news articles regarding the racial tensions in Columbia, including police reports and social response to the Kimberly Linze case in 1985.

The John G. Dryden diaries include four volumes between the years 1856 and 1883 that document the life of a farmer and justice of the peace living in Vernon County, Missouri.

The papers of Fred V. Heinkel contain materials documenting the political and business activities of a former long-time president of the Missouri Farmers Association (MFA). A small amount of personal material is also included.

The papers of Thomas C. Mitchell, Jr. document the life of a Jefferson City man appointed by Missouri Governor John M. Dalton to the state appellate court panel. The papers consist mostly of correspondence regarding the nomination and selection of state supreme court justices. The collection also contains photographs, deeds, flight logs, and other materials obtained throughout Mitchell's life.

The collection of David Blake Sasse contains mostly correspondence between Sasse and military veterans describing their experience with Missouri National Guard units. Sasse also collected military unit histories and political campaign materials.

The papers of Henderson Aley contain personal correspondence between himself and his parents during and immediately following World War I. The collection also contains a variety of postcards from 1906-1930.

The collection of Harry B. Robinson contains a mix of materials concerning Columbia and mid-Missouri. Robinson focused on collecting diaries and account records of Columbia locals, dating primarily from 1905 to 1953.

The World War II Bond Drive collection contains materials related to the efforts of the War Finance Division, U.S. Treasury, to raise public funds in support of the war. The collection contains promotional materials and forms related to the funding drives of 1945.

The papers contain letters describing Louise, Earle, and Robert (Bobby's) Stewarts travels in Europe, Northern Africa, Southwest Asia, and South America. The papers consist mostly of letters, postcards, and the itineraries to their travels and experiences abroad. The collection also contains materials regarding the marriage of George Earle Stewart and Louise Stilwell in 1920.

The papers of Donald Seibert contain personal accounts of Col. Seibert's great-great grandfather, a German immigrant who established himself in the St. Louis, Missouri area.

The Thomas Hart Benton Collection contains an interview of the artist and related materials. The interview took place at Benton's home in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 6, 1962, and was largely conducted by Homer Brown of Pittsburg State University (formerly Kansas State College of Pittsburg). Brown published the interview as an article in The Midwest Quarterly.

The papers of Lena Hughes contain newspaper clippings, photographs, awards, letters, and diaries documenting her life and experiences. The newspapers portray Lena and her husband Jake’s accomplishments as fiddlers and preservers of old-time music. Lena’s diaries document the weather, gardening, financials, and personal events. There are also several documents regarding Lena and Jake’s participation in fiddling contests and organizations.

The records of the Big Creek Mill contain transaction ledgers for the Big Creek Mill Company near Wright City, Missouri, owned by C.A. Schroeder. The mill is sometimes referred to as Schroeder's Lumber and Grist Mill.

The collection largely consists of interviews with people who attended Douglass and/or Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri. The collection consists of digitally recorded interviews, audio logs, and photographs. The collection is ongoing and open to interviews concerning any school and/or civil rights topic in Missouri.

The papers of the Lynch Family of Howard County, Missouri, contain correspondence, photographs, land records and other legal papers, financial documents, genealogical data, and Civil War service papers. The correspondence within this collection is primarily between members of the Lynch family.

The Nickell Family Papers contain family photographs taken from the 1920s through the 1940s. Many of the photographs are of a young L.A. Nickell, Jr. The collection also contains a depreciation summary report for the Columbia Ice Plant compiled in 1927.

The papers of Elaine Aber contain documents relating to the Equal Rights Amendment and the women's equality movement.

The papers of Josephine Flory contain a large collection of programs from theatrical plays and concerts, as well as a variety of records from the University of Missouri. Within the University of Missouri records are invitations to a number of sororities, graduation certifications, and newspaper clippings regarding W.S.G.A. events. The papers also include a variety of miscellaneous documents from the 1930s.

The records of the Montgomery County Rural Schools largely contain Teacher's Monthly Reports and District Clerk Reports regarding school district number three, township number forty-seven, and range number six. The collection also contains a variety of business records including receipts and teachers' contracts. The teacher and clerk reports date from the 1870s to the 1890s. The miscellaneous personal records are mainly associated with the Tate family.

The papers of Carol Dobkins Keith contain a variety of photographs, correspondences, legal papers, and souvenirs. The majority of the collection consists of photographs depicting several colleges, schools, churches, and religious leaders in Missouri. The correspondences and legal papers date from 1863 to 1876 and primarily discuss the requests of soldiers serving in the military. There is an assortment of souvenir items, particularly from Fulton, Missouri, and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in the early 1900s.

The papers contain pamphlets, catalogs, guides, speeches, programs, and books documenting all aspects of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, otherwise known as the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, including information on the participation of other countries in the event.

The William Lusk Davidson papers contain records regarding Davidson's education, including primary, military academy, and college, as well as papers regarding his career as a civil engineer with the railroad. There are several records pertaining to Davidson genealogy and business information, as well as papers concerning the John Wilbourn Hobbs and Myrene Houchin Hobbs Civic Award.

The papers of the Black Studies Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia include correspondence, programs, project proposals, articles, clippings, and photographs.

The research material of a hotel management instructor, whose work resulted in the publication Historic Hotels of Missouri: Hotels, Inns, and Taverns of 19th Century Missouri.

The Lela Jean Howat Rutherford Papers document the life and family of Mrs. Rutherford from her time as a University of Missouri student to the early 1970s. The papers consist of photographs, diaries, correspondence, and other miscellaneous items.

The Ruth D. Stephens Collection contains genealogical information on the Douglass, Stephens, Griffin, Shannon, Ellis, Parks, and Miller families. The collection consists of letters, business papers, family trees, photographs, diaries, and extensive notes on the families.

The papers of a Saline County, Missouri, family consist of account books, receipts, wills, deeds, diaries, assorted genealogical material, personal and business correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, school material, and miscellaneous material.

The papers of Orval Henderson contain records of the Missouri Society for Military History, Missouri Militia/National Guard research files and articles, other materials relating to Missouri military history research and historical organizations, and personal papers. Henderson was a Missouri Department of Natural Resources employee who served in the Missouri National Guard from 1948-1990.

The papers of a real estate broker, author, artist, treasure hunter, researcher, entrepreneur, and overall Renaissance man include correspondence, legal papers, contracts, publications, photographs, postcards, newspaper articles, and artistic material.

The papers of Dorothy Hart Riley Heinkel contain materials documenting the life of a musician, businesswoman, and wife of MFA president Fred Heinkel, including music education notebooks; files of her first husband, John W. Riley; Alpha Phi sorority materials; correspondence from family and friends; and Cora Hart's funeral materials.

The Dorothy Ellen Beckett papers contain documents from Beckett's time aboard the SS Hope as well as various holiday and birthday cards, postcards, personal papers, and miscellaneous souvenirs and pamphlets from her travels. A majority of the collection consists of correspondence between family, friends, coworkers, and patients from 1952-1965. Most of the correspondence between Beckett and her coworkers and patients from the SS Hope can be found from 1960-1962 as well as in various cards.

The Rachel Storch papers document Storch's time as a Missouri State Representative for District 64 in St. Louis. The papers include speaking notes, speeches, and information gathered on issues and bills that Storch worked on during her time in office. Topics focus on worker's compensation, sex education, health care, Medicaid, Nurses for Newborns, and family planning.

The Emily E. Evans Papers contain material collected from her time as a U.S. Army nurse during WWII, including newsletters and memoirs from her time serving abroad as well as her military records from 1943-1954. It also includes three scrapbooks containing miscellaneous military and 1940s ephemera, newspaper clippings, and photographs from her time spent in England, France, and Switzerland. 

The Helen L. Anderson papers contain records, correspondence, and notes from her time serving on the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Women at the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. This collection includes records, correspondence and research related to both of the Committee's subcommittees, Academic and Non-Academic.

The papers of the Bruner-Dixon family contain correspondence, clippings, diaries, notebooks, photographs and slides, ephemera, and genealogies relating to the Bruner and Dixon families of Missouri, particularly Elizabeth Dixon Hanks and her immediate relatives.

The Diary of a Civil War soldier from Company A, Prairie Grove, Missouri.

The collection contains interviews and material from the Jane Froman Centennial Celebration on November 10, 2007.

The collection of a fiddle player and musician from Saline County, Missouri.

The Civil War letters of Henry D. Townsend, Co. B., 3rd Iowa Cavalry (Union) who fought at Bryce's Crossroads and in Price's Missouri raid, September-November, 1864.

The papers of the Flanery-Gillum-Lawson family include correspondence, family photographs, family documents, and a copy of Paint Lick Reflections, a genealogical publication, Paint Lick, Kentucky, Summer, 2005.

The papers of an autograph collector.

The correspondence of Coleman D. Benton and his fiancée, and later wife, Nancy “Nannie” V. Hampton.

Collection of sheet music, 1902-1934.

Transcription of Civil War diary of Sgt. William D. McCord of Company E, 37th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, September 21, 1861 to July 7, 1863. McCord joined the Union Army at St. Louis and kept the diary until the Battle of Vicksburg in July 1863.

Nineteenth century family and military records.

Personal letter from a woman named Pat to Johnny Miles, describing the end of their relationship.

Letter written to D. Waldo from R. Campbell during the Black Hawk War.

Image of "Old Abe," the live Eagle, which was carried through a three year campaign by the 8th Wisconsin Regiment.

Cash book, miscellaneous receipts, and an 1835 article of vendue (auction) of H.B. Newton, an early 19th century merchant in Friendship, New York; an 1834 letter regarding the deaths of two Stewart family members; and an 1829 almanac.

The papers of Lizzie M. Powell Hereford, a Confederate sympathizer from Northeast Missouri, who was imprisoned during the Civil War, include her prison diary and correspondence along with transcriptions. Also included are family photographs, miniature portraiture, jewelry, miscellaneous artifacts, family genealogy, and the papers of her daughter, Stella.

The Mary Ruth Hyde Papers chronicles her time serving as a member of several organizations related to ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Assorted 19th and 20th century stock certificates, which include railroad companies, city loans, bridge, mining and construction companies.

Printed loan of $500 to "bearer," authorized by C.S.A. August 19, 1861.

Photographs of Charles Brown and his band; photograph in football uniform with teammates; and drawing in football uniform, c. 1960s.

Bylaws, correspondence, rules, membership lists, and president's material of Wesley S. Platner, Quarry Heights Owner's Association, Columbia, Missouri, 1960s.

Ledger kept by the Thomas Harvey family of Saline County, Missouri, c. 1850s, 1940s. A patron use copy is available on computer disc.

Interview of Stuart Symington, Jr. about his father, Stuart Symington, covering his life and political career. The interview was conducted by Dr. Linda G. McFarland in 1994.

The papers of the Bryan family contain numerous deeds and personal financial records particularly pertaining to land in Marion County, Missouri.

Listings of World War I American Expeditionary Forces, divisions/army corps, date of arrival in France, or when organized, and principal activity or activities.

The papers of the Eubank family contain financial records, personal letters, and miscellaneous papers of a Saline County farm family. Some of the letters particularly pertain to R. Eubank's wife, Martha T. Eubank. Some of the more interesting documents include a handwritten version of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, and election returns for John J. Crittenden and Munford in Kentucky.

The papers of Gilbert Van Zandt contain personal correspondence, biographical information, newspaper clippings and photographs. Van Zandt became notorious as the youngest member of the Union Army.

Journal of a Holt County, Missouri, farmer spanning the years 1928-1965. Entries detail family life and farm operation. Includes two photographs and a preface written by his grandson, Thomas Soapes, in 2012.

Journal of a doctoral student in history who traveled over 2,000 miles through nine states by bicycle in the summer of 2003. Her travels began in Columbia, Missouri, and ended at her family’s farm in Minnesota. Includes photographs.

History, constitution, by-laws, meeting minutes, photographs, cards, and newspaper articles of a women’s club composed of the wives of University of Missouri, College of Agriculture professors.

The papers of Dr. Julius Lingenfelder contain a typescript copy of his book, The Physician as Leader of the New Era, family correspondence, a scrapbook containing correspondence and news clippings, 1915-1920, and school certificates, including his medical diploma.

A collection of play programs from theaters in St. Louis, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and New York, which include a variety of advertisements.

Eight ledger books and two scrapbooks pertaining to a store in Tipton, Missouri which sold drugs, jewelry, stationery and music from approximately 1885 to 1900. Some additional materal falls before and after this time period. The scrapbooks contain colorful, old-fashioned advertisements for a variety of products including shoes, thread, coffee, medicine, etc. Numerous images of women and children, animals, birds, fruit, flowers, pastoral scenes, etc.

Correspondence, maps, clippings, architectural drawings, and economic data concerning urban renewal in St. Joseph, Missouri, 1952-1982.

The records contain correspondence, receipts, Boone County and City of Columbia tax statements, customer account books, and ephemera pertaining to the Strawn-Neate Dry Goods Company. The receipts include the names of various local Columbia, Missouri, businesses, and often indicate where they were located.

WWII papers and photographs pertaining to Lowell and Margaret McMurtrey of Willow Springs, Missouri. Lowell McMurtrey was captured by German troops in Italy during WWII. Includes correspondence, official notifications from the War Department, photographs, newspaper clippings, and Red Cross Bulletins from 1944.

Correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs and genealogical material of the Stults, Roach, Niedhamer, Middleton, Earhart, and related families.

This artificial collection of Kemper Military School material combines several small acquisitions from various individuals. Included are photographs, a yearbook, and miscellaneous papers. For the school's official records, please see C4005.

Letters from Anna Louise Reck to Elam O. Graham 1906-1907 concerning their courtship, marriage and son. Also general family news. The 1915 material consists of letters of condolence from family and friends to Elam O. Graham on the death of his mother.

Account books of Dr. William S. Campbell of Albany, Missouri; medical student's notebook, University of Louisville, 1855-1856; two volumes of Physician's Record of Prescriptions, concerning prescribing intoxicating liquors, 1924-1925; Physician's Daily Visiting List and Record, 1927; Jenkins P. Robertson's personal account book, 1847; D.A.R. correspondence, diplomas, and miscellany, 1930-1932.

The papers consist of genealogical materials pertaining to the Rickman and corollary families [Fristoe, Henderson, Higgins, Tatum, Thomas, Twyman, Wilson] of North Carolina, Virginia, and St. Clair County, Missouri. The material includes genealogical charts and corresponding notebook, birth announcements, census records, death certificates and obituaries, photographs, newspaper clippings, and correspondence. 1778-1978.

The papers of a Columbia, Missouri lawyer involved in many civic activities. The papers include speeches from dedication ceremonies, planning documents for the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, and records of the Hinkson Investment Club.

The papers of a Columbia, Missouri, lawyer involved in politics and many civic activities. The papers include campaign material from Smith's 1958 race for Congress, subject files from his time in the Missouri House, and subject files from his time as Mayor of Columbia. The papers also document issues and bills Smith worked on while in public office.

The papers of Veryl Hoenig contain genealogical research pertaining to the Burton, Searcy, Scott, Finnell, Sutliff, Forbes, Green, and Duncan families of Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri. Documents include lineage records, copies of indentures, wills, and estates, a hand-drawn family chart, payroll information for service in the Revolutionary War, and excerpts from written histories.

The papers of Teddy Stone McAnally contain the correspondence of a sergeant from Independence, Missouri, who served during the Korean War. The collection is largely comprised of letters home to his parents and son. Also included are coded letters between McAnally and Ruth Streaber of Eldon, Missouri, miscellaneous military correspondence, and several photographs of McAnally and his fellow soldiers.

The records of a Columbia, Missouri, women's church organization, which contains newsletters, reports, directories, membership materials, meeting minutes, notes, financial records, history, scrapbooks, photographs, and miscellaneous material.

The records of a Black college student organization consist of conference material, newsletters, guides, pamphlets, newspaper articles, applications, election ballots, questionnaires, flyers, notes, and artifacts.

The records of the Missouri Chapter of the Ozark Section of the Society of American Foresters contain meeting material, minutes, newsletters, reports, correspondence, photographs and miscellaneous material. The objectives of the Society are to advance the science, technology, teaching and practice of professional forestry in America, and to use the knowledge and skills of the profession to benefit society.

The papers of the secretary to the Missouri Board of Agriculture, consisting of letters written to Rippey regarding the prevention and quarantine of livestock with infectious diseases.

The records of a funeral home in St. Louis. The records include name of deceased, place of residence, place of burial, and other funeral details. The later records also include cause of death and age at time of death.

The papers of a member of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Campus Planning Committee for Facilities and Grounds. The material includes correspondence and reports. There are also two folders containing both personal and professional correspondence of the Belcher and Troxell families.

The papers of James and Martha Eads contain the letters they wrote to one another beginning with their courtship in St. Louis, Missouri, to just before Martha's death in 1852, in Iowa.

The records contain annual reports, budget and financial reports, city ordinances, city planning documents, audits, community development reports, and land use documents for various cities, counties, and regions in Missouri.

Photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and miscellaneous documents concerning Edward Bowles and the history of Westphalia, Missouri.

The papers of a New Madrid, Missouri, attorney who worked for Democratic Party candidates for the governor's office. The papers consist of correspondence, a list of judges, and notarized affidavits regarding voting procedures, violation of rights, and corruption.

Conferences, a legal brief, reports, and publications used for research by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

The Emma Dickerhoof diaries contain 23 diaries and a few loose papers of a single woman who lived much of her life near Macon, Missouri, with her parents. The diaries span the years 1915 to 1949 and discuss news of family, friends, and the local community.

Scrapbooks, clippings, photographs, correspondence and miscellaneous material pertaining to former Lt. Governor Frank G. Harris of Missouri.

The papers of a former State Archivist for the Secretary of State in Jefferson City, Missouri, and amateur Civil War historian. The papers contain correspondence, research material, newspaper clippings and some photographs. The majority of the collection consists of Civil War research material.

The papers of David Gillaspy Cook consists of books pertaining to the Valley Spring School located in Boone County, Missouri, of which Mr. Cook was a director, as well as some personal papers.

The Joseph Estes Papers document the life of a cattle breeder from Boone County, Missouri. The papers consist of financial documents such as receipts, deeds, indentures, and slavery claims.

The Zwick family papers contain photographs, correspondence, financial documents, and genealogical information on the Zwick family.

The Mosley Family Papers contain documents from the lives of multiple individuals from Missouri, including the letters of Lucius McAndrews, written while serving abroad during World War I. Also includes the school mementos of Treva Maddox and William Dee Mosley, as well as a lease for Warrenetta “Etta” Linenschmidt and her son Elmer.

The Taggart Family Papers consists of correspondence between various members of the Taggart family and friends between the years 1825-1913. Henry Taggart lived in Linn County, Missouri.