Seven original typed essays about varying topics which Byron Cosby wrote while at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) where he was teaching faculty and later an administrator. These have been collected in a binder. One essay is in draft form with handwritten corrections; only two of the essays are dated.

Scrapbook of articles, stories, poems, and letters to the editor which John Roy Musick (1849-1901) wrote under his own name as well as under several pseudonyms. Musick was a Kirksville, Missouri, newspaper publisher (The Tattler, 1875 January-July), attorney and author. His best-known work was the 12-volume Columbian Historical Novels (1892); a 13th volume was published about the time of his death.

This collection includes P. O. Selby's personal papers, research notes and writings and includes the files and records he gave during his lifetime as well as those found in his campus office after his death. The majority are concerned with Kirksville and Adair County history, genealogies of Adair County families, and Mark Twain.

A collection of 60 articles, addresses and essays, by Willis J. Bray (1884-1961). The collection contains a mix of rough drafts, finished typescripts, and published versions of Dr. Bray's works. Topics covered include general education, chemistry, Masonry, religion, family and patriotism.