Finding Aids: Guides to the Collection

A finding aid is a tool that enables researchers to learn more about the contents of a collection. Box and folder numbers help the staff locate material that researchers would like to view. For more information and assistance, please contact us at archives@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1512.

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Abstract of Title Collection, 1889-1964

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Gathered together from various sources, the abstracts of title provide detailed descriptions of the chain of title to specific parcels of land. The bulk of the collection is associated with property in Bexar County and San Antonio, ranging from lots to entire subdivisions. Most abstracts trace title back to the original land grants. Noteworthy properties abstracted include the Alamo, the Veramendi house on Soledad Street in San Antonio, land in the area of San Francisco de la Espada Mission, and the headright grant of Gordon Jennings, an Alamo defender.
Alexander and Lewis Families Letters, 1852-1865

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The collection consists of letters received by family members. The bulk of the materials are letters to Martha Alexander Lewis from her husband, Charles W. Lewis, during his service as a Confederate soldier in East Texas. The collection also includes letters sent to Martha Alexander prior to her marriage by Hanna B. Shinn, describing personal activities and Shinn's work as a schoolteacher in Bastrop,Texas, and letters from Neal McGaffey and John M. Lewis.
Anderson (Preston Louis) Alamo Purchase Papers, 1923-1938

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The collection contains correspondence, drafts of legislation, plats, and photographs associated with efforts by the State of Texas to purchase land surrounding the Alamo. Much of the correspondence involves State Representative Anderson and San Antonio City Attorney Joseph Ryan and concerns the progress of the proposed purchase between 1926 and 1929. Draft versions of legislation appointing a purchase board and appropriating funds for the project are also included, along with amendments, descriptions of one of the bills, and other related items. Photographs of the Alamo were used in promoting the effort, and plats show property ownership around the Alamo.
Anderson (Preston Louis) Papers, 1938-1947

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Preston Louis Anderson was born in Greenville, Texas, on 1889 November 20 to Louis M. and Arabella Jane Barnett Anderson. In 1908, he moved to San Antonio and worked as a linotype operator for the San Antonio Light newspaper; he remained in the printing trade for many subsequent years and later worked for the San Antonio Express.

The collection includes invitations, programs, a letter, and reports associated with personal and professional activities. Included are programs and reports concerning the presentation of the Order of the Aztec Eagle to Anderson by the Mexican government. A letter from the Provost Marshal in San Antonio praises Anderson's work as Police and Fire Commissioner.
Anderson (Ross W.) Papers, 1912-1957

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Ross William Anderson was born in Nebraska on 1888 November 2 to parents Ralph and Mary Ellen Young Anderson. He served in World War I, was a newspaper editor, and completed or nearly completed the manuscript for a book entitled Flags O'er Texas.Anderson died in San Antonio on 1957 July 15. His wife, Martha Wells Anderson, joined the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1937.

Manuscripts, notes, printed material, and correspondence related to research on the historic flags of Texas from the Ross W. Anderson Papers. The bulk of the collection consists of the manuscript of an unpublished book, Flags O’er Texas, arranged by Anderson into files corresponding to the chapters of the work. These files also contain associated source material, including notes on file cards, newspaper and magazine clippings, and other published sources. For some chapters, particularly those coming later in the book, only the source material is present; the manuscript is either missing or had not been completed.
Andrews and Groos Families Papers, 1839-1877

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Edmund Andrews (circa 1814-1843) was a resident of Brazoria County, Texas, where he practiced law. His stepson, Henry B. Andrews (1828-1895) lived in Galveston and San Antonio, working as a lawyer, public servant, and businessman. Members of the Groos family came to Texas from Germany in 1848. Three brothers formed the mercantile and banking business F. Groos and Co. of San Antonio. A granddaughter of Henry B. Andrews, Bettina James, married Carl F. Groos, a son of one of the pioneer banking brothers.

Legal documents, letters, and printed material are part of the Andrews and Groos families papers, representing two San Antonio,Texas, families joined by marriage. Included are certificates for lots in the town of San Luis,Texas, issued to Edmund Andrews in connection with stock for the Brazos and Galveston Railroad Company. Letters from two members of Texas' congressional delegation, Senator Sam Houston and Representative David S. Kaufman, respond to their honorary membership in the Galveston Lyceum, extended in 1847 by Henry B. Andrews. Also included are two physicians' certificates which exempt Charles Groos from service in the Confederate Army, and a business letter from F. Groos and Co.
Andrews Family Papers, circa 1820-1874

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Edmund Andrews (circa 1814–1843) was a settler in Stephen F. Austin's colony, arriving in Brazoria County, Texas, in 1830 December from Carolina. He remained there and served as a judge and postmaster of San Luis. In 1830, Andrews married Isabella Maria Barclay, a widow. He adopted her three children, two of whom were Henry and Edwin Marston Barclay.

The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and financial documents, including several letters from Isabella M. Andrews to her son, Henry Barclay Andrews. Also included are documents associated with Edmund Andrews and Edwin Marston Barclay.
Andricks (Reynolds) Fiesta Scrapbooks and Photographs, 1935-1977

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Born in Temple,Texas, in 1905, Louis Reynolds Andricks moved to San Antonio as a boy and made the city his home for the remainder of his life. He attended the University of Texas, where he obtained a degree in civil engineering. In addition to his private sector work as an engineer, he served at various times in city government in the public works department, on the planning commission, and as acting city manager.

Representing thirty years of his close involvement in Fiesta San Antonio, the Reynolds Andricks collection consists of scrapbooks and photographs detailing the annual event.
Aniol (Claude B.) Subject Files, 1893-1978

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Claude B. Aniol (1900-1980) was involved in advertising in his home town for much of his life, owning and operating an advertising agency from 1936 until 1967.

Reflecting a personal interest in Texas history and the use of historical information in promotional publications, the Claude B. Aniol collection is made up of subject files that gather material on a variety of Texas topics. The contents of the files vary, but they commonly include clippings, pamphlets, brochures, printed ephemera, and photocopies. Many files are related to general Texas subjects or to specific cities and towns, but over half are entirely or in part associated with San Antonio history. Of note are files related to San Antonio cultural institutions, clubs, financial institutions, military bases, missions, and churches.
Armstrong Family Papers, 1906-1969

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

A longtime resident of San Antonio, Texas, John Fisher Armstrong (1886-1960) also spent several years in Mexico between roughly 1906 and 1920, first working at a mine and later returning to direct construction of oil storage tanks. At various other times Armstrong was employed as a civil engineer, independent oil operator, engineering contractor, and realtor. Through his mother, Annette Pleasants Fisher Armstrong, he was a descendant of Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The collection contains primarily letters, with a small amount of printed material and photographs. Most of the letters were written by John F. Armstrong to his mother, Annette F. Armstrong; his wife, Ann Armstrong; and other family members, describing his work in the mining industry in Mexico and personal matters. Letters from a 1929 tour of Europe are also included.
Arnold (Johann) Papers, 1856-1872

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Johann Arnold (also Johannes and later John) was born in Michelsrombach, Hesse-Kassel (now part of Germany), on 1817 March 30. He and several other settlers from Michelsrombach immigrated to Texas in 1844 on board the ship Weser as part of Henry Fisher's San Saba Colonization group. Arnold was among the colonists traveling with Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels to the new settlement of New Braunfels; he is considered a first founder of that community. First working as a stonemason, Arnold later became a merchant in New Braunfels. He also served on the New Braunfels Academy Board of Trustees between 1858 and 1860.

The collection contains letters, account statements, and printed material received by Johann Arnold, representing transactions with other businesses in Texas and beyond. Significant trading partners represented are H. Runge and Co., A. Fromme and Co., and H. Iken of Indianola; F. Guilbeau, Pentenrieder and Blersch, Vance and Brother, and Theisen and Deutz of San Antonio; and A.D. Grieff and Co. of New Orleans. Most of the material was attached to an invoice book; several loose items have been separated into folders. The bulk of the papers date from 1856-1860.
Asbury (Samuel E.) Papers, 1812-1949

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Professionally employed as a chemist with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station on the Texas A&M campus, Samuel E. Asbury (1872-1962) was also interested in Texas history. He conducted extensive research about the state's past, particularly the Texas Revolution, corresponding widely and collecting historically important documents.

Correspondence, legal documents, newspaper clippings, and other published material related to Texas history make up the Samuel E. Asbury Papers. The bulk of the papers consist of typescript copies of correspondence and source documents produced and received by Asbury in the course of his historical research. Much of the research is related to the Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas; particularly in-depth is material on the Goliad Massacre, Jonas Harrison, the Regulator-Moderator War, and John A. Williams.
Ashheim (Solomon) papers, 1867-1895

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The collection contains legal documents, certificates, and printed material. It includes Solomon Ashheim’s certificate of citizenship, militia appointment, certificates of his election as Cameron County Treasurer, funeral notice, and estate record. Also included is a partnership agreement between Ashheim’s widow, Pauline Ashheim, and son-in-law, Aaron Turk, for the operation of his Brownsville mercantile business.
Ayres (Atlee B.) Papers, 1896-1946

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Atlee B. Ayres (1873-1969) was a noted San Antonio, Texas, resident and architect involved with more than 500 architectural projects, mostly in and around the Alamo City.

The Atlee B. Ayres Papers contain miscellaneous personal and business material, including correspondence, financial records, art, and printed ephemera. The artwork, done by Ayres, includes six architectural drawings and two paintings.
Baumberger (Henry) Letters, 1856-1867

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Henry Baumberger (born circa 1823) emigrated from Switzerland in 1855 and settled in San Antonio,Texas. He traveled with his wife, Anna Weiss Baumberger (circa 1822-1910), and their two daughters, Anna (born circa 1852) and Eliza (1854-1917). Henry and Anna lost three sons in infancy, but later had two additional children, Paulina (1858-1924) and Charles (1863-1948). Henry Baumberger worked as a teacher in Switzerland and, while he returned to teaching for a time in San Antonio, he was also engaged in other employment; at various times he was a merchant, beer garden owner, owner of a shipping business,San Antonio police officer, and city cart driver. Henry Baumberger died in San Antonio around 1883.

The collection contains letters written and received by Henry Baumberger. The letters written by Baumberger to friends and family in his native Switzerland describe his journey from Antwerp to Texas in 1855, including conditions on the Atlantic passage and the overland trip from Indianola to San Antonio; his impressions of San Antonio; economic conditions; his business activities; the impact of the American Civil War on his life; and family matters.
Beckmann (Adolph Guenther and Milby Giles) Family Papers, 1850-1989

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Adolph Guenther Beckmann (1887-1954) worked at Pioneer Flour Mills in San Antonio, Texas, for forty-seven years, holding various positions at the company. His wife Milby Giles Beckmann (1890-1956) was an accomplished pianist who was involved in several local organizations.

The Adolph Guenther and Milby Giles Beckmann Family Papers contain correspondence, financial and property records, scrapbooks, printed material, and photographs that document four generations of a San Antonio, Texas, family.
Beckmann Family Papers, 1825-1958

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Correspondence, legal documents, financial records, printed material, and photographs are part of the Beckmann family papers, documenting the activities of several members of the San Antonio, Texas, family.
Blocker Family Papers, 1864-1966

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The Blocker family came to Texas from South Carolina in 1852. The family was involved in the cattle industry ranching in Texas and Mexico, and in oil and gas ventures.

The papers include correspondence, legal documents, financial documents, printed material, genealogical material, maps and photographs documenting several family members. The bulk of the papers date from 1893-1964, and are related to William B. Blocker. Others documented include John R. Blocker and Annie L. Blocker.
Bowie (Lucy Leigh) Papers, 1896-1957

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

A life-long resident of Maryland, Lucy Leigh Bowie (1872-1966) was an avid state and family history researcher. She published a number of articles in historical journals, particularly the Maryland Historical Magazine.

The Lucy Leigh Bowie Papers consist of correspondence, articles, notes, and photographs produced and accumulated in the course of research into the life of Alamo defender James Bowie, his family, and the origins of the Bowie knife. The papers are arranged into series by document type.
Bowman Family Papers, 1835-1990

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Members of Bowman family first came to Texas about 1833, when Jesse B. Bowman crossed the Red River from Arkansas territory, apparently followed soon after by other family members. Jesse and his son Joseph Bowman became involved in the growing conflict between American settlers and the Mexican government, and Jesse Bowman was listed among those killed in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.

Correspondence, legal and financial documents, personal items, collected research material, and photographs are part of the Bowman family papers, providing information on business and personal activities and family history and genealogy.
Brackett (Albert G.) Letters, 1846-1863

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The bulk of the letters in the collection are from Albert G. Brackett to family members. They contain comments on military life and descriptions of family matters.
Brashear (Katherine McGowen) Sheet Music and Autograph Albums, 1838-1861

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

A native of Houston, Texas, Katherine McGowen (1844-1914) was married to John J. Brashear, a lawyer and Harris County official.

Consisting of three autograph albums and a collection of sheet music, the Brashear papers provide a window on the religious and social life of Katherine McGowen and her mother.
Bringhurst (Antoinette Power Houston) Papers, 1906-1932

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The fifth child of Sam and Margaret Lea Houston, Antoinette Power "Nettie" Houston Bringhurst (1852-1932) was active in a number of organizations, including the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which she served as Historian and Poet Laureate.

Correspondence, legal and financial documents, creative writing, printed material, and photographs document the family, organizational, and business activities of Antoinette Houston Bringhurst.
Browne (Sibyl) Papers, 1912-1979

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Martha Sibyl Browne was an educator, and co-director of a private progressive school in San Antonio, Texas. After retirement she was involved in San Antonio preservation and conservation efforts.

Correspondence, course material, notebooks, financial and legal documents, printed material, and photographs make up the Sibyl Browne Papers, documenting the professional and personal life of Browne and her mother, Hetty S. Browne.
Bryan (Beauregard) Papers, 1839-1909 (bulk 1893-1899)

DRT Collection at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Beauregard Bryan (1862-1918) established a legal practice in Brenham, Texas, in 1885 and served as city attorney, district attorney, and district judge during his residence there. He moved to El Paso in 1902 and continued his law practice.

The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and printed material related to the personal and professional activities of Beauregard Bryan. The bulk of the papers dates from 1893 to 1899 and relates to Bryan's law practice. They consist primarily of correspondence concerning various legal cases, such as collection of debts, estates, and property matters.