Thomason Room: Manuscripts and Early Printed Materials

James L. Britton Collection

Samuel Bangs: This collection contains pieces printed by Samuel Bangs, generally recognized as the first printer in Texas whose work survives. Most of these were assembled by a rare books dealer for James L. Britton, III, who donated them to SHSU.

Britton Hispanic: This collection of rare broadsides, orignial manuscripts, decrees, proclamations and military orders, documents the Hispanic heritage of the Spanish Province, Mexican Colony, and the Independent Republic of Texas. Most of the items were collected by James L. Britton, III, and donated to SHSU.

Historic Papers...Various: These manuscripts, correspondence, proclamations, broadsides and legal documents were acquired through the assistance of, or donation by, numerous people: notable are Dr. J.L. Clark of SHSU, Robinson descendants of Henderson Yoakum, and James L. Britton, III. Specific provenance information is extensive and held in the Thomason Room.

Early Texas Jurists: A collection purchased and donated by James L. Britton, III. This collection assembles autographed documents of 52 early Texas attorneys and judicial officials.

Distinguished Jurists: A created collection purchased and donated by James L. Britton, III. This collection assembles autographed documents of five early Texas attorneys and judicial officials: R.A. Williamson, John T. Mills, R.E.B. Baylor, Benj. C. Franklin, and Edward T. Branch. Williamson, Franklin and Branch fought at San Jacinto. Judges Williamson and Mills served with distinction in the Republic of Texas Congress prior to their judiciary responsibilities.

Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300": This collection of thirty documents represents original papers signed by a number of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" [among the earliest Anglo settlers of Texas]. They were assembled by a rare books dealer for James L. Britton, III, who donated them to SHSU.

Historic Papers...Sam Houston: The premier collection of historical papers, gradually acquired through the University's years as a Normal Institute, a State Teachers College, a State College and a University; there are acquisitions from the Clark Texana Collection, other private gifts and purchases.

Papers...Institution of Slavery: A collection purchased and donated by James L. Britton, III. The collection of 23 documents relating to slavery, including slave inventories, selling slaves, third party hiring of slaves and valuation of slaves.

Other Collections

Sexton Papers

Methodist Ministries

Civil War Personal Narratives