The Lillian Owen Edwards Papers, 1831-1952, consists of correspondence, legal documents, biographical and historical information, newspaper clippings, printed material, and meeting minutes, documenting the life of Ben E. Edwards, the history of Jackson County, and the administration of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Correspondence, 1846-1851, from Ben E. Edwards in the San Antonio, Texas, area to his family in St. Lewis describe his trip from New Orleans to San Antonio via Galveston, his impression of San Antonio, his legal studies, and his teaching. He also writes of his life as a bachelor and the scarcity of girls in San Antonio. Additional letters from Mexico and Southern Texas discuss a surveying party. An autobiographical sketch describes the life of one of Ben Edwards’ sons, who was born in San Antonio in 1855.

Legal documents, 1831-1884, include deeds of sale, tax receipts, certificates, and baptismal certificates, involving Michael Muldoon, the Whites, Browns, Menefees, Sutherlands, Brackenridges, Bateses, Wells, and Owens. There is also a copy of a citation for meritorious service, awarding a Bronze Star Medal to Benjamin E. Edwards, Jr., and a related letter, 1952. Fourteen photos depict a Jackson County ranch house; a street in Texana; a dedication marker in Jackson County; the Brackenridge graveyard; site markers for Texana homes; and county bridges. Nineteen photo reproductions include six of the Owen family; eight of the Francis Menefee White family; three of the Rogers family, and two unidentified.

Additional legal documents, biographical and historical information, newspaper clippings, and correspondence concern early Masons, the history of Jackson County, and the county’s inhabitants and settlers. There are also meeting minutes, correspondence, and printed material regarding the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.