Included in the papers are bills and orders to Sowers and Wells at the Steam Mill in Alto, Texas; receipts, business letters, recipes, and other business papers relating chiefly to Robert Sowers of Cherokee Co. Texas (1808-1890); personal correspondence addressed chiefly to the Robert Sowers' family (1860-1887) of Alto, Texas; and to Emma A. Campbell (1875-1883) of Alto, Texas, from relatives and friends. The letters to Emma A. Campbell, step-daughter of Robert Sowers, detail the life of a well-loved daughter and friend. Of special interest are the advertisements and recipe for making a syrup that would aid in the treatment of lung problems. Emma wrote for and requested a prescription for the recipe. There are 213 documents in the collection.