The collection includes correspondence, notes and source material, clippings, maps, photographs, documents, and other related items, dating primarily from 1841-1923.

This is an account of the artillery piece originally captured by Col. Alexander Doniphan during the Mexican War. The cannon is reputed to have "fired the first shot" against slavery as well as in support of the cause. It is now on permanent deposit with the Douglas County Historical Society, Lawrence, Kansas.