Letters, calligraphic favors, legal documents and photographs from the papers of Alfred J. Cox, Chicago book binder and collector. Correspondents include: William Cox and William Cox, Jr. (grandfather and father of A.J. Cox); James Cox (uncle of William Jr.); Jonathan Evans (adoptive father of A.J. Cox); Jane E. French (later Mrs. Alfred J. Cox); Louisa Field (cousin); W.I. Wilson and H.V. Whalen (Chicago businessmen). Photos are of A.J. Cox and his library.

Primarily correspondence (129 letters) of Illinois farmer and Civil War soldier Carlos W. Colby, written between 1862 and 1865, to his sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and niece, plus a dozen Civil War letters written by Colby’s future brother-in-law James Rowe. Also includes Colby’s reminiscences of his boyhood and his service in the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, some family correspondence, genealogical material and a few photos.

Publications, official documents, song books, and other materials created by and related to the Industrial Workers of the World, an historic union and labor organization.