The Lilly Library is the rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library of the Indiana University Libraries, Bloomington. Its collections represent a diversity of subjects, including literature; children’s literature; history; folklore; science; radio, film and television; book collecting and bookselling; journalism; and translation.
The Bicknell mss., 1828-1881, consist of the papers of George Augustus Bicknell, 1815-1891, of New Albany, Indiana, professor of law at Indiana University, 1861-1870, and a member of Congress from Indiana, 1877-1881.
The Eigenmann mss., 1851-1971, consists of the papers of Carl H. Eigenmann, 1863-1927, ichthyologist, and his wife, Rosa Smith Eigenmann, 1858-1947, ichthyologist.
The Elliott, J.B. mss., 1851-1853, are letters written by and to John Bennett Elliott, 1836-1904, student at Indiana University, 1852-1853, and later farmer and fruit grower of Harmony Township, Posey County, Indiana.
The Esarey mss. II, 1830-1865, consists of a commission to Jonathan Davis Esarey, 1783-1858, as associate judge of Perry county, Indiana, 1830; deed for the transfer of real estate in Crawford county, Indiana, by John Hughes to Tolbort T. Yates, 1840; land grants to Jonathan Davis Esarey, 1837, 1841, to John Hughes, 1840, 1841, and Jesse Clark Esarey, 1817-1869, soldier, 1858; a commission to Jesse Clark Esarey as an ensign in the 12th regiment, Indiana Militia, 1841; report by Jesse Clark Esarey of the Perry county Oil Rifles, 1865; certificate issued to Jesse Clark Esarey for study and drill at the school of instruction at Burnside Barracks, 1862; a bill for rations furnished for picket duty at Cross Roads near Hitt's blacksmith shop, July 13-18, 1863, at the time of Morgan's Raid by G.W. Hitt; and a diploma to Louisa E. Hight from the Monroe County Female Academy, 1856.
The Holman mss., 1822-1894, consist of the papers and correspondence of Richard Henry Holman, 1817-1841, lawyer, written chiefly during his attendance at Indiana College at Bloomington; of his father, Jesse Lynch Holman, 1784-1842, judge; and of his brother-in-law, Allen Hamilton, 1798-1864, Indiana state legislator, largely concerned with land speculation and payments.
The Hughes mss., 1833-1888, are legal papers of the law firm of Hughes, Denver and Peck, Washington, D.C., largely consisting of Confederate and Native American claims before the U.S. Court of Claims.
Lockridge mss. III, circa 1837-2000, consists of the correspondence, unpublished manuscripts, photos, papers, and audio tapes pertaining to the life and work of author Ross Lockridge, Jr., 1914-1948, and the Lockridge family.
The Louden mss., 1858-1939, consists of the papers of John Henry Louden, 1835-1911, and his son, Theodore James Louden, 1867-1957, both of whom were lawyers in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Owen mss., 1821-1911, consist mainly of letters and papers of Richard Owen, 1810-1890 (son of Robert Owen), professor at Indiana University, and first president of Purdue University, and his descendants.