This collection includes family correspondence, largely to Jane Curl Walker Hawkins from her siblings, children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, including letters from her son, James William Hawkins, who went to California during the Gold Rush, and from L. Brodie, her grandson, who writes from the Civil War. Other correspondents include members of the Freyschlag family, including Joanne Ferguson, the donor of this collection and the great-great-granddaughter of Martin Luther and Jane Curl Hawkins. The collection also contains compositions titled "A Good Character" and "Time" by Martin Luther Hawkins; a story by Oscar Woodruff, grandson of Martin Luther and Jane Curl Hawkins; and a description of the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church by its pastor, Edward Freyschlag, also a grandson to Martin Luther and Jane Curl Hawkins. Other materials include pages from the Freyschlag family Bible relating Freyschlag genealogical information; a deed of conveyance of a parcel of land in Washington County, Arkansas to David Walker and Jane Curl Hawkins; and a certificate electing Edward Freyschlag to Colonel Commandant of the 12th Regiment of the Washington County militia. There is also a bill of sale for three enslaved persons: Matilda, her unnamed child, and Rollins.

Materials include genealogical information, correspondence, a wedding announcement, a funeral announcement, essays, Bible pages, financial material, a recipe, addressed envelopes, and legal documents.