The collection includes three letters written by Benjamin C. Critchlow between 1872 and 1887. The first is to his parents and dates from his mission; the second two were written to his wife Martha while he was hiding for polygamy.

Contains autographs and personal notes written by various male Mormon Church members and leaders, circa 1887, convicted and incarcerated for polygamy (a violation of the Edmunds Act) at the Utah Territory Prison (Sugarhouse, Salt Lake County, Utah). The book contains testimonials, affirmations of LDS Church doctrine regarding polygamy, expressions of familial support, poetry regarding polygamy, and expressions of sympathy for Herman Grether.

Collection contains two photocopies of Jens Hansen's diary from 1886, which includes an account of his trial and experience in the territorial penitentiary. Diary is written in parallel versions, one a narrative account and the other a series of daily entries. Also includes copies of autograph book entries written by Hansen during his stay. His entries describe conditions and activities in the prison, and his relationship with his family.

Contains various letters and papers written about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its pioneer emigrants and immigrants. Includes information on the relationship of James Strang and Orson Hyde, as well as a copy of the Petition to the Governor of Utah to pardon various church leaders and other members being held in the Utah Penitentiary for polygamy. Materials undated, but probably written between 1878 and 1954 (when Samuel Russell was alive).

This collection contains the biography of Mary Jane McCleve Meeks written by Naomi A. Jensen. Mary Jane McCleve was born in Crawfordsburn, Ireland, in 1840. Mary Jane emigrated to Utah with her family at the age of 16. The family traveled with the S. Curling ship to Boston and crossed the plains with the Daniel D. McArthur Company. She married Dr. Priddy Meeks in 1856 and they had eleven children. She died at the age of 93 in 1933.

Contains letters of Samuel Russell, Sr. to Nathaniel V. Jones, George Lee, and his family. Also includes notes from the 61st Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and two letters about polygamy and the manifesto. Materials dated April 16, 1889 to November 29, 1891.