Photocopies and microfilmed copies of letters, pamphlets, newspaper articles, sections of books, maps, biographies, histories, and miscellaneous items. The materials relate to a large range of topics in the early history of the Mormon Church, to its early leaders and presidents, and to the genealogies of early prominent members of that faith. The materials were acquired in various research institutions in Massachusetts.

Handwritten and signed history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while Brigham Young served as its president. Margarett Young writes about Brigham Young's leadership and his impact on the faith. The date of the composition of the item is uncertain.

Softbound typescript of an account of the rescue of the Martin Handcart Company, taken from journals and oral family histories.

Handwritten and unsigned letter, not in the hand of Brigham Young. The item is dated December 3, 1876 and is a notice to the Singer Sewing Machine Company concerning the rent on property. J. W. Corey is listed as the agent for the company.

Photocopies of correspondence, reports, histories, petitions, resolutions, and miscellaneous items relating to the Mormon Church in Hawaii. Most of the materials are associated with missionary work, and most date from the nineteenth century. A few items are in the Hawaiian language. One letter was written by the Mormon prophet, Brigham Young (1801-1877), and several letters are addressed to Daniel H. Wells, the Mormon apostle.

Correspondence, diaries, and a family history. The correspondence is between Van Cott and family members. Also included are handwritten and signed letters from Brigham Young, second president of the Mormon Church, to Van Cott. The diaries cover the time when Van Cott served as a missionary for the Mormon Church from 1852 to 1856 and from 1859 to 1862. He was in Iowa City, Iowa, when the first handcart companies left for Utah.