The collection consists of the papers of Samuel R. Thurston, the papers of his wife, Elizabeth Thurston (spelled "Elisabeth" in some sources, and later Elizabeth Odell), and a property deed relating to their children. The bulk of the collection relates to Samuel R. Thurston's political career as a delegate for the Oregon Territory in the U.S. Congress, and includes correspondence from constituents and his speeches. Correspondents include John Adair, Jesse Applegate, Wilson Blain, William P. Bryant, Asahel Bush, Anson Dart, William H. Gray, Lafayette Grover, William Harkness, David Hill, Hezekiah Johnson, William King, Hall J. Kelley, Joseph Lane, Asa L. Lovejoy, James W. Nesmith, Samuel Parker, Josiah L. Parrish, William B. Preston, Nicholas Shrum, Henry H. Spalding, J. Q. Thornton, and others. Thurston's papers also include transcribed versions of his diary entries, his personal correspondence to Elizabeth Thurston, and documents relating to his death in 1851.

The bulk of other family papers in this collection relate to Elizabeth Thurston, and include correspondence, her biography of Samuel R. Thurston, an essay, and a speech. The Thurstons' children, George Henry Thurston and Elizabeth Blandina Thurston (later Elizabeth Blandina Stowell), are represented through an 1867 property deed made out to them.