The collection consists of the papers of the Cornell family and related families. The bulk of the collection consists of family correspondence, particularly letters sent to Emma J. Royal, daughter of William Cornell and Emily Cornell, as well as some letters that Royal wrote. Other correspondents include Edward W. Cornell, Wilbur F. Cornell, William Cornell, Emily Cornell, S. A. McAlister, Mary McCalister, W. W. Gardner, Mary A. Gardner, and Carrie Royal. The Castle and Parmenter families are also represented. Most correspondence discusses family members' health and activities, though some letters discuss family history, and some letters from Wilbur F. Cornell describe his time in Alaska and Yukon Territory.

The collection also includes photostatic reproductions and typescript copies of the letters of Bertrand Cornell, who emigrated to Oregon in 1852 with his cousin William Cornell and William Cornell's family; these letters describe his journey to Oregon. Also included is a letter to Bertrand Cornell's father, informing him of Bertrand Cornell's death.

Other materials in the collection include certificates, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera; newspaper clippings containing Wilbur F. Cornell's observations about Alaska and the Yukon Territory; genealogical notes; photographs; religious writings; and obituaries.