Collection consists of papers by or belonging to Frederick W. Wilson (1872-1955); his father, Joseph Gardner Wilson (1826-1873); his mother, Elizabeth M. Wilson (1830-1913); and an ancestor, Alfred D. Wilson. Frederick W. Wilson's papers make up about half the collection, and include ledgers; property records; business papers and records, particularly relating to the Columbia Packing Company of The Dalles, Oregon, The Dalles, Deschutes & Portage Railroad and Navigation Company, and The Dalles Brick and Tile Company. His papers also include the transcript of proceedings at a tribute dinner in his honor, with an associated scrapbook. Papers of Joseph Gardner Wilson include account books, a ledger, and business records relating to his law practice. Papers of Elizabeth M. Wilson consist of correspondence, with information on the founding of schools in Oregon, and an account book, which also includes transactions by Frederick W. Wilson. Also included are incomplete handwritten memoirs of Alfred D. Wilson, probably written in the early 19th century.