Papers of John M. Shively, an emigrant to Oregon and first postmaster of Astoria. The collection consists largely of correspondence, business papers, legal documents, biographical information, and Shively's writings regarding his mining experiences, pioneer life, and overland journey to Oregon.

Correspondence in the collection, 1841-1887, includes letters to John M. Shively from A. G. Benson, Elijah White, J. Y. Mason (U.S. Navy Department), J. P. Preston, Joseph Lane, and W. I. Marshall; from Shively's nephews Louis Bryam Shively and William Fletcher Shively; and correspondence between Shively and his son, Charles W. Shively. Biographical information and writings by and about Shively include an 1853 diary, reminiscences, news clippings, genealogical materials, and historical essays.

Other papers include Astoria land grant documents, 1843-1860; Shively's certificate of appointment as postmaster; information on the U.S.-British controversy over the Oregon Territory and Shively's negotiations with British ambassador Richard Pakenham; papers related to Shively's role as justice of the peace, 1848, including statement of the captain of the Starling on runaway seamen; documents related to a lawsuit between Shively and James Welch, 1848-1883; and papers concerning the postal service in Oregon. The collection also includes a small quantity of the papers of John M. Shively's son, Charles William Shively, and other family members.