The papers consist of photocopies of transcripts and originals of correspondence, diaries, official documents, writings, and other genealogical documents (1714-1920) of the Stearns family. Several essays describing the genealogy of the family precede the transcripts of the family papers. An index to the transcripts is included. Included in the papers are the extensive Civil War correspondence of Orange Scott Stearns (1835-70) of the 29th Massachusetts Regiment, to his family, and the Civil War papers of Isaac Holden Stearns (1825-97), a surgeon in the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry. The papers also include the poems of Sally Stearns (1804-90), copies of the papers of Samuel Crocker Lovell (1840-?), and essays on the genealogy of the Stearns and other related families by Stuart H. Buck. Essays concerning specific family members are organized after the index, followed by information on Samuel Crocker Lovell, John Lee Holt, and Erie L. Ditty, Civil War soldiers.