This collection consists of the business and farm records of George Anson Smith, his brother (Legrand J. Smith), and his sons (Fred, Azariel, and Frank R.), of Somerset, Hillsdale County, Michigan. George A. Smith owned several farms and with his brother operated two general stores and a grain exchange, which were later taken over by his sons. In 1856 he purchased the Gamble farm near Somerset and later purchased several other farms near it. In 1858 he and his brother built the brick store near the flour mill they had purchased in Addison, Hillsdale County, Michigan, and in 1871 George built the brick store in Somerset (see Smith, Howard Remus, The Azariel Smiths, Michigan Pioneers, and Their Descendants) (see folder 132 in box 1).

In addition to the farm and business records, the collection contains the papers (1859-1864, undated) of George A. Smith when he was postmaster of Somerset.