The majority of the Kirkland family papers consist of letters between family members who migrated to the United States and relatives who remained in England. The American branch eventually settled in Livingston County, Michigan. Letters discuss family matters, prices, and English farming.

One letter (December 1, 1880) describes in detail a trip from Chicago to California by train. A letter dated November 4, 1898 discusses the outcome of the Spanish-American War, the acquisition of the Philippines, and the possibility of American blacks relocating there. A brochure for "Dr. Pierce's World Famed Family Medicines" is included in a letter dated December 7, 1893. A poem describing an ocean voyage (1901) and a postcard photograph (1908) are also included.

In addition, the collection contains a volume entitled "Genealogy of the George Kirkland Family of Iosco Township, Livingston County, Michigan," compiled by George Kirkland. This volume contains excerpts from letters in the collection as well as extensive family records and biographies.