The Treiber papers consist of correspondence, family history, and teaching certificates. John Treiber's letters to his wife, which make up the bulk of the collection, were written in 1872 and 1873 when he was sailing on the Great Lakes and working as a lumberjack in Oconto, Wisconsin. Mary Treiber's letters from family and friends (1869-1889) discuss everyday matters such as sick babies, sharecroppers, and family activities. Correspondence from Marion Howell of Lansing describe life in the capital city in the 1880's. The family histories are of particular interest since they not only chronicle some of John Treiber's adventures, but describe pioneer life in Kalamo township, Michigan in the 1850's and the hardships of travel between New York and Michigan. The papers also contain two teaching certificates (1863, 1865) issued to Sarah Hitchcock, Mary Treiber's half-sister, authorizing her to teach in the towns of Dorr and Byron, Michigan. Also included are two photographs of John Treiber.