The Hawkins family papers contain documents collected by four generations of the Hawkins family. The heads of these four generations are John R. Hawkins (1809-1882); son, Henry J. Hawkins (1843-1915); grandson, John R. Hawkins (1881-1957); and great grandson, John Henry Hawkins (1907-2005).

Most of the correspondence contained in the collection consists of letters (1850-1864) received by John R. Hawkins and his wife, Hannah, from family members and friends, most of whom lived in Rochester, New York. The letters discuss illnesses, occupations, births, and deaths of family members, etc. The collection also contains letters (1848-1866) sent to John R. by George P. Hester of Oxford, England, which convey general news of family and friends, and discuss current events and economic conditions in England. Other letters in the correspondence originated from Chicago, Illinois, Chili Centre, New York, Los Angeles, California, and Brockport, New York.

The Hawkins family papers also include property deeds (1837-1944) and personal wills of John Hawkins of England and his wife, Hannah T. Hawkins. The first will, written in 1792, includes a detailed map showing the estate of "John Hawkins of Hardwick, in the county of Oxford," including a home, farm buildings, grounds, orchards, and a mill.

Other items in the collection include account books, a patent deed, receipts, insurance receipts, plat maps, and published materials on the Hawkins family. The patent deed (1862) was issued to John R. Hawkins and others who bought shares in the Alexander Anderson Company which manufactured cultivators.

The documents in the collection are a mixed of originals and photocopies.