This collection contains correspondence (1865-1887) between members of the Noddins family of Ionia, Michigan, primarily Civil War letters from Sarah and Robert Noddins to their son, Thomas, in the Union Army. The letters often mention a son William but he is actually the son-in-law, William Hicking.

Also included is a lecture on the capture of John Wilkes Booth, given on speaking tours by Luther B. Baker, who helped capture Booth. Luther Byron Baker was an officer of the U.S. Secret Service during the Civil War, and later a resident of Lansing, Michigan. The lecture describes the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The cover letter is typed on Michigan Millers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. letterhead, dated October 4, 1948 and was given by Baker's son, Arthur D. Baker, to Bertha Malone and gives information about the speech.