The Jacob Gerrish papers consist of diaries, deeds, correspondence, and receipts. Gerrish, who lived in New Buffalo, Berrien County, Michigan, kept five diaries during the years 1836-1850. He used the diaries to record his work as a carpenter and blacksmith, his dealings with lumber and land, daily expenses, religious and social activities, and weather conditions. The collection also contains a transcription of the diaries, made by E. S. Sherwood in 1916.

In addition, the collection contains deeds and tax receipts for land in Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan, and LaPorte County, Indiana, which Gerrish bought and sold over the years. It includes an undated list of land he owned in Michigan and Indiana, and an official list of all his deeds registered in Berrien County.