The Elisha Cross papers include an illustrated physics manual given to Cross in 1832 by John B. Calhoun ("President of the Moulders of the Howell Works Co."). Cross and his daughter, Susan, used the manual for a personal journal, scrapbook and botanical notebook (including plant specimens). The papers also contain a photographic copy of a drawing of the Hance farm and documents related to real estate Cross owned in the Detroit area.