Most of the letters are addressed to Harriet M. Ashley and her husband Jerome B. Ashley. Harriet was born in Ohio in 1841. Jerome was also born in Ohio in March of 1837. He and Harriet were married in 1858 and then moved to Michigan a year later. He was a farmer and was drafted to the Civil War in 1863. Harriet and Jerome remained in Michigan with their two children, Hattie and Frank. Harriet became a widow in 1906 until her death in 1922.

Harriet’s parents Ambrose and Abigail Holder had seven children. Both parents were born in Virginia and moved to Ohio after they were married. Their children Frank, Charles, Reuben, Mary and Ira were the ones who frequently wrote Harriet. Two of Harriet’s brothers, Franklin and Ira served in the civil war. Franklin was discharged in 1862 and died a few months later. Besides his letters he leaves behind his bible. Ira Holden joined the war effort in 1863. His wife Sarah Jane Phelps he had married the year before. They had one child, Francis Holden. Ira, his wife and daughter all wrote Harriet. One of Harriet’s sister Mary and Mary’s daughter Winna also have letters in the collection. Harriet’s brother Rueben was married twice. His first marriage he had a daughter, Ella Holder. His second marriage he had four children, Eva was the daughter who wrote her aunt Harriet.

On the Ashley side of the family Jerome’s brother Glover Ashley has a single letter addressed to him. Harriet and Jerome’s children wrote and received letters within this collection. Hattie Gage was born in 1863 and moved back in with her parents after her husband died. Hattie was a music teacher. Harriet and Jerome’s second child Frank Ashley and his wife Ora have documents in the collection. Frank and Ora had one daughter, Joyce. Joyce married Leo Esch. Harriet’s niece Ruby also writes her, although who her parents were could not be found.

Also in this collection is a five year diary spanning form 1938-1942 after most of the letters were written. There is no indication of who wrote this diary. Also in this collection are miscellaneous documents. This includes receipts from a piano store and land purchase. There are also name cards from Burlington High School 1922; the name that pertains to this collection is Joyce Ashley. The newest document is a centennial booklet form 1966, going into detail of the history of Union City area.