The collection consists of the papers of David Hudson (1761-1836), founder of Hudson, Ohio, and papers of the descending families of his daughter Anner Marie Hudson Baldwin, the first white settler born in the Western Reserve. Families include Baldwin, Gregory, and Lee families. Papers consist mainly of correspondence, business and legal documents as well as some photographs, memorabilia, and diaries.

The collections have been organized by family, although some of the individuals may span multiple families (i.e. depending on the date, Anna Gregory Lee is in both Gregory family and Lee family materials).Series 1: Hudson-Baldwin Family correspondence and records Contains general family correspondence from 1850-20th Century, and legal documentation. Letters are arranged by decade in order to provide some structure to the collection. Letters specifically addressed to Clara Baldwin have been reserved in their own folder to show a portrait of a young woman's correspondence. In addition, Ann Baldwin's will is of particular interest, as is the hand written death notice for Harriet (Hett) Baldwin at age 17. Series 2: Business records Contains county specific documents regarding taxes, land transfers, marriage certificates and election results from1839. Includes documents for Geauga, Medina, Portage and Summit counties. Correspondence from 1810-1849 is arranged by decade in order to provide some structure to the collection Some personal letters are included - but are mostly business related. Series 3: Genealogical notes Contains the genealogical research of the donor of the collection. Including detailed notes for the Oviatt family. Series 4: Leather pouch The collection is in four distinct series of information. The bulk of the information remains within the 1810-1850 date range with minor family correspondence extending through the beginning of the 20th century.