These papers, presented by David Kellogg of Bellevue, Washington, in 1975, were originally added to the Elisha P. Ferry papers. The accession name was changed to Ferry Family Papers, however, when it was discovered that they contained a significant number of papers of other family members.

Elisha P. Ferry, 1825-1895, was surveyor-general of Washington Territory, served two terms as governor of the Territory and was elected first governor of Washington State. He also practiced law in Washington. (See also Elisha P. Ferry Papers.) Most of his papers in this accession relate to his legal and political career in Illinois and his letters all date from the 1840's. His papers constitute the largest part of the accession.

Papers of Peter P. Ferry (known as Colonel Ferry), Elisha's father, form another subgroup. The Peyre-Ferry subgroup includes all the papers of the French branch of the family. The genealogy of this part of the family is unknown and the only fully identified correspondent is Clarissa Peyre Ferry. Her letters and her mother's are addressed to Clarissa's father in the United States. They reveal an estrangement between the father and his family. Clarissa's letters mention also an Uncle Pierre in the United States and related papers in the accession name a Pierre Peyre Ferry as well.