The papers consist of correspondence, documents, genealogical material, and images related to the family of David Compton, Sr. (1850-1923) and his wife, Mary Eyre Haller Compton (1851-1934) as well as their sons, David Compton, Jr. (1885-1959) and William Eyre Compton (1890-1981). There is also documentation concerning the lives of Neil Ernest Compton (1912-1999) and his wife Laurene Putman Compton (1916-1991).