The John Smith papers were originally catalogued under the title of "The Joseph Smith Sr. Family Collection," which consisted of two series: (1) the papers of Hyrum Smith (1800-1844), and (2) those of his son, John Smith (1832-1911). John Smith's papers are categorized under the headings of mission diaries, John Smith correspondence, personal papers, and letters and articles containing references to Smith. The papers include: three diaries from John's mission to Denmark, 1862-64; letters (or photocopies of letters) between John and family members and friends; letters and articles containing references to John; and personal papers, including his patriarchal blessing by grand-uncle John Smith (1781-1854), sheep accounts, family history notes, and copies of patriarchal blessings pronounced by himself.

The "Gentleman's magazine" section is a digest of selections from the weekly press; the "(Trader's) monthly intelligencer" section consists of news (foreign and domestic), vital statistics, a register of the month's new publications, and a calendar of forthcoming trade fairs.