The collection contains family correspondence, business papers, and newspaper clippings of the Goss and Emerling (or Emmerling) families of St. Louis. Notable items include the day book of Henry Goss' general store at Florissant, 1838-1842; discharge papers of Ohio Civil War soldier Wendel Emerling; and World War II ration book of Irene Ella Emmerling. Collection also includes two family letters written to James and William H. Luke, who possibly were related to the Goss-Emerling family.