This collection contains material related to William Holland Thomas and James Robert Thomas and spans the years 1812-1939. The first series documents William Holland Thomas and contains his personal Bibles, correspondence, and business papers. The second series documents his son, James Robert Thomas, and contains personal items, business materials, legal documents, correspondence, maps, newspaper articles, and supplemental materials. Together, their papers illuminate their family’s work advocating on behalf of the Eastern Cherokee peoples and showcase their influence and land holdings in the Western North Carolina region.