The Jarnagin Papers is mostly a collection of patent-related materials for Chesley Jarnagin and N. A. Jarnagin and advertisements or business cards collected by the family during the 1870s.

Seven of the 18 items, found in Series I, mostly pertain to the patents on wagon improvements. Chesley Jarnagin in 1872 had patented several improvements, including one on the improvement of hay and grain racks for wagons and another on the improvement of wagons. These two documents are the original assignments of patents for when Chesley Jarnagin signed over the patent rights to N. A. Jarnagin in 1878. There is also a mounted photograph of the Jarnagins' improved wagon. Also included is a pamphlet about patents printed in 1872.

The other eleven items are found in Series II. Eight advertisements or business cards, including one for S. C. Jarnagin, reside herein. Most advertisements are for farm machinery or carriages. Also included is a newspaper clipping of an ode from a horse.