Series I: Correspondence and Other Materials, 1891 June 8-1943 May (Bulk 1938 January-1943 May) houses letters written between W. T. Kennerly and his numerous correspondents, including Senators Kenneth McKellar and Tom Stewart and Tennessee governor Prentice Cooper. The earliest letters document Kennerly's service in the U. S. Army during the Spanish American War, including his bout with spinal meningitis in San Francisco and his ongoing friendship with several of his nurses. After Kennerly's return to Tennessee, his correspondence discusses his studies at a stenographic school in Nashville, his employment at Pickle & Turner, and his legal studies at the University of Tennessee. Later letters describe Kennerly's unsuccessful run for Assistant Clerk of the Tennessee House of Representatives and his efforts to help friends and supporters secure employment with such agencies as the WPA and the TVA. They also chronicle his everyday life, including Robert Kennerly's illnesses (the most dramatic of which involved brain surgery in 1939) and his efforts to cope with the rationing begun as a result of World War II.

Series II: Speeches and Related Papers, 1900 November 12-1941 July 31 consists primarily of addresses that Kennerly made on such occasions as Flag Day, Memorial Day, monument unveilings, and meetings of patriotic clubs like the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The majority of these materials are composed of exact transcripts of the speech that Kennerly planned to make, but outlines, notes, and supporting materials are also included. Among Kennerly's most frequent topics are American history (especially the American Revolution and the Confederate States of America), Christianity, and prominent Tennesseeans.

Series III: Legal Papers, 1916, 1930 May 24-1939, undated houses handwritten legal glossaries regarding criminal and civil law in addition to court opinions. Of particular interest are those opinions that Kennerly authored while serving on the Tennessee Supreme Court between 1938 and 1939.

Series IV: Other Papers, 1855 February 21-1937 July 30 (Bulk 1906 December 10-1937 July 30) houses materials documenting other aspects of Kennerly's life, including meaningful quotes, jokes, a newspaper, and an essay written by his son Warren.