The bulk of this collection houses correspondence written to and by W. T. Kennerly between 1891 and 1943. Among his correspondents are the nurses that he met while hospitalized in San Francisco during the Spanish-American War and such political figures as Senators Kenneth McKellar and Tom Stewart and Tennessee governor Prentice Cooper. Many of the letters document Kennerly's efforts to help friends and supporters secure employment with such agencies as the WPA and the TVA. The collection also houses copies of and notes for speeches that Kennerly made on special occasions, glossaries and opinions showing his legal work, and other items illustrating his personality and family.

Series I: Correspondence and Other Materials (1891 June 8-1943 May) houses letters written between 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 his son Robert's illnesses, 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) contains addresses that Kennerly made on such occasions as Flag Day, Memorial Day, monument unveilings, and meetings of 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 American Revolution and Confederate States of America), Christianity, and prominent Tennesseeans.

Series III: Legal Papers (1916, 1930 May 24-1939) 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 (1789 November 30-1937 July 30) houses materials documenting other aspects of Kennerly's life, including meaningful quotes, jokes, and an essay written by his son Warren.

Series V: Oversized Materials (1855 February-1941 December) contains large format items from the collection including a newspaper, poster, advertisement, and more.