The papers of James Wilson McDill date from 1850 to 1894 and are comprised of 0.75 linear feet of manuscripts arranged alphabetically by folder title. Included are diaries, memoirs, correspondence, speeches, and other material relating to his life and career. The diaries date from his college days to the years he spent on the Interstate Commerce Commission, with large gaps in between. While most of the correspondence is between family members, there are some letters relating to his career. Biographical and autobiographical material about McDill is also included.