The first series, Geddes Family, 1771-1889, is divided into sub-series of the correspondence between William and John Geddes, John Geddes' papers, and mixed Geddes family papers. This series, and specifically the first sub-series, is the highlight of the overall collection. These are letters between John and William Geddes, arranged chronologically, numbered, and largely transcribed by Russell E. Bidlack. (The only exception to his numbering scheme is the letter #30A from John Geddes to William Geddes. While the original was not in the series, Mr. Bidlack's transcription was among the other John Geddes transcriptions, so the letter was given number in the series by the processor.) According to Mr. Bidlack's notes, a couple of the original letters were sold; the collection includes photocopies and/or transcriptions of these pieces. The sub-series also contains a few other Geddes family letters--such as from Robert Geddes to William, or from John to their father--in the numbered sequence. Another notable piece of correspondence in John Geddes' papers is a letter from James T. Allen (brother of Ann Arbor founder John Allen) to John Geddes.
Other material in the series include the Geddes' land deeds and John Geddes' statements and collections reflecting his awareness of his role in Washtenaw County and Geddes family history. Many of the folders include photocopies in addition to original materials, and some include Russell E. Bidlack's notes and transcripts as well. It should be noted that the second folder of William Geddes' (in the Geddes Family sub-series) consists of material not originally in the Geddes family collection. This folder consists of photocopies of material that one of Russell Bidlack's correspondents, Hannah Wright, found in a trunk in her mother's house, which at one time belonged to William Geddes. These papers include correspondence to William Geddes from friends and relatives around the country and ancestral papers from the Geddes, Sawyer, and McCallen families.