The Thomas Kenmir Papers, 1848-2004, largely consist of photocopies of Thomas Kenmir's personal journals. These journals, 1848-1913, written in English, were divided into six volumes by Karen Wolfson. The journal entries, usually consisting of one to two lines, highlighted events such as the birth of a child or an illness in the family, correspondence sent and received, visitors and guests, and the journey from England to America. Kenmir wrote a journal entry about every two to three days.

Volume I was written during his time in England, Volume II was written in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory, and Volume III was written at John Dinnie's farm in Emerado, Grand Forks County. Volumes IV and V were written while he resided at 614 Walnut Street, Grand Forks, and Volume VI was written while he lived at 918 Walnut Street, Grand Forks.

Also included in this collection is a photocopied journal written by Thomas and Mary Kenmir's only son, Edward. His journal was also written in English and consists of one to two lines highlighting events of the day especially the weather. He also writes about gifts and correspondence he received, and when he went to town. Entries in the journal were made every other day.

The collection also consists of Kenmir family history documents including a family tree, copies of Thomas and Mary Kenmir's death certificates, copies of Thomas Kenmir's citizenship papers, and three homestead certificates. There is also an interview by Benjamin Rinde with Thomas and Isabella Kenmir's fourth child, Thomas Hay. The interview was part of the Works Progress Administration's Pioneer Biography Files for North Dakota.