The papers consist of correspondence, business papers, and scrapbooks that document the professional career of Roger Sherman. The papers focus on Sherman's work on behalf of independent petroleum producers, especially his role in the struggle of the General Council of the Independent Producers of Petroleum against Standard Oil and in the legal battle over construction of the United States Pipe Line. The papers also highlight Sherman's political and editorial endeavors and his participation in numerous civic organizations in the Pennsylvania oil region. The collection includes correspondence, memorabilia, and other papers of several members of Sherman's family.