This collection consists chiefly of the papers of D.A. Lindley and his wife, Mary B. Lindley. They include family correspondence, business documents (including deeds, bills of sale, advertising, minutes, articles of incorporation and stock certificates) and a few photographs. Most records of the wholesale grocery company date from 1920-1928. The Lindley's efforts to develop the Sacramento and Yolo Belt Line electric railway (1908-1912) are represented by three ledger books, including: the by-laws, noting incorporation of March 21, 1912; a stock ledger and record book (1908); and a board of directors minutebook (1908-1910).

Thomas Morton Lindley, Sr. (1819-1896) was founder and proprietor of the firm of Lindley & Co. of Sacramento. Born in Indiana, he came to California seeking gold in 1849. In that year Lindley began the firm of Lindley & Booth which was succeded by several other mercantile partnerships until the creation of Lindley & Co. (1869). Douglas A. (D.A.) Lindley, T.M. Lindley's eldest son became a partner in 1886. He subsequently incorporated the company, first as Lindley Mercantile Company (1904), then as Lindley and Company (1919).

Collection is open for research.