This collection is arranged by types of material and then chronologically where possible.

Box 1 - Correspondence

Box 2 - Financial records, reports to the Furman Board of Trustees, sermons, pamphlets; Lectures; scriptural essays; religious essays; writings

The papers of James S. Mims include personal correspondence, sermons, lectures, essays, writings, financial records, and reports to Furman University Board of Trustees. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence relating to Furman University dating from 1843 to 1854. Of the 275 letters, all but two are recipient copies.

Frequent correspondents include:

• Rev. Richard Furman (1816-1886), grandson of Richard Furman (1755-1825); married to Mary Marshall McIver, cousin to Mim’s wife, Sarah C. McIver (1825-1901). Pastor of churches in Sumter, Greenville, and Ridge Spring; served on the Furman University Board of Trustees 1852-60 and 1866-74.
• Rev. James C. Furman (1809-1891), educator and pastor; attended Furman Theological Institute at High Hills of Santee. Served as senior professor, 1844-52, chairman of the Faculty, 1852-59 and 1879-81, and president, 1859-1879. Was editor of the Baptist Courier from 1882 until his death in 1891. • Rev. Peter C. Edwards (1819-1867), professor of Ancient Languages at Furman University.
• Rev. John G. Landrum (1810-1882). Baptist pastor, served on the Furman University Board of Trustees 1852-60; 1866-78.
• Rev. William B. Johnson (1782-1862). Baptist clergyman, educator, and first president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Johnson helped found the school that became Furman University, and served on the Board of Trustees 1852-53.
• Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, Publishers, Booksellers and Stationers, Boston. Baptist publishing house.
• D.A. Davis, banker in Salisbury, North Carolina
• Dr. William Hooper, educator from North Carolina, senior professor at Furman Theological Institution 1837-1839. 
• Rev. T.P. Lide, pastor, served on Furman’s Board of Trustees 1852-60; 1866-74.
• Dr. M.T. Mendenhall, served on Furman’s first Board of Trustees was treasurer of the S.C. Baptist Convention.
• Rev. C. M. Breaker (1813-1862), briefly pastor of the Baptist church in Camden; alum of Furman Institution at the High Hills of Santee; served on Furman’s Board of Trustees; was editor of the Alabama Baptist newspaper for a short time, but then relocated to Charleston, South Carolina.