Percy Lee Rainwater was a graduate of the University of Mississippi in 1917, receiving his M.A. in 1924. In 1936 he was awarded the Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago. He was a historical researcher and writer, serving as Director of the Mississippi Records Survey. In 1930 he served as Associate Professor of history at the University of Mississippi. He later became Chief of Research and Information with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission. He was the author of Mississippi: Storm Center of Secession, 1856-1861.

Included in this collection are college notes, notes used in his published works, and term papers submitted in partial completion of requirements for degree from the University of Chicago. Genealogical material is included on the Litton-Tabor, McDowell-Thomas, Whitehead, and Wilson-Davis families.