Robert B. (Burney) Johnston, educator and historian, is recognized for his research and publications on Jesse D. Carr and Monterey County, California. The collection consists of research material on California rancher and businessman Jesse D. Carr as well as Robert Johnston's correspondence, writings and presentations about his research.

Jesse Douglas Carr was a California pioneer, politician, banker, stage contractor, prominent land owner and stock raiser. He was one of the largest and wealthiest land owners in California. Collection consists of copies of two plot maps, showing Jesse Carr's ranching activities in the California-Oregon border area and the property he bought from various persons in 1876, 1883, 1885, 1886, and 1887.