James Mitchell Barney was born in Yuma in 1874. He attended Stanford University, and became an engineer and topographical draftsman for the federal government. A grassroots historian, Barney wrote numerous articles concerning the history of Arizona, publishing in periodicals such as Oak Leaves and The Phoenix Gazette. Barney died in 1965.

Photocopies of holograph and typescript writings and articles concerning the history of Arizona, with an emphasis on the Phoenix environs. Topics covered include tragedy and massacres, pioneer tales, historical events in Phoenix and Yuma, ghost and mining stories, as well as colorful accounts on the exploits of local figures. Included are articles such as The Phoenix Street Car System; The Story of 'Two Bits', an Equine Hero of Arizona's Indian wars; and The Oatman Massacre.