This collection consists of source notes and correspondence, 373 ancestral lines, personal records and Gilchrist ancestor charts. The source notes are arranged alphabetically and contain vital records, copies from genealogical and historical publications, and correspondence with family members and fellow genealogists. The ancestral lines are in three large loose-leaf books. There are 1048 pages of vital records, origins of names, ancient family history, photographs, and coats of arms. Each line begins with either Mr. or Mrs. Benton and extends back to the first immigrant and many times to the British Isles with some to as early as the 1200s and 1100s.

Dorothy Estelle Gilchrist Benton was born 26 March 1919 at Westfield, Massachusetts. She married Stanley Howard Benton 13 August 1939 at Brattleboro, Vermont. After a varied career as an office manager, writer, newspaperwoman and singer, she began her genealogical research, working out of her home office in St. Albans, Vermont. That was a full time occupation for eight years.