Clark Shipman farmed in Vermont and New Jersey before travelling to Montana Territory with his son Henry, in 1881, and settling near Lewistown. Two of his daughters, Winifred and Gertrude, taught school in the area. The collection (1814-1989) consists primarily of correspondence (1841-1955) of various family members; diaries (1882-1908); and miscellaneous legal documents, financial records, and clippings. Photographs were transferred to the Photograph Archives.