Archives West Finding Aid

Papers. 1883-1934. 3.5 linear feet. The Daniel Webster and Lizzie Ellis Slayton papers include general correspondence (1883-1918) and diaries (1884-1887, 19O7-1934). The majority of the correspondence is between D.W. Slayton and Lizzie Ellis, primarily in the period before the couple was married in 1887. The letters, which have been transcribed, describe Slayton's activities and experiences as a ranch hand, logger, and sheep rancher, and conditions in Montana Territory. There is also a small quantity of letters between Slayton and family members and others. Daniel E. Slayton's letters (1917-1919) to his parents discuss his activities in the military in the U.S. and France during World War I. The diaries kept by D.W. Slayton (1884-1927) describe his daily life and activities. Several of the diaries were kept in shorthand; however these have been transcribed with the exception of the 1885 and 1886 volumes. The diaries kept by Lizzie Ellis Slayton (1917-1918, 1928, 193O-1934) describe her daily activities, social life, health, etc. One diary kept by Daniel E. Slayton (1907) when he was sixteen years old describes attending school in Helena and Bozeman, friends, activities, summer work on the ranch at Lavina, etc. Typed transcriptions of the diaries are in the collection. The collection also contains clippings (1909-1932) on the Slayton family.