The papers include journals, a genealogical chart, and a list of important family members. The journals document the four western train trips taken by Mr. and Mrs. Forbes. Although during two of their four trips, the Forbes traveled in Canada and Mexico, the majority of their traveling time was in the western states. In each instance, a different train route was taken, but every time they spent most of their time in Washington, Oregon, and California. One trip went through southern Canada; one went through the northern tier of western states; one went south to Mississippi before going west through the southern states to California; and the fourth one went through the central western states to California. The journals describe Martha's impressions of the scenery, specific locations, the people she saw, and specific activities of her husband and of herself. The genealogical chart is of the ancestors of Roberta Dix, the donor and great-granddaughter of Martha Dickens Forbes. Also included is a list of family members who have been important in Wisconsin history.
