Included are four ledgers: the first ledger, “A,” is undated and consists of an untitled literary manuscript. Ledger “B” contains the handwritten text of Beede’s speeches, as well as newspaper clippings consisting of the text of speeches. Ledger “C” consists of miscellaneous documents and entries regarding Beede’s missionary work. The final ledger, “D,” contains diary entries for 1919.

Arranged third are Beede’s eighteen handwritten journals, 1912-1922. The journals record his activities as an Indian missionary, as well as reflections on his life and times. Weather reports and local happenings were also frequent entries. Researchers are urged to note that the end date for some of the journals was difficult to determine. The listed dates in the inventory should not be viewed as absolute.

Several unpublished manuscripts, including a lengthy one on Indian customs, are also included. The manuscripts also include two essays written on the Dakota Indian Victory Dance, one mystery play, and one article written for possible publication. Beede’s finished publications are arranged next. Duplicate copies of publications were cataloged and added to the North Dakota Book Collection. Lastly, there are two folders of miscellaneous materials.

The Aaron McGaffey Beede and Ralph Gordon Beede Papers (1899-1969) has been arranged so that items related to Aaron McGaffey Beede come first. This includes his extensive personal and professional correspondence, 1915-1934.

Materials for Ralph Gordon Beede, son of Aaron McGaffey Beede, are arranged next. These consist primarily of personal and professional correspondence (1925-1965). One folder containing the text of speeches delivered by Ralph Gordon Beede, as well as a folder of legislative materials, are also included.

The collection was rearranged in December 2004 so that similar files were organized together. Nothing was discarded during this process.